Friday, May 22, 2009

Technical Specifications: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

With the risk of overloading you with all these BMW 5 Series GT related information, we still need to continue reporting our findings on this latest BMW model and also, to dig deeper into all the technical specifications we’re receiving. Yesterday we talked about the three different engine offerings to choose from in the 5 GT line-up, but many of you requested to see things like dimensions, weight, fuel consumption or emission levels.

The 5 Series models will be available with both gasoline and diesel engines, starting with the turbo inline-six 3.0 liter diesel engine which outputs 245 horsepower. The award-winning engine from the 335i or the 535i sedan made its way into the line-up as well. The high-end 550i GT is powered by the V8 twin-turbo 4.4 liter engine producing 407 horsepower.

5 Series GT rear view

One concern that many BMW fans always had, was the overall weight of these new vehicles that keep adding more technologies to them and becoming larger in size. BMW announced that the 535i GT weighs 4,277 lbs (1,940 kg), the diesel version, 530d GT,  4,321 lbs (1,960 kg) and the 550i GT, 4,542 lbs (2,060 kg).

As a comparison, the 2009 BMW 535i Wagon has a curb weight of 4,145 lbs (1,880 kg).

There are many more technical specs on the photos below, so feel free to scan through them.

2009 Infiniti G37 vs. BMW 328i, Audi A4 2.0T, Acura TL SH-AWD - Comparison Test

For executives undergoing painful downsizing, may we suggest something in the $40,000 range, smart yet modest in posture compared with the usual CEO barge. Something in a sports sedan would keep the mood casual. Just in time, we have two new international choices: the bravely chiseled Acura TL and the softly molded Audi A4. The Acura, apart from its polarizing, sharply creased style, brings Honda’s Super Handling All-Wheel Drive to the middleweight sports class. The A4 brings variable lift on the exhaust valves of the 2.0-liter turbo four, upping output 11 horses to 211.

They join two other old favorites that have been smartly upgraded for 2009: BMW’s ever-popular 328i gets new headlights and hood in front; new wheels, mirrors, and sills in the side view; new taillights, decklid, and bumper in back; and of course, an increment of $900 on the bottom line. The Infiniti G35 of last year is now vitamin fortified and rechristened G37 to reflect the V-6 upsizing to 3.7 liters from 3.5. The previous 306-horse version romped all comers at the drag strip. They should expect even less mercy now.

Keep Reading: 2009 Infiniti G37 vs. BMW 328i, Audi A4 2.0T, Acura TL SH-AWD - Comparison Test

2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo Officially Unveiled

Following some image leaks yesterday, BMW has finally dropped the official press release along with high-res photos of the production 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, which will make its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Chris Bangle, who is now the former design head at BMW, said that the 5-Series Gran Turismo is known as the “most customer-centered car we’ve ever done.”

“We discovered a group of BMW buyers we were failing to reach out to at a sales level. We wanted to build a car to suit their everyday needs. There were no preconceived ideas. Everything you see is customer driven, Bangle said at the launch of the Concept 5-Series Gran Turismo.

The 2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo will start rolling into showrooms in early 2010 and will be offered with three different powertrain option on three different models including the 535i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo and the 530 Gran Turismo.

The 2010 BMW 535i Gran Turismo will be powered by a 3.0L straight 6-cylinder twin-turbo making 306-hp with a peak torque of 295 lb-ft. That allows for a 0 to 62 mph run in 6.3 seconds with fuel-economy estimated at 26 mpg. The BMW 550i Gran Turismo is powered by a 4.4L V8 twin-turbo engine making 407-hp and maximum torque of 442 lb-ft. 0 to 62 mph for the 550i Gran Turismo comes in 5.5 seconds while fuel-economy is estimated at 21 mpg. Last but not least, the diesel BMW 530d Gran Turismo is powered by a 3.0L 6-cylinder making 245-hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. 0 to 62 mph for the diesel 5-Series Gran Turismo comes in at 6.9 seconds with an estimated fuel-economy at 36 mpg.

Pricing and regional availability details will be announced closer to launch date.

Click through for more details and the high-res image gallery.

2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo:

Press Release:

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

• BMW is once again defining a brand-new segment in the automobile market. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines elegance, space, comfort and variability in truly unique style. As an attractive, future-oriented extension of the BMW 5 Series, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is quite unparalleled worldwide in the upper middle segment, combining the characteristic features of a prestige saloon, a modern, highly versatile Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo in brand-new, unprecedented style.

