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BMW ready to shift small coupes, convertibles to even-number nameplates

Reports in Europe say that BMW is planning a shake-up in the naming strategy for its smaller coupes and convertibles, as well as planning to shift its 1-series cars onto a front-drive platform. The nameplate shake-up will have coupe and convertible variants of the 1-series become the 2-series, while coupe and convertible variants of the 3-series will become the 4-series. The changeover is expected to start in 2013, according to a report on the Web site of Car magazine.

New Toyota Yaris TR released

Toyota has upgraded the spec on the Toyota Yaris TR The changes to the new Toyota Yaris TR move it up the range towards the T-Spirit. There are ten Yaris TR models in the range (prices and detail at the bottom) and all get an upgraded spec. The Toyota Yaris TR now gets 15″ Eught-Spoke Alloys (just like the T-Spirit), AirCon, electric windows and mirrors, 6-speaker sound system (just 4 on the 1.0 VVTi), leather wheel with audio controls, leather gear shift trim and adjustable steering wheel.

Lincoln edges Lexus in new J. D. Power survey of vehicle dependability

Lincoln now leads the industry with the most reliable vehicles, according to a closely watched annual survey, marking the first time Ford Motor Co.'s premium brand has captured the crown. Lincoln unseated Porsche in J.D. Power and Associates' 2011 U.S.