Six Shooter: BMW to bring six-cylinder 6-series to the United States

BMW will bring a six-cylinder version of its elegant 6-series to the U.S. market this fall, a spokesman confirmed on Wednesday.

The German luxury-car maker will sell a version wearing the 640i badge. The car will employ a 3.0-liter twin-scroll, turbocharged six-cylinder powerplant that uses Valvetronic technology.

This mill is code-named N55, and it is rated at 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque in the 3-series.

The smaller engine will provide fuel economy and likely will cost less than the superlative 650i, which uses a twin-turbo V8 that pushes out 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque.

The 6-series was updated for the 2012 model year.

2011 BMW 550i xDrive sedan is solid in the slick

Our BMW 550i xDrive arrived in Detroit just in time to ferry us through one of the snowiest winters southern Michigan has recorded in a century. And while the car arrived with the stock Goodyear Eagle LS2 run-flats that are listed as "all-season tires," we installed winter tires before the staff was turned loose with the car. After making it through the heart of the bitter winter safe and sound, we were all thankful for that decision.

The first-quarter log book is filled with praise, not only for the Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3s but for the entire 550i itself.

"This is the best 5-series I've been in yet," one editor wrote.

"This is a terrific car, not that I was expecting anything less," another said.

The twin-turbo V8 underhood is creamy smooth, and the eight-speed automatic transmission allows the driver to maximize all 400 hp available. But with the winter we experienced, the 550i was more snowmobile than sports sedan.

Driver after driver noted the car's stability in the snow and ice and the confidence it instills at the wheel. "With snow tires and all-wheel drive, this car's a real sled dog," one editor wrote. Another was more succinct: "This thing rocks in the snow."

Our only hiccup in the first three months was, incidentally, tire-related. The stock run-flats were swapped for standard radial snow tires, and we were left without a spare. Pothole season has been cruel. One editor couldn't avoid slamming into a particularly large pothole and blew out the right front tire. The wheel wasn't damaged but the tire was toast.

A call to Tire Rack found the Dunlops out of stock. The closest it could come to matching the tread pattern was with a Pirelli Winter 240 Sotto-zero. So, $289.20 and a day later, we were back on the road.

While the snow tires provided great footing for the winter, in the next update, you'll find out exactly how well we managed April showers.


FIRST-QUARTER UPDATE

2011 BMW 550i xDrive Sedan

AS-TESTED PRICE: $74,700

MILES DRIVEN: 5,630

FUEL ECONOMY: 18.4 mpg

FUEL COST: $1,000.05

DAYS OUT OF SERVICE: One

MAINTENANCE: Purchase and install winter tires ($1,092.34); replace right front winter tire ($289.20)

Chrysler vows to rebuild SRT

Ralph Gilles promises that Chrysler Group will be "very choosy" about the cars and trucks that get the SRT performance badge.

Gilles, recently named head of SRT, is charged with rebuilding the SRT unit, which languished when Chrysler was owned by Cerberus Capital Management.

Three new SRT vehicles, versions of the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 sedans and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, will arrive in dealerships this fall, joining the Challenger SRT8. The price premium hasn't been revealed.

This month Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne put Gilles in charge of SRT. Gilles had been CEO of the Dodge brand for two years; he keeps his duties as head of design for all Chrysler brands.

Speaking at an event at Chrysler's test track in Chelsea, Mich., Gilles said Chrysler's effort to improve its base lineup will help him expand SRT's reach. "We have the best chance we've ever had of conquesting some great customers here," he said.

SRT vehicles traditionally have had specially tuned engines and suspensions. They will now have high-end audio systems and other electronics, Gilles said.

Gilles said he will be selective about what vehicles get the SRT badge. The SRT brand once had 11 different SRT vehicles, including versions of the Chrysler Crossfire coupe and convertible, two Dodge pickup trucks, a Neon and later the Dodge Caliber SRT4.

The Dodge Viper, the flagship of the SRT brand, is currently out of production, but Gilles said work is progressing on a Viper successor. He gave no further details.

Gilles plans to work on developing the SRT bond with owners through owners' clubs around the country.

"We know customers of the old SRTs were definitely the power seekers," he said. "They were looking for the horsepower. But the new cars offer more. The 2012s all have active suspensions. They will probably have the best sound systems we've ever put in any car."

Bumblebee Camaro returns to Chevrolet showrooms to mark third Transformers film

Bumblebee is back.

The third Transformers movie opens this week. And Chevrolet says it will offer a Bumblebee edition of the 2012 Camaro to celebrate.

The Transformers Special Edition Camaro will be a $3,000 option on the 2LT and 2SS versions of the Chevy pony car. But you have to take it in Rally Yellow. Dealers will start taking orders in July.

This is the second time Chevy has offered a Bumblebee Camaro. About 1,500 copies of the 2010 Camaro Bumblebee were built, which added about $1,000 to the sticker price.

Here's the press release:


PRESS RELEASE: Chevrolet Camaro Bumblebee: The Buzz is Back

Camaro returns in Transformers: Dark of the Moon, new special edition planned

-- Two previous Transformers films helped make Camaro America's best-selling sports car for 2010 and 2011

-- 2012 Transformers Special Edition Camaro Coupe allows fans around the world to get behind the wheel of Bumblebee


DETROIT - The Chevrolet Camaro returns as the Autobot "Bumblebee" in Transformers: Dark of the Moon, which opens exclusively in 3D Tuesday and worldwide Wednesday. To celebrate, Chevrolet will offer a 2012 Transformers Special Edition Camaro Coupe to Bumblebee fans in the United States, Canada, China, Japan, Europe, South America, and the Middle East.

"The Transformers franchise has helped introduce Camaro - and Chevrolet - to a whole new generation of fans," said Rick Scheidt, vice president of Chevrolet marketing. "Its role in the films helped make the Camaro the best-selling sports car in America, and one of the best-known cars of any kind around the world."

The fifth-generation Camaro previously played Bumblebee in the 2007 film Transformers and in the 2009 film Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. The films generated $1.5 billion in global box-office sales, and helped reintroduce the Camaro to consumers after a seven-year hiatus from dealerships.

In 2009, the Camaro was the most-searched-for car on the web, according to Yahoo!Autos, even though the first models didn't arrive at dealers until late that year. In 2010, the Camaro assumed leadership of the U.S. sports car market from the Ford Mustang for the first time in 24 years. This year, the Camaro continues to lead the segment, fueled by the introduction of the Camaro Convertible. Chevrolet has sold 40,275 Camaros this year, compared to the Mustang sales of 30,206.

