BMW

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We drove the new BMW X3 to Hersheypark for the day, and found that the kids are jaded at their very young ages! I liked the new X3 so much more than the first generation, which I didn't think fully deserved the BMW label. What are your thoughts on the vehicle? My full review is at: http://automotivetraveler.com/jump/3286

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com October 7, 2013 Audi has done it since the start of their S and RS lineup; Mercedes-Benz has begun to do it with AMG, and now it appears BMW is thinking about adding it to their M cars again. What am I referring to is the addition of all-wheel drive. Motoring spoke with BMW M's president Friedrich Nitschke who revealed that the next-generation M5 and M6 could come with the option of all-wheel drive. “On our cars we are thinking of all-wheel drive, but it won’t come before we get the successor of the M5 and M6. That’s the timing and it’s not practical to react in the current life cycles. It would also be an additional op…

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William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com September 14, 2012 For awhile now, we been reporting about BMW heading to the front-wheel for certain number of their upcoming vehicles. Now, we get our first peek into that future with the Concept Active Tourer. The Concept Active Tourer is BMW’s interpretation of the tall-hatchback shape (Mercedes-Benz B-Class). The front end features the twin-kidney grille, angular headlights, and large air dams on the front bumper. Around the side, the Concept Active Tourer has a distinctive character line. The back is a mixture of BMW’s wagon and crossover design cues. The interior features an advanced, multicolor head-up display, …

It was thought that BMW would use the Paris Motor Show later this year to debut the production version of the X7 three-row crossover. But a report from Autocar says the new model will bow at the LA Auto Show. Considering the model was developed for the U.S. and Chinese markets, this move makes some sense. BMW has already built pre-production X7s at their Spartanburg, South Carolina plant for testing. The production model will also be built here. Autocar reports that the X7 at launch will come with a range of six- and eight-cylinder gas and diesel engines. A plug-in hybrid and an M performance version are expected down the road. It is still unknown when BMW …

The BMW GINA Light Visionary Model that was seen via video being installed in the BMW Museum in Munich last week has finally been revealed, and the futuristic design study shows how BMW designers are thinking outside of the box when it comes to the materials that make up a car and also how the car relates to the driver. GINA stands for "Geometry and Functions in 'N' Adaptations", which basically means that designers from both BMW and BMW Group DesignworksUSA were allowed to throw out the rulebook. This is most evident in the GINA Light Visionary Model's outer skin, which is made entirely out of textile fabric that's pulled taut around a frame of metal and carbon fiber wir…

Monterey Car Week has become a venue for certain automakers debut their wares, whether that is a concept or production model. BMW used the event to show off the Z4 Concept. The concept features the cues you would expect on a classic roadster such as the long hood, short rear end, and wheels pushed out to the corners. Little details such as the twin-kidney grilles slightly angled, long vents on the hood, and narrow taillights make for an interesting design. Move inside and things get somewhat weird. BMW's designers decided to go with a two-tone color palette. The driver's side is finished in black while the passenger side is finished in a copper color. The rest of the …

BMW announced today their new flagship electrical SUV, the BMW iX. This SUV will launch late in 2021 as a 2022 model. The style will likely be controversial as it retains the concepts overly large kidney grill front end but maintains a sleek drag coefficient of 0.25 Cd which is equal to the Tesla X. This AWD SUV has one motor per axles giving a combined 370 kW or 500 horsepower with a 0 to 62 mph of under 5 seconds. A 100 kW battery pack that will give 600 kilometers on the WLTP cycle or 300 plus miles on the EPA cycle FTP-75. These figures are subject to change once official testing is done. The BMW iX has a 200 kW charging controller for DC fast charging…

Eight speeds and a more voluptuous look? by Brenda Priddy | (2007-07-16) | Link to Original Article @ TCC A refreshed BMW 7-Series is undergoing testing, and TheCarConnection.com's spies have nabbed it a year before it goes on sale. We're expecting the new 7-Series to have a completely new front end, similar to the 6-Series styling, and sources say the current model's extravagant design will be toned down quite a bit. The sedan should have a more elegant look than ever before. The position of the headlights and turn signals indicate low-mounted, wrap-around headlights and a wide grille, as well as a sleeker body and a more dramatic overall appearance. In addition to…

William Maley Staff Writer - CheersandGears.com July 12, 2012 When BMW introduced their M Performance vehicles lineup, enthusiasts in the U.S. had wet dreams of M550d xDrive sedans and wagons, X5 and X6 M50d crossovers, and the M135i hatchbacks roaming the roads. However, the dreams would be dashed due to emission regulations or the mantra of "Americans don't buy hatchbacks." However, there appears to be some hope on the horizon. According to Autoweek, BMW is working a M Performance vehicle to be shown at the 2014 North American International Auto Show called the M235i coupe. M235i? Let me explain. The rumors of the BMW 3-Series coupe and convertible moving the 4-Ser…

Clickety Not Impressive Weight Buddy, the LS7 is 458 lb for a honking 7.0L. Although it is a OHV compared to the million part motor that BMW V-8 will be.

