More information surface on the BMW 3 Series GT

With the introduction of the BMW 5 Series GT, BMW can now move forward with their plans of building a Gran Turismo version of the popular 3 Series models.

The PAC, Progressive Activity Coupe or V3, as it is known internally, is expected to based on long-wheel base 3 Series. The Progressive Activity Coupe has a higher roof when compared to the existing 3 Series Wagon and of course, a longer wheelbase as well. The idea of a PAC vehicle is that the little less wealthy 3er customers might find 5 Series too expensive, X3 too big, therefore, the 3 Series GT can be desired solution.

BMW 3 Series GT Rendering

When questioned about the new 3 Series GT and how the the worldwide financial crisis had affected plans for this model, BMW CEO Dr. Reithofer said, “We haven’t canceled the development project for a crossover off the 3-series because it is considered a volume builder with which we can earn good money.” So, in other words, it’s coming!

In a recent post, Scott27, member of GCZ, has some new details on the 3er GT:

We call it Progressive Activity Coupe - because of the way the roof slopes down at the rear but instead of a larger glass area as in a Touring, we have an additional quarter light and a wrap around tailgate the rear end is a combination of Touring and a shooting brake . The 3 GT will not feature the flexible trunk arrangement instead settling for a traditional trunk to which aid the flexibility of the GT you will be able to lift the glass area for easy storage and then have full use of a tailgate as you would have in an SAV or Touring.

Because 3 GT will be in a smaller segment compared to the 5er it will share some personalization features such as optional bench or individual seating , and a very personal approach to luxury.
Because of the segment of the 3 GT the car will be very dynamic to drive it is best seen as an alternative to a Touring - Like the 5er GT it is all about making a statement and making cars very personal to the customer.

The engine range will include the latest six cylinder turbo as found in the GT and the latest six cylinder diesel , additional petrol and diesels will include BMW’s upcoming four cylinder Turbocharged petrol engine and the four cylinder diesel.

3er GT will also receive an optional full length Panoramic roof that will stretch from the front windscreen to the rear screen increasing the space on offer .
Based upon the new cost-efficient architecture that will be seen underneath the 1er and 3er that can be stretched and shrunk by being modular and flexible to whatever car requires it. The GT will be based on a slightly longer next generation 3er platform .

Prototypes using 3er Touring bodies and X1 facias have already begun testing the major componentry . With first prototypes carrying heavily disguised bodies to begin testing this September similar to the 5er GT in September 2007. When the time approaches BMW will no doubt showcase the 3er GT as a Concept.

If we were to draw a conclusion from all these details, it would the fact that we’re seeing a clear indication on how BMW would like to turn the 3GT into a high-volume seller car, rather than a niche-focused model as the 5 Series GT. Offering a wide range of engines will make the car appeal to multiple markets and customers, implicitly more opportunities to sell the car to different people.

So, whatever we like it or not, BMW is serious about extending their market share and creating new car segments. Will this be the best approach for the future? Time will tell….

[Source: GCZ ]

The BMW M3 Edition Models

BMW announced the launch of three M3 Edition Models which will be entering the market in July 2009. These individual cars will have some modifications in body design and interior features, as well as special light-alloy wheels and an even lower chassis.

The M3s will run in limited production for six months and they will be available in four distinct colors: Alpine White, Black, Dakar Yellow, and Monte Carlo Blue. The M3 Edition models will also sport the BMW Individual High-Gloss Satin Chrome.

More details about the BMW M3 Edition Models can be found in the press release below

Press Release BMW M3 Edition Models

Powerful, aesthetic design, supreme performance and exclusive style – the unique characteristics of the BMW M3 are now available in highly attractive Edition Models focusing on the most outstanding highlights of these outstanding cars.

Based on the BMW M3 Coupé, the M3 Edition Models offer a choice of no less than four highly individual cars boasting perfectly harmonised modifications in body design and interior features as well as special light-alloy wheels and an even lower chassis.

The BMW M3 Edition Models will be entering the market worldwide in July 2009 in Alpine White, Black, Dakar Yellow, and Monte Carlo Blue. In the interest of supreme exclusivity their production period is limited to just six months.
Individual highlights both outside and inside.

On the BMW M3 Edition Models the exterior paintwork and interior design are individually matched to one another. Depending on the respective Edition model, the body comes either in Alpine White Non-Metallic, Black Non-Metallic, Dakar Yellow Non-Metallic or Monte Carlo Blue Metallic. The combination with BMW Individual High-Gloss Satin Chrome accentuates the truly sophisticated character of the Edition Models.

