New 2015 BMW X6 Car

The wait for the 2015 version of the BMW X6 has been finally ended when .............the legendary German luxury car-maker has revealed the key.............. features to expect from the big lavish, high performance coupe.

A lot was expected out of the 2015 edition and fortunately the automaker hasn’t left its fan unhappy.................. The latest 2015 BMW X6 has come armed with new potent design traits as compared to the earlier editions.

2015 BMW M2 Sport Speed Car & Coupe Release Date

2015 BMW M2 Serie Bodywork of 2015 BMW M2 should have resemblance to ----------the BMW 2 collection version but with upgraded tougher top and rear bumper, fender flares, even larger wheels, rear trunk spoiler and intense front grill face mask

the new 2015 M2 model car will under bodywork have chassis modified with large density materials on which is mounted sporty suspension,----------- orange brake calipers pertaining to high speed overall performance and differential pertaining to limiting slip of car.--------- Also, for the rear part of chassis are going to be found a a number of tube Brambo deplete system. 

2015 BMW 4-Series Convertible

Designed to replace the 3-Series Convertible, the BMW 4-Series Convertible is a topless, high-style alternative to the 3-Series sedan. -----------Also offered as a coupe, it is quieter, cushier and more tech---------focused than its predecessor but it continues to serve up an engaging driving experience to go along with its distinctive look.

The 4's wide stance is accentuated up front by a muscular, creased hood, -----------a flared lower fascia and BMW's new fused-grille/headlight design.

Top Car Model BMW M4

Top Car Model BMW M4

 Expected Launch: 26 November 2014
Expected Price: 1 - 1.20 crores

BMW M4 Preview

Exterior

The BMW M4 is basically what the M3 Coupe would have been had the older naming convention continued. -----------------This means externally apart from the badges,------------------ it has all the hallmarks of a fast and sleek car that we have got from the German automaker so far.

BMW i8 price released at $135,700

BMW US has just announced the official price list of the company’s hybrid sports car i8 which starts at $135,700.

You will be able to place an order for a BMW i8 right now if you’re in the United States, as the local division of BMW has just outed its official pricing with starting price of 135,700 USD merely equivalent to 99,000 euros or 79,000 GBP, without the destination and handling charge, which will set you back for another 950 USD.

There will be three BMW i8 packages that you can avail, the Giga World, the Tera World and the Pure Impulse World.

Fostla’s BMW M6 Convertible

This time it is a BMW M6 convertible latest car to be adapted a new vesture by a customer's request. So the full-foliation is done in a matte PWF Yellow by bruxsafol. except for the bonnet, front spoiler lip and parts of the exterior mirrors that present themselves in monza carbon. Apart from the tint of the windows also the headlights, taillights and indicator signals are tinted to 5%. If the color palette of the automobile manufacturer does not provide enough "leeway" each vehicle can be given a new outfit much faster and noticeably cheaper with high-quality film. 

New Hot BMW GINA Light Visionary

The Concept: BMW's latest concept car shatters all the tried and true conventions about automobile design. For Head of BMW Group Design, Christopher E. Bangle, it's all about "breaking paradigms." A year in the making, the GINA Light Visionary Concept abandons the usual concepts of side panels, roof, front aprons, and doors in favor of a clean, seamless form with four main components.

Contrary to rumour, the car is not named after some hot, mystery woman, instead the name actually stands for Geometry and Functions In "N" Adaptions, which speaks to BMW's new design philosophy focusing on maximum freedom and creativity. The two-seater roadster is created from an expansion resistant fabric spread across a metal structure, giving it that smooth, sculpted look.
Coolest Feature: Skin is definitely in on the GINA. The flexible material allows the concept to move in ways that were previously only conceived of through movie magic. Together with its metal frame, this car is able to adapt to all situations through its ability to change shape.

When moving at high speeds, the GINA automatically creates a rear spoiler by raising a built in component on the frame. The ultra flexible skin lets the spoiler form with nary a wrinkle, and the car's headlights remain hidden beneath the flexible skin.

After being activated by the driver, the skin cover opens revealing the headlights and thereby creates the illusion of a car opening its eyes. All of these transformations are controlled by a combination of electronics and hydraulics. As for the skin's makeup, it's a hybrid composed of mesh-netting support. It's resistant to low and high temperatures as well as water-resistant.
Demographic: YouTube videos of the GINA in action have set the Internet ablaze with fans and detractors alike. The car's appeal would translate well to the tech and arts scenes as well as early adopters who have to be seen driving the next big thing.

Expected Pricing: It's a pretty safe bet that GINA's current model won't make it to the production line. Bangle says, "The GINA Light Visionary model just shows ONE possible answer to the whole approach of materials." Expect to find GINA-like features in future BMW models. 

New BMW-Gina uses fabric instead of steel

Car manufacturers are crying. Metal prices are going through the roof, fuel prices don't show any signs of abating and to top it all, the EU has set a 2012 deadline for them to meet new C02 emission norms.

