BMW has released a few official photos of the upcoming X1 draped in camouflage.
According to TimesOnline there will be three engine choices in Europe: a 177hp diesel and 204hp diesel, and a gas powered 272bhp 3.0L V6. The US is likely to only receive the V6 when the X1 is released here.
We can expect to see the official production version of the X1 at the Frankfurt Motor Sow this September.
When getting there is assumed and what counts is your arrival, you need a ride with Coach cachet, Ferragamo flair, Saks snobbery, Vuitton verve.
In the travertine halls of the Somerset Collection, a ritzy shopping enclave in the Detroit suburb of Troy, Michigan, our quintet of all-weather Arrival Vehicles—let’s call them AVs—basked in admiring glances. Burberry and Ralph Lauren behind showroom glass, Lexus and Mercedes out front, the coveting begins at 10 a.m.
Of course, an AV will get you to most any terrestrial destination; all-wheel drive, traction control, stability control, and onboard navigation see to that. But it’s the designer details and gilt-edge labels that mark an arrival.
Having the right products in the right niches might be the key to sales success for automakers when the economy emerges from its stay in the ICU. BMW’s plan is to develop a super-efficient car family code-named “Project i.” The first car will be launched in 2012. It will be smaller and cost less than the next BMW 1-series or Mini Cooper, both of which will come to market in 2011.
BMW is no longer pursuing small-volume niche cars such as the near-six-figure SUV version of the 7-series, dubbed the X7; the SUV-like X4 coupe; the diminutive Z2 roadster; and the company’s Audi R8 competitor, the small mid-engine CS sports car.
BMW is planning to dramatically expand the number of offerings within its various model ranges, especially the strong-selling 3-series that is the backbone of the brand. All eyes are on the next 3, due for 2012.
Aside from the usual body styles—sedan, station wagon, coupe, and retractable-roof convertible—BMW will also build a five-door hatchback version featuring an aggressive design that will combine station-wagon practicality with coupelike style. In other words, the 3-series range will get its own version of the 5-series GT concept, BMW’s attempt to cross-pollinate an SUV and a station wagon. Like the 5-series GT, the 3-series GT will offer two adjustable seats with a center console in the rear and straddle the fine line between BMW SUV and BMW wagon in regard to overall height.
BMW was close to bringing electric cars to market once before. At the 1991 Frankfurt auto show, the E1 concept car was unveiled to showcase electric-vehicle technology—and its styling, powertrain, and packaging was controversial within and outside the company.
But the E1 turned out to be not much more than a styling and engineering exercise. BMW says it had been planning instead to bring a fully electric version of the 3-series to market. The most optimistic scenario: to build up capacity over 10 years, to 40,000 units annually. While the maximum power output of the E1 was not impressive, charging cycles—just a few hours—were short even by today’s standards, and the range was impressive at more than 150 miles.
We’ve thus far loved the slick new BMW 7-series, which is currently available in 750i and long-wheelbase 750Li forms, both powered by a 400-hp, twin-turbo V-8 that leaves little to be desired. Still, we welcome the news that BMW is spreading out 7-series goodness as if with a big, blue-and-white spatula, introducing several new model variants for the 2010 model year, most of which we will get here in the U.S.
First, the bad news: We will not be getting any 7-series with a six-cylinder gas or diesel motor, including the 300-hp twin-turbo 740i, the new 740d, which uses a 306-hp, 442-lb-ft twin-turbo-diesel inline-six, or the slightly less powerful 730d with its 245-hp turbo-diesel six.
The good news is that we get all the rest, starting with xDrive all-wheel-drive versions of the 750i and 750Li, about which we will have driving impressions very soon. Also coming for 2010 is the turbocharged 12-cylinder 760Li, into which BMW installs even more luxury accoutrements while positively dumping in the power, to the tune of 536 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. It will also mark the first application of BMW’s new eight-speed transmission, which will then be installed in the 5-series Gran Turismo. Expect the gearbox to spread across the entire BMW range after that, although the proliferation is likely to take years.
