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Find out the latest BMW news
The car industry has a very dynamic pace so you must keep up with it and stay very well informed. Using state of the art technology and being one of the world’s most innovative automakers, things at BMW move pretty fast. You can easily find out the latest BMW news thanks to our colleagues at Autoblog. The information is updated regularly so you will not miss any important BMW news.
BMW entering Super Bowl fray with two spots for new 3 Series
In crafting its Super Bowl strategy, BMW cribbed a page from the Suzuki playbook. (Have we ever been able to say that before?) The Bavarian brand will be airing two regional commercials on Sunday, one in New York and the other in the Los Angeles area, both promoting the new 2012 3 Series.
The east coast ad promotes the Bimmer's heated steering wheel, of all the mundane features. But the SoCal spot showing off BMW Connected Drive's e-mail-reading ability is pretty darn funny, even if it is stereotypical mother-in-law humor. BMW has also created four additional commercials that it says will soon be appearing online on streaming sites like Hulu.
What's most notable here is that in none of the clips do we actually see The Ultimate Driving Machine driving, though we do see kids, a dog and twin babies.
Click past the jump to see all the videos and read the press release.
After having us over to drive its raging new M5 last September, BMW is now aiming to show just how efficient their F10 5 Series can be with the occasionally silent and rage-free ActiveHybrid 5. Whereas the ActiveHybrid X6 and ActiveHybrid 750i arrived somewhat lacking in state-of-the-art hybrid credentials, the ActiveHybrid 5 carries a true and undeniable full parallel hybrid powertrain starting with all the goodness you find in a 535i.
This ActiveHybrid 5 is essentially a 535i sedan that pollutes less, travels farther on each of its 17.7 gallons of fuel, is painted BMW's alternative-propulsion color of choice, Bluewater Metallic, and weighs 330 pounds more due to its electric motor, electric power unit motherboard and lithium-ion battery pack. Both CO2 emissions and range are said to improve by roughly 16 percent in a car that performs up to par with a 535i, so it's a likeable proposition. Sticking with the standard 17-inch wheel/tire setup and setting the Driving Dynamics Control to Eco Pro mode, that'd make the CO2 rate 240 grams per mile - an impressive stat that most Americans still don't care about - and an average EPA city/hwy combined fuel economy score of around 31 miles per gallon.
With six cars joining the grid this year in the DTM series, BMW is sure to present wildly different liveries - largely determined by the sponsors brought on board - for each one. And this is the first.
Based on a sponsorship deal with BP, this particular M3 DTM is decked out in the bright green color of Castrol Edge motor oil and the light blue of German gas station network Aral. This car's unveiling is the first time we're seeing the new touring car in anything but flat black or BMW's trademark striped white color scheme.
To pull of its entry into the competitive German racing series and take on its rivals at Mercedes-Benz and Audi, BMW is bringing in four of its proven factory drivers (including three-time World Touring Car Championship winner Andy Priaulx) and has poached longtime Mercedes AMG driver Bruno Spengler and Audi's reigning DTM champ Martin Tomczyk.
All eyes will be focused on Hockenheim where the season kicks off in late April.
We know what you're thinking: Another day, another BMW bodystyle. Except this one's different.
The Bavarian automaker, much like its fellow German marques Audi and Mercedes-Benz, has exploded its product offerings with spinoffs of its established models. So the two-door 6 Series has bred a four-door GranCoupe version. The 5 Series, in addition to the sedan and wagon, has given us the oddly proportioned 5 Series Gran Turismo. But the upcoming 1 Series Gran Turismo is another kettle of fish in that it is not expected to share the small rear-drive platform with its recently revised namesake, but rather pack a new front-drive platform.
According to BMW Blog, the long-rumored 1 Series GT will finally make its debut next fall at the Paris Motor Show. When it does, the tall hatchback will be targeted directly at the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, slotting (in form at least) in between the existing 1 Series hatchback (pictured above) and X1 crossover. But if front-wheel drive isn't how you picture your BMW channeling its power, an all-wheel xDrive version is also tipped to be in the cards, as well as a hybrid model.
Spy photographers have picked up yet another batch of photos of the BMW i3. This time, the pint-sized Bimmer was spotted during some winter testing in Norway. When we last saw the awkward-looking hatchback, it was whirring about under the power of 600cc two-cylinder range-extending engine back in November. This looks to be the same i3 REx, complete with its "Hybrid Test Vehicle" stickers slathered on both doors. That means the model you see here likely boasts a range of significantly longer than the 100 miles quoted for the pure EV. How much longer? That's a question BMW isn't likely to answer until the production model debuts.
From what we've heard, the BMW i3 is slated hit the market in 2013 with the i3 REx surfacing sometime shortly thereafter. We'll be interested to see whether the production model rides on the same super-skinny tires as the test ride pictured above. Click through our attached image gallery for a host of snowy i3 photos.
Saying automotive journalists like diesel sedans is like arguing the color pink is going to do well with the 5-year-old-girl demographic this quarter. You're not going to find too many dissenting voices. So, it should be no surprise that we love ourselves some BMW 335d. With plenty of power and impressive fuel economy, the outgoing diesel is a mechanical wonder child. And yet, thanks to the new F30-generation BMW 328i, with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, there's some competition for the title of most fuel efficient 3 Series.
