Ring the panic bells. Ferrari’s going hybrid. Now BMW’s going front-wheel drive. Okay, so maybe that’s no real reason to play the doomsday card. It’s just the way it is for automakers these days. Embracing change and all the crap.

Anyway, the break in tradition won’t affect beloved models. Front-wheel drive will be introduced to a new entry-level model to be slotted in beneath the 1-series (pictured) and will be sharing components with the Mini.

This would usher in break from BMW’s tradition of building only rear-wheel and four-wheel drive configurations.

BMW’s looking to increase hardware sharing among its models to bring production costs down. Whether or not these savings will translate to lower-priced Beemers has yet to be seen.

BMW is really keen on developing the BMW Megacity – its contender for the budding electric city car market. BMW hopes to launch the electric line as a sub-brand in three year’s time.

As for directions, BMW will be building the Megacity at its Leipzig plant in Germany. The plant currently houses the production of the small 1-series and the X1.

BMW initially showcased an electric 1-series at the Detroit auto show to show off its current electric powerplant. However, BMW has given no clear indication whether or not the Megacity will be sharing any of its components with the 1-series.

The Megacity is the culmination of the BMW project-i which aims to develop zero emissions vehicles. Some might remember the MINI E – the first electric vehicle from the project.

For some reason, hybrids rank higher than EVs in my book as far as green technology is concerned. Sure, they really aren’t zero-emmissions but they just don’t have to deal with charge times and effective ranges that EVs have to deal with.

Now here’s some interesting technology from BMW – a split engine hybrid design. The system basically uses two internal combustion engines and an electric motor.

The idea is to have the one engine be used at lower speeds and power demands and have the second engine cut in when the demans are greater.

The electric engine will be there to assist when the two IC engines switch.

Quite a cool idea. It’s basically like having to drive a car with a smaller engine. We only hope BMW also takes into consideration the type of car this engine will be fitted into.

Source: Autocar

BMW has pulled out of the competition but the team is most likely to stay as Peter Sauber decides to rescue his own team and field an entery to next year’s championship.

Just a couple of weeks ago, BMW was reported to be sellings the F1 team to Qadbak Investments, a British Virgin Islands, investment group. However, the deal fell sqaure on its ass just a few days ago, prompting Sauber to step in.

The FIA ruled that Sauber will get an entry subject to signing the Concorde Agreement. It will be taking the place of Toyota which pulled out of the competition earlier this year.

Maybe Sauber wants to be the next Brawn.

Source: Autocar

BMW claims that they are making good progress in their attempt to make an electric urban transport.

“We are acquiring pioneering future technologies and raw materials that we need for our MegaCity vehicle on competitive terms,” said BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer.

Dubbed as the MegaCity under the company’s Project i division, the car is being developed for extreme lightweightedness. To achieve this “extreme” level of lightness, the car uses a plastic reinforced with carbon fiber.

BMW recently showcased the Simple concept which does reveal some of BMW’s thoughts on how to move forward. It sure looks different from\\ The final car will have a different look though.

I really appreciate the effort that. comes to the development of electric vehicles but unless they get to the point where these cars need only two minutes to get fully charged, I still think there’s a better way to get around petroleum.

Ever wondered if BMW ever thought of lopping off the top of the M5? Apparentley, they did. But that was 20 years ago and the plans were thrown to the shitter just before it was launched.

Apparently, BMW had concerns that it might just not fly with the market.

A select group of press people got the rare treat of seeing the car. BMW is celebrating the M5’s 25 years of existence.

Given the old M5’s shape, it doesn’t look to shabby at all. If it had been launched back then, the car would have been priced at £50,000 – a huge amount back then.

Today’s M5s are basically supercomputers on wheels – a huge development from the first M5s of old. From a power rating of 282 bhp in 1985, today’s M5s can give drivers 500 bhp on demand just by pessing the M button.

Source: Autocar

Back in the day estate cars and sportiness rarely come hand in hand. But the Germans have made sure that people can have their luggage space and power at the same time.

So Audi had their take with the RS4. But how about one with a BMW badge?

Well here’s the BMW M3 Estate… with a V10. Built by Manhart Racing, the M3 packs a 5.0L V10 from an M5 mated to a 7-speed gearbox. Manhart pegs the 0-62 mph time at 4.3 seconds.

