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  • Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5-Series Touring

    Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5-Series Touring November 9th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, November 9th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 5-Series Touring

    With the 2009 Audi A6 facelift and the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class already in showrooms, attention now turns to the next-generation BMW 5-Series. A class leader since its inception, the 5-series Sedan and Touring wagon remain crucial vehicles in BMW’s lineup and with the next-gen versions now just months away from launch speculation about their final design has been heating up.

    The new 5-Series Touring is expected to arrive 12 months after the reveal of the Sedan, which is making its world debut at March's 2010 Geneva Motor Show, and these latest spy shots give us a glimpse of how it will look. Most of the planned changes for the 2011...

    With the 2009 Audi A6 facelift and the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class already in showrooms, attention now turns to the next-generation BMW 5-Series. A class leader since its inception, the 5-series Sedan and Touring wagon remain crucial vehicles in BMW’s lineup and with the next-gen versions now just months away from launch speculation about their final design has been heating up. The new 5-Series Touring is expected to arrive 12 months after the reveal of the Sedan, which is making its world debut at March's 2010 Geneva Motor Show, and these latest spy shots give us a glimpse of how it will look. Most of the planned changes for the 2011 BMW 5-Series will be skin-deep. Under the new sheet metal, BMW will continue with its new found love of turbocharging. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V-8 from the X6 and new 5-Series GT is expected to appear in a range topping model, while more turbodiesel variants are expected to join the lineup as well. BMW is also expected to launch two hybrid versions: a ‘mild’ hybrid gasoline-electric version similar to the recently revealed ActiveHybrid 7 as well as a diesel-electric version. The transmission systems will include a 6-speed manual and a 6-speed Steptronic semi-auto gearbox, however a new 8-speed unit from ZF is also expected to be available. New EfficientDynamics technologies will also be available, such as specially designed aerodynamic wheels and brake-energy regeneration systems. Performance will also be improved thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials including carbon-fiber and aluminum. The car’s construction will be a mix of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. This will ensure a favorable front-to-rear weight distribution and improved handling. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear. High-performance models, such as the next M5, will possibly include carbon-fiber body panels to shed even more weight. Read More

  • Driven: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

    Driven: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 November 9th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran's avatar Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, November 9th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Driven: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6

    Unlike the mainstream market where hybrid technology is used to maximize fuel efficiency, luxury automakers have employed hybrid systems as a way to maintain or improve performance while making concessions to efficiency.

    The 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6, which our testers got to drive this past weekend, is a prime example.

    Based on the regular X6 "Sports Activity Coupe," which itself is a car of contradictions, the 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 is the first hybrid from the maker of ultimate driving machines and is due for retail sale next month. Oh, and it costs ninety grand.

    Rated at a combined output of 478 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque, the...

    Unlike the mainstream market where hybrid technology is used to maximize fuel efficiency, luxury automakers have employed hybrid systems as a way to maintain or improve performance while making concessions to efficiency. The 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6, which our testers got to drive this past weekend, is a prime example. Based on the regular X6 "Sports Activity Coupe," which itself is a car of contradictions, the 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 is the first hybrid from the maker of ultimate driving machines and is due for retail sale next month. Oh, and it costs ninety grand. Rated at a combined output of 478 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque, the big SUV uses a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine and a nickel-metal hydride hybrid battery pack to claim the title of the world's most powerful gasoline-electric hybrid passenger vehicle. That's no mean feat, with contenders like Mercedes-Benz, Lexus and Cadillac in the space. The two electric synchronous motors contribute 91 horsepower/192 pound-feet and 86 horsepower/206 pound-feet, respectively. This hybrid system is the same Two-Mode Hybrid architecture found in the full-size 2010 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid pickup trucks, as well as various full-size sport utilities including the luxurious Cadillac Escalade Platinum Hybrid. But BMW has completely rethought the concept of "hybrid," using the software that manages all the electric components to mimic the driving behavior of a seven-speed automatic transmission. Our testers drove the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 this past weekend at the international press launch, and aside from a few badges and the instrumentation, you'd never know it was a hybrid. One thing that you will definitely notice is the gas mileage: EPA ratings for the 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 are 17 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway, against the standard X6 xDrive 50i that uses the same twin-turbo V8, which delivers only 13 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. The ActiveHybrid even has a better combined rating than the six-cylinder X6 xDrive 35i. And over a 100-mile-plus test drive, our testers saw average mileage of 20.4 mpg. Not bad for a large all-wheel drive sport utility that weighs almost three tons. Our sister site GreenCarReports.com has full driving impressions of the new 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6, which you can see here. Otherwise, check out our review of the regular 2009 BMW X6 range by clicking here. Read More

