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BMWism.com chronicles BMW designers through the eras
February 5, 2012 21:01:00Filed under: Classics, Etc., BMW, Design/Style 
Chris Bangle may be the name most recently associated with BMW design, but hes just one of many men and women who have sketched and sculpted automobiles for Bayerische Motoren Werke. BMW enthusiast website BMWism.com has gone all the way back to the beginning of the brand, when a BMW was a knockoff of an Austin 7. The names we all know show up in the chronology; giants of post-World War II automotive design world like Michelotti, Bertone, Gandini, Bracq, and of course, Hofmeister.
In addition to the Italian hired guns who sketched for BMW at one time or another, a few surprising names dot BMWs history. Josef Ganz, the largely unsung automotive engineer responsible for much of the original Volkswagen Beetle, also did contract work for BMW. Aerodynamicist Wunibald Kamm based his Kamm-Coupe on BMW 328 mechanicals. Raymond Loewys mid-century lines were wrought upon at least one BMW 507, and Albrecht von Goertz was a colleague of Loewys before he designed the 507.
In more recent years, its intriguing to note the diversity of backgrounds. Youve got Bangle, Henrik Fisker, current design chief Adrian van Hooydonk (the man actually responsible for the "Bangle Butt"), and Z4 designer Juliane Blasi. Perhaps the most understated of all BMW designers is Jojii Nagashima, the man responsible for the outgoing E90 3 Series, the iconic E39 5 Series, and, along with Boyke Boyer, the E36 3 Series. Taken as a whole, BMW has a pantheon of automotive design big-thinkers, a trend that doesnt look to be slowing anytime soon.BMWism.com chronicles BMW designers through the eras originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments - [Read more] |
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Official: Force India F1 team reveals 2012 VJM05
February 5, 2012 19:31:00Filed under: Motorsports, Racing 
Force India has come a long way. What started out as Jordan Grand Prix and changed hands (and names) several times before landing in the stewardship of Indian bazillionaire Vijay Mallya has become a solid mid-field contender on race days. In 2011, the team finished sixth in the constructors standings, behind front-runners Red Bull, McLaren, Ferrari, Mercedes and Lotus Renault GP. In 2012, however, Force India aims to challenge Mercedes and Lotus for fifth place using the car shown above.
The VJM05 bears the same unfortunate stepped nose of the just-unveiled Ferrari F2012 and Caterham CT01, a trend we expect to see across much of the field as teams deal with F1s technical regulations. Engine, transmission and KERS are again provided by Mercedes-Benz through a partnership with McLaren, and while former DTM champion Paul di Resta returns for another season in the cockpit. Adrian Sutil departs the team in the wake of his assault conviction, his seat now occupied by Nico Hulkenberg.
Well be watching to see if the young duo can continue to move Force India up the F1 hierarchy. For now, you can check out the press release after the jump and photos from the cars unveiling - which included the first on-track session of any 2012 F1 cars revealed thus far - in the image gallery above.Continue reading Force India F1 team reveals 2012 VJM05 Force India F1 team reveals 2012 VJM05 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments - [Read more] |
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Official: Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry
February 5, 2012 18:01:00Filed under: Motorsports, Toyota, Racing 
When Toyota announced its return to endurance sports car racing with the new TS030 Hybrid this season, the plan was to enter a handful of races, like Le Mans and Spa-Francorchamps, on an invitational basis.
Plans change, though, and Toyota has now upgraded the program to a full manufacturer entry, paving the way for it to compete in the entire FIA World Endurance Championship schedule. Now, with budget constraints, its likely that Toyota will still pick and choose which races to contest, but it does open the door.
The change was apparently made in order to support endurance racing as a motorsport discipline. As part of its arrangement with the FIA, organizers at the Automobile Club de lOuest (ACO) need at least two manufacturers in the LMP1 category. With Peugeots withdrawal, the series lacked the requisite level of participation, so Toyota stepped up to fill the void. Follow the jump for the full announcement.Continue reading Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry Toyota upgrades limited TS030 Hybrid racing program to full WEC entry originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments - [Read more] |
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Report: BMW to produce, sell long-wheelbase 335Li in China
February 4, 2012 21:01:00Filed under: Sedan, China, BMW, Luxury 
In China, its common for managers in various levels of the corporate hierarchy to have personal drivers, hence the proliferation of long-wheelbase sedan variants that we dont see in North America. Audi sells the A4L and A6L there, and now BMW is following up the 535Li it currently offers in China with a elongated version of the new 3 Series sedan.