Manhart also added more tweaks and parts to the car including an LSD, a stainless steel exhaust with four tailpies. Manhart also tweaked the ECU to fit the V10’s profile. Body modifications include a new hood, a new front bumper and side skirts. The car sits atop 20-inch aluminium alloys.

Source: Autocar

BMW is on a roll with its fleet-wide showcase of developments. Last week, it was the Mini. Now, they’re on to their own fleet. This here’s their own take of what “green” and “sporty,” when combined, should be – the Vision Efficient Dynamics concept.

It’s basically a diesel-electric hybrid. The fossil-fueled engine’s a 1.5L turbocharged 3-cylinder diesel that will eventually be found in 2011 1-series but BMW found a good use for it now in this green concept.

Amazingly, the wee diesel motor is even more powerful than the current-generation 2.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel dishing out 163 bhp and 214 lb-ft of torque. In a car like the 1-Series, that’s already a handful. To complete the powertrain, the powerplant combo is mated to a seven-speed double-clutch gearbox.

The diesel if mated to a pair of electric motors. The electric motors then power either the front and rear wheels via single speed reduced-ration transmissions. When combined with the trubo-diesel the system can dish out as much as 356 bhp.

That much power combined with a lightweight body construction and aerodynamics allows the car to go from 0-62 mph in just 4.8 seconds and to its limited top speed of 155 mph. That’s enough to match the current M3.

The concept is set to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Source: Autocar

BMW looks to be in bad shape. July saw their year-on-year global sales fall by 12.6% as the global financial crisis continues to hurt auto sales all over.

All of BMWs brands posted losses save for the MINI which were up for the first time since September of last year. MINI’s figures rose by 0.3 % after selling 19,281 units in the month with Germany and the UK markets providing the much needed sales.

Despite this, sales and marketing board member Ian Robertson claims that these figures reveal that the company is managing despite the crisis. BMW sold a total of 109,923 units last month.

“Over the course of the next months we will see BMW Group sales continue their gradual upward trend – not least as a result of several new models,” he said. “I am confident we will continue to expand our market position in the premium segment for 2009 as a whole and be able to maintain our position as leading premium manufacturer.”

Source: Autocar

The new M edition of the BMW X5 mid-size crossover SUV finally made its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show, as BMW showcased the car’s new engine, M-branded interior furnishings, and extensive exterior upgrades.

The BMW X5 M gets a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine that can turn out 547 brake horsepower, with a peak torque of 501 lb.-ft. Additionally, the M’s engine layout—the M TwinPower unit was placed between two rows of cylinders and fitted with the catalytic converters—is said to provide better engine response and an improved and more linear delivery of power.

Exterior upgrades include new large air intakes for the front bumper, quad exhaust pipes out the back, and gills on the car’s front wings. Inside, there’s an M-badged steering wheel along with leather sports seats.

The BMW X5 M, which is slated to be released sometime in October, also sports BMW EfficientDynamics technology. There’s also an M Drive transmission and Dynamic Performance Control, which should provide the driver with better stability and flexibility in choosing preferred setups.

Source: Autocar

BMW has released the new BMW X5 Security Plus, which features armor protection capable of withstanding an AK-47 barrage and a suite of security features on top of the standard mid-size crossover SUV.

The Security Plus is rated with a six bullet resistance, meaning that the car can take the pounding from most handguns as well as rifles like the AK-47. The rear passenger compartment has more armor protection. Steel and molded panels offer added cover especially for usually unprotected areas such as the frames and the spaces between the doors.

The vehicle also sports special bullet-resistant security glass that is also coated with polycarbonate to fend off crowbar assaults. An intercom system, an audio alarm, and a visual warning beacon round out the additional security features.

There’s only one engine available for the BMW X5 Security Plus, a 4.8-liter V8 capable of 350bhp, though I doubt anyone would be picking this SUV out because of the powertrain. It has an 8.2-second 0-62mph time, pretty impressive despite all the weight that has been added onto the vehicle.

Source: Autocar

BMW is really trying to dish out some competition for everyone in their market brackets despite the poor showing of auto sales all over the world. BMW, itself, is performing quite poorly these days but that doesn’t stop their research and development boffins to churn out new models.

CAR Magazine reports that BMW is considering giving 5 different variants for the 2011 next-generation 1-Series. The variants would include a 2-door hatch, a 3-door shooting-break (who goes hunting or golfing in a 1-Series?), a 3-door sport wagon, a 3 or 5-door GT1, and a 3-door sport activity coupe.

