BMW – Page 42 – Automobiles Review

BMW Concept Active Tourer at the 2013 New York International Auto Show

BMW will exhibit the Concept Active Tourer for the first time in North America at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. The manufacturer will also bring BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo and the diesel-powered BMW 328d.

BMW Concept Active Tourer is an all-new plug-in hybrid car, which combines comfort and functionality with dynamics and style. It also features several innovative solutions like a three-cylinder gasoline engine coupled with an electric motor which allows for nearly 95 mpg US. The Concept Active Tourer will also feature a “Cool Shade” composite glass roof which uses “Suspended Particle Device” technology allowing the driver to make the roof crystal clear or darken with the touch of a button.

BMW will also announce that, beginning later this year, most 2014 models will feature BMW Assist eCall emergency call service for 10 years as standard equipment as well as TeleService, which tracks vehicle maintenance needs and automatically alerts the driver and local dealer.

BMW Assist eCall includes enhanced automatic collision notification that not only places an automatic call in the case of a collision but also, through a ground-breaking algorithm co-developed with the William Lehman Injury Research Center, can send an assessment of the likelihood of severe injury in order to better prepare first responders.

BMW will exhibit the Concept Active Tourer for the first time in North America at the 2013 New York International Auto Show. The manufacturer will also bring BMW 3-Series Gran Turismo and the diesel-powered BMW 328d.

BMW Concept Active Tourer is an all-new plug-in hybrid car, which combines comfort and functionality with dynamics and style. It also features several innovative solutions like a three-cylinder gasoline engine coupled with an electric motor which allows for nearly 95 mpg US. The Concept Active Tourer will also feature a “Cool Shade” composite glass roof which uses “Suspended Particle Device” technology allowing the driver to make the roof crystal clear or darken with the touch of a button.

BMW will also announce that, beginning later this year, most 2014 models will feature BMW Assist eCall emergency call service for 10 years as standard equipment as well as TeleService, which tracks vehicle maintenance needs and automatically alerts the driver and local dealer.

BMW Assist eCall includes enhanced automatic collision notification that not only places an automatic call in the case of a collision but also, through a ground-breaking algorithm co-developed with the William Lehman Injury Research Center, can send an assessment of the likelihood of severe injury in order to better prepare first responders.

Source: BMW

October 29, 2013

BMW 4-Series Convertible at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show

BMW 4-Series Convertible will make its official debut at the 2013 Los Angeles International Auto Show on Wednesday. The manufacturer will also exhibit the all-electric i3, X5, 4-Series Coupe, 5-Series Sedan, and K 1600 GTL Exclusive.

2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible sets new standards in terms of dynamics, elegance and extraordinary driving pleasure. The car is visibly larger than the BMW 3 Series Convertible in width, track and wheelbase. It boasts an unmistakable and elegant silhouette with balanced proportions and sleek look.

The new BMW 4-Series Convertible will be offered in the US in 2014 Q1. Initially a 428i and a 435i will be offered with pricing starting $49,675 and $55,825, respectively.

4-Series 428i is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 240HP (179 kW) and 345Nm (255 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The 435i has 3.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 300HP (224 kW) and 406Nm (300 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

BMW 4-Series Convertible will make its official debut at the 2013 Los Angeles International Auto Show on Wednesday. The manufacturer will also exhibit the all-electric i3, X5, 4-Series Coupe, 5-Series Sedan, and K 1600 GTL Exclusive.

2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible sets new standards in terms of dynamics, elegance and extraordinary driving pleasure. The car is visibly larger than the BMW 3 Series Convertible in width, track and wheelbase. It boasts an unmistakable and elegant silhouette with balanced proportions and sleek look.

The new BMW 4-Series Convertible will be offered in the US in 2014 Q1. Initially a 428i and a 435i will be offered with pricing starting $49,675 and $55,825, respectively.

4-Series 428i is powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 240HP (179 kW) and 345Nm (255 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The 435i has 3.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 300HP (224 kW) and 406Nm (300 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Source: BMW

October 29, 2013

BMW 2-Series Convertible and GranCoupe [renders]

After the recent revealing of the all-new BMW 2-Series Coupe, Theophiluschin has published several render pictures of the Convertible and GranCoupe versions. Both models will probably hit the market sometime in the end of next year.