While they are trying to reinvent the wheel and the internal combustion engine, it seems there's only so much one can do with what Rudolf Diesel and Karl Benz originally designed. So what can manufacturers do?

If Christopher E Bangle has his way, things could just change drastically.
The GINA concept or Geometry and Functions in N Adaptations has been conceived by the BMW design head and BMW Designworks USA as an opportunity for future customers to shape cars according to their preferences.

And yes, it might also help the environment get a darker shade of green as well. Chris Bangle became a household name after the first of his "flame surfaced" cars, the 7 Series hit the roads in 2001-02.

In fact, the Gina concept pre-dates the 7 Series, designed nearly seven years ago and is based on the old Z8 chassis.

The car was never shown to anyone, and has come to the forefront now as the company re-opens its new museum in Munich. 
According to Bangle, the customer so far has been used to the idea of a car with a roof supported by pillars or all the important functions visible to him at all times.

But what if the roof didn't have any pillars to support it? Or if the tail lamps and headlamps are covered, only to become visible when it's re ally necessary?

Bangle's answer is fabric. So, no metal or aluminium or even plastic panels to make up the body structure, but a movable endoskeleton that supports a fabric skin. 
Sounds strange at first, but it's actually path breaking. Using zippers and fasteners to support the skin, the bonnet for instance can open down the centre line by nearly 50 cm in the body bag zipper fashion.

This allows easy access to the engine as well as other mechanical components. It can be zipped back into position with no signs of wrinkles to the skin.

The doors are part of the fabric that stretches from the nose to the rear. The manmade stretchable material is resistant to water, heat and cold and doesn�t shrink or swell. 
A metal wire structure supports the fabric and has flexible carbon struts at points where the fabric needs movement.

So if the engine needs air for cooling, the vents expand by themselves and if the car needs more downforce, the rear spoiler changes its shape.

While the material is permeable by light, it is not transparent, so its headlights and taillights are not visible until they are turned on. 
Bangle says that the car is as heavy as a standard car with painted metal panels, while enjoying near 100 per cent recyclability and utilises less energy and resources to build.

It might still not be mass production ready, but it can be used for low-volume production, since it doesn't need any tooling and a single trained technician can complete the entire skinning process in about two and a half hours.
Essentially, Bangle says it gives the customers of tomorrow an opportunity to individualise cars the way they want to.

And Bangle believes it is more production relevant now than when it was first conceived in 2001. So sometime in the future, you just might have to visit a tailor instead of a mechanic to fix that bonnet zip! 

BMW considering alternate hybrid systems for M division

Prototypes of a new X6 model with a unique front bumper, featuring the aggressive styling of BMW’s M cars, were spotted testing at the Nurburging recently. Initially, these prototypes were thought to be running the same twin-turbo 4.4-litre V8 engine as the standard xDrive50i models but with extra boost, however latest reports indicate that test vehicles could be featuring a advanced hybrid system designed under BMW’s F1 program. 

BMW - Munich New Plan Germany

The New Latest BMW X6

A new flagship model, the X6 is. And what the company calls a Sports Activity Coupe

is described as the most sporting interpretation of the X Series, with the looks and the technical wherewithal to prove it.

There’s space for two couples and the X6 xDrive35i backs up its head turning abilities with a six-cylinder twin turbo engine that offers 306bhp and 400Nm.

Mated to a six speed automatic transmission it has a top speed of 240km/h and as well as a 0-100km/h time of 6.7 seconds.

Though it’s based on the X5 that has been around for nine years, it really is in a segment all of its own.

BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology allows variable distribution of power between the front and rear axle.

With the new Dynamic Performance Control, that principle is now extended between the rear wheels as well in a system that enhances steering precision, traction on bends and the agility and stability of the vehicle.

The X6 xDrive35i is priced at RM698,800 and comes with BMW Service Inclusive + Repair package.

New digital Sports Car: BMW X6

There's a new breed of vehicle on the market ready to take on Guam's varied terrain.

Prestige Automobiles revealed the new BMW X6 on Friday, touted as the first Sports Activity Coupe on the market.

The German automaker has raised the bar in innovation, marrying the Sports Activity Coupe with the versatility, power and presence of a coupe, says Prestige Automobiles general manager John Shen.

"Forward thinking and creativity best sums up the development of the X6," he says. "It's not only a leader in its class (but) also continually pushes the boundaries."
The vehicle looks just like a sporty coupe with its signature BMW kidney grill and sleek lines but holds the power and presence of a sports activity vehicle with 19--inch tires. The new sports utility coupe belongs to the X series family, concentrating on an all wheel drive system and taken to another level with its dynamic performance control.

"It's the key to the X series," Shen says, "a new feature balancing power in the real axle. When you turn, our wheels always have pressure and the car will balance -- increased power, so cornering is more superb."

The vehicle runs in the mid $60,000 range and up, depending on the options. It comes in two engine sizes: a 3.5 liter, 6 cylinder inline engine and a 5 liter V8 engine. Currently there are three on island with two already sold. Those who are curious can still grab a look at the remaining BMW X6 Prestige Automobiles in Dededo.

