BMW
BWM to stop production of the E60 5 Series?
Words are being exchanged within the motoring fraternity regarding BMW’s plan to end the production of the outgoing 5 Series mid-size sedan by year end.
The Dingolfing factory will be closed for holidays anyway and it would need a couple of months to prepare for the production of the next generation 5 Series, code-named the F10. Apparently, BMW will still accept special orders till October 9th. The next generation BMW 5 Series is rumored to be launched at the Detroit Motor Show, happening in March next year.
Interested to go for a ride around the Nordschleife circuit? With BMW’s M5 Ring-Taxi you can!
Munich-based auto maker BMW has revealed an M5 that will be used as a taxi for rides on Nurburgring’s 20 kilometer-long Nordschleife race track, that is extensively used by various auto maker for track testing.
To purchase tickets for a ride in the BMW M5 Ring-Taxi, you can go to the auto maker’s motorsport website. BMW revealed that tickets will be available in time for Christmas. The BMW M5 is powered by a 5.0 liter V10 that can output 507HP and 520Nm of torque. BMW also compiled a 1 minute 58 second-long video of the taxi ride. Read the rest of this entry.
BMW X1: at the Leipzig production plant
We have managed to source a 52 second-long video that showcases the production process of the BMW X1. The X1 SAV, or Sports Activity Vehicle, is built on the BMW 3 Series’ platform and is currently available with one petrol engine and five diesel options. Buyers can also choose between two drive configurations, including a rear wheel drive version called sDrive and an all wheel drive setup called xDrive. To learn more about the BMW X1, please click here, meanwhile continue reading to watch the video. Read the rest of this entry.
BMW to put the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept into production by 2012?
Rumor has it that Munich-based auto maker BMW, will put the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept into production by 2012, carrying the M1 Green Drive designation. Apparently, the production version, which will still be a fuel efficient supercar, will feature a hybrid powertrain, to be made up by a 3-cylinder turbo diesel and an electric motor, with some hybrid components to be taken from the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid.
The turbo diesel+electric motor configuration is just like the concept version (which has two electric motors, instead of one). According to the source, power figures will hover around 350HP and 800Nm of torque. The 2+2 supercar should come with features like 3D head-up display as well as a digital dash.
AC Schnitzer does the BMW Z4
Famous BMW tuner AC Schnitzer, has worked its magic on the E89 BMW Z4, which is the latest Z4 roadster. Under the hood, the tuner has worked on the 3.0-liter turbocharged engine found in the sDrive35i model. The engine now produces 360HP, instead of 300HP in stock form. Thanks to the upgrade, the Z4 sprints to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds and it can deliver a top speed of 286 km/h.
Other upgrades include a stainless steel sports rear silencer and the chromed tailpipe trims, new springs as well as an aerodynamic pack that is made up by a chrome front grille and front spoiler. New sports fenders (with integral air outlets to help cool the front brakes) as well as a two-piece rear spoiler make up the rest of the exterior upgrades.
Inside, AC Schnitzer has added an aluminium cover for the i-Drive System Controller and an aluminum pedal set. Potential buyers can also choose between three wheel sizes, including 18, 19 and 20 inch versions of the custom AC Schnitzer wheels. Continue reading to view an image gallery. Read the rest of this entry.
Frankfurt 2009: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept
BMW has officially unveiled the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The 2+2 concept features a hybrid drivetrain that is made up by a 1.5 liter 3-cylinder turbo diesel and two electric motors. Total power output is rated at 356HP and a massive 800Nm of torque. 0 – 100 km/h takes 4.8 seconds and top speed is electronically governed at 250 km/h. All that, while achieving 75.1 miles to the gallon, which equals to 3.76 liters per 100 kilometers. CO2 emissions on the other hand is figured at 99 grams per kilometer. To learn more about the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, as well as to view a high-res image gallery, please click here.
BMW’s M6 Competition Limited Edition: only 100 units to be available
BMW has announced that it will showcase the M6 Competition Limited Edition at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The special edition M6 features revised settings for the springs, dampers and anti-roll bars. The car has been lowered as well, by 12 mm at the front and by 10 mm at the back. It is also slapped on with new wheels and tires.
To adapt to the new settings, BMW has revised the control unit that masterminds the EDC Electronic Damper Control, wheel track and camber as well as the map controlling the variable M differential lock. To further highlight its uniqueness, the M6 Competition Limited Edition is finished in metallic Frozen Grey on the outside, while buyers can choose between two interior colours including Black with light-grey contrasted seams or twin-tone Silverstone/Black with light-grey and black seams.
The seats, headrests and side panels at the rear, the instrument panel, trim cover on the driver’s side, the glove box, armrest, handbrake lever gaiter, as well as the door and side panels are all treated to Merino leather. Furthermore, the “M6 Competition” designation is featured on the footmats and on the door cutout trim. Only 100 units are slated for production and each M6 Competition Limited Edition has a special placard on the roof lining bearing the car’s serial number. Continue reading view more images. Read the rest of this entry.
BMW decides not to waste time, goes ahead with the production of the MINI Coupe and MINI Speedster
Munich-based auto maker BMW, has officially announced that the auto maker has decided to put both the MINI Coupe and MINI Speedster into production, although, concept versions of both cars have yet to be unveiled. Both models, that will join the existing line-up, will be manufactured at MINI’s plant in Oxford, UK. BMW should reveal more information regarding the production versions of both cars at the Frankfurt event happening on September 15th. The MINI Coupe Concept is powered by a MINI JCW-sourced 211HP 1.6 liter turbocharged unit that is also good for 260Nm of torque. Lets just hope BMW retains this engine for the production model.
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