Bmw Z3 2.5i on 2040-cars

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Mazda3 versus BMW 1 Series and Audi A3 in Euro diesel showdown

It's not exactly a Tesla Model S taking on a Ferrari, but for us green enthusiasts, a drag race and comparison between reasonably priced diesel hatchbacks does hold interest, and UK's Auto Express was kind enough to do the deed. When raced, the diesels actually laid a little rubber coming off the line, though the track was covered in rain. Did we mention it was in the UK? The comparison was between diesel hatchbacks priced at less than 22,000 British pounds (about $34,500 US), and Auto Express pitted a Mazda3, a BMW 1-Series and an Audi A3 against each other. The results are revealed in the 11-minute video you can watch below. In short, one car smoked the others. In order to set the tone, you should know that the Mazda's 150 horsepower is about 35 more than the other two entrants. The Mazda also earned points for its quiet motor (it sounds more like a petrol engine, the host says), standard equipment that would add about $4,000 to the other two cars if included and relative roominess in front and in back. The Audi gained points for its storage space, while the BMW had the only rear-wheel-drive car in the hunt. See for yourself how the competition stacks up. News Source: Auto Express via YouTube Green Audi BMW Mazda Diesel Vehicles bmw 1-series Auto Express

Next BMW 6 Series, M6 to take aim at Porsche

Since BMW reintroduced the 6 Series line back in 2003, the big two-door has happily sat as the brand's de facto grand tourer. That will allegedly change come 2017, as Car is reporting that Munich will put its coupe on a diet with the so-called G15 generation, allowing the 6 to go after the likes of Porsche. All three of the current 6's body styles will be carried over for 2017, with the base 640i Coupe trimming over 500 pounds of body fat, to around 3,450 pounds. Even the droptop is getting some lipo, dropping from 4,255 to around 3,750 pounds. It's unclear how much the Gran Coupe will be lightened, as it will be the only member of the 6 Series family that's growing in size. BMW will stretch the wheelbase of its fullsize, four-door coupe, which should make it decidedly more sedan like. The weight savings come thanks to a new modular architecture that promises a "more advanced material mix." That means carbon fiber, high-strength steel and aluminum elements, and even some titanium and magnesium bits. Along with xDrive all-wheel drive, Car is promising new six- and eight-cylinder engines, with the 640i's 3.0-liter, turbocharged gas engine producing 347 horsepower while the diesel mill turns out 333. The 4.4-liter V8 of the 650i will deliver 476 ponies, while the range-topping M6's twin-turbo V8 will reach the magical 600-hp figure. Of course, we can expect to hear more about the next 6 in the coming months and years. In the meantime, though, let us know what you think of Car's positing below, in Comments.

Apple Watch watches your BMW i3, i8

Apple unveiled details about its long-awaited Apple Watch yesterday and we now know that the $349, er, watch will be released to the public early next year. Amid the millions of features the watch has is the ability to provide real-time information on the battery charge level in a BMW i3 or i8 plug-in vehicle. The watches can also help locate the vehicles if, say, they're parked in a crowded lot. Because so many of us lose our Bimmers on a daily basis. BMW spokesman Dave Buchko confirmed the integration of the Bimmer-centric features on Apple Watch to AutoblogGreen, and noted that the product will let users monitor heating and air-conditioning as well as remotely unlocking the car. "This latest device has the potential to change how owners interact with their BMW, paving the way for a new level of personalization and immediacy," Buchko said. The new wrist-based connection allows for a nice bit of exposure for the German company's new i series. As of the end of last month, BMW had sold 2,082 i3 battery-electric vehicles in the US since starting domestic sales in May. It also sold nine of i8 plug-in hybrids in August, the first partial month for US sales.