Missed something from this week? Here are a couple of important highlights from the week of 9-24-2007 to 9-29-2007. As always, check out the Archives Page for full coverage.

• 9-29-2007: Officially Official: 2008 BMW 1-Series Convertible (with video)
• 9-29-2007: Mazdaspeed2 in the works? Redesigned RX-8 coming to Tokyo
• 9-28-2007: Funny Friday: Volkswagen Golf TDI ‘Toy’ commercial
• 9-28-2007: Spy Shots: Mystery Supercar - is it a Lotus Esprit, McLaren or Noble?
• 9-28-2007: BMW to build X1 in Europe, will outsource Mini SUV
• 9-28-2007: Video: AutoCar awards Audi R8 Best Handling Car of 2007
• 9-28-2007: Rolls-Royce releases official details on the Phantom Coupe
• 9-28-2007: Lexus IS-F hybrid and a plug-in model on the way?
• 9-28-2007: Video: New Audi S5 Promotional Video
• 9-28-2007: 2nd Dodge Challenger rolled off assembly line and on to eBay
• 9-28-2007: Subaru releases 2nd Impreza WRX STi teaser
• 9-28-2007: Spy Shots: Hyundai RWD Coupe gets 300hp to rival Nissan 350Z
• 9-28-2007: Video: Porsche 911 GT2’s 7:32 run at the Nurburgring
• 9-28-2007: Video: AutoCar reviews the new Ferrari 430 Scuderia
• 9-28-2007: Ferrari to offer direct fuel injection in two years
• 9-27-2007: BMW CEO confirms CS, X1, MINI SUV and Rolls-Royce Coupe
• 9-27-2007: 2008 Ford F-150 60th Anniversary Edition
• 9-27-2007: Toyota recalling floor mats in the 2007 Lexus ES, Camry
• 9-26-2007: Spy Shots: BMW M3 Sedan and Convertible hang out
• 9-26-2007: Spy Shots: Audi A1 to rival Mini Cooper
• 9-26-2007: 2009 Honda Fit coming to Tokyo Motor Show in Oct
• 9-26-2007: Spy Shots: Mercedes SL AMG Black Series hits Nurburgring
• 9-26-2007: Video: Lexus IS-F burns some serious rubber
• 9-26-2007: Nissan GT-R Spec Sheet: Starts at $66,675
• 9-26-2007: Video: Maserati GranTurismo in action (new images)
• 9-26-2007: Strike Ends: GM and UAW reach settlement
• 9-25-2007: Fifth Gear: Mini Cooper Diesel vs Mini Cooper Petrol
• 9-25-2007: Alfa Romeo 8C Spider (Convertible) confirmed for 2009
• 9-25-2007: Chevrolet Volt: 0-60 in less than 6 seconds says Lutz
• 9-25-2007: Bugatti to produce a cheaper car, but not that cheap
• 9-25-2007: Video: 2008 Mazda6 in action ‘King of the Bango’
• 9-25-2007: Video: Ferrari 430 Scuderia Road Test
• 9-25-2007: Fifth Gear: 2008 BMW M3 Test Drive
• 9-25-2007: Spy Shots: Ferrari Dino Hardtop Convertible
• 9-24-2007: Top 10 Least Fuel-Efficient Hybrids
• 9-24-2007: First Official Pictures: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X
• 9-24-2007: Nissan GT-R breaks another record at Nurburgring
• 9-24-2007: Weird Stuff: Audi TT Pickup
• 9-24-2007: Transformers 2 set for summer 2009 release
• 9-24-2007: Acura considers bringing back the CL along with a convertible
• 9-24-2007: Spy Video: Ferrari Dino hits the Nurburgring

Miss any photo galleries from this week? Don’t worry, we always compile a list of photo galleries we’ve posted throughout the week. Check out the pictures of the new 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X, 2009 Honda Fit and spy shots of the Ferrari Dino, Mercedes SL AMG Black Series and Audi A1.

Click through for a full week’s worth of galleries. Check out the Week in Photos Category for more.

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We’re sure you’ve been seeing photo leaks of the BMW 1-Series all over the internet this afternoon, but we always like to keep it official. So here it is; BMW has officially announced that the BMW 1-Series Convertible will join the 1-Series coupe going on sale in the spring of 2008.

The BMW 1-Series convertible will come in the same variants as the coupe. The 128 will be powered by a 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 230 horsepower. The 135i will be powered by BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine that produces 300 horsepower. BMW says that it will do 0-60 in 5.6 seconds, which is still at debate.

BMW says that the electro-hydraulically-operated softtop can be raised within 22 seconds. Pricing will be announced closer to sale date with the BMW 1-Series Coupe.

Click through for the video and image gallery.

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According the folks over at WhatCar, Mazda engineers are saying that Mazda is studying the possibility of a Mazdaspeed variant for the mini Mazda 2.

According to the engineers, Mazda would use a 2.0 liter turbocharged engine that produces about 230 horsepower and 231 lb-ft of torque. It hasn’t even been officially confirmed whether the U.S. will be getting the Mazda2 and Mazda seems to be giving the other markets a faster version of it. Life isn’t fair.

