The most basic choice when it comes to the X1 is whether you want a four- or six-cylinder engine. The two-liter, turbocharged four delivers 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and is available exclusively with an eight-speed automatic, though both rear-drive (X1 sDrive28i) and all-wheel-drive (xDrive28i) versions are available. BMW says rear-drive four-cylinder X1 models can do 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive model is a tenth slower. Projected EPA fuel economy numbers are 24 mpg city, 33 highway, and 27 combined for the rear-drive model and 22 city, 30 highway, and 25 combined with all-wheel-drive.

Then there’s the six. With three liters of displacement and a single turbocharger, the N55 inline-six makes 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque. Available exclusively with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive, the X1 xDrive35i does 0-60 in 5.3 seconds, but you’ll pay for that power at the pump. EPA ratings are just 18 mpg city, 27 highway, and 21 combined. The real world fuel economy difference between the four- and six-cylinder X1 models could prove to be even greater than what’s reflected in the EPA numbers, as the four-cylinder models include start-stop technology and eco modes, which are not part of the xDrive35i package.

And before we move on to trim packages, note that there is no manual transmission available in any X1. Keep reading for more ruminations on the 2013 X1.

BMW will be offering two separate lines for the X1, xLine and SportLine, as well as an M Sport package. The xLine models offer more of a luxury theme to the interior and exterior trim pieces, while the SportLine involves lots of piano black and contrasting red. Both lines have “exclusive” colors. The M Sport package is available on all X1 models, and per typical BMW practice, includes an upgraded suspension, sport seats and steering wheel, and aero kit and its own 18-inch wheels. All-wheel-drive models also receive “Performance Control” with the M Sport package, which is basically a system for shifting more of the power to the rear wheels during cornering (up to 80 percent) while also using the rear inner brake to help the X1 turn.

The X1 has a typically long list of available features and options, including BMW’s Servotronic steering, iDrive, Xenon headlights and LED taillights, a panoramic sunroof, a rear parking camera, and BMW Apps compatibility. Prices start a $31,545 including destination for the sDrive28i, with the xDrive28i at $33,245 and the xDrive35i at $39,345.

BMW has released an obscene number of official X1 images and we’ve got all 94 included in our gallery and all 10 pages of press release below.

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Altogether, the gas-electric drivetrain should be good for a 3.1-second 0-60 sprint and a top speed of 199 mph. Perhaps even more impressive is the news that the 918 will be able to propel itself with electric power at speeds of up to 94 mph. That little fact helps account for the news that the vehicle should be able to return around 78 miles per gallon on the EU cycle. Scroll down for the brief press release, but not before checking out the high-res gallery.

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Problem vehicles will experience one of several issues with their automatic transmissions, including the transmission not shifting into reverse when the gearshift lever is moved to the “R” position, the “R” lamp on the dashboard not illuminating, and the backup lamps not working. A faulty transmission range sensor is the culprit.

Ford says the recall campaign will start on June 25, with owners being notified by the automaker. Ford can also be reached at 1-866-436-7332.

BMW designers have taken the existing Big Bimmer language and successfully created a new dialect for the company, if you will. The 6 Gran Coupe is a true mix between the 5, the 6, and the 7 Series cars. It’s better looking in some key ways than either the latest 5 or 6 Series models – front, rear and profile views, for starters. Still, it’s the 7 Series that comes off feeling like the most complete package for the segment it is meant to represent. At least, that is, for this current generation of large BMW cars.

The 197.1-inch length of the 6 Series Gran Coupe is much closer to that of the standard 7 Series (199.7 inches) than it is to that of the 5 Series (192.9 inches), yet the wheelbase is equal to that of the 5 Series. Front and rear tracks – 63.0 inches and 65.6 inches, respectively – are the same as seen on the 6 Series coupe. Curb weight is quoted at 4,023 pounds, putting the 6GC right between the 200-pound lighter 640i coupe and 245-pound heavier 740i. As for height, the Gran Coupe sits one inch taller than the 6 Series coupe and three inches shorter than the 5 Series sedan.