Likely dubbed the 335Li, the long-wheelbase 3 will be produced in China alongside the regular 3 Series. Were interested in seeing how well the long-wheelbase 335 handles compared to its standard-length sibling. BMW to produce, sell long-wheelbase 335Li in China originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments - [Read more] |
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Official: Audi confirms R18 hybrid as part of 2012 endurance racing program
February 4, 2012 19:33:00Filed under: Motorsports, Hybrid, Diesel, Racing 
The diesel era at Le Mans may not be over yet, but already were seeing the emergence of a new propulsion trend: hybrids. Toyota recently announced the TS030 Hybrid LMP1, Peugeot was working on a hybrid version of its 908 prototype before it killed the race program, and now Audi has confirmed a hybrid version of the R18 TDI.
Few details were released, but what we can tell you is that Audi will field four cars at Le Mans this year: two with hybrid assist and two without. One will be headlined by Allan McNish, one by Oliver Jarvis, one by Timo Bernhard and one by André Lotterer, with supplemental drivers to be announced sometime before the 80th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans kicks off in June.
Audi also announced a two-car entry for the inaugural FIA World Endurance Championship, with four cars to be run at select racers like Spa and Sebring. Expect more details on the R18 hybrid to be released later this month, but in the meantime you can check out the official announcement after the jump.Continue reading Audi confirms R18 hybrid as part of 2012 endurance racing program Audi confirms R18 hybrid as part of 2012 endurance racing program originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments - [Read more] |
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Video: Production Mercedes-Benz A-Class spotted undisguised
February 4, 2012 16:35:00Filed under: Spy Photos, Geneva Motor Show, Videos, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
Weve gotten various peeks at the Mercedes-Benz A-Class for a few months now, from the patent drawings to spy shots to QR-coded teasers. Then, of all things in all places, a cyclist with a handlebar-mounted camera gets a full-on shot of the real deal while riding in Lanzarote, Spain for what we assume is a photo or video shoot.
If you liked the look of the patent drawings, then youll be happy with the glimpse here. It even looks close enough to the Concept A for us to give Mercedes props for truth-in-concept-car designing. Theres debate as to whether this is the AMG A-Class, but regardless, the final version will be shown at next months Geneva Motor Show. Until then, watch the video after the jump.Continue reading Production Mercedes-Benz A-Class spotted undisguised Production Mercedes-Benz A-Class spotted undisguised originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 11:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments - [Read more] |
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Toyota using Shazam music ID app for new TV spot, giveaway
February 4, 2012 15:02:00Filed under: Budget, Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Toyota 
Toyota is looking to meld the smartphones with the television in a new ad campaign. The automaker is giving fans a chance to win two Camrys in new promotion that uses the Shazam mobile app in conjunction with a TV spot. When the commercial airs, viewers simply fire up Shazam and enter the giveaway. (They can also enter the sweepstakes online.) Toyota says the program is the first and largest of its kind to use Shazam.
The "Connections" TV spot is designed to encourage further exploration of the so-called "Camry Effect," a social media campaign focused on how the Camry impacts peoples lives for the better. Fans can enter the sweepstakes once daily for a chance to take home a Camry for themselves and one for a friend. Hit the jump for the full press release.Continue reading Toyota using Shazam music ID app for new TV spot, giveaway Toyota using Shazam music ID app for new TV spot, giveaway originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Feb 2012 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments - [Read more] |
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Spy Shots: Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake snapped winter testing
February 4, 2012 00:28:00Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Wagon, Hatchback, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury 
Mercedes-Benz hasnt exactly been secretive about its desire to offer a five-door hatchback version of its ultra-stylish CLS sedan. After all, the first concept for the latest CLS, which was introduced as a 2012 model, introduced us to the CLS Shooting Break Concept at the Beijing Motor Show in 2010. And yes, MB itself called the car a Shooting Break, not Brake.
Based on that concept, we have a pretty solid idea of how the CLS Shooting Brake will look. Judging by these spy shots that were snapped in Northern Sweden, there wont really be any surprises. And thats totally fine by us.
Wed expect Mercedes-Benz to deliver its super hatch in both CLS550 (with 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8) and CLS63 AMG (with 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8) flavors, which means the biggest question left to answer will be whether the company decides to call it the Shooting Brake or the Shooting Break. We, like pretty much everyone else in the world, vote for Brake.Mercedes-Benz CLS Shooting Brake snapped winter testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments - [Read more] |
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What we know about the 2013 Volkswagen Golf, next-gen GTI
February 3, 2012 23:57:00Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, Audi, Volkswagen, Design/Style 
The next GTI will be an order of magnitude better, bringing it back in line with the original hot hatch.
Lighter, faster, stronger, better. Thats what we can expect from the seventh-generation Volkswagen Golf, due to be unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show before it hits dealerships across Europe this fall and eventually lands on U.S. shores as a 2013 model.