The openings on the engine compartment lid on all models are finished in black, the BMW kidney grille, the side gills and the dual tailpipes on the exhaust system come in dark eloxy-plated chrome. The caps on the special BMW M exterior mirrors are likewise finished in black and are connected to the A-pillars by dual arms extending out of the mirror base finished in body colour.

Special colour highlights add an individual touch also to the interior of the BMW M3 Edition Models. The surfaces on the centre armrest, the centre console and the armrests on the door panels are finished in White on the Alpine White and Black models. At the same time these Edition Models come with interior trim in Carbon Structure Leather with white contrasting seams. The seats in Black Novillo Leather feature bespoke contrasting seams as well as vertical trim stripes on the upper section of the backrest and at the front of the legrest. On the Alpine White and Black models, these features come in white, on the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue models they are in the appropriate exterior colour.

As a further feature the armrests and door closing handles at the inside on the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue models come with yellow and, respectively, blue contrasting seams. And last but certainly not least, entry trim bars in Checkered Flag Design bearing the “M3“ model designation give all Edition Models yet another highlight.

Special rim design and lowered suspension.
To optimise the looks of the car, all four Edition Models come with specially designed light-alloy rims and a unique suspension: On all models the 19-inch forged M light-alloy rims in double-spoke design are available either in black or in the classic rim colour. And on the Alpine White, Black and Monte Carlo Blue models, the same rims are also available in a special white contrasting colour with polished spokes.

The suspension of the BMW M3 Edition Models adds to the sporting style of the cars, lowering the entire body by 10 millimetres or 0.4“.

BMW M3: supreme performance with eight cylinders and seven gears.
The BMW M3 Edition Models give this high-performance athlete a particularly striking look also reflected by the car’s supreme driving dynamics based on a unique all-round concept and drivetrain/suspension technology inspired by motorsport. The V8 high-speed power unit of the BMW M3 develops maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp from 4.0 litres.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels either through the six-speed manual gearbox featured as standard or through the optional M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic enhancing both the dynamic performance and the all-round efficiency of the BMW M3 all in one. In this case acceleration to 100 km/h comes in 4.6 seconds (six-speed manual: 4.8 seconds) and average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 11.9 litres/23.7 mpg imp (six-speed manual: 12.4 litres/22.8 mpg imp)/100 kilometres.

The BMW M3 comes as standard with a lightweight carbon roof, while the options include Electronic Damper Control and the M Drive menu enabling the driver to configure individual, M-specific suspension and drivetrain functions just right for his personal style.

[Source: BMW ]

2010 BMW X1 - Car News

If these barely disguised prototypes look familiar to you, it’s no surprise: This BMW X1 was already shown at last year's Paris auto show under the rather unimaginative but BMW-typical "Concept X1" moniker. Now BMW is testing prototypes on the Spanish island of Mallorca and releasing some details as the car is readied for its official launch later this summer. This will be BMW's fourth size of SUV—sorry, “SAV”—after the X3, X5, and X6.

The elderly X3 is having an increasingly difficult time in a changing marketplace that now includes the Audi Q5 and the Mercedes-Benz GLK. The X5 and X6, on the other hand, have been getting flak for their politically incorrect appetite for fuel—even before BMW, in a somewhat incendiary move, added the over-the-top X5 M and X6 M.

Smaller than X3, but Only Slightly

To send out a good vibe to more socially minded SUV lovers, BMW has chosen to launch a smaller, lighter, more-efficient ute. Based on the company’s small rear-wheel-drive platform, shared with the 1-series and 3-series, the X1 is about 600 pounds lighter than the current X3.

Keep Reading: 2010 BMW X1 - Car News

Latest 2011 BMW 5 Series Wagon Spy Photos

Summer is here and BMW is increasing the testing on their upcoming models. The very much so awaited 2011 BMW 5 Series has made another appearance, this time, the Wagon variant. The fellows at CarMagazine UK managed to snap some new, exciting photos of the new 5er.

Everyone’s attention has been on the BMW 5 Series GT, but the real money-maker for BMW, will be the 5 Series models, one of the highest volume seller vehicles in the U.S. The new spotted test mule seem to be entering a higher phase in the Final Evaluation Stage where the now famous BMW camouflage doesn’t cover 100% the entire body.

