The new 1.6-liter four-cylider engine housed in the MINI Cooper S was selected based on voting from 65 auto journalists representing 32 different countries. Featuring a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection, the aluminum alloy engine delivers 181 horsepower and 177 pound-feet of torque, providing swift and smooth acceleration to drivers of the nimble MINI.

“The new engine in the Cooper S packs even more power and efficiency into an small powerplant, so it’s not surprising that it’d take home Engine of the Year honors like its predecessor did,” said Tim Parker, general manager of New Country MINI. “If you can take an award-winning engine and increase its horsepower and fuel efficiency at the same time, there’s a good chance you’re going to keep receiving recognition.”

By incorporating BMW’s Valvetronic variable valve control system, the new engine in the 2011 MINI Cooper S gains nine additional horsepower compared with the engine in the 2010 model. The added power comes while the automatic model actually improves its mileage, bringing its EPA-estimated rating up to 28 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. These changes help the MINI brand retain bragging rights of having the world’s most efficient power unit of its type and size.

BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology used in the MINI Cooper S was also recognized through the wins of three other engines in the International Engine of the Year Awards. The engines that won were the V8 engine in the BMW M3, the automaker’s six-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, and the TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine.

While impressive, the latest engine in the MINI Cooper S isn’t the only new feature in the 2011 model available at MINI dealers. New owners can take advantage of the optional MINI Connected 6.5-inch high definition display in the vehicle’s center speedometer. Bluetooth-enabled MINI Connected provides integration with smartphones as well as a USB/iPod adapter. Using its joystick controller, steering wheel buttons and voice commands, MINI Connected allows occupants to browse through the vehicle’s computer, audio system and synced smartphone features, including certain iPhone apps.

“The MINI Cooper S is designed with complete efficiency in mind, whether you’re talking about its fuel economy or the onboard technology that makes your day-to-day communications simpler,” added Parker. “Like all of our MINIs, it takes turns tighter, gets you where you need to go on less cash, and makes navigating your commute an easier affair.”

About New Country MINI:
Connecticut MINI drivers flock to New Country MINI, a premier Connecticut MINI dealer, for one reason: They work to make sure their customers are happy even after the sale. New Country MINI sells used and new MINIs like the 2011 MINI Countryman and MINI Cooper, and they keep them running like new at their Hartford MINI service center. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country MINI is located at 1 Weston Park Rd in Hartford, Connecticut. Find them online at www.newcountrymini.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewCountryMINI , or call them at 877-383-5983.

Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700

Judged by a panel of 65 automotive journalists from 32 countries, the International Engine of the Year Award has become a sought-after accolade since its inception in 1999. Awards are given in several categories like Best New Engine of the Year, Green Engine of the Year and Best Performance Engine, as well as categories based on engine displacement. BMW took honors in the 1.4 to 1.8 liter class with the turbocharged 1.6-liter engine found in the MINI Cooper S, and in the 1.8 to 2.0 liter class with the 2.0-liter six-cylinder TwinPower Turbo diesel engine found in the 123d in Europe. Hitting closer to home, the 2.5 to 3.0 liter class went to the six-cylinder 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine powering numerous BMW vehicles sold in the United States, and the 3.0 to 4.0 liter class award belongs to the 4.0-liter V8 powering the 2011 BMW M3.

“BMW started out as an airplane engine manufacturer, so powerplants are the company’s calling card,” said Tim Parker, general manager of Hartford BMW dealer New Country BMW. “The International Engine of the Year Awards make for stiff competition, and earning four awards means that no other automaker is more justified when they say that their engineering is ‘world class.’”

Producing 300 horsepower and capable of returning 30 mpg on the highway in the BMW 535i Sedan, the TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder engine repeated as Engine of the Year and marked BMW’s sixth consecutive win in the 2.5 to 3.0 liter displacement class. The TwinPower Turbo engine is found in a number of BMW vehicles like the BMW 135i, 1 Series M Coupe, 335i, X3 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive35i and even the Z4 sDrive35i convertible. The next closest challenger in the category was another BMW product, the 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel engine found in the BMW 335d.

For the fourth year in a row, the V8 engine found in the 2011 BMW M3 won the 3.0 to 4.0 liter class, fending off competition from the likes of Porsche, McLaren and Nissan. Replacing the former inline six-cylinder that won Engine of the Year Award honors six consecutive times from 2001 to 2006 was no easy feat, but BMW engineers appear to have designed a suitable replacement. Producing 414 horsepower at a blistering 8,400 rpm, the 4.0-liter V8 powerplant features an alternator that disconnects under acceleration to reduce drag on the engine, which means more power and greater efficiency.

