Another vehicle to make its public debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show is the 2012 BMW ActiveE. Just like the MINI E, the BMW ActiveE is a conversion car, an electric vehicle based on the body shell of a vehicle with a combustion engine. The BMW ActiveE integrates all electric drive components such as energy storage unit, electric motor and power electronics in a vehicle body that was not originally intended for this purpose – and without compromising on space or comfort in the interior. The electric drivetrain produces a power output of 125 kW/170 bhp and maximum torque of 250 Nm, allowing the ActiveE to accelerate from 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) in 9 seconds. The car offers seating for four, compared to the MINI E which had its rear-bench removed in favor of a large electric batter. BMW ActiveE offers 200 liters of luggage storage. With the newly developed lithium-ion battery unit, the driving range of ActiveE is approximately 100 miles (160 kilometers) on a full charge. Being considered a preview and a test bed for the 2013 BMW Megacity Vehicle, the ActiveE incorporates a pilot series version of the drive train and energy storage unit from the MCV with a partly identical, partly similar geometry in a vehicle from a different concept so that these components may undergo preliminary testing. Design wise, the BMW ActiveE resembles almost identically the regular 1 Series Coupe. The Alpine White body features silver “circuit-inspired” graphics on a blue background. A power dome in the hood accommodates the battery pack.  Because there are no exhaust pipes, the rear diffuser is replaced by a closed rear apron. Low-rolling-resistance tires are wrapped around 16″ wheels. Inside, the cockpit of the ActiveE sports pearl-gray leather seats with contrasting blue seams; the door panels and dashboard get Alpine White trim. The control system and instrument cluster are designed for the car’s electric-drive system, and replace the conventional transmission shifter and gauge cluster. The 1 Series Coupe electric conversion pilot kicks off in summer of 2011 and the field trial will build on the success and experience gained during the MINI E field trial. View original here:  2011 Geneva: World Premiere – BMW ActiveE

Today, at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, BMW unveiled their latest and most exciting concept: Vision ConnectedDrive. Similar to the previous Vision Concept, EfficientDynamics, the latest design study from BMW showcases futuristic design lines that make use of the layering approach initiated with the first Vision Concept. The two-seater roadster features typical lines: long bonnet, short overhangs and strong, bold front-end. As a two-seater roadster charged with emotion, the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive is a particularly dynamic, purist interpretation of the characteristic BMW language of form: the long bonnet, the long wheelbase and the passenger compartment set well back seem to accelerate the vehicle even at a standstill. The expressive 20-inch wheels, fashioned in three dimensions, underscore the sporting, dynamic character of the vehicle. The front of the BMW Vision ConnectedDrive illustrates the typical characteristics of BMW design, with a strong horizontal orientation. The kidney grilles and dual, round headlights have been designed in a particularly flat fashion and lend the front a dynamic, modern expression. The layering design ideas can be seen both inside and outside the car, complemented by a vast array of technology innovations that might make their way into future BMW production vehicles. The term “layering” describes a new approach to the BMW Group’s concept of design and its design language, redefining the way surfaces, interfaces and materials have been treated in the past. By working with different layers, organic radii and surfaces, the layering concept breaks up large volumes like the instrument panel, thus creating free space for features such as ventilation, operating elements or trays. The result is a modern, organically aesthetic, light and emotional design. In person, the Concept looks even more impressive. Its aggressive lines and futuristic expressions stand out among the hundreds of vehicle present at the show. Displayed in an unique setup, just like its twin-brother back at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, the Vision Concept stole the show today during the official presentation. But the new Vision Concepts stands for more than just design. The new concept is meant to showcase future technologies and advancements in the mobility...