  • Hybrid Future At BMW

    Hybrid Future At BMW November 9th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, November 9th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Hybrid Future At BMW

    Unlike the mainstream market where hybrid technology is used to maximize fuel efficiency, luxury automakers have employed hybrid systems as a way to maintain or improve performance while making concessions to efficiency.

    The upcoming 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 and 2011 ActiveHybrid 7 from BMW are prime examples of this philosophy, combining already powerful V-8 engines with electric motors for added performance and superior fuel economy to comparable non-hybrid models.

    The 2010 ActiveHybrid X6, for example, is no wimp when it comes to performance, sprinting to 60 mph from rest in just 5.6 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of...

    Unlike the mainstream market where hybrid technology is used to maximize fuel efficiency, luxury automakers have employed hybrid systems as a way to maintain or improve performance while making concessions to efficiency. The upcoming 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 and 2011 ActiveHybrid 7 from BMW are prime examples of this philosophy, combining already powerful V-8 engines with electric motors for added performance and superior fuel economy to comparable non-hybrid models. The 2010 ActiveHybrid X6, for example, is no wimp when it comes to performance, sprinting to 60 mph from rest in just 5.6 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph. And it does it all while returning a fuel economy of 22.8 mpg in the combined cycle, about 20% better than the standard V-8's ratings. This raises questions such as why a luxury automaker like BMW is focusing so much on the eco-friendly technology and what kind of hybrid vehicles can we expect in the near future? Speaking with Autocar, the project leader of the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6, Peter Tuennermann, explained that electrification will play an ever increasing role in personal mobility in the future--especially in the face of tougher emission regulations--and that hybrid vehicles are just a stepping stone towards this electrified automotive future. Tuennermann went on to reveal that volume models like the 3-, 5- and 7-series were more suited to mild hybrid systems like the one in the ActiveHybrid 7 where the electric motor only aids the internal combustion engine and cannot actually power the vehicle by itself, and that larger and heavier models like the X3, X5 and X6 were better suited to a full hybrid solution. The BMW exec wasn’t willing to reveal what model will be BMW’s next hybrid but he did mention that it would be launched within the next 12 months. He also confirmed that research on diesel-electric hybrid powertrains was taking place and that such a design would most likely be in the form of a range-extending plug-in hybrid vehicle. [Autocar] Read More

  • Preview: 2010 BMW M3 GTS - Now With High-Res Pics And Video

    Preview: 2010 BMW M3 GTS - Now With High-Res Pics And Video November 5th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, November 5th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Preview: 2010 BMW M3 GTS - Now With High-Res Pics And Video

    We've seen the rumors, speculation and spy shots on BMW's M3 GT4-type car for months now. We were even one of the first sites to confirm the car for production with our interview of M Division head Kay Segler. But today BMW has gone official, unveiling the M3 GTS, as the new car will be called. Unfortunately, it's not currently planned for the North American market. Today, BMW released higher-resolution photos and more detailed info about its new track-special M3.

    The car is a focused, no-compromises M3 in a way that recent M vehicles haven't been. Putting the track first and creature comforts--and possibly even aesthetics--second, the M3...

