BMW 7-series M Sport, xDrive, Hybrid, and Diesels Added for 2010 - Car News

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 7 Series M Sport images arrive on web

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.

2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines abroad, additional trim levels

 

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

BMW is not working on a M7, spy shots show M Sport Package for 7-Series

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.

2010 BMW 7-Series gets 306-hp 740d diesel and M Sports Package

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.

E46 BMW M3 CSL - A head turner

Last year, Andrew gave us an enthusiastic article on the E46 BMW M3 CSL, one of these M cars that many BMW fans are still hoping to see in the future.

The M3 CSL was a very low production, one-off model based on the E46 M3 and using its 333 horsepower engine as basis. The CSL stands for Coupe Sport Light and as the name suggests, it came with a lot of carbon fiber parts.

CSL came with a lighter carbon fiber roof and interior paneling, light seats and the buyers had the option to opt-out the radio and air conditioning unit. BMW built the car i only two colors: Silver Gray and Sapphire Black.

BMW made a limited run, less than 1,400 units of the M3 CSL (E46) vehicles between June and December 2003. Unfortunately for those of us in the U.S., due to the short production cycle and the complications and expense of clearing DOT and EPA standards for the North American market, BMW never brought the CSL to the United States.

To somehow satisfy the U.S. consumers’ needs to upgrade their M3, some parts from it were later made available on the regular M3 as part of an optional Competition Package.

In the UK, the BMW M3 CSL cost 20,000 British Pounds more than the regular M3 version, but it also came with a tuned up engine outputting 360 horsepower.

If we recall correctly, the CSL held for a while the BMW road car Nürburgring record of 7 minutes 50 seconds.

The question remains whether BMW will ever built another CSL version of the M3, but for now, these cars remain unique and quite valuable. As you can see in the photos below, there are plenty of reasons why they are so appreciated.

BMW 7-Series M-Sport Package spotted uncovered

With these latest spy photos, we hope that auto media all over the web will stop with the BMW M7 predictions. We were the first one to say it and shutter everyone’s dreams: the 7 Series spotted, it’s simply a model featuring the upcoming M Sport Package, an aero kit that will give the 7 Series a sportier and more aggressive look.

While the new 7 Series was accepted fairly well by the media and consumers, there were still some voices expressing their concern that the 7er is not as aggressive as one would want. So nearly, so less than a year after the official launch, BMW will give everyone what they craved for: an M Sport Package.

So what’s the M Pack bringing new to the table? Obviously a  more aggressive front fascia with larger air intakes into the redesigned front bumper, some chrome parts still hiding underneath black tape and a what it seems to be a new set of wheels.

The changes might not be very overwhelming, but these new small additions are what turns the 7 Series into an even better looking car. We’re unclear if there will be any engine tuning done as part of the M Pack, but if that will happen, the new M Sport Package will be a even more successful addition to an already elegant and sporty high-end luxury sedan.

And as we always mention, we totally dig the dark colors on the 7 Series models…

[Source: Worldcarfans ]

BMW X5 M: Real life photos

BMW North America is hosting their complimentary M Power Tour street drive in different locations across United States. Yesterday, the M Power Tour stopped in the beautiful San Francisco where  people attending had the opportunity to do a 25-minute street drive in a 2009 BMW M3.

Part of M Power Tour events, BMW will display their first xDrive Motorsport models ever built: the BMW X5 M and X6 M. Courtesy of Rboosted717, a member of Xoutpost, we have some real life photos X5M/X6M photos to share with you. Also, in a conversation with a BMW M specialist, he learned that the X5M/X6M models will have three special colors: red, blue and black, but the standard color pallet will also be available.

The next M Power Tour event will take place this Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7, at the BMW Designworks USA headquarters in Newbury Park, CA.

There is also another thing we would like to share with you. Last month, BMW’s European Delivery desk informed us that for those U.S. customers interested in taking delivery of a BMW at the Welt Center in Munich, they will automatically receive a free M track day behind the X5M/X6M models in Salzburg, Austria.

The first U.S. xDrive M models will be available in October. The BMW X5 M has a base price of $85,400 while the X6 M is priced at $88,900.

NO, this is not the BMW M7, it’s a 7 Series with the M-Sport Package

We don’t usually get frustrated with BMW related news and we enjoy reading them from different sources as well, but when the same topic comes up twice in a week, we feel that we have to step in and clarify them.

Last week, some photos of the supposed BMW M7 made their way onto the web and everyone jumped to report that we are looking at the first Motorsport model based on the 7 Series. We obviously didn’t fall for it, for several reason and we immediately reported that we are looking at a 7 Series model featuring the M Sport Package which will be released later this year.

