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After two years of trying (with BMW/Mini and also with Peugeot/Citroën), Daimler chairman Dieter Zetsche and his engineering chief Thomas Weber have finally struck a deal with Renault-Nissan to develop the next generation of Smart microcars by late 2014. The partners will market distinctly different derivatives under the Renault-Nissan and Smart nameplates.inline_mediumwraptextright32091867/features/news/1003_smart_renault_nissan1003_06_z+smart_forTwo+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

The F01/F02 BMW 7 Series-based Alpina B7, which is making its North American debut at the 2010 Chicago show, is the latest offering from the Bavarian factory-supported BMW tuner (Alpinas are sold at BMW dealers and covered by BMW warranties) and is only the second B7 to be offered in the U.S.inline_mediumwraptextright28064965/features/news/1002_2011_bmw_alpina_b71002_03_z+2011_bMW_alpina_b7+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

Nissan hasn't really marketed it as such (and I commend them for that), but the EX35 could easily be considered part of the "premium four-door crossover coupe" crowd, along with the likes of the BMW X6 and the Acura ZDX. Of course, the attractive first-generation Infiniti FX35/45 could also be lumped into that group, if not for the fact that adults can actually fit in the FX's back seats.inline_mediumwraptextright32218137/reviews/editors_notebook/1002_2010_infiniti_ex35_journey_awd1002_08_z+2010_infiniti_eX35_journey_aWD+front_three_quarter_view.jpgTrue

While BMW spent last year adding upgraded engines to its lineup, the X5 sat untouched, forced to enjoy only the 3.0-liter diesel found in the xDrive35d. A potent mill, yes, but the other Bimmers received a more efficient, single turbo inline-six; if they didn't, more power came to their twin-turbo setup. A 400-hp twin-turbo V-8 headlined the X6, while the M versions of it and the X5 boasted a silly 555 hp. Now, the standard X5 gets its turn: Along with an exterior refresh, the 2011 BMW X5 receives two new powertrains.inline_mediumwraptextright26792627/features/news/1002_2011_bmw_x52011-BMW-x5-front-promo.jpgTrue

Months in Fleet: Eleven
Miles to Date: 37,876inline_mediumwraptextright15849116/reviews/12_month_car_reviews/1002_2009_bmw_750li_february_update0904_01_z+2009_bMW_750Li+profile_view.jpgTrue