    We've seen the rumors, speculation and spy shots on BMW's M3 GT4-type car for months now. We were even one of the first sites to confirm the car for production with our interview of M Division head Kay Segler. But today BMW has gone official, unveiling the M3 GTS, as the new car will be called. Unfortunately, it's not currently planned for the North American market. Today, BMW released higher-resolution photos and more detailed info about its new track-special M3. The car is a focused, no-compromises M3 in a way that recent M vehicles haven't been. Putting the track first and creature comforts--and possibly even aesthetics--second, the M3 GTS goes the extra mile for performance. Power is delivered by a special 4.4-liter version of the V-8 that powers the current M3, rated at 450 horsepower in this application. They also add race-derived technology including a crankcase made of a special aluminum-silicon alloy and constructed in bedplate design, individual throttle butterflies, anti-knock sensors with "ion flow technology" and a wet sump oil supply. That power is piped to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The transmission was specially engineered to withstand the power output of the beefed-up V-8, and the DKG Drivelogic shift points programmed to precisely extract the maximum from the engine. Extensive use of honeycomb grillework, a prominent adjustable rear wing, adjustable front splitter and reworked front-end aero pieces all reflect the car's speedy genes. Unique black alloy 19-inch wheels wrapped in 225/35 front and 285/30 rear tires ensure track-friendly understeer-bias with a high level of grip. Lightweight carbon fiber is used for the roof to help reduce weight and lower the center of gravity, much like previous M3 CSL versions. The result of the weight savings strategy sees over 400 pounds culled from the standard car's 3,700-pound curb weigh, with the GTS version weighing in at a scant 3,289 pounds. A fully adjustable set of race dampers sits at the corners of the car, allowing owners to tune to the track and conditions with both bump and rebound adjustments. The brakes for the car are also custom-built pieces, with six-piston calipers up front and four-piston units out back. Inside, race seats and five-point harnesses complement abundant matte-black surfaces and Alcantara for a decidedly sporty look. Like the Porsche GT3, the rear seat is sacrificed for a roll cage and a fire bottle, all in the interests of on-track safety. Despite all of this, the M3 GTS is still completely road-legal. So far, there are no plans to bring the car to the U.S., however. This appears to be a track-day special for the European enthusiast. Expect it to cost about €115,000, or around $171,000--roughly three times the price of a "normal" M3. Ouch. [BMW M Division] Read More

  • Rumors of Next-Gen Entry-Level BMW 1-Series M Car Revived

    Rumors of Next-Gen Entry-Level BMW 1-Series M Car Revived November 4th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, November 4th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    Rumors of Next-Gen Entry-Level BMW 1-Series M Car Revived

    About a year ago, BMW's M Division development chief said a 1-Series M car was off the table, and hopes were consequently deflated. But now new rumors of an entry-level M car are back, this time built around the next generation of the 1-Series.

    It's just a rumor with no official confirmation at this point, but the idea is so tantalizing, it's hard not to imagine what such a car might look like.

    A more potent take on the current twin-turbo inline-six found in the 135i, output could be positioned around 330 horsepower. That would give the 414-horsepower V-8 M3 some breathing room, while also putting the new M car's performance a notch above...

    About a year ago, BMW's M Division development chief said a 1-Series M car was off the table, and hopes were consequently deflated. But now new rumors of an entry-level M car are back, this time built around the next generation of the 1-Series. It's just a rumor with no official confirmation at this point, but the idea is so tantalizing, it's hard not to imagine what such a car might look like. A more potent take on the current twin-turbo inline-six found in the 135i, output could be positioned around 330 horsepower. That would give the 414-horsepower V-8 M3 some breathing room, while also putting the new M car's performance a notch above the best of the standard 1-Series. Other modifications, standard to other M treatments, would likely include upgraded shocks and springs, larger, more fade-restistant brakes, unique wheels, a custom aero package, and unique interior treatment. The 2007 135i tii Concept (pictured in the gallery above) could be an example of the direction BMW would take. The point of a 1-Series M car? As the rest of BMW's M range goes further upscale, attractive new, younger buyers to the brand means BMW needs a car positioned accordingly. Expect pricing to start out around the $45,000-$50,000 mark in the U.S., about $5,000-$10,000 below a typical M3, if the project does become reality. It won't get here until the next generation of the 1-Series, however, which puts it at least two, possible three years out. [Autocar] Read More

