BMW/ MINI Archives

Mini has announced the U.S. pricing for the 2012 Mini Cooper Roadster. The Cooper Roadster is available in three versions and starts at $24,350, $600 less than the four-seat Mini Convertible.

$24,350 gets you the base Cooper Roadster, which is powered by a 121-hp 1.6L. It will reach 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds and has a top speed of 124 mph. It also gets 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

The Cooper S Roadster starts at $27,350 and is powered by a 184-hp turbocharged 1.6L. It only takes 6.7 seconds to reach 0-60 mph and has a top speed of 141 mph. Even with the extra power, the Cooper S Roadster has the same exact fuel economy ratings as the base Roadster at 27/35 mpg.

The most powerful version of the Roadster is the John Cooper Works Roadster that starts at $34,500. It's powered by a 208-hp turbocharged 1.6L and reaches 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds and has a top speed of 147 mph. It's rated at 25 mpg city and 33 mpg on the highway.

Contrary to the recent accolades that the all-new Range Rover Evoque has received, Consumer Reports recently placed the compact SUV near the bottom of its class.

Consumer Reports recently brought the BMW X3 and Range Rover Evoque together for a head-to-head matchup. The BMW X3 came out on top with a score of 80, while the Evoque only received a score of 60. CR applauded the X3 for being sportier on the road than most SUVs and its 22 mpg overall rating that was made possible by its new eight-speed automatic. CR gave the Evoque negative marks for its cramped cabin, stiff ride and artificial-feeling steering.

CR tested the BMW X3 xDrive28i with its 240-hp 3.0L six-cylinder engine. CR stated that the X3 rides firmly and provides decent isolation from bumps and road imperfections. Noise levels in the cabin are hushed overall. With limited body lean and quick, responsive steering, the X3 is aggressive in the corners. The X3 beat out eight previously tested compact luxury SUVs with only the Audi Q5 3.2 beating it.

CR tested the Range Rover Evoque Pure with its 240-hp 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and liked the styling, acceleration and braking of the Evoque. Unfortunately its ride was choppy and the cabin was too noisy and cramped. The Evoque tackles corners well but its steering feels artificially weighted, impairing feedback. When pushed to its handling limits on CR's track, the tail slid out and the vehicle repeatedly lifted a wheel during an avoidance maneuver.

BMW has announced the introduction of four new M Performance models, which are all powered by a diesel engine, the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan, BMW M550d xDrive Touring, BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d.

The new M Performance diesel models are powered by a new 3.0L six-cylinder in-line diesel engine. It feature three turbochargers and direct-injection for a total 381 horsepower and 546 lb-ft. The six-cylinder diesel is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The six-cylinder diesel also gets BMW's EfficientDynamics technology, including Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode.

The fastest of the M Performance diesel models, the M550d xDrive sedan reaches 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph. According to BMW, the M550d XDrive will also only consume 6.3 litres/100 km (44.8 mpg) on the European cycle. The M550d xDrive Touring will reach 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds and consumes 6.4 litres/100 km (44.1 mpg); the X5 M50d reaches 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds and consumes 7.5 litres/100 km (37.7 mpg); the X6 M50d will reach 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds and consume 7.7 liters/100 km (36.7 mpg).

All four models get M-specific tuning of suspension, bodyshell mounting, engine and transmission mounting, springs and dampers, all standard and optional chassis control systems, and the Servotronic mapping for the hydraulic steering. The M550d XDrive and M550d xDrive Touring ride on 19-inch M light-alloy wheels, while the X5 M50d and X6 M0d models ride on 20-inch M light-alloy wheels.

As exciting as these new models may seem, BMW unfortunately has no plans to offer them to buyers in the U.S.

Since the BMW X6 first debuted in 2008, BMW has sold more than 150,000 units worldwide and now its time to give the "Sports Activity Coupe" a refresh. Here's your first look at the revised 2013 BMW X6.

