2011 BMW 740i and 740Li

We’re accustomed to seeing eight- and twelve-cylinder engines nestled beneath the hood of a BMW 7-series, but it’s been a long time -- nearly a decade, in fact -- since we’ve seen BMW’s flagship powered by a six-cylinder.

For 2011, however, such a model returns. Both the new 740i and long-wheelbase 740Li make use of BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6, found in the likes of the 335i. Power is boosted slightly to 315 hp at 5800 rpm, and 330 lb ft of torque from 1600 through 4500 rpm. As no X-drive model is in the cards, power is routed to the rear wheels via a ZF-sourced six-speed automatic transmission.

Apart from the powertrain, there’s hardly a difference between the 740i and its V-8 and V-12 siblings. All options available on the 750 and 760 (including the M Sport package and upgraded rear seats) are available on the 740i and 740Li.

BMW has yet to announce pricing for either the 740i or 740Li, but we’d expect a short-wheelbase car to sticker just underneath the 750i’s base price of $82,280. Look for both the 2011 740i and 740Li to arrive in U.S. dealers in the spring of 2010.

Daily AutoExpo 2010 BMW

This year at the Delhi AutoExpo, BMW India is planning to exhibit its complete range of products in India along with its new models slated for India launch in next two years. The German luxury car maker was conspicuously absent from the Tokyo Motor Show held earlier this year. However, every car maker including luxury car makers like Audi, Mercedes, BMW and Volvo are expected to mark their presence in full force at Delhi.

BMW India will introduce its new 400 bhp, twin-turbo direct-injected 4.4-liter V8 550i Gran Turismo. This model is a perfect combination of sedan and versatility of an SUV. The car was first showcased at the Geneva Auto Show earlier this year as a concept car and the production model was codenamed as F07. Apart from the Gran Turismo, compact SUV BMW X1 will also make an appearance with the new 760Li with 535bhp twin-turbo, 6.0-liter, V12 engine. Besides all this, the new BMW X6 M with the 4.4-liter, 555 bhp V8 engine will also be displayed at the Delhi Auto Expo.

Other BMW models that will be on display at the BMW pavilion will be BMW X5, BMW 3 Series including 154bhp 320i, 211bhp 325i and the 320d, BMW 5 series including 525i, 530i, 520d and the M5 and the recently launched BMW Z4 Roadster.

BMW 535i Gran Turismo coming to Detroit

At the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, BMW will show its new Concept ActiveE alongside the BMW Z4 sDrive35is, as well as the North American unveiling of the twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine version of the 2011 BMW 740i and 740Li sedans. The German automaker just announced that it will also debut the 6-cylinder turbocharged version of the BMW 535i Gran Turismo.

The 535i Gran Turismo will be powered by BMW’s 3.0L 6-cylinder turbocharged engine making 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a peak torque of 300 lb-ft available from 1,200 to 5,000 rpm. The engine will allow the 535i Gran Turismo to go from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds.

“This is the same level of performance as the current 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder but with the innovation of twin-scroll technology and the integration of VALVETRONIC, this new engine will be even more fuel efficient,” BMW said in a statement.

SPYSHOTS- Next BMW M5

The hotly anticipated M5 will debut about a year after the standard 5-Series that is due to make its first public appearance at the 2010 Geneva Show next March.

Until recently, it wasn't clear if the new M5 would continue to use the current model's exotic V10 powerplant or if the Bavarian's would go for the new 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 that debuted in the X5M and X6M. However, BMW officials have now confirmed that the new M5 will indeed be equipped with the turbocharged V8.

Spy Shots – 2011 BMW M5

BMW had introduced the next generation 5-Series sedan earlier this year. Now its M division, is concentrating on developing the flagship version of the series, the M5. The highly anticipated M5 will debut a year after the standard 5-Series will make its first public appearance at the 2010 Geneva Show on March next year. The 2011 BMW M5 was spied undergoing testing at the Nordschleife.

Speculation was abound on whether the M5 would continue to use the exotic V10 powerplant or switch to the new turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 which made its bebut in X5M and X6M. However, now BMW officials have confirmed that the new M5 will be equipped with the turbocharged V8.

The twin-turbocharged unit develops 555HP at 6,000 rpm and 680Nm or 501 pound feet of torque available between 1500 & 5650 rpm, which is more than enough to make the BMW M5 a strong contender in the high-end next generation super sedan category. It is speculated that the direct injection V8 may be improved further, boosting the output almost to the 600HP mark. The new V8 will not only outrun the V10 in power, but will also be lighter in weight, compact in size & more fuel efficiency with lower CO2 emissions.

2010 BMW Z4 GT3 – A Z4 With A M3 Engine

2010 BMW Z4 GT3 will be the German roadster’s version having the engine from the BMW M3, build only for experts.

2010 BMW Z4 GT3 will hide under the hood the 4.0-liter V8 engine currently on BMW M3, but because it is developed under the Motorsport division’s guidance it has 480 HP. Actually it is the same engine on the BMW M3 GT2 and, as well, it is synchronized with a six-speed sequential transmission. Anyway, don’t even dare to dream driving this car without a racing driver licence and without a FIA wild card, this model being built particularly for GT3 class.