Admittedly, the 328i's numbers are a far cry from the 265 ponies and 425 lb-ft of torque cranked out by the diesel-fueled 3.0-liter inline six in the 335d. Even so, the 2012 328i is considerably lighter and more aerodynamic. It also boasts a next-generation transmission, which helps the car get to 60 mph one tenth of a second quicker than the old 335d. That's surprising, but not nearly as surprising as the fact that the 328i manages 1 mpg better than the diesel in the combined cycle. According to the EPA's just-released figures, the 328i nets 24 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 36 mpg on the highway. The 335i? 23 mpg city and 36 highway.
We'll give you a moment to pick up your jaw from the floor. Now all BMW needs to do, as Automobile points out, is drop a diesel four-cylinder behind the headlights of the 3 Series to go after even bigger green credentials. Fingers crossed.
The 2001-2003 Z8 is one of the more graceful designs to slip from the BMW design studios in recent memory. With the droptop's classic roadster lines and plenty of performance on tap, the Z8 may not have sold like gangbusters when it was in production, but its slow-burn appeal has ensured that it has plenty of fans and impressive resale value. Despite a very limited production run of just 5,703 units, Senner Tuning has belatedly turned its attention toward modifying this convertible, which is quickly becoming a classic.
The company's engineers got started with a new sports air filter and easy breathing exhaust, including low-restriction catalytic converters. Throw in a mild ECU reflash and the vehicle is good for 450 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. Senner Tuning says those figures should be good enough to get the Zed to around 186 mph.
Thankfully, the folks at Senner haven't messed with the Z8's aesthetics too much. A set of slick 19x9-inch Work Schwert SC1 wheels ride up front while 19x10-inch rollers out back take care of putting power to the pavement. Senner also spent some time with the vehicle's suspension. A new coilover suspension with adjustable rebound, new strut bar and reinforced shock mount are all part of the package. If you like the sound of this recipe, Senner Tuning will rework your Z8 for the princely sum of just under $25,000 at current conversion rates. Hit the jump for the full press release.
In spite of the near-Pavlovian howling that commences anytime the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is mentioned, and in spite of the 5GT falling so short of its sales target that BMW has been forced to consider bringing back the 5 Series Touring, the ungainly hatch has outsold that wagon during its time on our shores. And that was before it got dressed up with an M Sport package.
It shouldn't be a surprise then that the 3 Series GT is still rushing our way, with a report on BMW Blog (not connected to the company) declaring it will be here in March 2013. BMW is promoting the hatchback 3 as "the alternative to alternatives, a style conscious car with the dynamic prowess to match its looks," which smacks of PR-speak veering dangerously close to Newspeak.
We'll find out soon enough, nevertheless, for the moment, the 3GT is claimed to offer the cargo capacity of the 5 Series sedan but with even more room for everyone's legs. It is predicted to wear a slightly different face than the rest of the 3 Series line and have frameless windows (the rendering on BMW Blog has frames). Power should be from the current 3 Series lineup of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines.
BMW has released two promo videos of its revised-for-2013 X6 M. From the looks of things, Team Bavaria has opted for a very subtle facelift that includes new headlights and a lightly tweaked grille. Otherwise, the mighty performance utility looks much as it did last year. Word has it the interior will receive similarly slight changes, with the option sheet getting a few more leather choices and little else. Likewise, the freshened BMW X6 M is expected to make use of this year's 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine.
Buyers can expect to relish the same 547 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque as last year, which should be good enough to scoot the beast to 62 mph in a scant 4.7 seconds. Hit the jump to take a look at the two videos for yourself.
Imagine you're an auto exec launching a new line of cars. One's a sportscar, the other a city car - pretty much opposite extremes on the spectrum of automotive bodystyles. Do you give them alphanumeric nameplates close to one another? Of course not. You assign them disparate numbers to make room for more models to slot in between.
That's just what BMW is doing with its upcoming "i" range, with an i3 at one end and the i8 (star of the recent Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol). So what does it have planned to fit in the middle? According to Autobild out of Germany, an i5.
The third model in the range is tipped to come in as a compact MPV in a similar mold as the Toyota Prius V - only probably significantly more expensive. Underpinnings would likely be borrowed from the i3, but stretched out a bit to make extra room for people and stuff. For that matter, we wouldn't be surprised to see an i2 come in as a two-door version of the i3 with the Smart ForTwo in its sights, or an i6 or i7 electric sedan, either.
If you'd like to see more of BMW newly unveiled range of M Diesels, here's your chance. To recap, BMW revealed four tri-turboed, diesel-engined, all-wheel-drive M cars for European buyers yesterday: the M550d xDrive (a.k.a. 5 Series) sedan and touring, the X5 M50d and the X6 M50d. All use a 3.0-liter inline-six putting out 376 horses and 545 through an eight-speed auto, and in the case of the M550d sedan it can get to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
That makes each of the white knights in the promo piece both sporty and powerful, as you'll hear often in the video after the jump.
