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.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept Spotted in Munich Ahead of Frankfurt Debut

Eagle-eyed reader Oliver Markwirth was at BMW Welt in Munich when he saw the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept preening for cameras. Seems like a video of the car may be on its way. Until then, scroll down for a gallery of Oliver’s shots and click here to read our full story on the concept car.

BMW X1 online campaign and BMWBLOG is featured in it

BMW intends to conquer a new vehicle segment and underline its leadership in innovation with the new BMW X1. Moreover, it wants to strengthen the brand aspects of young, open and creative to ensure the vehicle is also noticed by an audience not familiar with BMW.

The X1 campaign was developed by GSD&M Idea City which become the lead global agency of creative for BMW brand advertising communications. The first task for GSD&M was the development of a new global communication campaign focused on the “Joy” theme.

The goal? A new, modern target audience of customers who, in particular, spend time on the Web using social-media platforms. And awaken their enthusiasm to achieve the targeted market domination. As we’ve said many times before, BMW is heading towards the right direction: online marketing. The marketing efforts can be targeted towards specific demographics, results can be analyzed far easier and deeper than with regular radio or printed ads.

In their latest JOY IS WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT video released on Youtube, BMWBLOG is featured as one of the leading websites in promoting the X1 and the Joy campaign. We have to admit, we are big fans of this campaigns since it speaks our language and it shows the power of online media, along with all the benefits that come with it.

BMW is aiming to sell 1,000 of its new hybrids in the U.S.

AutoWeek reports that BMW is aiming to sell 1,000 of its new 7 and X6 hybrids in their first year in the United States.

Both hybrid were revealed last month and are heading for Frankfurt Motor Show.

BMW ActiveHybrid X6 features a two-mode hybrid system which allows the X6 to run either on its electric motors alone at low speeds, internal combustion or a combination of both. Compared to the 7 Hybrid, the X6 makes use of not one, but two electric motors which deliver 91 hp and 86 hp, respectively, with peak torque values of 192 lb-ft and 206 lb-ft. Top speed in the electric mode is 37 mph, maximum range is 1.6 miles. The maximum output is 480 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque, enough to be crowned as the most powerful hybrid vehicle ever offered for sale.

The ActiveHybrid 7 uses a different electric drive setup from the X6 Hybrid and it’s being considered a mild hybrid. The upgraded V8 twin-turbo with High Precision Direct Injection runs together, at the same time, with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor which is positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor generates approximately 20 hp and peak torque of 155 lb-ft.

The “pumped up” V8 twin-turbo engine produces 40 horsepower more than the engine found in the 750i/Li models to a total of 400 horsepower. The overall combined output is being advertised at 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.

BMW Augmented Reality

Augmented Reality is a buzz word these days, okay, phrase. Those of you that own one of the new iPhones, you might have noticed the few applications available the brings augmented reality in front of our eyes. But what is Augmented Reality and why should we care?

MediaIte has a simple definition for it: “augmented reality is any technology that overlays virtual information on top of the real world.  You look through some sort of device (to date, mobile phones have turned out to have the most traction) with a camera on it, it shows you a view of what it sees, and, combining that view with it’s positional awareness, adds in meaningful information about what you are seeing.”

A bit more clear now? We certainly hope so since in the next few months and years, the buzz word will just get bigger and bigger with many new applications being developed. So how does it interact with our BMW cars?

Well, in early 2008, a Youtube video released by BMW made the headlines of many websites. Using augmented reality, a BMW mechanic receives additional three-dimensional information on the engine he is repairing, for example, to help him in diagnosing and solving the fault. Apart from the real environment, he sees virtually animated components, the tools to be used and hears instruction on each of the working steps through headphones integrated inside the goggles.

As you can see in this video, BMW Augmented Reality guides the mechanic through the entire repair procedure. The advantages of this technology are immense, from the higher quality level of service to reducing costs or improving repair times.

