Karim Habib will take over as Head of BMW Design on 01.06.2012. The 42-year-old Lebanon-born Canadian has been in charge of Exterior Design BMW Automobiles since March 2011. He joined the BMW Group design team in 1998 and, among other achievements, shaped the design of the current BMW 7 Series. Following his studies in Canada and California, Karim Habib had various posts in interior and exterior design before becoming Team Leader Advanced Design for the BMW Group and later heading the BMW Exterior Design department. Now the designer and engineer takes overall charge of the design of BMW cars. “I feel very honoured and I look forward to this new challenge. Now I have the opportunity of working together with a great team to shape the future face of the BMW brand,” says Karim Habib. “Karim Habib is an outstanding designer who has had a significant impact on the design of the BMW brand over many years. His longstanding experience and subtle instinct for timely elegance and dynamics are the ideal prerequisites for this demanding task. I look forward very much to his support and collaboration,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design Excerpt from:  Karim Habib is the new Head of BMW Design

The new exterior of the 2013 GLK combines classic elements of an all-terrain vehicle with current Mercedes-Benz design See original here: 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK Receives All-Terrain Design

Big on performance, small in number: The MINI John Cooper Works GP. Fastest MINI ever built – Best lap of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife: 8 min. 23 sec. Only once has there been anything like it, but even that wasn’t as quick. With the MINI John Cooper Works GP, the British premium brand has come up with another car of exceptional talent designed to deliver extreme performance on both the race track and the road. The sportiest road-registered MINI ever made will go on sale later this year in a limited run of 2,000 cars. It is currently completing a programme of testing in preparation for series production, part of which has involved setting an impressive fastest lap of the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit. The MINI John Cooper Works GP lapped the erstwhile Grand Prix course in 8 min. 23 sec. In so doing, the new model has put clear asphalt between itself and numerous sports cars from loftier perches – and beaten the lap time set by its predecessor, the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit, by almost 19 seconds. Underpinning the performance characteristics of the MINI John Cooper Works GP is exclusive powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics technology inspired directly by motor sport. Its twin-scroll turbo engine generates outstanding torque, displays remarkable elasticity and demonstrates a healthy appetite for revs. Specially developed, adjustable race suspension channels this superlative output into spectacular yet precisely controllable handling. As well as being undeniably imposing visually, the design of the body also gives the MINI John Cooper Works GP ideal aerodynamic balance in extreme driving situations – a key element in delivering that handling flair. Large front and rear aprons, striking side skirts and a bespoke roof spoiler are complemented by a newly developed rear diffuser which optimises airflow around the underbody. The interior of the MINI John Cooper Works GP also contributes to the car’s inspirational racing feeling; with the rear seats removed, it focuses unashamedly on the needs of the driver and co-driver. Concentrated motor sport expertise – faithfully embodied at MINI by its John Cooper Works sub-brand – is the not-so-secret ingredient in the MINI John Cooper Works GP recipe. The “GP” tag on the model title...

There’s a new truck headed for its own special slot in Mercedes-Benz’s range of trucks. It’s called the Antos, and it’s billed as a “heavy-duty, short-radius distribution transport,” the niche of which is primarily the regional transport of food and other similar goods. The truck is set to make its official world debut in September, at IAA Commercial Vehicles Hanover 2012. Ahead of this premiere, the company has released some definitive sketches of the exterior and interior details of the vehicle. From the sketches, it’s easy to spot the influence of the design philosophy found in the Actros, the larger long-distance and heavy-duty truck in the range. The minimalistic and modern-looking front underscore the simple and utilitarian appeal of the trucks. According to Mercedes-Benz, the truck aims to provide haulers with easy and excellent handling while also allowing for superb efficiency. Evidence for this lies in the truck’s Euro 6 engine options. Prospective buyers can choose from engines ranging from 238 brake horsepower all the way through 510 brake horsepower. The 2.3-meter cabs come in two sizes and there are reportedly 67 different wheelbase lengths. Go here to see the original: New Antos Added to Mercedes Truck Range