Within the next year and a half, a new BMW 3-Series will be revealed. There will be gas, diesel, hybrid, and the possibility of an all-electric version. Auto Express reports the German automaker is working on a 3-Series electric that will take on the upcoming Tesla Model 3. The next 3-Series will use BMW's CLAR (Cluster Architecture) which not only brings forth carbon fiber for certain parts of the vehicle, but it was designed with electric vehicles in mind. Auto Express says the model will use a 90 kWh battery capable of delivering a range of 300 miles. Expect to see the 3-Series EV sometime in 2020. Source: Auto Express View full article

For those who thought the BMW X2 was lacking in power will be happy to hear about the 2019 X2 M35i. The X2 M35i is a M Performance model (not a full-blown M model), and sits alongside the M235i. Unlike the coupe, the X2 M35i skips the turbo inline-six. What you'll find instead is a hotted-up version of the 2.0L TwinPower turbocharged four-cylinder with 302 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque - making this the most powerful four-cylinder that BMW has ever built. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. 0-60 mph is said to take about 4.9 seconds. Other mechanical changes to the X2 M35i include a limited-slip differential on the front-axl…

AC Schnitzer Tension, based on the BMW 6-series coupe. Wicked:

http://www.leftlanenews.com/breaking-bmw-d...-quits-job.html

BMW has revealed the plug-in hybrid variants of the 7-Series. Known as the 7-Series iPerformance, the models feature technolgies from BMW's i subbrand. There will be three variants of the 7-Series iPerformance on offer; the 740e, 740Le, and 740Le xDrive. All feature a powertrain that is comprised of a 2.0L turbo-four and electric motor delivering a total output of 326 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque. This is paired with an eight-speed automatic and either rear or all-wheel drive. A 9.2 kWh lithium-ion battery pack sits underneath the rear seat. BMW says the 7-Series iPerformance can hit 60 MPH between 5.3 to 5.5 seconds. On the EU test cycle, the model has…

Hitless: BMW Gets "Death Penalty" From Search Engine Date posted: 02-09-2006 MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Internet search giant Google temporarily removed BMW's main German Web site, bmw.de, and all its subsites, after the German carmaker was caught cheating to get more "hits" from searchers. Back in 2003, Harvard Law School professor Jonathan Zittrain coined the phrase "Google Death Penalty" to describe the company's method of removing those who break the Internet social contract from its search functions. This week, bmw.de learned what that penalty feels like; the automaker's site was briefly removed from Google, and its all-important PageRank was dropped to 0. Reportedl…

Whenever there is a new 5-Series, the countdown clock is started for the arrival of high-performance M5. Today, the clock hit zero as BMW unveiled the 2018 M5. Under the hood lies a familiar twin-turbo 4.4L V8 with 600 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque - healthy increases of 40 and 53 respectively. A new eight-speed automatic is the sole transmission choice, sorry manual lovers. The 2018 M5 also comes with the M xDrive system which can either send power to all four wheels or just the rear wheels if you want to some smoky drifts. 60 mph comes in 3.2 seconds and can hit a top speed of 155 mph (189 mph if you opt for the M Driver's Package). BMW h…

Inside Info: BMW X6 German magazine Auto Zeitung has spilled more information on BMW’s upcoming X6 Coupe, a sporty version of the hugely successful X5. Scheduled for release in the beginning of 2008, the X6 will share the same four-door coupe styling made so popular by the CLS, but will do so on the same platform as the X5. Being a “fun SUV,” the X6 will come with a more driver-oriented interior and range of powerful engines. The relationship between the X5 and X6 will be the same as the 5 and 6-series – more sporting and upscale. BMW’s goal is to target the Porsche Cayenne by having a vehicle that is both more fun to drive and cheaper to boot. The X6 will get engines …

