BMW to have a pair of world debuts at the NAIAS in Detroit next Month.

The BMW M2 and X4 M40i will make their world debuts at the 2016 North American International Auto Show on Monday, January 11, at the BMW Stand at 10:05 a.m. in Detroit’s COBO Center (One Washington Boulevard Detroit, MI 48226). 

In addition, BMW will feature the new, BMW X1, BMW 7 Series, the plug-in hybrid BMW 330e, the high-performance BMW i8 and the all-electric BMW i3 among other BMW models at the BMW Stand. English, German and Spanish speaking BMW representatives will be available for interviews throughout the day.

Making its highly anticipated world debut, the 2016 BMW M2 features the renowned BMW M Performance complimented by a sleek interior and exterior design.

A newly developed M TwinPower Turbo technology 3-liter, 6-cylinder engine produces 365 bHP and 343 lb-ft of torque, catapulting the high performance vehicle from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Inspired by its motorsport history and enhanced by BMW EfficientDynamics technology, the BMW M2 sets the pace in its segment when it comes to agility, driving feeling, directional stability, steering precision and controllability at the limit, without any compromise in everyday use. 

The 2016 BMW M2 will be available in US showrooms in spring 2016. Pricing will be announced shortly. 

The BMW X4 M40i also will make its world debut in Detroit. The cutting-edge drive technology in the new BMW X4 M40i guarantees the free-revving thrill typical of a BMW M engine and its outstanding power delivery. With 355 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque, the newly developed M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology inline 6-cylinder engine will also be making its world debut. Reaching an electronically limited top speed of 150 mph, the BMW X4 M40i delivers best-in-class acceleration, traveling from 0-60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. 

Design and technology are also at their peak in the BMW X4 M40i and include a powerful yet efficient exterior chassis tuned to M Performance specifications, BMW ConnectedDrive, intelligent xDrive and TwinScroll turbo technology.

The BMW X4 M40i will be available in US showrooms in February 2016. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date. 

The BMW 330e features a plug-in hybrid drive system offering typical BMW driving dynamics and outstanding efficiency. 

The innovative use of an electric motor and the BMW TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine results in a total system output of 248 bHP and 310 lb-ft torque. BMW 330e accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds. In everyday driving condition, a total range of up 373 miles is attainable with 22 miles in all-electric mode. 

The 2016 BMW 330e will arrive in US showrooms in spring 2016 for $44,695 including $995 Destination and Handling.  

The BMW 740e, the flagships plug-in hybrid model will be available at dealerships in summer 2016. Its eDrive powertrain technology and the 2.0 liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology combined with an electric motor generates a combined system output of 326 hp. 

A total of 23 miles in all-electric mode with a top speed of 75 mph can be achieved. Core features like the BMW EfficentLightweigt concept, allowing for 190 pound weight reduction in comparison to its predecessor carries over from the new 2016 BMW 7 Series. 

Groundbreaking Carbon Core passenger cell technology is the key element on the body structure by the extensive use of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and the strategic application of the lightweight design to reduce weight and increase both the overall torsion strength and bending stiffness. 

Featuring BMWs newest and pioneering technologies such as Gesture Control, Wireless Charging, Active Kidney Grills and the optional Display Key. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

The BMW X1 is the second generation of its successful predecessor model and features more robust overall proportions, more interior space for passengers and luggage alike, and additional innovative connectivity and groundbreaking BMW EfficientDynamics technology that is unparalleled in the segment. 

The BMW X1 xDrive28i will feature a 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine producing 228 bHP and 258 lb-ft of torque mated to an 8 speed Steptronic automatic transmission, enabling the newest X family member to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds. 

The engine is coupled with the new BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system and newly developed chassis technology, which enhances sporting ability and ride. Currently in showrooms, the MSRP for the BMWX1 xDrive28 will be $35,795 including Destination and Handling. 

The BMW i8 is the first eDrive 2+2 sports-car from BMW. It sits at the pinnacle of the BMW i lineup of visionary vehicles which are purpose built from the ground up as electric and hybrid electric, constructed primarily from lightweight carbon fiber. 