• Through its body design, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the proportions so typical of a BMW, an elegantly stretched silhouette and a coupĂ©-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows to create one complete, harmonious unit. The front view of the car animates powerful dynamism through the sheer presence of the upright BMW kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back at an attractive angle. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by corona rings with LED technology. Boasting clear-cut horizontal lines, the rear end comes with that characteristic look of width, power and muscle further enhanced by L-shaped rear light clusters with homogenously illuminated rows of lights in LED technology.

• The luxurious and, for a car with this kind of coupĂ©-like silhouette, surprisingly generous and variable interior gives both the driver and passengers a spontaneous feeling of comfort and well-being. This superior feeling is further enhanced by comfortable entry to the car, the slightly elevated seating position, the large window areas, the optional panorama glass roof, as well as exquisite materials and supreme quality of finish.

• Flexibly adjustable, the interior of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo enables the driver and passengers to vary the generous space inside the car as they wish to their individual, personal requirements. In their standard position, the rear seats offer the passengers the same kind of legroom as in the BMW 7 Series combined with the same headroom as in the BMW X5. In this configuration, luggage capacity is already an ample 440 litres or 15.4 cu ft. Thanks to the partition behind the rear seats, the passenger and luggage compartments are separated acoustically and in terms of climate conditions from one another like in a saloon. When required, the rear seats may be moved individually to the front by up to 100 millimetres or almost 4″, with legroom still remaining the same as in the BMW 5 Series Saloon and an increase in luggage capacity to 590 litres or 20.7 cu ft. And after folding down the rear-seat backrests together with the partition, finally, luggage space increases to its maximum capacity of 1,700 litres or 59.5 cu ft.

• Offering unique functionality, the two-piece tailgate on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo provides exceptional variability and maximum comfort in loading the luggage compartment. Opening the small, sedan-like luggage compartment lid beneath the rear window, with the tailgate as such remaining closed, the driver and passengers are able to conveniently load the rear compartment without causing any unpleasant noise, draughts or changes in temperature within the passenger compartment. To load large and bulky objects, on the other hand, all they have to do is open the large tailgate for maximum convenience.

• The sheer space and the inspiring, modern design of the interior team up to provide a truly luxurious ambience and the supreme long-distance comfort of a modern Gran Turismo. The sleek surfaces on the front and rear door panels merging smoothly into one another as well as the horizontal arrangement of the instrument panel enhance the impression of supreme generosity. Seat comfort, headroom and elbow freedom are all of the highest standard otherwise to be found only in the luxury performance class. The slightly elevated seating position, the clear, structured arrangement of the controls, BMW’s new iDrive with its Control Display up to 10.2 inches in size, and the cockpit in Black Panel technology all help to give the driver maximum supremacy at all times. The rear seats may be adjusted individually fore-and-aft and also come with individual adjustment of the backrest angle. To meet the greatest demands in terms of individual luxury, finally, two individual comfort seats at the rear are available as an option.

• The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is entering the market with a choice of no less than three ultra-modern drive units carrying over BMW -EfficientDynamics into a new segment in the automobile world. The BMW 530d Gran Turismo offers a truly unique, unparalleled balance of driving experience and fuel economy with average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle of just 6.5 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 43.5 mpg imp, and a CO2 rating of 173 g/km. The two gasoline models also set new standards for efficiency in their respective engine class.

• As a world-first achievement introducing a new and even more efficient range of engines, the BMW 535i Gran Turismo comes with the first straight-six gasoline engine featuring TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC and developing maximum output of 225 kW/306 hp. The top engine in the range, finally, is the V8 TwinPower Turbo delivering maximum output of 300 kW/407 hp in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo. The BMW 530d Gran Turismo, in turn, comes with a 180 kW/245 hp straight-six diesel of the latest generation with an all-aluminium crankcase and common-rail direct fuel injection. All engines naturally fulfil the EU5 emission standard.

• All model variants come as standard with the eight-speed automatic transmission previously to be admired only in the BMW 760i twelve-cylinder luxury saloon. Featuring an innovative configuration of gearsets, a unique level of internal efficiency, and the same low weight and compact dimensions as a six-speed automatic transmission, this high-tech automatic combines gearshift comfort, dynamic performance, and motoring efficiency of the highest calibre. The most advanced engine technology, the innovative eight-speed automatic transmission, and a wide range of unique technologies in the context of BMW EfficientDynamics allow the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo to set new standards also in terms of economy and emission management.