The turn of the year didn't merely lead us into the Year of the Dragon, but also the year of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. Halewood's small softroader won a boodle of awards: Autoweek's Best of the Best, Top Gear magazine's and Jeremy Clarkson's choice for Car of the Year, Motor Trend magazine's SUV of the Year and the North American Truck of the Year. For starters. Consumer Reports, however, isn't as swayed, saying that the new BMW X3 "handily outpointed its European rival" in a head-to-head between the two compact luxury crossovers.
We expect there's an Evoque out there with a sore backside because CR did not spare the rod, saying the Evoque scored near the bottom of its category because of "a cramped cabin, stiff ride, artificial-feeling steering and troubling emergency handling." On top of that, its "rear view is poor," its "cargo area is small" and its interior is "noisy" albeit "well finished," and was outdone by the X3's "lavish interior." The baby Land Rover finished so far in the hole that CR couldn't give the vehicle its coveted Recommend rating.
That seems a bit harsh at first glance, especially since comparing interior measurements between the two seems disingenuous when the BMW is so much larger that it's basically in another class. That said, we haven't read the full piece yet, so we'll withhold further commentary. For CR's press release on the Evoque vs. X3 cage match and its comments on the Toyota Prius V, Volkswagen Tiguan and Jeep Wrangler, look no further than after the jump.
Last May we went for a high-speed run around Laguna Seca in BMW's Track Trainer, a modified 3 Series that can click of two-minute laps without the driver touching the controls. Now, BMW has packed a 5 Series with the next iteration of the technology and taken it on to the open road.
This latest ConnectedDrive experiment uses much of the same tech, but beyond the radar and camera systems on the 3er, it includes new ultrasonic scanners and lasers to re-read the road surface, lines and surrounding vehicles. We say "re-read" because like the system we sampled at Laguna, this version needs to have the road data downloaded into the car before it can drive sans human intervention.
Still, out on the autobahn it appears to work well, slowing for traffic, accelerating up to speed and performing lane changes when necessary. It's still too early to tell if the system will ever gain widespread adoption - particularly given the need for advance road data - but the 2013 BMW i3 will be equipped with a new Traffic Jam Assistant system that will steer, accelerate and brake the city car up to 25 mph in congestion, so the functionality is on its way, just not at autobahn speeds. Check out the demo in the video below the fold.
Rumors of BMW M launching a diesel model have been circulating for over a year, and confirmation has finally arrived in the form of not one, not two, but four M-fettled oil-burners, each sporting all-wheel drive and the oft-rumored tri-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six. And before you get excited, none of them are slated for sale in the U.S. - this is a Euro-only affair.
So with that unfortunate fact out of the way, let's get to the details.
The new M models come in the form of the M550d xDrive sedan, M550d xDrive touring, X5 M50d and X6 M50d. Each makes use of a 3.0-liter inline-six common-rail diesel with the aforementioned trio of turbos specifically developed for the M Performance range. Output is rated at 376 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 545 pound-feet of torque available from 2,000 to 3,000 revs. If you're keeping track at home, that's a bump of 80 hp and 103 lb-ft over the 535d and 74 hp and 103 lb-ft more than the 3.0-liter mill fitted to the diesel X5 and X6.
Each model comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and standard xDrive AWD, allowing the M550d sedan to hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds - just four tenths of a second off the all-new M5's 0-60 run. You read that right. The M550d Touring hits 60 in 4.9 seconds, with the X5 M50d and X6 M50d passing the mark in 5.4 and 5.3 seconds, respectively. All models are limited to 155 mph and fuel consumption ranges between 6.4 liters/100km and 7.7 liters/100km.
Interestingly, the M-ified diesel 5ers ditch the standard electromechanical steering for a hydraulic system that's derived from the M5, and both the X5 and X6 variants uses systems similar to those on the X5 M and X6 M.
And if you're wondering why we won't see these M diesels here in the States, blame the necessity to reengineer the SCR (selective catalytic reduction) systems to make them comply with emissions standards across the country. We'll be seeing all four live from the Geneva Motor Show in March, but you can get the first batch of details in the press release after the break.
BMW, which still insists on using the term Sports Activity Coupe to describe its least practical 'ute, has updated its X6 for the 2013 model year. And with good reason - BMW says it has sold over 20,000 X6 crossovers in the States since its launch three years ago and over 150,000 worldwide, making it an important model for the German automaker.
First and foremost, the 2013 X6 offers available power from both the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six and 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 through its M Performance Package (which is not the same thing as the X6M that carries on for 2013 with its 555-horsepower V8 and six-speed automatic transmission).
By ticking he appropriate box on the order sheet, the X6 xDrive35i is blessed with 315 horsepower (a gain of 15 over stock) and 330 pound-feet of torque (a 30-lb-ft gain). The larger V8-powered model sports up to 440 hp and 480 lb-ft, gains of 40 horses and 30 torques. Models not ordered with the M Performance Package retain the less powerful engines offered in 2012, and all engines are mated to eight-speed automatic gearboxes.