BMW Cruise Bike
Following on the heels of Mercedes-Benz launching an updated bicycle line, rival BMW has done the same thing. Bimmer's pedal power lineup isn't quite as extensive in terms of styles as the one from Stuttgart, with the new models consisting of a pair of adult-size cruising bikes targeted at day trippers, along with a little machine for youngsters.
The cruiser features a hydroformed aluminum frame. Hydroforming is a technique commonly used for shaping tubular structures like truck and car frames. A metal tube is placed inside a mold and then filled with pressurized oil until it conforms to the mold. The result is a strong, yet lightweight structure. The 27-speed Cruiser is designed for comfortable long distance riding and it starts at €849 ($1,200 USD).
BMW's so-called Kidsbike is designed to help tikes go from developing basic coordination on two wheels to full fledged riding. As shipped, the bike has no chain or pedals installed for the youngest kids. However, included in the box are a chain and pedal set that are easily installed for when the child is ready.
BMW M Design Concept
We never tire of seeing unobtanium rendered by talented Photoshop jocks, and the BMW M Concept is yet another example of an adept artist bringing his vision to the small screen.
Penned by Idries Noah, the M Concept was designed as BMW's answer to the R8, packing a 540 hp 5.0-liter V10 mounted amidships and drawing inspiration from the Ferrari Dino, 250GTO and, of course, BMW's own M1 Homage. According to Noah, many of the Concept's elements were pulled from nature, particularly the sides, "where the wave is hollow when it breaks." Rhetorical flourishes aside, we're partial to the rear and side views, while the front end is more than a bit overwrought for a modern Bimmer. Still, it's better than we could do and judging by some of the Homage's detractors, Noah might be more gifted than BMW's own design studio.
Munich, Germany is working hard to attract the 2018 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, and native son BMW has signed up to help. The Munich automaker is providing financial aid and vehicles during the initial phase of the application for the city and bidding partners Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Berchtesgadener Land region.
It isn't BMW's first dabble in Olympics glory -- the roundel provided an electric BMW 1602 for the marathon and walking events when the summer Olympics visited Munich in 1972. If Munich wins the spot, it will be the first time the same city has hosted both the summer and winter Olympics. The winning city will be announced in 2011. For more on BMW's involvement,
After using its KERS hybrid system on and off through the first half of the 2009 Formula One season, the BMW-Sauber team has decided enough is enough. The team will shelve the system through the remainder of the year while it focuses on aerodynamic development. In spite of the utter lack of success using the kinetic energy recovery systems this year, team boss Mario Theissen said the development process has been useful for the company's production hybrids. Lessons learned in developing the electric hybrid system on the race cars has been transferred to engineers working on the upcoming 750h mild hybrid and X6 two-mode hybrid.
BMW isn't totally giving up on the system though, having voted to retain KERS for future seasons. Under the current rules, there are not enough performance benefits from KERS and Thiessen says that unless KERS is mandatory for all cars, it will likely be dropped by all teams.
[Source: F1-Live]
BMW has just announced an upgraded version of its 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder diesel engine. The new version retains the same displacement, yet output for the European spec version is increased from 286 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque to 306 hp and 442 lb-ft. At the same time, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced by four percent compared to the previous version.
BMW has updated the fuel injection system to its latest generation common rail system. That means the injector pressure has been bumped from 1,600 BAR (23,000 psi) to 2,000 BAR (29,000 psi), allowing for even more precise metering of the fuel flow. The dual stage turbocharger system is now also more efficient. Since BMW only just introduced a version of the previous engine with U.S. legal after-treatment systems in late 2008, it seems unlikely that the U.S. will receive the upgrades in the near future.
