Everybody knows the auto world has shifted. The trick is divining which brands have got the gumption to last.

Now, with President Obama's new efficiency standards requiring a fleet-wide fuel economy average of 35.5 miles per gallon, automakers have their work cut out for them.

Domestic carmakers in particular are gearing up to battle forthcoming offerings from new-to-the-U.S.Fiat, with its diminutive 55.5-mile-per-gallon Fiat 500, and Chinese newcomer BYD, maker of the staid hybrid-electric F3DM sedan.

Motor City had better get cracking. It takes four years to produce a market-ready vehicle, and a typical lifecycle for one model is seven years. While we wait to see what brands emerge victorious, Honda's mod CR-Z and Ford's "eco-boosted" Euro models point to the types of cars we can expect by 2014.

Highlights: Set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September, the Milano is expected to boast a 120-horsepower 4-cylinder or 265-hp V6 engine. It sold briefly in North America (and was called the 75 elsewhere) in the late 1980s and early 1990s but disappeared when Alfa left the continent.

Why we care: Experts are speculating that the five-door Milano will form the basis for a new Chrysler sedan. It'll go on sale in Europe first, then likely come to the U.S. a few years later.

Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.

Highlights: BMW designed the X1 to combine the characteristics of its X-line SUV models with those of its smaller sedans in a new, "compact SUV" format.

Why we care: Based on the much-lauded 1-Series, the 6-cylinder X1 promises superb handling in a beefed-up, all-wheel drive format.

Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.

Highlights: This plug-in electric hybrid car went on sale in China late last year. It uses an electric motor and a 67-horsepower, 1-liter gasoline engine (for a combined output of the equivalent of 168 hp). It's tough to get specifics from the Shenzhen-based company, but BYD said at the Detroit Auto Show it'll bring products to the U.S. in 2011. The F3DM or F6DM could follow shortly after.
Why we care: In September 2008, billionaire investor Warren Buffet bought a 10% share of BYD for HKD1.8 billion. He has also reportedly been involved with consulting with the company on how to breech overseas markets--a positive sign for the hybrid's chances in the U.S., where it will face off with GM's Chevrolet Volt.
Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.

Highlights: This "grand touring coupe" was created to show GM's electric technology (called Voltec) inside a sporty body style. It has a 40-mile electric-only range and can charge in eight hours on a regular, 120-volt outlet. Top speed is 100 miles per hour; top power is 120kW.
Why we care: If Cadillac can bring the Converj (or a similar production-ready car) to market, it will show GM can make electric technology both luxurious and practical for daily drives.
Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.

Highlights: The multi-purpose C-Max has been on sale in Europe since 2003; some experts think it will be one of the vehicles Ford plans to eventually bring to North America as part of its multiyear "One Ford" global product plan. Other confirmed new-to-the-U.S. cars are the Focus and Fiesta, due to hit stores next year.
Why we care: Part of Ford's survival goal is to use more, 4- and 6-cylinder engines that use its "ecoboost" technology to produce the same power as a 6- or 8-cylinder, respectively; it will place some of those engines in vehicles it brings over from Europe. The success or failure of that plan could have long-lasting ramifications for the company.
Read on for more lists, rankings and auto coverage including facts about what Fiat means in the U.S. and why some cars are still selling, despite the auto industry downturn.

The Chevrolet Corvette is a sports car by the Chevrolet division of General Motors that has been produced in six generations. The first model, a convertible, was designed by Harley Earl and introduced at the GM Motorama in 1953 as a concept show car. Myron Scott is credited for naming the car after the Corvette, a small, maneuverable warship.[1] Originally built in Flint, Michigan and St. Louis, Missouri, the Corvette is currently built in Bowling Green, Kentucky and is the official sports car of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The National Corvette Museum documents the car's worldwide history and hosts the annual "National Corvette Homecoming". In 2003 the Corvette, the first and only continuously-manufactured American sports car, celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Could General Motors in these crisis times to choose for a future Corvette a retro design, as they did with the new Camaro?

Christian Cyrulewski is the one who shares with the officials from General Motors an interesting perspective for a new Corvette with retro influences. The inspiration source was the third generation of the American supercar, with many stylistic elements interpreted in a modern way.

European tuners Geiger Cars have released a striking package for the new Corvette Z06, and named this model ‘Wild Thing’. The bright green color choice for the paint is definitely wild, but it’s the power numbers that were meant to impress. Geiger Cars was able to claim an astonishing 890 horsepower after their modifications, with 940 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpms. The modifications include customizing the cylinder block, head, and crankshaft which increased the displacement from 7.0-liters to 7.6-liters. They didn’t stop there however, Geiger Cars added two turbochargers to make it a biturbo (twin turbo) model. With those performance gains, the Corvette Z06 can reach an acclaimed top speed of 354 km/h.