Exterior updates include a slew of subtle revisions to the front fascia that bring the X6 more in line with the latest 3 and 5 Series models, with grilles that are a bit bolder than the outgoing machine. Also new are available adaptive LED headlights in place of the standard Xenon bulbs. LEDs are new additions to the rear lighting system as well, housed in larger enclosures.
A rash of interior treatment options are new for 2013, as are a few new exterior colors that includes a tasty root beer metallic brown. Expect to see the 2013 X6 in dealerships in the spring. For all the details, we suggest checking out the official press release after the break, but not before ingesting our high-res image gallery above.
Touchscreens are becoming common and touch pads - like those in the Audi A7, A8 and next A3 - are gaining traction, but the next input revolution might not be gesture controls, it's likely to be "smart fabrics" and BMW is already toying with the technology.
Researchers at the Polytechnic School of Montreal, Canada have developed a new flexible, polymer-based fiber that can be woven into existing fabrics. Essentially, it's a capacitive pad that can register touches and swipes when alternating current is plumbed through the fibers. Think about running a finger along your seat fabric to adjust the amount of lumbar support or swipe across the dashboard ahead of the passenger to open the glovebox. Even better, this new material can be cleaned like more traditional fabrics, one of the biggest stumbling blocks in previous iterations.
BMW did something similar with its Vision ConnectedDrive concept from last year's Geneva Motor Show, utilizing capacitive panels embedded in the seats and dash. And according to a BMW spokesperson speaking with New Scientist, the automaker is looking into the technology further, but unfortunately, it isn't providing a timeline on when it could come to market.
It isn't every day that BMW offers an electric vehicle, but the ActiveE is just that. The German luxury car maker is now accepting applications for 700 ActiveE "Electronauts" in the test markets of Boston, Hartford, New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco.
The hand-raisers will need to complete a charging station consultation with BMW Partner AeroVironment to make sure the house of the perspective lessee can handle a charger. The meeting will also serve as a teaching session to make sure the user understands the charging and maintenance of an electric vehicle.
Once the perspective lessee meets those criteria, they will be given the opportunity to lease the
4,000-pound, electrified 1 Series Coupe for 24 months at $499 per month, plus $2,250 down. Hit the jump to look over the BMW press release, and head over to BMWActivateTheFuture.com if you're interested in learning more about the ActiveE.
Choosing a safety car to pace a racing series is tricky business that almost invariably results in either a constant flux of vehicles called into duty or playing favorites between the manufacturers taking part in the series. NASCAR changes its pace cars about as quickly as it changes tires. Formula One sticks with Mercedes-Benz machinery, and nobody seems to complain very much. But DTM bridges the gap with a slightly different approach.
In the German touring car series, each of the participating automakers provides safety cars to the series organizers, which alternate between them from one race to another. That was simple enough when it was just Audi and Mercedes-Benz, but now that BMW has thrown its proverbial hat into the ring, DTM is putting a third car into the rotation. And this is our first look at it.
Revealed with a handful of crude snapshots on the BMW Motorsport fan page on Facebook, the BMW M3 DTM Safety Car looks closer to the standard, roadgoing M3 than the DTM racer, but with some extra modifications. Those include special wheels, an emergency light bar and a stripped-out cockpit with full roll cage and Recaro buckets. But there could be something special going on under the hood as well, where a bright orange engine cover lurks under a unique louvered hood. That could mean a more powerful version of the outgoing M3's high-revving V8 engine to help it stay out in front of all that racing machinery.
We'll have to wait for BMW to release additional information to find out, but for now you can check out the low-res images in the gallery above.
Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Luxury
In crafting its Super Bowl strategy, BMW cribbed a page from the Suzuki playbook. (Have we ever been able to say that before?) The Bavarian brand will be airing two regional commercials on Sunday, one in New York and the other in the Los Angeles area, both promoting the new 2012 3 Series.
The east coast ad promotes the Bimmer's heated steering wheel, of all the mundane features. But the SoCal spot showing off BMW Connected Drive's e-mail-reading ability is pretty darn funny, even if it is stereotypical mother-in-law humor. BMW has also created four additional commercials that it says will soon be appearing online on streaming sites like Hulu.
What's most notable here is that in none of the clips do we actually see The Ultimate Driving Machine driving, though we do see kids, a dog and twin babies.
Click past the jump to see all the videos and read the press release.
Continue reading BMW entering Super Bowl fray with two spots for new 3 Series
BMW entering Super Bowl fray with two spots for new 3 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, BMW, First Drives, Luxury
BMW Finally Builds A Serious Full HybridAfter having us over to drive its raging new M5 last September, BMW is now aiming to show just how efficient their F10 5 Series can be with the occasionally silent and rage-free ActiveHybrid 5. Whereas the ActiveHybrid X6 and ActiveHybrid 750i arrived somewhat lacking in state-of-the-art hybrid credentials, the ActiveHybrid 5 carries a true and undeniable full parallel hybrid powertrain starting with all the goodness you find in a 535i.
