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2016 BMW X1 takes a more mainstream approach [w/video]

I really like the outgoing X1, simply because it's still an 'old' BMW. I say 'old' because all of the 'new' BMWs don't really feel that great to me – they just aren't the driver's cars they used to be. But the X1 still uses the rear-wheel-drive 1 Series architecture, and I love the way it drives. As for this new X1, it looks to be a vastly improved product in many key areas, but I worry that it, too, will suffer from the same sort of dulling that every other BMW has received. So it goes. Nevertheless, the new X1 should appeal to a broader range of luxury crossover shoppers. It ditches the cool, tall wagon shape of the old model in favor of a more traditional CUV shape. Think small X5. There's far more technology inside and out, passengers will enjoy an increase in spaciousness, and the X1 is more efficient than before, as well. Only one engine will be available in the US – BMW's 2.0-liter, turbocharged, inline-four-cylinder with 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard, as is an eight-speed automatic transmission. While I'm not sure if this X1 will be as entertaining to drive as the outgoing model, the new car's improvements will surely help sales. That's especially important as small, luxury CUVs are hotter than ever. See the new car for yourself, live from Frankfurt, in the gallery above. The All-New BMW X1: - Greatest interior roominess and versatility in its class - Highest power with reduced emissions - Commanding presence, robust proportions, dynamic lines - Innovative connectivity and groundbreaking BMW EfficientDynamics technology unparalleled in the segment Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – EMBARGO: June 2, 2015 – 6:00pm EDT/3:00pm PDT... Today, BMW announced the all-new BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle. In its second generation, the new MY 2016 BMW X1 builds on the success of its predecessor (61,974 sold in the US to date) by incorporating a roomier interior, greater efficiency and technology on the forefront of innovation. The second generation takes to the stage with a body design typical of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle. The BMW X1 xDrive28i will be the exclusive model in the US at launch featuring a 2.0-liter TwinTurbo 4-cylinder engine from BMW's new family of modular engines with maximum output of 228 horsepower, making the all new BMW X1 the most powerful entry model in the segment. It will be mounted to an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission.

Recharge Wrap-up: BMW i8 markups declining, Nissan offering discounted Leaf lease buyouts

Zipcar has published the results of an independent study on "Urban Boomers." KRC Research surveyed city-dwelling, healthy adults aged 50 to 69, and found that they are fond of technology and are more active – but drive less – after moving to the city. Many still feel car ownership is important, and often don't get rid of a car they already own, but they find alternative forms of transportation important, too. Even though it is often thought of as a bigger draw for millenials, Zipcar feels that these findings indicate that Urban Boomers are an important demographic for carsharing companies. See the results of the study in the slideshow from Zipcar. Nissan is offering lease buyout credits of up to $5,000 for its Leaf EV. Depending on the region, 2012 and 2013 models get a Leaf Gross Payoff discount of up to $5,000, with 2011 models garnering up to $1,500 off. Some dealers may also offer an additional $1,500 discount. It's possible that Nissan wants to encourage lessees to purchase their Leafs after residual values of the car dropped by about six percent in May. Some potential long-term owners could also be concerned over battery life, or be tempted by the updated Leaf slated for the 2017 model year. Read more at Green Car Reports. Dealership markups for the BMW i8 are dwindling. Actual costs of the attractive plug-in hybrid are nearing sticker prices after high demand and short supply led many dealers to exact a higher price for the car. BMW recently announced it would double production of the i8 to help meet demand, which could be behind the declining markups. The i8 has a base MSRP of $136,500, plus $950 in destination fees. Read more at Green Car Reports. Featured Gallery 2015 BMW i8 in Petoskey, MI Related Gallery 2013 Nissan Leaf: First Drive View 15 Photos News Source: Slideshare, Green Car Reports, Green Car Reports via ZipcarImage Credit: Copyright 2015 AOL Green BMW Nissan Green Automakers Transportation Alternatives Ownership Electric recharge wrapup

The 570-hp AC Schnitzer ACL2 Concept tries to one-up the M2

AC Schnitzer's new ACL2 concept aims to outdo the BMW M2 at the Geneva Motor Show. To out-muscle the latest M car, the German tuner starts with an M235i and installs the M4's 3.0-liter inline-six. The company also turns up the power to 570 horsepower – a healthy upgrade over 365 hp from the M2's 3.0-liter. The power bump lets the ACL2 reach 62 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 205 miles per hour, AC Schnitzer claims. Those figures make the coupe a few tenths quicker than the M2's 4.2-second to 60 mph sprint, but BMW limits its creation to 155 mph. AC Schnitzer's long list of upgrades makes the impressive performance possible. To get the most out of the engine, the company installs a carbon fiber intake. It also replaces the most of the exhaust, including the downpipe, catalytic converter and tailpipes. Carbon-ceramic brake discs make sure a driver can control so much power, and the company fits a fully adjustable suspension to aid handling. The ACL2's body is too loud for our tastes even through the subdued dark green paint, but the extensive use of carbon fiber parts should keep weight down. AC Schnitzer adds a road-scraping front splitter with canards at each corner. The rear has a similarly aggressive diffuser and huge wing. The wider fenders also add 5.5 inches to the coupe's width, and 20-inch wheels sit underneath them. The ACL2 doesn't get to challenge the M2 on the Autobahn yet because AC Schnitzer says it's just a concept. The coupe exists simply for the company's product development. However, if you want to put all of these bits together, the final cost would be 149,000 euros ($161,500 at current exchange rates), the tuner claims. Related Video: