Newscarspro: Car News

New BMW 3 Series and 5 Series Sedan M Performance Parts Announced

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BMW released a second wave of M Performance Parts for 2012-'13 3 Series and 2011-'13 5 Series sedans.

Parts include exterior, chassis and interior components.

The OEM modifications are available now at BMW dealerships.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, New Jersey — BMW released a second set of M Performance Parts for 2012-'13 3 Series and 2011-'13 5 Series sedans. They are available now at BMW's U.S. dealerships.

The first set debuted in May. This next wave includes exterior, chassis and interior performance components.

Starting with 3 Series aesthetics, the Bavarian automaker is offering a front splitter, rocker panel blades, carbon-fiber or black rear spoiler, diffuser, and side stripes as well as an M Sport retrofit kit for cars not equipped with that option.

A rear diffuser is available for 528i, 535i and 550i models and is joined by a carbon-fiber front splitter in early 2013. A 5 Series M Sport retrofit kit will also be available.

The 3 Series interior additions include a stainless steel footrest, floor mats, carbon-fiber parking brake handle and an electronic steering wheel. The flat-bottom, Alcantara steering wheel is available for automatic, sport automatic and six-speed manual variants, and gives drivers three different driving modes: Sport, Race and EfficientDynamics. Fuel economy and average speed data is provided in EfficientDynamics mode, while acceleration times and LED shift lights are some of the available features in Race and Sport modes.

A non-electronic steering wheel is offered in the 5 Series and a carbon-fiber trim package is also available solely for the midsize sedan.

A 3 Series spring kit lowers the ride height by 0.4 inch compared to M Sport models and 0.8 inch next to the standard setup, and BMW is selling a Brembo big-brake kit with four-piston front and two-piston rear aluminum calipers as well.

Those looking for more performance can follow up the increase in stopping power with a stainless steel exhaust available for 328i, 335i and 535i models.

BMW rounds out the list of M Performance Parts with lightweight 20-inch V-spoke wheels for the 5 Series and 20-inch double-spoke bi-color forged alloy for its compact sibling. The 5 Series dubs are wrapped in 245/35 front and 275/30 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050 A run-flats, while the 3 Series gets Pirelli P Zero performance rubber, sized 225/35 in the front and 255/30 in back.

M Performance Parts are currently at dealerships, and pricing is available on BMW's accessory parts Web site.

Edmunds says: BMW just lengthened the holiday gift lists of some 3 and 5 Series owners by a few fun items.

BMW and Boeing Collaborate on Carbon Fiber for Cars, Planes

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In an unlikely partnership, BMW and Boeing on Wednesday announced that they will collaborate on developing the use of carbon fiber in cars and planes.

BMW said in a statement that the two companies will participate in joint research for carbon fiber recycling and share manufacturing knowledge, along with automation opportunities.

The 2014 BMW i3 will be one of the first BMW cars with a carbon passenger cell, the automaker noted.

MUNICH, Germany — In an unlikely partnership, BMW and Boeing on Wednesday announced that they will collaborate on developing the use of carbon fiber in cars and planes.

BMW said in a statement that the two companies will participate in joint research for carbon fiber recycling and share manufacturing knowledge, along with automation opportunities.

The 2014 BMW i3 will be one of the first BMW cars with a carbon passenger cell, the automaker noted, followed later by the BMW i8. The BMW i3 is set to go on sale in late 2013. Boeing's 787 Dreamliner is made up of 50 percent carbon fiber material.

As part of its SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers joint venture, the BMW Group has built a new carbon fiber plant in Moses Lake, Washington.

Edmunds says: Carbon fiber is lighter than aluminum and steel. It will give automakers like BMW an advantage when it comes to boosting fuel economy and cutting vehicle weight.

2013 BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition Honors Racing Achievement Review

Just the Facts:

The 2013 BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition, which celebrates the German automaker's successful return to the European-based sedan racing series, will be sold in international markets.

The special-edition M3 starts at the U.S. equivalent of $129,331.

Only 54 units will be sold.

MUNICH, Germany — The 2013 BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition, which celebrates the German automaker's successful return to the European-based sedan racing series, will be sold in international markets.

The special-edition M3 starts at the U.S. equivalent of $129,331. A limited run of just 54 units will be produced.

BMW Motorsport returned to the DTM — which has been called "NASCAR with a German accent" — after an almost 20-year hiatus. Canadian driver Bruno Spengler won the drivers' title, BMW Team Schnitzer finished in the top spot in the standings and BMW claimed the manufacturer's honors.

The special-edition M3 is decked out in Frozen Black metallic exterior paint and is designed to look like Spengler's racecar. Other details include dark chrome trim and matte black wheels. A BMW M stripe dresses up the roof and trunk lid.