This ActiveHybrid 5 is essentially a 535i sedan that pollutes less, travels farther on each of its 17.7 gallons of fuel, is painted BMW's alternative-propulsion color of choice, Bluewater Metallic, and weighs 330 pounds more due to its electric motor, electric power unit motherboard and lithium-ion battery pack. Both CO2 emissions and range are said to improve by roughly 16 percent in a car that performs up to par with a 535i, so it's a likeable proposition. Sticking with the standard 17-inch wheel/tire setup and setting the Driving Dynamics Control to Eco Pro mode, that'd make the CO2 rate 240 grams per mile - an impressive stat that most Americans still don't care about - and an average EPA city/hwy combined fuel economy score of around 31 miles per gallon.
Continue reading 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5
2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW sharpens its Edge with first M3 DTM liveryFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, BMW, Racing
With six cars joining the grid this year in the DTM series, BMW is sure to present wildly different liveries - largely determined by the sponsors brought on board - for each one. And this is the first.
Based on a sponsorship deal with BP, this particular M3 DTM is decked out in the bright green color of Castrol Edge motor oil and the light blue of German gas station network Aral. This car's unveiling is the first time we're seeing the new touring car in anything but flat black or BMW's trademark striped white color scheme.
To pull of its entry into the competitive German racing series and take on its rivals at Mercedes-Benz and Audi, BMW is bringing in four of its proven factory drivers (including three-time World Touring Car Championship winner Andy Priaulx) and has poached longtime Mercedes AMG driver Bruno Spengler and Audi's reigning DTM champ Martin Tomczyk.
All eyes will be focused on Hockenheim where the season kicks off in late April.
Continue reading BMW sharpens its Edge with first M3 DTM livery
BMW sharpens its Edge with first M3 DTM livery originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW 1 Series GT tipped for Parisian debutFiled under: Wagon, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Rumormill
We know what you're thinking: Another day, another BMW bodystyle. Except this one's different.
The Bavarian automaker, much like its fellow German marques Audi and Mercedes-Benz, has exploded its product offerings with spinoffs of its established models. So the two-door 6 Series has bred a four-door GranCoupe version. The 5 Series, in addition to the sedan and wagon, has given us the oddly proportioned 5 Series Gran Turismo. But the upcoming 1 Series Gran Turismo is another kettle of fish in that it is not expected to share the small rear-drive platform with its recently revised namesake, but rather pack a new front-drive platform.
According to BMW Blog, the long-rumored 1 Series GT will finally make its debut next fall at the Paris Motor Show. When it does, the tall hatchback will be targeted directly at the Mercedes-Benz B-Class, slotting (in form at least) in between the existing 1 Series hatchback (pictured above) and X1 crossover. But if front-wheel drive isn't how you picture your BMW channeling its power, an all-wheel xDrive version is also tipped to be in the cards, as well as a hybrid model.
BMW 1 Series GT tipped for Parisian debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW i3 caught winter testing againFiled under: Spy Photos, Hybrid, Europe, Hatchback, BMW, Electric
Spy photographers have picked up yet another batch of photos of the BMW i3. This time, the pint-sized Bimmer was spotted during some winter testing in Norway. When we last saw the awkward-looking hatchback, it was whirring about under the power of 600cc two-cylinder range-extending engine back in November. This looks to be the same i3 REx, complete with its "Hybrid Test Vehicle" stickers slathered on both doors. That means the model you see here likely boasts a range of significantly longer than the 100 miles quoted for the pure EV. How much longer? That's a question BMW isn't likely to answer until the production model debuts.
From what we've heard, the BMW i3 is slated hit the market in 2013 with the i3 REx surfacing sometime shortly thereafter. We'll be interested to see whether the production model rides on the same super-skinny tires as the test ride pictured above. Click through our attached image gallery for a host of snowy i3 photos.
BMW i3 caught winter testing again originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments New BMW 328i actually more fuel efficient than old 335d dieselFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Technology, BMW, Diesel, Luxury
Saying automotive journalists like diesel sedans is like arguing the color pink is going to do well with the 5-year-old-girl demographic this quarter. You're not going to find too many dissenting voices. So, it should be no surprise that we love ourselves some BMW 335d. With plenty of power and impressive fuel economy, the outgoing diesel is a mechanical wonder child. And yet, thanks to the new F30-generation BMW 328i, with its 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, there's some competition for the title of most fuel efficient 3 Series.
Admittedly, the 328i's numbers are a far cry from the 265 ponies and 425 lb-ft of torque cranked out by the diesel-fueled 3.0-liter inline six in the 335d. Even so, the 2012 328i is considerably lighter and more aerodynamic. It also boasts a next-generation transmission, which helps the car get to 60 mph one tenth of a second quicker than the old 335d. That's surprising, but not nearly as surprising as the fact that the 328i manages 1 mpg better than the diesel in the combined cycle. According to the EPA's just-released figures, the 328i nets 24 miles per gallon in the city and an impressive 36 mpg on the highway. The 335i? 23 mpg city and 36 highway.
We'll give you a moment to pick up your jaw from the floor. Now all BMW needs to do, as Automobile points out, is drop a diesel four-cylinder behind the headlights of the 3 Series to go after even bigger green credentials. Fingers crossed.