To support all of this extra power, the transmission, drive shaft, and differential were beefed up by using cardan gears and carbon fiber. With all this power added, keeping the wheels glued to the pavement is a challenge. Geiger Cars chose to go with 285/30 tires in the front, and 345/25 in the rear mounted on thin-spoked black rims. To slow the Corvette down after reaching 354 km/h, a performance brake kit was installed that consists of 6-piston calipers in the front, and 4-piston in the rear.

The successor to McLaren F1, the MacLaren MP4-12C is built from years of experience in the supercar and Formula 1 business.

Power comes from the twin-turbo 3.8 liter V8 churning out 600 bhp and 433 lb-ft of torque. McLaren says that their engine is not only powerful, it's environmentally-responsible as well with a low carbon emission rate.

The 0-60 time will be about 3 seconds and a top speed over 200 mph. A total of 1,000 cars will be made and price will be around $265,000.

The 2012 Lexus LFA is an awe-worthy piece of Japanese sports car. Only 500 of these mid-engined cars are to be hand-assembled by skilled automotive craftsmen in Japan.

The engine output from the 4.8 liter 10-cylinder powerplant is home to 562 total horses. 

The price tag of the 2012 Lexus LFA will be $375,000 U.S.

Lexus LFA Special Edition Sport Car 2012

Helping to attack the winding curves as well as maintain traction on straight roadways, high-grip tires and sport-tuned suspension will make the LFA feel complete in touch with your surroundings.

Lexus LFA Special Edition Sport Car 2012

The LFA marks a watershed point for Lexus – its global debut marks the spectacular arrival of a new flagship for the F portfolio of Lexus performance models. A Lexus that single-handedly makes new boundaries to redefine the supercar for the 21st Century.

“From the very beginning of automobile history, supercars have represented dreams, hopes and aspirations,” clarified Haruhiko Tanahashi, chief engineer of the LFA’s development program. “For Lexus, a brand that aims to provide customers enlightened moments and memorable experiences, the development of a world-class supercar was an indispensable next step”.

That indispensable next step centered on the creation of a supercar that would deliver the supreme driving experience. To achieve this uncompromising goal, Tanahashi and his team made the LFA from scratch – a right clean-sheet design. And in a radical departure from standard Lexus development practice, they approached the LFA from a non-traditional angle, pushing their technological, material and engineering boundaries at every step.

Lexus LFA Special Edition Sport Car 2012

Lexus LFA Special Edition Sport Car 2012

Lexus LFA Special Edition Sport Car 2012

Lexus LFA Special Edition Sport Car 2012

Lexus LFA Special Edition Sport Car 2012

Lexus LF A Prototype Sports Cars

With the anticipation of fans around the world at its peak, the BMW M GmbH introduced the newest member of its product family intimate. For the first time, M coveted badge has been given to the popular 1-Series BMW 1-Series in the form of all-new BMW M Coupe. Badge M submitted after two years of the development process through the BMW M engineers and test drivers achieve extraordinary power delivery and a signature, near-perfect driving behavior of the BMW M cars. 2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe will be available in limited quantities and with limited options on the Official BMW Center in Spring, 2011.

"Eigenwillig," the German word for "self-willed," "individual," and "decided to go their own way," has been the right word to describe the M car is unique and impressive than the last three decades. With the original 1988 BMW M3 as his inspiration, 2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe combines the raw ability of a racing car with the agility, flexibility, and a seated position from a compact sedan to the BMW Ultimate Driving Machine ® makes pure. Thus, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe continues the tradition of BMW M. eigenwillig With the latest two-door model, BMW M is to describe the ability to build a performance car racing into a small car, capable of daily use.

Dimensions and Construction

New BMW 1-Series M Coupe has been developed for near-perfect balance and footprint, a large square. It is 71 inches (1803mm) wide - 4.8 inches (122mm) wider than its 1988 ancestor M3 - but only 1.3 inches (33mm) longer at 172.4 inches (4379mm) long. New BMW 1-Series M Coupe weighs in at 1495 kg DIN (£ 3296, the beginning), and features a wheelbase (2659mm) 104.7 inches, three inches longer than the M3 of 1988. Front and rear track width is exactly the same on the BMW 1-Series M Coupe at 60.7 inches (1542mm) each. Compared with 2011 BMW 135i Coupe, BMW 1-Series M Coupe is 0.2 inches (5 mm) longer, 2.1 inches (53mm) wider, 0.5 inches (13mm) taller, and rides on a 104.7-inch same (2659mm) wheelbase. Features a track 2.8 inches (71mm) wider in front and 1.8 inches (46mm) wider in the rear, and DIN weight 35kg (77 lbs, preliminary) less.