[Source: BMW]
BMW 7 Series M Sport
We're not sure where they came from, but official-looking images of the upcoming BMW 7 Series M Sport just popped up on the interwebs today. The car you see here is identical to the one we saw in spy photos just a few weeks ago. Since the M6 will reportedly remain the brand's top dog in terms of big performance cars, the 7 Series M Sport will be to the standard 7 Series what all M Sport models are. That is, it gets more aggressive fascias front and rear, unique wheels, an M steering wheel, M shifter and M footrest. Rumor also has it that the 7 Series M Sport will be powered by the brand's newly updated 3.0-liter, twin-turbo diesel engine producing 306 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. No, it's still not an M7, but if you want a lightning quick 7 Series, you can go buy an Alpina B7 Biturbo for now.
The BMW 1-Series is a much bigger deal in Europe than it is here in the States. In the US, we can choose among the 128 and 135, and both options come standard with a six-cylinder engine. Overseas, you can pick up the 1 with two, three, four or five doors, and with a wide variety of four cylinder gasoline and diesel powertrains.
To keep the good times rolling, team Bimmer is again expanding the 1-Series lineup for 2010. Two new models, the Lifestyle and Sport models, will offer RWD performance in a three- or five-door package beginning this September. The Lifestyle model offers special edition Marrakesh Brown Metallic paint, unique brown body color interior components, chrome-tipped exhaust and 17-inch light aluminum rims. The Sport model includes the M Sports Package, with a sports tuned suspension, unique dual spoke aluminum rims, stainless steel pedals, and an M steering wheel and gearshift lever.
On the engine front, a pair of 2.0-liter engines find their way under the bonnet of a 1-Series. The petrol engine utilizes direct injection tech and packs 170 ponies to go along with 155 lb-ft. With the gas-powered 2.0-liter engine, the 1-Series can hit 60 in 7.8 seconds, and it carries a top speed of 149 mph.
The diesel variant packs 143 hp and 221 lb-ft, helping to propel the 118d to 60 in nine seconds. The story of merit is fuel economy and CO2 emissions, where where it achieves 4.5 liters/100 kilometers (about 52 mpg US) and a CO2 emission rating of 119 grams per kilometer
At a BMW Art Car exhibition in Beijing, China, BMW is showing off a life-size replica of a Z4 Coupe made out of reinforced concrete.
The concrete Z4 Coupe comes with fully functional doors and glass windows. The inside is complete with a steering wheel, speedometer and a center console.
Finally, someone has created a BMW that will last forever.
Many of us have grown very impatient waiting for BMW to come out with a competitor to the Audi R8. When BMW came out with the M1 Hommage Concept, it gave us hope that BMW was finally going to offer an R8 competitor; however, we have yet to hear anything official from BMW.
Automotive artist Idries Noah became just as impatient as us and decided to design his own version of BMW R8 rival.
“So elements like the trademark grille and hockey stick pillar remain. My inspiration for this design however came from nature. More specifically water and the way it flows and ripples. The side detailing was inspired by what’s called in surfing terms “a Barrel or Tube”. It’s where the wave is hollow when it breaks.”
Noah says that the car would be the same size as the R8 and would feature a 5.0L V10 found in the M5 and M6.
Earlier this month we saw a spy shot of what was said to be a 2010 BMW M7. Contrary to rumors and speculation, BMW’s M Division told CAR Magazine that it is not working on a M7 with a 547-hp twin-turbo V8. The spy shots you’re seeing are of a sportier 7-Series, otherwise known as the BMW M Sport 7-Series.
As with other M Sport packages, the BMW M Sport 7-Series will get a new front bumper, a slightly revised rear with relocated reflectors and a new set of wheels. BMW’s M Division will also add an upgraded suspension system. Inside, the M Spot 7-Series will feature a three-spoke M steering wheels, sport seats, aluminum trim and new kickplates.
Look out for the M Sport 7-Series at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor show in September. For those still wanting a hardcore 7-Series, check out the 507-hp 2009 BMW Alpina B7.
We’re getting close to wrapping up the day here at egmCarTech but we’re not calling it quits without our daily ‘Miscellaneous Thoughts’ post.
Another BMW X1 teaser released: Joining all the spy shots, teasers and videos, BMW has released yet another teaser for the upcoming BMW X1 compact SUV. Click her for more details on the BMW X1.
