Filed under: Convertibles, Coupes, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

One enthusiast from the Netherlands described the E93 thusly: “Super vette bak!” We’re pretty sure that translates to “super fat barge,” though the overly-literal “super oily bake” has its own charm. If you’re into cabrios, maybe mutating the phrase to “super phat barge” is more palatable. Our friend from NL was referring to the 200-plus extra pounds the M3 cabrio will be hauling around versus its sedan counterparts. The folding-roof M3 doesn’t officially debut until the Geneva Auto Salon in March, but a German magazine jumped the gun and posted images on their website. Embargo apparently broken, the pictures continue to propagate about the internet.

The biggest news with the pending debut of the convertible M3 is the gearbox. The new seven-speed dual-clutch replacement for the SMG transmission, dubbed M-DKG, is reported to debut with the M3 cab and will be available across all bodystyles of the M3 simultaneously. Wheel-mounted paddles will let you blip your heart out, and the new cog swapper will likely outrun cabrios fitted with traditional manuals, reportedly making the sprint in about 5.3 seconds.

[Source: M3Post via Motor Authority]

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, BMW

Click above to see a video of the BMW PAV in action.

While a lot of attention will be paid to BMW’s M3 convertible fitted with the automaker’s new dual-clutch gearbox, another vehicle set to debut in Geneva has the potential of being as important, if not more so. BMW plans to show off a new concept utilizing its Efficient Dynamics powertrain and it could be our first glimpse of the recently spied Progressive Activity Sedan.

At this point, the details about the concept are minimal, but considering BMW’s penchant for unveiling near-production ready concepts with next generation drivetrains (ala X6), it’s a distinct possibility. And with sales of the PAV expected to begin sometime next year, Geneva might be the first place BMW shows off its plans to assault the people-mover segment.

[Source: InsideLine]

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Filed under: Concept Cars, Hybrids/Alternative, SUVs, Geneva Motor Show, Green, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics X5.

Every auto show nowadays has to have its fair share of “green” concepts, and Geneva won’t be any different. Over at the BMW stand, the automaker will be showing off its Vision EfficientDynamics Concept that’s packing a twin-turbo, 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel that’s mated to a hybrid motor. The diesel mill alone is making 204 hp and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, but the addition of a compact generator increases power by another 20 hp and 154 lb.-ft. of torque. Power is sent through an eight-speed gearbox developed by ZF that features longer ratios to make the most of the miserly mill. BMW cites mpg figures in the 43.5-range, with 172 g/km of CO2 being shot on the tailpipe. Additionally, BMW has fitted a regenerative braking system to the X5, along with roof-mounted solar panels and aerodynamically enhanced 19-inch wheels.

All the details are available after the jump in BMW’s press release.

Continue reading Geneva ‘08 Preview: BMW twin-turbo diesel hybrid X5

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