“Anyone that has seen a BMW pass by them on I-84 knows the power of their engines, but it’s the efficiency with which they accomplish this performance that puts them over the top,” Parker added. “BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology, especially with its Valvetronic valve control system, means more power generated more efficiently with more refinement.”

About New Country BMW:
Hartford BMW drivers trust New Country BMW when they need to service their high-performance models, but New Country offers much more than just outstanding BMW service. When it comes to buying a new or certified pre-owned BMW, Connecticut BMW drivers can rely on New Country BMW for a stress-free buying experience that extends beyond the sale. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country BMW is located at One Weston Park Road in Hartford, Conn. They can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewCountryBMW or reached by phone at 866-498-7471, and their extensive online inventory can be found at www.newcountrybmw.com .

Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700

By shedding its trademark gull-wing doors and donning a folding fabric top, the newest Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is following the path of the 1954 Mercedes-Benz 300SL that inspired it, starting as a hardcore racer and then opening up as a convertible. The 2012 SLS AMG Roadster will share most of the features of its hardtop namesake, including the raucous exhaust note and road-gripping handling.

“The SLS AMG Roadster captures the spirit of the classic 300SL Roadster in a way that does justice to the impressive pedigree of the Mercedes-Benz brand,” said M. Todd Pancavage, general manager of New Country Mercedes-Benz, a Hartford, Connecticut Mercedes-Benz dealer. “That said, the SLS AMG Roadster won’t ever be confused with its original inspiration; its incredible supercar performance was inconceivable in the 1950s.”

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster will be powered by the same fire-breathing 6.2-liter V8 found in the coupe. Paired with a seven-speed transaxle, the convertible supercar’s 563-horsepower powerplant can accelerate it from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and upward to an electronically limited top speed of 197 mph. Bringing the car back down to legal speeds is a task expertly handled by the optional ceramic brakes with red-painted calipers.

Of course, the main appeal of buying the SLS AMG Roadster instead of the coupe is the convertible top, which comes with a heated glass rear window and is available in black, red or beige. The car’s top comes down in roughly 11 seconds and at speeds of up to 31 mph, opening the leather-upholstered interior to the sun. Hartford Mercedes-Benz customers that want the top down this autumn will have no problem staying warm with the Roadster’s optional AirScarf heating system, which blows warm air around the occupant’s neck from vents in the headrests.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster’s abundance of features and top-level performance do come at a price, and sources are saying the vehicle will likely be priced around $200,000 when it debuts. Car buyers that want open-air style and luxury in a more conservative package can turn to less expensive Mercedes-Benz convertibles available throughout the automaker’s lineup, like the 2011 E-Class Cabriolet.

With room for four passengers, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class whisks along its occupants with one of two powerful yet efficient drivetrains. The E350 Cabriolet packs in a refined 268-horsepower V6 that returns 25 mpg on the highway, while the more powerful E550 Cabriolet features a 382-horsepower V8 that still manages to deliver 22 mpg on the highway.

“There are a lot of choices for the Mercedes-Benz fan looking for fun in the sun, ranging from four-seaters to supercars,” Pancavage added. “The SLS AMG Roadster is the bad boy of the lineup and unapologetically fast. Meanwhile, the E-Class Cabriolet is the perfect vehicle for Connecticut drivers who can’t afford a supercar but who still want to embrace summer driving in the best possible way.”

About New Country Mercedes-Benz:
New Country Mercedes-Benz is a premier Connecticut Mercedes-Benz dealership, and they’ve proved their excellence by receiving the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best award for 2010. They have an impressive selection of new and used Mercedes-Benz models to choose from, and their skilled service technicians ensure Mercedes-Benz owners get the most out of their vehicles. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country Mercedes-Benz is located at One Weston Street in Hartford, Conn. They can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewCountryMercedesBenz , reached by phone at 888-267-2959, and their extensive Mercedes-Benz inventory can be viewed at www.newcountrymercedes.com.

Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700

While the six New York City cab drivers in the RX 400h or RX 450h hope that their vehicles will be grandfathered in as acceptable taxis, the Taxi and Limousine Commission’s decision is perplexing to many. Producing 268 and 295 horsepower respectively, the Lexus RX 400h and Lexus RX 450h mid-size SUVs are capable performers, but these numbers are similar to the 250-horsepower V8-powered Ford Crown Victoria that makes up a majority of New York City’s taxi population.