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Since we didn’t give you enough stuff to drool over this Thursday, we decided why not provide you with some auto news on Saturday. So here it goes. Suzuki will be unveiling 3 concepts at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show including the Suzuki PIXY + SSC, X-HEAD and the Kizashi 2.

Suzuki X-HEAD: According to Suzuki’s Japanese press release, this HUMMER rival looking concept will appeal to a variety of lifestyles. Suzuki says the X-HEAD is for the off-roader, the camper, the life saver and the fashion freaks, although we think you would looked pretty stupid rolling around in this thing thinking you’re cool.

PIXY + SSC: This two part concept consists of the PIXY, which is a low-speed single-person ride and a part of Suzuki’s ‘SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY.’ The SSC is a low-speed “portable tool” for the PIXY. Yes, the two little PIXY’s fit inside this big SSC which works as a docking station.

Suzuki Kizashi 2: A sequel to the Suzuki Kizashi shown at Frankfurt earlier this month, the Suzuki Kizashi 2 embodies a more off-roading style with a smaller grille. Power comes from a 3.6 liter V6 unit and according to the press release, a hybrid version will also be available.

Okay we did our best to translate this Japanese press release. Click through for some images.

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In a continuous effort to differentiate ourselves from other auto blogs, we keep thinking of new ways to keep you locked in and keep you coming back for more. So today we’re introducing a new category called ‘Friday Funny’. Friday Funny will consist of funny things that happen throughout the auto world. For instance, funny commercials or another story on Hyundai hoping to take on Lexus, Mercedes or BMW.

So today we bring you our first ever Friday Funny. Here is a commercial by Volkswagen that depicts the power of a Golf TDI.

Click through to watch the video. Oh and let us know what you think of this new category in the comments section below.

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Our friends over at CarMagazine have spotted a mystery supercar at a UK facility. While Car’s first inclination was a Lotus Esprit, all inquiries so far say it isn’t.

What we know so far is that the prototype in the pictures is mid-engined and is powered by a 7.0 liter V8 engine producing up to 512 horsepower with 470 lb-ft of torque.

Other speculations say that this is McLarens upcoming baby supercar since it has similar proportions. Some say that this may also be the new Noble since an upgraded M15 is long overdue.

What’s your take? Have your say in the comment section below.

Spy Shots: Mystery Supercar Gallery:

  

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BMW’s CEO, Norbert Reithofer, yesterday confirmed the production of a compact X1 SUV and a Mini SUV. Instead of building the X1 in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where the X5 is made and where the X6 will be made, BMW will be moving production to its European plant.

Reithofer also said that it will be outsourcing production of its Mini SUV to a third party. Previously reported, Magna International was in talks with BMW for developing the Mini SUV.

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The folks over at AutoCar have awarded the Audi R8 the Best Handling Car of 2007. Watch as Chris takes the car around Bedford Autodrome and explains why. He even says that the R8 was causing the Porsche GT3 RS all sorts of probelms on the track.

The Audi R8 is powered by a 4.2 liter FSI V8 engine that produces 420 horsepower. Both can do 0-62 mph in just over 4.5 seconds.

Click through for the video.

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Yesterday, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer outlined BMW’s plan for the future up until 2020. Besides exciting new plans for the BMW brand, Reithofer confirmed plans for a Phantom coupe.

Following Reithofer’s announcement yesterday, Rolls-Royce today announced that the Phantom coupe will be launched in 2008 with production scheduled to begin next summer. The car, which will be hand-built at the company’s Goodwood, England plant, will complete the Phantom lineup and will be cheaper and smaller than the Phantom.

The two-door, four seat coupe will be powered by a 6.75 liter V12 engine that produces 453 horsepower and 720 Nm of torque. We expect the car to show up at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2008.

Rolls-Royce 101 EX Concept Gallery:

  

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According to Lexus General Manager Jim Farley, Lexus is in the process of studying to high-performance hybrids hoping to appeal to a market that wants something fast while being green.

In a recent interview with Bloomberg, Farley said that Lexus “may build such gasoline-electric models to reach enthusiast groups outside its core market.”

Farley said Lexus is just waiting to see how consumers react to GM’s plug-in Volt and the Tesla hybrid sports car that promises an all-electric range of 245 miles.

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Check out this new Audi S5 Promotional Video. The Audi S5 is powered by a V8 FSI engine that produces 354 horsepower giving it the ability to go from 0-60 in 5.1 seconds.

Click through for the video.

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Remember last week we told you about Dodge auctioning the first few 2008 Dodge Challengers that roll off the Brampton, Ontario assembly line? Well the second 2008 Dodge Challenger has now showed up on eBay in auction where all proceeds will go to United Way of Southeastern Michigan.

The vehicles chosen to be auctioned is an SRT models with HEMI(R) Orange exterior, hood stripes, a 6.1-liter HEMI V8 engine, and a five-speed automatic transmission with Autostick.

The opening bid was $25k but as we right this the highest bid is $85,100 with a total of 46 bids. The auction ends October 3rd, 2007.

2008 Dodge Challenger Concept Gallery:

   

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