On the outside the X6 gets new fog lights, which are now set in matte finish surrounds. The grille on the X6 has also been tweaked. Buyers can now choose adaptive LED headlights as an alternative to the standard bi-xenon lights. The rear also gets revised LED taillights.

Under the hood X6 buyers can choose between the V8-powered 400-hp BMW X6 xDrive50i or the BMW X6 xDrive35 with its 300-hp inline-six cylinder. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.

BMW has also announced the introduction of the M Performance Package, which includes an engine upgrade of 15-hp and 30 lb-ft. on the X6 xDrive35i, giving it a total output of 315-hp and 330 lb-ft. The X6 xDrive50i with the M Perfomance Package has a total output of 440-hp and 480 lb-ft., an improvement of 40-hp and 30 lb-ft. n addition, the M Performance Package includes 20-inch light alloy wheels, black chrome exhaust tips, stainless steel pedals, M foot rest and door sills, shadowline exterior trim, anthracite headliner, and optional Carbon Black metallic paint.

For buyers that want even more power, BMW will continue to offer the BMW X6M with its 555-hp V8 that is mated to a 6-speed M Sport automatic gearbox.

Last year Mini unveiled the Rocketman Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. Since then there have been lots of rumors that BMW was planning on adding the small concept to Mini's lineup, but now Car is reporting that BMW has changed its mind.

According to Car, BMW has canned the Mini Rocketman due to the added cost of producing the tiny Mini. BMW would have to invest a considerable amount in order to make the Rocketman meet current regulations, like crash standards. The extra costs to needed produce the Rocketman, would not make it very profitable.

It was rumored that the Rocketman was going to enter production around 2016.

The London Olympics don't officially kick off until this summer, but Mini is celebrating the Olympics coming to the capital city of the brand's home county with two special-edition models to spread contemporary London style around the world. The Mini Baker Street and Mini Bayswater will be released in the spring. The Mini Baker Street embodies the youthful, fresh and innovative trend-setting style of the brand, while the Mini Bayswater focuses primarily on the sporting verve and agile handling for which Mini is renowned.

The Mini Baker Street edition features a Rooftop Grey metallic exterior paint with black bonnet stripes, 16-inch black alloy wheels with matching black exterior mirrors. The Mini Baker Street can also be ordered in Pepper White or Midnight Black. Inside it gets cloth and leather seats in Cross Check Rooftop Grey light with a diamond pattern. The Rooftop Grey light color is also applied to other interior surfaces and it the door sills get "Baker Street" lettering. The Mini Baker Street can be ordered in Mini One, Mini Cooper, Mini One D and Mini Cooper D.

The Mini Bayswater gets is painted in Kite Blue metallic with a black roof and rides on 17-inch Sandblast black wheels. Midnight Black metallic and Eclipse Grey metallic paint shades can be ordered. The interior gets "Bayswater" lettering on the door sills and seat tags in addition to the Rocklite Anthracite leather seats with blue and grey contrast stitching. The Mini Bayswater is available as a Mini Cooper, Mini Cooper S, Mini Cooper D and Mini Cooper SD.

The all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series is going to start arriving in showrooms next month. The all-new 3 Series marks the introduction of the sixth generation model, with the first 3 Series being released in July 1975.

To celebrate the release of the new 3 Series, BMW has gathered all six generations for a family photo.

BMW has announced the release of new Exclusive and Sport editions for the BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible.

The Edition Exclusive adds chrome trim on the window frames, exhaust and grille and new light alloy wheels available in 16, 17 or 18-inches. Buyers can opt for the exclusive body finish in Mineral Grey metallic or else one of five finishes drawn from the standard portfolio and the exterior mirrors are colored in an Oxide Silver matt finish. Inside the seats are wrapped in boston leather either in Pearl Grey with grey contrast stitching or in black with white contrast stitching. The interior also gets a new sports steering wheel trimmed in chrome and the 1 Series coupe gets an anthracite-colored BMW Individual roof liner.