Currently in showrooms and priced at $140,700 plus Destination and Handling, the MY2016 BMW i8 features Laser Lights available as an option for the first time in the US, enhancing its athletic design and sleek, low slung exterior. 

The BMW i8 operates with extremely high fuel efficiency boasting a US EPA rating of 76 MPGe combined. It is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds on the way to an electronically governed top speed of 155 mph. 

Cups of Tea, Visit number, cars and overall BHP, we have some of the numbers for Goodwood 2015.

With the opening today of the Goodwood Moving Motor Show, the most eagerly-anticipated motoring event of the year – the Festival of Speed – is underway.

Lord March opened the Moving Motor Show this morning by driving the new Mazda MX-5 up the Goodwood Estate’s famous, 1.16-mile Hillclimb course. Mazda is being honoured with the iconic Central Feature situated outside Goodwood House and has chosen the Moving Motor Show to give the new MX-5 its UK debut.

But, while the Festival of Speed is already one of the most famous and respected motoring events in the world, the legendary four-day event still holds a few of its own secrets.

Ahead of the annual celebration of all things motorised and motor sport, in quintessentially British fashion, Goodwood has revealed the top 10 things you might not know about the Goodwood Moving Motor Show and Festival of Speed.

• Goodwood’s Moving Motor Show (Thursday, June 25) covers 5500m² of the Goodwood Estate – enough space to park 1200 classic Minis bumper-to-bumper
• Over 10,000 cups of tea will be served in Goodwood House over the Festival of Speed weekend
• 70,000 cars will be at the event (including competition and Moving Motor Show cars, display cars and those in the public car parks)
• 4,200 miles will be covered on the famous 1.16-mile hillclimb over the weekend – that’s the same as driving from Goodwood to New York
• This year’s Central Feature, which honours Mazda, is 37m high and weighs approximately 133 tonnes
• The collective horse power of all of the cars running on the hill across the weekend is approximately 120,000bhp
• 3,800 bales of hay will be used as crash barriers at the event
• 300 marshals will work across the weekend to keep the drivers and spectators safe
• Around 6,000 visitors will camp on the Goodwood Estate over the weekend
• The loudest car at the event will be Don Garlits’ Swamp Rat 1-B – an astonishing 1959 drag-racing machine
• Four active Formula 1 race winners, with 67 grand prix victories between them, will drive during the Festival of Speed; Kimi Raikkonen, Felipe Massa, Nico Rosberg and Jenson Button.

The action gets underway on Thursday, June 25 with the Moving Motor Show; billed as the ultimate test-drive experience, the Moving Motor Show will feature global, European and UK debuts from many of the 20 manufacturers exhibiting, meaning that visitors to the event will be among the first in the world to see the newest models from the likes of Aston Martin, Ford, Ferrari and Peugeot.

More than 34,000 visitors are expected to attend the Moving Motor Show, with the total crowd for the Festival weekend expected to top last year’s number of 202,000.

First the PSA group launch their versions, now FIAT releases the new DUCATO,

• Sixth generation of the best-selling FIAT Ducato debuts combining sophisticated car-like design with LCV versatility, efficiency and robustness
• Renewed focus on three key areas: robustness and reliability; efficiency and low running costs and new high-tech content
• Two interior environments are offered with new seats and an exclusive, integrated Multifunction Tablet Holder
• The lowest emission and consumption levels in the segment thanks to its MultiJet II power units. ComfortMatic automatic gearbox also available
• Best gross vehicle weight (up to 4.25 tonnes) in the ‘single wheel’ category
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) complete with Rollover Mitigation, Load and Centre of Gravity Detection (LAC) and Hill Holder all standard
• Further driving assistance features such as Traction+ with Hill Descent Control are optionally available
• Bluetooth and MP3 playback is standard, while the new five-inch colour touchscreen can be specified with a reversing camera; satnav and DAB

The latest evolution of the best-selling FIAT Ducato has been unveiled by FIAT Professional. The sixth generation of this hugely successful LCV, which has notched up 2.6 million sales since it was first launched in 1981, will continue to set the segment benchmark not only in Europe but also in the 80 international regions in which it is now on sale, including Russia, Middle East, Australia and Latin America, as well as North American where it is marketed under the RAM brand. A truly global vehicle, the new FIAT Ducato will be a key element in the growth of FIAT Chrysler Automobiles in the light commercial vehicles sector.

