BMW X1 M Sport sDrive28i

Posted on 08.5.2013 16:00 by Tom Burkart

The BMW X1 is a fantastic addition to the Bimmer range, as well as to the TopSpeed Garage. During our week testing the M Sport X1 sDrive28i, the car won many friends with its driving environment, striking new-BMW styling crispness and a truly sports-car-like agility versus the larger X3.

The X1 is offered stateside in three trim levels across the turbo four-cylinder 28i and turbo six-cylinder 35i powerplants, with xDrive available across the range. The test car's X1 sDrive28i pairs the base engine with the top M Sport trim level at the top, bringing a beautiful body-color bumper treatment absent from the cheaper 'Sport' and 'X-line' trim packs. The M Sport option also includes a variety of other tasty upgrades, including sports leather seats and handsome special paint and wheel options.

The X1 fills such a successful gap in the entry-level BMW offering that it even caught Audi and Mercedes-Benz flatfooted, with their GLA250 and Audi Q3 competitors still at least a year from reaching American buyers.

The X1 certainly doesn't have the small premium crossover market to itself, but does carve a unique niche with few pretend off-road aspirations and a decidedly performance focus to its V-rated, 18-inch Pirelli's.

This road-going bias helps the X1 to be an agile and playful companion on any stretch of pavement, with a 60 mph sprint just above 6 seconds for both rear- and all-wheel-drive 28i four-cylinders and down to the low 5's for the potent X1 xDrive35i.

All this with a base price just above $30,000 means the X1 is the first affordable BMW entry for crossover shoppers, considering the Acura RDX or the Mini Cooper Countryman.

The full TopSpeed Garage drive review is past the jump, and takes a close look at the coolest performance options and features of the practical but sporty X1 sDrive28i M Sport.

BMW X1 M Sport sDrive28i originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 5 August 2013 16:00 EST.

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Indian Chieftain

Posted on 08.5.2013 16:11 by Serafim

After many teasers, Indian has finally revealed its ultra secret 2014 Chieftain. The motorcycle is completely new and represents the company's declaration of war against all its rivals.

Although, Indian launched other two 2014 models next to the Chieftain, the latter was the most impressive. It comes with a massive fairing that features an aerodynamic design with swept back lights and three imposing headlights with the center one fully surrounded by chrome. The motorcycle also comes with a big protective windshield and the signature Indian valanced fenders.

Unlike the previous motorcycles built by Indian, the 2014 Chieftain features a cast aluminum chassis that offers a perfect balance between rigidity and low weight.

In terms of power, the 2014 Indian Chieftain is propelled by an all-new Thunder Stroke 111 engine. The unit is a technological masterpiece and its crankcase is comprised of two castings. It cranks out a peak torque of 161.6 Nm at 3000 rpm and its power is kept in leash by a smooth-shifting, six speed transmission.

You also get a spacious seat with quick release passenger backrest, a pair of big saddlebags mounted on quick-release anchors and a modern instrument panel. The stopping power is assured by front and rear disc brakes assisted an ABS.

As far as prices are concerned the 2014 Indian Chieftain can be yours for no less than $22,999.

Hit the jump for more information on the 2014 Indian Chieftain.

Indian Chieftain originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 5 August 2013 16:11 EST.

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Inden Design Mercedes Benz A-Class 2013 Pictures

Team tune: Inden Design and BINZsport customise Mercedes A-Class. Carbon fibre is the name of the game here and everything from the bottom front section of the A-Class which now has a custom-made flap to the original A-Class side skirts are now carbon-clad. More of the light stuff is used for the rear diffuser and the openings for the AMG tailpipes (inspired by the C 63 AMG Black Series). The exhaust system is also modified, coilovers used and you`ll also see the placement of 19" rims with new rubber..

VW Golf BlueMotion 2014 Pictures

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Mazda prices all-new 2014 Mazda3

By Kevin Davis on Friday, July 26th, 2013

Mazda announced official pricing for the all-new 2014 Mazda3, which will go on sale in September.

The 2014 Mazda3 will start at $16,945 manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP), excluding $795 destination charge. The 2014 Mazda3 will be offered with two SKYACTIV engine choices in the 2.0-liter and 2.5-liter gasoline engines.

The standard engine on i designated trim levels (SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring) remains the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter, which produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Gallery2014 Mazda3 Sedan Pictures

For s designated models, the larger SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine will be standard equipment and boasts 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm.