That momentum is expected to accelerate early next year with the introduction of the 550-hp (405 kW) 2012 Camaro ZL1, as well as limited-edition models such as the Transformers Special Edition.

The 2012 Transformers Special Edition will be offered as a $3,000 package on 2LT and 2SS Camaro Coupes with Rally Yellow paint. In addition to the content offered in the popular RS appearance package, the Transformers edition will feature black rally stripes that stretch over the hood, roof, decklid and unique high-wing rear spoiler; 20-inch, black-painted wheels wrapped in high-performance summer tires; and Autobot Shield logos on the center caps and front quarter panels.

Inside, the Transformers Camaro has a black leather interior accented with yellow stitching on the instrument panel, center console, armrests and seats. Autobot Shield logos are embroidered on the front headrests, as well as the center console lid.

Two dealer-installed options are also available: exclusive, 21-inch, black-painted wheels and a black ground-effects package.

Customers may begin ordering the 2012 Transformers Special Edition Camaro in July, with vehicles arriving at dealers in the U.S. and Canada in September.

Shelby American considers bringing back rent-a-racer Mustangs

Shelby American is considering resurrecting its “rent-a-racer” program that offers upgraded Mustang GTs for enthusiast-oriented consumers, AutoWeek has learned.

Likely timed to mark the storied company's 50th anniversary, the program could launch as early as next spring. The cars would be offered in two traditional configurations: black and gold and white and gold. Power would come from the naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8, which makes 412 hp in the 2012 Mustang GT, and an automatic transmission.

The rental racers would continue the lineage of street-legal Shelbys available for short stints. In 1966, the company teamed with Hertz to produce 1,000 copies of the performance Mustang. Forty years later, the program came back, and the GT-H was popular with enthusiasts despite limited availability. The Shelby GT-H cars were later offered for sale.
Shelby hasn't finalized the potential 2012 program and is gauging interest. Hertz has been Shelby's historic partner for the rent-a-racer ventures. Hertz offers the Mustang GT in premium packaging for rental as part of it “Adrenaline” collection, but the Shelby hasn't been available recently.

In addition to the eye-catching livery, Shelby also usually goosed the Mustangs with a bit of extra horsepower and body treatments. Look for similar elements if this modern program comes to fruition.

BMW 7 Series vs. Mercedes S-Class, Audi A8 and Lexus LS

Days ago, the BMW 7 Series vs. Audi A8 attracted thousands of visitors to our blog and started one of the most heated conversations we have seen on our site. To add more fuel to the fire, we are back with a new, even more detailed comparison and this time, we included the other “usual suspects”, read “7 Series’ competitors”.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS are competing with BMW and Audi for the crown of best high end luxury sedan. All four luxury sedans play an important role in the overall sales and strategy of the aforementioned automakers.

With the help given by our friends over at Automarket, we’re going beyond a photo comparison and talk about performance and engines as well.

Since we are looking to be objective and simply just relate the facts, we are going to rely on the scoring system implemented by Automarket.
The Audi A8 aligns itself with the other models in the line-up, featuring similar design lines and carrying the front-end and headlights that became famous among Audi fans. BMW 7 Series gives us a new and fresh design as well, moving away from the highly criticized but yet very successful “banglelized” 7 Series. The S-Class and LS are considered to feature a much safer design language.


Rankings:

1-BMW 7 Series / Audi A8 (4 points)

3. Mercedes-Benz (2 points)

4. Lexus Ls (1 point)

 As expected, the new A8 excels with its interior design, one that for a long time has made BMW owners very jealous. The gadgetry offered and luxurious high-end materials makes the Audi one of the leaders in this segment, but truth is, BMW’s simplicity and use of high quality materials places the new 7 at similar levels. If you’re adding the Individual options, then BMW fans get all the luxury they ever craved for.


Surprisingly to some, the new 7 Series takes the first place in the interior design area, followed by the the S-Class and only third, the new A8.

Truth is that when it comes to interior design, personal taste varies from individual to another individual and the choice can be subjective.
1. BMW 7 Series (4 points)
2. Mercedes S-Class (3 points)
3. Audi A8 (4 points) (2 points)
4. Lexus LS (1 point)


The new A8 will be offering with three turbo diesel engines and one petrol. Two out of the four engines will be V8, while the others are V6 TDI. In contrast, BMW offers four petrol engines and three diesels, one of the largest motor offerings along with the S-Class. The new 7 Hybrid extends the engine options even further. The S-Class adds the S63 AMG and S65 AMG as their top models in the S family. Lexus LS offers the least amount of engines, a single petrol unit and one hybrid.

Excluding the S65 AMG, the new BMW 760Li offers the highest performance. The V12 engine outputs 544 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 533 lb-ft at 1,500. Second comes the Mercedes S600L outputting 517 horsepower. Lexus comes third with the LS600h offering 394 horsepower. The new A8 tops at 372 horsepower with their high-end model. (S8 will be unveiled in the future).

Extended engine offerings:
Mercedes S-Class (4 points)
BMW 7 Series (3 points)
Audi A8 (2 points)
Lexus LS (1 point)

Power:
BMW 7 Series (4 points)
S-Class (3 points)
LS (2 points)
Audi A8 (1 point)

Overall dimensions



The new A8 is the longest and widest in its segment, of course, excluding the long wheelbase models, measuring 5,137mm respectively 1,949mm. Second comes the 7.
Audi A8 (4 points)
BMW 7 Series (3 points)
S-Class (2 points)
Lexus LS (1 point)

Performance :

From 0 to 62 mph, the fastest models are the BMW 760Li and the MB S600 L, their timed performance stopped the clock at 4.6 seconds. The top Audi A8 model shows in its official numbers a 5.7 seconds from 0-62 mph. LS 600h needs about 6.3 seconds to get there.

1- BMW 760Li / Mercedes S600 L (4 points)

3. Audi A8 (3 points)

4. Lexus LS (1 point)

Conclusion

Okay, we’ll give you this: it may not be the best, most accurate or appropriate comparison, but based on the facts we have, official numbers and other factors, this is simply a guide on how to outline a comparison between these fine cars. While some of us are looking for ultimate luxury in a car, there are many others out there that are more concern with the overall performance, driving experience, price, efficiency and comfort, just to name some of the few factors.

