2010 BMW 1-Series: Coupe Gets 2.0-liter Engines, New Sport and LifeStyle Editions for the Hatch

BMW's 1-Series range is entering the 2010 model year with two new engines returning up to 52.mpg US for the coupe and two additional special edition versions for the three- and five-door hatchback models. Starting off with the 1 Series Coupe, the Bavarian automaker is enhancing the two-door model's lineup with the addition of the 120i Coupe that is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder direct-injection gasoline engine developing 170HP at 6,700 rpm and peak torque of 210Nm /155 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm.


The gasoline engine accelerates the 120i Coupe from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 7.8 seconds and offers a top speed of 224km/h or 149 mph. Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is rated at 6.6lt/100km or 35.7mpg US with CO2 emissions of 153gr/km.

The second new model to join the range is the 118d Coupe that features a 2.0-liter turbo diesel churning out 143HP at 4,000 rpm and 300Nm /221 lb-ft of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. With this power plant that is linked to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the 118d Coupe goes from a standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 9.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 210km/h or 130mph while returning an average fuel consumption of just 4.5lt/100km or 53.2mpg US with a CO2 emission rating of 119gr/km.

Both the 118d and 120i Coupe will be go on sale in Europe in September.

Other new models as of September 2009 are the Lifestyle and Sport Editions which will be available with all engine variants of the three- and five-door hatchback versions of the 1-Series. Highlights of the Lifestyle Edition include the exclusive Marrakesh Brown Metallic paint with matching interior trim and upholstery, additional exterior components in body color and chrome-plated tailpipes as well as specific 17-inch light-alloy rims in five-spoke design.

The Sport Edition models come as standard with the M Sports Package which includes the M Aerodynamics Package, a sports suspension set-up as well as 17-inch light-alloy wheels in dual-spoke design. Furthermore, the BMW 130i and BMW 123d feature 18-inch light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey paintwork available as an option also on the other model variants.

Other features included in the package are the Blackline rear lights, exterior components in body colour, Shadow Line on the window shaft covers and side window surrounds, foglamps and chrome-plated tailpipes on the exhaust

Inside, the Sport Edition comes with a set of front passenger sport seats, chrome-plated entry trim bearing the name "BMW Edition", stainless-steel pedals, an M footrest, an M sports steering wheel, an M gearshift lever in soft nappa leather, interior trim in Aluminium Glacier Silver and roof lining in anthracite color.

2010 Citroen C3 Hatchback Scooped Uncovered During Dealer Presentation!

There's a reason why automakers don't permit cameras or modern mobile-phones at private presentations. Or at least they try not to allow because more often than not, someone will manage to sneak in a camera and take a few pics. And that's exactly what happened during a private showing of the all-new Citroen C3. These photos that where sent by an anonymous reader over to our colleagues at Worldcarfans, reveal the new C3's looks in detail.


The French automaker's new proposal in the supermini category that will compete against the likes of the Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, Renault Clio and Fiat Grande Punto, preserves the basic lines of the outgoing C3 but borrows several styling cues from Citroen's latest models such as the DS3 concept's fascia and the C5's tail light design.

The new C3 shares the same platform architecture and mechanical hardware with the DS3, but the latter will be positioned more upscale rivaling cars like the MINI Cooper.

The lineup will most likely include a 1.6 HDi turbo diesel with 90HP and 110Hp, and two gasoline units, a 1.4-liter with 95Hp and a 1.6-liter with 120Hp.

We'll see the new Citroen C3 in the metal at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2009, before it goes on sale across Europe before the end of the year.

Via: Worldcarfans

Jaguar: New Video and Teaser Photo of 2010 XJ Sedan

In its latest line of releases on the forthcoming 2010 XJ, Jaguar turns its focus on the luxury sedan's aluminum body shell that has apparent advantages in weight savings and consequently, in fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Along with the new video that features Jaguar's Chief Technical Specialist for Body and Engineering, Mark White and the firm's Vehicle Line Director, Mick Mohan, the British automaker also published a new photo depicting the XJ's body shell.


