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Price Range: $98,800 and up

Description: The BMW 6-Series is now in its second generation, offering more performance, style, and selection than ever before. With both Coupe and Gran Coupe variants of the hardtop model available, as well as a fire-breathing M6 variant of each, the BMW 6-Series is all about giving discerning shoppers access to a one-of-a-kind motoring experience that matches their individual tastes.

Choose the 2013 BMW 6-Series Coupe for the ultimate in sumptuous two-door luxury with accommodation for four adults. The BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe adds another set of doors (for four in total) to enhance utility while maintaining the discreet and graceful lines that define the 6-Series instantly wherever it goes.


Drivetrain: Standard 2013 BMW 6-Series Coupe and Gran Coupe models come with a 4.4L V8 engine utilizing variable camshaft management, direct injection and twin, inboard-mounted turbochargers to develop 445 horsepower and a massive 600 lb-ft of torque.

Expect 0-100 km/h in the sub 5-second range en route to a top speed of 250 km/h. An 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters handles power output along the way, maximizing fuel efficiency in the process.

BMW's xDrive AWD system is also on board, invisibly powering all four wheels for the best combination of traction and handling agility.

Opt for the 2013 BMW M6 Coupe or Gran Coupe, and you get an M-tuned version of the 4.4L engine with an associated bump in power to 560 horses.

Consider it if: you're after top-line performance, luxury and style that's designed to stand out and get noticed. Since BMW 6-Series packs four seats and a generous trunk, it's also ideal as a long-distance traveler. The AWD system adds confidence in bad weather, so you can use your 6-Series year-round.


Skip it if: you're on a budget, as the entry price for the 2013 BMW 6-Series range approaches $100,000. That amount of coinage opens the door to a lot of other sexy and powerful machinery.

Other Notes: A drive-mode selector allows drivers to fine-tune their 2013 BMW 6-Series to their current needs and intentions, altering drivetrain, suspension, and steering characteristics in real-time at the flick of a switch. Plenty of at-hand storage within the cabin makes it easy to stay organized on the go. A partially digital instrument cluster can be customized to show a variety of different readouts, depending on the driver's preference.

Don't Miss: Opt for the M-Sport package in the 2013 BMW 6-Series to dial up looks, handling, and exclusivity with a bevy of uniquely sporty touches. Seats are available with a circulation-boosting massage function, and a night-vision camera system with pedestrian tracking is also available.

The 2013 BMW M6 models sport cross-drilled brakes with massive rotors to ensure consistently powerful high-speed stops. Self-sealing doors and push-button access are also available, depending on the model selected.

Further, an advanced parking system uses body-mounted cameras to simulate a “birds-eye” view from above the 2013 BMW 6-Series while parking, adding confidence in tight quarters.

Photo: BMW

Washing a car is a bit more complex than you think. It's not just about removing dust and dirt; you have to be thorough. If you skip or overlook certain steps, you increase the risk of damaging the body of your car.

Here are some useful tips when it comes to exterior car care:

Rinsing
First, you need to hose the entire car down before you start washing. Ideally, you should use a pressure washer and aim at every square inch of the car, including the wheels, in order to dislodge sand and small rocks that could later become trapped in your wash mitt.


Wash mitt
The mitt has to be immaculate before you start massaging the body panels, windows, and wheels. Rinse it off regularly throughout your car wash. You'll avoid scratching the paint with the very same rocks you were so focused on rubbing away if you do.

Washing product
The product itself is actually less important than the technique. Pick the washing product that suits you best, preferably with a waxing agent incorporated into the mix. Some people even use dish soap (in liquid form, of course) and get superb results. Whatever you do, never wash a surface that you haven't previously hosed. When you're all done, thoroughly rinse your car.

Drying
This step is just as crucial as washing. Use a super-clean chamois, terrycloth or microfiber towel to dry your car; otherwise, you'll spread any remaining dirt over the body, which will leave stains. Also, it's better to purchase a single premium chamois than a bunch of cheap ones. This piece of cloth should easily absorb water, prevent streaking, and leave no residue.

Additional protection
Your car originally came out of the factory with a clear coat that deteriorates over time. Waxing or polishing the body panels helps restore this protective coat.

Waxing
Car wax can be either liquid or cream. It penetrates every tiny crack and evens the surface. Waxing can be performed on a regular basis -- just follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Polishing
Not unlike sanding, car polishing is about using an abrasive compound to remove a thin layer from the clear coat that protects the paint, resulting in a fresh new surface. A waxing agent is often blended in to get the desired shine. Polishing typically involves older, more deteriorated body paint, and is best left to a professional.

More tips...
Avoid washing your car under the sun -- we can't stress enough how important a cold, wet surface is. The hot sun may dry out your car before you even start washing it, and you're sure to create more harm than good.