With this being said, let’s have a look at the podium:
1.BMW 7 Series (22 points)
2.Mercedes-Benz S-Class (18 points)
3.Audi A8 (16 points)
4.Lexus LS (8 points)

Volkswagen demonstrates self-driving car

Volkswagen says it uses production technologies to enable a car to drive itself at speeds up to 80 mph.

Flying cars might still be on the drawing board, but automakers are making progress toward futuristic advances in driving. The latest example from Volkswagen is a car that can essentially drive itself.

Volkswagen presented its Temporary Auto Pilot (TAP) system this week at the European Union research project HAVEit (Highly Automated Vehicles for Intelligent Transport).

Monitored by the driver, the car can drive semiautomatically at speeds of up to 80 mph.

Intended to reduce driver errors, the system uses technologies such as like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead, drive at a speed selected by the driver, reduce speed before a curve and maintain proper lane position.

"Nonetheless, the driver always retains driving responsibility and is always in control," said Juergen Leohold of Volkswagen. "The driver can override or deactivate the system at any time and must continually monitor it."

Unlike the Google Street View and artificial-intelligence software that Google is using on its driverless-car project, the Volkswagen system uses the radar, camera and ultrasonic-based sensors available on production-level vehicles and adds a laser scanner and electric horizon monitor.

"One conceivable scenario for its initial use might be in monotonous driving situations," Leohold said, "in traffic jams or over sections of a driving route that are exceedingly speed-limited."

No word on when this system could be brought to market, but it is likely sooner than Google's, as the VW system uses a lot of already-implemented technology.

Toyota to show GRMN Hybrid Concept II at Nürburgring

The Toyota GRMN Hybrid Concept II packs 295 hp.

Toyota will use this weekend's Nürburgring 24-hour endurance race to unveil its latest effort at moving hybrid technology into the performance-vehicle arena.

The GRMN Hybrid Concept II is a sports convertible co-developed by Gazoo Racing. It is a slightly modified version of the gasoline-electric concept Toyota showed last year at the Tokyo Auto Salon.

Toyota launched the Prius hybrid car in 1997 and has since been researching ways to bring the technology into sports-car development.

The new GRMN concept weighs 3,300 pounds and has a gasoline-powered V6 engine positioned mid-vehicle--a move Toyota says should improve performance and stability. An electric motor powers the front wheels of the all-wheel-drive system and contributes 50 hp to the combined 295-hp output.

But it's still a concept--we don't expect to see this car on the road any time soon.

Production of the Porsche Boxster/Cayman rolls past 300,000

The (2011) Boxster Spyder--a model that continues to reel in Porsche lovers and sports-car fanatics alike.

Nearly 15 years after Porsche spawned the much-adored Boxster and its hardtop cousin, the Cayman, production of the two-seater has passed 300,000 copies.

For Porsche, that's a major milestone. But it's a relatively small number compared with high-volume models. For example, Mazda has churned out 900,000 units of the MX-5 Miata in 22 years since its 1989 release. And Chevrolet built about 370,000 copies of the Silverado pickup just last year.

Porsche says car No. 300,000, a Boxster Spyder--silver with a red interior--rolled off the Zuffenhausen assembly line in June and went to a customer in Germany.

But production numbers are not the key measuring stick for Porsche. In fact, enthusiasm for the two-seat, mid-engine cruisers is unlikely to falter anytime soon. Porsche sold a combined 3,499 copies of the Boxster and the Cayman in the United States in 2010.

Porsche first unveiled a mid-engine roadster concept at the 1993 Detroit auto show. The public response led to series production of the Boxster in summer 1996. The Cayman, a coupe variant of the Boxster, debuted in Frankfurt in 2005.

There now are four variants in the coupe range: the Cayman, the Cayman S, the Cayman S Black Edition and the Cayman R. These are complemented by the open-top Boxster, Boxster S, Boxster S Black Edition and Boxster Spyder. Engine output for the two model lines varies from 255 hp to 330 hp.

Final Bugatti Veyron 16.4 spoken for

The last of 300 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 supercars has been ordered by a European customer.

If you've always wanted a new Bugatti, you'll have to settle for the Grand Sport: All 300 cars in the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 model run have found homes, the last one having been ordered by a European customer who will take delivery next autumn.

The Veyron came to life in concept form at the Tokyo motor show a year after the Volkswagen Group bought the rights to the Bugatti name in 1998.

The Veyron was the first production car to have a full carbon-fiber monocoque, and its 8.0-liter W16 engine produced 1,001 hp and 922 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. Acceleration to 62 mph came in 2.5 seconds. If that wasn't enough, customers could go for the Super Sport's 1,200 hp and 1,106 lb-ft of torque.

Prices in the United States started at $1,700,500.

On to the Grand Sport.


See the full Bugatti press release below:

Final Bugatti Veyron 16.4 sold to a customer in Europe

Supercar with a limited production run of 300 cars is a global success

The Grand Sport, the world's fastest convertible, to continue Bugatti tradition

Molsheim, 24 June 2011 – The final Bugatti Veyron has now been ordered by a European customer, marking an end to the triumphant reign of the supercar with an exclusive production run of 300 models and its even faster cousin the Super Sport. The coupé versions of the Veyron are worthy successors to the heritage of classic Bugattis, now collector's items of

unparalleled status and optimum appreciation, which today are amongst the most valuable cars in existence.

But the story of Bugatti's exceptional sports car is set to continue. The Grand Sport, a supercar with the very highest technical specifications, remains available to automotive connoisseurs. In its closed-top incarnation with a transparent roof it reaches top speeds of 407 km/h; with the roof removed a maximum speed of 360 km/h makes the Grand Sport the fastest convertible in the world.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. since 1 February 2011 commented:

“In the Veyron the Bugatti team has created a vehicle that has already become an icon of automotive history. Both technologically and in terms of design, the Veyron is still far ahead of its time. The Grand Sport is a further pinnacle of achievement in the open-top sports car segment, and we intend to maintain the same standard in our future Bugatti products.”

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 – an icon of automotive history

The development of the Bugatti Veyron represented one of the greatest technical challenges and engineering achievements in automotive history. Volkswagen bought the rights to the Bugatti brand in 1998, and just one year later the company presented its fourth concept vehicle, the close-to-production study EB 18/4 Veyron at the Tokyo Motor Show. Barely six years down the line, on 29 April 2005, a Veyron exceeded 400 km/h for the very first time, and six months later was presented to its global audience.

