BMW plans electric car

A rendering of the possible electric BMWBMW has believed for years that more efficient gasoline or diesel models were a better bet than hybrid cars. However, as the possibility of the hybrid giving way to the all-electric vehicle, German automaker BMW wants to be the leader. BMW is spending more than $1 billion to develop a small car for urban drivers that will include an electric-powered version.

To test the idea and the interest, BMW is leasing 500 Mini sedans that have been modified to run on batteries. These leases will take place in New York and Los Angeles.

Who would be willing to pay a premium for a vehicle that can travel only 150 miles between charges? BMW says it had no trouble finding customers eager to shell out $850 a month to lease the modified Minis, even though the cars seat only two because batteries displace the rear seats. Driving an electric mini BMW is like driving in the future, so people are willing to pay the price.

BMW is counting on the fact that the consumers with fat wallets and impeccable taste will have no problem shelling out extra money to dirve a battery-operated BMW. The prestigious BMW name would be strong competition for Mitsubishi, Renault, and General Motors, who also plan to make battery-powered vehicles.

The electric BMW may be a ways off but chances are if BMW hits the showroom floor with an electric mini car, there will be many willing to pay the price for a hip car with an upscale brand name.

BMW Planning 5 Series ActiveHybrid

Mild Hybrid System Coming for New 5 Series

BMW will install a version of its new ActiveHybrid mild hybrid system -- featured in the 7 and 6 Series -- into the all-new BMW 5 Series. The system features an electric motor sandwiched between the V-8 motor and the eight-speed transmission, and a lithium-ion battery in the trunk.

On the 7 Series, the ActiveHybrid system improves performance versus the 750i, reducing the 0-60 time to approximately 4.8 seconds, while offering about 15-percent better fuel economy. Other advantages include an idle-stop system, which makes town driving more peaceful, and an electrically driven air-conditioner that can run for 30 minutes without the engine.

BMW sources say the hybrid system can be added to a car for about €5000 ($7500). The gap between the 7 ActiveHybrid and the standard 750i is greater than that, but the feature content of the hybrid is higher.

It is for cost reasons that BMW has no plans for a diesel hybrid – clean diesels are expensive engines. Diesels are in any case economical at light load, which is the mode where a gas engine needs the help of hybrid. Also, the company is currently selling in Europe a 3 Series diesel with 163 horsepower and 8.2-second 0-62 mph performance that matches the Mk2 Toyota Prius for CO2 emissions. An engineer explained that hybridizing such a car would add several thousand dollars to its cost while saving the driver just $150 a year, even at Europe’s high fuel prices.

New BMW 5 Series Has Hints of the 7 Series

The new BMW 5 Series has grown a few inches and will weigh more than the outgoing model.

What does the new BMW 5 Series have to do with a new Rolls-Royce Ghost? Each is being built on a modified BMW 7-Series chassis.

BMW unveiled the new 5 Series – the sixth generation of the midrange German luxury car – this week in Munich. The unveiling, at the stadium where Munich hopes to host the 2018 Olympic Games, was attended in person by BMW executives and employees, and broadcast on television in Europe.

But BMW aficionados elsewhere in the world were rather curiously shortchanged. The company says it is not planning on introducing the 5 Series lineup at any of the upcoming auto shows – a departure from tradition.

The changes to the vehicle include styling touches meant to make the 5 Series look, feel and drive more like the pricier 7 Series. To that end, the 5 Series has grown a few inches in most directions. And it weighs in at several hundred pounds heavier than the equivalent outgoing models. Despite a 7 Series lookalike grille treatment, the new 5 bears a lot of resemblance to the smaller 3 Series lineup, especially in profile.

The 5 Series is likely to come with four engine options, including a 6-cylinder turbo-diesel.

The new chassis has a double-wishbone front suspension with cast-aluminum control arms, as well as BMW’s Integral-V multilink rear suspension.

In Europe, the 5-Series range will include five different sedans and seven different powertrain choices — one V-8, three in-line 6s, two in-line 6 diesels and one in-line 4 diesel. The United States is likely to get a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 with 407 horsepower, single-turbo 3-liter in-line 6 (306 horsepower), a 3-liter in-line 6 (258 horsepower) and a turbocharged 3-liter in-line 6 diesel (245 horsepower).

A new 8-speed automatic transmission will be offered for the first time.

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid: Electric performance!

After recently introducing the BMW 7 Series Hybrid, the Bavarian manufacturer is now offering the 2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid, its second gasoline- and electric-powered hybrid model. In fact, the X6 will be the first hybrid vehicle sold by BMW since it will arrive here in December, several months before the 7 Series. This is because, like all other models produced at the Spartanburg, North Carolina plant, the X6 ActiveHybrid will be offered on the North American market first, which is not the case for the 7 Series.