The door sill strips are said to replicate Spengler's helmet design. The package also includes the professional navigation system, M Drive, heated seats and park distance control.

Buyers get an unusual perk — a chance to attend the BMW M Fascination Nordschleife driver-training course under the guidance of Spengler.

Edmunds says: The perfect BMW for fans of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters.

BMW 4 Series Coupe Previewed

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BMW's Concept 4 Series Coupe previews next year's successor to the 3 Series two-door.

Production starts in the spring.

The new 4 Series also adds convertible and M4 variants.

MUNICH, Germany — BMW's Concept 4 Series Coupe is a near-production-ready peek at next year's successor to the 3 Series two-door.

While technical details remain scant, BMW has confirmed it will continue with its tradition of giving odd number names to sedans and even ones to two-door models. The company has decided to split the coupe and convertible from the 3 Series range and rechristen them under the new 4 Series rubric.

In concept form, the new 4 Series still looks pretty much like its four-door 3 Series sib, with a few flashy details as satin-finish aluminum bumpers and trim, plus twin circular LED headlamps.

The Concept 4 Series Coupe measures 182.7 inches long and rides on a wheelbase that's been stretched 2 inches. The car is also lower and wider, with track increased by 1.8 inches in front and 3.2 inches at the rear.
The concept sports an oversize air intake in the front apron, as well as vents behind the front wheels. The exterior has been painted Liquid Metal Silver, accented with 20-inch multispoke alloy wheels and twin exhaust pipes.

The four-place cockpit of the Concept 4 Series Coupe was developed by BMW Individual and features two-tone black and Schiaparelli brown leather trim and surfaces with contrast stitching and hand-braided leather trim.

BMW is also planning convertible, M4 and Gran Coupe additions to the 4 Series range.

Edmunds says: Giving the 3 Series coupe its own name opens up the door for several new model variations that BMW is sure to take advantage of in the not-too-distant future.

BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo Spy Photos

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Future BMW 3 Series GT is caught undisguised during a photo shoot.

BMW is following up on the success of the larger 5 Series GT.

The new hatchback will debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show.

LOS ANGELES — After months of heavily disguised prototypes, the 2014 BMW 3 Series GT has finally been caught undisguised and it's better than expected.

Unlike the ungainly BMW 5 Series GT, the 3 Series Gran Turismo is sleeker and less blocky, with a Hofmeister kink that looks to be pulled from the X6. Still, this not-quite-a-wagon/not-quite-a-hatchback compromise leaves, visually, something to be desired.

During a promotional shoot, our photographer saw both the standard 3 Series GT (brown) and the hotter 3 Series GT M Sport.

Anyone who's paid any attention to BMW in the last decade knows what kind of power these hatchy wagons will have. There will be a base 328i utilizing a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and a 335i with BMW's slick turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 with or without BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive. An ActiveHybrid and a diesel are less likely, but possible.

On a 2013 BMW 3 Series sedan, the M Sport line includes 18-inch, staggered-width rims with performance tires, sport seats, different interior trims, an M steering wheel and an increased top-speed limiter, and there's no reason to assume this one will be very different.

Previously we'd heard that BMW was set to release this in-between-sized 3 Series at the Paris auto show, but now we're banking on a 2013 Geneva Auto Show debut this spring.

The 5 Series GT has never been a hit — visually or dynamically — with enthusiasts, but sales and customer input were strong enough to warrant a smaller version. The 3 Series Wagon has been hamstrung by BMW from day one, failing to offer the strong motor. That option alone could make a case for enthusiasts to get behind the 3 Series GT in the U.S.

Edmunds says: This could be the wagon alternative that BMW has been searching for to snag U.S. buyers who want extra room, but don't want an SUV.

Rear-Drive BMW EV Coming to U.S. in Early 2014

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The production version of the i3 Concept Coupe unveiled at the Los Angeles auto show will be in U.S. showrooms in early 2014, a BMW spokesperson told Edmunds today.

Production of the electric car starts in Germany in late 2013 and its passenger "cell" will be made up of carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) manufactured in Washington state.

That same U.S. carbon-fiber manufacturing facility will provide material for the body and chassis of the production version of the outrageous i8 plug-in hybrid concept.

LOS ANGELES — Even before the debuts of its i3 and i8 concepts at last year's Frankfurt auto show, BMW was talking about various salient elements of its electrified-vehicles strategy. But after what seems a lengthy period of discussion, the rubber meets the road in 2014, when a production version of the i3 Concept Coupe unveiled at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show hits BMW's U.S. showrooms.

A BMW source told Edmunds at the show that a production version of the rear-drive i3 concept — will it be the latest Coupe or the four-door i3? — will begin manufacturing at BMW's plant in Leipzig, Germany, beginning in late 2013 and will be in the U.S. early the following year.