BMW teases Vision EfficientDynamics concept ahead of Frankfurt

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics teaser - Click above to enlarge | Watch the video after the break

We know that BMW will be unveiling its new Vision EfficientDynamics concept at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show, but so far the automaker has been very tight-lipped as to the details of the actual machine. What we think we know - which, admittedly, isn't a whole heck of a lot - is that this will be a sustainable sportscar of sorts that will highlight all of BMW's eco-friendly efforts under its Efficient Dynamics initiative.
While BMW is keen to keep us in the dark, the German automaker has at least unleashed a short teaser video for the concept that whets our appetites for more. There's not much meat to the video, but we do get a brief glimpse at what appears to be the concept's rear tail lamp and an intriguing use of negative space. It's not much to go on, but the machine in this teaser doesn't look to our eyes like the BMW concept car spied a few weeks back being loaded for shipment.
BMW chose to release this teaser via its BMW TV site, which just recently exited from its initial beta stage. We'll be sure to keep watching for more, but in the meantime, hit the jump to watch the video.

Manhart Racing drops the BMW V10 into the Z4 roadster

Manhart BMW Z4 V10 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The first snow? A pastel sunset? Come on, we're car guys and there are few things we love more than a big engine in a small roadster. It's the formula that put Carroll Shelby on the map, and it's very much alive today thanks to a small cadre of niche manufacturers and aftermarket tuners, a disproportionate share of them residing in Germany.
Just a few days ago we brought you news of the Wiesmann MF5 Roadster, set to debut at the upcoming Frankfurt show with a BMW M5 ten-cylinder engine packed into a little retro roadster. But if your taste veers more towards the modern than the throwback, Manhart Racing may have just the thing for you. The German tuning firm has shoehorned that same 500-hp, 5.0-liter DOHC 40-valve V10 - known in Bavaria as the SB85B50 - into the BMW Z4.
The mod job wasn't finished with the engine swap, however. Manhart also switched the transmission and differential, installed an AC Schnitzer exhaust, HJS cats and in the process just happened to have disabled the electronic speed limiter. The resultant 550 hp output in a 1450-kg package gives the ten-cylinder roadster a power-to-weight ratio of 2.6kg per HP, which places it firmly in supercar territory. (The flyweight Ferrari 430 Scuderia, for reference, packs 2.45 kg/hp.) 0-60 comes in a claimed 3.9 seconds, and we have little reason to doubt it. That is, assuming you can get all that power down through the upgraded 285/30ZR19 rear tires and keep it in a straight line with the 235/35ZR19 mounted on blacked-out BBS Challenge rims. We just hope they've upgraded the brakes to go along with the extra power.

BMW teases Vision EfficientDynamics concept one more time

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics teasers - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been two whole days since BMW first teased its new Vision EfficientDynamics concept, and you know how the interweb masses get when they start feeling neglected, right? In an effort to properly satiate our never-ending desire for more, more, more, BMW has released yet another teaser image of the Frankfurt-bound machine that focuses on the intriguing rear quarter panel and tail lamp.
According to Bimmerpost, we could be looking at a diesel hybrid that can accelerate to 60 mph in under five seconds and return 67 mpg. Whatever shape BMW's Vision EfficientDynamics concept takes, it definitely seems unconventional. And we'll see what the German automaker has up its sleeves when we visit the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

BMW reveals Vision EfficientDynamics turbodiesel plug-in hybrid concept

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

After several months of speculation and official teases for the past week, we now finally have all the details on the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept that BMW will show at the Frankfurt Motor Show in a couple of weeks. The speculation about the concept's powertrain has gone in several directions, almost all of which were correct. The new concept is a plug-in hybrid with a three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Conceived with the idea of melding the performance of a M3 with exceptionally low fuel consumption, BMW claims a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds while scoring 62.6 mpg (U.S.) on the E.U. combined test cycle.
There has been considerable speculation that future BMWs will go to smaller engines including a three-cylinder. The concept uses a 1.5-liter turbodiesel that is essentially half of the fabulous 3.0-liter found in the 335d. The triple is rated at a hefty 163 hp with peak torque of 214 lb-ft. The engine is paired with a six-speed DCT derived from the unit used in the M3 and Z4.
Adding fuel to recent reports that BMW would not continue developing the two-mode hybrid system that will debut soon in the X6, the concept uses a new strong hybrid system. The new system is a further development of the mild hybrid that is debuting in the ActiveHybrid 7. As in the 7, a more powerful 33-hp electric motor is sandwiched between the engine and transmission. A second 80-hp motor provides drive to the front axle. The total net output of the drive system is 356 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque