bmw

The push is on for automakers to increase fuel economy and reduce CO2 emissions, two goals that go hand in hand. BMW meets this challenge with a new hybrid for its model lineup, the ActiveHybrid 5, joining the current ActiveHybrid 7.

The ActiveHybrid 5 is based on the 5 Series, specifically the 535i. BMW added a hybrid system with a lithium ion battery pack to the car, increasing overall efficiency. This system, similar to that applied to the ActiveHybrid 7, is a full hybrid system, able to drive the car under only electric power for short distances at low speed. … Read more

On this week's show, OnStar decides not to be nosy, BMW's M5 makes some noise, and we get our truck on.

• OnStar reverses snooping policy

• BMW officially rebrands itself as Ultimate Poser Car

• M-B gets a 4-cyl in the U.S.

• Artist renders next-gen Toyota Supra concept

• Nissan building GT-R based 'Super Juke' (rumor)

The BMW M3 is a masterpiece of German engineering, the best that BMW could turn out using a high-tech engine, transmission, and suspension for unbelievable performance. Yet there's always someone ready to improve on apparent perfection. In this case, it's German tuner G-Power, which supercharged the current M3 to make it the most powerful version currently available.

The modified M3, dubbed the G-Power M3 Tornado RS, hits 62 mph in 3.7 seconds, about a second faster than a standard M3, and boasts a top speed of 205 mph. … Read more

For a driving enthusiast, there's nothing like the throaty roar of a well-tuned engine. However, as vehicle noise regulations, technological advances, and general increases in build quality have continued to make vehicles ever quieter both outside and inside, some automakers have been seeking ways to preserve and enhance the visceral sound of an angry engine for their performance-oriented models. For example, Ford includes a sort of sound pipe that channels induction noise into the Mustang's cabin. BMW, on the other hand, has taken a different approach with the new M5's Active Sound Design technology, which artificially replicates … Read more

Automakers used to innovate slowly, but this year the race is on for integrating apps into the car, and it is moving at a whirlwind pace. Last year Ford kicked off this new era of car technology by integrating Pandora through its Sync AppLink system, and this year nine other automakers jumped on the bandwagon to some degree.

We were impressed to see both Toyota and GM, in the space of a single year, demonstrate and prepare to launch app integration in 2012 model year vehicles.

App integration means bringing services such as Pandora, Google search, and Twitter into the … Read more

The Car Tech team has been at the 2011 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, and in our first day of coverage we've seen a mini electric car from Audi, a stylish SUV from Maserati, and a futuristic concept from Ford. Here's a rundown of the big stories of the day:

Audi Urban Concept Spyder Audi's little electric car explores extreme ideas in future urban transportation.

Mini Cooper Coupe Mini adds to its repertoire of fun, small cars with the smallest yet. This Coupe only has two seats.

BMW i8 plug-in hybrid concept BMW kicks off its new … Read more

Drag Racing for Android puts you in the driver's seat of your favorite street racer. With more than 50 real cars to choose from, dozens of upgrades, and a nearly unlimited pool of opponents, don't be surprised to find yourself behind the wheel for hours at a time.

The game offers four racing modes to choose from. You can Race Offline against the computer, Quick Race one-on-one against an online opponent, join the Pro League against a group of online competitors, or race against Friends. Also, you can choose either quarter-mile or half-mile races, with the shorter distance … Read more

It was a beautiful day in Bavaria. I was back on the autobahn for the first time in a year, making the 3-hour run from Munich to northern Italy and a long-awaited family vacation. My teenage sons were asleep in the back seat, exhausted after our flight from New York. Trouble was, I, too, was wiped out and worried I might fall asleep at the wheel. Melatonin, schmelatonin. I'd never felt so jet-lagged.

Luckily for all concerned, we weren't in some flimsy, gas-sipping economy car of the sort budget-conscious Americans typically rent for European holidays. We were ensconced … Read more

TomTom embraces apps, the ultimate driving machine drives itself, an electric car sets a Nurburgring record, and we make fun of a Ferrari 456 Italia.

• TomTom Go Live 1535M: Has apps, will travel

• Ford presents unified tech vision in Evos concept

• Hyundai Genesis Coupe's new nose: Hot or not?

• 2012 Hyundai Veloster three-door coupe to start at $18,060

• How to ruin a perfectly good Ferrari 458 Italia (video)