Although it has two fewer doors, the newly revealed i3 Concept Coupe has the same 101.2-inch wheelbase as the first i3 concept car. BMW said the original i3 concept weighed less than 2,800 pounds.

BMW said the i3 Concept Coupe has a range of 100 miles from its lithium-ion battery pack, but leverages the interconnected nature of the navigation system and BMW's networked communications to continually provide a "dynamic" estimate of remaining driving range.

The network will continually update the car about traffic conditions or other factors that might affect range; if a destination has been input into the navigation unit, the system also will take into account such factors as topography along the route. The hope seems to be that such real-time calculations will help alleviate the range anxiety that presumably preys on the mind of all potential buyers of electric vehicles.

Edmunds says: Whether the i3 Concept Coupe represents your idea of what a new-age BMW should look like, you've gotta be encouraged that this electric car is a rear-driver.

Up to 20 Models Could Be Developed From New BMW Front-Drive Platform

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The front-wheel-drive platform underpinning the BMW Concept Active Tourer could spawn as many as 20 new models, BMW told Edmunds.

At this point, 10 to 12 of the new models have been approved, as BMW notes that the small-car premium segment will grow faster than other segments.

The front-drive Concept Active Tourer platform is known as ULK1 for "Unter Klasse" or entry level.

LONDON — The front-wheel-drive platform underpinning the BMW Concept Active Tourer could spawn as many as 20 new models, BMW told Edmunds.

At this point, 10 to 12 of the new models have been approved, as BMW notes that the small-car premium segment will grow faster than other segments. Names of the models and launch dates have not been revealed.

The front-drive Concept Active Tourer platform is known as ULK1 for "Unter Klasse" or entry level. BMW shook up the 2012 Paris Auto Show with the debut of the Concept Active Tourer, a front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid with a new TwinPower Turbo 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, electric motor and lithium-ion battery.

BMW, which has staked much of its reputation on rear-wheel drive, said the Concept Active Tourer "presents a drive concept which is new to the BMW brand." The radical concept seemed to stand in stark contrast to BMW's adherence to rear-wheel drive in much of its lineup, except for four-wheel-drive offerings.

Ian Robertson, BMW's board member for sales and marketing, disclosed the multi-model plans for the front-wheel-drive platform.

Robertson said the decision to develop so many models had been taken "because the small-car segment will grow faster than other segments." Robertson says the company is also confident that "the premium segment will grow faster than the mass-market sector."

The Concept Active Tourer platform is being developed with two wheelbases, the longer providing the basis of a new front-drive BMW range that will complement the 1 Series, the shorter platform the basis for the next generation of Minis.

Combining the core mechanicals of two model ranges affords BMW much greater economies of scale, and is a key part of the group's aim of selling 2 million vehicles annually. Its 1.5-liter three-cylinder is part of a brand new modular engine family, code named B38. The family will eventually include four- and six-cylinder power units fueled by gasoline and diesel and feature parts-commonality of up to 60 percent.

Edmunds says: BMW's front-drive platform strategy should strengthen the financial fundamentals of its Mini brand besides boosting the marque's presence in the small-car market.

BMW Museum Lets Guests Stroke Most Valuable Cars at Special Event

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The BMW Museum is hosting an event that lets visitors stroke 125 of its most valuable automobiles, motorcycles and engines at the BMW Museum at "Night of the White Gloves" on November 23.

The gathering highlights the 25th anniversary of the BMW Z1 sports car, which was first unveiled at the 1988 Frankfurt Auto Show.

Others that can be touched include a BMW Mille Miglia 328, an Elvis-era 507 and M supercars.

MUNICH, Germany — BMW is letting visitors get a feel for the brand's history at "Night of the White Gloves" November 23, where guests will don white gloves to fondle 125 of the BMW Museum's most valuable automobiles, motorcycles and engines.
"Normally that's a big no-no, which you ignore at your peril," said BMW in a statement. "But as we all know, forbidden fruit is the sweetest."

The touchy-feely gathering highlights the 25th anniversary of the BMW Z1 sports car, which was first unveiled at the 1988 Frankfurt Auto Show. Others ready to be stroked include a BMW Mille Miglia 328, an Elvis-era 507 and M supercars.

BMW is bringing in other luxury-minded businesses as well, including Munich-based Roeckl, which will offer guests an education on manufacturing high-quality leather gloves, a tip to some of BMW's leather-lined steering wheels. The Steinway company will create an exhibit in the shape of a bright-red grand piano.

Light manufacturer Osram has completed "Dandelion," an installation in the BMW Museum. It consists of 1,000 organic light-emitting diodes, or OLEDs. Like its sibling the LED, an OLED is a semiconductor that converts electrical energy into optical lighting. It will remain at the museum until the end of January 2013.

Edmunds says: Feeling is believing, BMW hopes.