The Veyron was and remains a synthesis of superlative technical achievements. It was the first production vehicle to have a full carbon-fibre monocoque, and its torsional rigidity of 60,000 Newton meters per degree remains unparalleled to this day. The 7,993 cm3 capacity sixteen-cylinder engine with its four continuously variable camshafts and four turbochargers is capable of a top speed of 407 km/h, developing 1,001 PS (736 kW). The seven-gear twin-clutch gearbox governs an unbelievable 1,250 Newton meters of torque, and is one of the fastest transmissions in the world with shift times of less than 150 milliseconds. Acceleration from 0 to 100 takes place in a legendary 2.5 seconds.

With its carbon-ceramic brakes, highly innovative brake cooling system and the rear spoiler which is activated to serve as an additional air brake when braking, this superlative sports car can come to a complete standstill from 100 km/h in just 31.4 metres and 2.3 seconds. The Super Sport boasting 1,200 PS and a top speed of 415 km/h performs the same feat even faster.

The European customer who has bought the 300th Veyron has never purchased a Bugatti before. Delivery is scheduled for next autumn.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - review

What is it?

This third generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster comes across as decidedly more masculine than its predecessors, both in looks and character. That's key, since the 2012 SLK350 competes with the BMW Z4 and the Porsche Boxster. The new model has a unique Magic Sky Control roof, which goes from clear glass to a dark tinted pane instantly with the touch of a button.


What is it like to drive?

We tested the Mercedes SLK350 in Tennessee and North Carolina on the famous Tail of the Dragon road that winds through the Smoky Mountains. The roadster ate up the curves with gusto and never complained, even when a ham-fisted journalist entered a corner too hot and had to overcorrect.

The SLK350 is equipped with a variable-ratio steering rack that sharpens at speed, and it felt well-connected through the hundreds of on- and off-camber curves on the route. The leather-trimmed wheel feels a bit sportier in the hand, while the available wood-trimmed tiller transmits luxury.

The SLK gets its mojo from a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which is available from 3,500 rpm. That's 34 more horses than last year's SLK350, but it keeps the same 0-to-60-mph time of 5.4 seconds.

The transmission has seven speeds but spent most of the day in second and third--the sweet spot for driving the Tail. The standard wheel-mounted paddle shifters earned their keep, but don't expect dual-clutch quickness. However, drivers are rewarded for downshifts as the transmission rev-matches before blasting a metallic note from the integrated dual exhausts.

The SLK doesn't give up much in the way of stiffness, either. It only flexes over extremely rough roads or when it gets in sync with wavy pavement.

Mercedes claims the new car is safe too, and efficient. Granted, we did suck down about a half tank of fuel in a few hours, but under normal conditions the 2012 Mercedes SLK is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. It has eight well-hidden airbags, and for 2012, it comes standard with Attention Assist that alerts a driver when he or she is getting tired.

The car reportedly went through 100 crash tests and more than 24,000 simulations before launch. To check the roll-bar strength, the SLK was hitched upside down to a crane and dropped to the pavement.


Do I want one?

Maybe. Next February, the SLK250 will debut, with a 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. It gets a few more miles per gallon and should be a bit lighter than the V6 model. It also gets as standard equipment a six-speed manual, which isn't available on the SLK350.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 hits showroom floors with a base sticker price of $55,675, including an $875 destination charge. By comparison, the mid-grade BMW Z4 costs about $53,000 and the Porsche Boxster S stickers at $58,600. Both competitors offer manual transmissions. But if you've fancied an SLK and held up on buying for one reason or another, now might be the time.

2012 BMW M5 revealed in production trim

BMW is eschewing a naturally aspirated powerplant in the new M5, whose high-revving roots date to the 1980s, in favor of a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 pushing out about 552 hp. Final U.S. spec will come later. The most recent generation employed a V10 pushing out 500 hp.

The 2012 M5 bowed in concept form at the Shanghai motor show this spring and arrives in production guise this fall at the Frankfurt show.

The obvious changes are a deeper front bumper and the flares are a bit more pronounced in the fenders.

The V8 is also employed in the BMW X5 and BMW X6 crossovers, and the downsized powerplant is expected to improve fuel economy. The new M5 is still expected to sprint to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds.

The 2012 BMW M5 will fight the Cadillac CTS-V, the Mercedes-Benz CLS AMG, the Jaguar XFR and the Audi S6 for attention among luxury buyers.

Nissan pulls plug on Altima hybrid

It’s last call for the Nissan Altima hybrid sedan.

The 2011 model year will be the last for the gas-electric version of the Altima, ending a four-year run.

While the Altima is one of Nissan’s core models in the U.S. market, the hybrid version has not been a big seller. One key factor is that Nissan offered the Altima hybrid only in California and the eight other states that follow its emissions regulations--Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont.

Using technology licensed from Toyota, the Altima hybrid mated a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a continuously variable transmission and electric drive motor for a combined output of 198 hp. The car also used a nickel-metal-hydride battery pack.

Nissan launched its home-grown hybrid technology on the 2012 Infiniti M35 hybrid, which went on sale in March.

CarCare by WOrLd_TUnInG

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2012 VW Beetle Black Turbo Edition Launches Pre-Order Program

While we're still not sure why anyone would pick the 2012 Beetle over the GTI, Golf R, or other platform-sharing models from Volkswagen, VW is plunging forward with its newly re-inspired car, using a special-edition Black Turbo model to kick off its new vehicle pre-order program.

The Black Turbo Beetle is a standard 2.0L TSI model, equipped with a DSG dual-clutch gearbox, standard Bluetooth, ambient lighting, upgraded brakes with red calipers, 18-inch wheels, alloy pedals, and a handful of other appearance tweaks. Only 600 of the Black Turbo models will be built. They start at $24,950.

As for the pre-order program, VW is offering Beetle fanatics (and fans of other models) a way to be sure they get in on what the company calls a "limited quantity of certain Volkswagen cars." As of now, the special Black Turbo edition Beetle is the only car in the program, but the announcement foreshadows other special, limited-run models.

If you're one of the Beetle fans VW is expecting, you can get the pre-order process started by visiting the official website.

