- 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 - Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Technology, BMW, First Drives, Luxury
BMW Finally Builds A Serious Full Hybrid
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.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 - Filed 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 - Filed 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 - Filed 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 - Filed 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 - Filed 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 - Filed under: Podcasts, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Mazda, Diesel
BMW M goes Diesel, Ford Focus fleet sales numbers, California 2025 green car mandate
Episode #267 of the Autoblog Podcast is here with Chris, Dan, Zach and Chris Paukert this week. Topics include the addition of diesel-powered BMW M models overseas, the surprisingly high fleet sales figure for the Ford Focus, and a new green car mandate coming out of California. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. We've embedded our Q&A module after the jump for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!
Autoblog Podcast #267:
BMW M goes diesel
Ford Focus loads up on fleet sales
California pushing for more green cars by 2025
In the Autoblog Garage
2012 Mazda3 Skyactiv
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab
2012 Audi A4
2012 Dodge Durango Citadel
Hosts: Dan Roth, Chris Shunk, Chris Paukert, Zach Bowman
Runtime: 01:15:33
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Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #267
Autoblog Podcast #267 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Etc., Government/Legal, BMW, Ford, Diesel
We record Episode #267 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below. Check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.
Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #267
BMW M goes diesel
Ford Focus loads up on fleet sales
California pushing for more green cars by 2025
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
var vhm_widget_settings = { eventId: 1842292, colorScheme: 'redblack', width: 628, height: 550, sizeClass: 3};Can't see the EventBox? Click Here.Voices Heard MediaSubmit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #267 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed 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 - Filed 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 - Filed 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 - Filed 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 - Filed 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 - Filed 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.
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Archive for the 'BMW' Category
Friday, November 6th, 2009
BMW, Rumormill, Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance
Will the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept that BMW debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show. According to Auto Express, the answer is yes, and the U.K. publication is projecting that the new green M1 will be ready for sale in 2012.
Naturally, the heart of this rumor-spec supercar is a hybrid powertrain.В A turbocharged three-cylinder diesel engine displacing 1.5-liters would be used in conjunction with a pair of electric motors providing all-wheel drive capabilities. The run to 60 mph would theoretically take less than five seconds and top speed would reportedly be capped at 155 mph.
Other unique bits that were could potentially make it into production include active aerodynamic elements that allow for an excellent .22 coefficient of drag. An unknown source tells AE that the car’s hybrid powertrain, dual clutch gearbox (pulled from the M3) .
If there’s any truth to this rumor, the new eco-friendly M1 successor would be marketed as a rival to the Audi R8 and would potentially hit the market. We’ll see.
Posted in BMW, Concept Cars, World Cars | No Comments »
Thursday, February 5th, 2009
Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Time Warp, Tuners, BMW
When BMW rolled out the new 6 Series coupe in 2003, it reconnected with a nameplate that had laid dormant for some 14 years. The original 6-Series, produced between 1976 and 1989, earned itself a cult following and iconic status, epitomized by the 635CSi. Some apparently feel that the current 6 doesn’t pay enough homage to the original. The people at Racer X Design count themselves in that camp, and are evidently hoping there are more like-minded enthusiasts… with cash.
Racer X Design has caught our attention before with some arresting concepts, including the KC-427 and the RZ Formula. The RZ-M6, however, takes the existing 6 Series and retros it up a bit, in turn paying a bit of homage to BMW’s own M1 Hommage concept. The modified body panels would also widen the coupe by an extra 50 mm, giving it a more aggressive stance to go along with the tribute styling. Of course, Racer X Design needs to attract some potential customers to bring the RZ-M6 to life, but it’s already a few steps closer to reality than the studio’s previous projects. Check it out in the gallery below and read the full press release after the jump.
Posted in BMW, Concept Cars, World Cars | No Comments »
Thursday, May 1st, 2008
Concept Cars, Sports/GTs, Euro, Supercars, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows
BMW’s supercar icon, the M1, blew out the candles at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este this weekend. In honor of the car’s thirtieth birthday, BMW rolled out the new BMW M1 Hommage, a concept/design study that pays tribute to the original M1 and shows what could be possible if BMW were to produce a new mid-engined sports car. Follow the jump for the breakdown.
[Source: BMW]
Posted in BMW, Concept Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Supercars, World Cars | No Comments »
Thursday, August 30th, 2007
Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., BMW
The Wiesmann GT is about to get a mad, bad engine to match its mad, bad looks. Available since inception with BMW’s 362 HP V8 that gets it to the six-oh in 4.6, the niche maker from Muenster is said to be considering a variant that hides the M-edition five-liter V10. If Wiesmann didn’t alter the car in any way, it would be an instant boost of 148 HP for a car that weighs quite a bit less than 3,000 pounds. That would raise its performance — and its handling — from ‘more than adequate’ to ‘absolute nutter.’ There’s a chance the car could do its first meet-and-greet at the Frankfurt Auto Show next month.
[Source: Motor Authority]
Posted in Automotive News, BMW, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, World Cars | No Comments »
Monday, August 27th, 2007
Filed under: Green, BMW
BMW has found another way to tweak mileage and CO2 output levels through its Efficient Dynamics program. In this case, its efforts were spent on a revised gearbox for the Z4. While past efforts have included the adoption of formerly hybrid-only technology like regenerative braking, an Automatic Engine Start/Stop System, and even full-on hybrid research, this latest move is a lot more conventional.
The technology being shown on the Z4 illustrate how little changes can add up when combined. By using a new, more efficient rear transaxle, the Z4 is able to record lower CO2 emissions levels and better economy. The improvements can be seen on all six-cylinder Z4s except the Z4 M, with a typical improvement of 1-2 percent across the board. Again, it’s not much, but definitely a move in the right direction. Four cylinder cars get other changes to their engines that result in similar improvements. All of these eco tweaks will go into effect on cars being produced starting next month.
[Source: Autocar]
Posted in Automotive News, BMW, Passenger Cars, World Cars | No Comments »