BMW 3-Series Convertible Facelift

BMW continues testing of the upcoming 3 Series Convertible facelift and the Worldcarfans spies where to snap new photos of it. Despite several reports on the web, there is no official confirmation that we will be seeing the facelift in Frankfurt this month and as far as we know, the launch date remains set for next spring.

Same as the E92 facelift, the convertible will receive new headlights and taillights treatment, along with revised/redesigned front and rear bumpers. Looking closer at the taillights,  it seems that new LED bulbs are replacing the white signal strip found in the current model.

The large mirrors can be seen on this test mule as well and there is no doubt that the final production model will feature them as well. Even though we’re not big fans of either these side mirrors or the ones found on the 335d Sedan, the new European pedestrian regulations are forcing all the car manufacturers to adopt a new styling.

Engine wise, many BMW fans and owners are looking forward to possible new engines, from the ultra efficient 2.0 liter diesel with fuel consumption ratings of 4.1 l/100km(57MPG ) to the N55 3.0 liter engine.

2012 BMW 1 Series

Our german blog BimmerToday.de and Ade, one of their readers, are bringing us today some exclusive spy photos of the next generation BMW 1 Series due out in 2011. The prototype was spotted on the Autobahn somewhere between Salzburg and Munich.

The F20 prototype continues to sport the now famous psychedelic camouflage making it hard for us to see the design lines prepared by BMW. If the first generation 1 Series can be described as being conservative with a safe design, the new 1er models are expected to feature more revolutionary design elements and of course, the latest technologies, some already tested in the other BMW vehicles.

Looking to reduce the overall costs of a new car, BMW designed a new modular platform for the upcoming 1 Series family. The backbone of these models was designed especially for this purpose so every model can have a variation backbone, simply be moving suspension points and firewalls to areas that will benefit each vehicle. Corroborated with more parts sharing, this new approach will allow BMW to reduce even more the production costs.

Overall details of the next 1 Series are still sketchy at this time, but the rumor mill says BMW is looking into more 1er variants, from a 3-door touring, 3 and 5-door GT, to five-door hatchback and a 3-door Coupe and Convertible. A smaller, compact Z2 Roadster will also utilize the modular platform.

Even though the engine line-up has not been finalized, sources indicate many new three and four turbo engines will be used across the 1 Series models, from a 1.3 liter engine with 136 horsepower to a new 1.3-liter turbo powerplant developing 177 hp. Moving up in the 1 Series class, the 120i will get the a 218 hp 2.0-liter turbo, while the 135i will continue using the N54 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine. Diesel and hybrid versions are going to be available as well.

One of the engine that will most likely be featured in a 1 Series vehicle is the three cylinder hybrid one found in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept.

An M-like 1 Series model will also be part of the new 1er family. Dubbed 135i SuperSport, the new sporty model will differentiate from the regular BMW 135i with the Performance Package, by adding upgraded performance parts. The Supersport will be limited to the Coupe body style and it will use lightweight materials, such as Carbon Fiber Roof, hood or bootlid, lightweight glass. Upgraded suspensions and brakes will give the impression and feel of an M car, but without the M badge.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept Unveiled (w/ video)

After all the spy shots and teasers, BMW has finally released the details of the new BMW Vision EfficientDynamics ahead of its scheduled debut; the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

BMW says that the high-performance concept study, with their ActiveHybrid technology, showcases  “future demands in sustained mobility” and is “a symbol for the future of Sheer Driving Pleasure in harmony with trend-setting efficiency.”  The automaker says that the aim of the Vision EfficientDynamics, is to realize “the performance of a BMW M Car and a highly emotional character combined with the fuel economy and emission management of a modern small car in the premium class.”

Power for the full-hybrid 2+2 seater BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, comes from a 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, and two electric motors. The 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine features the latest generation of common-rail direct injection technology, producing a total of 163 horses with a peak torque of 214 lb-ft, and transferring power to wheels, via a double-clutch 6-speed transmission.

