The styling of the 2012 BMW 3 Series is an evolution of the previous model. The styling follows the design language seen in the new 5 Series, with concave and convex shapes providing a sporty stance and image.

BMW has also redesigned the interior of the new 3 Series. The future model combines luxury with sportiness and different combinations of interior trim can be seen across the three lines: Sport, Luxury and Modern. The driver-focused cockpit is even more emphasized in the F30 3 Series being angled towards the driver by seven degrees

As seen in some of the photos below, an M Sport package is also available for the new 3 Series. The super sporty pack adds 18-inch or 19-inch lightweight wheels as an option. Included in the M Sport pack is an M-tuned suspension which lowers the car by ten millimeters and offers stiffer spring rates and damper settings as well as stronger stabilizer bars. BMW says the decision to include M Sport brakes as standard has yet to be determined.

BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim gives the car the typical M look. An optional M paint is also offered – Estoril Blue, as well as M Sport brakes with contrasting blue paint finish.

Special aerodynamics cues, front and rear bumpers, sill covers in body color and a striking diffuser insert in Dark Shadow Metallic on the tail, and chromium exhaust pipe finishers underline the sporting character of the M Sport package.

BMW says will offer the M Sport package starting September 2012.

The MINI Coupe JCW is powered by a 1.6 liter four-cylinder petrol engine with twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, plus numerous technological details carried over directly from motor sport. The engine outputs 155 kW/211 hp at 6,000 rpm, has maximum torque of 260 Nm/192 lb-ft at 1,850 – 5,600 rpm (280 Nm/207 lb-ft with Overboost at 1,700 – 4,500 rpm).

Acceleration from 0–100 km/h (62 mph) comes in 6.4 seconds, with a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph).

Same as the X1, the Audi Q3 targets a younger demographic that embraces outdoor activities and the need of a small, compact SUV with adequate storage space.

The Q3 Vail shares its platform with the A3 hatchback and is powered by a 314-horsepower 2.5 liter turbocharged 5-cylinder with a 7-speed automatic transmission. The rumormill churns out that a possible S-like model is in the pipeline as well.

The Energy Red color was developed specifically for the Q3 and blends in nicely with matte gray parts and aluminum and high-gloss black window surrounds that add a touch of luxury.

The Vail name comes from the mountain resort in Colorado and unites “a powerful presence with a sporty lifestyle,” according to Johan de Nysschen, the Audi of America president.

To be competitive against similar offerings from BMW and Mercedes, the Q3 would carry a starting price in the mid-$30,000s.

The SH-AWD will control the power output of a direct injected V6 engine driving the rear wheels with two electric motors driving the front wheels. Torque from the electric motors (either negative or positive) to enhance the handling.

The Acura NSX will utilize a DCT gearbox in conjunction with the SH-AWD. There undoubtedly will be changes from the concept car when the NSX enters production.

And Acura’s approach to the hybrid drivetrain is different than BMW’s with the i8. No horsepower numbers or acceleration figures were mentioned, but look for this to be a quick eco-gen sports car.

Styling wise, the new NSX combines sporty and exotic design cues into a single package, some may even say that certain elements remind of BMW’s i8 hybrid sportscar.

Porsche has unveiled it latest iteration of the new ’991′ generation 911 family with the 911 Cabriolet. Porsche has enhanced the efficiency of the new model with a combination of lightweight materials and energy savings components like an electrically assisted power steering rack.

The 3.8 liter boxer six cylinder is good for 400 horsepower. The styling is an evolution of the classic 911 shape. Where some might favor the coupe over the cabriolet from a styling perspective, Porsche finds that having a convertible helps sales.

Here is a photo gallery with other Porsche models on display.

Even though not confirmed by BMW, we expect the ActiveHybrid 3 to use a 3.0 liter six-cylinder turbocharged TwinPower engine aided by an electrical engine to deliver an additional 40 kW (about 53 horsepower). The hybrid technology is similar to the one seen in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5. The electric motor in the latter model develops 40 kW/55 hp and is supplied with energy by a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area.

