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BMW designers make waves with new Intermarine 55 motoryacht

Filed under: Etc., BMW, South America, Design/Style, Luxury

Intermarine 55 by BMW DesignworksUSA

Intermarine 55 by BMW DesignworksUSA – Click above for high-res image gallery

Head down to the local yacht club and you’re likely to see as many BMWs in the parking lot as anything else. It’s not that Bimmers are any more nautical than any other car, but they seem to attract the same sort of clientele that are drawn to the open water – and they have the means to get there. But over the past few years, the company’s design house has been bridging that gap by dabbling its proverbial toes in the waters of naval architecture (read: boat design).

Following their partnership with the Bavaria shipyard (which has yielded both sail and power boats styled by BMW’s pens), BMW DesignworksUSA has teamed up with Brazilian company Intermarine to launch a new 57-foot cockpit motoryacht.

BMW Designworks USA focused their design of the Intermarine 55 on creating an open environment, emphasizing big windows to let the sunshine in and the occupants see out, as well as an open-plan interior and plenty of deck space for enjoying the good life on the water. Similar to other vessels of this size, the Intermarine 55 features three cabins, two bathrooms and a large salon.

The Intermarine 55 also highlights the expanding business which the German automaker’s American design studio has pursued in Brazil and across South America, most notably in designing Embraer’s business jet cabins, but also branching into a wide variety of disciplines, from medical equipment and metal hardware to computers and cameras. Follow the jump to read all about it, and check it the high-resolution images in the gallery below.

Gallery: Intermarine 55 by BMW DesignworksUSA

[Source: BMW]

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BMW designers make waves with new Intermarine 55 motoryacht originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW to unveil M5 Concept in Shanghai

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, China, BMW, Shanghai Motor Show

2008 BMW M5

The Chinese market is becoming increasingly vital for automakers like BMW, which could go a long way towards explaining why the Bavarian company has chosen the world’s most populous nation as the location to unveil such new debuts as the long-wheelbase 5 Series and the Concept Gran Coupé.

Now reports indicate that BMW is planning on returning to the Shanghai Motor Show in April with a conceptual preview of the new M5 performance sedan. Based on the latest 5 Series, the new M5 is tipped to carry a 600-horsepower version of the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 put to work in the X5 M and X6 M crossovers. Westerners won’t feel too left out, however, as the concept version in Shanghai is anticipated to be followed by the production version at the Frankfurt Motor Show in the Fall.

In parallel to the M5 – and at the other extreme of the range – BMW is also working on the 5 Series hybrid, anticipated to mate a 306-hp turbo six with a 54-hp electric motor for possible debut alongside the M5 in Shanghai as well.

The biennial show in China is also rumored to the debut show for the 2012 6 Series Coupe.

[Source: AutoTelegraaf.nl – translated | Image: Dan Roth/AOL]

Report: BMW to unveil M5 Concept in Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and… American roots?

Filed under: Sedan, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Crossover, BMW, Diesel, Luxury

BMW Super Bowl Ad

BMW Super Bowl Ad – Click above to watch the videos after the jump

BMW was one of the few companies to keep its Super Bowl advertising plans to itself until kick off time, but the Roundel came to the game packing two 30-second spots. The company said it wanted to get two messages across to Americans: that its diesels are cleaner and more powerful than ever and that the German manufacturer is continuing to invest in America even as the economy struggles to recover. In order to make that happen, BMW enlisted the vocal talents of actor Chris Pine (of Star Trek fame) for the two spots. Pine is now the official voice of BMW advertising here in the States.

The first ad is clearly aimed at distinguishing the 335d from the American perception of diesel – sluggish old Volvo wagons, rough-idling Mercedes-Benz sedans and soot-spewing trucks and busses. The second ad focuses on the company’s efforts in Spartanburg, South Carolina, including producing every X3 on the planet. Hit the jump to check out both spots as well as the full press release.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and… American roots?

Video: BMW Super Bowl commercials champion diesel and… American roots? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 12:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First Drive: 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible

Filed under: Convertible, Performance, BMW, First Drive, Luxury

Frolicking Topless Under The African Sun In BMW’s Latest Big GT

2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible

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

To say that the second-generation BMW 6 Series caused a bit of a scene when it hit the world stage in 2003 would be to underplay its shock value. The Dingolfing, Germany-built coupe and convertible’s styling seemed to win admirers and ruffle traditionalists’ feathers in equal measure, but regardless of how you feel about its aesthetics, the 6’s long model run has been a success, resulting in nearly 118,000 units sold.

Despite this victory (and despite what BMW officials tell us), there has been a clear bit of design capitulation in the halls of Bavaria, as Chris Bangle’s controversial surfacing treatments and high trunk lines have been smoothed out in newer models in favor of less polarizing designs throughout the BMW empire.

So it is with the 2012 6 Series range, which launches with the 650i convertible model shown here, a model that’s due to hit showrooms this April (just in time for top-down season). With North America enduring a hyperborean winter, it was only appropriate that we head to more temperate climates for some quality top-down running. BMW evidently had the same thought, so they sent us to Cape Town, South Africa. Famous for its finned and pointy-teethed population coursing offshore, we couldn’t think of a more appropriate spot to sample the 6 Series’ reborn shark nose look.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible: First Drive

2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible

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First Drive: 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe coming to Shanghai

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Etc., Europe, BMW, Rumormill, Shanghai Motor Show, Luxury

BMW 6 Series Coupe Concept

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

Word has it that BMW is planning to unveil the next 6 Series coupe at the upcoming Shanghai Motor Show in April. According the Dutch arm of AutoWeek, it only makes since for the big two door to take a bow this spring since the concept version debuted at the 2010 Pairs Motor Show last fall. Given that we’ve seen more than a few spy photos crop up recently, the prediction would seem spot-on.

The report says that buyers can first expect to get their hands on the coupe in either 640i or 650i variants with additional models showing up later down the line. But that’s not the most interesting bit of news to pop up.

AutoWeek is also reporting that BMW is currently slaving away on a sedan version of the 6 Series. Supposedly, the car would make use of the same coupe body lines as its two-door brethren. Such a vehicle would allow BMW to tango with the ever-popular Mercedes-Benz CLS, but we have to wonder if there’s room in the Roundel’s stable for yet another sedan.

Gallery: BMW 6 Series Concept

[Source: AutoWeek]

Report: 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe coming to Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW, PSA make hooking up on hybrids official

Filed under: Hybrid, Etc., Europe, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW, Mini, Peugeot, Citroën, Electric

Mini E

BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen have officially hopped into bed together to collaborate on all of the systems and hardware that goes into crafting a hybrid drivetrain, and the two have been so kind as to let us all in on what they’re planning. It’s no shock that the two companies will partner up on everything from battery packs and generators to software and chargers, but BMW has revealed that the main goal of the corporate tie up is to build an open European hybrid platform to help give all Euro automakers a little bit of structure and an edge in the looming electrified fray.

The joint venture is expected to get under way in the second quarter of 2011 barring no hiccups from legislators, and BMW says that the first products to make use of the technology developed by the partnership are likely to hit the road in 2014 at the earliest. According to Motoring File, the very first vehicles to carry the new-age hybrid gear under its hood will likely be the Mini Countryman or a Countryman-based model. Hit the jump for the full press release.

[Sources: BMW, Motoring File]

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BMW, PSA make hooking up on hybrids official originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Officially Official: BMW announces 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo for U.S.

Filed under: BMW

BMW 2.0-liter Turbo

BMW’s four-cylinder turbocharged engine – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has been teasing us with little factoids here and there about its new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, and we finally have official confirmation that it will, in fact, be coming to the United States later this year.