BMWs of Future 2025 Previewed

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The BMWs of 2025 may feature "instant gratification" car-sharing clubs, interactive windshields and technology that can clean the air outside of the vehicle.

The unusual features, which are ideas generated by a BMW and Local Motors contest, highlight the "human driving experience."

The 1st-place prize in the contest went to BMW Reward Me, a car-sharing club that allows drivers to earn points and redeem rewards.

MUNICH, Germany — The BMWs of 2025 may feature "instant gratification" car-sharing clubs, interactive windshields and technology that can clean the air outside of the vehicle. The unusual features, which are ideas generated by a BMW and Local Motors contest, highlight the "human driving experience."
The 1st-place prize in the contest went to BMW Reward Me, a car-sharing club that allows drivers to earn points and redeem rewards.

The BMW and Local Motors "Urban Driving Experience Challenge" asked participants to come up with a vehicle feature or function that would define urban driving in 2025.

The BMW Reward Me is the brainchild of Anthony Franze of Adelaide, Australia.

The idea combines car sharing with a reward system that would appeal to a new generation of users that have grown up with a need for "instant gratification and rewards." The program allows drivers to earn points while driving, that can be used to upgrade membership levels and redeem rewards, almost paralleling a video game. Points would be gained by taking eco-friendly routes or picking up and delivering a package along the route.

The BMW Vision BreathFree concept from Washington's Kevin Lo won 2nd prize. The concept is a regenerative carbon-dioxide removal system. The technology would use carbon filtration and catalysts to convert ozone to oxygen, essentially cleaning the air inside and outside of the vehicle. The creator says the system is similar to technology used in the International Space Station.

The BMW Eye-3 concept from Guillaume Coolen of Tokyo won 3rd prize. Eye-3 essentially is an interactive windshield with intelligent sensors that aid in driving safety. The windshield would have capabilities like dimming distracting bright lights in front of the driver and changing color depending on the status of the approaching traffic light. In other words, the windshield turns green for a green light, thus aiding the driver.

Edmunds says: An innovative contest that spurred some plausible ideas for future vehicle design.

BMW Building Two-Man Bobsled for Team USA

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BMW is developing a new two-man bobsled for Team USA for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

The current bobsled design is more than 20 years old and Team USA hasn't won a two-man gold medal in the Olympics since 1936.

Bobsled design isn't that much different from car design, said BMW, since both focus on "agility, speed and aerodynamics."

WOODCLIFF LAKE, New Jersey — BMW of North America announced that it is designing a two-man bobsled for Team USA for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

The current bobsled design is more than 20 years old and Team USA hasn't won a two-man gold medal in the Olympics since 1936.

Bobsled design isn't that much different from car design, said BMW, since both focus on "agility, speed and aerodynamics."

BMW is the Official Mobility Partner of the United States Olympic Committee and is building the sled in collaboration with the USA Bobsled & Skeleton Federation (USBSF).

The sled has been in the making for over a year, and a prototype has already been delivered to USBSF.
Throughout the upcoming year, the team will refine the sled technology with help from engineers at BMW
Group DesignworksUSA.

"By bringing BMW in to provide its expertise, we see an opportunity to close an equipment gap between Team USA and countries that have historically led Olympic two-man bobsled competition," said Darrin Steele, chief executive officer of USBSF, in a statement on Wednesday.

Similar to building a racecar, there are specific design requirements to building an Olympic bobsled, and BMW says that it applied its EfficientDynamics technology to the sled plan.

The 2014 Olympic Winter Games will occur in Sochi, Russia with the opening ceremony on February 7, 2014.

Edmunds says: BMW aims to build the ultimate bobsled.

Ford Experiments With In-Car Sensors To Predict Driver Behavior, Cut Stress

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Ford predicts that in-car sensors will be the next big thing in vehicles.

Biometric sensors will measure the stress level of the driver and help to personalize driver-assist technologies, the automaker said.

The 2013 Ford Fusion previews the future, with 74 sensors that "can monitor the perimeter around the car and see into places that are not readily visible from the driver's seat," Ford said.

DEARBORN, Michigan — Ford predicts that in-car sensors will be the next big thing in vehicles.
Biometric sensors will measure the stress level of the driver and help to personalize driver-assist technologies, the automaker said.

The 2013 Ford Fusion previews the future, with 74 sensors that "can monitor the perimeter around the car and see into places that are not readily visible from the driver's seat," Ford said.

"Fusion features an unprecedented level of sensors for its driver-assist technologies," said Paul Mascarenas, Ford's chief technical officer, in a statement.

Ford said it is researching the use of real-time sensor data — both radar and camera-based — that can help to evaluate external factors affecting driver attention, such as traffic congestion. The real-time sensor data can cut potential distractions, such as an incoming phone call.