Unmistakably Futuristic Traditionalist The Rolls Royce tradition is stately, exclusive, luxurious, and sophisticated. For more than one hundred years the hallowed British marque boasts “the best cars on the planet”. Through the decades and corporate structure changes, the design philosophy always respected Charles Rolls and Henry Royce’s mission and core values. One of the first models built was the legendary Silver Ghost, produced between 1906 and 1926. Today an invaluable collector’s item, the car started Rolls’ reputation as the ultimate luxury car. Fast forward to 2010, Rolls Royce is introducing a smaller companion to the amazing Phantom limousine, the Ghost. Is it a worthy successor to its ancestor from decades ago? Let’s see… Architecturally perfect The Ghost is instantly recognizable as a Rolls. The proportions are perfect: the short front overhang and the long rear overhang, the traditional 2:1 ratio between the height of the wheels and the height of the body. The stance is powerful; this is a car with a huge presence. The design language is simple and fluid, without any trace of over-styling. The front respects the tradition, with the Spirit of Ecstasy gracing the hood. At the same time, the lines are totally modern, fluid and dynamic. The LED lights bring a touch of modernism that confirms the car is built for connoisseurs living in the 21st Century. The appearance of the Ghost exudes modernity and dynamism, while paying its respects to the ancestors (Silver Cloud, anyone?). Limousine, private jet, or? Inside, the Ghost continues the theme of blending Rolls traditional details with avant-garde technology and design. The steering wheel is thin and large; the gear selector is nicely located on the steering column, and the dash sports vast surfaces of polished wood. Exceptional leather and wool add to the elegant surroundings. The craftsmanship used in building the car is unrivaled. However, poke a little and you’ll discover copious amounts of technology hiding under the elegant wood: navigation and entertainment systems of the highest quality offer the latest features. The car is equipped with and impressive array of luxury gadgets: night vision with human shape recognition, heads up display, active cruise control and lane departure warning...

Along with the new BMW M3 M Performance Edition teased earlier by BMW UK, the new M5 will also get its own variant of M Performance. Exclusively limited to just 30 vehicles, the new BMW M5 M Performance Edition models come with an impressively high specification of standard equipment and in a choice of three unique Frozen paintwork colors, ten for each color, available for the first time in the UK. Same as the M3 M Performance, the M5 counterpart will be offered in Frozen Red, Frozen Blue and Frozen White matte paint. See more here: Teaser Video: The new BMW M5 M Performance Edition

Exclusively limited to just 30 vehicles, the new BMW M3 M Performance Edition models come with an impressively high specification of standard equipment and in a choice of three unique Frozen paintwork colors, ten for each color, available for the first time in the UK. The three matte paint colors are: Frozen Red, Frozen Blue and Frozen White. The colors will be spread equally among the 30 units produced. The M Performance parts for M vehicles will include blacked out kidney grills and side gills, carbon fiber trunk lid. Most likely upgrades to brakes and suspensions will be offered as well. While nothing official yet for the U.S. market, we do anticipate to see these M Performance Edition models here as well due to the importance of the U.S. M market. Excerpt from: The new BMW M3 M Performance Edition

Buckle up for more rumors in the BMW world. The usual and old-time suspect Scott27, returns with more rumors, but this time, the speculations go beyond what we have seen so far. If news around an M2 or front-wheel-drive are starting to make sense and align with BMW’s plans to conquer the world of premium automobiles,  these latest rumors focus quite a bit on SUVs, in contrast to the company’s direction in the past few years. As always, take these “news” with a grain of salt and let’s have a look at the possibility of seeing an X7, X8 and even the gorgeous, yet canceled, CS model. Note: Un-edited content to maintain the source’s original thoughts. Why the future of the luxury car is the SUV. Established luxury brands are getting ready to fight a new battle in the luxury segment that comes not only from their competition, but also from the enemy within… That enemy being their equivalent luxury SUV. Over the past few months we have seen “elite” SUV’s such as from established luxury marques such as Bentley – which if you look beyond the design, you can understand why. Lamborghini’s URUS concept is actually quite striking in real life – it actually works from a design angle as well as a business proposition. The new Mercedes-Benz GL-Klasse is now thankfully more S-Klasse than ML-KlasseXL and we will soon be seeing an all new Range Rover. Some are quick to make the assumption that their will be a Rolls-Royce SUV but BMW feel that a sportier X7 fills that high-end SAV role better than a RR. To make his point a photograph of a Cadillac Escalade with a Phantom front end was sent through BMW to show how ill-conceived it would be. Industry analysts have predicted that the future for the luxury segment is within SUVs and “Downsized” luxury cars. At last weeks Beijing Auto show the onus was on the declining western market for large luxury sedans and rising market within China. But one factor was significant in both markets… The rise of the SUV. One thing noticed is that a single luxury concept is no longer sustainable in this case, The BMW 7er can no longer stand as BMWs only high-end luxury offering. In China at least if we take the 7er into consideration the car achieves 52%...