The Mazda3 i Sport four-door with SKYACTIV-MT starts at $18,445 MSRP, while a five-door starts at $18,945 MSRP. Optioning the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic adds $1,050 for either sedan or five-door model.

The Mazda3 i Touring four-door with SKYACTIV-MT starts at $19,595 MSRP, while the five-door version adds $500 to a starting price of $20,095 MSRP. The automatic transmission can be added for $1,050.

The i Grand Touring starts at $22,745 MSRP for the sedan and $23,245 MSRP for the five-door when featuring a SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual transmission. The SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic adds $1,050 to $23,795 MSRP and $24,295 MSRP, respectively.

Fuel economy for all five-door models featuring the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine is rated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 29 city, 40 highway and 33 combined mpg with a manual transmission and 30 city, 40 highway and 33 combined mpg when equipped with an automatic.

Sedan models are estimated to offer 29 city, 41 highway mpg (6MT) and 30 city/41 highway mpg (6AT).

In addition, for all i Touring models, a Touring Technology Package is available at $1,600 MSRP.

The optional package adds Mazda’s all-new human-machine interface (HMI) system featuring a seven-inch full-color touch screen display, navigation, a multi-function commander control for display screen operations, a rearview camera, a Bose Centerpoint 2 nine-speaker Surround Sound System with AudioPilot 2, HD Radio Technology, Sirius/XM satellite radio with a four-month complimentary subscription, Aha by HARMAN radio integration, Pandora internet radio compatibility, Stitcher internet radio integration, E911 automatic emergency notification and SMS text message receipt and delivery, two USB ports, voice command, dual zone automatic climate control, an overhead console with sunglasses holder, illuminated vanity mirrors and a shark fin antenna.

 

Penske to acquire Transpacific’s commercial vehicle distribution unit

By Kevin Davis on Thursday, August 1st, 2013

Penske Automotive Group Inc. has signed an agreement to acquire Western Star Trucks Australia from from Transpacific Industries Group Ltd.

Western Star Trucks Australia is a distributor of commercial vehicles, related spare parts and aftermarket support across Australia and New Zealand and portions of Southeast Asia. It primarily distributes heavy and medium-duty trucks for Western Star, MAN and Dennis Eagle through a network of over 80 independent dealers while serving customers across a number of industries, including on-highway, logistics, construction, mining, manufacturing, agricultural and waste/refuse collection.

The total purchase price is expected to about $200 million, which will be financed using available cash flow from operations and availability under the company’s credit and floorplan financing facilities.

Subject to specified closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of 2013.

2013 BMW 135is First Look

In the long standing tradition of high performance BMW "is" models, BMW today announced an enhanced performance version of the 1 Series Coupe and Convertible called the BMW 135is. The 2013 135is Coupe and Convertible focus the qualities that made the 135i such a success amongst driving enthusiasts - with more performance, enhanced sound and dynamic design details. Both the new 135is Coupe and Convertible are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall with retail pricing set at $44,145 and $48,845 respectively (including $895 destination and handling).

Both models are equipped with BMW's award winning TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 engine (N55) featuring Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, direct injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger. For the 135is, the engine has been tuned to increase peak horsepower to 320 hp (+20 hp increase) and 317 lb-ft of torque (+17 lb.ft) while maintaining the same emissions level and MPG ratings of the 135i. A Performance exhaust system complements the increased engine performance and provides a sporty exhaust tone. The engine cooling system has been upgraded to match the additional performance output by adding a larger, and more powerful radiator fan and an auxiliary radiator.

Both BMW 135is models will be offered with either a standard 6-Speed manual transmission or an optional 7-Speed Double Clutch Transmission.

The 135is is equipped with sport suspension incorporating an aluminum double-pivot front suspension and a five-link fully independent rear suspension in lightweight steel.

The exterior of the new 135is Coupe / Convertible will be clearly identified by exclusive 18" wheels, unique high-gloss black kidney grill, black mirror caps and special exterior badges in additional to the standard M Sport Package components. Interior highlights include stainless steel pedals, special interior badges and optional black leather seats with blue stitching for the standard sport seats.

The BMW135is Coupe and Convertible are available to order now and are scheduled to arrive in BMW Center showrooms this fall.

More Pictures of 2013 BMW 135is