BMW 7 series has set new design standards

The BMW 7 series. Its daring and innovative design has set new standards in luxury.

The first and last time I drove a vehicle at 250kph on a public road was over six years ago.

I have bragged about this to everybody who has given me an ear. What I did not tell them was that the only reason I did not exceed this speed was the limitation of the car.

Everything else was picture perfect. The road was smooth and wide and the cops just waved us by, standing besides their Lamborghinis.

This can only happen in the Emirates where six-lane highways are nothing to write home about. Things are changing for the better in Kenya and hopefully we shall have at least four lanes with which to cruise.

While I doubt such speeds will be possible, it would be nice to know that you can. That said, it will not be for lack of fast cars, because judging by what is on the horizon, we will be spoilt for choice when the new BMWs come to town.

There is a positive wind of change blowing through the motoring industry in Kenya as major brands find new homes.

BMW found a new suitor and current and future owners should be smiling broadly for this could offer a welcome change. Another brand that is settling into its new stable is Skoda. It has taken refuge at CMC after the unfortunate demise of its previous custodian. 

continued....

I believe pen met paper and the ink has finally dried in the multi-million shilling deal that has seen the BMW baton shift from Mashariki to Simba Colt Motors.

This will see the rescue of an international brand that had become the laughing stock of the industry. What can BMW owners expect from the new custodian? For sure, it would be hard for them to do worse and hopefully service and parts will now be available on request.

It is likely to be a storming start with new models hitting the market with enthusiastic speed. Simba Colt are keeping their cards close to the chest but we can certainly expect the new BMW X6 and possibly flagship 7 Series.

While the X6 is a whole new category, the 7 has been around for a while. It has however had no impact in this market despite its obvious ability to thrill. I remember fondly my first encounter with the BMW 7 Series.

Its daring and innovative design that shifted the world’s focus, setting new standards in luxury segment. Six years later and they have done it again— shifting the goalposts in technological advancement and refinement.

Back then there are an equal measure of doubters and adopters but today, drivers are keener and better exposed to what is possible in a vehicle. This means there will certainly be more takers.

The new BMW 7 Series has intuitive ways for the driver to interact with the on board computer, giving him all the information he could possibly need about the vehicle. Its newly developed controller with direct selection buttons and a high-resolution 10.2-inch Control Display facilitate intuitive management, control and activation of numerous functions.

You no longer need your BlackBerry or iPhone when driving, for the 7 has unrestricted access to the Internet.

Things have moved a notch higher in all aspects and the new car features even more technological advances to make driving a lot more fun.

There are driver assistance systems featured for the first time in the new BMW 7 Series and exclusive the world over.

These include BMW’s new Night Vision with detection of individual persons, a camera-based Speed Limit Indicator, Lane Change Warning and Cruise Control with Stop & Go, an active Brake Assistant and a proximity warning function when approaching another vehicle from behind.

Performance and economy as well as suspension technology are some of the key areas of improvement in this flagship model. Two petrol engines, the 740i and 750i, with twin turbo technology will be available alongside a 730d six-cylinder diesel.

One of the most innovative additions to this barge is the four-wheel steering that helps the drive take corners at a higher speed with increased safety.

This sends me back to the good old days of the talented Honda Prelude of yore. Now when it appears in a brand that epitomises sheer driving pleasure, you can be sure it will have a serious impact on how serious motorists look at driving going forward.

In addition to adjusting the wheel angle by three degrees in the same direction as the front wheels at high-speed, these features turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to assist you when parking.

The gearshift is back on the centre console and this should please many enthusiasts. It’s now called the e-shift transmission control. To make things even easier for the driver the steering wheel now holds more.

The shifter’s position next to the driving dynamics control and the iDrive controller is telling. It allows the driver full control of all that makes driving safer. Occupant safety has been improved such that you can survive a collision from any direction.

If I owned this BMW I would check if my life insurance cover can be adjusted because I would be safer in it than at home.

Closer to the ground, the suspension that defines that unique feel that makes BMWs so revered has been updated. You can choose between four settings, ranging from Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus.

These adjust the firmness of the shock absorbers, changing the characteristics of the car in seconds. Everything in this car is refined until you switch to Sports Plus mode. 

BMW new gold car proudly presents new Concept Car XI

MUNICH - October 1, 2008: Once again the successful history of BMW X models is opening up the door for further inspiration in the development of innovative vehicle concepts: The BMW Concept X1 offers all the thrill of agile and versatile mobility in a new segment of vehicles. Proudly presenting this new Concept Car, BMW is offering an outlook at the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle in the premium compact segment. Through its design alone, this new concept model clearly expresses all the strengths and qualities of such a vehicle, the BMW Concept X1 exuding a strong touch of agility and versatility both in its driving qualities and practical use. And at the same time the Concept Car clearly reveals the stylish elegance of this five-door as well as its modern function.