We are almost certain that the headlights will be very close designed as the ones on the 5GT, but the common design elements stop here. As expected, the new F11 5 Series Wagon has grown in size and the rear-end sports a more coupeish like roof. The test mule also features a panoramic sunroof which we have no doubt it will look absolute spectacular.

Many of you might wonder where this new 5 Wagon will fit into, but as BMW has explained it before, the Wagon model will still appeal to the same consumers as it did before, larger families or people looking for more interior space and cargo room, without having to jump into an SUV or break the bank by buying the more expensive 5er GT.

The BMW 5 Series Wagon is considerably lower and sleeker than the Gran Turismo version, still keeping that sportiness much needed by any BMW owner.

While we can’t fully confirm these allegations, CarMagazine UK believes that the below engine line-up will most likely be offered by BMW. We would like to add that the 550i might actually use the new N55 engine and also that a hybrid version will be offered in the future as well.

• 523i – 2.5-litre straight six
• 530i – 3.0-litre straight six
• 540i – 3.0-litre straight six twin-turbo
• 550i – 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo
• M5 – 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo
• 520d – 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
• 530d – 3.0-litre straight-six turbo
• 535d – 3.0-litre straight-six twin-turbo

[Source: CarMagazine UK]

First spy photos 2012 BMW 1 Series

To our surprise, the next generation BMW 1 Series due to launch in 2011 has already made an appearance in Munich. The test mule spotted here seems to be the 5-door hatchback version, one of the 5 different variants considered for the 1 Series family.

The first new BMW 1 Series will launch in 2011, along with the Z2 Roadster based on the same platform. The coupe and convertible models will be available a year later together with the 135i SuperSport vehicle.

Many people have wondered what the next 1 Series will bring to the table, some believe, including us, that the new 1 Series will have a revolutionary design, moving away from the safe design lines used in the current 1er.

But according to Scott27, “the best way to describe some of the styling “revolution” on the “evolution” is to look at aspects of the X1. The strong sculptured line that begins from the rear quarter light and scoops down towards the flanks and then joining the shoulder line before the front wheelarch, is the 1er family design characteristic for the next generation. If you look at the shape on the X1 on the lower flanks you can see it is an interpretation of the feature on the current 1er. The bathtub shoulder line will stay with more of an angle coming down towards the front of the car. ”

The 1 Series Coupe and Convertible models will receive different front and rear ends when compared to the hatchback. As we stated  before, BMW is looking into developing at least five different variants of 1 Series vehicles:

• 5 door hatch - conventional 5dr hatch
• 3 door hatch - conventional 3dr hatch
• 2 door coupe - sedanish coupe with 2 doors
• 2 door convertible - sedanish cabrio with 2 doors and canvas roof
• small crossover CAS (1er GT / Y1) - 5dr mix of a hatch, wagon and sedan

The rumor around the Munich HQ is that BMW was looking at the idea of a smaller XCoupe, based on the original XCoupe Concept, but no green light has been given at this time.

BMW plans to downsize the displacement of its engines and moving into the turbocharging direction. The turbo four-cylinders developed together with the PSA Group, will power some of the entry level 1 Series models and we recently learned that 3 cylinder engines will be available for the entry level models.

We should learn more about the 1 Series family at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show.

[Source: 1Addicts - Photo Credit Brenda Priddy ]

BMW 7 Series with the M Sport Package

While the initial plan was to build a Gran Turismo car based on the new 7 Series, BMW had to scratch that model off their “approved list”. But to satisfy the 7 Series owners who are looking to add even more sportiness to their cars, BMW decided to build an Aerodynamic Package, basically an M Sport Package that will visually enhance the image of the new 7.

So, the first test mule fitted with the M package was spotted by the never sleeping spy photographers. And judging from the photo below, the less exciting front bumper will be replaced by a far more aggressive, “M-ish” type of bumper. While we don’t have any confirmation, we speculate that the large grille will also be modified in the aerodynamic package, making it easier to differentiate itself from the regular 7 model.

Caption: Not the actual car, for the spy photos, see this link

In the near future, we also expect to see the corona-rings headlights coming to the 7 Series models, but once again, we can’t confirm at this time if the M Sport Package will include them as well.

No release date has been announced at this time, but we will most likely see the package available for the MY2010 models, so….late fall.

Update: Scott27 states that the new Tri-Turbo Diesel engine (354 horsepower) will be available for the 7 Series.

[Source: 7Post ]