Chrysler and GM bankruptcy fixes may cause problem for Ford in the future: Ford is currently the American automobile industry’s pride and joy. However, with Chrysler already out of bankruptcy and GM possibly coming out in six weeks, Ford may soon find itself in weakest position of the traditional Big 3 according to CNNMoney. Ford, which built its cash reserves buy mortgaging company assets before the credit crisis in 2008, is left with about $32 billion in debt on its books. - CNNMoney
GM urged to make small-car in Michigan: As GM continues to narrow down its plant choices to produce a new small-car in North America, members of Michigan’s congressional delegation signed a letter to Fritz Henderson urging him to take the state’s economic crisis and produce the car at a plant in Michigan. - Free Press
It’s been quite a while since we’ve heard anything from BMW on their Project i program. According to CARandDRIVER, the first city-car, code-named “Project i,” will be launched in 2012. The car will be smaller and cheaper than the next BMW 1-Series and Mini Cooper that are due out in 2011.
BMW has put a halt on pursuing small-volume niche cars such as the much talked about X7, X4 or the mid-engined CS sports car. Instead, BMW will now focus all those resources on a three-door hatchback that the company internally refers to as the BMW “City.”
CEO Norbert Reithofer says that the City was specifically designed for the U.S. market to meet California’s Zero-Emission-Vehicle requirements. The four-seater City will be smaller than the Honda Fit and will be built in large-volumes by 2012.
Powered by an electric-motor that gets its juice from a an advanced water-cooler lithium-ion battery pack, the City is expected to provide a range of 100 miles. No decision has been made on whether the City will be badged as a BMW, Mini or a another brand altogether.
The current 2009 BMW 7-Series, known as the BMW F01, went into production in September 2008 so we don’t expect any changes coming to the model anytime soon. Nonetheless, there will be may additions and facelifts before BMW decided to completely redesign its flagship sedan. For the 2010 model year, the BMW 7-Series is getting a new diesel choice and an M Sports Package - a first for the 7-Series.
Later this autumn, the European market will get a BMW 740d featuring BMW’s new straight 6-cylinder diesel engine with TwinPower Turbo Technology that pumps out 306-hp and a peak torque of 422 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph comes in just 6.3 seconds with a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.
For the first time ever, the BMW 7-Series is getting its own M Sports Package that provides the 7-Series with an Aerodynamics Package, additional chrome trim on the front and rear aprons, illuminated M entry trim and BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line. Other features include exclusive Carbon Black Metallic paintwork, 19 to 20-inch M light-alloy wheels, electronically controlled BMW Dynamic Drive, an M leather steering wheel and much more.
The BMW M Sports Package is available for all models in the BMW 7 Series with both normal and extended wheelbase.
The current 2009 BMW M5 produces an outstanding 500-hp from its 5.0L V10 engine. However, Audi’s RS6 has now stepped up the game with a twin-turbo V10 that makes a neck-snapping 580-hp and Mercedes-Benz’s 2010 E63 AMG now pumps out 518-hp.
Well, BMW won’t take it anymore. Starting with the next-generation M5, BMW will use a new uprated version of the 555-hp 4.4L twin turbo found under the hood of the BMW X6 M and the BMW X5 M. Sources say that the M5 will pair the engine to an F1-style KERS system that will help produce in the excess of 600-hp.
The new M5 will also care a little about fuel-economy using a new system that shuts down cylinders when they are not needed.
We’ll get more information next year.
Source: AutoExpress
So you think you’re the biggest Bayerische Motoren Werke fan there is? Meet Klaus Hammerschmidt, a retired 73 years old entrepreneur who just picked up his 135th BMW vehicle at the BMW Welt.
Hammerschmidt picked up his brand new custom made BMW M6 with the Competition Package at the BMW Welt, a multi-functional customer experience and exhibition facility of BMW Group.
Altogether, Hammerschmidt has owned 26 BMW M models, 29 BMW Alpina models and 80 other BMWs.
Click through for the video to watch Hammerschmidt pick up his 135th BMW.
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