New BMW 1-Series M Coupe features a high strength steel unibody, with a unique, widened fenders and rear quarter panel to house track widened substantially. He also has a metal roof panel that saves about 35 lbs (15kg) compared to the BMW 1-Series models are equipped with a moonroof. 2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe, built as one of the most BMW vehicles performance-oriented in recent years, may not be offered with a moonroof. This weight savings - at the highest point of vehicle - provide an appropriate reduction in the center of gravity, which contributes to enhanced driving dynamics. It also helps maximize head room (or space helmets, such as might occur).

Engineering chassis is "faster than the engine"

Providing sure-foot responsive handling for high performance, powerful and luxurious coupe, while keeping mass under control, presented many challenges for the engineers of BMW M. The result is an aluminum suspension which was originally for the current generation M3, and tuned specifically for this model in the BMW M Nurburgring Nordschleife test center. Of course, every BMW design begins with preparing the main components in a way that allows near-perfect front / rear weight balance (51.7/48.3).

Almost all aluminum front-end components, including front struts, swivel bearings, central subframe and an additional impetus panel below the engine serving to maximize lateral stiffness of the entire front.

At the rear axle, subframe, transverse arms, arm track, and wheel hubs have been reviewed by M to the ideal kinematics, geometry and stiffness. Virtually every detail on the five-arm rear axle made of aluminum and a new generation of BMW M cars, including aluminum dampers.

Both front and rear axles feature hollow bar anti-roll optimized for function and body weight. Combining two additional longitudinal reinforcement bars, axle kinematics tailored to the perfect way to track a whole and the character of the car. As a result, both in terms of stability and weight, according to the balanced performance concept of every BMW M vehicles.

Compounds Brakes and Wheels

A powerful braking system suitable for a car with performance that far was originally developed for the current generation BMW M3. The players internally-vented, cross-drilled iron discs measure 14.2 inches (360mm) diameter in front and 13.8 inches (350mm) at rear. Featuring large compound disc brakes and electronic anti-lock, stopping power for the BMW 1-Series M Coupe a strong, precise and consistent. Each disk is connected to a floating aluminum hub by cast-in stainless steel pin. This configuration reduces the thermal load on the disk, thus improving their performance and service life. An electrically-driven pump provides the vacuum system.

Service - and safety - is enhanced thanks to an integrated wear indicator which, through a dash display, allows the driver to monitor the condition of brake. Brake Service - closed for four years or 50,000 miles under the BMW Ultimate Service - thus can be given when necessary without guesswork.

BMW 1-Series M Coupe is equipped with a wheel, M light-alloy-specific cross-talk from the M3 Competition Package and GTS limited-production M3. They measure 19 x 9 inches with low-profile tires 245/35/R19 on the front and 19 x 10 inches with tires 265/35/R19 in the back, and silver in color.

In the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, the transmission power to the rear wheel also provides an ideal base for exciting driving dynamics because of segregation of duties consistent drivetrain and steering. Steering rack-and-pinion equipped with hydraulic power steering system called Servotronic, which regulates impulse in relation to road speed.

Engine

Heart of every BMW is the engine, and an inline-6 with exceptional performance, behavioral free-revving, and pushing and shoving endless BMW 1-Series M Coupe. This concept is known: in the history of BMW M models, high-revving inline-6 is one of the classic machine formats. In the second and third generation of the BMW M3, the-inline 6 became famous because it combines high output, sharp response, and a loud voice. In the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, the inline-6 engine concept embodied in the most up-to-date form.

twin-turbocharged, all-aluminum, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine is characterized by instantaneous response to accelerator pedal, sounds fantastic, and free-revving spirit. The combination of low-mass turbochargers and twin BMW High Precision Injection direct offer naturally-aspirated engine output will only be able to provide through movement of more cylinders and bigger.