The biggest difference between the Lexus and Ford vehicles is fuel economy, and the hybrid Lexus models go further in reducing harmful emissions in the city. The RX 400h with front-wheel drive returns 27 mpg in the city, while the front-wheel-drive 2011 RX 450h currently available at Lexus dealers gets 32 mpg. Meanwhile, the Crown Victoria sucks up a gallon of gas for every 16 miles it travels in the city.

“I don’t understand why New York’s taxi commission would ban the Lexus,” said Eric Brennan, general manager of New Country Lexus of Westport. “It’s quiet, refined, gets great gas mileage and is eminently reliable – those sound like great features for a taxi to me. With increasing gas prices, conserving fuel just makes good business sense.”

Making a living as a taxi driver means standing out from the others, and with more than 13,000 taxis, New York City is awash in a sea of yellow vehicles. The Lexus-driving cabbies set themselves apart from a crowd that includes more than 7,000 Crown Victorias prowling the streets. While the fares are the same for all city taxis, one of the affected cab drivers, Sushil Maggoo, told the New York Times that he has more than a dozen customers who call on him repeatedly to escort them to the airport. Another driver, Shmuel Poper, said that he’d occasionally get tipped 50 to 100 percent of the fare and would have customers request photos in front of his Lexus.

With heated and cooled front seats and multi-adjustable rear seats, the 2011 Lexus RX 450h makes for a comfortable ride, whether performing the duties of a taxi or just running the kids to school in the morning. For cab drivers, this added comfort could mean prevention of chronic injuries due to the everyday abuse that knees and legs take from massive potholes and sitting through hour-long traffic. Meanwhile, the 80.3 cubic feet of cargo room available by folding the rear seats means the RX 450h provides ample room for the largest of loads, whether they’re luggage for a week’s vacation or golf clubs.

The 2011 RX 450h comes available with voice recognition software to control things like the stereo, navigation and even the climate control, which means drivers can keep their hands on the steering wheel where they belong. Taking safety further, the Lexus 450h also has a class-leading 10 airbags and an optional Pre-Collision System that can detect and react to an impending accident to help reduce damage.

“The Lexus RX 450h is a great all-around vehicle for getting people where they need to go in comfort and style,” Brennan added. “You certainly don’t have to be a taxi driver to appreciate the features and qualities of a Lexus – they’re all readily apparent as soon as you sit in the driver’s seat.”

About New Country Lexus of Westport:
Connecticut Lexus owners look to New Country Lexus of Westport when it comes to sales and service. Whether customers are seeking a new CT 200h or a used RX 350, New Country Lexus of Westport has a wide selection of new and used Lexus models to choose from, and their expert service department will follow up any purchase with excellent maintenance and repairs. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country Lexus of Westport is located at 187 Kings Hwy Cutoff in Fairfield, Conn. Find them online at www.newcountrylexusofwestport.com , Like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NewCountryLexusWestport , or call them at 888-789-1318.

Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700

Lexus cars and SUVs have always been known for extreme reliability, cutting-edge technology and styling that stresses sophistication over flashiness. The LF-Gh concept showed that Lexus designers had a bit more freedom than in the past, resulting in a car with sharp angles, hard shoulders and a front grille with enough attitude to take on any challenge.

“The LF-Gh concept is a real departure from Lexus designs of the past,” said Eric Brennan, general manager of Westport Lexus dealer New Country Lexus of Westport. “It’s strong and muscular but still has the sophistication that Lexus drivers have come to expect. While it will be toned down a bit during production, it’s a clue to the unique visual identity that Lexus will create for itself in the coming year.”

Though the concept car’s hood was never lifted, Lexus says the LF-Gh will be powered by a hybrid drivetrain governing the rear wheels, lending credence to their dubbing the car a “grand touring sedan,” which suggests equal parts sport and comfort over long distances. It also means that golf clubs will easily be swallowed by the LF-Gh, which will have similar proportions to the current Lexus GS 460.

The comparisons to the Lexus GS are no coincidence, as the LF-Gh is widely believed to be the inspiration for an upcoming refresh of the GS. If true, this would also indicate that the GS will add a hybrid option to its existing V-6 and V-8 powertrains.