Now that’s quite the selection of variants to choose from. In a marketing perspective, while this would probably give buyers a huge range of choices, it might just water down the car’s impact to buyers. Why make a 3-door shooting-break 1-Series when another model (say, an X3 or X5) would probably serve those who do sporting activities better.

Source: CAR

BMW has revealed plans for their upcoming coupe, a hub of advanced features and green technology that will serve as a showcase platform for all BMW technologies. Dubbed the Z10 ED, the two-seat eco-supercar is going to be the highlight of BMW’s future.

The ‘ED’ stands for BMW’s innovative green technology called Efficient Dynamics, geared towards improving emission levels and fuel efficiency. To keep the car lightweight, the body makes extensive use of carbon fiber and the chassis is made from aluminum components. Sources indicate that the Z10 is likely to feature a 7-speed transmission and be capable of around 400 horsepower.

According to sources, “The idea is to bring all the very latest technology together in a way that will allow a high level of performance without overburdening the environment in a way that the current crop of supercars do.” The technologies showcased in the Z10 ED are going to be used across all future BMW models, making the ED something of a proving ground for innovation.

The Z10 looks like it’s going to be an incredible machine, and the potential is off the charts. It’s going to be manufactured in limited numbers, but even then, it’s definitely going to be more than a high-end testing platform.

And does this mean that the 7-series will get relegated with this new car?

Source: Autocar

Earlier in the week, BMW Sauber officially unveiled its car for the 2009 Formula 1 season, launching the F1.09 at the Spanish circuit of Valencia.

The new car features dramatic redesigns that comply with the new rules changes and aerodynamic considerations. There’s a high-and-narrow rear wing, with a full-width front wing, higher sidepods, a higher nose, and reduced air deflectors. Early testing with Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems and development of the V8 engine for extended use are also underway.

“The team started work early on the wide range of changes,” said team driver Nick Heidfeld. “I’m confident that we’re in good shape and am looking forward to the first race, when we’ll see whether the balance of power has shifted at all.” Heidfeld took the reins of the F1.09 last Friday and took it for a 92-lap run.

After a third-place finish in the 2008 constructors’ race, much is expected out of BMW in the upcoming season. “In 2009 we are looking to maintain our first-class reliability record while at the same time enhancing our performance levels so that we can be at the front of the pack on a consistent basis,” said Mario Theissen, Director of BMW Motorsport.

Source: Formula 1

With this latest move by BMW, I think the world of luxury motoring has really turned a page. BMW’s flagship series – the 7 Series – is set to get a hybrid version to be available at the end of 2009 to cater to the growing green market. In addition to the 7 Series the new X6 SUV will also get a conjoined electric motor as well.

The 7 series is set to be a “mild hybrid” which would incorporate a start-stop system along with the capability to shut down the engine when coasting or braking. The rest of the car’s electronic systems will be handled by the electric motor. The 7 Series Concept packs a 4.4L twin-turbo 400-hp V8 that is paired with a 20 hp motor.

The X6 SUV, however, will get a full hybrid treatment meaning the car will be able to run either on the electric alone or cycled with the internal combustion engine. The X6 is likely to get the same V8 found in the 7 Series.

Source: World Car Fans

It’s a time where auto shows are seen more as unnecessary expenses instead of sales (or at least brand interest) generators. With automakers backing out of auto shows left and right, the shows are left wanting for stars to draw the crowds. The Melbourne Auto Show, to be held on February 27 through March 9, just may have found its star: The BMW M1 Homage.

The M1 Homage, developed to commemorate the 30th year of the M1, concept car will banner BMW’s showcase at Melbourne. The design is a throwback to the original M1, from the low-roof and wide-bodied styling to the ‘liquid orange’ color scheme.

“The BMW M1 Homage is a sensational looking car that highlights both the strong dynamic motorsport heritage of BMW, but also the talent and skill of our current designers, who created a 21st century look at how a new generation BMW M1 could look,” said Guenther Seemann, managing director of BMW Group Australia.

Last April, the car made its official debut at the Concours d’Elegance in Italy. At Melbourne, the M1 will share the BMW centerstage with the new 7-series sedan.