The system was developed for the engine turbocharger 1-Series BMW M Coupe maintain high output throughout the engine speed range. Maximum output of 335 hp (250 kW) delivered at 5900 rpm. nominal peak torque is 332 pounds-ft (450 Nm) from 1,500 rpm to 4500 rpm. Redline is 7000 rpm. An enhanced engine management system BMW 1-Series M Coupe includes electronic overboost function which briefly controlled increase torque at full load conditions by another 37-lb ft (50 Nm). This peak torque of 369 temporary lb-ft to give the car a substantial increase in acceleration. BMW 1-Series M Coupe will complete the sprint from stop to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds (0-100 km / h in 4.9 seconds). Signs emerged standing quarter mile in 13.2 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 155 mph (250 km / h).

Signature sound to accompany the wave power

Exhaust system from the BMW 1-Series M Coupe is set by M specifically for this new model. acoustic technique gives the car a unique personality in all phases of operation. M exhaust system easily recognized by the presence of four signing of the exhaust pipe.

Drive M Button

New BMW 1-Series M Coupe is also equipped with steering wheel-mounted M button Drive which makes its first appearance in 2006 M5. In the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, M button to activate the program sharp throttle response for the sportiest driving. This means that the engine performance characteristics can vary according to the driver's wishes.

6-speed Manual Transmission

A ratio 6-speed manual transmission is used for transmission power close to the rear wheels on the BMW 1-Series M Coupe. It is specifically designed to interact with high torque engines and have been suitable for this purpose with flood cooling system dry. A flywheel upgrade to high-torque applications installed between the engine and transmission. This transmission is operated using a lever M is very short gearshift. final drive ratio of 3.15:1.

Variable M differential lock, DSC with M Dynamic Mode

BMW 1-Series M Coupe is equipped with variable M differential lock. This produces the locking torque on-demand and variable, thus providing optimal rear-wheel drive traction on all road surfaces. The key response variable M differential rotation velocity difference on the right and left rear wheel, direct drive torque in a split second. So where there are significant differences in the coefficient of friction between the right and left rear wheels, for example, optimum traction and propulsion possible maximum is guaranteed. Centrifuge principle of variable M differential lock to support the dynamic nature of both rear wheels on slippery surfaces and when accelerating out of bends.

This gives the BMW 1-Series Coupe M benefits traction on slippery surfaces, snow and sand. It also supports auto-sporty style in the narrow, winding roads like a mountain pass since the optimum traction and a maximum torque available drive when accelerating out of corners. So in this model, the variable M differential lock proves ideal support for the dynamic nature of rear-wheel drive.

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) from the BMW 1-Series M Coupe includes elements such as Antilock Brake System (ABS), a function of anti-slip control (ASC), brake assistant Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), hill-hold assistant to start off, Cornering Brake Control (CBC), the function of brake fade compensation and Brake drying function. In wet or slippery surfaces DSC secretly intervened to limit oversteer.

As an alternative to the status of normal operation, the driver can activate the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) MDM by pressing the button between the front air vents, increasing the threshold of intervention of the DSC system. MDM allows very little oversteer dynamic in specific situations to enable the vehicle yaw optimized for maximum performance. Demonstrations at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC has been shown to activate the MDM mode lick the fastest-possible performance while still providing assurance and protection of the Dynamic Stability Control. MDM also facilitate the start of the snow or loose surface carefully controlled amount of wheelspin. DSC can be entirely disabled via a press-button long MDM (ABS remain active.)

Innovative Aerodynamics: Water Curtain

Consistency of form and function is very important for engineers at BMW M, the search for the perfect balance of various factors aerodynamics in wind tunnels. As a result, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe is equipped with the latest innovations BMW aerodynamics. air curtains, used here for the first time in a production vehicle BMW, enhance airflow around the wheel arches with the benefits of turbulence are significantly reduced.

Innovative aerodynamic features consist of openings on the outside bottom of the front fascia that routes high-pressure air through channels in every corner of the front. Channel approximately 10 x 3 cm wide and is designed to channel air to the openings in front of each wheel arch, where he disposed of through a very narrow hole at high speed. Air flow out covers the side of the front wheel like a curtain, thus reducing aerodynamic turbulence that is not profitable in the vicinity of rotating wheels.

This feature has a key role in the development of aerodynamic innovation future. An example of the principle of the air curtain was first presented in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept study at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 2009, and the developer BMW 1-Series M Coupe takes the task of pioneering application of this element for the production vehicle. To do so, they utilize the unique capabilities of the new full scale "rolling road" wind tunnel testing at the BMW Group Aerolab Aerodynamic Center.

Design

There are three exterior paint finish to choose from for the BMW 1-Series M Coupe. In addition to non-metallic Alpine White and Black Sapphire Metallic, Valencia Orange Metallic available exclusively for high-performance compact sports car.