The new exterior style brings sophisticated ‘car design’ to the light commercial vehicle segment, conveying a strong sense of dynamism, quality, safety and robustness. The all-new front end features new DRL headlamps, with optional LEDs, and a bold new grille design, available in satin silver or piano black, as well as a new three-part front bumper which helps to reduce repair costs. A new bonnet, skid plate and new alloy wheels complete the revised exterior style.

Inside, the new FIAT Ducato offers two cabin environments – Classic or Techno – offering different levels of refinement and elegance. New seats offer car-like comfort levels on all models, while other enhancements include large new cup holders and a new, segment-exclusive Multifunction Tablet Holder which can safely secure any one of a variety of devices such as smartphones and tablets, as well as normal pads of A4 paper.

With the new Ducato, FIAT Professional has worked to reduce emissions and improve economy by around 10 percent across the Euro 5+ engine range. It now boasts best-in-class emission and fuel consumption figures, with emissions for the entry-level 2.3 MultiJet II 110hp as low as 170g/km and an impressive fuel economy figure of 44.1 MPG on the NEDC cycle. The 2.3 MultiJet II 130, which produces 130hp and 320Nm, and the 2.3 litre MultiJet II 150, with 150hp and 350 Nm, both return even better economy and emissions figures when equipped with optional Start&Stop – just 164g/km and 45.6 MPG for both engines! The heavy-duty, 3.0 MultiJet Power 180, with 180hp and 400Nm of torque, has CO₂ emissions of 203g/km and returns 36.7 MPG on the NEDC cycle. All models are equipped with a six-speed manual transmission as standard, while the ComfortMatic transmission is available on all but the entry-level 2.3-litre unit. Further improvements to efficiency and running costs have been gained by working on kerb weight reduction and increased payload through, for example, the use of composite materials in the rear suspension.

As a global product, the Ducato must prove its reliability and robustness in a wider variety of contexts than ever before so an extensive test programme for the 2014 FIAT Ducato saw it tested extensively throughout the world. Combined with the experience and know-how of FIAT Professional’s engineers, this has resulted in body and chassis reinforcements, improved braking and performance, and enhancements to the lifespan of the suspensions and clutch. The new FIAT Ducato now boasts the best Gross Vehicle Weight (up to 4.25 tonnes); best weight on the rear axle (up to 2.5 t) and best van payload (up to 2.1 t) of the ‘single wheel’ segment.

The enhancements don’t end there. The new FIAT Ducato is packed with high-tech content, such as state-of-the-art safety and driving assistance devices, as well as new infotainment systems. All versions continue to offer an electronic stability control (ESC) system as standard, but it now integrates a rollover mitigation system, to increase comfort and protect the load from unexpected motion, in conjunction with Load and Centre of Gravity Detection (LAC), Hill Holder, anti-slip (ASR) and electronic braking assistance (EBA) systems.

Additionally, to ensure greater manoeuvrability and enhanced driving comfort, dual-mode Servotronic power steering continues to be offered as standard, while further driving assistance systems are available on request, such as Traction+ (complete with Hill Descent Control), lane departure warning system and road sign recognition system.

There are also developments in the field of infotainment, where the new model offers Bluetooth technology and MP3 playback as standard and top-of-the-range versions include a five-inch colour touchscreen, reversing camera, built-in navigation and DAB digital radio.

Finally, the new Ducato from FIAT Professional offers the widest front-wheel-drive range on the market: with 10,000 variants available to customers across its commercial vehicle, passenger transport and conversions chassis versions. Within the van range, you can choose from between eight different load capacities, ranging from 8 to 17 m³, four lengths and three different heights. Five lengths are offered for the chassis cabs, one more than the current range.

Market-specific details and pricing for the UK FIAT Ducato range will be announced shortly.