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Video: BMW i8 prototype rolls on

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, BMW

BMW i8 video

BMW i8 video – Click above to watch video after the jump

A few videos of the new BMW i8 undergoing winter testing have managed to make their way to the web courtesy of YouTube. The clips surfaced after our spy photographers managed to lay eyes on the green supercar frolicking through the snow. The clips give us a good idea of what the i8 will look like in motion. We’re still not completely smitten with the roof-mounted sideview mirrors, and watching the i8 drive around on the ice and snow hasn’t done anything to sway our opinion. We can’t help but think that the pieces look like hippopotamus ears.

It’s impossible to tell whether the mule we see dashing through the snow is equipped with the same small-displacement diesel engine of the concept or whether this machine wears the turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that’s rumored to debut with the production version. Either way, the clips are worth a look. Hit the jump to see BMW’s next flagship in action for yourself.

[Source: E90 Post]

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Video: BMW i8 prototype rolls on originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Mar 2011 16:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This is your 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe, America

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Luxury

2012 bmw 6 series coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

The shark has finally surfaced – the 2012 BMW 6 Series coupe has officially arrived. Its lines are tighter, its bite is more potent and it’s heading to your local BMW dealership sometime this fall. Under the hood sits the same 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that our man Chris Paukert sampled in the convertible. It produces 400 horsepower between 5,500 rpm and 6,400 rpm, and a stout 450 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 rpm up through 4,500 rpm.

That power is managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be controlled manually via a pair of paddle-shifters. Should you prefer to row your own gears in the more traditional manner, a six-speed manual gearbox will also be offered. The engine and both transmission options help propel the car from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4.8 seconds and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

In the cabin, the 2012 6 Series Coupe is filled with BMW’s latest gadgetry. A 10.2-inch high-definition screen serves as the nexus of visual information. This modern Sixer boasts available Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot detection, Rear and Top View Cameras, a Parking Assistant and a three-dimensional heads-up display.

This is all just the tip of the iceberg for the 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe. Don’t break out the checkbook just yet, because pricing hasn’t been announced. For now, check out the updated two-door in the gallery below. Also, be sure to click past the jump to dive into the full press release.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 6 Series coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series coupe

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading This is your 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe, America

This is your 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe, America originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe configurator goes live, causes momentary consideration of kidney sale

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, BMW

bmw 1 series m

The 2011 BMW 1M is a highly anticipated two-door said to be created to remind drivers of the 1988 M3. Though it weighs nearly 400 pounds more than the E30 M3, the new 1M does get 340 horsepower courtesy of a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six. If those numbers are intriguing, you may want to head to BMW and see how much it will cost you to own one.

We tested out the configurator for ourselves, and our Alpine White 1M is going to add $53,735 to our AmEx balance. The wife may throw a fit, but we’ll probably never see her again anyway… Time to start writing from the road. Thanks for the tip, Luis!

Gallery: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe: Detroit 2011

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

[Source: BMW]

2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe configurator goes live, causes momentary consideration of kidney sale originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Opinion: Is BMW becoming too soft?

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, BMW

Happiness is the corner BMW ad

“Happiness isn’t around the corner. Happiness IS the corner.” So said an ad for BMW created in 1996 for the Z3. In the TV version (see the video at the very bottom after the break), a heavy-metal music track underlined the idea, which was carried over to magazines and billboards.

I’m reminded of that ad, one of the more perfect expressions of the BMW brand I have ever seen, this week as I take in the Bavarian automaker’s plan to launch vehicles powered by “alternative” powertrains under the “i” sub-brand: as in, yes, iPad, iPod, iMac. So far, I’m not hearing about Apple filing trademark infractions. It is, I believe, also “i” as i Isetta, the last time BMW brought out a mini city car. “I” for innovation probably figures into the choice, as well.

The campaign was literally meant to attract more people who were not necessarily driving enthusiasts to the brand.

BMW has brand issues. Take the Super Bowl on Feb. 6. BMW ran two ads in the big game for a cost of between $5 and $6 million. One ad was to push diesel engines. Another was to push the fact that all X3 crossovers are now being built at BMW’s plant in South Carolina. “Designed in America. Built in America,” says the voiceover at the end of this ad. How about using the big game to push the core of your brand equity – driving excitement. How about an ad that says: “aspire to own and drive this marvelous machine.”