To increase efficiency, the lithium-ion high-performance battery is charged when the car is coasting or braking, the electric motor performing the role of a generator feeding energy into the high-voltage battery. By contrast, under acceleration the electric motor takes on a boost function. Here, it assists the petrol engine by generating an ultra-dynamic burst of power.

The innovative hybrid system features a coasting mode (with the engine switched off) active at up to 160 km/h (100 mph).

In our opinion, the ActiveHybrid 3 will become a West Coast customers’ favorite, and a popular car among “green technology” advocates.

The hybrid produces 349 horsepower and has an overall weight of 1480kg, the equivalent to a power-to-weight ratio of 236 horsepower per 1000 kilograms. BMW says the i8 runs 0 to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds and a has a fuel consumption of 80 mpg.

The i8 Concept combines the advantages of two different drive systems – an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The electric motor is not a secondary power source, but rather an equal partner of the internal combustion engine. Initially revealed with a diesel engine, the major change for production models is a new 1.5 liter petrol engine. The engine is mounted at the rear and drives via a dual-clutch gearbox.

BMW i8 measures 4632mm in length, 1955mm in width and 1280mm in height, comparable to the 3 Series coupe in dimensions.

BMW will launch the i8 in 2014 and the rumormill says the price point will be above $150,000.

The package adds 18-inch or 19-inch lightweight wheels as an option. Included in the M Sport pack is an M-tuned suspension which lowers the car by ten millimeters and offers stiffer spring rates and damper settings as well as stronger stabilizer bars. BMW says the decision to include M Sport brakes as standard has yet to be determined.

BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim gives the car the typical M look. An optional M paint is also offered – Estoril Blue, as well as M Sport brakes with contrasting blue paint finish.

Special aerodynamics cues, front and rear bumpers, sill covers in body color and a striking diffuser insert in Dark Shadow Metallic on the tail, and chromium exhaust pipe finishers underline the sporting character of the M Sport package.

Inside, the M theme continues with sports seats boasting distinctive cloth/Alcantara upholstery, trim elements with blue accent strips, an M Short-shifter (in models with manual gearbox), M door sill finishers, an M driver’s footrest and the new M leather steering wheel. In addition, there are three further leather finishes. The decorative surface is designed in Aluminum Hexagon with blue accent trim strip.

Contrary to our initial reports, now BMW says will offer the M Sport package in September 2012.

And Cadillac has taken the approach of a direct assault. The new ATS is within fractions of being the same physical size of the F30 3er. It uses a set of four cylinder and one six cylinder engines to power it (V6) and it is available with a manual transmission.

We had a chance to spend a few moments with Tom Prevost, the interior designer of the ATS, on the show floor. The mix of materials in the interior looked good, especially the exposed stitching. They have a good mix of wood, leather and chrome (on real metal – not plastic, the heat transfer when hand touches metal is there), and it looks good.

While we haven’t had a chance to drive one, the specs read like an F30 3er. Five link rear, MacPherson struts up front, rear wheel drive (optional AWD), and a ZF electric power assisted steering rack (the same basic ZF unit that BMW uses). Weight balance is 50/50 and of course the Nurburgring is evoked when discussing suspension tuning. Oh and Brembo brakes all around.

The four cylinder options include a 2.0L Turbo with 270 HP, the V6 produces 318 HP. An ATS 28i and ATS 35i? The 2.0L Turbo delivers 135 bhp/liter, which is a lot of output per liter of displacement. Cadillac also did its due diligence to save weight using an aluminum hood, magnesium alloy engine mounts and elsewhere throughout the car.

The interior uses premium materials, the stitching details are real (not embossed, as on some premium pretenders). They use real wood and we got a pleasant surprise when we touched the metal trim. It felt cold, meaning it was real metal, not shiny plastic. The seats felt good, but not as firm as BMW’s. The The is a large navigation display in the center stack plus an interesting hideaway cubby hole behind the HVAC controls. You can stash your iPod/MP3 player behind it (there is a USB port at the rear of the compartment).