BMW will become the next automaker to drop their diesel offerings in the U.S. Speaking to Green Car Reports, BMW spokesman Alexander Schmuck revealed diesels would be dropped for the 2019 model year for the automaker to focus on plug-in hybrids. "We're putting all our eggs in the PHEV basket," said Schmuck. BMW brought back diesel power in 2008 with the 335d and X5 3.0d that used a turbodiesel inline-six. This would be followed up by a turbodiesel four-cylinder for the 3-Series and X3, along with the inline-six for the 5-Series. But the Volkswagen diesel emission scandal in late 2015, along with stringent emissions testing and standards have caused sales of dies…

Spied: BMW X5 Interior -------------------- The latest X5 spy shot to be added to the growing album offers insight into the SUV's interior. The latest, most-notably clear shot reveals a design that follows BMW's recent interior design trend from it's broad swath of aluminum to the highly-placed NAV and curving center-console. Perhaps the most polarizing aspect of the interior is the gear-selector that looks to be sourced from Norelco. We'll see if that piece makes production. Image courtesy KGP

BMW has revealed the 1-Series sedan today in China. This is the German automaker's belated answer to the likes of the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA. BMW has only released one image of the new model, but we can tell the design is the same as the Concept Compact Sedan that debuted at last year's Guangzhou Auto Show. BMW's press release on this model is very sparse on technical details. We do believe this sedan is using the UKL front-wheel drive platform that underpins the BMW X1 and Mini Cooper. Power will likely come from turbocharged three and four-cylinder engines. It is expected the model will go on sale soon in China and be produced at Brilliance Auto's plant …

BMW for the 2026 model year of the iX SAV or Sports Activity Vehicle has stated that they have delivered a simplified design language EV with more power, range and efficency. Lets look at the options this updated EV SUV or SAV as BMW calls it offers. 2026 BMW iX models: iX xDrive45 provides 402 hp and an estimated range of up to 312 miles, 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, top speed of 124mph iX xDrive60 provides 536 hp and an estimated range of up to 340 miles, 0-60 in 4.4 seconds, top speed of 124mph iX M70 xDrive provides 650 hp and an estimated range of up to 302 miles in a performance-oriented M-specific design, 0-60 in 3.6 seconds, top speed of 155mph …

Whether or not you care for the BMW X4 'sport activity coupe', it is a big hit around the world. To keep its popularity up, the German automaker revealed the second-generation X4 this morning. Like the X3 on which it is based, the 2019 X4 sees an increase in overall length (3 inches) and width (2 inches). Most important for those sitting in the back is the extra 2 inches between the wheels, which should help improve rear legroom. The front end is similar to the redesigned X3 with larger kidney grilles, larger air intakes, and a new design for the foglights. The back features a tailgate design similar to the Mercedes-Benz GLC and GLE-Coupes. The inter…

When the next-generation BMW 3-Series comes out in a couple of years, there could be a variant missing. BMWBlog has learned from a source that the 3-Series Gran Turismo (GT) is on the chopping block. The reason is that the 3-Series GT overlaps with the 4-Series Gran Coupe and it would make sense to focus one in the future. We're not sure if many BMW customers are cross-shopping a hatchback with a four-door coupe. We're thinking that the GT didn't meet BMW's sales expectations which is possibly why it could be getting the axe. The next 3-Series is expected to debut in 2018 with sales beginning towards the end of year. Source: BMWBlog View full article

Tesla, the electric car startup in California has put the automotive industry on notice with the Model S. With impressive range and the model stealing sales from luxury makers, automakers are wondering how best to compete with the Model S. Car Magazine learned about what BMW has planned. Known internally as F18, the new model will utilize a long-wheelbase version of the next-generation 5-Series sedan. The next-generation 5-Series will be one the first models to use a new modular platform known as Cluster Architecture (CLAR) which will underpin models from the 3 to 7-Series. The new architecture will allow F18 - or as Car calls it the i5/i7 - to share many components such…

Is this common? What is it that I am not seeing here, can a BMW guy point it out? My buddy is looking for one of these, and they all seem REAL cheap compared to what the cars were new..... http://vancouver.craigslist.org/car/423113263.html Why is this car so cheap?