The Edition Sport adds the M Sports chassis and the M aerodynamic package with the exclusive paint finish Carbon Black metallic. It rides on 17 or 18-inch M light alloy wheels. The interior gets sports seats, an M leather steering wheel, gearshift and handbrake.

Both editions will arrive in March.

We've been discussing the possible BMW X4 crossover for a while now, but BMW has officially confirmed the new mini-X6 crossover that will fit in between the X3 and X5 in the lineup.

The new X4 will use the same engines as the X3 and will have get the same coupe-like styling as the X6. BMW is going to invest $900 million in the Spartanburg facility over the next three years and 300 new jobs will be added in 2012. The investment will also allow the plant to produce up to 350,000 units annually.

BMW has announced the pricing for the 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5, which starts at $61,845.

The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 is powered by BMW's 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, an electric drive system and an 8-speed automatic transmission for with a combined output of 335hp. It reaches 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds.

The ActiveHybrid 5 can operate in full-electric mode up to 37 mph and the lithium-ion battery has enough power to allow the hybrid to drive up to 2.5 miles on electricity alone. BMW has yet to release the official fuel economy stats.

The ActiveHybrid 5 will reach showrooms in late spring.

This past summer BMW took the wraps off the all-new 1 Series 5-Door hatchback, but now we have our first unofficial look at the 3-door version of the hatchback.

The first leaked images of the 1 Series 3-door have leaked thanks to sohu.com. The 3-door looks pretty much the same as the 5-door version and should also be powered by the same 1.6L and 2.0L engines.

The 1 Series 3-door is expected to be released next summer.

BMW has officially unveiled its rival to the Mercedes CLS, the 2013 6 Series Gran Coupe.

The 6 Series Gran Coupe finally gives BMW a four-door coupe. The Gran Coupe is the third 6 Series model that was originally previewed by the Gran Coupe concept back in 2010. If you're a fan of the styling of the 6 Series coupe, you'll be happy to see that the four-door Gran Coupe's design doesn't stray too far from the coupe. Compared to the two-door, the Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches longer.

When it arrives in the U.S. next summer, the Gran Coupe will first be offered as the 640i with its 3.0L turbocharged six-cylinder. The 640i will pack 315 horsepower and 330 lb-ft. of torque. It will reach 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds and have a top speed of 155 mph. Shortly after the 640i arrives, the 650i and 650i xDrive versions will be released. The 650i Gran Coupe will be powered by a 445 horsepower 4.4L twin-turbo V8. The 650i Gran Coupe will reach 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds.

BMW and Toyota have announced a new partnership which will see BMW supplying its 1.6L and 2.0L diesel engines to Toyota starting in 2014. The engines will be used in certain Toyota models in Europe, so don't expect to see a BMW diesel engine under the hood of a Toyota in the U.S. anytime soon.

The two automakers have agreed on a collaborative research in the field of next-generation lithium-ion battery technologies. In addition, they have agreed to identify and discuss other possible collaborative projects.

Marking the announcement, Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, said: "Toyota is the leading provider of environment-friendly series technology in the volume segment and the BMW Group is the most innovative and sustainable manufacturer of premium automobiles. We are now joining forces to further develop environment-friendly technologies and to expand our innovation leadership in each of our segments. Supplying Toyota with our fuel efficient and dynamic diesel engines represents another important step in the planned expansion of our sales activities for engines and powertrain systems."

BMW has announced the pricing for the all-new 2012 3 Series sedan, which starts at $35,795 for the four-cylinder 328i, while the six-cylinder 335i Sedan will be priced from $43,295. Both starting prices are only about $300 more than the outgoing 3 Series, but BMW states that the 3 Series will comes standard with more features like a 6.5-inch central display with iDrive controller, Bluetooth, 8-Speed automatic transmission, automatic start/stop and brake energy regeneration.