Of course, the X6 is a sport SUV and BMW doesn’t intend to try to rival the Toyota Prius: far from it. Rather, the manufacturer wants to offer an engine that performs like a V8 but with fuel consumption similar to that of a V6. I don’t think that having a BMW X6 in with a “Hybrid” logo in your driveway will win you any prizes for environmental activism, but at the very least, it will give the well-to-do a clear conscience and save them from a few disapproving looks.

Hybrid or diesel?
Although the manufacturer offered the X5 with a diesel engine, you have to wonder which technology of the future – hybrid, fuel cell or diesel – the manufacturer will ultimately choose. Given the uncertainty, none of the technologies can be put aside so as not to miss the boat. Moreover, according to Jochen Frey, BMW’s director of communications, many technologies will be available in the future and the choice will be a matter of how you plan to use the vehicle. However, since BMW tends to combine diesel with performance, wouldn’t it have made more sense to offer the X6 with a diesel engine and the X5 with a hybrid engine considering the purpose of each? In Europe, the X6 is already offered with a diesel engine which, unfortunately, is not the case here, although it’s a safe bet that an X5 ActiveHybrid is soon to follow. Problem solved...

The BMW X6 ActiveHybrid (its official name) has few differences compared to the conventional versions. With the exception of a few emblems that identify it, its engine type is drawing all the attention. The only version offered is a very well equipped model with the same engine as the X6 50i, a 4.4-litre biturbo featuring 400 horses for a torque of 450 lbs-ft. Throw in a couple of 2.4 KW electric motors for a total power of 480-hp and 575 lbs-ft of torque and you have the most powerful SUV hybrid currently on the market with a 0-100 km/hr time of 5.6 seconds. Not bad for an environmentally-friendly vehicle…

This engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic continuously variable transmission and, as with all versions of the X6, all-wheel drive comes standard. Developed jointly with the now defunct Daimler-Chrysler Corporation, BMW’s technology is similar to Toyota’s in that it allows you to drive in electric mode. In the case of the X6, you can accelerate up to 60 km/hr or drive a distance of about 2.5 kilometres in electric mode but it’s very hard to do without making those following behind impatient. This is a common criticism of all hybrid vehicles. There’s a world of difference between theory and practice.

Sporty lines
Right from the start, the BMW X6 won over a lot of people with its unique, sporty lines. You either love it or you don’t. It’s a vehicle that combines the qualities of an SUV with the lines and style of a sport sedan. Thus, the X6 represents the latest mutation of SUVs and this trend is growing with this year’s Acura ZDX. Ironically, SUVs are practically like the flu since there seems to be a new strain every year. It’s hard to find your way when every manufacturer claims to offer a unique, out-of-segment vehicle. The X6 ActiveHybrid stands outs because of the emblems on the body, several exclusive colour schemes and its distinctive Aero rims.

Inside, there are very few changes other than its unique instrument panel that displays information on the hybrid system in blue. The navigation screen also offers a diagram that gives information on one of the four engine modes used. As for the rest, the quality of the passenger compartment, soundproofing and the choice of materials are all excellent. The seats offer good support, but we found them to be very firm on long drives. Just like all the other X6 versions, the vehicle’s style makes rear visibility a challenge.

On the road
As mentioned previously, the purpose of the X6 ActiveHybrid is not to become the icon of green vehicles for the affluent. BMW wanted to keep all of the X6’s typical features: performance, sport capability and fun, and in this regard they have succeeded. This version offers a very smooth ride, but only if you’re driving exclusively in electric mode. Put the pedal to the metal and the V8 biturbo and electric motor’s combined 575 lbs-ft of torque will pin you to your seat and serenade you with its rich sound. None of its dynamic ride has been sacrificed, although the vehicle is heavier.

As for fuel consumption, this engine demonstrates a 20% improvement over the equivalent model with a gas engine. The numbers announced by BMW, 9.9 litres/100 km, were about what we came up with over the several hundred kilometres travelled during our initial contact. Of course, fuel economy is most noticeable in town since the electric motor is called upon more often. This hybrid version is not the choice for you if you drive exclusively on the highway.

BMW insists that hybrid technology must combine the vehicle’s original qualities with improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. If you agree with this principle, you’ll have to admit that this car gets the job done. However, you have to be prepared to pay the price since, despite some supplementary equipment, the X6 ActiveHybrid comes with a price tag that is almost as hefty as that of the manufacturer’s beastly X6 M.

