BMW of North America today announced pricing for the all-new 2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe. The $76,895 (including $895 Destination and Handling Charge) TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder powered 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model of the range, and arrives early this summer. Later in the summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the line. Pricing for the V-8 powered models will be announced closer to the time of launch. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is a new 4-door, 4+1 seat addition to the 6 Series line that successfully combines the stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe with interior room and amenities for up to five passengers. Harmonious proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces give the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the unique ability to satisfy the driver who wants a luxurious and sporty coupe yet needs a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort and luxury. The all-new BMW 6 Series Gran coupe will make its world debut at the Geneva International Auto Show in March and its North American premiere at the New York International Auto Show in early April. The 640i Gran Coupe will also be previewed at the Amelia Island 2012 Concours d’Elegance in Amelia Island, Florida from March 9-11. Originally posted here:  2013 BMW 640i Gran Coupe starts at $76,895

Rumor of the day comes from Auto123 magazine which reports on BMW’s plans to phase out the 335d model for the U.S. market. According to the Canadian magazine that doesn’t quote any official sources, the only diesel 3 Series for the North American market will be replaced by the new ActiveHybrid 3. BMW’s first 50-state-legal diesel delivers 265 hp at 4220 rpm, and an all too fun 425 lb-ft of torque between 1750 and 2250 rpm. Driving through a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine propels the 335d from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 sec while delivering 23 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway. Or in other words, a combination of impressive performance and fuel consumption. The alleged successor, ActiveHybrid 3, uses the N55 3.0 liter six-cylinder turbocharged TwinPower engine aided by an electrical engine to deliver an additional 40 kW (about 53 horsepower). The hybrid technology is similar to the one seen in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5. The electric motor in the latter model develops 40 kW/55 hp and is supplied with energy by a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area. The innovative hybrid system features a coasting mode (with the engine switched off) active at up to 160 km/h (100 mph). Estimated fuel consumption for the 3 Series hybrid is 37 MPG. We reached out to BMW for an official statement, stay tuned! [Source: Auto123 ] View original post here:  Rumor: BMW 335d phased out in U.S. in favor of ActiveHybrid 3

After a morning session of lapping the 2012 BMW 335i Sport Line around the near mountainous Laguna Seca Raceway, I was ready for a break as, after riding for a few laps with Joey Hand, my easily coaxed stomach was feeling a bit queasy. After a quick lunch and an introduction to Steve Dinan and his beastly dark grey Dinan-tuned Alpina B7, I was paired off with all-round great guy and driver Dave Undercoffer from the LA Times. As our track session was winding down, the agenda was to take out a handful of F30′s in various specification. Dave had done us a favor by picking out an elegant Sapphire Black 335i Luxury Line on Saddle Brown leather. After piling in all of my camera gear and helmet into the 335i’s generous truck, I plopped down into the passenger seat to serve as navigator for our afternoon journey up the coastline of Monterey. Leaving Laguna Seca, we headed South on the Monterey-Salinas Highway towards Salinas. Cruising through Salinas city traffic the 335i felt very docile and easy to drive, we left the suspension primarily in Comfort and Eco Pro modes as we dawdled from stop light to stop light. The suspension in Comfort and Eco Pro rewarded our decision by marginalizing bumps and abrasions on the surface roads – great for helping settle my stomach out after the morning track session. While poking along in traffic, I was able to review the window sticker of our 335i Luxury Line and our car came equipped with what seemed to be nearly every available option – and it should have been considering the hefty price tag well north of $50,000. In scanning the list, the highlights of our 335i were the Technology Package giving us on-board navigation and the Head-Up display, the Parking Package giving side and rear cameras for navigating the narrowest of parking lots, and Premium Sound Package, equipped with a 420 watt, 13 speaker sound system courtesy of Harman Kardon. As we were entranced by the sweet burbly exhaust of the N55 out of the twin pipes at the back of the F3, we did not take advantage of the Harman Kardon system to its full extent until later in the trip. However, as we began to snake along the coast line late in the afternoon, we popped it over to XM radio and caught some incredible sound flowing from the 13 on-board speakers...

