BMW’s 3 Series obtain a diesel powertrain and a number of detailed changes midlife to try to increase its visual boldness, provide the most backward in technology, entertainment and communications, improve its environmental and qualifications further enhance its reputation as being the most dynamically car paid in the class of hard-fought junior-luxury-car.

The new model sedan and wagon, to go on sale across North America on October 3 following the first World Series at the motor show in Paris, are distinguished from 3 series today before charges and called back that takes on themes established on the fifth-generation recently unveiled BMW 7 series. The common styling is seen as proof that the German automaker has abandoned plans to give each model a distinctive appearance and returned to the place in a more stylistically harmonized lineup.

To advance, 3 series facelifted receive a series of changes that called BMW design patron Adrian van Hooydonk said are referred stressing its width, including a cover target and newly circumvented strongly profiled and lighthouses touched with graphics changed.

BMW has also made improvements detailed inside the 3 series, including new combinations of balance, a revised armrest for the driver’s door that makes the electric window control more accessible and iDrive controller updated which receives four buttons choice in a movement referred reducing the complexity of its operation. The iDrive controller is also linked to a new high-resolution color control 8.8 inches. Among the long list of options is a hard drive of 80 gigabytes used to store files satellites software and MP3 music navigation.

The CAR Online images have appeared with a prototype of the future 5 series BMW from the first track of his rooks in Nurburgring (here). Future Series 5 will have a look at the concept inspired by CS technology Efficient Dynamics and the May-November gaget meant to him eclipseze opponents.

Part of the front will be as it may be close to that of CS concept, revealed at the saloon car from Shanghai last year. The rest seems to be subtly changed in comparison with the current 5 Series. The greatest changes are taking place under capota and interior. For the next 5 Serie company is working hard to prepare and adapt technology engines Efficient Dynamics.

At present, Efficient Dynamics works only on machines with propulsoare in four cylinders, equipped with manual transmissions, but BMW wants the system for all vehicles. Even following M5 is expected to receive systems such as stop-start or Regenerative Braking.

A new system of automatic transmission with eight reports, ZF mark will help to reduce CO2 emissions. On the list of options available such as active steering systems, adaptive cruise control and dynamic drive.

To be honest I was expecting something like that to happen sooner or later. Financial Times Deutschland announced today that BMW is in talks with General Motors and Fiat to sell them engines and transmissions, but none of the three cared to give an official comment.

The main reason why I was expecting it to happen was because for over 10 years GM sold automatic transmissions to BMW or 3 and 5 series models.

They want to return the “favor”. Anyway, about the engines, BMW is rumored to either provide a 4.4l V8 engines for the Cadillac line or twin turbo. Read more »

International Motor Show in Geneva this year is going to be big. Very big, because there are so many announcements with lots of new models coming up.

That’s the case with this BMW twin-turbo diesel hybrid X5 that uses the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept technology.

The engine is a 2.0 liter four cylinder diesel that sports 204hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, and is mated to a hybrid motor that brings 20hp more and 154 lb-ft of torque. Read more »

BMW tuning specialist Hartge has released a series of accessories for the new, V8-powered, E92 M3.

The line-up includes an ECU modification unit that discards the electronic top speed limiter, a boot lip spoiler, carbon casings for exterior mirrors, alloy wheels, various leather steering wheel designs with or without carbon-fibre inserts, aluminium pedals, gearbox knob and handbrake handles. Read more »

BMW chose the Chicago Auto Show to announce its re-entry into American Le Mans Series racing. The German automaker revealed a race-prepared M3 coupe, festooned with a large rear spoiler, aggressive fender flares around the wheels and a stripped interior complete with built-in roll cage. The M3’s V8 has been up-rated to 485 horsepower.

Race team owner Bobby Rahal was on hand to help announce BMW’s return to ALMS racing, which will take place for the 2009 racing season. Rahal has previously campaigned BMW racing cars in ALMS.

“We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3,” states Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. Read more »

The car you see above is the MINI Cooper D Clubman. That’s “D” as in “Diesel”. The diminutive brand owned by BMW offers a diesel engine in Europe, but to date has not in the U.S.

We believe that MINI may correct this at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit next week. Our guess is based on a press release issued by MINI today that, while saying very little about its plan for the Detroit show other than the Clubman and Clubman S would be present, included images of a left-hand-drive Cooper D Clubman.

The press release also mentions that a talking point at MINI’s press conference will be “More Driving Pleasure, Less Fuel Consumption: The new MINI in the 2008 Model Year”. Read more »