Creating this unique Concept Car, BMW is catering for the demands of a modern target group in search of an up-to-date automobile meeting both the challenges of everyday traffic and the personal needs of many purchasers for an active lifestyle and a versatile driving experience. The BMW Concept X1 expresses that very special sheer driving pleasure so typical in this unique form of a BMW X model combined with a high standard of all-round functionality. So now these qualities are for the first time being carried over to a vehicle in the premium compact segment.
Ongoing innovation in the Sports Activity segment established by BMW.
As the founder of the Sports Activity Vehicle segment, BMW has already proven its outstanding competence in developing innovative vehicle concepts. Indeed, the German premium car maker first established its position as the leader in innovation in this segment  a position BMW still holds today  in 1999 through the presentation of the first-generation BMW X5.

In a market segment previously dominated by conventional off-roaders, the BMW X5, through its outstanding dynamic driving qualities alone, set new standards right from the beginning. Now in its second generation, the BMW X5, through its superior driving qualities and wide range of practical use as well as its luxurious interior ambience, still sets the standard for vehicles in its category to this very day.

continued....

The exceptional potential offered by this new segment of vehicles also enabled BMW at a very early point to carry over the attractive features of this Sports Activity Vehicle to other market segments. In the guise of the BMW X3, for example, outstanding agility on all kinds of terrain also proved to be a huge success in the segment below the BMW X5. Indeed, the BMW X3 was the first and for many years the only vehicle in this segment to come from a premium manufacturer, with worldwide sales of the BMW X3 now amounting to more than 500,000 units. The ongoing expansion of the BMW X model range is likewise the result of the unique, innovative power offered by the world's most successful manufacturer of premium cars. The BMW X6 launched this year, for example, is the world's first Sports Activity Coupé to successfully enter the market.

This unique model combining the dynamic lines of a Coupé with the superior power and cultivated robustness of a BMW X model, continues the emphasis on dynamic driving qualities originally initiated with the BMW X5, maintaining BMW's philosophy most clearly and convincingly. Indeed, BMW has once again, through the BMW X6, set the foundation for a brand-new type of vehicle reaching additional target groups now once again thrilled by the BMW X model concept accounting in the meantime for sales of more than 1.2 million units the world over.

BMW X models: unique concept, superior technology, outstanding quality.
The global success and great appeal of BMW's X models results not only from the precise and target group-oriented development of this vehicle concept, but also from the implementation of typical BMW features in this category. Hence, the particular thrill and unique style of every BMW X model forms a perfect match with uncompromising premium quality. The unique driving characteristics of a BMW X model result not just from the concept, but also from BMW's worldwide leadership in the area of drive systems. And last but certainly not least in this context, the huge innovative power of the BMW Group comes out clearly also in the equipment and features of BMW's X models featuring superior suspension technology and driver assistance systems as well as a supreme standard of safety and comfort. Yet another essential factor is that every BMW X model combines this exclusive range of qualities with a level of efficiency quite unparalleled in the respective segment: In their balance of performance and fuel consumption, BMW's X models achieve a standard generally far superior to comparable models built by the competition. Again last but definitely not least, the modern and up-to-date character of BMW's X models comes out clearly through their stable value, non-partisan market studies regularly confirming the lasting value of the BMW X5 and the BMW X3 as pre-owned cars. All this sets the foundation for BMW's entry into another market segment where the BMW Concept X1 already reveals the perspectives involved. The Compact Car clearly shows which features are to be expected of a BMW X model in the segment of premium compact vehicles. Through its design alone, the new model clearly belongs to the range of BMW X vehicles  while at the same time it offers all these features in truly individual style representing the design language so typical of BMW.

The Concept Car clearly confirms BMW's claim to offer maximum driving pleasure and efficiency, versatility and functionality, as well as safety, comfort and quality also in the premium compact segment. And with all these factors already being largely considered and taken into account in the BMW Concept X1, it is fair to say that an appropriate production model will see the light of day within just one year.

The BMW X1: authentic transition of the BMW X model concept into a new vehicle segment.
In its design and driving characteristics, every BMW X model bears out the unmistakable DNA of this kind of vehicle, at the same time showing an individual rendition of the brand and the features typical of the concept. This clearly ensures the authentic transition of the brand values and characteristic features of a BMW X model into each market segment.

The BMW Concept X1 naturally lives up to this demanding standard and claim, the Concept Car clearly standing out as a BMW X model from every angle, despite its body dimensions smaller than a BMW X6, a BMW X5, and a BMW X3. At the same time the design of the new car establishes typical BMW features again reflecting the specific characteristics of the premium compact segment and generating new momentum in the appreciation and perception of vehicles in this class. Introducing the BMW Concept X1, BMW is taking on the leading role also in the premium compact class. For the first time the characteristics of a Sports Activity Vehicle are being carried over authentically into this market segment, creating the concept of a vehicle which, in an urban environment, ensures the highest conceivable level of freedom and spontaneous activity.