Tom Prevost mentioned that the ATS was seeking elegance in both interior and exterior design. He remarked that they are using premium materials and blending them harmoniously in the interior. It’s a sporting elegance (and the car we sat in was equipped the six speed manual gearbox, a Tremec unit).

It is a different approach than BMW and conforms to Cadillac’s Art & Science approach to design. We’ll have to wait to sample one before we pass judgment. But as some wise BMW spokesperson said to BMWBLOG this morning, ‘every time the competition compares itself to BMW, it strengthens the BMW brand.’

Of course, there are many new things to talk about when walking around the car’s exterior, and plenty new in the interior as well (in fact, the interior has made the largest departure from it’s respective predecessor yet). But what’s new with BMW’s 3 series? Are there any major steps taken in the design that really differentiate it from any 3 series before it?

From a distance, it appears not. The proportions are very much the same, and we’re thankful for that. The proportions of the 3 series struck a harmonic balance decades ago, and since then BMW has never put a foot wrong. From the iconic and still-loved E30 on, every successive 3 series has captured hearts with a different execution of a similar basic shape. Okay, it’s no 911; the sheet metal has been played with more creatively, but despite its constant growth the 3er continues to cling tightly to the family tree.

Step closer however, and the discerning eye will find three key design elements that are completely new. First of all and most obvious is the physical connection of the headlight fixture to the kidney grills. This “first ever” design execution adds a new spin to the classic double round headlight approach. It’s fresh, and in person, it adds an element of aggression to the front of the car, while not losing touch with its design roots. The continuity of the horizontal lines also emphasizes the cars width, which was one of the targets of the design team when sketching the new 3 series.

Next up would be the double character line found on the side of the new 3 series. The first, more traditional line originates near the top of the front wheel arch, stretching back to meet up with the rear tail lights, after transecting the door handles along the way. The new character line runs somewhat parallel to the former, but originates at the front headlight, swooping up at a more aggressive angle before meeting the bottom edge of the Hofmeister kink. This line is more subtle, but adds a lot of play to the light reflecting off of it. In essence, it parallels a tight shirt worn by a body builder, showing its flexed muscle.

Lastly, and the least noticeable, is a new rear diffuser incorporated into the aerodynamic design. It’s not a gaping diffuser borrowed from an F1 car, but it is functional, and for those who know, and appreciate this racy tech – it means a lot. It lends itself to more of those, stand back and admire moments when exiting the vehicle.

The rest of the 3 series is new – but think more evolution than revolution.

Stay tuned for more live coverage and several key interviews with BMW designers from the show floor at NAIAS, Detroit.

The base price of the 2012 328i Sedan is $34,900 and the 335i Sedan is $42,400. This represents a $300 and $350 base price increases versus the outgoing model.

The 3 Series now includes standards features such as 6.5” display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth connectivity, USB/iPod interface, 8-Speed Automatic Transmission, Automatic Start/Stop, Dynamic Driving Control with ECO PRO Mode, Brake Energy Regeneration, and a 1” standard wheel size increase.

The Modern Line (ZML) and Luxury Line (ZLL) will sell for an additional $2,100 for the 328i and $1,400 for the 335i model. The Sport Line (ZSL) will make you spend $2,500 for the 328i and $1,700 for 335i.

The M Sport Package will be available at launch time starting December 2012 and will bring the ultimate in sporting makeovers to the new BMW 3 Series. An all-new aerodynamic package for the exterior clearly sets cars specified with this package apart from the base model and the three lines.

Here is our first photo gallery from Detroit and stay tuned for more 3 Series coverage, including M-Sport package photos.

BMWBLOG team will be once again reporting live from the Cobo Center’s floors and with the largest team we have ever deployed at an auto show, we aim to take Detroit by surprise and deliver some of the most comprehensive BMW news we have ever published from an auto show.

As always, we will NOT only focus on BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce news, but also bring you some reports around the most interesting cars to be unveiled at this year’s international auto show, including the Cadillac responses to the 3 Series, ATS, or the future Audi Q3.

We will also have the opportunity to interview BMW executives and designers, including Adrian Van Hooydonk, Head of Design at BMW, who will talk to us about the brand’s current design language.