Lexus says its designers paid careful attention to airflow over the vehicle, which helps explain the massive grill that grabs attention away from the rest of the pinched front end. What may go unnoticed at first is the absence of side mirrors, which have been tossed in favor of small cameras that allow the car to further cheat the wind. Although more aerodynamic, this feature could meet its end at the hands of U.S. regulations that require mirrors as standard safety equipment.

“Lexus stepped out of their comfort zone with the LF-Gh,” Brennan said. “The concept car shows a bold new face for future Lexus cars, as well as practical hybrid technology that could have a significant impact on fuel economy. The new Lexus designs will stand out from other cars in a bold way, and that boldness will be matched by superior technology under the hood.”

About New Country Lexus of Westport:
Connecticut Lexus owners look to New Country Lexus of Westport when it comes to sales and service. Whether customers are seeking a new CT 200h or a used RX 350, New Country Lexus of Westport has a wide selection of new and used Lexus models to choose from, and their expert service department will follow up any purchase with excellent maintenance and repairs. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country Lexus of Westport is located at 187 Kings Hwy Cutoff in Fairfield, Conn. Find them online at www.newcountrylexusofwestport.com or call them at 888-789-1318.

Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700

The KBB.com Brand Image Awards are based on consumer perception data from Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence’s Brand Watch study. The 2011 award marks the fourth consecutive year that Mercedes-Benz has topped the Prestige category.

“People recognize the rich history and sophistication behind the Mercedes-Benz name,” said M. Todd Pancavage, general manager of Hartford Mercedes-Benz dealer New Country Mercedes-Benz. “Our brand has always been aspirational. Putting a Mercedes-Benz in the garage is a sign that you’ve made it to the top. With the new compact A-Class, Mercedes-Benz is giving its customers something to drive on the way there.”

Hot on the heels of a first quarter that saw them outselling both Lexus and BMW, Mercedes-Benz revealed a concept version of the new A-Class at the New York International Auto Show, giving Mercedes-Benz fans a look into the future of the three-pointed star. Already a strong seller in Europe, the A-Class will arrive on American shores with a decidedly modern and aggressive new design, as well as some premium Mercedes-Benz features, such as adaptive cruise control and traction control. Breaking the $30,000 price barrier could also prove a powerful draw for the brand; currently, the most affordable model is the Mercedes-Benz C300, which starts in the low $30,000 range.

The A-Class hatchback concept car became an instant hit at the New York auto show and is one of a rumored quartet of small Mercedes-Benz vehicles coming to North America in the near future to compete in the emerging luxury compact segment. The remaining three new models are rumored to be a small van that will likely be available as an electric vehicle, a small sedan and a small crossover. The electric-vehicle claims are bolstered by a recent letter of intent between Mercedes-Benz and The Bosch Group, a leading supplier of automotive technology and hardware, to develop electric powertrains.

“Mercedes-Benz is not about to sit back and let competitors take control of the emerging luxury compact segment,” Pancavage said. “A growing number of customers are looking for luxury compact cars, either for fuel savings or to make it easier to get around town. Mercedes-Benz will never abandon the full-size sedans and SUVs that many buyers want, but it is pushing compact-car innovation with its new A-Class lineup.”

About New Country Mercedes-Benz:
New Country Mercedes-Benz is a premier Connecticut Mercedes-Benz dealership, and they’ve proved their excellence by receiving the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best award for 2010. They have an impressive selection of new and used Mercedes-Benz models to choose from, and their skilled service technicians ensure Mercedes-Benz owners get the most out of their vehicles. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country Mercedes-Benz is located at One Weston Street in Hartford, Conn. They can be reached by phone at 888-267-2959, and their extensive Mercedes-Benz inventory can be viewed at www.newcountrymercedes.com

Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700

Based on the popular BMW 1 Series coupe, the ActiveE drops the 230-horsepower inline 6-cylinder engine in favor of a 170-horsepower electric motor with a liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery. BMW is promising 0 to 60 mph acceleration times around 9 seconds and around 184 pound-feet of torque. Specific figures on horsepower and torque could change before the ActiveE reaches Connecticut BMW dealer showrooms this fall.

“The BMW ActiveE is an exciting take on the electric car,” said Tim Parker, general manager of Hartford BMW dealer New Country BMW. “BMW’s engineers focused on what makes driving a BMW such a pleasure, and this eco-friendly vehicle will still provide BMW levels of performance and style. The ActiveE is proof that an electric car can still be dynamic and exciting to drive.”

To ensure that the ActiveE will maintain BMW’s reputation for excellent handling and comfort, engineers placed the electric motor directly between the rear wheels. This design eliminates the need for a clutch or transmission, simplifying the drivetrain and reducing weight. There is no clutch pedal and no gears to change because the electric motor only has one gear.