  • Spy Shots: 2013 BMW 3-Series

    Spy Shots: 2013 BMW 3-Series November 4th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, November 4th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    Spy Shots: 2013 BMW 3-Series

    The current E90 BMW 3-Series has been on the market since 2005, so it's only fitting that details about the next-gen model are beginning to circulate. Most agree that the next model will feature styling lifted, at least in part, from the Concept CS, though also expect to see a healthy dose of the new corporate styling debuted on the latest 7-Series.

    These are the first spy shots of a prototype for the new car, revealing very similar proportions to the current model although the wheelbase is slightly longer. Also, the prototype is in a very early phase so finer design elements and even the overall body shape could easily change before the...

    The current E90 BMW 3-Series has been on the market since 2005, so it's only fitting that details about the next-gen model are beginning to circulate. Most agree that the next model will feature styling lifted, at least in part, from the Concept CS, though also expect to see a healthy dose of the new corporate styling debuted on the latest 7-Series. These are the first spy shots of a prototype for the new car, revealing very similar proportions to the current model although the wheelbase is slightly longer. Also, the prototype is in a very early phase so finer design elements and even the overall body shape could easily change before the new 3-Series’ final release date. Due in 2012, the new car will pay special attention to efficiency and it will achieve that goal through extensive use of BMW's EfficientDynamics technology. Low drag aerodynamics, smaller engines, and high-tech electronics will combine to make the next 3-Series a step above the current car. Aesthetically, designers will attempt to address criticisms of the current car's awkward styling and lack of interior space. The bonnet will likely sit much higher than on the current model to improve pedestrian safety, while the sides will be marked with a prominent character line and high beltline. Weight will be reduced thanks to the increased use of aluminum and other advanced materials in its construction. A huge change for the 2012 car could be the addition of three-cylinder engines to the lineup. Though these wouldn't likely be seen in the U.S. during the first half of the next 3-series model life, they could eventually make their way across the pond if fuel efficiency and emissions regulations continue to tighten past 2016. We do know that a four-cylinder model, with turbocharging, will be offered in the U.S. with the arrival of the new car. With a single turbo and 1.5-liters of displacement--effectively half of the current twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine--the future three-cylinder models, meanwhile, would be good for anywhere from 150-170 horsepower and 150-220 pound-feet of torque, with the gasoline models weighing in lower on the torque scale than the diesel models. Paired with an ultra-efficient 8-speed transmission and more efficient auxiliary systems such as heating and cooling, the next-gen 3-Series is expected to deliver some seriously impressive economy. One of the new advanced EfficientDynamics technologies to make its way into the next 3-Series will be a so-called 'air curtain'. Using a special series of ducts and vents, the system directs air in a manner such that it slips neatly over the wheels, which are normally an area of high turbulence, and therefore energy-sapping drag. In addition to making the car more efficient overall, BMW is looking to make the next 3-Series less expensive to build and therefore to buy as it aims for larger volumes. Whether that will mean compromises in terms of total feature set or simply a lower-end range of models to entice entry-level luxury buyers is not clear, but pushing the 3-Series so far down-market could step on the toes of the 1-Series range and any future city cars coming from the Project i initiative. Finally, as yet another measure to enhance efficiency while still delivering a BMW driving experience, expect to see the hybrid technology debuting on the X6 ActiveHybrid and ActiveHybrid 7 to eventually make its way to the 3-Series, albeit in somewhat reduced form. This technology will likely be especially targeted at U.S. buyers, since even by the car's mid-cycle revamp in 2016, there isn't likely to be widespread adoption of diesel-engined cars. Of course, all of these details are still speculative at this point, but it's clear that BMW is pushing its mainstream offerings in a more efficient direction while still trying to maintain their engaging, driver-focused character. It is a difficult balancing act, but one that enthusiasts will enjoy seeing played out over the years to come. Read More

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