Test Drive Review: 2012 BMW 1 Series at Netherlands Official Launch

September 6th 2011 marked the official launch of the 2012 BMW 1 Series in the Netherlands and BMWBLOG was on the scene to bring you fresh pictures and first driving impressions. We got the opportunity to test drive 2 of the 5 models that were on hand: specifically, the 118d and 116i.BMW Netherlands setup what they called the BMW Pavilion next to the Institute for Sound and Vision in Hilversum, the Netherlands. For 2 weeks customers and fans of the brand could preview the new 1 Series. From this event alone, over 5,000 people have already indicated interest in the new model.During its official unveiling in Berlin just a short while ago, the 2012 1 Series was received with mixed feelings, with most objections being directed towards...

Read more »

IAA 2011: 2012 BMW 3 Series Exclusive Edition

One other premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show was the 2012 BMW 3 Series Exclusive Edition. The car shown on the floor sported the unique Mineral Grey paint available as an option.The 3 Series Coupe and Convertible Exclusive Edition come equipped with new 18-inch lightweight V-Spoke wheels painted in Space Grey. Dakota leather upholstery has a defining influence on the interior ambiance. The seats can be ordered in the exclusive color Pearl Grey with grey contrast stitching, or in Black with white contrast stitching.The Edition Exclusive specification also includes interior trim strips in Bamboo Grain Anthracite. Exterior mirror caps in Oxide Silver add further color accents.The 2012 BMW 3 Series Exclusive...

Read more »

Lexus IS-F CCS Concept tuning kit by TRD now available Read more

Japanese parts provider TRD offers a kit to convert the IS-F into the Lexus IS-F Circuit Club SportIn-house Toyota tuner TRD is offering a kit to convert the IS-F into the Lexus IS-F Circuit Club Sport Concept which debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon back in 2010.The complete parts kit features a carbon-fiber aero package which includes a front bumper with air intakes, a lightweight bonnet, rear wing and rear diffuser.Two suspension kits are also available, one with adjustable damping too, and wheels on offer are rims of forged aluminum or magnesium.A titanium muffler is also part of the package and there's an interior carbon trim available too.Our thanks go out to Shiro for the tip!Source: ...

Read more »

Aston Martin V12 Zagato road-going version revealed for Frankfurt

Production is slated to begin in mid-2012 and will be limited to around 150 unitsAston Martin has announced the road-going variant of the V12 Zagato which will be making its public debut at the Frankfurt motor show next month.The luxury British automaker will be bringing two exemplars of the V12 Zagato, based on the Aston Martin V12 Vantage, to the Frankfurt show - one named Zig and the other Zag.Zig, a full-spec endurance race car concept, will come in Aston Martin's distinct green livery and fitted with the aero package that distinguishes the model - that includes a front splitter, dive planes, large rear diffuser and rear wing.Zag, which was converted to an endurance racer too, will revert back to the same guise it was in when it premiered...

Read more »

Report: Chrysler’s Sebring replacement to be named Nassau

Flash back to the 2007 Detroit Auto Show and sitting on the Chrysler stand was the Nassauconcept. Nothing ever came of the angular five-door, but some of the elements that debuted on the show car eventually worked their way onto the Sebring. That connection stands to be revived with a report by the Detroit Free Press that the Sebring’s replacement will carry the Nassau name when the all-new midsize sedan goes on sale within the next two years.The concept’s sleek lines aren’t likely to inspire the Nassau, but considering Chrysler purchased the name, it’s fair game and will help to put Chrysler’s lackluster sedan out of the public consciousness.Chrysler hasn’t...

Read more »

Report: Chrysler’s Sebring replacement to be named Nassau

If ever there was a model in the Chrysler line up that needs updating, it’s the Sebring. While thecar was a perfectly capable competitor when it debuted way back in 1995, subsequent generations have left it as nothing more than rental-fleet fodder. But if a report from Automotive News is to be believed, that may change significantly when the next iteration of the sedan debuts in 2013. According to AN, Fiat has its eyes on producing a new mid-sized four-door in Turin, Italy just for the Chrysler brand, with the new sedan being sold exclusively in the U.S.While it may no longer carry the Sebring name once it hits our shores, the car will likely be a spiritual successor to the company’s...

Read more »

The 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic at the Mullin Museum

My first time going to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance was back in 2003. There were some incredible classic cars on the 18th fairway, with Ford celebrating its 100th anniversary and Bugatti as the featured marque. In the multitude of millions of dollars worth of cars, though, there was one car that stood out from all the others – Peter Williamson’s 1936 Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. Despite my complete lack of knowledge of pre-war cars at the time, even I could recognize that the car had a presence about it that no other vehicle at the show could boast. My intuition was right, and the Bugatti eventually went on to win the coveted Best of Show award that year.The Bugatti made the news...

Read more »