New BMW 328i actually more fuel efficient than old 335d diesel originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW Z8 freshened courtesy of Senner TuningFiled under: Aftermarket, Classics, Convertible, Performance, Etc., Europe, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury
The 2001-2003 Z8 is one of the more graceful designs to slip from the BMW design studios in recent memory. With the droptop's classic roadster lines and plenty of performance on tap, the Z8 may not have sold like gangbusters when it was in production, but its slow-burn appeal has ensured that it has plenty of fans and impressive resale value. Despite a very limited production run of just 5,703 units, Senner Tuning has belatedly turned its attention toward modifying this convertible, which is quickly becoming a classic.
The company's engineers got started with a new sports air filter and easy breathing exhaust, including low-restriction catalytic converters. Throw in a mild ECU reflash and the vehicle is good for 450 horsepower and 394 pound-feet of torque. Senner Tuning says those figures should be good enough to get the Zed to around 186 mph.
Thankfully, the folks at Senner haven't messed with the Z8's aesthetics too much. A set of slick 19x9-inch Work Schwert SC1 wheels ride up front while 19x10-inch rollers out back take care of putting power to the pavement. Senner also spent some time with the vehicle's suspension. A new coilover suspension with adjustable rebound, new strut bar and reinforced shock mount are all part of the package. If you like the sound of this recipe, Senner Tuning will rework your Z8 for the princely sum of just under $25,000 at current conversion rates. Hit the jump for the full press release.
Continue reading BMW Z8 freshened courtesy of Senner Tuning
BMW Z8 freshened courtesy of Senner Tuning originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo coming next MarchFiled under: Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill, Luxury
In spite of the near-Pavlovian howling that commences anytime the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is mentioned, and in spite of the 5GT falling so short of its sales target that BMW has been forced to consider bringing back the 5 Series Touring, the ungainly hatch has outsold that wagon during its time on our shores. And that was before it got dressed up with an M Sport package.
It shouldn't be a surprise then that the 3 Series GT is still rushing our way, with a report on BMW Blog (not connected to the company) declaring it will be here in March 2013. BMW is promoting the hatchback 3 as "the alternative to alternatives, a style conscious car with the dynamic prowess to match its looks," which smacks of PR-speak veering dangerously close to Newspeak.
We'll find out soon enough, nevertheless, for the moment, the 3GT is claimed to offer the cargo capacity of the 5 Series sedan but with even more room for everyone's legs. It is predicted to wear a slightly different face than the rest of the 3 Series line and have frameless windows (the rendering on BMW Blog has frames). Power should be from the current 3 Series lineup of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines.
BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo coming next March originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments Updated BMW X6 M previewed in videosFiled under: Performance, Videos, Crossover, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury
BMW has released two promo videos of its revised-for-2013 X6 M. From the looks of things, Team Bavaria has opted for a very subtle facelift that includes new headlights and a lightly tweaked grille. Otherwise, the mighty performance utility looks much as it did last year. Word has it the interior will receive similarly slight changes, with the option sheet getting a few more leather choices and little else. Likewise, the freshened BMW X6 M is expected to make use of this year's 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 engine.
Buyers can expect to relish the same 547 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque as last year, which should be good enough to scoot the beast to 62 mph in a scant 4.7 seconds. Hit the jump to take a look at the two videos for yourself.
Continue reading Updated BMW X6 M previewed in videos
Updated BMW X6 M previewed in videos originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW planning to slot i5 minivan into new rangeFiled under: Minivan/Van, BMW, Electric, Luxury
Imagine you're an auto exec launching a new line of cars. One's a sportscar, the other a city car - pretty much opposite extremes on the spectrum of automotive bodystyles. Do you give them alphanumeric nameplates close to one another? Of course not. You assign them disparate numbers to make room for more models to slot in between.
That's just what BMW is doing with its upcoming "i" range, with an i3 at one end and the i8 (star of the recent Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol). So what does it have planned to fit in the middle? According to Autobild out of Germany, an i5.
The third model in the range is tipped to come in as a compact MPV in a similar mold as the Toyota Prius V - only probably significantly more expensive. Underpinnings would likely be borrowed from the i3, but stretched out a bit to make extra room for people and stuff. For that matter, we wouldn't be surprised to see an i2 come in as a two-door version of the i3 with the Smart ForTwo in its sights, or an i6 or i7 electric sedan, either.
BMW planning to slot i5 minivan into new range originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW M shows off new diesel-powered lineup in motionFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Crossover, BMW, Diesel, Luxury
If you'd like to see more of BMW newly unveiled range of M Diesels, here's your chance. To recap, BMW revealed four tri-turboed, diesel-engined, all-wheel-drive M cars for European buyers yesterday: the M550d xDrive (a.k.a. 5 Series) sedan and touring, the X5 M50d and the X6 M50d. All use a 3.0-liter inline-six putting out 376 horses and 545 through an eight-speed auto, and in the case of the M550d sedan it can get to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.
That makes each of the white knights in the promo piece both sporty and powerful, as you'll hear often in the video after the jump.