You might wonder what these reasons were, well, no worries, we’ll explain them to you right now.

First, there was never a solid report, rumor, that BMW is indeed actively looking at an M7 model. If they were, trust us, we would have heard about it.

Second, the photos posted today and last week, clearly show a prototype with very little to none camouflage. Knowing BMW and the way the protect their designs from spy photographers, they would have never released the M7 out in the open like that. The M7 would have been a “hot car” and it would have probably worn like 10 sheets of fake plastic on top of it.

Third, let’s examine the car closer. All we can see right now pointing to an M7 would be the front-bumper, BUT THAT”S ABOUT IT, and even the more aggressive bumper doesn’t fit the profile of an M car. There are no other M design elements on this car, not the famous M gills or the “fearful” hood.

Now, in our opinion, judging from the covered bulge on the hood, we believe we are looking at the 7 Series Hybrid which will be released later this year. That bulge has been a trademark on most of the hybrid spy photos we have seen so far, from the X5 Hybrid to the upcoming X6 ActiveHybrid.

So, can we please move on now? When there will be talks of an M7, we promise you that will be one of the first publications to report them.

P.S. Forgot to mention this: that front bumper looks amazing and it really turns the 7 Series into a stunning car.

[ More photos at MotorAuthority ]

BMW M7 prototype or 7 Series hybrid?

It seems like every 12 months rumors of an M variant of the BMW 7 Series surface, and this year things are no different. A decidedly aggressive looking 7 Series mule was caught testing in Germany with a slight power bulge tacked onto the hood and a new fascia sporting a set of gaping air intakes and a sculpted splitter. Peer passed the twin-kidney grille and you'll discover what appears to be a front-mount intercooler similar to the unit fitted on the X5M and X6M, and that could mean this 7er is packing the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, putting out 555 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque.
Although the wheels and brakes appear to be upgraded, the traditional quad exhaust found on all modern M cars is missing - something that even the M-fettled SAVs had when they were undergoing testing. That small point has KGP considering the possibility that the prototype is actually packing BMW's Active Hybrid system, which is due to arrive early next year. Either way, there's a good chance BMW will unveil whatever 7 Series is up its sleeve at the Frankfurt Motor Show this September.

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 ]

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 ]

If the next generation 2012 BMW M5 looks like this….

I have no choice but to cut off all the extra spending, entertainment, showgirls, gadgets, you name it, so I can start saving money before the next generation BMW M5 will come out in 2012. No seriously, not even kidding this time…….

I don’t often get super excited about new models, it usually takes a while for a new bimmer to sink in and be accepted by me, but the moment I saw this rendering of the F10 BMW M5, I just fell in love. The design lines are just rights, very masculine and muscular, a wide body, extremely aggressive but yet still appealing even to the most conservative BMW fans - yes, I’m one of them.

But what I love the most about this new rendering is the fact that it does NOT resemble in any way the new 7 Series. I honestly got tired of seeing all those photoshops of the next 5er being based on the bodystyle of the 7 Series. As many people close to BMW have said, the cars are absolutely different and the only slightly similar design element are the headlights.

The details on the next M5 are sketchy and the secret is well guarded behind metal doors in Munich, but what we can tell you at this time is that the BMW M5 will drop the famous naturally aspirated V10 engine in favor of a twin-turbo V8 similar to the one offered in the X5 M/X6 M. If that will be the case, the M5 will have a little bit over 550 horsepower under the hood and will be going after the Audi RS6 and its 572 horsepower.

As far as the release date, historically the M model of the 5 Series, is expected a year later after the launch of the regular 5 Series sedan, so we should expect the new M5 in the first half of 2011.

As usual, as soon as we hear more, you’ll be the first to know.

Photo credit WildSpeed2009

BMW Z4 sDrive23i

For those of us that live in the U.S., BMW is offering only two choices when it comes to the new BMW Z4 roadster: the entry-model, sDrive30i and the more powerful, sDrive35i.

We recently had the opportunity to drive sDrive30i model and our review should be up tomorrow, but what we won’t have for a while is the opportunity to drive an European only model, like the sDrive23i that is available in the United Kingdom as well.

The UK based fellows at AutoExpress decided to go back and this time drive their entry model as well, especially since they were highly impressed with the sDrive35i they have previously tested. Has the sDrive23i lived up to their expectations? We shall find out next.

This UK-spec model provides the answer. It’s fitted with the entry-level 201bhp 2.5-litre straight-six engine, which revs sweetly all the way to 7,000rpm and produces a tuneful exhaust note.