Also, remember to wash the interior door panels and the inside of the trunk lid. Use a separate cloth so as not to get grease on your wash mitt, and let these surfaces dry completely to prevent moisture from generating rust -- leave your doors and trunk open to allow for drying.

Finally, keep in mind that dark body paint requires more attention and care than light as it tends to show more imperfections and dirt.

Despite the withdrawal of Arena Motorsport at the end of last season, two Ford Focuses will make their WTCC return later this season with Rotek Racing.

Rotek Racing, a team that usually races in VLN (a German GT/Touring Cars series which features races exclusively on the old Nordschleife circuit at the Nurburgring), purchased the existing cars from Arena Motorsport.

Ford Focus WTCC. (Photo: FIA WTCC)

Rotek Racing's aim is to make its WTCC debut in Portugal at the end of June.

American driver Robb Holland, who has made several appearances in WTCC and British Touring Car Championship last season, will drive the first car,  while his teammate still has to be announced. The objective is to run a 100% American team, and to move it to Sonoma, California.

Moreover, in an interview with German website Motorsport-Total, WTCC promoter, Marcello Lotti confirmed that Citroen, Renault and Subaru are in talks for a possible WTCC entry next year, with a final answer being expected in May.

Paris Photo, the world's most celebrated art fair for works created in the photographic medium, will take place for the first time inside the Paramount Pictures Studios in Los Angeles. To mark the occasion, BMW will display the 1979 M1 BMW Art Car by Andy Warhol.

The German automaker will also showcase a mini series of Burlesque-style photos featuring the 6 Series Gran Coupe by internationally renowned photographer Uwe Düttmann. The pictures will be presented within an environment paying tribute to their origins.

“BMW is pleased to be involved in the inaugural Paris Photo L.A.,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “We are particularly looking forward to bringing out Andy Warhol art car and debuting our new photos.”

As it has in Paris, BMW will provide VIP shuttle service during Paris Photo L.A.

Photo: BMW

Kurt Busch and James Courtney, champions in their respective NASCAR and Australian V8 Supercar series, got a taste of each other's race cars on Tuesday at the Circuit of The Americas in Austin Texas.

The Australian V8 Supercar is 400lbs lighter than a Sprint Cup car, but only has 650 horsepower compared to 950 in NASCAR. The NASCAR was faster accelerating in a straight line but the V8 Supercar far quicker through corners, making it a relatively equal contest between the two.

Photo: Circuit of the Americas

Furniture Row-Racing's Busch had to adapt to sitting on the wrong side of the car, a sequential shift gearbox and a dramatically smaller steering wheel. For Courtney, he also found himself on the other side of the car from what he is used to and having to revert to using an H-pattern gearbox that hasn't been used in V8 Supercars in 2007.

"It's amazing, there are similarities and differences between the two cars," Busch said. "Sitting on the right side, shifting a bunch of gears with my left arm, you're not in your comfort zone and it's hard to understand what task of the car is next until you start checking things off your list that you learn the racetrack as well."

"So there were quite a few things going on. Information overload, to say the least. But it definitely makes it interesting to drive both cars on the track at the same time. The quickest way I can compare an Australian V8 Supercar to what people are familiar to in the States is it's a muscle car but it's a sports car at the same time."

"Much more power than what you see in the GT classes in the Grand Am series. And the ability, though, for what I see on TV, for these guys to run side-by-side, nose to tail, is the control of the cars, the balance they have makes it a treat to drive," said Busch.

Kurt Busch in the V8 Supercar. (Photo: Circuit of the Americas)

“It was pretty wild sitting on the other side of the car and shifting an H-pattern gearbox,” Courtney said.

“The car was bigger and heavier. It has so much power. It's really quite an experience. It was also quite cool to see blow past the V8 car on the straight. It was really good. I'm forever grateful that the team gave me this opportunity.

“The steering wheel, it feels like it's massive. But to run side-by-side I was pretty nervous because it's moving around a bit more than what I'm used to.

“But the car was excellent. Changing with an H-patter gearbox is different; it's done almost automatically in the car at home so you never think about it. But another thing that is quite different is the braking performance.

“It's built for Speedways, not really road courses. It's a very different machine.”

Photo: Circuit of the Americas

Nissan unveiled the Friend-ME Concept at Auto Shanghai 2013. This youthful, four-passenger sedan aims to meet the needs of Chinese men in their mid-20s.

The Friend-ME Concept boasts a low and wide stance with short overhangs. Inside, all four occupants are equal and share the same information as the driver (speed, navigation, fuel level, etc.). A unique centre console stretches from the dash to between the rear seats. Screens visible from each seat blend seamlessly with the surface.

Based on an existing Nissan sedan architecture, the Friend-ME Concept requires a minimum of unique components. The fuel-efficient PureDrive hybrid powertrain envisioned for the car would deliver more than enough zip for city driving, Nissan says.

