BMW Concept 1-series tii and M3 saloon (2007): first official pictures

By Steve Moody First Official Pictures 24 October 2007 02:47 Two World Debuts at Tokyo: Are BMW turning Japanese? With the vast proliferation of BMW models, there just aren’t enough motor shows to go round, so Tokyo was treated to the unusual sight of two world debuts from the Germans: the outwardly sensible (but mental behind its closed four doors) M3 and the mental-in-every-way Concept 1 Series tii. The Concept 1 Series tii, BMW executives were extremely keen to point out, is a design study intended to highlight the new coupe’s links to great road and racing BMWs of the past, such as the 2002 tii of the 60s and 70s and the brilliant 3.0 CSL of the 70s.

Holden VF Commodore Calais V Concept

Holden has unveiled its new Calais V luxury sports concept, previewing the future design director of the carmaker's VF Commodore, which will be sold in the US as the Chevrolet SS. The halo car of GM's Australian arm is a clear evolution of the outgoing model, with an emphasis on greater percieved quality in order to appeal on a global scale. "You'll notice that the hood is more prominent, with a centre crease that emphasises performance potential and two raking spears sweeping in from the A-pillars," says Richard Ferlazzo Holden Chief Designer - Creative Design.

Volkswagen Passat TDI Clean Diesel sets fuel economy record

Volkswagen set a new Guinness World Record last week for lowest fuel consumption during an 8,122-mile tour of the lower 48 states in a Volkswagen Passat TDI Clean Diesel, achieving 77.99 mpg during the trip. This new record bested the previous one by about 10 mpg. During this record-setting trip the Passat TDI Clean Diesel also beat the hybrid record by more than 13 miles per gallon.