Ford researchers are also looking at ways to predict driver behavior to "help optimize and configure vehicle controls for improved performance such as better energy management," the automaker said.

The automaker is also experimenting with "advanced machine learning." This technology is previewed in EV+, a feature found in the 2013 Ford Fusion and C-Max Energi plug-in hybrids. It "learns" typical locations of charging and then "automatically maximizes electric-only driving mode when nearing those locations," the automaker noted.

Edmunds says: Your Ford vehicle keeps getting smarter and smarter. But does that give you comfort or concern?

Rare 1961 Ford Gyron Model Fetches $40,000 at Auction

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A rare "presentation" model of the 1961 Ford Gyron fetched $40,000 at a December auction, commanding nearly four times its estimate.

The futuristic concept car debuted at the 1961 New York Auto Show and featured two wheels mounted along the car's centerline and a gyroscope for stability.

The car was never produced because the cost of the gyroscope was "prohibitive," according to Wright auction house.

CHICAGO — A rare "presentation" model of the 1961 Ford Gyron fetched $40,000 at a December auction, commanding nearly four times its estimate.

The buyer was not identified. The model was estimated to fetch $10,000-$15,000 and belonged to Joe Oros, the chief designer of the original Ford Mustang.

The futuristic concept car debuted at the 1961 New York Auto Show and featured two wheels mounted along the car's centerline and a gyroscope for stability. Wright auction house noted in a statement that the full-size Gyron was destroyed in a fire at the Ford Rotunda in 1962 in Dearborn, Michigan.

The car was never produced because the cost of the gyroscope was "prohibitive," according to Wright.

The Gyron predicted the advent of satellite navigation systems, car phones and automated highways. It also featured foot pedals for the driver and passenger to share in the operation of the vehicle.

The Gyron concept was conceived by designer Alex Tremulis, the man who also crafted the Tucker, a rear-engine sedan with a Cyclops Eye — a third headlight — that has become the stuff of automotive folklore.

Edmunds says: It may have only been a scale model, but the Ford Gyron at auction is a significant piece of American automotive history.

Unique Ford GT40 Race Set for Goodwood Revival

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A groundbreaking one-model race for classic Ford GT40s is set for the 2013 Goodwood Revival in the United Kingdom next September.

The dedicated race marks the 50th anniversary of the genesis of the Ford GT40 program.

The race grid is to feature up to 30 significant and authentic GT40s — a feat that has never been accomplished before.

GOODWOOD, United Kingdom — A groundbreaking one-model race for classic Ford GT40s will be one of the highlights of the Goodwood Revival next September here.

The Whitsun Trophy race for the 2013 Goodwood Revival on September 13-15 will mark 50 years since the start of the Ford GT40 program and Goodwood, true to form, is planning something pretty special.
"The plan for the GT40-only race at next September's Goodwood Revival is to have a full grid, meaning up to 30 GT40s competing in total," said Gary Axon, a Goodwood spokesman. "This has never been achieved before, and should be something quite exceptional."

Although the Ford GT40 program didn't begin on the track until 1964, work on the car started a year earlier with the development of Eric Broadley's Lola Mk6 GT in England.

After Ford had planned to buy Ferrari and was snubbed by Enzo Ferrari at the last minute, the GT40 was created by an incensed Henry Ford II specifically to take on and beat Ferrari at Le Mans.

This it ultimately achieved, winning the famous 24 Hours race four years running between 1966-'69.

This year at the Goodwood Revival, the organizers set up a stellar reunion between the prewar German "Silver Arrows" — Mercedes-Benz versus Auto Union — for the first time since 1939 and many were wondering how on earth Goodwood could ever top that.

By coming up with this unique Ford GT40 race, Goodwood has successfully answered that question, in style.

Edmunds says: Goodwood turns on the magic again with this exceptional Ford GT40 race.

Here's How To Lose 17 MPG Off Your EPA Rating

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Ford product development boss says recent issues with vehicles underperforming fuel economy ratings could suggest new scrutiny is needed for the EPA's fuel economy testing.

How fast you drive, in what temperatures you drive and the "newness" of your engine all can have a major influence on your observed fuel economy.

Ford wants to be "open" with customers regarding why your mileage may vary.

DETROIT — "Your mileage may vary" has become an iconic cultural phrase to explain just about anything that doesn't exactly meet your expectations.

But the root cause — vehicle fuel economy rarely meeting the Environmental Protection Agency-generated figures prominently advertised on the sticker — quickly is losing it whimsy. Car buyers suddenly give a crap about fuel efficiency, and not achieving the "rated" figures isn't a shoulder-shrug joke anymore, as consumers begin to reflect escalating anger at being hoodwinked by new vehicle fuel economy ratings.