There are days where we find ourselves wondering what goes through the head of executives of German automakers on some of the things they say. For example, BMW Australia’s Managing Director, Marc Werner told Motoring there could be a BMW pickup. “Never say never,” said Werner when asked about Mercedes-Benz's upcoming truck. “We’re watching the space closely.” “It’s easier for Mercedes [to bring a ute to market] because they have commercial vehicles and trucks and vans. We do not.” If BMW was to go forward, Motoring speculates that the tie-up with Toyota could grant them access to the HiLux truck. These comments are the complete opposite from those made by …

By 2025, BMW is planning to have 25 electrified vehicles in its lineup - 12 being full electric. One of those models will look somewhat similar to the Vision iNext concept that has been revealed today. Lets address the elephant in the room, the exterior design. The overall shape is very polarizing (we know, huge understatement) with a grotesque take on BMW's iconic double kidney grille, square fenders, large glass area, and wheels that looked liked they were pulled off from a fan. No side view mirrors are to be found - instead a set of cameras handle that. There are also door handles. Instead, the surface of the car will light up, indicating where to touch to open the…

New and close up spy shots of the new 3 series convertible with 3-piece hardtop. Wonder how much this sucker will cost. http://www.mph-online.com/web/spyphotos/0025

BMW M6 Convertible Unveiled Leaked images have been posted of BMW's srop-top version of the M6 Coupe. Other than the foldable roof, not much is different from the coupe version. Oh, except for the price -- expect that to go up. Read "Revealed: 2007 BMW M6 Cabriolet" @ Leftlane News

Unlike many of its competitors, BMW has never officially done a performance oriented 7-Series (i.e. M7). Instead, they have used German tuner ALPINA to build a more potent version - the B7. With a new 7-Series in showrooms, it was only time before an announcement of a new B7 would appear. Yesterday, ALPINA announced the 2017 B7 xDrive. It starts with a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 that ALPINA messed around with and was able to extract 600 horsepower and 590 pound-feet (this engine in the 750i only produces 445 horsepower and 480 pound-feet). Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. Alpina says the B7 xDrive can hit 60 MPH in 3.6 seconds and reach a top spe…

BMW is very proud of their Spartanburg, South Carolina plant; currently home to the X3, X4, X5, and X6 crossovers. So it comes as no surprise that company chose Spartanburg to debut the third-generation X3 crossover. Styling-wise, the 2018 X3 is an evolution of the current model. There are some changes to help set the new X3 apart from the old model such as a more aggressive front bumper, new take on the kidney grille, slimmer taillights, and twin exhaust tips. The wheelbase has been extended by 2.2-inches, helping balance out the X3's proportions. The interior is a mix of the current X3 and new 5-Series. There is still a driver-focused dash layout with the angled…

Changing a Winning Ad Slogan for No Good Reason Some Marketers Learn Nothing From Others' Past Mistakes By Al Ries Published: August 06, 2006 Back in 1974, BMW sold 15,007 automobiles in the American market, which made the brand the 11th largest-selling European vehicle. Here are U.S. sales of the top ten that year: 1. Volkswagen 334,515 2. Capri 75,260 3. Fiat 72,029 4. Opel 59,279 5. Volvo 53,043 6. Audi 50,432 7. Mercedes-Benz 38,170 8. MG 25,015 9. Porsche 21,022 10. Triumph 18,396 The following year, BMW's new agency, Ammirati Puris AvRutick, launched an advertising campaign that would make both the agency and the brand fa…

MCE: 2008 BMW 5-Series All-round enhancement of the dynamic, innovative and sophisticated character of the BMW 5 Series, attractive modifications in design, enhanced style and value within the interior, best-of-class fuel economy in all model variants, trendsetting, future-oriented enhancement of comfort and safety features, enhancement of the model’s leading position in the segment: BMW 5 Series Saloon as the epitome of sheer driving pleasure in the Business Class, the BMW 5 Series Touring as a unique combination of dynamic performance and practical variability. World Car Fans

Speedy BMW offers a great ride, but 3 is a crowd By Paul & Anita Lienert Parents who aren't quite ready to make the leap into a minivan may be intrigued by such hot-looking properties as the 2006 BMW 325xi. The compact German sport wagon offers style and performance, but, unfortunately, not a lot of space for new families and all the gear they have to haul once baby arrives. We tested a nicely equipped 325xi recently with such amenities as a panorama moonroof, all-wheel drive and a $2,900 premium package that included leather upholstery, power seats with driver memory and an auto-dimming rearview mirror with a compass. Bottom line: $40,190, including destination.…

William Maley Editor/Reporter - CheersandGears.com May 7, 2012 From the Twilight Zone files: Reuters reports that BMW is in talks with Hyundai about jointly developing engines. "The talks are at early stages," a source told Reuters. Another source said the two companies had discussed a comprehensive alliance, which included developing an engine and sharing development costs equally. German industry publication Automobil Produktion reported on Thursday that Hyundai Motor Group chairman Chung Mong-koo's son and heir apparent, Chung Eui-sun met with BMW officials to talk about this. BMW currently has partnerships with Peugeot, Toyota, and GM. "Further co-operation pa…