• The modern, demanding suspension technology of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is designed for both fascinating driving dynamics and supreme grand touring comfort. The double track control arm front axle and the Integral-V rear axle exclusive to BMW are made largely of aluminium. Standard features also include rear axle air suspension as well as hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with a steering servo pump operating on demand. Integral Active Steering is available as an option, combining active steering of the front wheels with rear-wheel steering varying according to driving conditions and current requirements.

• Featured as standard, Dynamic Drive Control influences not only the gearshift dynamics, but also the gas pedal and steering assistance control map. In combination with optional Adaptive Drive, the dampers with infinite variation on both the inbound and rebound stroke contribute to the superior suspension function. In addition to the NORMAL, SPORT and SPORT+ programs, the driver also has the choice of the COMFORT mode available directly from the Dynamic Drive Control button on the centre console. A further point is that intervention in DSC Dynamic Stability Control is reduced in the SPORT+ setting and in the traction mode.

• The optimised body structure in conjunction with appropriately coordinated and electronically masterminded passive safety systems ensures maximum occupant safety at all times. These systems include three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, frontal and side airbags as well as head airbags at the side, crash-activated headrests at the front, runflat tyres and a tyre defect indicator. The standard features include foglamps and adaptive brake lights, with bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime driving light function as well as Adaptive Headlights with variable light distribution and Bending Lights all coming as an option.

• The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is also available as an option with the complete range of features from BMW ConnectedDrive, including Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a High-Beam Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, Side View, Top View, and a back-up camera. Over and above these outstanding features, BMW ConnectedDrive also offers BMW Online, BMW Assist, BMW TeleServices, as well as an Enhanced Emergency Call function automatically determining and reporting the current location of the car.

• The wide range of standard features offered by the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo includes automatic air conditioning, an audio system, an AUX-In connector bush, and the Integrated Owner’s Manual. Optional features include four-zone automatic air conditioning (standard in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo), telecommunication and navigation systems, a USB port, an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and the user’s private music collection, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Head-Up Display, a panorama glass roof optimised for noise control and attractive design, as well as an electrically swivelling trailer hook.

• Engine variants:

BMW 535i Gran Turismo: straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC,
Capacity: 2,979 cc,
max output: 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm,
max torque: 400 Nm/295 lb-ft from 1,200-5,000 rpm,
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.3 seconds,
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 8.9 Liter/100 kilometres,
equal to 31.7 mpg imp,
CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 209 g/km,
emission standard: EU5

BMW 550i Gran Turismo:
V8 gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo and High Precision Injection
Capacity: 4, 395 cc,
max output: 300 kW/407 hp from 5, 500-6,400 rpm,
max torque: 600 Nm/442 lb-ft from 1,750-4,500 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 5.5 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 11.2 litres/100 kilometres, equal to 25.2 mpg imp
CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 263 g/km,
emission standard: EU5

BMW 530d Gran Turismo:
straight-six diesel engine with aluminium crankcase and third-generation common-rail direct fuel injection (piezo-injectors),
max injection pressure: 1,800 bar
Capacity: 2,993 cc,
max output: 180 kW/245 hp at 4,000 rpm,
max torque: 540 Nm/398 lb-ft from 1,750-3,000 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 6.9 seconds
Top speed: 240 km/h (149 mph)
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 6.5 litres/100 kilometres,
equal to 43.5 mpg imp
CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 173 g/km,
emission standard: EU5