Close on the heels of South Korean brands Hyundai and Kia being publicly slapped down because the companies didn't follow EPA testing procedures and 13 of their models' lofty fuel economy figures had to be restated, Ford found itself in a dust-up with consumers regarding its widely boasted ratings of 47 mpg in city, highway and combined economy for its 2013 C-Max and Fusion Hybrid models.

At a media event last week, Raj Nair, Ford's vice president for global product development, attempted to get in front of the issue by saying the recent developments could suggest the EPA once again may need to revisit its fuel economy testing procedures to ascertain if the tests are out of sync with real-world driving. The last time the EPA revised its Federal Test Procedure was for the 2008 model year.

"We want to be open (with the public) about fuel economy," Nair said, adding, "We're working closely with the EPA to determine if test changes are necessary."

Nobody's saying Ford didn't properly conduct its testing — but some C-Max and Fusion Hybrid owners nonetheless have howled about not coming close to the 47-mpg rating and the EPA quickly said it wanted to look into the situation. It could be that hybrids and other electrified vehicles are particularly misrepresented by the current Federal Test Procedure (FTP), which the EPA said is only slightly modified for advanced-powertrain vehicles. The EPA subsequently would not tell The Wall Street Journal if the agency is talking with automakers about revisions to the FTP.

Meantime, Nair spit out some interesting figures to help explain why your real-world fuel economy can really suffer. Most of this you probably already have heard, but Nair quantified with real numbers — although he didn't specifically say to what kind of vehicle the following applies:

Drive 75 mph instead of 65 mph: lose 7 mpg.
Drive in 40-degree weather instead of 70-degree warmth: lose 5 mpg.
A new engine with "break-in" mileage of less than 6,000 miles: lose 5 mpg.

Edmunds says:

Feds Upgrade Probe Into Pedal Entrapment in Ford Vehicles

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NHTSA said it is upgrading an investigation into Ford vehicles, including the 2008-'10 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ, for pedal entrapment problems related to unsecured or double stacked floor mats.

The upgraded investigation now covers an estimated 480,000 Ford vehicles.

"We were disappointed by NHTSA's upgrade of this investigation," Ford told Edmunds on Monday.

WASHINGTON — The National Highway Safety Administration said it is upgrading an investigation into Ford vehicles, including the 2008-'10 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ, for pedal entrapment problems related to unsecured or double stacked floor mats.

The upgraded investigation now covers an estimated 480,000 Ford vehicles. The initial probe began in May 201 and covered 249,301 2010 Ford Fusions and Mercury Milans. It now covers the 2008-'10 Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln MKZ.

"The accelerator pedal may fail to return to idle due to interference created by unsecured or double stacked floor mats in the driver's foot well," said NHTSA in its summary of the defect investigation.
It added: "A heel blocker in the floor pan provides a platform that may lift an unsecured mat into contact with the pedal."

Ford said it does not agree with NHTSA's action.
"We were disappointed by NHTSA's upgrade of this investigation, particularly since the condition under investigation relates to improperly installed, unsecured or double stacked floor mats, but we will continue to cooperate fully with the agency through this process," Ford told Edmunds on Monday.

The automaker noted that Ford's all-weather floor mats "have instructions printed on the top of the driver's mat telling owners not to stack them. The driver's mat says: Do Not Place On Top of Existing Floor Mats."
Ford said it is not aware of any customer complaints when Ford all-weather floor mats were installed and secured properly.

"The agency has received 16 customer complaints that they have attributed to this subject, although they have received only one complaint within the past 16 months, and none of these reports involve any accidents or injuries," said Ford.

NHTSA said 52 complaints have been attributed to this problem. There are no accidents, injuries or fatalities linked to the probe.

NHTSA said the incidents typically occur following hard pedal applications to pass slower traffic or when merging into faster traffic.

"Drivers allege continued high engine power after releasing the accelerator pedal and difficulty braking, including reports that the incident was controlled by shifting to neutral or turning the engine off," NHTSA said.

NHTSA's probe has been upgraded into what is called an "engineering analysis." Such a move sometimes leads to a vehicle recall.

Edmunds says: There is not much that consumers can do at this point, except to make sure they have properly attached floor mats in the aforementioned vehicles and wait for the federal safety regulators to complete their investigation.

President George W. Bush's Ford F-150 To Cross Auction Block

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A 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch 4x4 SuperCrew pickup truck owned and driven by former President George W. Bush will cross the auction block on January 19 to benefit American veterans.

The truck features President Bush's autograph in the cabin and a copy of a video showing him driving it around his ranch in Crawford, Texas.

Proceeds from the sale of the truck will benefit the Fisher House Foundation, which donates "comfort homes" built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers.

SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — A 2009 Ford F-150 King Ranch 4x4 SuperCrew pickup truck owned and driven by former President George W. Bush will cross the auction block on January 19 to benefit American veterans. The truck is part of the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction next month.

