09 10 11 12 Chevy Traverse Transfer Case 726888 on 2040-parts.com

Art Center BMW/Exa project

There's a new sponsored project that is just getting under way at Art Center College of Design, the likes of which hasn't been seen in a very long time - if at all. The school's Transportation Design department has helped bring together BMW with Exa Corporation, a Boston-based virtual aerodynamic simulation company, and has tasked the students to re-design the current BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle with the hope of dramatically increasing its aerodynamic efficiency while still retaining the BMW flagship SAV design language. This brief is quite timely in the context of the industry's ongoing focus with sustainability and strikes at the core of the BMW Group's long term energy strategy known as the concept of Efficient Dynamics.

BMW shows off first F30 335i racing machine

When one's thoughts get to meandering and said meanderings lead to Bavarian racing machines, BMW's M cars are often first to mind. But the first race car built on BMW's new F30 bones is actually a 335i. Given that the new car's stock turbo six cranks out power similar to that of the naturally aspirated screamer in the 2001-06 E46 M3, building a dedicated rennsport machine from a non-M 3-series doesn't seem like the great loss of opportunity it once could've been.

Kias are the least expensive to insure; Audi and Acura, not so much

The Kia Sedona tops the list, with the Mazda 5, the Ford Escape and the Hyundai Santa Fe right behind. No, it's not the “top cars least likely to be bought by enthusiasts” list, although it would fit. It's the list of the least expensive cars to insure.