Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedans/Saloons, Sports/GTs, BMW

Will the M5 get a twin-turbo and be joined by an M7? Mr. Lehmann and Co. have caught an M5 and a 7-Series with extra ventage. It’s hypothesized that Audi has understated the RS6’s pony count, telling the world it’s 580 when it’s actually 600. And now with both Mercedes and Audi outdoing the M in the horsepower war, the theory is that that’s an insult BMW simply cannot allow. Hence the addition of double-barrel blowers to equalize the equation.

As for the possibility of an M7, all there is to see are a large scoop at the front of the hood and two smaller scoops at the rear. With years of AMG S-Classes and Audi S8’s behind us, if there is an M7 on the way, all we can say is: it’s about time.

[Source: World Can Fans]

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW

UPDATE: Added BabelFish-translated press release after jump.
UPDATE 2: Press pics added to the gallery.

Click the image above for over 60 high-res images from the live unveiling.

At the reveal of its X6 Concept, BMW gave the all-too-common explanation that while just a concept, the X6 could be produced. Swap “could be” with “will be” and you’ve got the truth of the matter. The X6 is on a fast track to production and the “concept” you see here is close to final form. Of course, the most talked about feature of the X6 is its raked roof that begins plunging after the B-pillar until it meets the rear deck lid. Compared to other CUVs, rear seat headroom and cargo space is obviously compromised, but BMW is betting that form will be more important than function to an X6 customer.

On hand, BMW showed the standard X6, along with its EffiecientDynamics sibling that gets power from a hybrid drivetrain. BMW assured us that, after seven-years of development, the EfficientDynamics system will be available on every model the automaker makes.

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: BMW X6 revealed

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Filed under: Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, MINI, SMART, By the Numbers

BMW outdid compatriots Mercedes and Audi to sell the most cars in August, taking the cake with the number one spot and probably the Benjamins as well. Compared to Audi’s 66,400 cars and Mercedes’ (and smart’s) 96,200, BMW (with MINI) rolled 99,755 cars off dealer lots.

BMW couldn’t have done it without the success of the MINI, and we can debate whether it’s fair to include it in a shootout. Minus the little British lifestyle accessory, BMW only moved 85,003 units. Nevertheless, as long as its in there, it bodes well for the blue-and-white propeller, with the X5 and MINI (which is up 24%) still doing very well. All three makers have new and refreshed models on the way shortly, but BMW also has the brand new — and certain to be popular — volume-selling 1-Series and MINI Clubman in the works.

And not that they will add too much to the tally, but while we’re throwing things in, there’s the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe that will probably outsell Maybach all by itself. If it isn’t already, the question soon will be: can you get too much BMW?

[Source: Motor Authority]

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Filed under: Etc., BMW, DaimlerChrysler, Mercedes Benz

Daimler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche offered a choice quote to his nation’s leading weekly news mag, Der Spiegel, when he mentioned that the automaker would be open to developing an engine with the company’s cross-town rival, BMW. Apparently, Daimler is in talks with several companies about joint projects, but as of now, nothing is set in stone.

The idea of a co-developed engine between the two German heavyweights is an interesting idea, especially if both manufactures begin to focus their efforts on some form of innovative propulsion. More turbos? New fuels? Pixie-dust power? Who knows?

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

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Filed under: Car Buying, Coupes, Euro, BMW

While it’s impossible to accurately judge the cost of vehicles in the U.S. based off pricing in Europe, Autocar gives us a brief glimpse of what to expect. According to the Brit website, the diesel-equipped models will span the financial spectrum between £21,585 for the 175 HP 120d to £26,290 for the 201 HP M-Sport 123d. Since we’ll probably see none of the oil-burners here in the States, the one figure that stood out to us was £29,745. That’s the price in pounds for the M-Sport equipped 135i.

Using some creative math, £29,745 is just under $60,000 U.S. at current exchange rates - far from what we’ll pay when the 135i makes its way across the pond. For comparison, the 335i in the U.K. comes in at £31,550, or about $63,500 in U.S. dollars (again, at today’s exchange rate). So if the base 335i here in the United States comes in at $38,900, then would it be safe to assume that the 135i should be under $35k? And if so, is that too close to the 3-series pricing to make it worthwhile? Our answer: Maybe. Although we bristle with excitement at the prospect of a small(ish) vehicle with a 300 HP twin-turbo’d straight-six, such a small pricing discrepancy might cause us to upgrade. What say you?