The 2012 328i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder with 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It reaches 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The turbocharged six-cylinder in the 335i packs 300 horsepower and reaches 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

The 2012 3 Series sedan will arrive in showrooms in February.

Mini has announced the pricing for the 2012 Mini Roadster that starts at $25,050, making it $3,000 more than the Mini Coupe.

The base Mini Cooper Roadster is powered by a 122-hp 1.6L. The Mini Cooper Roadster S starts at $28,050 and is powered by a turbocharged 1.6L with 184-hp. The top model is the Mini John Cooper Works Roadster that starts at $35,200 and is powered by a turbocharged 211 horsepower 1.6L.

The 2012 Mini Roadster should arrive in dealerships next spring.

BMW has announced the introduction of the M3 Competition Edition coupe for North America that celebrates 40 years since the introduction of the M division.

Only 40 units of the special M3 Competition Edition coupe will be produced. The special M3 coupe is painted in a Frozen Silver, rides on black 19-inch M3 GTS wheels and gets some dark chrome exterior trim pieces. The interior gets Black Novillo leather with palladium silver accents, an Alcantara M steering wheel and M logos on the door sill and handbrake lever.

The engine doesn't get any upgrades over the standard M3, so it still packs 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft. of torque. It's a bit faster though with a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds compared to 4.7 seconds.

The 2012 M3 Competition Edition starts at $81,060.

Mini has unveiled the roadster version of the Mini Coupe that was just released. The 2012 Mini Roadster is the sixth model in the brand's current line-up and the first open-top two-seater in its history.

The Mini Roadster is basically the same as the coupe version, although its metal roof has now been replaced by a manual soft-top. The Mini Roadster sits 20 millimeters lower than the Mini convertible. It's available with four engine options: the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster with 211 hp, MINI Cooper S Roadster with 184 hp, MINI Cooper Roadster with 122 hp, and the diesel powered MINI Cooper SD Roadster with 143 hp.

There has been some speculation that BMW would not be bringing a wagon variant of the new 2012 3 Series to the U.S.,just as its done with the 5 Series wagon. According to the latest reports, BMW will in fact be bringing the 3 Series Touring to the U.S., but we will have to wait a bit.

The 3 Series Touring is expected to debut sometime within the next year in Europe, while the coupe/ convertible versions will arrive in late 2013.

BMW officially unveiled the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series sedan on Friday. While the 328i and 335i models return, BMW also unveiled the hybrid version of the 3 Series, dubbed the ActiveHybrid 3.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is powered by the twin-turbocharged 3.0L inline six-cylinder mated to an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It puts out a total 335 horsepower and 330 lb-ft. of torque. According to BMW it consumes less than 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers (36.7 mpg) on the EU test cycle.

The ActiveHybrid 3 can drive up to 2.5 miles and at speeds up 37 mph on electric power alone. BMW chose to place the battery in the ActiveHybrid 3 under the floor of the trunk, which means that the rear seat can still be folded down.

The ActiveHybrid 3 will be released in the fall of 2012.

The sixth-generation 2012 BMW 3 Series has been unveiled in Munich. The big news for the new 3 Series is the return of a four-cylinder engine in the 328i. BMW hasn't offered a four-cylinder engine in a US-spec 3 Series in over ten years.

The all-new 2012 3 Series sedan has been stretched 3.66 inches, the wheelbase is longer at 1.96 inches and the track has been widened. This all translates to more rear leg and knee room, which was a problem in the last generation. Although the new 3 Series is bigger, it's 88 lbs lighter.

On the outside the 3 Series gets styling that is pretty familiar to the new 1, 5, and 7 Series models.

Under the hood, the 2012 3 Series sedan gets an engine lineup that is all turbocharged. The 328i says goodbye to the six-cylinder engine and is now powered by a turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder that pumps out 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. It reaches 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The turbocharged six-cylinder returns in the 335i and generates 300 horsepower and reaches 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

BMW is also going to release a hybrid version of the 3 Series that will arrive in 2012.