Designed to be a commuter vehicle with a range of approximately 100 miles, depending on use and driving conditions, the ActiveE provides low-end torque that enhances maneuverability and response at the slower speeds that most commuters cope with each day.

Connecticut BMW dealers will begin accepting reservations for the ActiveE later this summer. BMW plans to deliver 700 of the vehicles to the United States by year’s end, and the first batch will only be available through a 24-month lease.

To promote the upcoming launch of the ActiveE electric vehicle, BMW has released a four-part documentary series online, entitled “Wherever You Want to Go.” Rather than sell viewers on the innovative features of the new model, the documentary features some of today’s most-influential automotive and tech visionaries and solicits their opinions on the future of mobility in the United States.

As part of BMW’s Activate the Future campaign, the thought-provoking film series intends to open up a public discussion that encourages new thinking to meet the transportation challenges of the 21st century.

“Rising fuel costs are forcing car buyers to reconsider their driving habits,” Parker said. “At the same time, social and environmental concerns have created a need for alternative vehicles. BMW is actively pushing forward to answer those questions with innovative technology like that found in the ActiveE.”

About New Country BMW:
Hartford BMW drivers trust New Country BMW when they need to service their high-performance models, but New Country offers much more than just outstanding BMW service. When it comes to buying a new or certified pre-owned BMW, Connecticut BMW drivers can rely on New Country BMW for a stress-free buying experience that extends beyond the sale. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country BMW is located at One Weston Park Road in Hartford, Conn. They can be reached by phone at 866-498-7471, and their extensive online inventory can be found at www.newcountrybmw.com.

Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700

Goodwood, England is the home of British super luxury car maker Rolls-Royce which, along with MINI, is owned by BMW. That relationship has allowed MINI to create a limited-edition Cooper S Hardtop with all the amenities commonly seen in the Rolls-Royce Ghost, only without the $245,000 price tag.

“The MINI Inspired by Goodwood is unlike anything on the market,” said Tim Parker, general manager of Hartford MINI dealer New Country MINI. “MINI Coopers already come packed with an impressive array of features, but the Inspired by Goodwood model is out of this world. The quality of materials, craftsmanship and design are quintessentially Rolls-Royce.”

The black full-grain leather upper dash is the only surface to not be treated with Rolls-Royce’s signature Cornsilk beige. Some dash surfaces and the door handles are finished in the Rolls-Royce exclusive Walnut Burr wood. Nearly every surface beyond the carpets is soft leather, making the MINI’s interior an opulent place to spend time. Prices for this premium MINI have yet to be released, and the limited run of 1,000 cars is expected to hit MINI dealership lots in Spring 2012.

Hartford MINI fans that don’t require quite that level of luxury can customize a MINI to fit their tastes right now. Whether it’s a MINI Cooper, MINI Clubman or MINI Countryman, choices abound.

The new MINI Yours program, which will launch this summer, has been developed for buyers who want to customize their cars to reflect their own style and personality. Previously, graphics like the Union Jack or a checker board could be applied to the roof, but MINI Yours increases the number of choices exponentially.

MINI Yours offers multiple exterior color choices and interior trims, including green and white leather seats that wouldn’t look out of place in a 1960′s lounge. There are a number of interior trim packages ranging from mild to wild, exterior graphics MINI has dubbed “tattoos” and numerous wheel choices. Purists will be happy to know that the iconic Union Jack roof graphic is still available as well.

“MINI owners want to set themselves apart from the pack, even where other MINI owners are concerned,” Parker said. “With the multitude of choices available in the MINI Yours program, our Connecticut MINI customers can make their MINIs a unique reflection of their personal style. On roads filled with cars that all look alike, MINI Yours is a fun way to keep things interesting.”

About New Country MINI:
Connecticut MINI drivers flock to New Country MINI, a premier Connecticut MINI dealer, for one reason: They work to make sure their customers are happy even after the sale. New Country MINI sells used and new MINIs like the 2011 MINI Countryman and MINI Cooper, and they keep them running like new at their Hartford MINI service center. Part of the New Country Motor Car Group family of dealerships, New Country MINI is located at 1 Weston Park Rd in Hartford, Connecticut. Find them online at www.newcountrymini.com, or call them at 877-383-5983.

Media Contact:
Robert Maizner, of New Country Motor Car Group, 518-584-7700