Something has gone horribly wrong at BMW. And I think I know what it is. Back in 2006, then- BMW marketing director Jack Pitney (who tragically died in 2010) shared with me a Powerpoint strategy showing how far too many people, in his mind, weren’t considering a BMW because they were intimidated or otherwise put off by the performance image of the brand. It was this finding that led BMW to first do a corporate ad campaign touting BMW’s independent ownership, and then the softer “Joy of Driving” campaign that ran most of last year. It was literally meant to advance a “softer side” of BMW, and attract more people who were not necessarily driving enthusiasts to the brand.

Continue reading Opinion: Is BMW becoming too soft?

Opinion: Is BMW becoming too soft? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: First pics of BMW’s all-new i3

Filed under: Spy Photos, Hatchback, BMW, Electric, Luxury

2013 bMW i3

2013 BMW i3 – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW engineers are busy putting their new line of i-branded vehicles through the winter-ringer, and in addition to testing the i8 hybrid halo, the i3 has been spied taking to the snow.

The shape of the i3 decidedly un-BMW, with its upright, pedestrian-friendly nose, slab sides and bulbous back end. The taillamps fitted to the prototype obviously aren’t production-spec, while the thin tire and wheel combo are doing double-duty, blending winter grip with low rolling resistance. The overall shape is rather anonymous, but we’re digging the sloped roofline and massive greenhouse, which should make visibility that much better.

Although BMW has confirmed that the passenger cell will be made of carbon fiber, the rest of the chassis is likely to employ plenty of aluminum to keep the curb weight in check. What we don’t know is what kind of powertrain is fitted underneath and which wheels are driven. Our sources indicate that the i3’s architecture will be rear-wheel drive, but there’s still some question whether the smallest i will be a hybrid or an EV. If it’s the latter, expect a 0-60 mph time of around 10 seconds and a range that tops out near 100 miles. Sales are slated to begin in late 2013, right after the range-topping i8 hits the market.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW i3

Spy Shots: First pics of BMW’s all-new i3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW lifts the veil a little more on M5

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW, Luxury

BMW M5 teaser in the snow

BMW M5 teaser video – Click above to watch video after the jump

After the quick teaser clip BMW unveiled for the next-generation M5, we’ve been itching to get a better look at the machine. Fortunately for Bimmer-addicts everywhere, the automaker has been so kind as to serve up a lengthier video of the new menace frolicking through the snow. BMW President Kay Segler is even on hand to introduce the super sedan, as well as his company’s new initiative to get fans of his brand to submit their M5-inspired stories. We gather that the tales will be collected for a marketing stunt when the vehicle gets an official unveil.

As you may recall, word has it that BMW has parted ways with the luscious V10 of old in favor of a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that kicks out a raucous 560 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque. All of that muscle gets dumped on the rear wheels.

Rumors have dusted up that the big 10-pot isn’t the only bit of tech to get left behind with the new generation change. Buyers may not be able to get their hands on a manual transmission with the new M5 debuts, either. Hit the jump to check out the clip.

[Source: BMW via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BMW lifts the veil a little more on M5

Video: BMW lifts the veil a little more on M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: BMW ActiveE looking to become the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine

Filed under: Coupe, Geneva Motor Show, BMW, Electric

BMW ActiveE at 2011 Geneva Motor Show

BMW ActiveE – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW showed us the ActiveE Concept back at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Now the automaker is using the Geneva Motor Show floor to roll out the latest version of its electrified 1-Series. The BMW ActiveE, following in the footsteps of the Mini E before it, will begin rolling out to select markets in the Fall of 2011.

Mini utilized a fleet of 600 electric Coopers for field tests, but BMW is upping the ante by producing 1,000 vehicles. The ActiveE will make its North American debut at the New York Auto Show in April. After that, it will roll its way into the driveways and garages of residents in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento, New York, Boston and parts of Connecticut.