Photo: Nissan

Honda, Acura and affiliated brands have confirmed the participation of ten Honda cars in the 91st Pikes Peak hill climb, spanning across nine categories.

The list of Honda entries boasts cars, motorcycle and ATV, and at least one big name: Simon Pagenaud, the French IndyCar driver. His ride has not been revealed yet, however.

Acura NSX: one of the ten Honda products on the start line of the 2013 Pikes Peak (Photo: Honda)

Honda's expertise at the Pikes Peak dates back to a few years, but the involvement was never so big. The brand has been most successful in the EV (Electric Vehicles) class, setting records in 1994 and 1999 with the Honda EV Plus.

The Japanese carmaker returned to the EV class in 2011, with a Honda Fit, a car that has been entered this year.

Honda is also sponsoring the event, which this year is scheduled for June 30th.

From GMM

According to Dr Helmut Marko, Lotus is a bigger challenger to Red Bull's championship hopes in 2013 than Ferrari.

Red Bull and Sebastian Vettel are leading Lotus and Kimi Raikkonen in both the constructors' and drivers' world championships after the first four 'flyaway' races.

But it might be argued that the bulk of Ferrari's deficit is because of Fernando Alonso's crash in Malaysia and malfunctioning DRS rear wing flap in Bahrain.

Asked, however, if Red Bull expected Lotus' Raikkonen to be challenging so hard in 2013, Marko told Kleine Zeitung newspaper: "We've known for a long time that they will be maybe the toughest opponents.

"At the moment we fear Lotus more than we do Ferrari," he insisted.

Two Lotus behind Sebastian Vettel in Bahrain. (Photo: WRi2)

Asked if he really thinks Lotus will be a tougher challenger than Ferrari all season, Marko answered: "At the moment it looks like it. But there's only been four races, and we know that things can change. Actually, what is making the Lotus so quick in the races is a mystery to us."

Helmut Marko would not comment on the speculation the Enstone based team has perfected an hydraulically-controlled form of legal 'active suspension'.

But Red Bull is keeping an eye on Lotus for another reason.

Finn Raikkonen, the 2007 world champion and former McLaren and Ferrari driver, has been strongly linked with the race seat currently occupied by Mark Webber for 2014.

Asked if there is anything new to say on that topic, Marko insisted: "No. I've said it several times. We make our driver decisions before August, and that will be the case this year too."

From GMM

German carmaker Porsche has revealed it considered entering formula one.

Instead, the iconic marque is preparing to field a prototype design in the first-tier Le Mans-style sports car world championship in 2014, and Red Bull's Mark Webber has been linked to the project.

But Porsche executive Wolfgang Hatz told Autocar: "Porsche has always lived for the transfer of racing to production cars. For that reason it was clear two or three years ago we had to be back in high-level motor sport, and it was a choice between top-flight sports cars or formula one.

"The final decision was the only logical one. F1 was an alternative, but the road relevance is not there," he added.

Wolfgang Hatz said there are other reasons Porsche decided against formula one.

"Also, there is a lot of publicity around politics and tires, but not so much about the engines and chassis. The aero, too, is incredible, but so extreme that it cannot result in any development in our road car understanding," he added.

Photo: WRi2

Premium fuel saving
I'm all for saving money, truly I am, but when that money-saving involves spending more money then the logic is lost on me. Don't get me wrong, I'm also concerned about the polar bears, rainforests and global weather patterns, but again I can't quite justify paying a premium for a few seconds of idle sans engine.

Here's the deal: The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is a fabulous machine inside and out. It looks hot, drives well and offers up some fuel-saving techniques. It's a technological feat BMW should be proud to call their own, but is it worth the extra money to own?

Not in my books.


What is the BMW ActiveHybrid 3?
Essentially, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is a 3-Series that sports an electric motor and a combustion engine. On board is a high-performance lithium-ion battery along with one of BMW's TwinPower turbocharged engines. It is a 3-Series like any other: same interior and exterior design. The trunk is essentially chopped in half thanks to the onboard battery, but otherwise everything stays the same.

The 3-Series is perhaps BMW's most recognizable lineup. Introduced in the ‘70s as a luxuriously economical vehicle, the BMW 3-Series has continued its success since then. The ActiveHybrid 3 is just another notch in the 3-Series belt, another version built to appeal to a new kind of BMW customer looking for luxury, performance and an upgraded form of fuel efficiency.

Essentially, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 is a 3-Series that sports an electric motor and a combustion engine. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Technicalities
The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3, as I stated above, is based on the 335i model. Equipped with the same TwinPower turbocharged 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine (good for 300 horsepower) works together with the electric motor (which adds another 35 horses to the stable) to get you from 0-100km/hr in just 5.8 seconds. All this is controlled via an 8-speed automatic transmission and can be manipulated via steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters.

