BMW’s new M3 convertible is equipped with a folding metal roof which collapses into the trunk when open air motoring is desired. However, its standout feature is the M double-clutch seven-speed transmission which allows for faster and smoother shifts and should result in better performance times than the manual or SMG transmissions. …Continue reading … »

Toyota’s fuel cell hybrid vehicle (FCHV) , along with another back up vehicle , was able to complete a 350 mile trip in Japan without the need for re-fueling. The trip began which began at a hydrogen fueling station near the Osaka Prefectural Government Office and ended at Toyota’s Mega Web theme park in Toyota. …Continue reading … »

Very soon we will see a few new debuts from BMW. It is believed that BMW will introduce its M3 sedan equipped with a dual-clutch gearbox in America at either the Los Angeles or Detroit auto show.

The dual-clutch gearbox will be called “M DCT”. It was co-developed with Getrag and will feature seven forward gears. The M DCT will offer smoother and faster operation than the SMG, which it will replace, or the six-speed manual, which will also be available. A touring edition of the M3 is also expected to shown at the show.

BMW is also working on other variants of the M3. Expect a convertible to be released a couple of months later. As well, there is also talk of a more track-oriented CSL version to be released further down the M3’s life cycle.

[source:Motor Authority]

Below are two videos of the X6 concept that was shown at the IAA in Frankfurt. Its look is very interesting to say the least. Even though it is supposed to be longer than the X5 is looks significantly smaller. I like its stance however. …Continue reading … »

BMW presented its new X6 concept vehicle at the IAA Frankfurt auto show. If past shows are any indication, the production version of the BMW X6 should look nearly identical to the concept. A hybrid version, with a 20% increase in fuel economy was also shown along side the X6 concept. …Continue reading … »

Here are some pictures of the production versions of the new BMW M3. The engine in this pocket rocket is a V8 which outputs 400+ hp and weighs less than the previous models V6. …Continue reading … »

The European Union has given Audi a permit to equip its R8 sports car with all LED headlights. Audi has developed this LED technology in cooperation with Philips Lumileds Lighting of California and Automotive Lighting from Reutlingen Germany. …Continue reading … »

Bentley is adding the new Continental GT Speed to its vehicle lineup . It is a higher performance variant of the standard Continental GT coupe. The Continental GT Speed is the most powerful production car Bentley has produced and it is also the first Bentley to have a top speed of 202 mph.

The GT Speed is powered by a lighter and more efficient twin-turbo W12 engine that produces 600 hp and 553lb ft, a 9 % power increase over the standard GT coupe. This power is what allows the Continental GT Speed to fly from 0 to 60 in an astounding 4.3 seconds. …Continue reading … »

Nissan is developing technologies for its vehicles that will determine the alcohol impairment of a driver.

These systems include odor detectors in the front seats that determine alcohol levels and a sensor on the gear lever that measures the amount of perspiration on the drivers hand. Nissan has also created a camera which is mounted in a car and is able to determine the drivers alertness by scanning their eyes. If these systems determine that the driver’s impairment exceeds acceptable levels audible warnings can be issued and even the ignition can be locked up if necessary.

Nissan is not the first car company developing such systems other car manufacturers are also working on technologies to prevent drunk driving. Volvo, for example, is working on a seatbelt that has a built-in Breathalyzer-like device which the driver must blow into before they can operate the car.

Nissan is still working on these technologies and stated that some combination of these systems would eventually come to the market.

[source:Reuters]

Nissan has developed a new technology that should reduce the number of head injuries received by pedestrians who are involved in collisions with cars. The technology called the “pop-up engine hood” involves placing explosive actuators into the hood of the car. When the sensors in the front bumper detect a severe crash the charges in the hood go off causing the hood to pop-up several inches. …Continue reading … »