First Sight: BMW 1 Series

This is the first BMW to compete in the premium lower medium European car class defined by cars such as the Audi A3 and Alfa Romeo 147, although spiritually it follows the significantly smaller BMW 2002 Touring produced from 1968 to 1976. A little more compact that the 3 Series (which will grow in size with next year's new model) the 1 Series effectively replaces the 3 Series-based Compact and extends the brand downward to just above the Mini. The 1 Series was previewed by the CS1 two door convertible concept shown two years ago at Geneva, with which it shares much of its exterior proportions and form, and some interior design themes.

German Parts Pillagers Roam the American Southwest, Sending Treasures Home For Future Car Museum

Quite a few older European cars are purchased in rust-free parts of the United States and then shipped back to the home continent, and this process tends to intensify when the Euro gets stronger versus the dollar. While that's going on, crews of European gearheads also roam the wrecking yards of the Southwest, filling shipping containers with parts to ship back home; I know of a trio of Swedes who come to Colorado every year and ship home tons of parts, but they've got nothing on this pair of Germans. These gentlemen fly to the United States four times each year, spending two or three weeks each trip, and send home cars and shipping containers packed with parts, all as part of a scheme to open up a car collection showcasing "cars from the road." They were kind enough to send me a bunch of photos of their most recent trip, so let's see what their enviable lifestyle looks like.

Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing arrives in the UK – just 10 at £29,305

The Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing arrives in the UK The Citroen DS3 Cabrio Racing arrived at Goodwood last summer as a concept, but after the production run of the DS3 Racing a cabrio version seemed a certainty for production. That production run for the DS3 Cabrio Racing was confirmed by Citroen in December and now it’s going on sale in the UK. With all the extra grunt of the DS3 Racing – 207bhp from its 1.6 litre THP engine, enough for 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 145mph – and a raft of changes from a regular DS3 including sports exhaust, wider track, revised steering, uprated brakes and switchable ESC, the DS3 Cabrio Racing promises real hot-hatch fun in the sunshine.