BMW sells Sauber back to founder

BMW Sauber finished in sixth place in the constructors' world championship German car manufacturer BMW has provisionally agreed to sell its BMW Sauber Formula 1 team back to team founder Peter Sauber. The move comes after BMW cancelled plans to sell to Qadbank Investments. Sauber, who retained a 20% stake in the team when he sold it to BMW in 2005, will take complete control if they are allowed to race next season. The team is not guaranteed a place on the 2010 grid because they failed to sign the Concorde Agreement in July. BMW Sauber lost their guaranteed place on the grid to Lotus, however, Toyota's decision to leave F1 earlier this month has opened up a space on the grid. The sport's governing body, the FIA, is yet to confirm the team as the 13th entry for next season - the official entry list will be published on Monday, 30 November - but it is likely that Sauber's entry will be accepted given its history and reputation in the sport. But 66-year-old Sauber, who entered F1 with his team in 1993, said: "I am convinced that the new team has a very good future in F1, whose current transformation with new framework conditions will benefit the private teams. "It also means we can keep the Hinwil location and the majority of workplaces." BMW board member Klaus Draeger said: "We are happy with this solution. "Our relationship with Peter Sauber has always been excellent and marked by absolute respect."

BMW to offer four-cylinder diesels in North Americ

BMW will offer four-cylinder diesel engines in North America as it seeks to improve fuel efficiency and match the performance of its current six-cylinder gasoline engines.

BMW is considering diesels in a range of models, including its 1 series, 3 series and 5 series sedans and possibly the X3 crossover and Z4 roadster, said Tom Baloga, vice president of engineering for BMW of North America.

"You're going to see it in the 3 series, and the 5 series is a good possibility," Baloga said. "If the performance is sufficient in the X3, U.S. customers would likely accept it in the X5 as well."

Baloga did not disclose timing but said BMW will be ready to comply with emissions rules. Federal rules will regulate the amount of carbon dioxide per mile, based on an automaker's fleet average. The rules call for an average of 250 grams of C02 per mile by 2016, which equates to 35.5 mpg.

Baloga said BMW will seek diesel performance comparable to that of its current six-cylinder engines by using a turbocharged 2.0-liter model tuned for performance. In Europe BMW sells a 320d with a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel.

"Our four-cylinder diesel will be so good that people will readily accept it as a replacement for six cylinders," Baloga said. "With the weight reduction, performance could be similar to the turbocharged six-cylinder [gasoline engine] if we pushed very hard."

Baloga said BMW will aim for a substantial increase in its diesel sales mix in North America.

pictures of BMW’s new F10 5 Series

These pictures were leaked a few days ago on 5Post.com, but you can see BMW’s official unveiling at 8pm CET (7pm UK time) tonight (23rd November).

Early opinions seem to be favourable based on similarities shared with the recently released 5-series Gran Turismo and the 7-series. As with the 7-series, BMW seems to be towing a safer line with the design of the F10 5-series, compared to the more radical step taken by Chris Bangle with its E60 predecessor.

You can check back later this evening for further details and a gallery of images, then let us know what you think.

New Pics Of The Next Generation BMW 5 Series

Official teaser photos of the new generation BMW 5 Series hit the web, more or less accidentally, just before the Bavarian automaker official unveiling of the model. A company’s official described the new BMW 5 Series as the most beautiful BMW of all times.

The few details available in this photos show us that the headlights have a lot of influences from the 7 Series. The front grill is more conservatory and, just like it was previously speculated, the new model is likely to be more elegant too, adopting a less radical style.

Complete informations as like a gallery of the New BMW 5 Series will be posted very soon, right after the official unveiling. Stay tuned on Mibz.com.

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BMW M3 GTS revealed

BMW M3 GTS

The mysterious BMW M3 with a massive wing spied testing on the Nurburgring a couple of weeks ago has now been identified. It was this brand new M3 GTS, the most extreme 3 series-based factory car of the current E92 generation.

Installed into the engine bay is a 4.4-litre V8 based on the 4.0-litre engine found in the standard M3. Maximum power is 450bhp (an increase of 36bhp) and the transmission is the 7-speed M dual clutch transmission (M-DCT) with adapted shift characteristics. The exclusive 19-inch aluminium wheels come wrapped inside 255/35 front and 285/30 rear tyres.

Suspension upgrades include the utilisation of yellow springs for a threaded suspension while the rear axle support is said to be bolted in place. Most notable in previous spy materials was the big rear wing which generates high levels of downforce. It is adjustable as well as the front splitter for increased cornering precision and handling.