BMW 2-Series Convertible is a perfect choice for people, who don’t like big cars. All models in the range have grown bigger, so the 4-Series Convertible is a pretty big car. Of course, women drivers will be attracted to 2-Series Convertible a lot.

BMW 2-Series GranCoupe is expected to be a bit longer than the 2-Series Coupe. It will provide more legroom for passengers at the rear.

The engine range will be exactly the same as this one in the Coupe model: 220d, 230d, 220i, 228i and M235i.

October 28, 2013

2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe – A New Dimension in Driving Dynamics

BMW has continuing to expand their model range with a sensational 2-Series. After the recent revealing of 4-Series Coupe and Convertible, the manufacturer decided that it will be a good idea to split the 1-Series as well. The result is really spectacular!

The BMW 2-Series Coupe takes the levels of driving pleasure on offer in a compact model to even greater heights. The new two-door cuts a particularly impressive figure with its distinctive body design, a range of extremely powerful engines and specially configured chassis technology.

Initially, the engine range will include only 220i Coupe with 184HP (135 kW) and 270Nm (200 lb-ft) of torque and a powerful M235i Coupe with thrilling 326HP (240 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Of course we also expect the 228i with 2.0 liter turbocharged petrol and 245HP (180 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) as well as some diesel engines: 220d and 230d.

The dimensions of BMW 2-Series Coupe are: 4,432 mm length; 1,774 mm width; height 1,418 mm and 2,690 mm wheelbase. The boot space is 390 litres, which is 20 litres more than 1-Series Coupe. The BMW 2-Series Coupe also boasts more efficient aerodynamics than both the BMW 1-Series and its predecessor, as reflected in a Cd of 0.29 for the BMW 220i Coupe.

Everything seems to be perfect, but the real hardcore BMW fans won’t be satisfied at all…

Source: BMW

October 25, 2013

G-Power: BMW 550i, 650i, 750i, M5 and M6

G-Power has introduced a lot of performance packages for the current BMW 550i, 650i, 750i, M5 and M6.

First, the 50i models can be boosted by the Bi-Tronik III package, which can increase the power to:

490 HP (360 kW) and 685 Nm (505 lb-ft)
510 HP (375 kW) and 720 Nm (530 lb-ft)
540 HP (397 kW) and 790 Nm (582 lb-ft)
560 HP (411 kW) and 810 Nm (597 lb-ft)

The pricing starts from €2,999 (excluding VAT).

Second, the M5 and M6 can be also boosted by the Bi-Tronik III package:

625 HP (459 kW) and 777 Nm (573 lb-ft)
645 HP (474 kW) and 810 Nm (597 lb-ft)
680 HP (500 kW) and 890 Nm (656 lb-ft)
710 HP (522 kW) and 890 Nm (656 lb-ft)
740 HP (544 kW) and 910 Nm (671 lb-ft)

The pricing starts from €2,517 (excluding VAT).

The results are thanks to a number of upgrades including ECU re-map, bigger turbochargers and complete sports exhaust systems.

The choice is up to you!

Source: G-Power

October 22, 2013

Frozen Black Edition BMW E92 M3 by iND

Two years ago, BMW introduced a very special model. In fact, it was so special that its production was limited up to 20 units, and as some of you might have figured it out – this was the 2011 BMW E92 M3 Frozen Black Edition. The model was distributed only throughout the U.S. market.

Now year is 2013 and the tuners at iND has got the luck to enhance the powerful Frozen Black M3. The standard specifications of this BMW include matte black exterior with gloss black accents, red calipers and 19” GTS alloy wheels.

On the other hand, the standard features in the interior include Novillo leather upholstery, red contrast stitching, carbon fiber trim with leather accents, heated front seats and premium audio system.

The powertrain under the hood of the car is the 4.0 liter naturally aspirated hi-revving V8, which is capable of producing 420 horsepower (309 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. The unit is coupled to M Double Clutch Transmission (M-DCT), thus an effortless acceleration is ensured. To be more precise, the vehicle accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The tuners at iND had the strength to make even better this exclusive model by adding some sophisticated features. First of all, they have taken care for the wheels of the car, which now are the HRE P43SC E9x M3 Satin Black Wheels that come in sizes 19×9.5” at the front and 19×10.5 at the rear.