Many enthusiasts have been dismayed by BMW’s announcement of using diesel engines for its M-badged high-performance variants. Despite its successes in world endurance races as shown by Audi’s domineering diesel race cars, one cannot equate race-bred diesel engines and fuels with the more common everyday diesels found from econoboxes to big rig trucks. Economy, sure. High performance? Not at this point. So it’s with a sigh of relief when we hear from AMG head Ola Källenius that diesels aren’t a consideration for Mercedes’ high performance cars. Staying committed to gasoline-powered drivetrains, Källenius went on to say that diesel engines can only compromise AMG’s lineup. Adding that petrol engines have the obvious benefits in terms of sound, weight, agility and response, he gave as an example AMG’s biturbo 5.5 liter unit, which while producing 560 horsepower, is highly efficient given its use of direct injection and forced induction. Here is the original:  AMG Says No Diesel Engines In Its Future

Henrik Fisker and a small team from Fisker Automotive recently brought a Karma to our Connecticut auto-test facility. We only had a few hours with the $100,000 luxury sedan, but this first production vehicle from the California startup made an impression. The enthusiastic Fisker first led us on a walk-around in our main shop, where we got a technical deep-dive, including a close-up look inside, outside, and underneath the curvaceous plug-in. When seeing the car in person, the first thing you notice is the long flowing lines. The attention to design details is not surprising since Fisker was the main man behind the Aston Martin DB9 and BMW Z8. The Karma is large, with a 124-inch wheelbase, and heavy. At about 5,500 pounds, it weighs as much as a big SUV, like the Dodge Durango . The Karma is essentially a plug-in hybrid of the same general type as the Chevrolet Volt , meaning that it’s an electric car that uses a gasoline engine solely to provide electrical power to the drive motors and maintain charge for the car’s drive battery. The company has claimed that the Karma can drive solely on its battery for about 50 miles but, as we’ve seen, such estimates are often optimistic. In fact, the EPA rates the Karma range at 32 miles. Once the 20-kWh lithium ion battery is depleted, the car transitions to its gasoline mode, using a 260-hp, 2.0-liter General Motors four-cylinder turbocharged engine spinning a generator to power the electric drive. With a claimed 403 horsepower, you’d expect the Karma to be quick, but I didn’t think it felt all that punchy either in “stealth” (all-battery) mode or gas-enhanced “sport” mode. Clearly, the heavy curb weight takes its toll. Initial take-off lacks the urgency you’d expect from a car of this price and presence. Relying on a single-ratio transmission also compromises acceleration. Handling is responsive, but, again, the Karma’s mass hurts the car’s agility. It’s not at the level one would expect from a sporty high-end sedan. However, when pushed to its limits, the Karma proves stable and balanced. Unique for an EV, the steering is hydraulic, and it feels linear and communicative. On the beautiful but freezing day of the visit, the Karma was wearing 21-inch...

After a new retail record in 2011, BMW Motorrad has started off the new year with a solid plus. With sales of 5,237 units (previous year: 4,714 units), 11.1 % more motorcycles were delivered to customers in January 2012 than in the previous year. Hendrik von Kuenheim, General Director BMW Motorrad: “After a record year in 2011, the new year has started very pleasingly for BMW. Never before have we sold as many motorcycles in the first month of a year as in January 2012. Our fresh new model range continues to attract strong demand all over the world, and the incoming orders situation is positive, too. With the market launch of the new maxi scooters C 600 Sport and C 650 GT this spring we are expanding our range to include the facet of “Urban Mobility” and we anticipate additional growth impulse in 2012.” At the same time as the two scooter models, BMW has six new motorcycles to offer its customers: with the G 650 GS Sertão, the revised S 1000 RR, the special boxer model R 1200 GS Rallye, the updated F 800 R and the special models of the K 1300 R and K 1300 S, BMW Motorrad continues to strengthen its extensive product portfolio. Based on this ongoing product offensive, BMW Motorrad looks confidently ahead to the upcoming season in spite of challenging economic conditions in some countries. Once again this year, the bestseller is likely to be the big travel enduro R 1200 GS. Husqvarna Motorcycles , the BMW Group’s second motorcycle brand, supplied 544 (previous year: 362 / + 50.3 %) motorcycles to its dealer network. Alongside its core business in the off-road sports segments (sports enduro, motocross, supermoto), Husqvarna Motorcycles has extended its range to include street bikes with the models NUDA 900 and NUDA 900R. The brand is anticipating a significant increase in sales from the vehicles introduced to the market in December 2011. [Source: BMW] View original post here: January 2012 Sales: BMW Motorrad records the best ever January sales figures