The 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six with 315 horsepower was perfectly fine for less-than-ambitious requirements of this executive/family/lifestyle car. It’s the 330 pound-feet of torque – available as low as 1,300 RPM – however, that allows this engine to work in this above-average-sized BMW. Acceleration to 62 miles per hour is quoted at 5.4 seconds, but we firmly believe that extreme testing will no doubt result in a 60-mph run in around 5.0 seconds flat.

The most important quality of the 6 Series Gran Coupe is indeed its interior – the living space. Even without a BMW Individual makeover, the design is pretty luscious and doesn’t seem to be overwrought. The cockpit has never been so driver-oriented in a BMW, while the front passenger side feels practically like a cocoon in how it wraps that person in leathery goodness.

The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe starts deliveries in North America in June at a base price of $76,895 – that’s $5,895 more than a 740i, $24,395 more than a 535i and $3,295 more than a 640i coupe.

A 402-horsepower Mercedes CLS550 with its 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 starts at $71,300 and an Audi A7 with its 310-horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter V6 can start as low as $60,600 when modestly equipped. The 650i Gran Coupe, featuring a 443-horsepower, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that arrives a little later this year is set to start at $87,395.

Truth be told, every 2012 Hyundai model save for the Elantra Touring already had a brake override system fitted. So why the announcement, and why now? Well, other than just tweaking Toyota, whose unintended acceleration problems led to widespread recalls, a Congressional investigation, and prompted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to propose requiring brake override systems on all new cars, the announcement likely has more to do with the end of Elantra Touring production than it does with anything else.

The old Hyundai i30, on which the Elantra Touring was based, has been redesigned, and reviews of the new model have already started showing up on foreign automotive websites. We won’t get our version of the i30, dubbed Elantra GT here in the U.S., until later in the summer.

We’ll be driving the GT in June and we promise to issue a full report, though we’re going to try to avoid testing this new technology.

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Not surprisingly, BMW refused to comment on the rumored deal, though the company has been quick to dismiss any notion of expanding its corporate partners beyond the current group. Right now, BMW works with PSA/Peugeot-Citroen, Toyota and Daimler, though the manufacturer is also currently in talks with General Motors. Even so, BMW has made no secret of the fact that it is currently hard at work on a new engine architecture, and a corporate partner would be a smart way to spread development costs.

Firstly, you need to decide what type of vehicle you want. Is there a specific model that you are looking for? Weigh out your needs versus your wants. Do you need a seven-passenger van, or do you just want the extra room?

What are you going to use the vehicle for? If you are using the vehicle for work or commuting to work, then you may want to go with something more compact that has better gas mileage. If you are going to use the vehicle for toting the kids around, you may want to look at a vehicle with more space and options to help keep your kids safe, occupied and comfortable.

Once you have an idea of what type of vehicle you want to purchase, take a look at the different models available from different manufacturers. If you have a specific model in mind, find the manufacturer’s website and look at the new vehicles and costs. Once you have done some research, head down to the dealership and look at new vehicles and used vehicles.

In some cases, you can find a used vehicle that is only a year or two old, still has the balance of the warranty and is much less expensive. If you can find one of these sweet deals, it’s time to consider purchasing a used vehicle. A used vehicle that is only a couple of years old has low mileage and a great ticket price may be more suitable for you than a new vehicle off the lot. You may have to compromise on some options, color and style, but you may save tens of thousands of dollars by making small compromises.

Ask the salesperson at the dealership what they have in that style in used vehicles. Regardless, take every vehicle that you are considering for a test drive. Ask for a safety inspection to be done and read it to ensure there are no problems with the vehicle you are looking to purchase.

Financing is another consideration when choosing between a new and used vehicle. Because used vehicles are less expensive, you may qualify more easily for financing than with a new vehicle. Check with your lender before heading down to the dealership to find out how much you can borrow, it may be the deciding factor in new versus used.

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Focus on the Price First, Then on the Payment

First of all, you should focus on the actual cost of the car, but not on the monthly payments. Car dealers can purposely use some tricks and make the monthly payment low or prolong the period of the loan. Be attentive because the real purchase price of the car or the interest can be very high while monthly payments are rather low. So the first thing you should do is to negotiate the price of the car, and then discuss the other financial issues.

Get Approved Before You Purchase

Before actually purchasing a car you should go to the bank in order to get pre-approved for a car loan. You will make sure what amount you can spend on buying a car and you will feel yourself more confident while negotiating the price for the car. Getting pre-approved will allow you to be more concentrated on making the best deal.