The main star at the BMW display is the new F30 3 Series, followed closely by our favorite, the ultimate sedan, F10 M5.

As usual, coverage will begin on our Twitter (twitter.com/bmwblog) and Facebook (facebook.com/bmwblog) accounts where we encourage you to join our thousands of friends that follow us:

Ad-hoc photos will be provided via Twitter and Facebook, with full high-res galleries following shortly.

Stay tuned!

GM aims to grab a significant share out of the midsize, premium luxury market, currently dominated by the 3 Series and C-Class from Mercedes.

“The gorilla in the room is the 3-Series,” Kurt McNeil, Cadillac’s vice president of sales, said for Bloomberg.

Cadillac ATS will be offered with both rear-wheel and all-drive options, and the company describes it at “nimble, fun and quick,” traits typical of a midsize, sport and luxurious car.

Industry experts also say the interior of  the ATS lives up to the expectations of a premium car.

Connecticut-based research firm, IHS Automotive, estimates that Cadillac will sell 15,000 of the ATS this year and 60,000 next year, including a coupe version that’s expected in 2013.

Stay tuned for exclusive coverage from the Detroit Auto Show, by following us on Twitter and Facebook as well.

[Source: Bloomberg ]

At the front, the 1 Series features a sportier look thanks to the redesigned front spoiler, a rear roof spoiler, a racing tailpipe trim and alloy wheels in 18 or 19 inches. For a more sporty driving performance, AC Schnitzer offers an optional spring kit.

The AC Schnitzer performance upgrades take the standard 118d from 143 to 171 horsepower, and the 120d from 184 to 210 horsepower.

Inside, the tuner brings their usual upgrades: aluminium “Black Line” gear knob, a gear knob with digital gear display, or an illuminated leather gear knob are available for the discerning BMW customer.

And that’s not all: the AC Schnitzer “Black Line” aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, aluminium handbrake handle with chrome details or fully in “Black Line”, aluminium foot rest and pedal set, and velours floor mats offer plenty of scope for customizing the interior.

There’s a similarly wide choice when it comes to filling the wheelarches in the 1 Series by AC Schnitzer. These can be customized – with corresponding tires – with the Type VIII forged alloys in BiColor, Type VIII rims in BiColor in 19 inch, or Type IV wheels in silver or BiColor in 18 and 19 inch.

See below the live photos from Essen!

Courtesy of BimmerToday we have the first live photos of the AC Schnitzer 6 Series Coupe.

The car sports a new aero kit with revised front air dams, front bumper lip spoiler, chrome grille integrated in the bumper, rear apron and rear spoiler, as well a new exhaust system with chrome tailpipes.

A set of Schnitzer suspension springs were fitted to the car, along with 21-inch alloy wheels and 295 mm wide tires on the rear axle,

In the power department, the AC Schnitzer 650i Coupe was tuned to output 533 horsepower and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft torque). This stage of the twin-turbocharged V8 found in the AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S and ACS6 AC Schnitzer Convertible The standard 650i Coupe produces 131 hp and 111 lb-ft of torque less than the AC Schnitzer upgrade.

AC Schnitzer the 6 Series Coupe will run from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds with a top speed of 325 km/h (202mph).

The old BMW M3 DTM was powered by a four-cylinder 2.5 liter engine producing 335 horsepower and reaching a top speed of 310 km/h. From o to 100 km/h, it took only 4.5 seconds.

BMW returns next year to DTM with the current E92 M3 model. The new BMW M3 DTM is equipped with 4.0 liter V8 engine which includes an air restrictor that keeps the power to approximately 480 bhp, per DTM regulations. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about three seconds and boasts a top speed of 300 km/h.

The car measures 4,775 mm in length (without rear wing) and 1,950 in width. The height is set to approximately 1,200 mm.

The DTM regulations for the 2012 season stipulate all cars must use a certain number of standard components. This is to guarantee that development costs remain reasonable and are considerably lower than in other top motorsport categories.

A total of six BMW M3 DTM race cars will be at the start line next year.