Continue reading BMW M shows off new diesel-powered lineup in motion
BMW M shows off new diesel-powered lineup in motion originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments Bucking trend, Consumer Reports gives nod to BMW X3 over Land Rover EvoqueFiled under: Etc., Crossover, BMW, Land Rover, Luxury
The turn of the year didn't merely lead us into the Year of the Dragon, but also the year of the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque. Halewood's small softroader won a boodle of awards: Autoweek's Best of the Best, Top Gear magazine's and Jeremy Clarkson's choice for Car of the Year, Motor Trend magazine's SUV of the Year and the North American Truck of the Year. For starters. Consumer Reports, however, isn't as swayed, saying that the new BMW X3 "handily outpointed its European rival" in a head-to-head between the two compact luxury crossovers.
We expect there's an Evoque out there with a sore backside because CR did not spare the rod, saying the Evoque scored near the bottom of its category because of "a cramped cabin, stiff ride, artificial-feeling steering and troubling emergency handling." On top of that, its "rear view is poor," its "cargo area is small" and its interior is "noisy" albeit "well finished," and was outdone by the X3's "lavish interior." The baby Land Rover finished so far in the hole that CR couldn't give the vehicle its coveted Recommend rating.
That seems a bit harsh at first glance, especially since comparing interior measurements between the two seems disingenuous when the BMW is so much larger that it's basically in another class. That said, we haven't read the full piece yet, so we'll withhold further commentary. For CR's press release on the Evoque vs. X3 cage match and its comments on the Toyota Prius V, Volkswagen Tiguan and Jeep Wrangler, look no further than after the jump.
Continue reading Bucking trend, Consumer Reports gives nod to BMW X3 over Land Rover Evoque
Bucking trend, Consumer Reports gives nod to BMW X3 over Land Rover Evoque originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW takes its autonomous 5 Series onto the autobahnFiled under: Safety, Technology, BMW
Last May we went for a high-speed run around Laguna Seca in BMW's Track Trainer, a modified 3 Series that can click of two-minute laps without the driver touching the controls. Now, BMW has packed a 5 Series with the next iteration of the technology and taken it on to the open road.
This latest ConnectedDrive experiment uses much of the same tech, but beyond the radar and camera systems on the 3er, it includes new ultrasonic scanners and lasers to re-read the road surface, lines and surrounding vehicles. We say "re-read" because like the system we sampled at Laguna, this version needs to have the road data downloaded into the car before it can drive sans human intervention.
Still, out on the autobahn it appears to work well, slowing for traffic, accelerating up to speed and performing lane changes when necessary. It's still too early to tell if the system will ever gain widespread adoption - particularly given the need for advance road data - but the 2013 BMW i3 will be equipped with a new Traffic Jam Assistant system that will steer, accelerate and brake the city car up to 25 mph in congestion, so the functionality is on its way, just not at autobahn speeds. Check out the demo in the video below the fold.
Continue reading BMW takes its autonomous 5 Series onto the autobahn
BMW takes its autonomous 5 Series onto the autobahn originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW M goes diesel, introduces M550d, X5 M50d, X6 M50dFiled under: Sedan, Performance, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, BMW, Diesel
Rumors of BMW M launching a diesel model have been circulating for over a year, and confirmation has finally arrived in the form of not one, not two, but four M-fettled oil-burners, each sporting all-wheel drive and the oft-rumored tri-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six. And before you get excited, none of them are slated for sale in the U.S. - this is a Euro-only affair.
So with that unfortunate fact out of the way, let's get to the details.
The new M models come in the form of the M550d xDrive sedan, M550d xDrive touring, X5 M50d and X6 M50d. Each makes use of a 3.0-liter inline-six common-rail diesel with the aforementioned trio of turbos specifically developed for the M Performance range. Output is rated at 376 horsepower at 4,000 rpm and 545 pound-feet of torque available from 2,000 to 3,000 revs. If you're keeping track at home, that's a bump of 80 hp and 103 lb-ft over the 535d and 74 hp and 103 lb-ft more than the 3.0-liter mill fitted to the diesel X5 and X6.Each model comes equipped with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and standard xDrive AWD, allowing the M550d sedan to hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds - just four tenths of a second off the all-new M5's 0-60 run. You read that right. The M550d Touring hits 60 in 4.9 seconds, with the X5 M50d and X6 M50d passing the mark in 5.4 and 5.3 seconds, respectively. All models are limited to 155 mph and fuel consumption ranges between 6.4 liters/100km and 7.7 liters/100km.
Interestingly, the M-ified diesel 5ers ditch the standard electromechanical steering for a hydraulic system that's derived from the M5, and both the X5 and X6 variants uses systems similar to those on the X5 M and X6 M.
And if you're wondering why we won't see these M diesels here in the States, blame the necessity to reengineer the SCR (selective catalytic reduction) systems to make them comply with emissions standards across the country. We'll be seeing all four live from the Geneva Motor Show in March, but you can get the first batch of details in the press release after the break.
Continue reading BMW M goes diesel, introduces M550d, X5 M50d, X6 M50d
BMW M goes diesel, introduces M550d, X5 M50d, X6 M50d originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW updates 2013 X6, introduces M Performance PackageFiled under: Performance, Crossover, BMW, Luxury
BMW, which still insists on using the term Sports Activity Coupe to describe its least practical 'ute, has updated its X6 for the 2013 model year. And with good reason - BMW says it has sold over 20,000 X6 crossovers in the States since its launch three years ago and over 150,000 worldwide, making it an important model for the German automaker.