Powering the BMW ActiveE are a plethora of liquid-cooled SB LiMotive batteries. They provide enough juice to generate 170 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. The ActiveE uses that energy to run from 0-60 miles per hour in about nine seconds and the juiced-up 1-Series has a range of 100 miles. Check it out in the galleries below and read more about the car in BMW’s official release after the jump.

Gallery: BMW ActiveE: Geneva 2011

Gallery: BMW ActiveE

Continue reading Geneva 2011: BMW ActiveE looking to become the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine

Geneva 2011: BMW ActiveE looking to become the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: AC Schnitzer comes strong with sporty diesel BMW Z4, tuned 550i [w/videos]

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Convertible, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, BMW, Specialty, Diesel

AC Schnitzer 99d

2011 AC Schnitzer 99d – Click above for high-res image gallery

AC Schnitzer has showed up at the Geneva Motor Show with not one, but two fresh-off-the-press upgrade packages for 2011.

Not wanting to look completely unfriendly to Mother Earth, AC Schnitzer has taken their expertise to the Z4 and BMW’s EfficientDynamics system, working over a 320d mill to go under the Z4’s hood. The 2011 AC Schnitzer 99d gets a 70-hp boost to 190, hits 60 in 6.9 seconds, releases a scant 99g of C02 per mile and returns a handsome 63 mpg in the European cycle. That, according to Schnitzer, is better than any BMW on the market. Unfortunately, the 99d is just a concept, and won’t be available to the public any time soon.

For the family minded executives attending the show, AC Schnitzer started with the 2011 BMW 550i, bumping the car from 407 to 540 horsepower. According to Schnitzer, the result is a 4.5-second 0-60 sprint and a whopping 198 mph top end. The engine exhales through a new set of the tuner’s own mufflers capped with chrome surrounds. The resulting executive express has been dubbed the ACS5 Sport S.

Hauling all that energy to a stop is a revised set of brakes sporting eight-piston calipers. Outside, Schnitzer went all-out to ensure that the car would be stable at its newfound velocity. The laundry list of exterior mods includes a front spoiler, carbon ducts for the brakes, new engine bay vents and, of course, your choice of 20 or 21-inch AC Schnitzer custom wheels.

Check out the official videos and press releases after the jump.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer 99d: Geneva 2011

Gallery: AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S: Geneva 2011

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Continue reading Geneva 2011: AC Schnitzer comes strong with sporty diesel BMW Z4, tuned 550i [w/videos]

Geneva 2011: AC Schnitzer comes strong with sporty diesel BMW Z4, tuned 550i [w/videos] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW teases new M5… barely

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW

2012 BMW M5 teaser – Click above to watch the video

The F10 BMW M5 is nigh upon us, and to make sure we’re excited, BMW has released a tantalizingly short and non-descript video of the M car in action. As with most BMW M teaser videos, there’s not much to see, other than some headlights at high-speed, so the vocals are probably the most important thing.

While we’ve seen plenty of spy shots of the next big M car, this is the first official video BMW has produced. By the look and sound of things, the car’s 578-hp twin-turbo V8 might just be worth the hype. Hit the jump for the video.

Gallery: 2012 BMW M5 Spy Shots

[Source: BMW via YouTube | Images: CarPix]

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Video: BMW teases new M5… barely originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 13:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva 2011: BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring is the one we want

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring

BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring – Click above for high-res image gallery

Sure, the BMW Alpina B7 is nice, but if we had the choice, we’d much rather have the new B5 BiTurbo Touring. After all, what’s not to love about an Alpina-tuned station wagon that puts down 507 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque? All that grunt comes courtesy of BMW twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, running through a sport-tuned ZF eight-speed automatic.

There’s far more to love about the B5 BiTurbo Touring aside from its sheer power. The already-attractive BMW 5 Series wagon gets a host of aero enhancements, as well as the Alpina-standard 20-spoke wheels. It’s always nice to see a BMW painted in the tuning company’s signature blue hue, too.

Unfortunately, the Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring isn’t slated for consumption here in the United States (much like the standard 5 Series wagon). At least we still get our kicks with the B7.

Gallery: Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring: Geneva 2011

Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring: Geneva 2011

Geneva 2011: BMW Alpina B5 BiTurbo Touring is the one we want originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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