Audi will be joining BMW in using the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission on their top-of-the-line models. This is in an effort to match Lexus, which already is using an 8-speed automatic on their LS460. BMW had earlier announced that the 7-Series and X6 models would be getting this new ZF tranny, and now Audi too will use it on their A8, Q7, and the upcoming A7 four-door coupe. The 8-speed Audis are expected next year.

No word yet as to whether Mercedes will also offer an 8-speed tranny. They currently use a 7-speed automatic on many of their vehicles.

Full story here.

Inside Line put four V8-powered luxury sedans to the test. Jaguar XF Supercharged vs. Audi A6 4.2 vs. BMW 550i vs. Mercedes-Benz E550.

Which one would you buy?

Read the V8 Luxury Sport Sedan Comparison Test on Inside Line.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

If you're hot-to-trot on this new Bimmer, you'd better head over to your nearest dealer soon. All factory orders for 2008 have been spoken for—from the manufacturer to dealers—that is. That being the case, '08 X6s may be hard to come by in the not too distant future.

I know the X6 is a somewhat controversial vehicle, as the more "practical" AWD X5 can do just about anything this AWD SUV, er, sorry, AWD coupe can do. But that's not the point; it's about styling which is what this coupe and every coupe is all about—and has always been about. Yeah, it's jacked up, but so what. It's still more practical than any conventional coupe, no matter how you slice it—and it looks great; at least I think it looks great.

Don't forget, Infiniti has done pretty darn well with their equally jacked up AWD coupe, the FX. Can you blame BMW for not wanting to get a piece of the action here?

Full story here and here.

BMW wins big in this year's International Engine of the Year Awards, garnering six first places. Winners in all categories are:

International Engine of the Year:
BMW 3-LITRE TWIN TURBO (135, 335, X6

Best New Engine of the Year:
BMW 2-LITRE DIESEL TWIN TURBO (123D)

Green Engine of the Year:
TOYOTA 1.5-LITRE HYBRID SYNERGY DRIVE (PRIUS)

Best Performance Engine:
PORSCHE 3.6-LITRE TURBO (911 TURBO, 911 GT2)

Sub 1-litre:
TOYOTA 1-LITRE

1-litre to 1.4-litre:
VOLKSWAGEN 1.4-LITRE TSI TWINCHARGER

1.4-litre to 1.8-litre:
BMW-PSA 1.6-LITRE TURBO

1.8-litre to 2-litre:
VOLKSWAGEN/AUDI 2-LITRE TURBO FSI

2-litre to 2.5-litre:
SUBARU 2.5-LITRE TURBO (FORESTER, IMPREZA, LEGACY, OUTBACK)

2.5-litre to 3-litre:
BMW 3-LITRE TWIN TURBO (135, 335, X6)

3-litre to 4-litre:
BMW 4-LITRE V8 (M3)

Above 4-litre:
BMW 5-LITRE V10 (M5, M6)

Full story here.

Here's Inside Line's take: BMW 3.0-Liter Twin-Turbo Dominates 2008 International Engine of the Year Competition

More stories are popping up from Europe that BMW is going to again revive the Isetta brand. This time, however, it will be a ZEV (zero emissions vehicle), and powered by an electric motor. Don't, however, expect to see it equipped with the front opening door, as per the original car.

Autocar (here), the UK site, is showing an illustration that shows it to be a BMW, which I find strange, not to mention hard to believe. The article does go on to say that BMW has not yet decided as to what badge it will wear, which I guess explains the illustration. I would think that BMW would not want this to be a BMW, or even a BMW-looking car. Rather I would expect them to market it much like they are doing with the Mini, that being a separate brand altogether.

Rumor has it, that whatever name it wears, it will go on sale in the USA in 2012.

Full story here.

It's the battle of the Bavarians.

We put our long-term 2002 BMW M3 against two of the latest BMWs: the 135i and 335i.

How did it play out?

Read the Comparison Test on Inside Line.

Donna DeRosa, Managing Editor

 

2008 marks the 30-year celebration of the original Giugiaro-designed mid-engined  M1 (small image). As such BMW decided to do a "what if" concept that's a remake of the original, but brought up to date in terms of styling. The vehicle will debut at the Concorsa d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.

As it stands, this is strictly a styling exercise. Will it be further developed into a limited production car? Who knows, but my guess is, if there's enough interest—and if BMW can make a few bucks on it—anything is possible.

Full story here.

Here's Inside Line's take: BMW Reveals M1 Hommage Concept

Audi chose the 2008 Beijing Auto Show to debut their new Q5 crossover, further signifying how important the Chinese market is becoming. The Q5, which will be pitted against the BMW X3, Infiniti EX35, and Lexus RX350, will come with Audi's 3.2L V6, a 6-speed automatic, and AWD when it comes Stateside in 2009.

Here's Inside Line's take: 2008 Beijing Auto Show: 2009 Audi Q5

There are stories up on the Net that, back in 1985, VW's Chairman Ferdinand Peich had wanted to buy Italian motorcycle maker Ducati. This was back when Ducati was in financial trouble, and could have been bought for a song.

...And apparently VW is still interested in acquiring Ducati according to a recent Bloomberg.com news item.

"I would still like a small, valuable motorcycle manufacturer," says Peich, who, at the age of 71, owns and rides a Ducati.

So, good idea or bad idea? Do you think that knowledge gained by having a bike partner could filter down to their automotive division, or vice-versa? Consider that Honda and BMW have motorcycle divisions, both of which have benefited by having that two-wheeled association.

Curious about BMW's Connected Drive, which "connects" you to the Internet? If so, check out these videos.