ZF automatic gearbox with 9-speed, up to 16% fuel savings

After Ford announced (among other innovations) an automatic eight reports, the company ZF, which already equips the VW Tiguan, the Jaguar XF, the Ford Mondeo and the Volvo V70, announces the launch of an automatic transmission 9 reports called 9HP covering a torque range from 280 to 480 Nm

It was developed for private vehicles and technologies can integrate micro-hybrid (stop-start) and four-wheel drive hybrid with optimum efficiency.

More flexible, it offers both greater reactivity and greater comfort combined with fuel savings of up to 16% compared with an automatic gearbox six-speed current

Eg at a speed of 120km / h the engine is in ninth at 1900 rpm instead of 2600 with a box six
As a model on which this transmission would be installed or a date, no information has been disclosed yet.

Feds researching fire risks from EV batteries, regulator says

Federal safety regulators have begun an $8.75 million study of whether lithium ion batteries in electric vehicles pose a potential fire hazard, officials said Thursday.

Kevin Vincent, chief counsel of the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said researchers are looking at whether the high-voltage batteries can cause fires when they are being charged and when the vehicles are in an accident.

"We don't want anyone to burn down their house when they're charging the car," Vincent told a Washington conference co-sponsored by Volvo. "And no one has a good handle on the safety of the vehicle after a crash."

Vincent, explaining the reason for the research, noted the risk posed by 400-volt lithium ion batteries compared with standard 12-volt lead-acid batteries used in gasoline-powered vehicles.

One incident that caught the attention of regulators was computer-maker Dell Inc.'s recall in 2006 of 4.1 million lithium ion batteries in laptop computers. The Sony Corp.-made batteries posed a fire risk "under rare conditions," due to a manufacturing defect, Dell said at the time.

A NHTSA spokeswoman said there were no electric-vehicle fires that triggered the research, which is due to continue through 2014.

Most gasoline-electric hybrids today use nickel metal hydride batteries, but within 10 years, 70 percent of hybrids, and all plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles are expected to run on lithium ion batteries, some analysts forecast.

Charles Gassenheimer, CEO of Ener1, which makes lithium ion batteries for Volvo and Norwegian EV maker Think, said the biggest fire risk comes when a consumer over-charges an EV battery.

"That's when you might see a battery catch fire, not typically when a vehicle is on the road," he said.

Gassenheimer praised NHTSA's research effort.

"If we understand the fire risk, it can be mitigated down to a low probability," he said.

Vincent said EV and battery makers have been employing "safe strategies" thus far to contain any potential fire risks.

"It's essential that companies not have any incident of electric vehicles on fire," he said. "It could kill public acceptance of electric vehicles for all manufacturers."

NHTSA is working on the research with other federal agencies, including the Energy Department, Vincent said.

General Motors, which makes the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid, is assisting NHTSA researchers and has given them a tour of the company's new battery lab, GM spokesman Greg Martin said.

The Obama administration has set a goal of having 1 million electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids on the road by 2015.

500 by Gucci

The Project

In the year that sees the celebrations of 150 years of Italian unification and on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the establishment of the Gucci brand, Fiat and the Florence-based label present the "500 by Gucci", an important partnership between two brands that have always expressed Italian genius and creativity across the world.
The Style

The car is the result of intensive creative collaboration between Stile Fiat and Gucci, a co-design project where the work by the Italian designer label is devised to enhance the distinguishing traits of the iconic 500. Consequently, "500 by Gucci" represents the perfect blend of two stylistic approaches which, each in its respective field, have made Italian style so famous and influential all over the world, focusing as ever on attention to detail, the ongoing pursuit of quality materials, in the spirit of a simple yet refined elegance.
The exteriors

The new car features exteriors in two colours, Black or White, both enhanced by the exclusive paint with glass beads which make it shine like a gem. The same colour combination can be found on the key cover, which gives customers their first distinguishing sign of the "500 by Gucci".
Two colours, two distinct yet complementary souls: the black version, with shiny chrome details teamed with interiors that play on the sharp black and white contrast with its more aggressive and contemporary look, and the white version with the satin chrome details with ivory/black interiors for a softer, sophisticated look.
The exterior is further customised with rims mounted on 195/45 R16 tyres, with the unmistakable retro spoked design, to match the colour of the interiors, and embellished by the "diamanté" on the spokes, an absolute novelty on cars in this category.
The Gucci identity is even more evident with some of the refined details such as the hubcaps marked "GG" in the same colour as the bodywork and "Gucci" written in italics on the tailgate and on the door pillars. In addition, in line with the Gucci colours, the version equipped with the 100 HP 1.4 engine comes with brake callipers painted green.
In order to make the silhouette of the Fiat "500 by Gucci" distinctive, the car could not come without the red and green "web", the label's genuine signature recognised across the globe. It runs along the entire perimeter and becomes the connecting link between exterior and interior, since it is also featured on many interior details, such as the seats, the gearbox and the mats, but most of all, with an unusual and highly innovative treatment, on the seatbelts.
The interiors
Inside, the Fiat "500 by Gucci" offers an elegant and functional space, where attention has been lavished on the tiniest details, brimming with fashion references and embellished by exclusive materials, such as the glossy or satin chrome elements, the dashboard painted with a sophisticated velvet-effect treatment, the two-tone seats covered in Frau leather featuring the unmistakable "Guccissima" graphics, a bona fide status symbol which - across generations and cultures - is now a byword for glamour and contemporary appeal.

Audi R8 GT Spyder gets early unveiling at 2011 24 Hours of LeMans

The new Audi R8 GT Spyder got an early unveiling outside the Audi Racing Pavillion at the 2011 24 Hours of LeMans yesterday evening. The 552 hp V10 drop-top rocket uses carbon fiber panels and a lightened interior to lower weight compared to the standard R8 5.2 FSI quattro Spyder. Audi claims 62 mph arrives in just 3.8 seconds, and the car tops out at 197 mph.


All that horsepower travels through a six-speed sequential-manual gearbox with paddle shifters, along with an all-wheel drive system that uses a viscous coupling and rear-wheel-drive bias. Rounding out the package, Audi says updated aerodynamics versus the R8 Spyder help increase high-speed downforce: The package includes a dual-lip front splitter and different rear diffuser.


How about that roof? Audi says it opens in a mere 20 seconds, and can be dropped at speeds of up to 30 mph, after which it tucks itself beneath a carbon-fiber rear boot.