Indeed, the BMW Concept X1 presents mobility options never seen before in this segment. The new model offers versatility and agility in a compact rendition, thus providing a very appropriate interpretation of the sheer driving pleasure so typical of a BMW X model in our current day and age. Measuring 4,457 millimeters or 175.5" in length, the BMW Concept X1 is 108 millimeters or almost 4.3" shorter than the BMW X3. The wheelbase of the BMW Concept X1, in turn, measures 2,760 mm or 104.4". Through its proportions and four doors together with a large tailgate, the Concept Car hints towards a very generous feeling and experience of space. In addition, the clear design and shape of the vehicle bears testimony to a high level of function meeting all the driver's and passengers' requirements in everyday traffic. And last but not least, the BMW Concept X1 combines all these features with the self-confident elegance so typical of a premium vehicle. Through these qualities alone, therefore, the BMW Concept X1 is destined to become the trendsetter for a modern style of urban mobility clearly pointing into the future.

Front-end design: dynamic lines, characteristic emphasis on width.
The sculptural lines of the new model make the BMW Concept X1 a truly exceptional highlight in the premium compact segment with all the features and qualities of a BMW X model. The front end, the side and rear merge smoothly into one another, their various surfaces forming one whole and striking line creating a smooth and flowing link between the individual elements of the body. Design features typical of the brand additionally emphasise the unmistakable look and impact of the vehicle, the upright BMW kidney grille, dual round headlights cut off at the top, the large, almost square wheel cutouts, the black band stretching around the lower section of the vehicle, the distinctive contour line along the side and the horizontal lines at the rear again clearly confirming that this concept car is a genuine X model from BMW.

The powerful stature of a BMW X model comes out clearly in new design at the front end of the BMW Concept X1. The DNA typical of BMW X is also to be found in the strikingly contoured engine compartment lid and the structure of the upright BMW kidney grille with its extra-wide bars positioned far apart from one another at the outside on the BMW Concept X1, thus symbolising the robust nature of the vehicle. Through their sharply cut "eyelids", the dual round headlights so typical of BMW offer a clear view and focus, white-coloured horizontal covers at the top enhancing this effect to an even higher standard.

Innovative surface design highlighting the vehicle's striking features.
Yet another innovative design feature is the three-dimensional surrounds on the headlights. This particular design element to be admired on the BMW Concept X1 and reflected by the surrounds on the headlights and the side window graphics highlights the superior technical character of the headlight units with their clear glass look in a very convincing manner. Again reflecting the typical style of a BMW X model, the fog lamps are positioned far to the outside, just above the air intake scoop.

The robust character of the BMW Concept X1 is further emphasised by the car's underfloor protection. This protection unit bearing clear reference to the use of the vehicle off the beaten track, takes on a particularly sophisticated and elegant style through its silver paintwork  and at the same time the front frame around this protection element forms the lower surround on the air intake. Together with another silver crossbar extending across the entire width of the air intake, this forms two contrasting horizontal lines giving the vehicle an even more powerful and wider look.

The surface design of the powerfully contoured engine lid is characterised by six striking contour lines moving towards one another in a V-shape at the front of the vehicle. The two inner lines lead to the BMW kidney grille where they almost meet one another, while the two outer contour lines extend in the opposite direction from the front end of the engine compartment lid all the way to the side section of the vehicle where they continue into the shoulder lines extending all the way to the back. Again, this particular flow of lines emphasises the sculptural design of the BMW Concept X1 connecting all body elements with one another.

Side view: an especially sleek look combined with the features typical of a BMW X model.
Both the unmistakable proportions of the BMW Concept X1 and the newly interpreted features of a BMW X model come out clearly at the side of the car.

The silhouette of this compact five-door is particularly sleek and stretched out, giving the entire vehicle a very sporting and agile look. And at the same time the raked tailgate adds a coupé-like appearance. With its short front body overhang, the waistline slightly lower around the A-pillars, the large wheel arches with their almost square contours and the black plastic protection panels on the lower level of the body, the BMW Concept X1 comes with all the typical features of a BMW X model also from the side. Another characteristic highlight is the visibly low centre of gravity bearing clear reference on the BMW X models to the harmonious interaction of the front and rear wheels in conveying the power of the engine to the road. On the BMW Concept X1 this connection is further highlighted by a crease line on the lower edge of the plastic frame running along the entire length of the sidesills finished in silver. The dynamic, powerful surface modeling of this element provides an attractive interplay of light and shade, again accentuating  like the strong, sturdy and sophisticated underfloor protection front and rear  the refined but robust nature of this new Concept Car. The surrounds on the side windows come in a particularly elegant three dimensional look taking up the design language already to be admired on the headlights and rear lights. Again, this expresses the dynamic contours of the window graphics including the contour-swing at the bottom of the D-pillars well known as the "Hofmeister kick".