BMW Group, Official Automotive Partner to the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, today revealed the winning design for its pavilion at the Olympic Park. Following a competition involving six architecture firms, BMW selected the British firm Serie based on its cutting-edge design that will represent a significant architectural addition to the Olympic Park, whilst also reflecting the company’s deep commitment to sustainability. Tim Abbott, Managing Director, BMW Group UK comments: “As a major investor, manufacturer and employer in the UK, BMW Group is deeply proud to be an official partner for Britain’s first Olympic & Paralympic Games since 1948.” “This commitment to the UK is also reflected in our choice of a home-grown architecture practice to design our pavilion and we’re delighted that Serie’s final design reflects our commitment to sustainable thinking in such an innovative and eye-catching manner. We believe it provides a truly worthy addition to the Olympic Park”. About the BMW pavilion BMW’s pavilion, which has a floor space of 800m2, will be built on an elevated site above the Waterworks River, situated between the Olympic Stadium and the Aquatics Centre. Serie’s innovative design will use river water to provide a sustainable source of cooling for the building before returning this filtered water to the river via an eye-catching ‘water curtain’ feature. Every element of the BMW pavilion has been designed to reflect the company’s heritage in environmental innovation. The two-story superstructure will be built of steel with high recycled content. Use of carbon-intensive materials such as concrete has also been minimised. Serie co-founder and principal architect Christopher Lee comments: “The design takes the idea of the pavilion in the park – the Victorian bandstand – but instead of one pavilion we envision nine pavilions clustered together to form a family.” The top floor will house a number of individual standalone pavilions, which will be used to highlight BMW’s latest vehicle innovations. The lower floor will house a range of interactive visitor exhibits, articulating BMW’s vision for sustainable mobility and support for Team GB and ParalympicsGB athletes including Rebecca Adlington, Tom Daley, Louis...

This spring sees the market launch of the first open-top two-seater in company history – in the guise of the MINI Roadster. The sixth model from the British premium carmaker is an elegant, sporty compact car for discerning drivers who value high-class design, powerful engines and precision suspension. This typical MINI interpretation of a compact roadster unites purist sportiness with the spontaneous fun of driving around town with the top down. Sporty, irresistible – typically MINI. MINI has faithfully reproduced its hallmark design language within the proportions of a roadster, bestowing on the open-top two-seater its unmistakable look and highlighting its elegant, sweeping silhouette even with the roof closed. The MINI Roadster’s soft-top can be quickly and easily opened by hand – allowing for spontaneous, concentrated top-down driving pleasure. Moreover, with its 240-litre, visually distinct boot, the MINI Roadster offers versatile loading options, thanks in particular to the wide through-loading aperture behind the seats. The padded stainless steel roll-over bars and the windscreen frame round off the car’s elegant design – while at the same time ensuring optimal safety for both driver and passenger. The ultimate go-kart feeling. Powerful engines in tandem with precisely tuned suspension systems generate the customary MINI go-kart feeling. Meanwhile, front-wheel drive – another hallmark brand attribute – teams up with chassis technology of a quality unmatched in the small car segment to ensure unequalled driving fun. Also playing their part are the standard-fitted Dynamic Stability Control system and optimal aerodynamics even with the top down – thanks to an active rear spoiler which automatically extends when the MINI Roadster reaches 80 km/h (50 mph). High-quality standard equipment, individual looks. MINI Roadster drivers can also savour their car’s premium character in its high-quality range of standard equipment, which includes air conditioning, electrically adjustable exterior mirrors, Park Distance Control, height-adjustable seats and an MP3-capable audio system with CD player and AUX IN connection. On the exterior paintwork front, the MINI Roadster has a palette of two non-metallic and six metallic shades to choose from, as well...

BMW won’t say how many manual-transmission 3-series it sells in the United States for “competitive reasons.” It’s not as many as in Europe, where 3-series sedans are sold in great numbers with small gasoline and turbo-diesel engines paired with manuals, but  enough are moved here to keep a six-speed manual on the order sheet as a no-cost option. In the States, the cheapest of the new F30-generation 3-series is the 328i sedan, equipped with BMW’s new N20 turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder and starting at $35,795. That’s a savings of $7500 compared to the 2012 turbo six-cylinder 335i sedan. Keep Reading: 2012 BMW 328i Sedan Manual – First Drive Review Excerpt from: 2012 BMW 328i Sedan Manual First Drive: Stick + Turbo Four = Lively Base 3er Continued here:  2012 BMW 328i Sedan Manual First Drive: Stick + Turbo Four = Lively Base 3er