We don’t know exactly how it will look like or detailed specifications so far, in the press release being mentioned only the ECU 408 and Power 400 electric units, to control the engine’s pulse during the race. It is also mentioned that the air conditioner is optional and that the price will be just €298,000 tax included (about $426,000 ). This modes is offered to the private teams.

This car is the 2006 BMW Z4 Racing, the Germans hiding the pictures of the 2010 BMW Z4 GT3 so far

The old racing Z4, called BMW Z4 Racing was launched in 2006 and had a smaller engine, 3.2-liter, but developed 400 HP. The Z4 Racing competed in the endurance races, racing at the 24 Hours Nurburgring Race and in the German Endurance Championship.

BMW Z4 GT3 Racer Coming in 2010 with M3 V8 Engine

BMW Motorsport will be offering a brand new, lust-worthy model to the private race teams. The new beast in BMW’s racing lineup is the BMW Z4 GT3 which is fitted with a M3-derived V8 engine. This latest edition of the automaker’s customer race offering will start entertaining its fans from next year. The details of the car were officially revealed by BMW Motorsport on its dedicated website.

The factory-built Z4 will use an up-rated version of the M3’s 4.0-L V8 engine to burn the tracks. The unit easily generates 480 horsepower and also combines some innovative solutions from BMW. A type-408 ECU modem controls the engine and a Power400 control unit governs the working of all actuators. The power is sent via a sequential, 6-speed gearbox to the rear wheels. Enough thoughts are put into the safety section and it emerges with racing ABS as well as rims with locking and safety clips.

The new Z4 GT3 provides an opportunity for the drivers and teams to compete in international and national championships while complying with GT3 regulations. The main events are the FIA GT3 European Championships, International GT Open, the ADAC GT Masters and several 24-hour endurance races. With this prospect, the Z4 GT3 adds to the German car manufacturer’s racing heritage.

new 2011 BMW 740i and 740Li for spring 2010

BMW 7 Series, M Sports Package

BMW of North America announced today from the New Jersey headquarters, the introduction of the new 2011 BWM 7-Series with a twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine. The inline-6 engine produces V-8 power but maintains six-cylinder fuel consumption. The new 740i and 740 Li will go on sale in the spring as 2011 model year automobiles.

BMW’s Efficient Dynamics which is their engineering philosophy of getting large engine performance and power out of much smaller engines.This engineering technology was first demonstrated in the BMW 750i which featured a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine that performed at the same performance level of BWM’s V-12 engine but produced emissions of a much smaller engine.

The new 2011 engines will produce 315 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque from 1600-4500 rpm. All-aluminum construction, High Precision direct fuel injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft technology, and Brake Energy Regeneration are a few of the technologies used under the BMW Efficient Dynamics philosophy to place the 740i and 740Li among the most powerful six-cylinder luxury sedans in the world. Delivering power to the rear wheels is BMW’s 6-speed automatic transmission, well-known for fast, smooth gearshifts and an ability to intelligently adapt to the driver’s style.

2011 BMW 740i, 740Li: First Look

• Competes with: Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Audi A8, Jaguar XJ
• Looks like: Power isn’t everything -- even in imposing German sedans
• Drivetrain: 315-hp, twin-turbo six-cylinder with six-speed automatic transmission
• Hits dealerships: Spring 2010

BMW’s flagship sedan is getting a power dump — not bump — for 2011. The 740i and 740Li will pack BMW’s superb twin-turbo V-6 engine used in the 3 and 5 Series. In the 740s, it will produce 315 horsepower and is teamed to a six-speed automatic.

We’re not sure why BMW thinks this is a good idea. No other luxury car in this class features a six-cylinder, even a turbocharged one. We’re also not sure on pricing, but it probably will be north of $70,000 since the 750i starts at $80,455.

At either price buyers may demand a V-8 — fuel economy be damned.

We recently tested a BMW 535 wagon with the same engine producing 300 hp and found it to be plenty powerful. The 750 weighs 450 pounds more than the 535 wagon, but the turbo engine should bring the 7 Series’ weight down slightly. The 740 will be rear-wheel drive only and pack regenerative braking technology; the 740Li will be an extended model, just like in the rest of the range, for more interior room.

Even if performance is acceptable, will the 7 Series buyer be content with the 740i badge on the back? Or will they pull an Ari Gold who famously put a higher-end badge on his wife’s luxury sedan in the popular HBO series “Entourage.”

BMW Concept ActiveE

• Looks like: Unmistakably 1 Series-esque
• Defining characteristics: Never-ending EV badges
• Ridiculous features: Illuminated charging port, what appear to be white leather seats asking for a coffee spill
• Chance of being mass produced: Good, if the EV craze takes off the way some are hoping

BMW has already put its toe in the water when it comes to electric vehicles with the Mini E, which it leased to 500 customers for a trial period. Now, the automaker will take an all-electric drivetrain and toss it into its 1 Series design, which it’s calling the BMW Concept ActiveE.

