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Mercedes may be working on a new electric car dubbed 'Ecoluxe'

Automobile has a lengthy piece this month on how the four German mass-market luxury manufacturers each plan to go after Tesla with their own electric vehicles. It was written by Georg Kacher, the magazine's European bureau chief, and the English version came a month after he wrote the German-language original for Autobild. Tesla isn't exactly a threat to the Germans, but, according to the report, the Model S is planting the right kinds of seeds in niches that are important to the luxury players. The thinking is that - in addition to needed electric vehicles anyway for stricter US regulations - it's better to start designing the machinery now. The article posited Porsche's attack would rest on the coming Panamera platform, but a big hurdle would be battery placement. Unable to find one large space for a lithium-ion pack, engineers would instead put batteries everywhere they could, for a supposed tally of some "108 battery pouches" throughout the body. A few days after the Automobile piece, however, Porsche publicly said it had no intention of challenging the Model S, because the enthusiastic driving the brand is known for doesn't jive with useful range. In Kacher's retelling, Mercedes' plans are even more ambitious, supposedly taking aim at the Model S and the coming Model X. It would do this with an investment in excess of $2 billion in a program called "Ecoluxe" – Mercedes has no brand division akin to BMW's i and Audi's e-tron. The new brand would create a four-strong family of bespoke electric vehicles: a smaller platform with a wheelbase around 106 inches and a larger one with a wheelbase around 118 inches. In addition, the range would have "provisions for rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive, and rear-wheel steering." The numbers are impressive: seating for seven in the larger vehicles, both longer than 16 feet, front and rear storage areas, ratings of up to 610 horsepower and production capacity of 80,000 units per year. When would we see such creatures? Perhaps as soon as 2019. We do know that if Tesla can knock the Model X over the outfield fence, automakers are going to have to do something. We don't know what the chances are that Ecoluxe is Mercedes' first move - but such a plan could help explain the weird Mercedes concept spied in October.

BMW recalling 40k+ motorcycles to replace rear wheel flange

A problem with the rear wheels on a wide array of its motorcycles has prompted BMW and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a recall for 43,426 vehicles. In the affected units, the mounting flange on the rear wheel is at risk of cracking if the bolts are over-tightened. If that flange cracks, "the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle," which is kind of important considering there are only two wheels on a motorcycle to start with. The recall affects certain model-year 1200 and 1300 models – including the R1200GS, R1200RT, R1200GS, R1200R, R1200S, R1200ST, K1200S, K1200R, K1200R Sport, K1200GT, K1300S, K1300R and K1300GT – as well as the HP2 Megamoto, HP2 Enduro and HP2 Sport. Owners of the affects units can expect to head from the manufacturer to arrange having the aluminum flange replaced with a steel one. Related Video: RECALL Subject : Rear Wheel Mounting Flange may Crack Report Receipt Date: MAR 11, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V141000 Component(s): WHEELS Potential Number of Units Affected: 43,426 Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 R1200GS and R1200RT, 2006-2010 R1200GS Adventure, 2007-2010 R1200R, 2007 R1200S and K1200R Sport, 2005-2007 R1200ST, 2008-2009 HP2 Megamoto, 2006 HP2 Enduro, 2008-2010 HP2 Sport, 2005-2008 K1200S, 2006-2008 K1200R, K1200GT, 2009-2011 K1300S, 2010-2011 K1300R, and 2009-2010 K1300GT motorcycles. In the affected motorcycles, the rear wheel mounting flange may crack if the rear wheel mounting bolts are over tightened. CONSEQUENCE: If the rear wheel mounting flange cracks, the mounting bolts may loosen and the rear wheel may not remain secured to the motorcycle, causing a loss of stability and increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the existing aluminum rear wheel flange with a steel one, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 21, 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. Featured Gallery BMW HP2 Sport View 13 Photos News Source: National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationImage Credit: BMW Recalls BMW Motorcycle bmw motorrad

BMW showcases M2, M4 with M Performance Parts at SEMA

The halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center may be filled this week primarily with customized automobiles from one side of the Pacific or another. But that's not to say that European automakers can't come out to play too. Take these two custom rides from BMW, for example. They're each based on Munich's latest performance coupes, but taken further with the addition of extra M Performance parts. The larger, more potent, and more thoroughly revised of the two is based on the M4. For the SEMA show, the Bavarian automaker has fitted it with a carbon aero kit including new front elements, diffuser, and spoiler, as well as wing mirror caps. The side sills are done in plastic, and the grilles have been blacked out. The whole thing rides on a lowered coilover suspension, and features a new two-mode stainless-steel exhaust system with titanium silencer and carbon tips. Meanwhile, the interior is trimmed out in carbon fiber and Alcantara with new a steering wheel, shifter, pedals, and LED door projectors. The SEMA show also presents BMW with the opportunity to present its first M Performance parts for the new M2 coupe. The smaller model has been decked out with new grilles, carbon rear spoiler and mirror caps, as well as new suspension components and exhaust. The interior has similarly been done up with new control surfaces, carbon accents and Alcantara trim. Related Video: BMW at SEMA 2015. 03.11.2015 The Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in Las Vegas (Nevada, USA) is regarded worldwide as the leading trade show for customisation and sports tuning. The new products presented at SEMA to trade experts influence the entire scene and set trends. At this year's SEMA show from November 3rd to 6th 2015, BMW presents a selection of distinctively sports-oriented BMW M Performance Parts to the trade fair audience. Located on the lower level of South Hall (Stand 40247), trade fair visitors will see a BMW M Performance modified BMW M4 Coupe as well as the first BMW M Performance Parts for the new BMW M2 Coupe. What is more, the new "M Performance" inscription in dynamic technical design is to be seen on selected parts. The inscription reflects the increased dynamic flair of BMW M Performance as well as underscoring the essential functional orientation of all BMW M Performance Parts. Evidence of this is also to be seen in the new, extremely sporty parts and components with which BMW has fitted the demonstration vehicle.