Is fracking inherently so much more dangerous than foreign oil dependence? The new world order of energy? If you attended the recent Deloitte & Touche oil and gas conference in Houston, you were left with one realization, according to Bob Lutz of BMW, Chrysler, Ford, and GM fame: US energy independence is now a potential reality. Thanks to an oil and natural gas boom, something even Lutz didn’t believe in until listening to the experts at the conference, OPEC independence could be achieved “in a period of a few years”. Similarly, Lutz still believes man-caused global warming is just as much a myth as peak oil has become. Nevertheless, despite a lack of CO2 or peak oil worries, Lutz still believes electrification is inevitable, and it won’t need to be supported by the government, at least not long term. So says a recent piece that Lutz wrote for Forbes that also claims that there is still no real and serious US energy policy, even comparing CAFE requirements to fighting obesity by forcing retailers to only manufacture smaller clothes. Nevertheless, even to someone like Lutz, whom today believes that global warming and peak oil are myths, electrification still makes sense long term and should be supported today. Now, maybe that’s partially due to Lutz’s stake in the Chevy Volt, which Lutz has claimed will lead the plug-in revolution, but I think it still an important point. Long term, electrification will be cheaper than combustion engines. Thus, that should be a critical piece of any energy policy. But it’s not there yet, and it will take decades to replace fossil fuel dependence — especially if coal is to also be replaced. That realization should also be a critical piece of any energy policy. Therefore, today, it’s about the best path to take on the long and winding road to electrification, particularly renewable electrification. Unfortunately, I’d bet that just as Republicans have been obstinate about the potential of batteries, so to will Democrats be obstinate about the potential of fracking, when its obvious both need to part of a quality, effective plan. As a result, instead of putting forth a realistic plan to achieve US energy independence and to electrify the future as expediently, efficiently...

This may not be the most inappropriate homage to every good ol’ boy’s favorite jumping Dodge Charger we’ve seen lately, but this E90 four-door M3 in orange with blocky “01″ numbers leaves us wondering just what everyone involved was thinking. More » Go here to see the original: ‘General Lee’ BMW M3 Confuses The Hell Out Of Us [LOLCars] Continued here: ‘General Lee’ BMW M3 Confuses The Hell Out Of Us [LOLCars]

Plug-in Prius too rationale for electrification hype OPUD: Over-promising and under-delivering the battery-powered future I find it terribly unsettling how often fans of electrification ridicule Toyota. They don’t even use lithium in their conventional hybrid cars, they claim. As if all the lithium powered mild hybrids, full hybrids, plug-in hybrids and electric cars on the market today are dwarfing Toyota’s NiMH-powered sale’s advantage. In fact, if not for Toyota’s NiMH hybrids, there would have been far less cause for other automakers to try to leapfrog Toyota’s Prius with plug-ins like the Volt or the Leaf — which are more halo than sale’s products today. Likewise, it is often claimed that Toyota’s upcoming plug-in hybrids don’t offer enough electric range, even though it’s beyond obvious that the key to plug-in success isn’t really about range today, it’s about cost. Even more ironic, it seems quite obvious that the lithium revolution in the automotive space itself has become dependent upon Toyota, at least if it’s going to happen anytime soon. In just next the few years, Toyota should be selling more than 1 million hybrid cars per year, and by around 2020 or so that number could be as high as 2 million or more hybrid vehicles. That will require extensive battery supply chains — an endeavor in which Toyota already has immense experience thanks to NiMH — and it will almost certainly require lithium. Interestingly, Toyota has already also secured large amounts of lithium supplies. But Toyota has been focused on the wrong the lithium battery technologies, so say the critics, especially since car guru Bob Lutz — co-father of the Chevy Volt — started saying that years ago. Of course, Lutz also claimed GM’s BAS and dual mode hybrids would also be superior to the Prius. Anyway, so some other automaker has perfected the right lithium battery technology? After hearing this argument for years now I still haven’t seen any proof in sales. When is this lithium sale’s revolution coming, driven by what vehicle? It’s going to take years to scale up production, it doesn’t happen overnight, right? OK, but aren’t battery technologies going...