Striking flow of lines with that characteristic sweep.
The BMW Concept X1 offers a highly attractive interplay of concave and convex surfaces between the characteristic lines to be admired at the side. The interaction of light and shade created in this way gives the entire vehicle a powerful and agile look, the shoulder line extending out of the engine compartment lid and fl owing along the side of the car emphasizing its dynamic character. The lower character line, as it is called, running parallel to the side-sills, creates a unique, exceptional touch in the side view of the BMW Concept X1. This character line starts around the direction indicator at the side, initially moving down slightly and then striving upwards first quite moderately and then with increasing dynamism before tapering out in the rear door. In its sweeping flow of power, the character line ends exactly at the window surround on the window graphics with its "Hofmeister kick", thus creating the impression of one complete contour extending over the entire side view of the vehicle.

The flow of this character line first rising up moderately and then in an increasingly dynamic process offers a particular highlight in design also reflected on the engine compartment lid, on the contours around the rear lights and the lines on the side mirrors, and thus adding yet another striking touch to the BMW Concept X1. Both the robust character and the variable functionality of the BMW Concept X1 are highlighted by the strong and sturdy roof railing extending far back to the rear and ending in the air flow spoiler. Finished in Liquid Silver, the roof railing is indeed yet another feature emphasising the refined look and premium character of the entire vehicle. The BMW Concept X1 comes on 19-inch light-alloy rims in high-quality innovative ten-spoke design again characteristic of BMW's X models. The newly designed, twin-colour wheels add a special touch of urban sportiness and agility in particularly elegant style. The narrow spokes on the rims, in turn, are twisted slightly to the outside, while the rim bars are cut off at the front, proudly presenting the bright silver colour of polished aluminium. The side flanks and the rim hump, finally, are finished in Dark Grey to provide a particularly sporting contrast.

Striking rear view with innovative lights technology.
Like the front view, the rear view of the BMW Concept X1 is again characterised by the underfloor protection finished in silver. The rear frame of the broad protection element creates a contrasting colour highlight also at this point, again emphasising the impressive width of the vehicle. In their design, the rear lights combine those unique shapes so typical of BMW and truly innovative technology. The light clusters come with BMW's characteristic L-contours proudly boasting their typical shape also at night. This unique night design is further highlighted by BMW's innovative technology, with consistently fluorescent, red-glowing rows of lights fed by LED light units serving as the light source. The result is a genuinely homogeneous flow of light with a powerful signaling effect on energy consumption significantly lower than with conventional lights. Here again, the rear frame of the extra-wide protective element adds an attractive position of the rear light clusters moved far to the outside into the rear side panels. The rows of lights formed by fluorescent tubes continues all round into the side of the vehicle where the lights move up slightly, thus emphasising the L-shaped contours of the light clusters even more distinctly. Again, this three-dimensional look contributes to the characteristic night design of the BMW Concept X1.

BMW 330d M Sport - Road Test

Price: £33,885
Capacity: 2993cc
Power: 245bhp
0-62mph: 6.1 seconds
Maximum speed: 155mph
Economy: 58.9mpg extra urban, 49.6mpg combined
CO2 emissions: 152g/km
Towing capacity: 1800kg braked
Insurance: Group 17
BMW figures.

The first thing to say about the 3-Series in general is that, as of September this year, it now looks slightly different from the way it did up to August. I would describe the changes in detail and follow this up with my own views on the matter, but BMW's PR boss - a very nice man who is about to embark on a well-earned retirement - recently told me and a few colleagues that he hates reading journalists' opinions about appearances, and that whenever he does this he's inclined to start shouting, "Don't tell me if it looks good or bad! Let me decide for myself!" Fair point, so I won't raise the subject again. You can see the pictures. Make your own decisions.

I will tell you what I think about the revised 330d M Sport, but before that I'd better tell you about its engine. Sorry if you're not interested in engines, but this is important. This one is new, and it's significantly more powerful than the one in the previous 330d. The three-litre six-cylinder turbo diesel produces 245bhp, which is 14bhp up on the last one, so the 0-62mph time has come down to a very impressive 6.1 seconds for the manual version and 6.2 seconds for the automatic. (Top speed remains electronically limited to 155mph).
It's not a slow car, then, and even more impressive than the 0-62mph stat is the way the engine sounds as you push it up towards its maximum of around 5000rpm. Don't ever let anyone tell you a diesel can't make a thrilling noise - this one sounds just fantastic.

Not that you have to rev it to make it work. Floor the accelerator at not much over tickover speed and the engine booms into life, giving you proper acceleration virtually any time you want it. In fact, it's so powerful at low revs that it can sometimes threaten to overcome the efforts of the back end to transfer all its ability into forward motion, and there can often be a bit of squirming, accompanied by warning flashes from the traction control light on the instrument panel, as you fire out of a slow corner.
And that's with the uprated suspension and serious rubber that come with the M Sport package. Wow. But at least in this case the package still leaves you with a car that can be driven sensibly if you're not in a hurry to get anywhere. There have been BMWs in the past which were comprehensively ruined when they were turned into M Sports, but the 330d version retains a good measure of ride comfort, even if the suspension does occasionally feel busier than would be ideal.

