BMW 1-Series Performance Accessories Concept (2012) at Frankfurt

BMW 1-Series Performance Accessories Concept at Frankfurt 2011 It’s only been a few months since BMW revealed the 2012 1-Series and already they’re working on adding a sensible dose of ‘M’ goodness to the new compact, with the BMW 1-Series Performance Accessories Concept heading to Frankfurt to show off their efforts. The concept gets a set of chunky 19″ alloys, uprated suspension and brakes, an integrated rear diffuser and titivated exhaust tips.. There’s also an extensive body kit, carbon fibre door mirrors and a thumping great stripe right up the middle.

Aston Martin Rapide S arrives with 550 horses

Aston Martin is replacing the four-door Rapide with the Rapide S, which gets minor styling tweaks and extra power. Just as they did with the new DB9, Aston Martin has made the new Rapide S a more aggressive car, with small styling tweaks like a new grill and a small spoiler at the back, some minor trim tweaks with the addition of Piano Black trim and a new duotone black and red leather trim, and an optional carbon fibre pack for exterior highlights. Under the skin, the Rapide S is still based on Aston’s VH platform, but it does get the latest Gen 4 tweaks including new adaptive dampers with Normal, Sport and Track modes, tweaked dynamic stability control (DSC) and the latest AM11 engine dropped by 19mm for a lower centre of gravity.

Cadillac ATS (2012) compact exec unveiled at Detroit show

Cadillac took the wraps off the new compact Caddy, the ATS, at an event on the eve of the 2012 Detroit auto show. The new Cadillac ATS is essentially a BMW 3-series rival meeting all the design and engineering criteria of the larger Cadillacs. Cadillac ATS: what's new The ATS is like a baby CTS - the Art and Science design credo has been upheld, with sharp creases and pressed body surfacing to give it the Cady look.