Today’s BMW Super Bild isn’t a BMW car at all, but it is a “Super Bild” which is German for “Great Image”. So to kick off a new week at BMWBLOG.com I thought it would be fitting to pay tribute to the place where so many have taken delivery of their new BMW or simply go to visit if you’re lucky enough to live in Europe. Ground broke for this super complex in the summer of 2003, and construction continued until late 2007. What slowly rose to the sky had the citizens of Munich gasping, and plenty of jaws drop to this day as thousands of people visit the Welt every year. BMW Welt translates ‘BMW World’ – and that is an accurate name for this mega hub of all things BMW. Walking through the front doors you enter an expansive space showcasing current BMW cars and motorcycles alongside a few classic cars including the famed BMW Isetta. Everything around you speaks of art and design and as you continue walking, the atrium opens up with metal beams and sheets of glass twisting and swirling around you. Beyond the impressive architecture, the Welt is a showcase of BMW’s operational efficiency. It is the crown jewel of the brand. Keep your “Super Bilds” coming to manny@bmwblog.com See the rest here: BMW Super Bild Of The Day: BMW Welt

New speculative renderings of the equally speculative BMW M4 have surfaced on the interwebs. In 2014, BMW will bring to market the coupe variant of the popular M3. As we mentioned several times in the past, sources close to BMW say that the company is still toying with the idea of rebadging the M3 Coupe as the M4. While the M3 sedan will carry the internal code F80, the M4 coupe takes on the F82 internal designation. The design of the 2014 BMW M4 Coupe will build atop the upcoming 4 Series, due out in 2013. The M version of the popular coupe will incorporate the typical M design cues, both on the inside and outside, with the typical wide track, an M front bumper, full LED headlights, and the signature four exhaust pipes at the rear. Onto the powerplant now, same debate: new, revolutionary V6 engine vs. inline-six turbocharged unit. We went back and forth over the last few months on what the final choice may be, and reports from our sources are still conflicting with each other. Latest one from another source brings back the idea of a V6. Car and Drivers said recently that the new V6 will be the first to mount its two twin-scroll turbochargers within the vee-angle, mirroring the company’s 4.4-liter V8 design. The This unique-to-BMW approach reduces the length of the inlet tract compared with a regular turbo-vee setup, helping to sharpen throttle response and minimizing heat buildup after air passes through the intercooler. A 60-degree V6 will also offer the best balance, but a 90-degree angle is needed to fit the two turbos.” Albert Biermann, head of product development at M, states that the new M3 or M4 will not have torque vectoring; instead, look for an electronically controlled differential as found in the M5 . In the mean time, let’s focus on the design and have a look at these renderings. [Source: Iacoski ] View original post here: Renderings: 2014 BMW M4

If you like what you’ve been seeing from Kia as of late—we sure do, given the brand’s sportier, more youthful look and feel, thanks in part from the design direction of Peter Schreyer and his crew—you might think that there must be a fresher version of the Sedona minivan just around the corner. Surprisingly, there’s not—at least… See the original post: Kia Sedona Minivan Won’t Return For 2013; 2014 Replacement Likely

Having demonstrated that it is the perfect blend of sports sedan-like driving dynamics and SUV utility in markets around the world, the BMW X1 is setting out to conquer the US. The talented Sport Activity Vehicle of the premium sub-compact segment will make its US market debut armed with state-of-the-art powertrain technology, innovative features, selective design modifications and extensive interior refinements. The new 2013 BMW X1 will arrive in authorized BMW Centers in the fall of 2012 starting at an MSRP of $31,545 (including $895 Destination and Handling). The X1 has proven to be highly successful, with sales having already exceeded 275,000. As has been the case with other models before it, the BMW X1 finds itself in a competitive market segment that it virtually spawned. Unlike other BMW SAVs, X1s destined for the US will be built in BMW’s Leipzig, Germany plant. The popularity of the X1 around the globe has proven so great that X1s for the Chinese market will now be built in a newly opened plant at Tiexi in Shenyang Province. The arrival of the BMW X1 to the US coincides with an update that includes exterior and interior refinements as well as a host of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies. All models feature Brake Energy Regeneration while the X1 sDrive28i and xDrive28i models also benefit from Auto Start/Stop and ECO PRO mode to further reduce fuel consumption. Another element of the update is the availability of BMW Lines for the first time in an SAV, as an alternative to the base trim level. Both the BMW xLine and BMW Sport Line offer exclusive design and equipment features. The xLine emphasizes the robust versatility of the new BMW X1 while the Sport Line accentuates its performance and handling. For enthusiasts who want to accentuate the sporting character of their X1 even further, an M Sport Package is also available. Design: New touches highlight its elegance, versatility and sportiness. Typical BMW proportions, vibrant surfaces and signature BMW X model design cues shape the appearance of the X1. A sweeping hood, long wheelbase and set-back passenger compartment emphasize its dynamic talent, while attractive light and shade effects hint at its inherent agility. The versatility and ruggedness of a BMW X model are reflected in elements such as the...