This new four-cylinder engine uses the same twin-scroll turbo technology found in the larger N55 3.0-liter engine. Maximum power is rated at 240 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, and peak torque – all 260 pound-feet of it – is delivered at 1,250 rpm. By switching to a smaller-displacement, turbocharged, direct-injected engine, we can expect that cars with this new 2.0-liter four will get a healthy bump in fuel economy over the current six-cylinder models.

BMW has yet to point out which models will be getting the new 2.0-liter turbo, but since the automaker specifically mentions that it offers more power and torque than the current naturally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-six, we wouldn’t be shocked to learn that all cars with a 28i or 30i at the end of the name will now be powered by this four-pot mill. Earlier reports have suggested that the Z4 sDrive30i will now use four-cylinder power, and we’re betting both the 1 and 3 Series, as well as X1, will get the turbo-four treatment. Follow the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: BMW X1 2.0 Turbocharged Four Cylinder

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: BMW announces 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo for U.S.

Officially Official: BMW announces 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW considering M3 Sportswagon

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, BMW, Rumormill

It’s no secret that we love ourselves some wagons, and it goes without saying that we like our wagons with more than a little dose of performance baked inside. And so it’s with bated breath that we tell you the latest tantalizing tidbit swirling aorund the internet rumormill: BMW may be considering an M3 Sportswagon.

If the BMW-obsessive folks from Bimmerfile are to be believed, such a machine was considered at the outset of the E9X car’s development, and at least one test machine was built. So why wasn’t it offered from the beginning? Naturally, an M3 wagon would be a small-volume proposition, which means it would likely carry a fairly large sticker price and would be tough for the automaker to justify. Bimmerfile estimates a base price of around $65,000.

Then again, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and, more recently, Cadillac have all put performance-minded wagons on the market, so who knows?

[Source: Bimmerfile]

Rumormill: BMW considering M3 Sportswagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW teaches evasive driving techniques at a Cold War air base

Filed under: Europe, Safety, Videos, BMW

BMW Security Driving

Click above to watch the video after the jump

It’s not without reason that BMWs are among the top choices for high-security personnel transport. BMW Security vehicles – armor-reinforced versions of the standard roadcars we see on the road every day – are known to be both secure and responsive to quick, often life-saving maneuvers. But what good would these vehicles be if their drivers didn’t know how to handle them properly?

That’s why BMW has a security vehicle training facility in East Germany. Built on the grounds of what was once the largest Cold War air base in Europe, the center is run by advanced driving instructor Klaus Heimerl, who shows chauffeurs and security personnel how to evade any number of potentially threatening situations, from ambushes to roadside bombs. Follow the jump to watch the video, and head to www.bmw.com/drivertraining to find out more.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Video: BMW teaches evasive driving techniques at a Cold War air base

Video: BMW teaches evasive driving techniques at a Cold War air base originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW planning 1 Series GT?

Filed under: Minivan/Van, Wagon, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill

BMW 1 Series GT

BMW is serious about its genre-bending multi-purpose vehicles. Proof of such can be seen in vehicles such as the X6 and 5 Series Gran Turismo, both of which were designed to offer something that fits in between a standard wagon and another carbon-copy crossover.

It appears BMW may be thinking of downsizing the trend with a not-a-wagon, not-an-X1 version of its 1 Series that would slot in below the expected 3 Series GT. For those keeping track, such a strategy means that BMW could potentially offer its 1, 3 and 5 Series nameplates in sedan, wagon (or hatchback), crossover (X-series) and Gran Turismo styles, not to mention a range of coupes. And don’t forget that BMW is also moving its Mini brand up in size a few notches, most recently with the Countryman.

The 1 Series GT (which may or may not be pictured above, an image that reportedly came from an unknown UK magazine…) would almost surely be front-wheel drive, as the German automaker is known to be working on such an architecture for its smallest, entry-level models and it would offer the most efficient use of space. All-wheel drive could potentially be offered as an option, as the platform is expected to support such an arrangement.

Yes, BMW’s rumored lineup clearly leaves lots of room to offer something for just about any – and we do mean any – potential buyer.

[Source: German Car Forum]

BMW planning 1 Series GT? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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