“Consistently applying the BMW  ActiveHybrid strategy, BMW’s development engineers followed the principle of “Best of Hybrid”, choosing the optimum combination of a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle and a full-hybrid system at the rear,” BMW said. In English that means that there is one-electric motor positioned between the combustion engine and the double-clutch gearbox. It produces 25 kW (33-hp) and is able to reach a peak of up to 38 kW (51-hp) with a maximum torque of 214 lb-ft. The second electric-motor, which powers the front axle, offers a continuous output of 60 kW (80-hp), and peak torque of 162 lb-ft. Extra power of 84 kW (112-hp) is available for a period of up to 30 seconds; the electric motor is even capable of delivering 104 kW (139-hp) for 10 seconds. All of this is transmitted through a two-stage, single-speed reduced-ratio gearbox.

With everything working in sync, the total system output comes in at 356-hp, with a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. But all that power is used only when you need it; when overtaking, for example. 0 to 62 mph comes in just 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph and fuel-economy is estimated at 63 mpg.

Overall, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics comes with a total of 98 lithium-polymer cells. When connected to a regular 220v outlet, the Vision EfficientDynamics requires 2 ½ hours to fully charge. A full-charge allows the car to cover a distance of approximately 31 miles when running on electric-mode alone.

So will we ever see a production model? Not for now. BMW says that the “Vision  EfficientDynamics offers a realistic impression of the unique potential of BMW’s ActiveHybrid technology and the great innovative thrust of BMW EfficientDynamics.”

The creators of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

If you were away this weekend you missed something pretty exciting - BMW unveiled its new Vision EfficientDynamics Concept prior to its Frankfurt Motor Show debut next month. The company has just released a video of all the engineers and designers talking about the work they contributed into creating this outstanding concept. You can check it out after the jump.

Refresher: Power comes from a 163-hp 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and two electric motors producing a total output 356-hp with a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in just 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph and fuel-economy is estimated at 63 mpg.

BMW to sell 1,000 units of ActiveHybrid X6 and 7 in first year in the U.S.

According to a report by AutoWeek, BMW is aiming to sell 1,000 units of its new ActiveHybrid 7 and the ActiveHybrid X6 in their first year in the United States. Both models will make their world debuts at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show later this month.

The 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7 is powered by a 4.4L V8 making 440-hp with a maximum torque of 475 lb-ft. Along with a 3-phase synchronous electric-motor the ActiveHybrid 7 makes 455-hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission, fuel-economy is increased by 15 percent when compared to a 750i.

The 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is powered by a reworked version of the xDrive50i’s 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 making 400-hp and a peak torque of 450 lb-ft. The hybrid system consists of two electric-motors that helps pump out a total of 480-hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. All that allows for a 0 to 60 mph run in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. Fuel-economy is increased by 20 percent.

Pricing and availability details will be announced closer to launch.

BMW on its way to take No.1 luxury automaker title in the U.S. from Lexus

BMW is just a few thousand unit sales away from taking the No.1 spot from Lexus as the largest luxury automaker in the United States.

“We’re really breathing down Lexus’ neck,” said Jim O’Donnell, CEO of BMW Group’s North American sales operation. ”We were slightly ahead of Lexus (in sales) until July. But we expect business to pick up and have a strong fourth quarter. We could catch them.”

For the first 8 months of 2009, BMW has sold a total of 129,176 units, while Lexus has sold 131,469. Analysts say that BMW has been working hard to expand its lineup with new product offerings such as the new BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo.

“That’s really helped them close the gap with Lexus,” George Augustaitis, a market analyst with CSM Worldwide in Northville told the Detroit News.

Lexus has been the top selling luxury automaker in the U.S. for the past 9 years.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

BMW’s latest concept combines a three-cylinder diesel and two electric motors to deliver impressive fuel economy—plus 60 mph in less than five seconds.

BMW is using its home-market Frankfurt auto show to display its latest contribution to the hybrid trend, the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. The 2+2 concept also contributes to the obviously German trend of giving things names as long as a freight train, but it surely provides a vision—so to speak—of things to come from Bavaria.

BMW describes the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept as a four-door coupe (yes, there’s that stupid phrase again) with “outstanding aerodynamic qualities.” BMW says that the slippery shape combines with BMW’s second-gen ActiveHybrid components and “an extremely economical combustion engine” to exceed the fuel efficiency of today’s small cars while delivering impressive performance.