Source: GoAuto

BMW has confirmed that it will launch its much-anticipated ‘Progressive Activity Sedan’ (PAS), pegged to be a 5-series GT hatchback and billed by sources as “one of the bravest designs ever signed off by BMW.”

The PAS will be based on the current large rear-drive platform, and sources claim that it will be shorter than a 7-series but longer than a 5-series. This allows a longer wheelbase similar to that of a 7-series. Although there have been no confirmed technical specs, US models are expected to have 3.0-liter turbo petrol engines, while Euro versions will likely feature 3.0-liter turbo diesels.

The cabin of the PAS will feature a wide central console. It will also have slightly-raised seats to offset a current trend of seats that many people find to be too low for their own comfort. It is said to sport a front ‘nose cone’ and frameless doors.

With barely any details confirmed at present, it should be interesting to watch the development of the BMW PAS. If this controversial executive sedan’s design really is as bold as some claim, car enthusiasts could be in for a treat when it sees launch in late 2009.

Image Source: Autocar

Remote cashless payment, settings storage for total vehicle personalization, and a host of other potential functions, all stored in one convenient place – your car keys. This is what the BMW Research and Technology team came up with in its prototype multifunction car key.

“As part of our research project we first integrated a security chip into the key casing, which communicates across short distances by radio with a card reader,” says project manager Hans-Jörg Vögel. Not only will the car key be viable for car owners’ cars, the key can also be applicable to BMW rentals. The team also envisions the chip for use in other modes of transportations in the future, such as buses, trains, and airplanes.

Aside from being able to load a driver’s personalized settings, remote credit card access can also be enjoyed in the security of one’s own car. Handling of payment and other credit card functions can be done while stuck in traffic, if the prototype sees market application.

Prof. Raymond Freymann, BMW Group Research and Technology director, says that BMW is “working on ways of linking up vehicle technology and lifestyle.” This multifunction car key is a good step toward that direction.

Source: Lethistorylive

BMW, in an official statement, acknowledged the turbocharger lag for the 335i/xi and 535i/xi models and have addressed the issue with updated turbocharger software that is available upon request. The statement further states that the X6, 135i, and 3 Series/5 Series vehicles manufactured from March 2008 onwards are not affected with the lag.

The latter part of the statement tells owners how to avail of the update: “Release of the new software to restore the original turbocharger response is planned for January 2009, and it will be available for vehicles produced from September 2007 through March 2008 when they are brought to an authorized BMW center for a repair which requires a programming update. Clients with vehicles produced from June 2006 through September 2007 may request installation of the January 2009 software update. Clients who get this update should understand that there is a possibility of slightly increased engine noise levels under certain circumstances.”

It’s good to see BMW finally own up to these turbo lag issues that have been brought up by owners and publications. This optional update gives affected owners a choice between having the lag and risking higher engine noise levels.

Source: BimmerFile

The BMW Sauber F1 team has announced that their 2009 competition car, the F1.09, will be launched on January 20 next year. The launch will be a public testing of the new car in Spain. There will also be three more test runs prior to the start of the 2009 F1 season.

BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen hopes for a better performance next season. “The challenges are big but we will stick to our ambitious goal: in 2009, we want to be one of the teams battling it out for the title,” he said. In the just-concluded season, BMW fought really hard and was in contention for the constructor’s championship until late in the season.

Although BMW finished third overall in the constructor’s standings, there were times when the car’s or driver’s performance seemed mediocre or disappointing. The F1.09 will be the key to getting over the hump, even taking into account the recent rules changes that allow slick tires, require engines to last three races, and provide additional restrictions on aerodynamic design.

The design team has surely taken these changes into consideration, and will utilize them to the team’s advantage.

Source: Formula 1

Automakers are focusing more on profitability these days, and BMW is no exception. Norbert Reithofer, CEO of BWM AG, announced that the company’s Concept CS sedan will not see production.

The Concept CS is yet another casualty of the current automotive industry decline. With only a 1.3-percent operating return on sales, BMW is forced to reconsider decisions regarding upcoming models in order to gain financial stability. Going forward, development of Efficient Dynamics continues to be BMW’s primary focus. A lot of product decisions will now be influenced by cost-cutting measures and attempts at gaining more financial flexibility and efficiency.

