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BMW makes double-clutch tranny for M3 V-8s

BMW announced today that it will make a new double-clutch transmission available on the 2009 M3, the sport-tuned version of its 3 series. A double-clutch transmission is really a manual transmission, but can be used like an automatic. Instead of requiring the driver to push a clutch pedal, the car's computer and actuators control two clutches. When the driver selects an upshift or downshift, the system engages one of its clutches and disengages the other, making shifts faster than a traditional manual. BMW previously developed its SMG, or sequential manual gearbox, which operated like a double-clutch transmission from the … Read more

Photos: New cars at the 2008 Detroit auto show

Automakers used this year's Detroit auto show to launch a number of significant new cars and model upgrades, featuring the latest in cabin and powertrain tech. Ford and Dodge went head to head with new pickups, and we saw many exciting new sports cars.

Click here for photos of new cars shown in Detroit.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.

Photos: Diesel in Detroit

At the 2008 Detroit Auto Show, diesel cars grabbed their share of the limelight, as manufacturers such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW prepare to import new diesel vehicles to the U.S. New diesel engines promise performance equivalent to gasoline cars but much better mileage, and new technology means cleaner emissions.

Click here for photos of new diesel cars shown in Detroit.

Click here for more 2008 Detroit auto show coverage.

Visteon and 3M bring 3D navigation to the dashboard

The Visteon/3M demonstration vehicle, a BMW X5 fitted with numerous modifications for instrumentation, interior materials, switch gear, and lighting, was unveiled in the Visteon tent at 2008 CES. One of the more interesting features of this car is its virtual instrument cluster, using LCD displays for the speedo and tach, and a 3D center display showing route guidance. 3M provided materials to create a 3D effect, which makes graphical arrows indicating upcoming turns seem to float over the map background. The 3D effect only shows up when you are looking straight on at the display, such as in the … Read more

Vote in the 2007 Car Tech Awards

Another year comes to a close and we consider all the amazing cars we've reviewed. For this year's Car Tech Awards, we've nominated 10 cars in the contest for the 2007 Tech Car of the Year. You can look at the nominees, find out why we selected each one, and cast your vote. We will take the result or our reader poll and the votes of our staff judges to decide the 2007 Tech Car of the Year, which we will announce on January 14, 2008. We also have a set of additional awards for such categories … Read more

Magna to produce new BMW Mini

Magna will be making a "Sport Activity Vehicle," or SAV, for BMW's Mini line of cars, both companies announced this week.

Magna , a company that designs, develops, and manufactures automotive systems, worked with BMW before on its BMW X3 (shown left).

"By outsourcing production of the Mini SAV, BMW Group is able to increase flexibility within its own production network," BMW said in a statement.

BMW's Mini lineup now includes the Mini, Mini Convertible, and Mini Clubman.

On Top Gear, BMW drives you!

We saw driverless cars crawl across the desert in 2005, then negotiate an urban environment earlier this year, and now BMW built one for the racetrack. This video shows a clip from last Sunday's Top Gear episode where presenter Jeremy Clarkson gets taken for a ride around the track in a BMW 330i that can drive itself. Although Clarkson sits in the driver's seat, the various camera angles make it clear he is not touching the pedals, shifter, or steering wheel. You can tell he wants to hit the brakes as the car approaches turns at speed, braking … Read more