BMW has announced that the all-new BMW 3 Series sedan will have its world debut on Friday October 14th at BMW's plant in Munich.

The unveiling of the all-new BMW 3 Series sedan will be broadcast by livestream on Facebook via the link http://www.facebook.com/BMWGroup?sk=app_251023654929514 from 4.00 pm.

BMW may have recently decided to kill the hybrid version of the X6, but BMW is still committed to growing its hybrid line. Its latest hybrid the ActiveHybrid 5, which is based on the 535i sedan, has been officially unveiled.

The 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 mates BMW's TwinPower turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine with an electric drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission. The system has a total output of 335 horsepower. The ActiveHybrid 5 can drive up to 37 mph on electric power alone and reaches 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds. It can also drive in all-electric mode for 2.5 miles at an average of 22 mph. BMW hasn't released the official fuel economy specs.

The ActiveHybrid 5 will reach U.S. showrooms in March 2012.

BMW's CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed plans for a new crossover known as the X4, which will be a sportier version of the X3. Think of the X4 as a baby X6.

This isn't the first time that we've heard reports about a BMW X4, which will be positioned above the X3 in the BMW lineup. The X4 will share its platform and engines with the X3, but will be smaller and it will only have room for four. It's styling is expected to mimic the larger X6 with its coupe-like roofline. BMW is expected to also release an X4 M version.

The BMW X4 is expected to go on sale in 2014.

Well that was short lived! BMW has reportedly killed the hybrid version of the X6 crossover, the ActiveHybrid X6. The ActiveHybrid X6 was BMW's first hybrid and the result of a joint partnership with Daimler, Chrysler and GM. The ActiveHybrid X6 is powered by a dual-mode hybrid system mated to a twin-turbo V8. It generated a total 480 horsepower, but only managed to return 19 mpg on the highway...

With a base price at $88,900 the ActiveHybrid X6 isn't cheap, which definitely didn't help it's case. Dave Buchko, a spokesman for BMW recently confirmed that the hybrid crossover has ended production.

The major issues with the X6 hybrid were that the model launched with a system that was already dated when it was released at the end of 2009. The X6 hybrid was way too expensive for most of us and at 19 mpg, the hybrid version of the X6 gets worse gas mileage than the regular V8 powered X6 at 20 mpg. One could make the case that the hybrid X6 was more focused on performance than fuel efficiency, but for basically the same price, buyers could opt for the X6 M with its 555 horsepower V8 and 17 mpg.

There aren't any plans to create another X6 hybrid or upgrade the hybrid system.

Although BMW has killed the hybrid version of the X6, BMW is set to release its next hybrid model, the 5 Series ActiveHybrid.

BMW is now offering all-wheel-drive on its 6 Series coupe. BMW hasn't made an official announcement, but a quick visit to BMW's USA website confirms that AWD is now offered on the 650i coupe.

The 650i xDrive coupe starts at $86,000, which is only $3k more than the rear-wheel-drive 650i coupe. The 650i convertible is not being offered with all-wheel-drive.

Alpina is going to debut its version of the BMW 6 Series convertible at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month, the B6 Biturbo.

The B6 Biturbo is powered by BMW's 4.4L V8 with 507 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque. It reaches 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds and has a top speed over 190 mph, but unfortunately its top speed will be electronically-limited to 155 mph.

Alpina hasn't released the pricing for the B6 Biturbo.

Mini took the wraps off the Paceman concept earlier this year and due to its near production ready design, it was pretty much a given that the Paceman would be produced. Seen as a coupe version of the Mini Countryman, the Paceman will share most of its parts with the five-door Countryman.

Although there have been several rumors that the Paceman would be produced, Mini chief Kay Segler has confirmed to Car and Driver that the three-door will be built. The Paceman will be built at the same plant as the Countryman. There is a possibility that the Paceman name may not be used for the production model that is expected as a 2013 or 2014 model.