At the heart of the new Audi is a powered-up version of the standard R8 Spyder's 5.2-liter V10 engine kicking out 552 hp. Drive is sent through a standard six-speed sequential-manual gearbox with paddle-shift capability and a viscous-coupling all-wheel-drive system set up to provide a nominal rear-wheel-drive bias.


As with the R8 GT coupe, the R8 GT Spyder will be assembled in a run of just 333 cars at Audi's Neckarsulm manufacturing plant in Germany.

BMW to sell 19 Frozen Black Edition M3s in the U.S.

 

BMW has lined up a run of 20 M3 Coupes for the U.S. market with a special Frozen Black Edition package to promote its BMW Individual custom-ordering program.

The automaker will open an order line on June 16 for buyers to reserve 19 of the cars. The sticker price is $80,950, including the $875 shipping charge and a $1,300 federal gas-guzzler tax.

The cars will be delivered from late June through late July. BMW of North America says it will keep the 20th car and may sell it later.

The Frozen Black Edition M3 is painted in a metallic black with a matte-finish clear coat. The paint is accented with a gloss-black grille, side-gill elements and exhaust-pipe tips.

Red-painted brake calipers stand out behind black M3 GTS wheels, which are part of the Competition Package included in the model.

The black theme continues inside with black leather with red stitching on the seats, door inserts, armrests, middle console and door pulls.

The Frozen Black Edition M3 is powered by a 414-hp, 4.0-liter V8. Power is transferred through BMW's M dual-clutch transmission. BMW says the package propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

BMW offered 30 copies of a limited-edition M3 coupe in summer 2010, wearing Frozen Gray paint.

Interested in a Frozen Black M3? Here's the number to call--(800) 245-4269--starting at 11:30 a.m. Eastern on June 16.

Read the full press release below:


PRESS RELEASE: The 2011 BMW Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe


Woodcliff Lake, NJ - June 10th, 2011… BMW of North America today announced a production run of twenty identically-equipped 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupes for the United States. The 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe features BMW Individual Frozen Black exterior paint with a deep metallic luster to accentuate the athletic lines of the legendary M3. Extended Novillo Leather with unique red-contrast stitching is also specified, as are M3 GTS black wheels, red brake calipers, and gloss black exterior trim elements. With the Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe, BMW is celebrating the availability of its exotic Frozen paint colors under the custom-tailored BMW Individual program. MSRP will be $79,650 [1] , and a complete equipment list is provided at the end of this press release.


BMW M enthusiasts may call to reserve the first nineteen 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupes by dialing 1-800-245-4269 no earlier than 11:30AM Eastern Time (8:30AM Pacific) on Thursday, June 16, 2011. Nineteen of the twenty Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupes will become available for delivery in late June 2011 through Authorized BMW Centers, and the production run will be completed by the end of July 2011. The twentieth car will be held by BMW of North America and may be sold at a later date.


Each 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe will be powered by the award-winning 4.0-liter, 414-horsepower M V8 engine, equipped with BMW's M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT) which lowers the 0-60mph acceleration time of the M3 to 4.5 seconds from 4.7. Redline is a breathtaking 8,400 rpm.


The 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe continues the tradition of innovation and passion for driving by incorporating key changes to the M3's dynamic qualities. The included Competition Package reduces vehicle ride height by 10mm and includes M3 GTS 19" wheels (in black for this Edition) with wider offset for enhanced stability, standard Electronic Damping Control with enhanced programming, and higher-threshold programming for the M Dynamic Mode.


About BMW Individual Frozen Paint Colors.

The special BMW Individual matte paintwork on the Frozen Black Edition M3 adds a rare metallic luster to the vehicle. Compared to conventional exterior colors with gloss finish, the sculpture-like character of Frozen Black paint highlights the athletic contours of the M3. To achieve this luster, a special BMW-developed silk matte clear coat is applied over the Black Metallic base coat. BMW Individual's Frozen paints meet or exceed all BMW standards for durability and longevity, and feature a full factory warranty. Special care guidelines are provided to customers and authorized BMW centers to prevent the finish from becoming glossy.


Four Generations of BMW M3.

Racing provided the reason for the original M3's 1986 creation. BMW produced the M3 as a road-going homologation version of its 3 Series to gain eligibility to compete in the German Touring Car Championship. Popularity and strong consumer demand substantiated the case to continue developing the M3, making it both a better performer and more inviting road car as it evolved along with the underlying 3 Series, the company's most popular vehicle. In 1988, North Americans met the BMW M3 for the first time, and its high-revving 2.3-liter inline-4 with 192-hp became a legend on this side of the Atlantic.


The next generation M3 arrived in the 1995 model year with a 3.0-liter (and later, 3.2-liter) 240-hp inline-6 powerplant. That car began the next chapter of M3 Racing history which lasted a decade on both sides of the Atlantic. In 1997, the first M3 Sedan joined the family and the M3 Convertible followed shortly thereafter.


The third-generation M3, available from 2001-2006 as a coupe and convertible, again was offered with six-cylinder power, this time providing a remarkable 333 hp from 3.2 liters. From the 2002 model year, this M3 marked BMW's first offering of the Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) for the United States.


The fourth and current generation M3 was introduced for the 2008 model year as a Coupe, Sedan, and Convertible, featuring an all-new 4.0-liter, 414-horsepower V8 engine with eight individual throttle bodies and an 8,400-rpm redline. Showcasing its remarkable performance envelope, the newest M3 Coupe serves as the basis for the M3 GT2 race car, which successfully competes in endurance races against the most exotic cars from around the world in the American Le Mans Series. A pair of BMW M3 GT2s are preparing to take on the 24 Hours of Le Mans this weekend. American BMW team driver Joey Hand is looking to add to his wins at both the Daytona 24 Hours and the Twelve Hours of Sebring earlier this year.


Equipment List, Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe:

" BMW Individual Frozen Black Exterior Paint

" Black Extended Novillo leather with Red Contrast Stitching on seats, headrests, door inserts, armrests, middle console, and door pulls.

" Black M3 GTS wheels, 19" diameter with high-performance summer tires

" Red brake calipers

" Gloss black kidney grills

" Gloss black side-gill elements

" Gloss black exhaust pipe tips

Additional specified equipment from M3 catalog:

" M-DCT Transmission with Drivelogic

" Competition Package

1. Lowered suspension

2. Sport mapping for EDC/DSC

" Premium Package 2

1. Power folding auto-dimming mirrors

2. Universal garage-door opener

3. Power front seats

4. Carbon Leather interior trim

5. Interior mirror with compass

6. BMW Assist with Bluetooth


" Convenience Package

1. Anti-theft alarm system

2. Comfort Access keyless entry system

3. Park Distance Control (rear)

4. Navigation System

5. Voice-command

6. iPod and USB adapter

7. Real-time Traffic Information

" Heated Front Seats

" Satellite Radio with 1-year subscription

" BMW Individual Enhanced Premium Sound System

[1] Excluding $875 Destination & Handling and excluding $1,300 federal gas guzzler tax.
 

Five tips to keep your tires in top shape

 

Tire safety isn't exactly the sexiest topic in the car universe, but it's National Tire Safety Week. This is a good reminder to those of us who are generally more concerned with fun stuff like horsepower to spend a moment thinking about where the rubber meets the road.

“Ten years ago, NHTSA and AAA helped Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) launch National Tire Safety Week,” said Charles Cannon, RMA president and CEO. “Our partnership and efforts continue today because our job is not finished. Too many drivers fail to do one simple task every month that will reduce their safety risk and help our nation conserve valuable natural resources. Checking tire pressure takes just five minutes, and it's worth every second.”

There is a lot to be learned about tire safety. An RMA survey shows that 85 percent of motorists don't know how to properly inflate their tires, and only 20 percent of drivers check their tire pressure each month.

AAA anticipates that it will assist 1.2 million stranded motorists with tire-related issues this summer, many of which could be avoided. Follow our tire-safety checklist to make sure AAA doesn't have to come to your rescue.


1. Check tire pressure. Do this at least once a month and before and after any long trips. Automakers often suggest a tire pressure in the neighborhood of 30 psi, but you should check your owner's manual to see what your car needs. Be sure to use the automaker's recommended pressure and not the maximum pressure indicated on the tires. That number represents the absolute max psi a given tire can hold, not what it should be rolling on day in and day out.

According to Goodyear, a tire that is underinflated doesn't roll as easily and the increased rolling resistance requires more energy, robbing the vehicle of fuel efficiency. Optimal inflation can improve fuel economy by 3.3 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Keep a gauge in your glovebox, and visit your neighborhood gas station to get air if your pressure is too low.

2. Rotate your tires. Michelin says this should be done every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Every tire will wear differently. On front-wheel-drive cars, the front wheels wear at almost twice the rate of the rear wheels. In left-hand-drive countries, the left tire will wear faster than the right. Rotating where the tires sit on the wheel helps achieve more uniform wear, which means consistent performance and longer tire life. Have your tires rotated at a shop for about $15 or buy a hydraulic floor jack and do it yourself.

3. Examine your treads. The old wisdom was that tires should have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth, and laws agree. But new information from Tirerack.com shows that greater depth is preferred. In their tests, a new tire with 10/32 inch of depth took 195.2 feet to stop in the rain, while tires with 4/32 inch took 290 feet and tires with 2/32 inch depth took 378.8 feet to stop.

To make sure your tires have a tread depth of at least 4/32 inch, stick a quarter, Washington's head facing down, into one of the tire-tread grooves. If any part of Washington's head is obscured, you have at least that amount of tread. Prefer to stick with the legal 2/32-inch tread depth? Perform the same check, but use a penny and, of course, Lincoln's head.

4. Align your wheels. Improperly aligned wheels can create rapid and uneven wear, says the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Misaligned wheels can also create steering and tracking problems. Take you car to a service station for alignment and the technicians will adjust the steering and suspension components to manufacturer specifications, making sure that the wheels are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. According to Midas, a basic four-wheel alignment on an average sedan will cost about $80.

5. Keep the deepest treads in the rear. Though this may seem counterintuitive, since the front tires do the braking and steering, if you have two newer tires and two older tires, keep the newer rubber on the rear wheels. Deeper treads grip the road and channel water better, making the rear of the car less likely to hydroplane and fishtail. The result is that, while your shabby front tires may result in understeer, it's easier for a driver to correct from such a condition than from oversteer resulting from worn rear tires.
 

BMW 1-series M Sport leaked

The first pics of BMW's all-new 1-series M Sport have leaked onto the internet.

The popular trim level will be available with all of the 1-series' four-cylinder engines - a brace of petrol units and a trio of diesels - and features a range of cosmetic and mechanical upgrades.

See the leaked pics of the BMW 1-series M Sport

The pictures reveal a more aggressive look for the BMW 1-series M Sport over the standard five-door hatchback it is based on, including revised air intakes and a new bumper at the front. The rear is also set to get a new bumper, a pseudo diffuser and new exhaust tips. New M Sport alloy wheels complete the exterior changes.

Read the full story on the new BMW 1-series

Inside, M Sport 1-series will get sports seats, an M Sport-badged steering wheel, pedals, handbrake and gear level, and M Sport-badged sill plates.

The package is expected to reach the UK in early 2012 following the standard car's launch in September.

Tesla Model S show more aggressive style

Tesla dropped some new photos of the Model S Alpha sedan on us on Monday, and the car is looking more like a production vehicle every day.

The shots show a Tesla Model S in a shade of black sporting a new front fascia with a lower, sharper, more aggressive look. It includes some vents for possible brake or engine cooling purposes, along with the same 10-spoke fan-blade wheels as the concept car.

The first Model S Alpha vehicles are scheduled to be delivered in mid-2012 at a price of about $57,000.

On June 1, the company held its first shareholders meeting in San Jose, Calif., to talk about the state of the company. Tesla has taken 4,600 reservations for the Model S.

Check out the photos in the gallery and let us know what you think about the new face of electric luxury.

Build your Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG roadster with the new online visualizer

Want to know which of the five available shades of silver/gray your Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG roadster will look best in? Thanks to the new AMG online configurator, you're just a click away from discovering the answer.

The site's Visualizer feature lets you choose SLS AMG roadster exterior and interior colors, wheel designs and convertible-top hues. Plus there's a clickable accelerator pedal right in the middle to whet your aural appetite.

Mercedes has also included the requisite photo gallery and a comprehensive spec sheet for perusal. If you have a few minutes to kill, go build and be happy.