So what makes it special? A combination of new manufacturing processes, an all-new platform, a range of upgraded engines and what will go down as one of the greatest democratizations of active safety and in-car technology in automotive history.
Whats more, the next GTI will be an order of magnitude better because of it, bringing it back in line with the original hot hatch while packed with even more standard features.
It all starts with Volkswagens new Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, which is set to underpin every front-wheel-drive VW product from the Polo to the Passat, along with the 2013 Audi A3. To hear VW tell it, it will redefine the automakers manufacturing processes while curing world hunger and eradicating leprosy.
Read on to find out whats got Volkswagen so excited.Continue reading What we know about the 2013 Volkswagen Golf, next-gen GTI What we know about the 2013 Volkswagen Golf, next-gen GTI originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments - [Read more] |
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Confirmed: Passat popularity has VW hiring an extra 200 in Chattanooga
February 3, 2012 23:01:00Filed under: Sedan, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Plants/Manufacturing, Volkswagen 
The good people of Tennessee are no doubt thrilled to have a Volkswagen plant in Chattanooga. The facility already features well over 2,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs, and now the German automaker is bolstering employment by another 200 full-time VW staffers, boosting the employment total to 2,500 full-time and temp workers.
VW says it is making the move to enable the plant to increase production from 31 vehicles per hour to 35. The boosted line rate also means that VW dealers will soon have more Passat sedans to sell, though the automaker failed to mention the sedan in the post-jump press release. Given VWs torrid sales pace in January, were guessing the jump in factory output will be good news for the automakers retail outlets.
VW isnt just looking for line workers - the automaker is also looking for supervisors and engineers. Hit the jump to read over the VW press release, which includes information on how to apply for a position.Continue reading Passat popularity has VW hiring an extra 200 in Chattanooga Passat popularity has VW hiring an extra 200 in Chattanooga originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments - [Read more] |
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Official: Ferrari unveils new step-nosed F2012... snow be damned [w/video]
February 3, 2012 21:00:00Filed under: Motorsports, Ferrari, Racing 
Few things can stand between a Ferrari and the finish line. Not rain, not sleet and certainly not snow. So while the latter fell in prodigious quantities on Maranello, where Ferrari was planning to unveil its latest F1 challenger yesterday, that didnt stop the Scuderia from showing it off to the world, through the magic of this newfangled invention theyre calling the "internet".
The F2012 you see here is the fifty-eighth F1 car built by Ferrari, comprising a chassis and powertrain developed and produced entirely in-house: a rarity among F1 teams, particularly in these past few years since major manufacturers like Honda, Toyota and BMW withdrew from the sport.
The most prominent change to the cars form over the F150Ëš Italia it replaces is the rather aesthetically challenged but aerodynamically-optimized stepped nose, which (like the one on the Caterham CT01 and expected to follow on several more) conforms to revised FIA regulations while allowing sufficient air to pass underneath the nosecone to allow the underbody aerodynamics to do their thing. The rear section is also more tapered, leading to the rear wing with the Drag Reduction System that returns from last season.
Thats all well and good, of course, but what really matters is how the F2012 is going to stack up against the competition - particularly from the returning champions at Red Bull and longtime rivals at McLaren. Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa will wring out all the F2012 it has to offer, but only time will tell if theyll be able to add another trophy to the cabinet in Maranello. In the meantime you can check out their new ride in the high-res image gallery above and follow the jump for the full press release, technical details and video footage.Continue reading Ferrari unveils new step-nosed F2012... snow be damned [w/video] Ferrari unveils new step-nosed F2012... snow be damned [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments - [Read more] |
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Report: Lamborghini kinda sorta confirms SUV concept coming in April
February 3, 2012 20:31:00Filed under: Performance, SUV, Crossover, Lamborghini, Beijing Motor Show 
Rumors typically have a limited shelf life. Either they come to fruition, or they just die off. But not this one. The automotive press has been anticipating a follow-up to the Lamborghini LM002 (pictured above) for decades now, but with anticipation building, they appear to finally be coming to a head this year.
Although not quite an official confirmation, a spokesperson for Lamborghinis parent company Audi has indicated that all the speculation regarding the imminent arrival of a new Lamborghini crossover are, essentially, true. The concept version is expected to debut at the Beijing Motor Show in April with a retuned version of the V10 engine in the Gallardo and an eye on the likes of the Maserati Kubang and BMW X6 - only likely higher-end in its market position.
The decision-making process in SantAgata Bolognese was reportedly to build either a crossover or a sedan (previewed by the Estoque concept at the 2008 Paris Motor Show) as a third model line, but the current speculation suggests that Lamborghini could build both, with the four-door sedan to follow a couple of years down the line.Lamborghini kinda sorta confirms SUV concept coming in April originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds. Permalink | Email this | Comments - [Read more] |
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