BMW CS Concept revealed (New 8-Series?) BMW has taken the wraps off the CS Concept — a new "four-door-coupe" designed to tackle the Mercedes CLS, Porsche Panamera, and Maserati Quattroporte. The car is likely a preview of the recently rumored 8-Series revival, or alternatively a four-door 6-Series. Either way, it points to BMW's future design direction for the company as a whole. The debut of the CS Concept follows a report by German car magazine Auto Zeitung that claimed BMW would launch a four-door coupe using the 8-Series designation, starting with a new 850i. In June 2006, Germany's Auto Bild ran a cover story on BMW's planned rival to the Mercedes CLS. The magazin…

BMW: 80% of 1-series Owners Don't Know They Have Rear-Wheel-Drive Cars Automobile Magazine

It is no secret that German automakers are busy developing vehicles to challenge the Tesla Model S and X. But there has been barely a peep about something to take on the Model 3. But that is changing according to a report from Germany’s Handelsblatt. Sources at BMW tell the publication that the company will be showing off a 3-Series electric at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. The model is said to have a range of 248 miles (400 km) and will directly compete against the upcoming Model 3. BMW declined to comment on this report. The report doesn't say if this new electric will be based on the current or next 3-Series. Our hunch is that it will be the next-…

Well I guess I won't be adding a 128i to my shopping list. The US base MSRP is $29,375. I was hoping for like $24,900. A single income household like mine can't handle that.

Despite the mess and tepid reception given to diesel models in the U.S. due to Volkswagen emission scandal, there are still some automakers who believe in it. A BMW spokesperson has confirmed to Car and Driver that diesel variant of the new 5-Series would be arriving in the U.S., although no timeframe was given. The model will be named the 540d. Car and Driver believe the model will be powered by the 3.0L inline-six turbodiesel found in the European-market 530d producing 262 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque. The 540d possibly means our version will produce slightly more power. Source: Car and Driver View full article

BMW Z29 Check it, it's awesome! Not much info yet, but enough to marvel at!

Spied: 2009 BMW 7-Series A more sedate 7? Read "Spied: 2009 BMW 7-Series prototype" @ Leftlane News Update at post #5.

TCC Test: 2007 BMW X5 4.8i It's typical that as a vehicle grows in size and becomes more "mainstream" and "family friendly," it also becomes more like the typical middle-aged clientèle that needs mainstream and family-friendly vehicles. Once-sharp reflexes and a firm suspension set up for enthusiast drivers are swapped for drop-down DVD entertainment systems for the kids and power-operated toys for the grown-ups. The X5 has an abundance of the latter, including a "simplified" version of the infamous iDrive mouse controller (more on that below), available heads-up display and an electrically activated gear shifter similar to the system first used on the 7-Series sedan…

Good news out of Frankfurt today—according to a new report in Automotive News, BMW’s forthcoming 1-series coupe will nose in under $30,000 when it arrives in the U.S. this spring. While that’s hardly discount stuff, the rear-drive, entry-level offering has enthusiasts salivating, because even the entry-level 128i will arrive packing a 230-horsepower inline-6. The even more compelling 300-horsepower 135i will command closer to $35k as a starting point, but that should still be enough to spirit away a few sales from Audi A3 and Volvo C30 intenders. BMW’s CEO, Tom Purves, also thinks that the MSRP will be low enough that it will cajole “customers from the likes of Honda, To…

If we're being a bit honest, we're kind of confused as to why BMW has revealed two performance-oriented 7-Series. Earlier in the week, BMW announced the Alpina B7 xDrive which produces 600 horsepower from a somewhat massaged turbocharged 4.4L V8. Then yesterday, BMW announced the 2017 M760i xDrive, the latest addition to BMW's M Performance lineup. Was there a scheduling mix up at BMW's press office that caused both of these models to be announced within a few days of each other? Nevertheless, let us fill you in on the details of the M760i xDrive. The 760 designates that a V12 lies under the hood. In the case of the M760i xDrive, it is a twin-turbo 6.6L V12 with 600 h…

