We know what you’re thinking: Another day, another BMW bodystyle. Except this one’s different. The Bavarian automaker, much like its fellow German marques Audi and Mercedes-Benz, has exploded its product offerings with spinoffs of its established models. So the two-door 6 Series has bred a four-door GranCoupe version. The 5 Series, in addition to the sedan and wagon, has given us the oddly proportioned 5 Series Gran Turismo. But the upcoming 1 Series Gran Turismo is another kettle of fish in that it is not expected to share the small rear-drive platform with its recently revised namesake, but rather pack a new front-drive platform. Funk Flex
(Video) Auto Talk: Volkswagen puts a twist on its Beetle Super Bowl ad
Volkswagen has released an extended version of its Super Bowl ad ahead of the Big Game, and it may not be what you expected. While the automaker’s teaser hinted toward yet another Star Wars-themed spot after the success of last year’s “The Force,” the new commercial focuses instead on a pudgy puppy named Bolt. The advertisement’s tagline is “Back and better than ever,” and Bolt enters into a fitness montage set to some excellent James Brown tunes in order to slim down and chase after the 2012 Volkswagen Beetle. Funk Flex
Tech Talk Graph: See Exactly How The SOPA Blackout Played Out!!!
This has been such a nail biting experience, Will SOPA, or Won’t SOPA pass. Will there be the Internet as we know it or Won’t there be the Internet as we know it. Well for now the Bill is on Hold, But you can hit the Jump and see how the Infamous Blackout of Jan. 18th in a nifty little timeline. Follow @TatWza +TatWZA
Auto Talk: GM stock price leads to greater estimate of losses on bailouts
The “Government Motors” crowd isn’t going to be happy about this: The Detroit News is reporting that the U.S. Treasury now says it has lost an extra $170 million in the auto industry bailout. The culprit? The declining price of General Motors stock. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: 2013 Audi RS4 Avant headed to Geneva
Downsizing? What downsizing? While rivals may be replacing cylinders with turbochargers – heck, even Audi itself has done that with the twin-turbo V8 succeeding the V10 in the S8 and such – the new RS4 is reportedly on its way in full-fat 4.2-liter V8 FSI trim. Funk Flex
Auto Talk: Tesla Model X crossover teased, full reveal to be live on Internet
Perhaps the biggest reveal of 2012 for fans of luxury performance all-electric vehicles (or, perhaps, anyone automotively inclined with a pulse) is set for the 9th of February when Tesla Motors pulls the shroud from its Model X crossover at its new Los Angeles design studio. And now, we have been given a strong hint of what to expect. Funk Flex