Strongly shaped front fascia is dominated by three large air intake that is safe for air cooling of high-performance engines. Air enters the central area is covered by a honeycomb grille-structured, while the two outer intake that actually open. This means that in every situation on the road or track, a number large enough cooling air is fed directly into the engine oil cooler on the right and to the additional cooling radiator on the left.

With greenhouse convey the impression of light, strong shoulder line of distinctive and complex sculpted surfaces symbolize athleticism precisely controlled in the profile. The wheel arches of the model 2-door bulge out especially voluminously both in front and rear. One of the characteristic features of M is a chrome gill elements in the front wheel arches are very elongated. It bears the turn indicator M brand and logos, as well as forming the starting point of the character line along the door handles to the rear. A vertical edge of the contour starts at the element that leads to a threshold gill side. Fine-tuning in the wind tunnel has also formed a design of the exterior mirror. In their basic form are the same as those of the BMW M3.

Strong wheel arches that also makes the back of the BMW 1-Series M Coupe seems to be very broad. The horizontal line is set emphasizes this impression. A wise spoiler lip on the trunk lid to produce additional downforce on the rear axle at high speeds. Rear fascia has a side opening that echoes the appearance of Water Curtain intake in the front fascia. M symmetry visual characteristics that are created by two sets of chrome twin tailpipes, each positioned towards the outer edge. L-shaped rear light clusters with red glass cover makes nighttime lighting characteristics. In this, the backlight is provided by two banks of lights fed by the LED units.

BMW 1-Series M Coupe features standard Adaptive Xenon headlights. Twin round lights cut at the top of the LED-fed "eyebrows." This is what creates the appearance focused BMW 1-Series M Coupe.

Interior Focus

M-special cockpit developed exclusively for BMW 1-Series M Coupe is designed to facilitate focus, sporty driving. High-quality, black Alcantara with orange contrast stitching covers the door panels, door pull, binnacle instrument cluster, dashboard panels and gearshift lever boot and hand brake. Driver's attention is focused on the M-specific instrument cluster with a fast gray, classic red M pointers, and a white backlight. A driver's footrest and frame M M round entry of a unique interior.

Black leather sports seats in the Boston standard has orange contrast stitching and logo on the front of M arise each headrest. heating Seats are available for both front seats. The orange contrast stitching is also echoed in the back seat and in all the design elements featuring Alcantara. M leather multifunction steering wheel now features M-everywhere Keys to spontaneous activation of sharp throttle response and M Dynamic Mode DSC.

The dominance of dark surfaces, including the A pillar and the anthracite headliner trim to reduce the glare of the sun and promote a focus on the road. In combination with high-quality materials, contour plan, and selective color accents, the interior of the BMW 1-Series M Coupe providing the perfect environment for the pursuit of driving pleasure.

Safety Equipment

BMW vigorously pursue a philosophy of safety with three key modes: a avoid accidents), superior, b) superior crash survivability, and notices c) comprehensive post-accident. BMW 1-Series M Coupe features a wide selection of standard equipment that underlines BMW's safety culture research. Standard safety features include front, pelvis-thorax and side head curtain airbags, automatic three-point seatbelts for all seats with pretensioners and belt force limiting belt in front. Models equipped with BMW Assist BMW Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification, which alerts authorities when an airbag deployment has occurred. Furthermore, data from on-board safety systems are processed and analyzed through algorithms so that the vehicle ownership URGENCY BMW Assist can provide call centers with a special notice when the occupants tend to experience severe injuries.

The 2008 Geneva Motor Show is the host of many extraordinary cars. In this case, the beauty is Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4, which is powered by a direct injected 5.2-liter V10 engine. It produces 560hp, that gave a part of it’s name and it reaches 0 to 62mph in just 3.7 seconds, being able to ride at a maximum speed of 201mph.

Lamborghini has worked hard on this one and along with the power and design improvement, they have also reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emission by 18 percent.

Check out the gallery for more stunning photos.

After we posted many good news about the cars and manufacturers that will come at the Geneva Motor Show, now we bring you some bad news: Pagani announced that the Zonda-R will not make its appearance to Geneva. The 750 HP and carbon-fiber super car will not show up because Pagani has to concentrate on other important projects.

If it were to believe “the talk of the town”, the automaker can’t bring any model because they sold all of them in order to cover their investment costs for manufacturing the sports car.

We don’t know the truth, but we are really disappointed because this is one of the coolest sports car. The gallery below will prove it.