BMW 325i Convertible E30 8-Series PHOTO GALLERY

While there's only a single digit gap between the E30 and E31 codenames, in reality, these two BMW models couldn't be more different from each other.

The E30, a.k.a. the 1983-1991 3-Series, represented the firm's entry-level family car in the 1980s, while the E31, more widely known as the 8-Series, was the brand's flagship GT coupe in the 1990s.

But one German owner had the bright idea of taking a 1989 325i Convertible (albeit with pre-1987 tail lamps) and fusing the front end of an 850i Coupe on its nose. Of course, there was a slight problem with the width of the 8-Series fascia that was solved by…removing one of the BMW kidney grilles.

Aside from the bespoke front end, it also gets puffed up wheel arches to fit the wider tires, a different rear bumper and a Momo steering wheel.

The modded 325i Convertible comes equipped with the standard 2.5-liter inline-six producing 170-horses and is said to have clocked just 99,750km (62k miles).

Even if do you find the...825i's looks alluring, the €6,990 (US$9,900) price tag on Autohaus Bryjak is less than tempting as it is a bit too close for comfort to the lower-end prices (~€10k) for a real, early 1990s 8-Series model in Germany.

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All-New 2012 Honda CR-V: First Official PhotosPHOTO GALLERY

Over the past few months we've brought you pictures of camouflaged prototypes, the loosely disguised concept and even the patent designs of the next 2012 Honda CR-V, but today, thanks to our tipster Andy Ye, we bring you the first official images of the final production model.

Not surprisingly, the styling changes over the concept CR-V we saw this summer are restricted to the matte finish of the plastic cladding on the body, the smaller wheels and the clear graphics on the headlamps and tail lamps.

Honda has previously said that its new SUV will be "more sophisticated and dynamic" than its predecessor while also offering improved interior space and versatility as well as a suit of new technologies.

The company has remained tight-lipped about the engines that will be available on the new CR-V, but it is believed that the North American model will reach U.S. showrooms at the end of November or early December with a more powerful yet at the same time more fuel efficient version of the current 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine.

On the other side of the Atlantic, Europeans should expect a choice of smaller displacement four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines when it arrives in the fall of 2012.

The 2012 Honda CR-V will make its world premiere at the Los Angeles Auto Show in mid-November with the JDM model to debut a couple of weeks later at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show.

A very big hat tip to Andy Ye!

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BMW 2012 3-Series Sedan PHOTO GALLERY

With the official presentation out of the way, the BMW Group began series production of its new premium sedan, the 2012 3-Series, at is Munich plant in Germany as it prepares for its worldwide market launch in February next year.

“The BMW 3 Series is the most important volume-produced model from the BMW Group as well as the biggest-selling model in the entire premium segment," said Frank-Peter Arndt, Member of the BMW AG Board of Management responsible for production.

"To ensure that the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series likewise leaves the factory in flawless quality, we have invested around 500 million euros in our Munich home plant. And that means safeguarding 9,000 workplaces,” Arndt added.

BMW said that in three months' time from now, production of the 3 Series Sedan at the Munich plant will peak at 680 units a day, while total daily output will exceed 900 vehicles.

Aside from the 3-Series range, the Munich factory also produces BMW's mainstream gasoline engines, and high-performance powerplants for BMW M as well as Rolls-Royce models.

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