Our example was also equipped with the optional M Sport adaptive suspension. This gives a choice of Normal, Sport and Sport+ settings, selected through the Drive Dynamic Control (DDC) function. DDC applies the same modes to the throttle response and steering weight.

The standard ride setting on the previous Z4 compares to Sport+ here. And in Normal and Sport, refinement is vastly improved – during our run, the springs soaked up the worst the UK’s roads could muster, instantly making the BMW feel like a more grown-up car

2009 Alpina B7 caught undisguised

Last month we saw a sketch of the closest thing well get to a BMW M7, the Alpina B7. Now a quick spy photographer was able to catch the car out testing before is premiere in Geneva. Outside the car doesn't seem to differ too much from the standard 2009 7-Series. Alpina seems to have just added a custom front lip spoiler, rear spoiler, and 21-inch wheels. Beneath the skin is where the real fun of the car is. The new Alpina B7 should be powered by a modified version of BMW's 4.4-liter (...)

Alpina to debut B6 GT3 and B7 at Geneva show

Click above to view the Alpina B6 GT3 in high-resolution

BMW may have its own tuning division that carries its vaunted M badge, but Alpina enjoys a close relationship of its own with the Bavarian automaker. Alpina's tuner cars are built right off the BMW assembly line and available directly through BMW dealerships. One of the largest tuner firms in the industry, Alpina is preparing to debut two of its newest offerings at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March.
First up to bat is the B6 GT3, the racer with which Alpina has returned to motorsport competition after a 20-year absence. Those details have already been released, but joining the race-tuned 6 Series is tipped to be the new B7, Alpina's take on the latest F01-generation BMW 7 Series sedan that's anticipated to pull over 500 horsepower out of its centrifugal-supercharged 4.4-liter V8. So far, all we've seen is a teaser sketch and a raft of speculation on the supercharged 7, but we'll be looking forward to getting more solid information as we get closer to the Swiss show in the coming weeks..
[Source: topcarblog.ch]

BMW Alpina B7 will debut in Geneva

BMW makes a M3 and a M5, but it doesn't make an M7. That's where Alpina comes in with the B7. The tuner has a long standing close relationship with BMW, so now that there is a new 7-Series out, the new B7 close on its heels. In fact, reports now say that the car will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The new Alpina B7 should be powered by a modified version of BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering around 507HP (7 hp more than the current B7). (...)

BMW M7 rendering

BMW IS NOT GOING TO MAKE AN M7... that's what the Alpina B7 is for. Alpina works closely with BMW and takes the burden of making a speedier version of large sedan so the "M" devision can focus on cars like the M3 and M5. But just because rumors of an M7 died out years ago, doesn't mean we can't dream... .

BMW's M line grows with X6 M, X5 M

Say what you will about BMW's X6, car manufacturers are picking up on the new niche of the tall riding coupe. Case in point is the new Acura ZDX Prototype. Acura see's the potential of the new market, with their new car based on the MDX, while BMW's new X6 M is built off the X5 platform.

The X6 M is being heralded as one of the most powerful road-going BMW's built, packing a twin-turbocharged 555hp V8 engine. Mix in the advantage of all-wheel drive and you've got the makings of a true high-performance vehicle. The X6 M sprints to 62mph in a time of only 4.7 seconds, comparable to the incredible BMW M3.

Not only is the styling of the X6 groundbreaking, but it's 4.4-litre engine incorporates a world first for an M-badged vehicle. BMW has engineered the V8 to have both the turbochargers and the catalytic converter located within the vee of the power plant. This helps the engine breathe better and at a higher efficiency due to the shorter exit manifold, resulting in better packaging as the motor is more compact.

As I implied above, the X6 has no doubt raised eyebrows among BMW enthusiasts. Is it a coupe, an SUV, a sedan? All of the above. For now, it's unique, with BMW getting a lot of controversial attention. Time will tell how it translates into sales.

V12 BMW 760i spied?

Although BMW's flagship 7 Series sedan has traditionally been available with twelve cylinders under the hood, the latest F01 chassis has so far been headlined by the company's twin-turbo V8. If these spy shots are anything to go by, however, the eight-cylinder turbo is about to get some company,
A more aggressive front end, different wheels and a taped-up V12 badge on the front fender are the give-aways of the new range-topping model, which could employ the carryover naturally aspirated unit or get a pair of turbos bolted on for good measure. However, reports differ over whether BMW will offer an M7 performance version to compete with Audi's S8 and Mercedes' S63 AMG in addition to the V12 model. In the meantime, BMW is expected to unveil the new 760i at the Shanghai Motor Show in a couple of months from now.