Cars Classic-Car Classifieds

Richard Kim, the lead exterior designer for the BMW i3 an i8 discusses the technologies and freedom that helped his team develop these innovative new cars.

Welcome to a world of visionary mobility. With the North American premiere of the BMW i3 and i8 Concept vehicles, BMW is making lightning-fast performance and sustainability a reality. Step inside the 2011 LA Auto Show and witness what it means to be Born Electric.

When the BMW i concept was introduced to Bridgestone, it was immediately clear that it would require a unique tyre design to deliver the expected performance targets. BMW i vehicles have unique technical characteristics such as light weight and a weight distribution different from any other car, that need to be considered when designing tyres for the vehicle.

www.reviewsandchoices.com - for the lowest new 2012 BMW 3 Series prices BMW has now released the next-generation 2012 3-Series. The new 2012 BMW 3-Series is bigger than its predecessor. The new 3 Series is longer than the previous model, with more legroom and more headroom for the passengers in the back. The 2012 BMW 3-Series will be offered in four variations - the 328i and 335i petrol models , and the 320d and 320d diesels. In Europe, the 320d will sell for €35350 and the 335i will start at €43600. The new 2012 BMW 3-Series will go on sale February 11, 2012 around the world. The superb 2012 BMW 3-Series

I popped it

Compact Motoring takes a spin in the Mitsubishi iMiEV which participated in an indoor test track for a host of EV’s including the iMiEV, Mini-E and THINK cars.

High-res photos: www.worldcarfans.com BMW has introduced the next-generation 2012 3-Series. The next 3-Series is bigger than its predecessor. The new 3er is 93 mm (3.66 inches) longer than the previous model, offering up 15 mm (0.59 inches) more legroom and 8 mm (.0315 inches) more headroom for the passengers at the back. BMW will initially offer the 3-Series in four variants - the 328i and 335i on the petrol side, and the 320d and 320d EfficienctDynamics on the diesel end. The range-topping 335i comes with a twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder unit producing 306 PS (225 kW / 302 hp). The new 3er still offers the 320d EfficientDynamics with 163 PS (120 kW / 161 hp) with a fuel-economy rating of just 4.1 liters/100 km and a CO2 quotient of 109 g/km. As for pricing in Europe, the 320d will sell for €35350 and the 335i will start at €43600. The new BMW 3-Series will go on sale February 11, 2012 in markets around the world. Other variants will be added in the spring of 2012 while a full-hybrid variant of the 3-Series will be launched next autumn.

The BMW 6 Series Coupé is now available in M Sport specification. The M Sport package adds the M aerodynamic body-styling package, 19inch M light alloy wheels, dark chrome exhaust tailpipes, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and black brake 8 callipers. Inside Anthracite headlining, Aluminium Hexagon trim, Sport seats and M Sport multifunction leather rimmed steering wheel are fitted. At the same time as M Sport and the 640d derivative come to the UK for the Coupé, the 6 Series Convertible can now also be specified with M Sport.

Visit www.bmw-i.com and find out more about BMW i. We just unveiled the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept — What do you think? BMW i stands for visionary vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. With BMW i the BMW Group is adopting an all-embracing approach, redefining the understanding of personal mobility with purpose-built vehicle concepts, a focus on sustainability throughout the value chain and a range of complementary mobility services.

BMW’s eco-friendly future is inching closer to reality as the company has unveiled the i3 and i8 concepts. First up, the i3 is a four-seat, five-door hatchback with a pure electric drivetrain. A lithium-ion battery powers an electric motor that produces 170 PS (125 kW / 168 hp) and 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the 1250 kg (2755 lb) concept to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.9 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 150 km/h (93 mph). BMW estimates the i3 can travel 130-160 km (80-100 miles) on a single charge. Once the battery is depleted, it can be fully recharged in approximately six hours. The i8, on the other hand, is a plug-in hybrid. A turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol engine works with an electric motor to give the coupe a combined output of 353 PS (260 kW / 349 hp) and 550 Nm (406 Nm) of torque. Thanks to this setup, the 1480 kg (3262 lb) car can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a hit a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). Additionally, the i8 can travel 35 km (20 miles) on electricity alone which helps it average 2.7 L/100 km (104 mpg UK / 87 mpg US) while emitting 66 g/km.