2009 RDSport BMW RS35 Biturbo

For those wishing to increase the performance of an already stellar platform, RDSport offers BMW RS35 Biturbo.
2009 RDSport BMW RS35 BiturboThe first impression you get of the car is its lower, more aggressive stance courtesy of a Chassis Kit consisting of new custom-valved Bilstein struts, stiffer springs and anti-roll bars. The vehicle now sits 25 mm lower in the front and 20mm lower in the rear with a decidedly more stable ride. Filling the fenders are lightweight, 20 RD2 Monoblock wheels or the optional 20 RS2 multi-piece wheels, shown. Tires are P Zero Neros supplied by Pirelli, our development partner.
Engine performance includes electronic modifications to increase boost and optimize fuel and timing. A free-flowing intake and a larger, more-efficient intercooler help supply enough air. Exhaust gasses run through a larger exhaust that terminates in stainless sport silencers with quad tips. These modifications result in an increase in horsepower and torque to 414 bhp and 404 lb/ft more than the V8 powered M3!
The under hood area is finished with a blue engine cover with RDSport crest. These numbers are merely the result of a long development period including TUV homologation. Any tuner can offer a black box upgrade for the vehicle, but how many can say that their modification has been tested and can include the upgraded speedometer and wheels and tires that the homologation requires.
Bodywork is an evolution of RDSports signature Tornado aerodynamics. The revised carbon front bumper offers larger openings for better engine and brake cooling with an exposed carbon housing for fog lights. Deeper side skirts and revised rear apron with quad exhaust cut outs add to the aggressive look while a roof and trunk spoiler smooth out the airflow over the car. Interior upgrades include the RS Pedal Set in machined aluminum, aluminum hand brake cover, logo carpet set, the aforementioned upgraded speedometer with logo and RDSport crests in the steering wheel and shift knob. Each complete vehicle built by RDSport includes a vehicle ID badge and VIN specific build sheet.
© Source: seriouswheels

BMW considering range of two-, three- and four-wheelers for Project i

Back in the summer of 2007, BMW and the University of Bath put their combined heads together and designed a vehicle called the Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transportation, or Clever for short. Using just three wheels and an engine that was designed to run on compressed natural gas, the Clever concept emitted half the carbon dioxide of normal economy cars.
BMW may revisit this design for a future production model under its Project i program, which has the goal of finding new ways to create sustainable models for our transportation needs. The Clever would be just one vehicle in a range consisting of multiple two-, three- and four-wheeled vehicles.

BMW Clever concept

As much as we'd love to see a completely electric line from the German automaker, we may be waiting a while. iMotor in the U.K. quotes an unnamed spokesperson for BMW as saying:
We are committed to producing a super economical or zero emission vehicle or range of vehicles. However, it's going to be at least five years until we have production models on the road.
In the meantime, BMW may be forced to fall back on its motorcycle division to locate a suitable set of powerplants for Project i.
[Source: iMotor]
BMW Clever conceptBMW Clever conceptBMW Clever concept

BMW Group supports Obama Administration's Proposal on Future National Fuel and Green House Gas Regulations

bmw logo 2

The BMW Group is in agreement with the direction outlined today by President Obama and his Administration to have the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) work together toward one national standard for regulating future greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy.

BMW X6 R&D Team Wins Great Designs in Steel Automotive Excellence Award

At the Great Designs in Steel seminar in Livonia, MI, the Research and Development team behind the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe was selected as the winner of the annual Automotive Excellence Award.

The criteria used for this award was “cost-effective use of ultra high-strength steels that meet new market demands for safety, fuel efficiency and emission standards”.

BMW X6 award

The idea behind Steel Automotive Excellence Award is to recognize individuals or teams who significant contributions to the advancement of steel in the automotive marketplace. Candidates were rated in several categories, including: implementation in production; overall contribution to the advancement of steel; challenges and benefits associated with cost, mass reduction and performance; replacement of competitive materials; and structural performance and efficiency.

So why was the controversial BMW X6 chosen for this award? Ron Krupitzer, vice president of automotive applications for AISI’s SMDI, says that “The BMW X6 utilizes steel solutions that add to its unique, sporty design and meet new crash-test requirements, without sacrificing safety or increasing its weight. BMW’s innovative use of ultra high-strength steel technologies has resulted in a vehicle that is safe, lightweight, environmentally friendly and offers the best fuel economy in its class.”

BMW uses unique processing technologies and several complex, ultra high-strength steel grades in its design. The vehicle features a steel structure and steel side frames, panels, rear and B-Pillar reinforcements and longitudinal rear member, which improve cost, performance, reduce weight and meet Insurance Institute for Highway Safety side-impact crash test requirements.

While the idea behind the X6 SAC has always been somewhat criticized by the mass, no one has really disputed so far the performance, handling and technology that the X6 brings to the table. Many of the voices opposing the X6 models were focused on mostly the design and also the need of such vehicle in the current BMW line-up. Despite all of this, BMW has been satisfied with the last year X6 sales and confirmed many times that the Sports Activity Coupe is not a volume seller, but rather a niche model with its own clientele.

Bottom line: congratulations to the BMW R&D team behind the X6 and we look forward to the hybrid version.

[Source: American Iron and Steel Institute ]

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