The BMW X1 crossover was officially unveiled back in 2009 and sales were expected to start in the U.S. in 2010. Due to higher than expected demand the X1 launch in the U.S. was pushed to early 2011 and then again to the fall of 2011 and most recently it was pushed until the end of 2012. It looks like it's now pushed back again, but this time the word BMW is using is "indefinite."

This newest announcement means that we now have no idea when the X1 will be coming to the U.S. We may have to wait until the midlife refresh for the X1 happens in about two years.

Next spring BMW is reportedly going to introduce a high-performance diesel engine for the 5 Series that is being tuned by BMW's M division. The fact that the engine is being developed by BMW's high-performance M division, it does not mean that the diesel will be badged as an M5.

The high-performance diesel will likely get a name similar to the the 1 Series M Coupe, when it's officially unveiled. According to TheDetroitBureau, it could get a name like 550dM or 550dXM for an all-wheel-drive version.

So what can we expect from the high-performance diesel? It's being reported that the engine will be the same basic 3.0L diesel that is currently in the BMW lineup, but with some significant changes like a new cylinder head. The engine will also get three turbochargers: one to help with turbo lag and two more turbochargers to give the engine it's power. The 3.0L diesel will have less horsepower than the 560 horsepower M5, but will get significantly more torque.

The new diesel engine will launch first in the 5 Series, but will most likely make its way under the hood of the X5, X6 and 7 Series.

The next-generation BMW 3 Series is almost here with spy photos and leaked images popping up everywhere. We still have to wait a bit for the next M3, but the speculation of what will power the next M3 continues.

Most of the sources and rumors agree that the next M3 will ditch its current 4.0L V8 for a new turbocharged six-cylinder engine, but how many turbochargers the engine will feature is still debatable. Auto Express recently reported that BMW is going to launch a six-cylinder engine with three turbochargers, but now Autocar is saying that the 3.0L engine will only have two turbos. Autocar also claims that the new engine will not be a version of the current N54 and N55 3.0L engines.

The new 3.0L is expected to put out around 450 horsepower, which is more than the current 414-hp V8. A detuned version of the engine will also be used in the next-generation 1 Series M Coupe.

Here is probably our first unofficial look at the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series sedan thanks to some new pictures that have surfaced online on the F30Post forums.

Although these photos aren't the high res photos we're used to, it's easy to tell that the new 3 Series is going to look a lot like a mini 5 Series, just take one look at the taillights. The new 3 Series is expected to enter production in November 2011, with sales starting in the U.S. sometime next spring. Stay tuned for the official unveiling, which is going to happen in November.

BMW has announced the launch of its new "The Ultimate Drive" mobile application. "The Ultimate Drive," is a social navigation mobile app that allows users to not only discover the best roads to drive in over 50 countries, but to rank, comment and share those roads via Facebook, email or other GPS devices.

"As a company, we pride ourselves on our ongoing uses of technology to build stronger relationships with our customers," said Ed Robinson, President and CEO for BMW Group Financial Services. "Not only does 'The Ultimate Drive' app allow us to broaden our awareness as an organization to a vast audience, but more so, it provides us the ability to nurture a two-way dialogue with our customers in an engaging way."

Future versions will integrate the ability for BMW Financial Service customers to gain points and achieve high rankings.

"The Ultimate Drive" is available for both the iPhone and Android devices.

The 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe is almost here and Mini has just launched the online configurator for its newest model.

The 2012 Cooper Coupe starts at $22,000, but can easily get pretty close to $40k for the John Cooper Works model. The Mini Cooper Coupe line is powered by the same engine lineup as the rest of the Mini lineup, which means the base Coupe is powered by a 121-hp 1.6L four-cylinder. The Cooper S Coupe packs 181 horsepower and the top John Cooper Works Coupe has 208 horsepower.

The 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe will have its U.S. debut in Pebble Beach later this month and goes on sale in October.