They have also included Akrapovic EVO with carbon tips, ESS Direct flash and Vorsteiner’s Type II carbon diffuser. The ground control is ensured by E9x M3 camber plates. At the front three were added euro front bumper painted Frozen black, carbon front grilles. The same material can be seen at the side grilles which in addition feature Dark LEDs.

What is left to mention here is the special iND Frozen black key hole cover, the included Macht Schnell 75mm Stud Kit and black chrome Project Kics R40, the RKP GTS front lip in Gloss carbon and the premium BMWPedals.

Source: iND

October 16, 2013

2014 BMW M5 and M6 – ///M Performance Accessories

BMW has announced a full range of ///M Performance accessories that will retrofit to M5, M6 Coupe, M6 Convertible and M6 Gran Coupe.

The exterior boasts body stripes in typical colors, a gloss black grille and an Akrapovic titanium exhaust system that is 10 kg (22 lbs) lighter than the standard unit and adds some performance. There are also a lot carbon fiber elements including mirror caps, a rear spoiler and a rear diffuser.

The interior also features carbon fiber trim elements, stainless steel pedals and BMW ///M Performance floor mats. There is also a leather and Alcantara steering wheel with a race display that shows “gear shift information as well as lateral and longitudinal acceleration values.

Last, but not least BMW offers carbon-ceramic brake system in conjunction with 20” M light-alloy wheels. It includes brake discs with a diameter of 410 mm on the front axle and 396 mm on the rear axle – 6-piston fixed calliper brakes at the front and single-piston, floating calliper brakes at the rear. The M carbon-ceramic brake system weighs 19.4 kg (43 lbs) less than the series production version.

All products of the BMW M Performance programme as well as the original BMW accessory range conform to the outstandingly high standards of the BMW Group in terms of design, quality and safety and are subject to the comprehensive BMW conditions of warranty.

Source: BMW

October 15, 2013

2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible – US Price $49,675

BMW has officially unveiled the 2014 4-Series Convertible, which will make its official debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show. 2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible is scheduled to hit the US market in the beginning of the next year with starting price of $49,675 for the 428i and $55,825 for the 435i.

There will be three trim levels in the US – Sport, Luxury and M Sport, while the European version will also get Modern.

The 4-Series Convertible will again feature a three-piece retractable hardtop with new features and functionality. There is a sound-absorbing headliner which reduces wind noise by up to 2 dB in comparison to what the previous 3-Series Convertible had. The top can be removed by a single push of a button in just 20 seconds with speeds of up to 18 km/h (11 mph).

Other nice innovation are the three-temperature neck warmers which will allow you to drive the car with the top down even at lower temperatures without getting too cold.

The engine range includes a 428i – powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 240HP (179 kW) and 345Nm (255 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The 435i comes with the well-known 3.0 liter turbocharged petrol with 300HP (224 kW) and 406Nm (300 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

These engines will be connected exclusively to an 8-speed automatic gearbox providing Normal and Sport transmission modes, while the 428i model can be optionally configured with an xDrive all-wheel drive arrangement.

The European version will also get a 420d with a 2.0 liter turbodiesel with 184HP (135 kW) and 380Nm (281 lb-ft). The Euro-spec 4-Series comes as standard with a 6-speed manual transmission but can be optionally mated to the aforementioned 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The interior of the BMW Series 4 Convertible presents a stylish fusion of sporty allure, elegance and exclusivity. All of the controls are arranged ergonomically around the driver to provide optimum access to all functions. The doors are designed so that all the lines converge towards the rear, and bright color combinations featuring a two-tone effect for the door and side panels, in combination with the hardtop cover, contribute to the “boat deck” look

Source: BMW

October 11, 2013

2014 BMW i3 US – Full Details and Price $41,350

BMW US has announced the full details and pricing for the all-new 2014 i3 EV. It is like no other car the world has ever seen. It offers visionary design, a ground-breaking vehicle architecture, dynamic performance and innovative connectivity.

2014 BMW i3 US is expected to hit the market in the second quarter of the next year with pricing starting from $41,350 and $45,300 for the range-extender model. The prices are before any federal or state incentives, and before Destination & Handling fee.