NADAguides.com , the leading online provider of new and used vehicle pricing and information, announces the 2012 BMW 650i sports coupe as the Featured Vehicle of the Month for February. Completely redesigned, this third generation BMW 650i offers a striking new design, a wider, lower stance, a more fuel-efficient and powerful V8 engine, a more driver-focused dashboard, state-of-the-art technology and more. For those shopping in the premium coupe segment, the BMW 650i stands out as a world class grand touring car, which makes it a perfect choice for the NADAguides.com Featured Vehicle of the Month for February. NADAguides.com analysts were impressed with the driving performance and handling of the BMW 650i, in particular the engine’s responsiveness and the ride comfort. The new design, featuring a longer chassis and wider track, provides excellent road holding and superior control and handling. The 4.4 liter twin turbo V8 engine generates 400 horsepower and can be mated to an 8-speed Sport Automatic gearbox or BMW’s traditional 6-speed manual transmission. Along with its performance capabilities, the BMW 650i also offers state-of-the-art technology as expected. NADAguides.com analysts were especially impressed with the innovative BMW ConnectedDrive function, which includes a host of driver assistance technology such as Automatic High Beams, Lane DepartureWarning, cornering lights, Active Blind Spot Detection, Rear and Top View cameras, Parking Assistant and a new, three-dimensional, full-color Head-Up Display that is projected onto the windshield. NADAguides.com analysts noted that website traffic for the BMW 650i increased 19 percent from Q3 to Q4 of last year coinciding with the car’s availability at dealerships. The 2012 BMW 650i Coupe has a starting MSRP of $83,000 and goes up to a MSRP of $86,000 for the BMW 650i xDrive model. Key Quotes • Troy Snyder, Director of Product Development at NADAguides.com: “Totally redesigned, the new BMW 650i is the perfect combination of stability, handling and quickness while offering the grandest touring experience. Luxury coupe car shoppers in the premium segment will appreciate the perfect blend of a sharp, tight and tasteful interior, premium technology amenities and an unbelievably smooth,...

The refined-and-luxurious Z4 roadster range now sports the first four-cylinder engine BMW has deployed in the United States since 1999. We recently spent some time with a Z4 borrowed from BMW to sample this fresh powertrain and share our impressions. Beyond the Z4, the new 2.0-liter turbo four will be the base engine in the redesigned 3 Series that goes on sale any day now and already serves the 5 Series in the 528i. In the Z4, the engine provides churns out 240 horses, with decent overall power and a healthy mid-range punch. Just don’t expect it to duplicate one of BMW’s super-smooth straight sixes in either sound or fury, never mind official acceleration numbers. It’s here for fuel economy. Since BMW makes some cars that are traditionally entertaining to drive, you’d expect the $50,000-plus Z4 to deliver the goods regardless of what winds up under the hood. Sadly not. Yes, there’s plenty of capability and cornering grip, but the steering is disappointing, being devoid of feel and feedback. And if you turn up the powertrain volume a bit—well OK, more than a bit—understeer sets in and its not always easy to correct. At least the ride is not punishing as it is in other sports cars. The cabin is extremely tight. Getting in and out of the low-slung cabin can require a rather taxing pirouette. And if you have a passenger, as well as a briefcase, one of them has to go in the trunk. Unlike the handling, the interior stays true to BMW’s tradition of impeccable finish. On the fun-to-drive scale, the Z4 doesn’t come close to, say, the Porsche Boxster . Even the Mercedes-Benz SLK would give the Z4 a run for its money these days. But if you just want to tool around in a great-looking two-seater, the Z4 may be your cup of Schnapps. View original here: First drive video: 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

Detroit Auto Show gave BMWBLOG the unique and exclusive opportunity to interview Dr. Klaus Draeger, BMW AG board member and Chief of Research & Development. We sat down with Herr Draeger to discuss about the future of BMW i, carbon-fiber, front-wheel drive vehicles, three cylinder engines, and other interesting topics. BMWBLOG: What is the future of CFRP (carbon fiber) for BMW? Dr. Klaus Draeger: The first series of carbon fiber will be used for the construction of the complete body of the BMW i3. Currently we already have some experience with carbon-fiber: we are using carbon fiber on the roof of the M3 and on other parts of the M products, like the crash beam of the bumper, but in terms of production, we will see it in BMW i3 and i8. Let’s have a more detailed look at the i3. We started to understand e-mobility with the MINI E project. The basic understanding behind this project was related to how many km per day do customers drive, in terms of desired range, how they use the car, how often do they recharge, if are they concerned about the range, and so on. In a nutshell we found out that they’re using it basically like they use a normal MINI or a normal BMW 116i: driving it daily, in Germany, for about 38-40 km, and each single driver driving roughly between 8-10 km. The technology we use on the MINI E was basically more or less standard technology – we used the standard lithium-ion cells which are in most of the laptops and other electronics or electric motors. The purpose was to understand e-driving. Consumers worried about the range at the beginning, but afterwards they saw that 150-160 km are absolutely sufficient as range. This was basically starting all the our activities in terms of pure electric driving. The second project we are running is BMW ActiveE, where we are actually testing the whole drivetrain of the BMW i. So we are using the same cells as we will use in the BMW i3, the same ECU and the same electric motor. Looking at something specific now, if you convert a conventional car into an electric car, it doesn’t work. The reason is that the engine of a conventional car, the gearbox, the cooling system, the exhaust system, etc., everything is so large and it doesn’t fit the engine compartment. When you’re taking that stuff out,...