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BMW X1 spied in the snow, on the 'Ring

The next-generation BMW X1 is moving ever closer to production, and it reportedly launches in Europe in June. With just a few months left of development, the Bavarian brand is making sure to get in as much work in as possible – as the shots above show. According to our spies, all of these pictures were taken on the same day, but BMW was running two simultaneous evaluations of the crossover in Europe. At the sunny Nurburgring, the company was doing high-speed tests on the famous track. Meanwhile in chilly Sweden, cold-weather analysis was happening. Regardless of the location, these are some of the least camouflaged X1s photographed yet. Based on the shots, it appears that BMW is evolving the compact CUV's design rather than overhauling it, but there are a few dashes of styling from the 2 Series Gran Tourer in the grille and headlights, as well. The 'Ring shots also clearly show off a panoramic sunroof. While these examples wear a lot of obfuscation at the back, it's easy to make out BMW's LED taillights. The X1 shares its UKL platform with the Gran Tourer and the latest Minis, but possibly offers all-wheel drive. It's reportedly going to be offered with a similar range of turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, as well. Related Video: Featured Gallery BMW X1 Spy Shots View 17 Photos Image Credit: CarPix Design/Style Spy Photos BMW Crossover Luxury bmw x1 ring

2015 BMW X3 arrives with tweaked styling, diesel option

The luxury crossover market has been a huge success for BMW, having sold over a million X3 models worldwide since the CUV first went on sale in 2003, not to mention all of the momentum its had with the larger X5. At the Chicago Auto Show, BMW is unveiling the refreshed 2015 X3, featuring an improved design, a new diesel engine option, and a rear-wheel drive variant.
The X3 is getting some handsome upgrades to the exterior. The twin, circular headlights now extend to touch the slightly widened, chrome kidney grille, to bring the styling in line with the 3 Series and 4 Series. (LED headlights are now optional, as well.) The front bumper gets reshaped brake cooling ducts, and the rear bumper gets a touch of additional metal trim at the bottom. BMW has also added standard LED turn signals in the side mirrors.
BMW has enhanced the interior with added chrome trim, high-gloss black trim around the center console, sliding covers for the cup holders and new interior upholstery designs. The X3 is also getting a major boost in optional technology - there's a new Parking Assistant, as well as an Active Driving Assistant with adaptive cruise control, Lane Departure Warning, Frontal Collision Warning, Pedestrian Warning, and City Collision Mitigation.

Watch Atieva's electric van outrun a BMW i8 and Dodge Viper

A little while back, automotive startup Atieva drag raced its electric van, called Edna, against a Tesla Model S and a Ferrari California in order to compare its performance against known and revered mechanical athletes. Again, the Silicon Valley-based company is putting its prototype up against electrified and conventionally powered performance vehicles on the drag strip. Last time around, Edna, the Mercedes-Benz Vito van equipped with a 900-horsepower, all-wheel-drive powertrain, bested both of its foes. In that showcase, Edna was hitting 60 mph in a little over three seconds. Comparatively, BMW lists the i8's 0-60 time at 4.2 seconds, though Road & Track clocked it at 3.8 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 12.3 seconds. The Viper does 0-60 in 3.4 seconds. Before you even watch the video above, you can imagine how it will end, as the retuned Atieva Edna rips 0-60 mph in 2.94 seconds. Atieva clocked the quarter mile at 11.3 seconds at 117 mph. It's worth noting that driver skill can have a lot to do with a car's straight-line performance. We've witnessed Viper's elapsing the quarter mile in well under 12 seconds, which means it should be quicker in this test than the i8, if not the Edna. Still, the performance showcased in the video is exceptional. To improve Edna's stats, Atieva says it has used testing data to fine tune its AC induction motors at higher speeds once it got low-speed performance locked in. After testing in the hot California sun, including the race you see above, Atieva drove Edna 90 miles home with range to spare. As for production plans, Atieva will put this powertrain into a sedan slated for sale in 2018. In the meantime, the company will keep testing and tuning its working prototype, and has even invited the public to put their cars up against Edna in future sessions. Related Video: Related Gallery 2015 BMW i8 in Petoskey, MI News Source: Atieva, YouTube: Atieva via Electrek Green Motorsports BMW Dodge Automakers Electric Future Vehicles Videos drag race atieva