[Source: BimmerToday ]

Around this time of the year, Las Vegas revolves around cars and when it comes to car modding or tuning, anything goes here at SEMA. Some of the cars are clearly “overdone” while others still maintain a sense of decency.

This year, SEMA Show 2011 drew more than 60000 domestic and international buyers. The displays are segmented into 12 sections, and a New Products Showcase featured nearly 1,500 newly introduced parts, tools and components. In addition, the SEMA Show provides attendees with educational seminars, product demonstrations, special events, networking opportunities.

2011 SEMA Show told us that trucks are in huge supply, as are sports cars, lowriders, hardparkers, luxobarges, drift machines, and lots of bling.

BMW M will take part for the first in the event, and while it won’t bring its full M line-up, the company will showcase its line of performance accessories. BMW M will include a variety of factory-tuned and customized models with numerous performance parts including the 1 Series, 3 Series, X5, X6 M3, X5 M and X6 M.

To make things even more exciting for the fans, a driving simulator will be installed allowing everyone to test their driving skills aboard the M3 Coupe. The winner gets a “rookie workout” in a Formula BMW race car.

Essen Motor Show takes place in Germany from November 26 to December 4.

We have also walked the floors to look at the competition, as well as other public debuts. The organizers of the LA Show promised 50 debuts, among which were 17 world premieres. VW, Mercedes, BMW, GM Ford, Chrysler, Honda (CR-V), Mazda CX-5, Subaru, Kia and Hyundai were presenting new or refreshed models.

Porsche brought out the 911 Carrera S, Mercedes-Benz showed the 2012 ML63 AMG, the 2013 Cadillac XTS was another star of the show, 2012 Audi A6 made its US debut, Jaguar introduced the beautiful Jaguar XKR-S Convertible and C-X16 Concept, while Kia surprised everyone, in a good way, with their GT Concept.

Public days run from Friday, November 18 through Sunday, November 27 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Tickets for adults are $12, while kids under 12 get in free. There’s plenty of parking at the convention center, but prepare for more crowded lots on the 19th and 26th, as the L.A. Kings have home games on those dates at the adjacent Staples Center.

For now, enjoy the photo gallery!

Initially previewed by the Vision EfficientDynamics (Vision ED) concept back in 2009, the super-sporty two-door i8 has already undergone two years of intensive development. The major change is a new 1.5 liter petrol engine replacing the initial diesel unit of same capacity. The engine is mounted at the rear and drives via a dual-clutch gearbox.

The i8 Concept combines the advantages of two different drive systems – an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. The electric motor is not a secondary power source, but rather an equal partner of the internal combustion engine.

The weight of 1480kg is the equivalent to a power-to-weight ratio of 236 horsepower per 1000 kilograms.

BMW i8 measures 4632mm in length, 1955mm in width and 1280mm in height, comparable to the 3 Series coupe in dimensions. A 0-100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration time comes under five seconds, with a combined fuel consumption in the European test cycle of less than 3 litres/100 km (approx. 94 mpg imp) and average real fuel consumption of between five and seven litres (40 – 56 mpg imp).

The BMW i3 provides four adult occupants with excellent all-round visibility, as well as an impressive 200 liters of luggage space behind the rear seats. At 3845mm in length, 2011mm in width and 1537mm in height, the five-door i3 is 120mm longer, 326mm wider and 132mm higher than the Mini One.

The plug-in system is a compact electric motor mounted over the rear axle. It draws energy from the battery to provide drive to the rear wheels via a single-speed transmission. The i3 will be offered with an optional range extender powertrain (called REx) to satisfy those with longer commutes.

The i3 uses an electric motor over the rear axle generating an output of 125 kW/170 hp and impressive torque of 250 Nm (184 lb-ft). BMW i3 Concept accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h (37 mph) in under four seconds and from still to 100 km/h (62 mph) in less than eight seconds. The electric vehicle has a driving range between 85 and 100 miles on a single charge.

BMW will launch the i3 “city vehicle” in 2013, followed a year later by the premium hybrid sportscar.