Learn the Price the Dealer Paid

It is advisable that you should find out what price the dealer paid for the cars. It will give you an opportunity to negotiate the better price for the car you are going to buy. You can search this information in various publications online or on the news stand. Since the invoice price doesn’t include rebates and incentives paid to the dealer, it can be misleading. That’s why it is important to find out the real dealer cost in order to discuss a better price for the car.

Trade-in Should Be Negotiated Separately

It is better to treat the trade-in and purchasing of a car as two separate transactions. If you choose to act in this way, you might have certain advantages: to get a higher price for your trade-in and to buy a car at a lower price. If you conduct the two transactions together, you’d better discuss the reasonable price for the new car first and then start negotiating your trade-in. The money you get for your old car can be spent on the monthly payments on the car loan.

If you follow these tips while purchasing a car, you will have a good chance to get a car at the price you can afford. By arming yourself with the information above, you will feel yourself more confident in discussing the minimal cost possible for the deal. And probably the complicated process of buying a car will turn out to be a bit easier and more interesting for you after all.

Schedule an oil change before the weather starts getting very warm, especially if you don’t use synthetic oils. If you check your car’s manual, you’ll find it likely calls for different grades of oil based on the temperature. Colder temperatures usually require oil with a different viscosity. Many people neglect oil changes in winter because the cold weather makes it more of a hassle; fresh oil will help to clean out any impurities that have accumulated in the engine.

Check your tire pressure. AAA reports that tire pressure can change by as much as1 PSI per 10 degrees ambient temperature change. This means if the outdoor temperature goes from near zero in January to the 70′s by late spring your tire pressure can increase by 7 PSI. This leads to overinflated tires, which may cause other problems such as reduced tire life and poor wet weather traction. On the other hand, you may find that too much air has leaked out of the tires over the winter, so you’ll need to inflate them. You can find the proper tire pressure on the inside of the driver’s side door or in your car’s manual.

Once the snow disappears, give your car a good wash. Road salt can greatly increase corrosion, so be sure to wash the underside of your car and the wheel wells where salt can accumulate. If you don’t have the time to give it a proper washing, a quick spray-down with the hose will remove the worst of the salt until you can give it a thorough washing later. The winter elements likely removed last fall’s wax job, so be sure to apply a new coat to help protect your car as well.

New investigation demonstrates that your engagement with the car fan brands can probably lead to getting more friends as well. Partially, this is connected with real life when hot guys with hot cars are always in the center of attention.

A social media agency carried out an investigation that revealed to what extent car craziness is influential on Facebook popularity. The statistics proves that the number of friends for those who are noted for car fan engagement. The study embraced the total amount of 15,938 users on Facebook that were analyzed from December up to March. The result was surprising – an average ‘liker’ for a famous car brand had 430 friends on the Facebook list which is three times than the average network figure. A whole load of 80 percent of fans who put their ‘like’ on a particular brand and had this brand model in real life was likely to advise this brand to his friends with more efficiency – about 15 percent more than the ones that did not recommend the brand. It is noticeable that Internet is working to forward many brands, and the recommendation of a friend (even it is a Facebook one) is more appreciated than any advertisements and technological enhancement appraisals.

All the most noticeable brands including Mercedes, Chevrolet, BMW and many more have their official fan pages where the fans may not only talk to each other but receive some official information on the release dates, see pictures, learn more about a particular model of their interest, and get to know the car exhibition dates in no time. This is feasible for car enthusiast for all over the world, twenty four hours a day and seven days a week – and it doesn’t cost that much. Is there a more attractive way of car promotion for the car manufacturers? Their main task is not to underestimate the influence of Internet media and interaction on the car sales.

Surely, Facebook information exchange is not identical to real life car fun experience that can be retrieved from enthusiastic shared activities but the developing race of automobile industry can step in march with the development of technology, so that people can discuss, inform, share their opinions, and get real-life experience about handling a specific vehicle. Probably, there is no such depth in online discussion boards, but all the potential criticisms break down because it is widely used, popular and demanded by the users.

Even independent teams of automobile guides have Facebook fan pages that enjoy great popularity among car enthusiasts.