"I haven't driven on a street in many, many years, but I have been able to drive this truck on my ranch," said President Bush in a statement.

The F-150 truck was used by Bush at his Prairie Chapel Ranch in Crawford, Texas. It is equipped with a 310-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 engine and has an 11,200-pound towing capacity.

Barrett-Jackson calls it "a unique opportunity to own a piece of presidential automotive history." It has not put a price tag on the truck.

The truck features President Bush's autograph in the cabin and a copy of a video showing him driving it around his ranch.

Proceeds from the sale of the truck will benefit the Fisher House Foundation, which donates "comfort homes" built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers.

"These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times — during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease or injury," said Fisher House Foundation on its Web site.

Edmunds says: A truck with presidential provenance and an auction for a good cause sounds like an unbeatable combination.

Ford Touts Lower Repair Costs of 2013 Ford Fusion

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Ford is projecting that low-speed, rear-impact repair costs for the 2013 Ford Fusion will be lower than for the outgoing model.

Ford said the 2013 Fusion saves $267 in repair costs to replace the rear bumper cover and panel assembly on its rear deck lid versus the 2012 Fusion.

The company said about 19 percent of Fusion crashes involve a rear impact.

DEARBORN, Michigan — Ford is projecting that low-speed, rear-impact repair costs for the 2013 Ford Fusion will be lower than for the outgoing model.

Ford said the 2013 Fusion saves $267 in repair costs to replace the rear bumper cover and panel assembly on its rear deck lid versus the 2012 Fusion. The Thursday statement is noteworthy in that major automakers generally don't tout the repair costs of vehicles as a key selling point.

Ford attributed the lower repair cost on the 2013 Fusion to a "new deck lid integration panel."
The company said about 19 percent of Fusion crashes result in a rear impact. It also gushed about the redesigned Fusion's "beautiful rear end."

"Ford anticipates 2013 Fusion low-speed rear-end repair costs to be 3 percent lower than Toyota Camry and 27 percent cheaper than Nissan Maxima," Ford said in a statement posted on its Web site. "Rear-end costs are more significant than other body parts for replacement because they are most likely to need to be replaced. Statistically, rear-end collisions are among the most frequent accidents."

However, outside analysts that track such things as auto repair costs, such as CarMD.com, have yet to weigh in on Ford's claims.

Earlier this year, CarMD.com named Toyota as the No. 1 manufacturer in the U.S., based on a ranking derived from the fewest percentage of "check engine-related" problems and the lowest average repair cost. The study noted: "Domestic manufacturers dropped out of the top five, with Ford moving from No. 4 to No. 9 and GM dropping from No. 5 to No. 8."

CarMD.com pegged the average vehicle repair cost in the U.S. at $340.96.

Edmunds says: Ford tries an unusual approach in pitching the 2013 Fusion — but is this something that will make or break a deal in the minds of most car shoppers?

Car of the Year Finalists: Ford Fusion, Cadillac ATS, Honda Accord

Just the Facts:

The 2013 Ford Fusion, Cadillac ATS and Honda Accord were picked as finalists on Wednesday for the 2013 North American Car of the Year.

The 2013 North American Truck/Utility finalists are the 2013 Ford C-Max, Mazda CX-5 and Ram 1500.

The winner will be announced on January 14 at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

DETROIT — The 2013 Ford Fusion, Cadillac ATS and Honda Accord were picked as finalists on Wednesday for the 2013 North American Car of the Year.

The 2013 North American Truck/Utility finalists are the 2013 Ford C-Max, Mazda CX-5 and Ram 1500.
The winner will be announced on January 14 at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

The Fusion, Accord and ATS beat out the BMW 3 Series, Chevrolet Malibu, Dodge Dart, Lincoln MKZ, Nissan Altima, Scion FR-S, Subaru BRZ and Toyota Avalon for the top three slots in the car category.

The C-Max, CX-5 and Ram 1500 beat out the Acura RDX, Audi Allroad, BMW X1, Ford Escape,
Hyundai Santa Fe, Infiniti JX35 and Nissan Pathfinder for the top three slots in the truck/utility category.

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra was the 2012 North American Car of the Year and the 2012 Land Rover Range Rover Evoque was the 2012 North American Truck of the Year.

The awards are given by a coalition of auto journalists from the U.S. and Canada. The vehicles are judged in several areas, including design, safety, handling and value. This is the 20th year of the awards.

Domestic automakers have won North American Car of the Year 10 times and North American Truck of the Year 12 times.

Edmunds says: Time to get that office pool revved up.

James Bond's Aston Martin DBS Hits Auction Block for Charity

Just the Facts:

The 2008 Aston Martin DBS used in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace will be the highlight of an auction that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the spy movies.

