2015 Bmw 2-series M235i Convertible on 2040-cars

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BMW revises X1 to tide it over until replacement

It's been over five years since BMW first introduced the X1 at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, and a bit over a year since it brought the compact crossover to these shores. Soon the Bavarian automaker will replace the X1 with a new model based on the company's new front-drive architecture, but not before it gives it a few updates to keep it fresh.
Set to be unveiled at the Detroit Auto Show next month alongside the Z4 Pure Fusion Design and the new M3 sedan and M4 coupe, the enhanced X1 benefits from some new exterior accents, a spruced-up interior and new technology packed inside.
New air intakes in the bumper and integrated daytime driving lights distinguish the front end, with new wheel and color options available. Inside, certain versions get a new dashboard treatment, among other minor trim updates, and BMW has installed its latest ConnectedDrive suite to keep it up with the times. Scroll down for the full details.

BMW teases new 7 Series with gesture control tech, LCD display key

Want an early glimpse at what features you can expect to see in your next car a few years down the line? Look to flagship luxury sedans, where automakers often roll out their most advanced technologies. Like on the next-generation BMW 7 Series. Previewed in this teaser clip above, detailed in the press release below and pictured in the massive gallery at bottom, Munich's upcoming flagship model will be packed with innovative features. It'll have a remote-control parking feature that won't even require the driver to be on board when entering or exiting a parking space, controlled through an LCD touchscreen on the key fob. Once on board, you'll also be able to control the infotainment system with three-dimensional gestures made in the air or through the touchscreen display. Power will be provided by a new generation of engines, starting with a turbocharged inline-six mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. An adaptive air suspension promises to offer a sporty or cushioning ride as desired. And it's all being built around a structure made partially out of carbon fiber, cutting nearly 290 pounds off the curb weight. All of which paints a picture of the next-generation 7 Series as a rolling technology exhibit, and one we're looking forward to experiencing first-hand. Technology and innovation workshop on the new BMW 7 Series model range. PreDrive Miramas. 17.04.2015 BMW is using a technology and innovation workshop to present an initial selection of development highlights which the next generation of the BMW 7 Series model range will use to set new benchmarks in lightweight design, driving dynamics, comfort, intelligent connectivity and operation. The extensive use of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in the structure of the passenger cell, the rigorous and detailed application of lightweight design and a new generation of engines combine to reduce the weight of the luxury sedan along with its fuel consumption and emissions figures. The comfort, safety and driving experience offered by the new BMW 7 Series benefit from new chassis technology, exceptional scope for interaction with the car's infotainment technology and a wider selection of driver assistance systems from BMW ConnectedDrive. BMW EfficientLightweight: Carbon Core helps to reduce weight by up to 130 kilograms. Thanks to the BMW EfficientLightweight strategy, the new BMW 7 Series line-up will tip the scales up to 130 kilograms lighter than the outgoing generation of models.

Automakers want to stop the EPA's fuel economy rules change, and why that's a shortsighted move

With a Trump Administration looming, the EPA moved quickly after the election to propose finalizing future fuel economy rules last week. The auto industry doesn't like that (surprise), and has started making moves to stop the EPA. Ford CEO Mark Fields said he wanted to lobby Trump to lower the standards, and now the Auto Alliance, a manufacturer group, is saying it will join the fight against cleaner cars. The Alliance represents 12 automakers: BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Ford, GM, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Porsche, Toyota, VW, and Volvo. Gloria Bergquist, a spokesperson for the Alliance, told Automotive News that the "EPA's sudden and controversial move to propose auto regulations eight months early - even after Congress warned agencies about taking such steps while political appointees were packing their bags - calls out for congressional action to pause this rulemaking until a thoughtful policy review can occur." The EPA was going to consider public comments through April 2017, but then said it would move the deadline to the end of December. That means that it can finalize the rules before President Obama leaves office. The director of public affairs for the Consumer Federation of America, Jack Gillis, said on a conference call with reporters last week when the EPA originally announced its decision that it is unlikely that President Trump will be able to roll back these changes. Gillis also said on the same call that any attempt by the automakers to prevent these changes would be history repeating itself. "These are the same companies that fought airbags, and now promoting the fact that every car has multiple airbags," he said. "These are the same companies that fought the crash-test program, and now are promoting the crash-test ratings published by the government. So, it's clear that they're misperceiving the needs of the American consumer." There are more reasons the Allliance's pushback is flawed. Carol Lee Rawn, the transportation program director for Ceres, said on that call that the automotive industry is a global one, and many automakers are moving to global platforms to help them meet strict fuel economy rules around the world.