2008 Bmw M3 Base Coupe 2-door 4.0l on 2040-cars

Auto blog

2016 BMW X1 will be second model on company's front-drive platform

BMW is putting a lot of its chips on the success of its forthcoming front-wheel drive models, and it's making a big bet on the company's future in hoping that customers will accept them. Its front-driving UKL platform is underpinning not just the current crop of Minis but a host of BMW vehicles too. The rollout starts with the 2 Series Active Tourer in Europe later this year. But the Bavarian brand confirms to Automotive News Europe that the next one is the X1 crossover, slated to come to Europe next June. It will also be joined by the X2 next summer, confirming earlier rumors about the fashionable CUV's existence.
As the previous spy photos suggest, the X1 is even smaller than the current model, and it supposedly uses the same crop of turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines as Mini. But according to Automotive News Europe, the little guy is getting an extended, three-row version for the US, Russia and China. Like with the X4 or X6, the X2 shares most of the mechanical parts with its more conventional-looking sibling but features sleeker styling.
To make all of these UKL-based models possible, BMW is sharing development among them as much as is practical. According to Automotive News Europe, the next generations of the Mini Countryman, Clubman, X1 and X2 share the same electrical systems, drivetrains and more. Adding in the Active Tourer and still mysterious Family Active Sports Tourer to the mix, and the result is a big gamble that needs to go Bimmer's way.

2014 BMW 328d rated at 32/45 mpg

BMW still hasn't released official fuel economy numbers for its diesel-powered 2014 328d, but now, those mileage ratings have been posted on the EPA's FuelEconomy.gov website. As expected, the 328d is quite an efficient little machine, with the rear-wheel-drive sedan good for 32 miles per gallon in the city and 45 mpg highway. That even bests the 30/42 mpg of the smaller Volkswagen Jetta TDI.
The last time BMW offered a diesel 3 Series in our market, it was the six-cylinder 335d, which - while mighty quick and excellent to drive - was only offered as a rear-wheel-drive sedan and was rated at 23 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. For 2014, BMW will offer the 328d with optional xDrive all-wheel drive, though that reduces the fuel economy numbers to 31/43 mpg. Beyond that, the BMW will even sell you a 328d xDrive wagon, which nets the same 31/43 mpg rating, according to FuelEconomy.gov.
Look for the 2014 BMW 328d to hit dealerships this fall, and when it launches, it will be the only diesel offering in its class (until the next Mercedes-Benz C-Class arrives, anyway). Lexus and Infiniti will offer hybrid versions of the IS and Q50, respectively, but we've always had a taste for torque, and the 328d's 2.0-liter engine with 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of twist shouldn't disappoint.

EPA finally approves sales of 2017 BMW diesels

The Environmental Protection Agency has approved the sale of 2017 BMW diesel vehicles in the US, reports Automotive News. According to Chris Grundler, head of the EPA's Office of Air Quality and Transportation, the vehicles were delayed due to rigorous testing. Following the Volkswagen diesel scandal, the EPA stated that it would review all diesels headed to the US. Last month, the EPA delayed sales of BMW's 2017-model-year diesels due to testing logistics, claimed BMW. Now that the vehicles have been approved, production of the models should begin shortly. While BMW's diesels have been cleared, the report indicates that Mercedes-Benz's 2017 diesel models are still undergoing further testing. "Discussions continue," Grundler stated, but he declined to point to any specifics on why the EPA has not approved those diesel models. Amid the numerous lawsuits against VW, Mercedes has also been involved in suits that claim its diesels use defeat devices, although no major proof has surfaced. Earlier this year, Mercedes confirmed that the US Justice Department, EPA, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), were investigating its diesel models. The 2016 diesel models from VW haven't been approved for sale yet, and the automaker has not asked for permission from the EPA to sell 2017 diesel models, claims Grundler. At this point in the year, it's not likely VW will sell any 2016 diesels. Last year, BMW's diesels accounted for about four percent of the company's total US sales, so the delay is not likely to have a drastic affect on its bottom line. Related Video: News Source: Automotive News-sub.req.Image Credit: AOL Government/Legal Green BMW Mercedes-Benz Volkswagen Diesel Vehicles vw diesel scandal