The small city car boasts RWD and an electric motor producing 170HP (125 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque. 0-50 km/h in 3.5 seconds and 0-100 km/h in just 7.2 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to – 150 km/h (93 mph). Not bad performance for an all-electric vehicle. The range of the vehicle is 130 to 160 km (80 to 100 miles).

The dimensions of i3 Concept are 3845 mm in length, 1537 mm height and 2011 mm width. The wheelbase is just a bit smaller than 1-Series – 2570 mm. The kerb weight is just 1250 kg, so the vehicle will be easy to drive with good dynamics.

The BMW i3’s tires are a unique 155/70/19 size on 19” light-alloy wheels, but the contact patch is the same of that of a more conventional 16” tire. To improve efficiency, they have low rolling resistance, and the narrow section width is a key factor in the BMW i3’s super-tight turning radius.

Safety is a key criterion in the development of the BMW i models. A range of systems and measures have been implemented in the vehicle that ensure safety in normal operation and in the event of accidental fires. The high-voltage system is designed to cope with accidents beyond the legal requirements, with the high-voltage battery including features that ensure its safe reaction even in situations such as this.

The all-new BMW i3 will be featured at the Los Angeles International Auto Show in November, 2013 and will arrive at BMW i centers in the US beginning in the second quarter of 2014.

BMW i3 Quick-Reference Highlights:

Pricing (before federal or local incentives) starts at $41,350; $45,200 for Range Extender model. Destination & Handling Fee not included.
On Sale: Q2 of 2014 in the USA.
Preliminary Dimensions (subject to change for US models):
- Length: 157.4”
- Width: 69.9”
- Height: 62.1”
- Wheelbase: 101.2”
- Turning Circle: 32.4 feet
- Curb Weight (DIN) 2,635 lbs. (2,899 lbs. for i3 with Range Extender)
- BMW’s 360 Electric electro mobility services:
  - Home Charging
  - Public Charging
  - Assistance Services
  - Flexible Mobility.
  - BMW Navigation is standard.

Driving:

170-hp, 184 lb-ft hybrid-synchronous electric motor with max. revs of 11,400 rpm.
80-100 mile real-world EV range.
22-kWh lithium-ion battery, which weighs 450 lbs.
650cc gasoline powered Range Extender optional; holds charge, doesn’t power wheels.
0-30mph in 3.5 seconds, 0-60mph in approximately 7.2 seconds (preliminary).
Top speed of 93 mph, electronically limited to preserve efficiency.
BMW’s signature, near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution.
Ultra-tight turning radius (32.3 ft), which is ideal for city driving.
Macpherson strut front and 5-link rear suspension set up.
Single Pedal Driving Concept with Brake Energy Regeneration, which feeds power back into battery.
3 drive modes: Comfort, ECO PRO and ECO PRO+.
3 hour 220 V @32 amps charging time.
Optional SAE DC Combo Fast Charging allows for 80% charge in 20mins; 100% in 30 mins.

Chassis and Body:

Purpose built construction. World’s first mass-produced CFRP-constructed electric vehicle.
Built on innovative LifeDrive architecture composed of two parts: Life Module and Drive Module.
Life Module is essentially the cabin, constructed from Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP).
Drive Module is where all of the powertrain components are housed.
Drive Module is made from 100% aluminum.
Magnesium cross-member for instrument panel saves 20% weight vs. steel.
BMW 1 Series external footprint with BMW 3 Series interior space.
LED headlights and taillights (standard in US market).
Weighs in at roughly 2,700 lbs.
No space-consuming transmission tunnel dividing car’s interior.
Pillar-less design with rear coach doors allow for easy entry and exit to rear seats.
Driver-oriented super-ergonomic controls.
Three vehicle Worlds (trim levels): Mega (standard in US), Giga, and Tera.
Standard 19-inch light alloy wheels with unique 155/70 all-season tires. 20-inch light alloy wheels optional.
No transmission tunnel and low console allows for Slide-through Experience, which benefits urban driving by the ability to exit from the passenger side.

Sustainability:

Made with sustainable, renewable materials.
- Instrument panel surround and door trim use fibers from Kenaf plant.
- Carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) roof panel is made partially with recycled CFRP from manufacturing process of other components
- 25% of plastic used in interior comprised of recycled materials.
- Dashboard wood trim crafted from responsibly-forested eucalyptus.
- CFRP components are sustainably produced in Moses Lake, WA, USA, where the factory uses hydroelectric power.
- The Leipzig, Germany assembly plant uses wind-generated electricity.
- Olive-leaf extract is used to tan interior leather surfaces.