BMW originally came up with the Concept CS to provide a competitor to other luxury sports sedans such as the Maserati Quattroporte and the Mercedes-Benz CLS. The four-seater appeared in auto shows last year and in the New York auto show earlier this year. Reithofer stated that the Concept CS does not meet what the company deems sufficient rates of return.

As Reithofer said, BMW “(does) not need that kind of brand-shaper”. The automaker would do well to focus more on the technology that they have under development and on producing cars that would net high demand—such as the upcoming Mini Crossover and electric Mini.

Source: Autoweek

There has yet to be a definitive green supercar to be built (IMHO). Sure, the Tesla Roadster and the Lightning GT hope to get supercar figures from electric motors and some groups have experimented on using alternative fuels for their current lines (Ferari made a bio-fuel F430, and some group made a 200+ hp Audi A4 also running on bio-gas).

BMW hopes that they do make one as they are now exploring a “breakthrough green supercar” which they hope to be finished by 2012. The car is set to rival the Audi R8 (but wouldn’t there be an R8 replacement by then?) and the upcoming Mercedes SLC.

The car is set to feature BMW’s green technology like the Efficient Dynamics program that combines direct-injection, regenerative braking and stop-start. The car will be powere by a 3.0L twin-turbo straight-six. The car might even take hints from the M1 Homage (pictured) concept they’ve showcased earlier this year.

Source: Autocar

You have to ask how desperate is the car industry these days that we now have rivals talking to each other. For the longest time, BMW and Mercedes-Benz have been at each other. What one has, the other must compete with. Now, they are apparently talking to each other about sharing powertrain components.

BMW has shared to the press that they are well into talks with Merc about licensing BMW engines to their bitter rivals. BMW’s R&D head, Klaus Draeger shares, “We are ready in principle to sell our engines to a competitor. And yes, we are talking openly with Mercedes about several possibilities.”

As far as which engines, it is possible for BMW to share its new V12 engine that it plans to use on the 7-Series and the new smaller Rolls-Royce which, in turn, might be used in the S-Class and the Maybach.

If this happens, I wonder as to how much of a disadvantage Merc will be putting themselves. An S-Class with a BMW engine? They better make every other piece of the car better than the 7-Series or the choice will be moot.

Source: Autocar

The Paris Motor Show is ongoing and what a chance to finally see the previews in metal, steel, and carbon fiber. BMW unveiled the X1 – the supposed entry-level SUV marketed as a crossover. While the one on show right now is slated as a concept, insider buzz says that what’s shown is more of a near-production version since the X1 is due to be out by next year. It is set to compete with the Ford Kuga and the Volkswagen Tiguan by 2010.

Compared to those crossovers, though, the X1 looks bigger (actual dimensions are 4.457 m length, 1.789 m width and 1.535 m height) and tougher. It rides quite high too, sitting on 18-inch wheels. It resembles a more outdoorsy look than a sporty people-mover look that many new crossover designs tend to have. It does really look like the younger brother of the X5 and X3.

Engine choices would include a 170 bhp 2.0L gasoline one for the xDrive20i model, a 177 bhp 2.0L common-rail diesel in the xDrive20d. Tamer xDrive18i and xDrive18d might also be in the works (18=1.8L). In time, BMW is lining up a power-punching 3.0L gas and diesel engines dishing out 272 bhp and 245 bhp, respectively.

Source: Autocar

It’s interesting how even luxury lines like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series start developing hybrid models. Remember how Bentley snubbed the diesel citing that their customers are opposed to using diesel in their cars (meaning that really rich people probably don’t worry about paying $5 a gallon). I guess those opting for S-Class Benz and 7-Series aren’t as pompous as Bentley owners.

Anyway, coming to the Paris Motor Show is the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid which would be the direct competitor to the Merc S400 BlueHybrid. The ActiveHybrid technology sports a twin-turbo 4.4L V8 gasoline engine that churns out 407 bhp and 442 lb-ft. of torque which is combined with an electric motor that adds 20 more horses and 155 lb-ft of torque.

BMW hasn’t released any performance figures regarding the ActiveHybrid 7 Series yet but it s supposed to give the car 15% better fuel efficiency compared to the new 750i. That should come to around 28 mpg at a combined cycle.

But even with this, the “regular” 750i has already employed more fuel saving technologies like optimizing gear ratios, a start/stop system, and better direct fuel injection technology. But the fact that you will be able to drive at times using 0 fuel and 0 emissions would be an attraction.

Source: Autocar