Visit the Mercedes SLS AMG roadster configurator

New 2012 Mercedes M-class features more power, enhanced fuel economy

Mercedes-Benz will introduce a new M-class crossover in September with a curvier exterior, more power and slightly better fuel economy.


In the United States, the 2012 M-class will be offered beginning with two models -- the gasoline ML350 V-6 and the ML350 Bluetec diesel. Both models will feature four-wheel drive.


The 3.0-liter diesel V-6 generates 240 hp, 30 more horsepower than the current engine. The diesel engine's fuel economy has been improved 3 percent to 20 mpg in the city while highway mileage remains at 25 mpg, Mercedes said.


The gasoline V-6 gets a horsepower boost to 302 from 268 and fuel economy rises to 17 mpg city/22 highway from 15 city/20 highway.


A 4.6-liter V-8 will be offered later.


The current Mercedes M-class also is offered with a 5.5-liter gasoline V-8 engine and a gasoline-electric hybrid V-6 model with 335 hp.


The third-generation M-class shares components and engineering with the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Work on both vehicles started before Chrysler's separation from Daimler AG.


The 2012 Mercedes M-class will feature a suspension with adaptive damping that activates on moderately uneven roads or slow, off-road driving to soften the ride.


The interior will have a standard 7-inch color display in the center stack.


The M class is produced in Vance, Ala. Pricing will be announced later.


The M class debuted in September 1997 and U.S. sales peaked at 52,764 in 2000 when Mercedes-Benz had few European competitors.


Since then, BMW has replaced its X5 crossover and Audi has added the Q5 and Q7 crossovers. Porsche AG has added a competitor, the Cayenne SUV.


Last year Mercedes-Benz sold 29,698 M-class units in the United States. Sales are up 8 percent this year through May to 11,118 units.

Redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle rolls with $19,765 base price

The redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Beetle carries a base price of $19,765, including shipping charges, a minimal increase over the base price of the current version.

The base VW Beetle, known as the 2.5L, is powered by a 2.5-liter inline five-cylinder engine rated at 170 hp. A five-speed manual transmission is standard and a six-speed automatic is an option.

Buyers seeking more performance will look at the 2.0L TSI model, which wears a sticker price of $24,165, including the $770 in shipping charges. Under the hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 200 hp. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission optional.

Volkswagen says a diesel-powered version of the redesigned Beetle goes on sale in 2012. It will be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter diesel rated at 140 hp. VW did not release a price for this version.

The 2012 Beetle, which is reaching dealer showrooms now, is six inches longer and 3.3 inches wider than the car it replaces.

Read the full VW press release below:


PRESS RELEASE: THE ICONIC VOLKWAGEN BEETLE HITS THE MARKET WITH A BASE PRICE OF JUST $18,995

The highly customizable Beetle offers German craftsmanship and sophistication and a sporty new attitude

" Powerful, Efficient 2.5L and 2.0 TSI® Turbocharged Engines at Launch

" Forthcoming TDI® Clean Diesel Model Will Offer an Estimated 40 mpg Highway

" Longer, Lower, and Wider than the Previous Beetle

" Sporty Features Include 19-inch wheels, Performance-Handling Packages, and Sport Seats

" Available Premium Features include Bluetooth® technology, Slide and Tilt Panoramic Roof, Fender® Premium Audio System, Keyless Access with push- button start, leather seating surfaces, and BI-XENON Headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights

" No-Charge, Three-Year/36,000-Mile Carefree Maintenance® Program

Herndon, VA Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announced pricing for the 21st Century Beetle, the third generation of the classic people's car. The new Beetle will start at just $18,995, offering an agile, driver-oriented coupe that respects the Beetle's past yet looks to the future.

The 21st Century Beetle is an automotive icon reinvented, a nod to the heritage and character of Volkswagen and our remarkable history, said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. This new interpretation of the original Beetle holds true to the traditional spirit of the car, with all the benefits of modern technologies and efficiencies.

The 2.5L model, which has a starting MSRP of $18,995, has a 170-horsepower in-line five-cylinder engine and offers fuel economy that is improved by up to 10 percent over past 2.5L models. When outfitted with the five-speed manual transmission, the mileage is estimated at 22 mpg city and 31 mpg highway. The optional six-speed automatic offers EPA fuel economy ratings of 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway.

The 2.5L comes standard with a split folding rear seat, aux-in for portable audio players, a leather steering wheel, unique and customizable17-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker audio system. Desirable options include a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, heated front seats, three-color interior ambient lighting, and leatherette seating surfaces.

The sportiest model the 2.0L TSI will have a starting MSRP of $23,395. This model uses Volkswagen's critically acclaimed 2.0-liter in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque. As well as providing sparkling performance, the four-cylinder engine with automatic transmission offers an EPA fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg city.

The 2.0L has a standard six-speed manual transmission, with the option of Volkswagen's DSG© dual-clutch automatic transmission. It takes the standard equipment found on the 2.5L and adds Bluetooth® technology, iPod® connectivity, three-color ambient lighting, larger brakes with red calipers, a kaeferfach additional glovebox that is similar to that of the original Beetle, sport seating surfaces, 18-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, foglights, three additional gauges on the dashboard, and alloy pedals.

In 2012, a TDI Clean Diesel model will become available, powered by Volkswagen's highly efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. This will be the most fuel-efficient Beetle ever, with an expected highway estimate of 40 mpg.

The 2012 Beetle features sportier, more dynamic, and bolder styling than the previous model. It is also 3.3 inches wider, 6.0 inches longer, and 0.5 inches lower, giving the car a more muscular appearance that has a broad appeal. The Beetle will be available in three trim lines, some of which include the transparent, panoramic tilt/slide glass sunroof that is 80 percent longer than on the previous model.

The Beetle comes standard with the RCD 310 sound system with eight speakers; an optional premium VIII audio system features a CD changer, interface for SD cards, and a touchscreen. The Beetle will also offer concert-quality sound with an available Fender® Premium Audio System, designed exclusively for Volkswagen. In a partnership that combines quality automotive engineering and quality sound engineering, Volkswagen and Fender have teamed up to bring the raw emotion of live music to the driving experience.

The Beetle includes Volkswagen's advanced Intelligent Crash Response System that shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard lights if the car is involved in some types of collisions. The Beetle is also covered under the no-charge, 3-year/36,000-mile scheduled Carefree Maintenance® Program.