So this is a quick car but a comfortable one. Good, but things are about to become even more delightful. Here goes: this rather wonderful car officially has combined fuel economy of 49.6mpg, and according to the EU it emits 152g/km of CO2. How close you get to these figures in real life depends on how you drive the car, but the fact remains that they are better than the equivalent numbers for a 1.4-litre Ford Focus. Yes, really. The cheapest Focus in the world manages 42.8mpg and 157g/km, so the two cars will cost the same to tax (about £150 per year) at least until 2011. There is something rather wonderful about this, wouldn't you say?

However much I like the 330d, though, there's no getting away from the fact that it's a lot more expensive than a Focus, unless your local Ford dealer has commissioned Damien Hirst to create a diamond-encrusted special edition. The list price of the 330d is £33,885, and in true BMW fashion (well, premium German manufacturer fashion if we're being strictly accurate) you can spend a lot more than that.

For example, the test car was actually worth £38,870. Most of the difference was made up by leather upholstery at £1025 and a Media Package (Professional Multimedia interface, Bluetooth preparation, BMW Assist, BMW Online and voice control) at £1935. Fair enough, I suppose, though I did blink once or twice when I saw that full electric adjustment for both the front seats adds a further £890 to the bill. I rather thought that would have come as standard.

BMW unveils all-electric Mini E

Having already breathed new life into the ailing Mini brand, the creative volk at leading German car manufacturer BMW are looking to build on the associated trend appeal of the existing Mini and Mini Clubman editions with the decidedly green Mini E.


While the Mini’s impressive fuel efficiency and low CO2 output have already helped it carve a niche as one of the world’s most eco-friendly cars, BMW’s new Mini E is a clear and focused attempt to secure undisputed ecological credentials thanks to the introduction of an all-electric engine.

According to BMW, the Mini E will be powered by a 150 kW (204 horse power) electric motor fed by a high-performance rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Also, the Mini E’s drive will be transferred to its front wheels via a single-stage helical gearbox, making the car almost completely silent and entirely free of emissions.

In terms of single-charge distance coverage, BMW claims the Mini E’s battery technology will give the car a maximum operational range in excess of 240 kilometres, which is the equivalent of around 150 miles.

Interestingly, rather than rolling out the Mini E for general consumption, BMW has said that it will initially launch a fleet of 500 vehicles through a pilot project involving select private and corporate customers in California, New York and New Jersey. The company is also considering a similar introduction in Europe.

The 500-strong fleet will change hands based on a one-year lease with an option to take up a lease extension. Further to that, monthly lease instalments will cover any required technical service requirements including all necessary maintenance and the replacement of wearing parts.

At the end of the lease, all of the cars belonging to the pilot project will be returned to BMW’s engineering fleet, whereupon they will be subjected to comparative tests ahead of full market production.

“Putting some 500 cars on the road under real daily traffic conditions will make it possible to gain widely applicable hands-on experience,” explains BMW. “Evaluating these findings will generate valuable know-how, which will be factored into the engineering of mass-produced vehicles.”

Expected to make its industry debut at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show in November, other Mini E performance features include peak torque of 220 Newton metres, acceleration through to 100km/h (approx. 62mph) in a time of 8.5 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 152km/h (approx. 95mph).

While styled on the current standard Mini design and exuding the same sense of fun and pizzazz, the new all-electric Mini E will differ internally with its rear seats lost to make way for the car’s 5,088-cell lithium-ion battery technology. The Mini E’s lithium-ion battery can be recharged by simply plugging into any and all standard electricity power outlets.

BMW M Cars To Use Twin- New Latest Turbo Technology

Ever-toughening emissions laws and the rising production costs of its sophisticated hi-po engines has reportedly forced BMW to switch from high-revving naturally-aspirated motors to more efficient and cheaper-to-build turbocharged mills for its M lineup of sportscars.

The X6 xDrive M will be the first model to use the marque’s new force-fed performance engines, with a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 4.4 litre V8 delivering as much as 373kW and 700Nm being shoehorned into its engine bay. Despite the huge figures, the force-fed V8 still manages to produce better fuel economy and lower emissions than the M5’s 5.0 litre V10, while significant parts commonality with other BMW bent-eights means the boosted motor is cheaper to build.

The X6 M’s twin-turbo V8 will soon see service in the upcoming replacement for the current M5, with a transplant into the next-gen M6 the logical next step. The M3’s S65B40 V8 (above) will also go the way of the dodo, although whether it gets replaced by the M5’s twin-huffer V8 or a juiced-up version of the 335i’s twin-turbocharged inline six has yet to be decided.

Stop-start technology and regenerative braking are also under consideration by BMW’s M division, as is a performance-oriented hybrid system.
While we welcome BMW’s commitment to making the world of high-performance motoring a greener place, we can’t help but wonder if some of the qualities that made previous M cars so enjoyable will get lost in the process. Yes, there’s no doubt that turbocharged motors will be able to deliver the power, but will M aficionados brought up on a diet of manic, highly-responsive naturally-aspirated motors warm to the new powerplants? We’ll have to wait and see.