BMW has plans on streamlining its production process and cutting down on the number of variants to help get more money into R&D. According to Reuters, BMW is ramping up development on electrics, autonomous vehicles, and new powertrains to meet stricter emission standards. Nicolas Peter, BMW's finance chief said the company spent 5.16 billion euros (about $5.91 billion) or 5.5 percent of revenue on R&D in 2016. "The next three years will be between 5.5 percent and 6 percent," said Peter. With the increase in R&D costs, BMW is looking everywhere to cut. Unfortunately, one of the items being cut is the manual transmission option for U.S.-spec 2-Series t…

Edmunds Evaluation: 2007 BMW M6 Convertible It's hard to put a value on a car like this. It offers so much to the so few who can afford it. In terms of relative size, price and performance, there really is no competitor. Name another 2+2 convertible with its capabilities. Some may say the four-seater Bentley Continental GTC, but it costs a bunch more. The Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG? Similar power and price, but no backseat at all. Jaguar XKR convertible? Close, but not the performer the M6 is. Even compared to the discontinued BMW Z8 with its mere 400-hp V8, all-aluminum construction and original $128,000 MSRP, the M6 convertible is a deal. That kind of leaves the BMW to …

Spied: BMW 1-Series Coupe 2Addicts Forum

The effects of the on-going trade spat between the U.S. and China are beginning to be felt. According to Reuters, BMW is increasing the pricing on the U.S.-built X5 and X6 crossovers for the Chinese market. In a statement, BMW said the price increases will range from four to seven percent. This will only make a small dent in the 40 percent tariff being slapped on U.S. made vehicles entering China. BMW will be absorbing the remainder of the tariff for the time being. “BMW stands for free (trade) but can’t stand still without taking actions to respond to the market changes,” said a BMW spokeswoman. The German automaker isn't the only one to raise prices on vehicle…

Link: http://www.autoweek.com/news.cms?newsId=103100

The "Rev"erend: Pastor Sells Church to Buy BMW Date posted: 02-03-2006 MANTECA, California — BMW envy strikes some harder than others. Take the case of the Reverend Randall Radic, the 53-year-old former pastor of this town's First Congregational Church. According to the Associated Press, Reverend Radic pleaded guilty to embezzlement and was sentenced to 18 months in prison. His crime? Selling the town's oldest church last October for $525,000 and using a portion of the proceeds to buy a BMW. The press accounts declined to say what the pastor did with the rest of the money, or even what sort of Bimmer he was able to procure. Radic remains in the San Joaquin County Ja…

The Lienerts Seven It Up Another installment of He Drove, She Drove arises this week. Taking the center stage this week is the BMW 750Li. Yep, they still bitch about I-Drive. Read "BMW's flagship 750Li leads the luxury pack" @ The Detroit News

BMW's M division thought the M2 wasn't hot enough, so they went to work and the end result is the 2019 M2 Competition. It begins under the hood with the 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six where BMW has increased the output to 405 horsepower and 406 pound-feet - up 40 and 63 respectively. This launches the M2 Competition to 60 mph in 4 seconds with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission or 4.2 seconds with the six-speed manual. Both times are a tenth of a second faster than the standard M2. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph, but can increase to 174 with the M Drivers package. The larger M3/M4 donate some parts to the Competition in the form of a racing-br…

Front-End Repair? Maybe Just Throw It Away Registration may be required That's got to hit the resale values of these cars- why would you buy a used one if it'll cost a fortune to repair? How much is collision insurance going to be?

Spied: BMW Z9 BMW is testing new prototypes for a new convertible. Whether this is the new Z4 or the more upscale Z9 is a matter of intense conjecture at this point. We originally thought Z4, but closer inspection suggests that this could be BMW’s SL-fighter–the Z9. This prototype is clearly larger than today’s Z4, but that also supports earlier reports that the next-gen Z4 would be growing up a bit to make room for an entry-level Z2 roadster. The most noteworthy details on this prototype are the side windows–a glass-to-glass pillarless design reminiscent of the BMW 8-series and the Mercedes CL. Is that enough of a clue to prove this is the Z9? Quite possibly, especial…

BMW Turns to Steam to Boost Power, Improve Fuel Economy By FELIX BAUER | AUTOMOTIVE NEWS AutoWeek | Published 02/13/06, 1:17 pm et MUNICH, Germany -- BMW is applying steam-engine technology in an auxiliary drive that the automaker says can boost both power and fuel efficiency in ordinary piston-driven cars. The automaker is testing a two-stage device called the Turbosteamer on a stationary conventional 1.8-liter engine at BMW headquarters here. The device works entirely on the waste heat from the engine. Turbosteamer converts more than 80 percent of the heat energy in the exhaust into usable power, says Raymond Freymann, head of BMW's advanced research and deve…