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Refreshed 2016 BMW 3 Series adds two new models to the range

The BMW 3 Series had years standing at the forefront of the luxury sedan segment, but competitors have continued to get better at challenging its long reign. To make sure the stalwart model can keep up, BMW is bringing some new powertrains and other upgrades to the range with a refresh for the 2016 model year. Plus, the exterior sees a very slight styling update. There are two big additions in the 3 Series range for 2016. First, there's the new 340i with the B58 turbocharged, inline-six engine to replace the 335i. Displacement is still 3.0-liters, but the latest mill makes 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque – gains of 20 hp and 30 lb-ft over the outgoing model. BMW estimates the 340i can reach 60 in 4.8 seconds with the standard eight-speed automatic or in 4.6 seconds with xDrive. A six-speed manual is also available as a no-cost option. The other new member of the family is the 330e plug-in hybrid, and it joins the lineup later in the year. BMW isn't specifically talking about the PHEV's powertrain, but the company estimates total output of 250 hp and 310 lb-ft. The sprint to 60 is forecasted at 6.1 seconds, and the range on electric power is predicted at 22 miles. Fuel economy isn't disclosed yet. Beyond these two models, there are a host of other upgrades under the skin for the 3 Series. The eight-speed automatic should be slightly more efficient thanks to wider gear ratio, and the handling is reworked with new front struts, rear dampers, and retuned electric power steering. There's also a Track Handling Package for gas-fueled models that combines Variable Sport Steering, Adaptive M Suspension and M Sport Brakes with high-temperature pads. The nav system accepts over-the-air map updates now, as well. You certainly can't see all of the changes on the outside, though. For the 2016 3 Series, BMW's designers tweak the front fascia slightly and update the headlights. LED units are optional on the 320i, 328i, and 328d, and they're standard on the 340i. The rear features reshaped LED taillights, and inside there's additional ambient lighting and chrome trim. In one other small adjustment, the look of the Sport Line package with black trim on the grille, B-pillars and rear bumper is now included on the 328i, 328d and 340i. Related Video: The New BMW 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon: Lifecycle freshening for all 3 Series Sedans and Sports Wagons. New 340i Sedan features new 320 hp TwinPower Turbo Inline 6-cylinder.

Recharge Wrap-up: GKN electric AWD, $8,500 for Tesla brake repair

A Tesla owner in Canada was quoted $8,500 to repair the brakes in his 2012 Model S. Tesla waived the labor costs, bringing the total price down to $5,824.75. Tesla said that since regenerative braking means the regular brakes get less use, occasional hard braking can help keep them working properly. Also, the salt on the roads in winter leads to corrosion of both the rotors and the calipers. Tesla suggests yearly brake service in harsh climates. Read more at Clean Technica. GKN is launching an electric all-wheel-drive system using its eAxle technology. BMW will be the first to use the system – which is optimized for compact vehicle platforms – in its 2 Series Active Tourer plug-in hybrid. On its own, the electric axle drive offers up to 70 kilowatts (94 horsepower) and 1,475 pound-feet of torque, enough to propel a vehicle up to almost 78 miles per hour under electric power alone. It can also disengage from the driveline when it's not needed in order to reduce rotating losses at higher speeds. Read more from Green Car Congress. The Orange County Transit Authority's (OCTA) first zero-emission, hydrogen powered bus uses a fuel cell from Ballard. The 40-foot ElDorado National Axess bus, powered by Ballard's FCveloCity fuel cell, was funded by the Federal Transit Administration's National Fuel Cell Bus Program. "Clean energy mass transit alternatives, such as this new fuel cell bus in Orange County, are a tremendous example of what can be done to help address clean air challenges," says Ballard Vice President Karim Kassam. "We are excited by the progress being made at OCTA and by others in California." Read more in the press release below. Ballard Module Powers First Zero-Emission Fuel Cell Bus for Orange County Transportation Authority VANCOUVER, CANADA and ORANGE COUNTY, USA – On May 23rd representatives from Ballard attended a ceremony to unveil the first zero-emission fuel cell bus to provide service for the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), one of the largest transit agencies in California. The OCTA bus is the 6th American Fuel Cell Bus (AFCB) configuration delivered in California. Karim Kassam, Ballard Vice President - Commercial said, "Clean energy mass transit alternatives, such as this new fuel cell bus in Orange County, are a tremendous example of what can be done to help address clean air challenges.

Chinese-made electric Mini threatened with highest EV tariff from EU

BERLIN — The new all-electric Mini Cooper made in China is set to be hit by the highest EV tariff of 38.1% under the EU's provisional plans, a Reuters source familiar with the matter said on Friday, a potential terminal blow for the car's sales prospects. Mass production of the roughly 35,000-euro ($37,345) vehicle, produced by a joint venture of BMW and China's Great Wall Motor Co Ltd, began late last year - shortly after the EU launched its probe. With production still in early days, the joint venture was unable to fulfil the European Commission's survey to the level of detail required to be classed as a company cooperating with the investigation, the source said, declining to be named because discussions are private. Companies seen as cooperating with the EU were subject to lower tariffs of 17.4%-21%, according to a European Commission document seen by Reuters. That includes BMW Brilliance Automotive, another BMW joint venture that has produced the electric iX3 for export to Europe from China since 2021. BMW declined to comment. BMW CEO Oliver Zipse said earlier this week the tariffs were the "wrong way to go", echoing concerns from other German carmakers fearful of a trade war which could end in counter-tariffs on cars exported from Germany to China. The European Commission said that joint ventures producing cars in China would be subject to duties, without specifying whether more recently formed ventures might benefit from the lower 21% rate for companies that cooperated with the investigation. A 38.1% price hike on the Mini, which was to be exported from China to Europe, could dent sales at a time when the carmaker is counting on every projected all-electric sale to help meet tightening carbon emissions targets. The deadline for imposing provisional measures is July 4, after which the investigation will continue to late October. That leaves time for Beijing and Brussels to make a deal to soften the blow. Companies can also submit comments and request hearings after the provisional duties are applied.   Green Government/Legal Rumormill BMW MINI China