First and foremost, the 2013 X6 offers available power from both the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six and 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 through its M Performance Package (which is not the same thing as the X6M that carries on for 2013 with its 555-horsepower V8 and six-speed automatic transmission).
By ticking he appropriate box on the order sheet, the X6 xDrive35i is blessed with 315 horsepower (a gain of 15 over stock) and 330 pound-feet of torque (a 30-lb-ft gain). The larger V8-powered model sports up to 440 hp and 480 lb-ft, gains of 40 horses and 30 torques. Models not ordered with the M Performance Package retain the less powerful engines offered in 2012, and all engines are mated to eight-speed automatic gearboxes.
Exterior updates include a slew of subtle revisions to the front fascia that bring the X6 more in line with the latest 3 and 5 Series models, with grilles that are a bit bolder than the outgoing machine. Also new are available adaptive LED headlights in place of the standard Xenon bulbs. LEDs are new additions to the rear lighting system as well, housed in larger enclosures.
A rash of interior treatment options are new for 2013, as are a few new exterior colors that includes a tasty root beer metallic brown. Expect to see the 2013 X6 in dealerships in the spring. For all the details, we suggest checking out the official press release after the break, but not before ingesting our high-res image gallery above.
Continue reading BMW updates 2013 X6, introduces M Performance Package
BMW updates 2013 X6, introduces M Performance Package originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments 'Smart Fabric' could control climate, audio functions in future BMWsFiled under: Technology, BMW, Infotainment
Touchscreens are becoming common and touch pads - like those in the Audi A7, A8 and next A3 - are gaining traction, but the next input revolution might not be gesture controls, it's likely to be "smart fabrics" and BMW is already toying with the technology.
Researchers at the Polytechnic School of Montreal, Canada have developed a new flexible, polymer-based fiber that can be woven into existing fabrics. Essentially, it's a capacitive pad that can register touches and swipes when alternating current is plumbed through the fibers. Think about running a finger along your seat fabric to adjust the amount of lumbar support or swipe across the dashboard ahead of the passenger to open the glovebox. Even better, this new material can be cleaned like more traditional fabrics, one of the biggest stumbling blocks in previous iterations.
BMW did something similar with its Vision ConnectedDrive concept from last year's Geneva Motor Show, utilizing capacitive panels embedded in the seats and dash. And according to a BMW spokesperson speaking with New Scientist, the automaker is looking into the technology further, but unfortunately, it isn't providing a timeline on when it could come to market.
'Smart Fabric' could control climate, audio functions in future BMWs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW ActiveE enrollment process now open in test marketsFiled under: Car Buying, Coupe, BMW, Electric
It isn't every day that BMW offers an electric vehicle, but the ActiveE is just that. The German luxury car maker is now accepting applications for 700 ActiveE "Electronauts" in the test markets of Boston, Hartford, New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and San Francisco.
The hand-raisers will need to complete a charging station consultation with BMW Partner AeroVironment to make sure the house of the perspective lessee can handle a charger. The meeting will also serve as a teaching session to make sure the user understands the charging and maintenance of an electric vehicle.
Once the perspective lessee meets those criteria, they will be given the opportunity to lease the
4,000-pound, electrified 1 Series Coupe for 24 months at $499 per month, plus $2,250 down. Hit the jump to look over the BMW press release, and head over to BMWActivateTheFuture.com if you're interested in learning more about the ActiveE.
Continue reading BMW ActiveE enrollment process now open in test markets
BMW ActiveE enrollment process now open in test markets originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW hooks DTM up with new M3 safety carFiled under: Coupe, Europe, BMW, Racing
Choosing a safety car to pace a racing series is tricky business that almost invariably results in either a constant flux of vehicles called into duty or playing favorites between the manufacturers taking part in the series. NASCAR changes its pace cars about as quickly as it changes tires. Formula One sticks with Mercedes-Benz machinery, and nobody seems to complain very much. But DTM bridges the gap with a slightly different approach.
In the German touring car series, each of the participating automakers provides safety cars to the series organizers, which alternate between them from one race to another. That was simple enough when it was just Audi and Mercedes-Benz, but now that BMW has thrown its proverbial hat into the ring, DTM is putting a third car into the rotation. And this is our first look at it.
Revealed with a handful of crude snapshots on the BMW Motorsport fan page on Facebook, the BMW M3 DTM Safety Car looks closer to the standard, roadgoing M3 than the DTM racer, but with some extra modifications. Those include special wheels, an emergency light bar and a stripped-out cockpit with full roll cage and Recaro buckets. But there could be something special going on under the hood as well, where a bright orange engine cover lurks under a unique louvered hood. That could mean a more powerful version of the outgoing M3's high-revving V8 engine to help it stay out in front of all that racing machinery.
We'll have to wait for BMW to release additional information to find out, but for now you can check out the low-res images in the gallery above.
BMW hooks DTM up with new M3 safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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