Debuting in 2011 at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the ActiveE puts up similar numbers to a few other electric vehicles we’ve already heard so much about, such as the Nissan Leaf. The ActiveE’s lithium-ion battery will have a range of 100 miles per charge and a recharging time of 4.5 hours, BMW says. The difference, of course, is that BMW promises its premium driving experience along with that luxury feel. Judging from images of the interior, BMW doesn’t plan to let the ActiveE disappoint in that regard.

Like it did with the Mini E, BMW plans to conduct field tests with the ActiveE in North America and Europe next month to compile real world data before moving forward with full-fledged production. This is no doubt a way to see how the electric vehicle market develops over the next five years. If governments kick in with the proper support, infrastructure will follow, and — this is kind of important — luxury buyers will actually want to opt for a 1 Series ride that can go only 100 miles before you need to plug it in for 4.5 hours.

Interestingly, BMW says any electrically powered serial production vehicle based on the ActiveE will be marketed under a sub-brand of BMW sometime within the first half of the next decade.

Check Out BMW's Hot New Electric Car

BMW is going electric with the Concept ActiveE, the latest car from their campaign to make low-emission auto's that can be produced sustainably, Wired reports.

The two-door will be on display at the Detroit auto show next month.

In North America, the charge time for the ActiveE should be about 4.5 hours.

Watch out Nissan Leaf and Toyota plug-in Prius! The Germans could be giving you a run for your money soon.

BMW Goes Electric

Boom!

That’s the sound of another round being fired in the electric vehicle war, and it’s a big one: BMW is getting in on the action in a big way. The Germans are rolling into the Detroit auto show next month with the slick Concept ActiveE and hinting it might see production. It looks mighty close to being showroom-ready as it is.

The Concept ActiveE is the latest car out of Project i, BMW’s campaign to to develop low-emission city cars and a sustainable means of producing them. It follows the Mini E electric car out the door, and looks like a far more practical automobile even with the garish graphics.

ActiveE is based on the BMW 1-Series small cars. BMW says it is a continuation of the company’s green R&D activities and says it promises “CO2-free mobility.” Yes, yes, we know — at the tailpipe.

When BMW pulled out of Formula 1, many people scoffed when said the reason for quitting was to dedicate those resources to developing cleaner, greener cars using what it learned on the track. But BMW might have been right. We’ve seen a slew of cool hardware from BMW, including the Vision Efficientdynamics Concept and an ultra-efficient diesel, and continued field tests of the Mini E in Europe and America. And now, with the BMW Concept ActiveE, it looks like BMW is on the cusp of taking on rides like the Nissan Leaf electric car and Toyota’s new plug-in Prius.

The rear wheel drive ActiveE promises to be a fun driver that packs a slew of interesting technology. It’s propelled by a new synchronous motor cranking out 125 kilowatts (170 horsepower) and 184 pound-feet of torque. Juice is stored in a lithium-ion battery pack (of undisclosed size) BMW developed with SB LiMotive. Said battery is said to feature a new stable temperature regulation function to optimize performance.

ActiveE tips the scales at 1,800 kilos (3,900 pounds), which is a bit tubby for a car of its size but not terribly so for an EV. BMW says it kept the center of gravity low and evened out the weight distribution. Combined with the rear wheel drive platform, BMW says, ActiveE “has everything it requires to provide the dynamic driving properties and agile handling in the style of the BMW 1 Series.”

BMW says the little EV should accelerate from zero to 60 km/h (37 mph) in less than 4.5 seconds and do zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in less than 9. Top speed is limited to 145 km/h (90 mph). BMW says real-world range is about 160 km / 100 miles, depending on conditions. Flog it like a proper BMW and you’ll probably see less.

Charging of the lithium-ion battery pack is handled via conventional power outlets or a special wall box. In Europe, the battery pack can be fully charged at a 50 ampere high-current power outlet in as little as 3 hours. And in North America, using a 32 ampere continuous high-current residential wall box, the charge time is around 4.5 hours.

And just everybody will know how cool you are, BMW has added some styling elements. That color is called “Liquid White metallic,” and while it looks sharp the “Electric Blue” circuit graphics are garish. We do like the alloy wheels.

On the inside there’s the usual design tweaks like leather seats with embossed graphics and blue accentuated seams as well as body-color interior accents. The instrument panel does away with the usual gauges and displays found in cars with gas engines and now features display items specific to electric drive.

Look for a production version at the Paris auto show in September. Autoweek says BMW plans to lease the ActiveE to selected customers by the end of the year, which is the same model it followed for the Mini-E. It’s basically a big R&D project to further refine the technology before offering it to the masses. No word on what the ActiveE will cost, but the monthly lease on the Mini-E runs $850 a month. Figure you’ll pay about the same for the ActiveE.

Photos: BMW