[Source: Autocar]

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupes, BMW

Our friend Jason tipped us off to several photos at M3post.com, purportedly showing a prototype of the E92 M3 CSL making the rounds at the ‘Ring. While we’re not entirely convinced that this particular mule is the CSL, some cues, like the ducktail spoiler and what appears to be a wider track, make us think thrice.

If it is the M3 CSL, which BMW has practically admitted is coming, expect it to drop a few pounds and come equipped with more track-friendly accoutrements. Realtor’s wives need not apply.

[Source: M3post.com]

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Auto Show, Videos, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW

The build-up to the debut of the BMW X6 is nigh, and in addition to the de-camo’d mule that was spied earlier today, the boys from Bavaria have decided to let Chris Bangle explain the design ethos of the new SAV in front of a cloaked concept.

Mr. Bangle goes into detail over the six-minute flick about what BMW’s aim for the X6 is, who it’s targeting and what kind of capabilities we should expect from this ‘ute in coupe’s clothing. He even says that it might have some off-road prowess. We shall see.

In the meantime, check out the BMW-produced video after the jump and keep tabs on all the unveilings from the IAA in Frankfurt here.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW X6 teaser with Chris Bangle

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Filed under: Coupes, Green, Tech, Hatchbacks, BMW, MINI

Car magazine has test driven the new MINI Cooper 1.6 with BMW’s start/stop technology and likes it a lot. The system on the manual transmission car requires you to put the car in neutral when you come to a stop in order for it to work, which does seem a bit funky to us — we don’t know anyone who puts their car in neutral every time they stop at a light. However, once you learn to do that, you’ll get all the benefits of having left your engine running, and you’ll increase your fuel economy by about 9%.

The system also only kicks in once the car is up to full operating temperature. If you wish to turn it off (and keep the engine running at all times) there’s a button near the gear lever. The MINI also benefits from having an alternator that only charges the battery when necessary, and a light indicator telling the driver when to shift up.

Performance-wise, driven with ultimate economy, the MINI matched Prius CO2 emissions and got — count ‘em — 74 mpg. Assuming Car uses the Imperial MPG metric, that converts to a still impressive 61 mpg in our U.S. cycle. The zippier Cooper S turned in 46 mpg, or 38 mpg in using the U.S. metric. Even accounting for a drop in real-world mileage, those are still impressive numbers. This is the system that BMW is going to introduce across its entire range, and so far, it’s an auspicious beginning.

[Source: Car]

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Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Spy Photos, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW

Now that it’s been confirmed the BMW X6 will make it’s world debut in Frankfurt next week, those tasked with keeping the prototypes under cover have been given the green light to show a little more skin… err, metal. These newest shots don’t leave much to the imagination, giving us a very clear view of both the front and rear of BMW’s SAV.

The front clip has a decidedly sportier appearance than its big brother the X5, with larger air dams, kidney grilles and fog lamp recesses. The sloping roofline out back is as extreme as we expected, and the small spoiler integrates smoothly into the hatch.

Frankfurt is less than a week away, so, as always, watch this space.

[Source: World Car Fans]

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Filed under: Green, Hatchbacks, BMW

According to Motor Authority, word on the wire is that BMW will be making a minicar below the 1-series that will share the current MINI platform. The car will also be front wheel drive, and cost less than the MINI, which would make it the cheapest BMW one could buy.

Apparently the car is driven by several factors, including the fact that green is increasingly seen as corporate gold. There are also regulatory issues, in light of EU fleet averages and CO2 standards — that Z6 and hypothetical supercar are going to need some sort of frugal foil. BMW is also paying attention to Audi, which is coming out with a small car of its own, though that car is aimed at the MINI. Apparently development work is already underway. If such a car is on the way, what would it be called? The BMW Zero?

Thanks for the tip, James!

[Source: Motor Authority]

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