Lately, we’ve seen many examples of updated BMWs coming through the espionage pipeline. These latest spy shots, though, aren’t just another appearance update.

Take a close look at the sticker on the window and under the license plate. It reads, in plain English, “Hybrid Test Vehicle.” Caught in Munich, the 1-series appears to be following in the tire tracks of the 7-Series and X6 ActiveHybrid models we have already seen.

We’ll be sure to keep you posted with any more news on the 1-Series hybrid.

Click through the gallery above to see the BMW 1-Series hybrid prototype, or scroll down for the shooter’s comments.

http://www.freplicahandbags.com

Today, Hyundai unveiled its first gasoline direct injection engine, the 2.4 Theta II GDI. The 2.4-liter engine, in its current, Korean spec, offers 198 horsepower at 6300 rpm, and 184 pound-feet of torque at 4250 rpm.

Besides its improved output, direct injection lowers emissions and improves fuel economy.

The 2.4 Theta II GDI will see its first application in the first half of 2010 in the Hyundai Sonata. The GDI technology will then spread to other gasoline engines in the Hyundai lineup.

We’re glad to see Hyundai, as well as other manufacturers, bring back the mainstream use of direct injection technology. Learn more about direct injection here, or check out our Direct Injection Buyer’s Guide , listing current models on sale that use the technology.

See Hyundai’s new direct injection engine in the gallery above, or scroll down for the press release.

Pros:

• Spacious and practical interior belies modest exterior size

• Fuel economy can be fabulous

• No shortage of amenities and electronic toys

Cons:

• Feels about as slow as any car we’ve driven (as in “Throttle response? What throttle response.”)

• Ride is firm, but also on the harsh side of normal

• Handling is quirky (firm springing + limited roll-stiffness + harsh damping + zero throttle response = not much fun)

Car Summary:

Like the Lexus HS250h, the Toyota Prius offers three operating modes: Power, Eco, and EV (electronic vehicle), which might just as well be labeled Slow, Slower, and Slowest. Although the Prius is lighter and somewhat more nimble than its Lexus counterpart, it exhibits a glacial pace off the line. As it turns out, the car accelerates better than at first seems to be the case, but the throttle response is the opposite of hair-trigger. You really have to get into the pedal to make the Prius move.

CLICK HERE to read the rest of this Buyer’s Guide, or browse the rest of our Buyer’s Guides here.

300 horsepower is still a significant benchmark within the auto world. (As we found out last year when we created our list of 300 horsepower cars under $10K, check it out here.) That’s enough power that some serious performance is usually on tap, especially when the curb weight is kept low in concert with the output. So which cars with at least 300 ponies are the very lightest? Our list seeks to answer just that, with cars that are on sale in the U.S. today, and being limited to just the lightest example of any one particular model (sorry 911 and Corvette). Check out the top ten hardest punching lightweights, in our gallery above.

We’re making our lists a little early this year, as Tesla can only promise delivery of our custom Roadster by the end of the year if you order today (October 28) by eight o’clock Eastern.

Oh, and if you live in Colorado, you may be eligible for a $42,000 tax credit.

Still can’t justify it? A subscription to Winding Road also makes a great gift for discriminating drivers.

+ Tesla: Last Call For Holiday Deliveries

We currently have the 2010 Toyota Prius in our Austin fleet, and we know you have questions about it. Is it nearly as good as it is popular? Ask us, and find out.

See it in the gallery above, then head over to the Ask It page in our forums, and we’ll answer all your questions to the best of our abilities.

Advanced Flow Engineering offers up a new Stage 2 cold air intake system for your 2007-10 BMW M3. The intake, which has an MSRP between about $1180 and $1370 replaces the stock air intake with six-inch performance air filter, aluminum housing, and flow-improving plastic tubes.

The AFE air intake improves airflow by 85 percent, boosting horsepower, torque, and fuel economy.

We think a 15-horsepower and 13 pound-feet increase, as well as improved gas mileage, for around a thousand dollars (the prices are currently reduced on AFE’s website) is not too shabby.

Check it out in the gallery above, or scroll down for the press release.

The Telsa, when plugged into the electrical grid, creates at least 30% more CO2 emmissions than a comparable gasoline powered vehicle.

Sweep the emmisions under the carpet and it becomes green? Get off the blinders. Coal fired power generaters are much dirtier than gasoline engines, and are no where near as efficient.

According to reports, Reva, an Indian electric car manufacturer, may build vehicles in the US. If the deal passes, Reva would manufacture its NXR near Syracuse, New York. This would create 250 jobs over the course of three years.

The Reva NXR EV has a top speed of 65 miles per hour, and a range of 100 miles.

See the Reva NXG and NXR in the gallery above, or follow the link below for more information.

+ Autoblog: REPORT: Indian firm Reva to build electric cars in upstate NY