2010 BMW M3 GTS Gets Official

BMW has provided the auto world a closer look at its upcoming 2010 M3 GTS via some new high-resolution photos and details. The new track-hungry version of the M3 is a focused, dynamic machine, putting those other touches that BMW holds dear–luxury, comfort and sexy design–on hold in favor of all-out performance.

To get things started in the right frame of mind, BMW uses a 4.4-liter version of the standard M3’s V8 good for 450 horses. Saddling those horses and riding them to the rear wheels is a specially-engineered, 7-speed, dual-clutch trannie that features DKG Drivelogic shift points to get the most out of the engine at any given moment.

On the outside, tweaks like the large, adjustable rear wing; carbon fiber-laced roof; and honeycomb grillwork keep things light and slithery. In the end, weight is cut by 400 ever-important lbs.–down to 3,289.

Unfortunately, there’s no indication that this one is earning citizenship here in the States. Then again, at about 3 times the price of a standard M3 (app. $171,000), we wouldn’t be buying it anyway.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 / X6 Hybrid

Although BMW initially shunned hybrids in favor of clean diesels and other alternative powertrains, the German automaker is joining the electrically assisted fray next year with not one but two gasoline-electric vehicles: the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7—our first drive of which you can read here—and the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6.

While both models share the same ActiveHybrid badging and fall in the contradictory performance-hybrid segment, their similarities end there. The 7 is a mild hybrid that uses an electric motor in its eight-speed automatic gearbox and a compact lithium-ion battery mounted in the trunk to assist acceleration and run the accessories; the X6 is a far more complex full hybrid. The latter’s pair of motors and advanced, electronic continuously variable transmission allow it to waft up to 1.6 miles and at speeds of up to 37 mph on electrical current alone. Forget about Prius-like fuel economy, though, because the ActiveHybrid X6 is the most powerful hybrid yet produced, with the electric bits combining with a 400-hp, twin-turbocharged, 4.4-liter V-8 to produce a total output of 480 hp and 575 lb-ft of torque. (When pressed on why it didn’t choose to pair the hybrid system with the X6 xDrive35i’s twin-turbo six-cylinder, BMW simply says that using the V-8 made for the largest jump in efficiency. Plus, the company added, the resulting vehicle would b

2010 BMW M3 GTS Pictures

BMW to Focus on Carbon Fiber in Future Cars

Toyota weaves its own carbon fiber for the Lexus LFA and, so far, is the only automaker to do so. BMW recently entered a joint venture with the SGL Group to manufacture carbon fiber for the upcoming Megacity Vehicle, becoming the second automotive manufacturer to have a direct role in carbon fiber weaving.

In the partnership, BMW will invest €90 million ($133 million) for the first phase of development, and take a 49 percent share in the company. BMW will leave SGL Group the majority share, but all business decisions will now be made jointly.

“This joint venture is designed to be a classic win-win situation,” said Norbert Reithofer, BMW Management Board Chairman. “The SGL Group is moving into the automobile business with us as a strong partner.

“With our concepts within project I, we are breaking new ground when it comes to vehicle architecture, lightweight design, and the use of materials.”

The first vehicle to use carbon fiber from the joint venture will be BMW’s Megacity vehicle, which will be launched between 2010 and 2015. BMW says the Megacity will make extensive use of the lightweight material to greatly reduce the vehicle’s mass and decrease fuel consumption. In the future, BMW as well as other automakers believe the strong, lightweight material will become increasingly important in decreasing a vehicle’s weight to achieve the ever-increasing fuel economy standards.

BMW to Focus on Carbon Fiber in Future Cars

Toyota weaves its own carbon fiber for the Lexus LFA and, so far, is the only automaker to do so. BMW recently entered a joint venture with the SGL Group to manufacture carbon fiber for the upcoming Megacity Vehicle, becoming the second automotive manufacturer to have a direct role in carbon fiber weaving.

In the partnership, BMW will invest €90 million ($133 million) for the first phase of development, and take a 49 percent share in the company. BMW will leave SGL Group the majority share, but all business decisions will now be made jointly.

“This joint venture is designed to be a classic win-win situation,” said Norbert Reithofer, BMW Management Board Chairman. “The SGL Group is moving into the automobile business with us as a strong partner.

“With our concepts within project I, we are breaking new ground when it comes to vehicle architecture, lightweight design, and the use of materials.”

The first vehicle to use carbon fiber from the joint venture will be BMW’s Megacity vehicle, which will be launched between 2010 and 2015. BMW says the Megacity will make extensive use of the lightweight material to greatly reduce the vehicle’s mass and decrease fuel consumption. In the future, BMW as well as other automakers believe the strong, lightweight material will become increasingly important in decreasing a vehicle’s weight to achieve the ever-increasing fuel economy standards.