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BMW 225xe and 330e get official ahead of Frankfurt

BMW is going green at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show with the launch of the 225xe and 330e plug-in hybrids, but the Bavarians are spilling the beans about them early. The models are the latest to use Bimmer's eDrive tech that's derived from the i3 and i8. The modular system allows the automaker to roll out PHEVs through its range. For the new 225xe, eDrive makes for an all-wheel drive, PHEV version of the brand's usually front-wheel drive wagon. Other than the door hiding the charging point, the vehicle looks the same as other versions. Underneath the skin, it uses a 134-horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder to spin the front-wheels through a six-speed automatic. An 87-hp electric motor with a 7.7-kWh lithium-ion battery turns the rear, and the result is a total system output of 221 hp and 284 pound-feet. BMW claims a sprint to 60 miles per hour in 6.7 seconds, but this 2 Series shines in fuel economy with between 112 and 118 miles per gallon on the European cycle. Multiple driving modes let the driver find the right mix of power and mileage, but the electric range is only 25 miles. Like the standard version, there's no chance of the 225xe coming here, but prices in Germany start at 37,800 euros ($42,050, at current rates) later this year. For buyers wanting BMW's iconic 3 Series as a PHEV, there's the 330e. Again, the only major styling difference is the charging door on the front fender. Its 87-hp electric motor and 181-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder both send power to the rear wheels. The result is a total system output of 248 hp and 310 lb-ft. The 330e maintains a 50-50 weight distribution, and fuel economy on the European cycle is rated between 112 and 124 mpg. Even with that efficiency, the 330e can get to 60 in 6.1 seconds. The 7.6-kWh lithium-ion battery allows for 25 miles of EV range, too. BMW's gargantuan press release goes into exhaustive detail about every technological element in the two new models. You can check out all of those details below ahead of the Frankfurt reveal, below. BMW eDrive – the latest generation. 1. BMW eDrive technology. Setting a new benchmark for efficiency. The innovative BMW eDrive technology in the new BMW 225xe and new BMW 330e once again underlines BMW's leading role in the premium segment when it comes to powertrain electrification. BMW eDrive technology includes a number of cutting-edge plug-in hybrid components and makes a significant contribution to reducing fuel consumption and emissions.

Here are this year's top 5 automaker April Fools’ jokes

April 1 is the wonderful day when PR departments really push themselves to top the zany jokes they came up with the previous year. And it's not just fast-food chains competing with each other, or breweries announcing they have released stuff like a fermented herring flavored beer: carmakers' media teams rarely miss out on the opportunity to play a little joke on their audience. Here are a few of our favorites from this year:1) Porsche Porsche announced that it's launching a Mission E tractor, styled to resemble its 1950s tractor models. "With a power output in excess of 700hp, the Mission E Tractor will be the fastest accelerating agricultural vehicle in the world, enabling farmers to harvest crops in record time with the added environmental benefits of zero emissions at source and significantly reduced operating noise."2) Lexus Lexus actually jumped the gun, telling us on March 28 that it's combining cars and drivers using DNA matching. The kicker was that with DNA-matched cars, owners would be able to start their Lexuses by licking the steering wheel.3) McLaren Automotive McLaren said it's boosting efficiency by quite eccentric measures, such as measuring the technology center's lake and floor tiles daily, and by synchronizing the staff's tea breaks.4) BMW Motorrad BMW's motorcycle arm is solving parts availability issues in remote locations by offering a 3D printer mounted permanently on the bike's rack: If you need to replace a broken-off gear lever, you can just print one. "The new system will mean that even very rarely required parts not generally stocked by BMW Motorrad sales partners can be supplied on a just-in-time basis." BMW even went to the lengths of announcing that the "BMW Motorrad iPart 3D Mobile Printer" was tested on the Antarctic, by erecting a tent whose poles were produced onsite.5) Honda Last but not least, Honda UK purportedly cut the roof off a new CR-V, calling it the CR-V Roadster. Tellingly, no convertible top was even offered for the concept, "making it a no-top rather than a drop-top. This innovative design makes it a vehicle purely for sunnier climates and therefore completely useless for the two-day British summer which traditionally occurs in May."Related Video: Featured Gallery Top 5 April Fools 2018 Image Credit: Porsche Green Humor Weird Car News BMW Honda Lexus McLaren Porsche bmw motorrad mclaren automotive

18,000 BMW models recalled for potential fuel pump failure

BMW will be recalling over 18,000 vehicles from the 2, 3 and 4 Series families, including vehicles from model years 2014 and 2015, due to potentially bad fuel pumps. The full roster of vehicles includes four- and six-cylinder models of all hardtop 2 Series models, rear-, all-wheel-drive and Gran Turismo versions of the 3 Series, and coupe, convertible, Gran Coupe, rear- and all-wheel-drive 4 Series models. The 3 Series ActiveHybrid is also included in the recall, although the 3 Series diesel line has been left alone. According to the bulletin from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "improper" nickel plating on some of the parts could lead to a failure of the fuel pump, leading to a stall situation. BMW is planning to notify owners and will begin replacing the fuel pumps of affected vehicles at the end of the month. Scroll down for the official NHTSA bulletin, which includes a complete breakdown of individual models affected by the recall. Related Video: Report Receipt Date: MAR 31, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V189000 Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Potential Number of Units Affected: 18,054 Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi Gran Turismo, and 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 428xi Gran Coupe, and 435i Gran Coupe vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing. CONSEQUENCE: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 30, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.