These days most cars are sold with automatic transmissions and the new dual-clutch technology has made manual transmissions even more scarce. Especially considering that many new automatic transmissions actually get better gas mileage than their manual counterparts. In 1985 22 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. were equipped with a manual transmission, but last year that total was only 5 percent. Although most U.S. car buyers would rather have their cars do all the shifting for them, Mini buyers choose the manual option at a much higher rate.

According to Mini, 34 percent of the Cooper, Cooper convertible and Clubman choose the three pedal version. It's even higher in New England at 50 percent. To promote the manual transmission Mini is launching a new ad campaign: Manualhood.

The Manualhood campaign toutes the virtues of the manual transmission "Automatics might be easy. But manuals have more fun."

Mini is even offering $500 off any new Mini Clubman, Cooper or Cooper Convertible with a manual transmission.

BMW has unveiled both the i3 and i8 concepts today, which will have their official world debut in Frankfurt in September. While the i3 is more focused on urban mobility, the i8 concept previews BMW's next supercar that will be released in 2014.

The i8 concept has a plug-in hybrid setup, unlike the standard EV only i3. The i8's main source of power comes from a turbocharged 1.5L three-cylinder gas engine. The i8 borrows the electric motor from the i3, but will only have an all-electric driving range around 20 miles. The i8 concept reaches 0-62 mph in less than five seconds.

When the i8 is released in 2014 it will be produced at BMW's Leipzig plant in Germany.

Its been known for a while that BMW is launching a new electric line with the small i3 and i8 supercar. Today BMW has given us a closer look at what we can expect by unveiling the new i3 and i8 concepts. The two concepts provide a glimpse of what we can expect when the production models are released. The BMW i3 will launch in 2013 and the i8 in 2014.

The BMW i3 concept is made for the city and tight urban centers. It was originally teased as the MegaCity concept. The i3 features a lightweight body made of aluminum and carbon fiber.

The i3 is powered by a 170 horsepower electric motor that powers the rear wheels. The all-electric system has a range between 80-100 miles. It can reach 0-62 mph in less than eight seconds and with a high speed charger it can be charged up to 80 percent in less than an hour. It takes a full six hours to charge the lithium-ion batteries with a standard outlet. BMW has also announced that the i3 will be available with a range-extending internal combustion engine, named i-REX. BMW hasn't announced how big the engine will be.

The i3 concept will be officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.

Here's a new video of the 2012 BMW M5 doing some laps on the track. Any BMW M5 should love this.

Check out the video after the jump.

BMW has released this cool video, which documents the entire production process of the BMW 3 Series.

Production of the current 3 Series ends this fall to make way for the next-gen 3 Series that is coming next spring.

Check out the cool video after the jump.

BMW 135i and 335i owners can now upgrade the power under the hood of their BMW's thanks to a new Performance Edition kit that has been announced by BMW.

The Performance Edition is being offered for a limited time on 2011 335i sedans through the end of the year. The kit includes a power kit (engine tuning software), black kidney grilles and a "BMW Performance Edition" badge for only $550.

With the upgrades the engine output changes from 300 to 320 horsepower and 300 to 317 lb-ft. of torque on manual models and 332 lb-ft for automatic equipped models. It reaches 0-60 mph 0.2 seconds faster than the standard model as well.

Existing owners will be able to upgrade their cars at the end of the year, but the pricing for retrofitting those cars has not been announced.

Mini unveiled the Paceman concept earlier this year, which was a three-door concept based on Mini's new crossover, the Countryman. The concept was dubbed as the first Sports Activity Coupe in the premium small segment market.

When the Mini Paceman concept was unveiled it was expected that Mini would eventually produce it. BMW's Ian Robertson also confirmed the plans to put the Paceman into production.

BMW recently trademarked the design of the Paceman, and those official patent images have now been uncovered. It looks like the official design of the Paceman isn't going to really change from the concept version. The three-door version of the Countryman is expected to be powered by the same engines as the Countryman.