Christie's estimates the special Aston Martin will fetch between $160,000 and $240,000.

Proceeds from the auction will be donated to 12 different charities.

LONDON — The 2008 Aston Martin DBS used in the James Bond film Quantum of Solace will be the highlight of an auction that celebrates the 50th anniversary of the spy movies.

Christie's estimates the special Aston Martin will fetch between $160,000 and $240,000. The auction house will be offering 40 different pieces of Bond memorabilia for sale, including a replica BMW Z8 roadster
featured in The World Is Not Enough. The swimming trunks worn by actor Daniel Craig in Casino Royale will also be up for auction, along with the silk wrap dress Halle Berry wore in Die Another Day.

The Aston Martin DBS was one of seven stunt cars to survive the action flick's filming, and was personally piloted by Craig in his role as James Bond.

"The Aston Martin DBS plays a dramatic role in the opening sequence of the film in which Bond skillfully navigates winding roads in a high-speed car chase in Italy," said Christie's in a statement.

The car comes in Quantum Silver with a black interior, and all the standard DBS features like a
510-horsepower 6.0-liter V12 engine, six-speed manual gearbox and carbon-fiber trim. It carried an original price tag of $265,000.

The auction takes place online between September 28 and October 8. Proceeds will benefit 12 different charities.

Edmunds says: One of the Aston Martins used in Quantum of Solace ended up in a lake. This one looks to be in great condition, however.

Redesigned 2013 Aston Martin DB9 Gets Price Cut, More Power

Just the Facts:

The redesigned 2013 Aston Martin DB9 starts at $187,515, including a $2,115 destination charge and a $2,100 gas-guzzler tax, reflecting a $4,515 price cut over the outgoing model.
The new-generation 6.0-liter V12 engine in the 2013 DB9 churns out 510 horsepower, a 40-hp increase over the 2012 DB9.
Aston Martin told Edmunds the price cut was not designed to better position the new DB9 against the Lamborghini Gallardo, but to underscore "a very clear step from the DB9 to the Vanquish."

IRVINE, California — The redesigned 2013 Aston Martin DB9 starts at $187,515, including a $2,115 destination charge and a $2,100 gas-guzzler tax, reflecting a $4,515 price cut over the outgoing model.
"More power for less money," said Matthew Clarke, an Aston Martin spokesman, in a phone conversation with Edmunds on Tuesday.

The 2013 DB9 will arrive in U.S. showrooms in November in Coupe or Volante body styles. The top-of-the-line 2013 Aston Martin DB9 Volante starts at $202,515, including shipping and gas-guzzler tax.
Clarke said the price cut was not designed to better position the new DB9 against such rivals as the Lamborghini Gallardo, but to underscore "a very clear step from the DB9 to the Vanquish."

The 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish will be priced from $282,110, including a $2,115 destination charge and a $2,600 gas-guzzler tax, Clarke said.

The 2012 Lamborghini Gallardo starts at $184,895, including a $2,995 destination charge. The 2012 Ferrari California, another rival of the DB9, starts at $194,000, including a $2,000 destination charge.

The base 2012 Aston Martin DB9 Coupe starts at $192,030, including shipping.

The new-generation 6.0-liter V12 engine in the 2013 DB9 churns out 510 horsepower, a 40-hp increase over the 2012 DB9. The engine is linked to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 2013 DB9 accelerates from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds and has a top speed of 183 mph. Fuel economy numbers were not announced. The outgoing 2012 DB9 with an automatic transmission returns 13 mpg in city driving and 20 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA.

The arrival of the 2013 DB9 heralds the end of the Aston Martin Virage, which "ceases production with immediate effect," said Aston Martin in a statement.

The redone DB9 is said to blend the best bits of the Virage and the outgoing DB9 in a new car with a new-generation engine, more power, some Vanquish hardware, adaptive damping and ceramic brakes.

The styling changes on the DB9 include a more pronounced trunk "flip" that enhances the aerodynamic
performance of the car, bi-xenon headlights and an optional carbon-fiber front splitter as part of an exterior
Carbon Pack. The Carbon Pack also includes a rear diffuser, carbon-fiber mirror arms and caps and dark tailpipes with a graphitic finish. The car is finished with 20-inch five-spoke cast alloy silver painted wheels.
The front grille of the DB9 is spun off the design of Aston Martin's One-77.

The cabin gets leather welts, a leather sports steering wheel and glass switches. An interior Carbon Pack includes a carbon-fiber upper fascia, carbon-fiber gear selector paddles and carbon-fiber door pulls.
A leather headliner is optional. Buyers can choose either Aston Martin wings or DB9 headrest embroidery.

Edmunds says: Who can argue with a price cut — plus lots of upgrades — on one of the most desirable exotic cars on the planet?