From what we learned, next week's episode -yes, there's more to come as Jaguar is planning to show another seven videos until the official debut of the car on July 9, will be on the new XJ's driving dynamics.

BMW 5-Series GT Spotted by Reader in New Jersey

Carscoop reader Kenneth Helman caught these photos of the forthcoming BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo in a parking lot somewhere in New Jersey. Even though the Bavarian firm has already released a slew of official shots as well as initial specifications, for some reason the automaker chose to mask the BMW logo - as if anyone could confuse the 5-meter (196-in.) long crossover for something else...


BMW's newest addition to the 5-Series range will debut at this fall's Frankfurt motor show and go on sale in most parts of the world by the end of year.

Depending on the market, the liftback crossover will be offered with a choice of three power plants, a 3.0-liter twin turbocharged inline six petrol with 306HP for the 535i GT, a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 petrol delivering 407HP in the 550i GT and a 3.0-liter straight-six diesel with 245HP in the 530d GT.

We thank Kenneth again for the shots, and remember that if you find any scoops of your own, don't hesitate to send them our way.

Ford Gets $5.9 Billion Gov. Tech Loans, Says Electric Focus will Arrive in 2011, Plug-in Hybrid by 2012

The U.S. Department of Energy announced today that Ford has been approved for a $5.9 billion government loan to develop fuel-saving technologies that will reduce the nation's dependency on foreign oil. Ford, which is the only American automaker not to receive emergency federal aid, said that it intends to apply the loans on a variety of fuel-saving technologies.


These include the development of hybrid-electric systems, alternative-fuel power plants, direct-injection engines as well as new dual clutch transmissions, aerodynamic improvements and weight reduction measures through platform efficiencies and greater use of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel.

Ford also outlined its electric and hybrid car strategy that accelerates with the introduction of a pure battery electric (BEV) Transit Connect commercial van in 2010 and a BEV Focus in 2011, as well as a plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) and next-generation hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) by 2012.

Both the electric Transit Connect, which Ford is developing with Smith Electric U.S and the electric Focus that will be produced in collaboration with Magna at the Michigan Assembly Plan, are expected to have a range of up to 100 miles or 160 kilometers.

"This green partnership between Ford and the U.S. government will help accelerate the development of advanced technologies for even better fuel efficiency and emissions," said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. "Ford is absolutely committed to fuel economy leadership with every new model we introduce. In fact, we plan to invest nearly $14 billion in advanced technology vehicles in the next seven years."

"Our partnership with the Department of Energy also will help retool our U.S. plants more quickly to produce fuel efficient vehicles and help meet the new, rigorous fuel-economy requirements," Mulally concluded.

Nurburgring Webcam Captures Prototype Models

The Nurburgring webcam (click here) is one of our favorite free-time activities as the fact that you never know what you're going to stumble upon makes it rather addicting. Just a few minutes ago, after a couple of bimmers, a Volkswagen Scirocco and a Ford Focus RS, we saw two camouflaged prototype models. We are not 100 percent sure, but we reckon that the first car up front is the 2010 Opel Astra followed closely behind by Buick's small-sized sedan. What's your guess?

Transformers Parade in China: Bumblebee Fans Gather in Beijing

It looks like it's going to be the year of the Bumblebee in China. The soon-to-be released Transformers 2 movie 'Revenge of the Fallen' inspired Chinese fans that took to the streets of Beijing over the weekend with a parade of Bumblebee flavored cars of various sorts and types including a VW Santana, a Citroen C4, a Ford Focus and many Chevy Aveo and Cruze models. The somewhat comical parade of random yellow cars with black-stripes was led of course by a 2010 Camaro SS. Follow the jump to check out the pictures.


Source: Autohome , Via: Jalopnik