The 2012 BMW 6 Series Individual Program makes its public debut today at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. To mark its debut, BMW brought out a Transite Blue Metallic 650i Individual that takes a center place at the BMW exhibit. Along with the exclusive paint, the 6er Individual comes equipped with a special Aluminum Satinated trim, BMW Individual rear lettering and unique 19″ or 20″ wheels. Inside, the car features a Piano Black trim (Auburn Dark Wood Trim is also offered) with Merino Leather. Full fine-grain leather merino leather seats, center console, door trim and instrument paneling completes the individual interior. The 6 Series Individual options will be available beginning Fall 2011. View original post here: 2011 Geneva: BMW 6 Series Convertible Individual – World Premiere

To our surprise, BMW decided to leave home the Valencia Orange 1M and bring out at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, a prototype in the beautiful Alpine White color. The highly-awaited and unique 1M comes to Geneva for its European debut prior to the official launch in May. BMW 1 Series M Coupe is only offered in three colors, the previously mentioned Valencia Orange, Alpine White and the metallic Sapphire Black. The new 1M goes on sale in the US on May 16 and the demand for the car has exceeded the expectations, mostly due to limited supply and very attractive pricing, $47,010. BMW 1M is powered by the N4 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 engine. For the 1M, the turbocharger, exhaust system, and ECU have been revised to produce 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, though up to 369 pound-feet are available temporarily in overboost mode. Redline is found at 7000 rpm. Even though not officially confirmed, the 1M is said to be faster on Nurburgring than the previous generation E46 M3. In person, the Alpine White brings out the widebody physique of the 1M. The front and rear fenders stand out even more and the overall impression screams of aggressiveness. While we continue to be fans of the Valencia Orange paint, the 1M is starting to grow on us and makes the final choice even harder, for us and for any other customer ordering the car. Read the original post: 2011 Geneva: BMW 1M in Alpine White

Heading out like a lion (or rather a bull), Lamborghini Murcielago retired following a 9-year run as a still on the top of the supercar prestige ladder. Cresting at a horsepower peak of 661 horsepower (introduced on the LP670-4 SuperVeloce model in 2010), the Murcielago’s departure left Lamborghini with a lofty requirement of replacing their flagship supercar with yet another evolution in top speed driving. Teasing with pictures of the unfinished monocoque and the Sesto Elemento concept, Lamborghini unveils their new supercar ahead of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. Called the Lamborghini Aventador LP-700-4, the Italian automaker gained inspiration from a Spanish bull deemed “the most courageous of all bulls” in naming their new production supercar. Every bit of the new Lamborghini Aventador LP-700-4 is an advancement on the outgoing Murcielago. Casting recollections to the Sesto Elemento show car Lamborghini displayed at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the Aventador supercar design features an evolved look with lightweight materials. Constructed on a carbon-fiber monocoque weighing only 325.2 pounds, the Lamborghini Aventador LP-700-4 is build on a lightweight yet rigid structure. Using aluminum and carbon fiber to create the Aventador body shell, the headlamp pods is given a conforming 5-point polygon. On the side, taller side air intakes are merged into the new vehicle shape with electronically-managed cooling ducting. Along the rear side of the Lamborghini Aventador LP-700-4, aerodynamics can be tailored through the manipulation of a rear spoiler to 3 different positions. Specially-sculpted rear window provides a peak into the engine compartment with a ribbed-glass appearance. Held firm to the ground with an aluminum double wishbone suspension, the Lamborghini Aventador LP-700-4 rides thanks to a pushrod and damper system inspired by Formula 1 race cars. Carbon-ceramic braking is coupled with electronic stability control and anti-lock braking system to create excellently-suited handling. The latest exercise of Lamborghini’s all-wheel drive sports cars, a Haldex 4th generation system on the Aventador LP-700-4 spins performance-rated Pirelli tires encompassing 19 and 20-inch wheels. Opening up the scissor-movement doors carried over through Lamborghini...

Infiniti’s front-wheel-drive hybrid is a serious departure for the brand. Infiniti is still a young brand in Europe, but the influence of the Continent is already manifesting in the brand’s endeavors. Case in point: The Etherea concept for the 2011 Geneva auto show , a front-wheel-drive compact hatchback that Infiniti describes with phrases such as “an exploration into what a future entry-level Infiniti may be like,” and “highly significant and a breakthrough in what Infiniti thinks about itself.” Keep Reading: Infiniti Etherea Concept – Auto Shows Related posts: Infiniti Etherea Concept Debuting at Geneva Auto Show Infiniti Essence Concept – Auto Shows Nissan ESFLOW Concept – Auto Shows Read the original post: Infiniti Etherea Concept – Auto Shows Read the rest here:  Infiniti Etherea Concept – Auto Shows