With public relations representatives heavily involved, it isn’t often manufacturers are very candid about their products and the competitions. There are, of course, some exceptions such as Bob Lutz. He just tells it like it is, and those of us following the automotive industry have appreciated that. Nissan/Infiniti executive vice-president of global planning and marketing Andy Palmer was pretty candid about the 2013 Nissan Altima in an interview with Wards Auto . The Nissan Altima is currently the second-best selling passenger car in the United States, just behind the Toyota Camry. The Camry has held the title for a long time, thanks to an enduring reputation for reliability. It is the safe choice. With the 2013 Altima, while it wasn’t announced yet, we saw Nissan making a strong play for the top spot. A lot was put it into the cars design, as well as on increasing fuel economy. Palmer says the goal is to topple the Camry, and the directive is coming from Chief Executive Officer Carlos Ghosn. PHe also confirmed what most of us already knew: the Sonata shook up the competition. He says the 2013 Altima was delayed as a result. “Clearly, we referenced the Sonata when we were going through the design process…we even delayed development by a short amount just to check that the (new Altima’s) proportions were right, the (package) was right (and that) the product overall was right” says Palmer. That is a surprising admission from a top-level executive. It is true that the resulting Altima is more premium in appearance than ever before, drawing heavily from the flagship Maxima. Despite referencing Sonata though, Nissan still went for a more conservative design thanks to its desire to topple the Camry. Nevertheless, Hyundai made U.S. car buyers and the industry take notice three years ago with the release of its latest, aggressively styled Sonata. “I’d say they are our major point of reference,” Palmer says. “It’s Camry that is in our sights, (and) the target market is, relatively speaking, conservative….[they're] clearly looking for a vehicle with elegance but not so showy” said Palmer. Nissan has traditionally been the also ran versus Toyota and Honda, but that is changing. With the mid-size sedan segment more competitive than...

As BMW and more specifically the M division continue to refine their product, the skill level required in the enhancement of the automobile manufacturers end result grows almost exponentially. Albeit suspension or engine tuning, long gone are the days of “winging it” in the aftermarket industry. The passion required to create and produce components for these modern machines must equal or surpass that of the originator. 3D Design is no stranger to this process and once again has managed to embellish what many believe is the most exciting mid-size the engineers in Munich have released since the boisterous E39 M5. The 3D Design program for the F10 M5 features a robust line of carbon fiber aerodynamic accessories including a front lip, low splitters, side skirts, rear diffuser, and trunk spoiler. In addition to these pieces the roof spoiler from their existing F10 line will also be compatible. The F10 M5 line will not stop at the aerodynamic portion of the brand. 3D Design will have their trademark exhaust system developed with Arqray as a technology partner. Currently the exhaust will be made available in stainless steel with quad 100mm tips providing a aggressiveness that suits the elegance of their rear diffuser. The exhaust will be made available in both a JASMA spec as well as Export spec. The goal of 3D Design is not to hit a couple areas really well. As a entity consumed by perfection the purpose of every vehicle is to have the most comprehensive program for the given chassis. No exceptions were made for the F10 M5. In working with their technology partner Ohlins for suspension components 3D Design will have a full suspension line and is working on a external reservoir race application. The already luxurious interior of the M5 will be further enhanced by 3D Designs trademark pedal set, floor mats, and a gauge pod for more serious applications. Although 3D Design suspension is exclusive to the Japanese domestic market, it is our top priority to bring these applications to North America and plan to do so with the F10 M5 application. All items will be ready to ship mid May and pre-orders will be taken effective immediately. Continued here:  3D Design F10 BMW M5

Today’s Super Bild represents the pinnacle of the E92 M3 potential and likely to be the ultimate to come from BMW M until the next M3 makes its debut. BMW announced the M3 GTS in November 2009 and is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 based on the 4.0-litre engine found in the standard M3, which produces a maximum of 450 PS (331 kW; 444 hp). The car weighs 300 pounds less than the standard M3 due to its extensive use of carbon fiber body panels, removed rear seat, and other various weight saving measures. BMW then proceeds to weld in a roll cage and fit it with stiffer springs, 5 point harnesses, rear wing, and those sexy black competition wheels wearing Michelin pilot sport cup tires for an end result time around the Nordschleife of 7Min 48secs, an identical time to the venerable Porsche 911GT3RS. A total of only 250 units were produced and sold out almost immediately. Have an awesome wallpaper with a back story you’d like to see on BMWBLOG? Send it to me at manny@bmwblog.com Originally posted here: BMW Super Bild Of The Day: M3 GTS