Of course, the main selling point here is the fact that the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 can achieve these stellar performance numbers while also dishing out fuel mileage readings in the 7.0L/100km (combined) range.

Where all the numbers fall apart for me is in the pricing. The 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 starts at $58,300. While it's not the most expensive 3-Series it is more than $7k over the 335i Sedan. And I can't quite see the justification.

Equipped with the same TwinPower turbocharged 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine (good for 300 horsepower) works together with the electric motor (which adds another 35 horses to the stable) to get you from 0-100km/hr in just 5.8 seconds. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the BMW ActiveHybrid 3
Here's why: Hybrid driving is all about using less fuel, running on battery power alone.

I can count the number of times I drove on battery alone on one hand. I truly wanted to use the battery, but the engine kicked on so quickly (at 20km/hr or under a heavier foot) that I actually had to make a conscious effort to keep it on battery alone when in a parking lot. The start/stop function is good at lights, but can be had on any of the 3-Series in the lineup.

However, if you drive the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 as a normal 3-Series, it's fantastic. So, I decided to ignore the badging and consistently hit the “Sport+” button for optimal driving pleasure.

Steering is tight and on-point, and acceleration is fantastic as the 8-speed flips through gears seamlessly keeping you just where you need to be no matter what the situation.

The ECO PRO setting in the 2013 ActiveHybrid 3 takes efficiency to the next level. I immediately felt like I was driving through thick tar. Gas pedal and gearing are optimized for maximum efficiency, as are things like the HVAC system and even other electronics (for optimal battery use).

However, if you drive the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 as a normal 3-Series, it's fantastic. So, I decided to ignore the badging and consistently hit the “Sport+” button for optimal driving pleasure. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the BMW ActiveHybrid 3
I'm absolutely in love with the new mug on the 3-Series. I think it's sharp, modern and oh-so sleek. I only wish that they'd changed up the rear too. Halo headlamps, strong, robust vehicle lines and a taught back end ensure the ActiveHybrid 3 retains its sporty heritage, despite the badging on the rear quarter panels.

Inside, it's business as usual for a 3-Series. Sport yet comfortable multi-adjustable seats hold and hug in all the right spots. BMW's iDrive system looks a little fancier with more animation in their menus, but essentially remains the same as the previous gen. All standard fair and all thumbs up.

Inside, it's business as usual for a 3-Series. Sport yet comfortable multi-adjustable seats hold and hug in all the right spots. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the BMW ActiveHybrid 3
Here's where it gets a bit dicey. Currently, the 2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 kind of sits alone atop its expensive sports luxury hybrid sedan pedestal. However, in the near future it will have competition in Infiniti's Q50 Hybrid. Currently, on a lesser price scale, there's the 2014 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and 2013 Lexus ES300 h nipping at the ActiveHybrid 3's rear wheels.

Ford was sued by Pennsylvania car owners who said its hybrid models don't deliver on fuel-efficiency claims.

Cadillac coupes have always carried a certain degree of dignity and romance, often underlined with performance and imposing design. Think

Workers at Opel's factory in Bochum, Germany, should accept a deal they previously rejected to keep their jobs, Bob King, the head of the U.S.-based United Auto Workers union, said.

The head of the UAW suggested German hourly workers at a General Motors plant should accept a deal they previously rejected in order to keep their jobs.

Dom, Brian and the crew are back on May 24 for the sixth installment of and#8220;Fast and Furious.and#8221; After the insane Super Bowl commercial and

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles has rejected Tesla Motors' bid for a dealership license. In a ruling issued Monday, Virginia DMV Commissioner Richard Holcomb turned down Tesla's request, which dates back to March 16, 2012.

Coming to America: Alfa Romeo 4C

A look at the car that brings back the brand.

TURIN, ITALY -- A well-known ex-chief designer for a major global automaker was on the flight from Paris Charles DeGaulle to Aeroporto Caselle, of the Northwestern Italian industrial town that put the "T" in Fiat. Was he consulting to Alfa Romeo? Would he share the trip to the hotel in a Fiat MPV driven veloce style, like all the automaker's hired drivers, by a man hoping to step in if Ferrari needs a replacement for Felipe Massa?

Photo Gallery: Coming to America: Alfa Romeo 4C - Automobile Magazine

Photo Gallery: Coming to America: Alfa Romeo 4C - Automobile Magazine

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Autoweek checks out the garage and workspace of Kyle Evans and Michael Chetcuti.

Mitsubishi Motors plans to unveil a restructuring plan for its flagship Mizushima assembly plant in Japan on Thursday, a spokesman said today.

Henrik Fisker's congressional testimony on Wednesday before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will paint the automaker he founded as a victim of "a confluence of events" and as a still-salvageable enterprise.