The New Spectacular BMW Z4

BMW has finally lifted the lid on the new Z4 – and replaced the fabric roof of old with a folding hard-top.

THE stunning BMW Z4 has blown its top... And Auto Express has the first official pictures.

As with the latest 3-Series Cabriolet, the Z4 now boasts a smart electro-hydraulic lid which can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds.

But the powered top isn’t the only thing BMW has reworked on its sports car.

The sharp lines of the outgoing model have been complemented by gentle curves and muscular haunches. Head-on, the Z4 smiles rather than frowns, thanks to smoother, sweeping headlamps. The tail-lights have been redesigned to match. Under the skin, BMW has axed the entry-level 2.0-litre four-cylinder unit in favour of heftier six-cylinder power.

There’s a choice of three petrol engines, comprising a 201bhp 2.3, 255bhp 3.0 and a range-topping 302bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre. These are badged 23i, 30i and 35i respectively.

With an automatic gearbox, this car will cover 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 149mph. The flagship 35i has a time of 5.1 seconds and a 155mph maximum. All new models are offered with a six-speed manual box as standard. However, the 35i comes with the option of BMW’s seven-speed double-clutch set-up.

This system drops the 0-62mph time by a further tenth of a second. It also raises fuel economy by 1.3mpg to 31.4mpg, and lowers CO2 emissions from 219g/km to 210g/km. A six-speed automatic box with steering wheel-mounted paddleshifters is available as an option on the 23i and 30i.

The new Z4 comes with electronically controlled M Sport suspension. This provides three different settings for the driver to select, depending on the type of responses required.

There’s also a new Drive Dynamic Control set-up, which enables throttle response, steering and ride comfort to be adjusted to taste. Inside the Z4, there’s a high-quality cabin. The driver-focused layout features twin inset dials and a deep-dished steering wheel. Heater and air-conditioning controls are now arranged in a group, and set higher to improve ease of use.

The stereo has been moved further down the centre console. By making the new car 148m longer and 9mm wider than its predecessor – as well as redesigning the cabin – BMW claims to have freed up more space inside.

There is an extra 20mm and 43mm of shoulder and elbow room respectively. What’s more, the new roof arrangement provides a further 44mm of headroom. There’s a generous boot for the sports car class, too – owners get 180 litres with the lid down and 310 litres of space when it’s raised.


Customers also have the option of a loading system which frees up extra storage space between the seats. It’s big enough, according to BMW, for a set of golf clubs. Prices are due to start at around £25,000 when the Z4 goes on sale early next year.

BMW's new 116d tops 53mpg, rivals hybrids

Rated at 53.4 US mpg, the 116i is as efficient as the Toyota Prius and upcoming Honda Insight

The 1-series has been a popular staple among premium small-car buyers in Europe for some time, but it has only hit the U.S. recently. The fun-to-drive and attractive compact has just gained a new sibling in the form of the 116d, powered by an efficient four-cylinder diesel. Unfortunately it's only available in Europe.

Despite the absence from American shores, it's still a technological feat to appreciate. With its 53.4 US mpg rating in the European combined cycle, the 116d is as efficient as the current Toyota Prius and next-gen Honda Insight hybrids. And at 116hp (86kW) and 192lb-ft (260Nm) it's just as powerful as the hybrids too - not to mention a good deal better looking.

The 116d is highly practical too, available in both three and five-door guises. It's not a sports car in 116d trim, returning a 10.2 second dash to 62mph (100km/h), but it is low in CO2 emissions at 118g/km and therefore cheap to maintain and operate with Europe's emissions charging schemes.

The future of the diesel BMW in America is still not 100% clear, but the smaller diesels are not as likely as those found in the 7-series and other larger cars due to the cost involved in their production and the low expected sales volumes - both of which eat into already small profit margins. It just isn't a viable business proposition yet, but as 2008 proved in inimitable style, things change.

BMW X5 new face lifted

The second-generation E70 X5 SUV is right on cue for a mid-cycle update towards the end of the decade

In the past months we’ve seen BMW testing prototypes for a new high-performance version of the X5 SUV that will be released later this year as the carmaker’s latest M-Division model, but that isn’t the new only X5 model in the works. Later this year BMW is expected to reveal a new hybrid version of the X5 and after that we should see the introduction of a facelifted model.

Seen here for the first time, the facelifted X5 should arrive late this year or in early 2010 for the 2011 model year. The second-generation E70 X5 model was introduced in late 2006 so a facelift around the end of the decade is right on cue for the SUV’s mid-life cycle.
Changes to the X5’s styling will be subtle, with new bumpers both front and rear as revealed by these latest spy shots. Larger air intakes in the front fascia are the primary change. Slight styling revisions inside and new alloy wheel designs should also make the cut. Expect to see changes to the lights next.

The current lineup of engines will carry over largely unchanged but there will be the new hybrid model and U.S. customers will be able to opt for BMW’s brilliant 3.0L turbodiesel engine that is expected to be launched in the current model later this year.