Car shows

While most auto manufacturers are focusing their attention on the news and new models being revealed at the New York International Auto Show this week, BMW is setting its sights on the Beijing motor show, where it will debut the latest addition to the i family of vehicles.

The BMW i8 Concept Spyder is a topless two-seater version of the i8 coupe, and will make its first appearance at the Beijing motor show later this month. Slightly shorter than its 2+2 sibling, the Concept Spyder makes generous use of the carbon fiber reinforced plastic used in the LifeDrive architecture, … Read more

The New York auto show follows Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Detroit, and Geneva, making it the last of the big international shows of the season. This is the show for automakers that have been pulling their punches, waiting to make a splash against fewer new model launches. And this year sees some tantalizing details of new models from Nissan, BMW, and Subaru, and mystery cars from Acura and Toyota. … Read more

A few years ago, BMW debuted a new, smaller SUV in Europe, suggesting it would also export the car to the U.S. But the X1 never made it to our shores as demand for the car in its existing markets took up all of its production, and the dollar fell against the Euro.

Those unfortunate circumstances seem to have changed enough, as BMW will now be showing off the X1 at the 2012 New York International Auto Show. Bringing it to a major U.S. show means one thing: the X1 will hit U.S. dealers as a 2013 model near the end of this year.… Read more

The humble Nissan Altima may not stir up much excitment, but when the fourth generation burst onto the scene in 2007, its blend of value and performance was enough to give pause to the likes of the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. That was half a decade ago--since then both the Camry and Accord have undergone serious overhauls, leaving the current-generation Altima looking a bit dated. We're looking forward to seeing how Nissan plans to strike back in New York.

Automakers typically don't take too many chances with their D-segment large sedans, so we're not expecting anything too revolutionary where the Altima's power train is concerned. The safe bet is that the base model will be powered by a more efficient and slightly more powerful version of Nissan's four-cylinder engine, displacing about 2.5 liters. There will likely be a step-up V-6 trim level that leaves enough power on the table to give the Maxima and Infiniti G breathing room. Of course, a hybrid model is in the pipeline that should take advantage of the lithium ion electrification tech developed for the Infiniti M hybrid, albeit at a lower displacement with a stronger emphasis on efficiency than on winning "world's fastest hybrid" contests.

On the other hand, we do have a pretty good idea of what the next Altima will look like thanks to a trio of video teasers released via the automaker's official YouTube channel that show off the vehicle's front and rear ends, as well as a bird's-eye view of the 2013 model. Check out all three videos after the jump. … Read more

Another excellent European auto show kicks off in Switzerland, with automakers bringing their latest and greatest new cars and concepts to show the world what they can do. The International Motor Show in Geneva always features an impressive roster of cars for the world's wealthiest. This year it also plays host to the latest automotive-technology innovations as well as a focus on low carbon emissions.

The 2012 Geneva auto show runs from March 8 to 18. Here are a few of the cars we saw at the show. Click through to our full coverage of the show for many more videos, photos, and articles. … Read more

Harman International, in looking for a way to personalize the in-car experience, found that the most unique thing everyone carries is a phone. In its demonstration of a new dashboard electronics system, Harman pointed out that people are more likely to loan someone else their car keys than their phones.

At the 2012 Geneva auto show, Harman used Rinspeed's Dock+Go concept car to show off the new system. In the car we had a number of smartphones, each equipped with near field communications, belonging to a variety of different people (set up for the purposes of the demonstration). … Read more

Switzerland has set itself as neutral ground in Europe, a role it plays every year between the automotive manufacturing powerhouses of Germany and France. The International Motor Show in Geneva gives equal time to not only the regional automakers, but interlopers from the United States and Asia.

Geneva's proximity to the wealthy gearheads of Monaco also assures a good mix of exotic and specialty carmakers. CNET will be covering the show's press days, sending back photos, video, and stories during the week of March 5.

Here are some of the cars we expect to see. … Read more

Concept cars at auto shows are often harbingers for what could come in the next few years, so what should show goers think about Terrafugia's debut at the New York International Auto Show?

Terrafugia's Transition is a two-seater aircraft with folding wings that's also capable of driving around town and on highways. The flying car is set for its first big auto show in April. Terrafugia will display its latest generation production prototype at the event, and reveal details of future plans. Although test-drives won't be part of the experience, the Woburn, Mass.-based company will … Read more

It wasn't the first convertible crossover to reach production, but I was hoping that the Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet would be the last. Unfortunately, Land Rover will also be peeling back the top of its own Range Rover Evoque crossover at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show next week.

The Range Rover Evoque Convertible will feature a power retractable cloth top with a glass rear window pane. A Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) protects passengers in the event of a rollover by instantaneously popping up roll hoops behind the rear passengers when the vehicle senses that it's about to roll. … Read more