Source: BMW

October 10, 2013

2014 BMW Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo – Price £49,950

Alpina has announced full details and pricing for the 2013 D3 Bi-Turbo based on BMW 3-Series F30/F31 335d. The saloon is priced from £46,950, while the touring model costs £49,950.

2013 Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo is powered by a 3.0 liter twin-turbocharged diesel with 350HP (257 kW) at 4,000RPM and 700Nm (519 lb-ft) at just 1,500RPM. The engine is connected to an 8-speed ZF Sport-Automatic gearbox. 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 278 km/h (173 mph). The fuel consumption is extremely low – 6.0 liters / 100 km in city; 4.9 liters / 100 on highway and 5.3 liters / 100 in combined cycle. The curb weight is 1585kg (3487 lbs).

Standard equipment includes an 8-speed automatic gearbox, Adaptive M Sport Suspension, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated sports seats, climate control and Bi-Xenon headlights. Inside, there are luxury carpet overmats and subtle ALPINA logos on the seat backs and door sills. The instruments are in ALPINA Blue and the steering wheel is covered in finest-quality, hand-stitched Lavalina leather.

Outside, the new D3 Bi-Turbo receives subtle aerodynamic enhancements developed in BMW’s wind tunnel, a four outlet exhaust with an ‘intelligent’ acoustic valve, and 19” ALPINA alloy wheels in the company’s famous Classic design. Every car is finished with a model plaque displayed on the centre console, showing the car’s unique build number.

In addition to being available with all BMW options including those from BMW Individual, the D3 Bi-Turbo can receive almost limitless personalisation from ALPINA’s craftsmen. Alongside the famous ALPINA Blue and ALPINA Green signature paintwork, choices include hand-stitched full leather interiors of superb quality and a wide range of hand-finished woods for the dashboard and doors.

TECHNICAL DATA

	Saloon	Touring
Weight (kg unladen)	1,585	1,655
Length (mm)	4,628	4,628
Cylinder	6 in line	6 in line
Displacement (cm³)	2993	2993
Bore (mm)	84.0	84.0
Stroke (mm)	90.0	90.0
Maximum output (kW / hp)	257 / 350	257 / 350 at 4000 rpm
Max. torque (Nm)	700	700 from 1500 to 3000 rpm
Front wheels and tyres	8 x 19“ 245/35 ZR19
Rear wheels and tyres	9 x 19“ 265/35 ZR19
Emissions classification	Euro 6	Euro 6
Acceleration 0-62 mph (sec)	4.6	4.6
Top speed (mph)	173	172
Fuel consumption Urban (mpg)	47.1	46.3
Extra-urban (mpg)	57.7	56.5
Combined (mpg)	53.3	52.3
CO₂ emissions (g/km)	139	142
Efficiency category	B	B

Source: Alpina

October 10, 2013

2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible [leak images]

BMWBlog has published several official images of the 2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible. The manufacturer didn’t release any technical details, but we expect the same engines, which are offered for the coupe: 420d, 428i, 435i.The exterior doesn’t come with any big changes. After all, the 4-Series Convertible will be exactly the same as the Coupe, except a retractable metal roof and some reinforcement for the chassis. Still, BMW is going to use lightweight materials in order to keep the total weight as low as possible.The 2014 BMW 4-series Convertible will make its official debut at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.Stay tuned!

October 9, 2013

3D Design BMW M6 GranCoupe

3D Design has announced their latest project based on the all-new BMW M6 GranCoupe. The 4-door coupe comes with a lot of styling upgrades, but there is no words about performance modifications.

The exterior boasts an aggressive carbon fiber body kit including a new front lip spoiler, a pair of revised side skirts, a gate-mounted spoiler and a stylish rear diffuser. Of course, all components are made from the high-quality and ultra-lightweight material. Other styling highlights include unique alloy wheels and 3D Design graphics.

The interior boasts a set of alloy pedals and special branded floor mats.

BMW M6 GranCoupe is powered by the well-known 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 with 560HP (412 kW) and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

Source: 3D Design

September 30, 2013

Tag: BMW