Category: BMW

Here is the picture of the future the small BMW SUV X1 due to be on sale in 2010. At the beginning it was thought that the vehicle on the picture was the next-generation X3 but a closer look and new information suggests it is the future X1.

Secrecy surrounds the X1 model although it is believed that it will offer an overall design similar to the BMW X6 model with a unique SUV-coupé shape. It is rumoured that the X1 will offer dimensions similar to the Toyta RAV4. It will likely feature BMW 1-Series underpinnings.

It appears that BMW is quite determined to offer a full range of SUV-coupé models with the X6 unveiled at the last Frankfurt Motor Show and the announced X4 model which will be unveiled in 2008 or 2009. While the X6 is a four-door SUV, the X4 will offer only two-doors. Thus, the X1 might also be a two-door SUV. Sales will say whether consumers is ready for those oddly designed vehicles. I am rather sceptical about the future success of the SUV-coupé models.

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Source: Leftlanenews

BMW wants its 1-Series model to succeed on the American market and seems to be determined to use all possible marketing tricks. Due to go on sale next year, the compact model will feature a unique starter button. This starter button will be engraved with the message “Year One of the 1”.

The purpose of this gimmick is to make the driver to feel special about the 1-Series despite the fact that he or she will have to insert a key before pushing the starter button.

The three door and five door hatchbacks will not be imported onto the American market. BMW will import the coupe and convertible variants in order to avoid direct competition with Audi on the same segment. However, Audi is already selling the Audi A3 Sportsback and plans to sell the eagerly awaited A3 convertible. We can count on an interesting battle between the two carmakers.

Here are some spyshots of a strange X5 that features bigger exhaust pipes and a front bumper with larger air intakes than the standard X5. It is possible that this is the unofficial M version of the X5.

How can there be an unofficial M version of the X5? The truth is that M Division chief Gerhard Richter does not want to offer a X5 M because the SUV does not fit in with the M philosophy. It is too big and heavy to receive the M magic formula. Unfortunately, intense competition is pressuring the German carmaker into launching a highly powered X5. On paper, the 507 bhp of the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG looks better than the 355 bhp of the X5 4.8i. BMW therefore has no choice but to sell a tuned X5.

Obviously, the best option would be to use the M5 engine, which was highly praised by specialists. The 507 bhp V10 has enough bite to compete with the Mercedes V8 and you can bet BMW will make the X5 sportier than the ML63 AMG.

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In an interview with Insideline, the BMW’s M division vice president Gerhard Richter has announced that there will be light version of the new E92 M3 and that the same will be true for all future M3s.

The Coupe Sport Lightweight was a limited edition of the E46 M3 sold in the second semester of 2003. The car distinguished itself from the normal M3 by reducing its weight considerably. To achieve this, the air conditioning and sound systems were removed. Further modifications included a carbon-fibre roof was added and a trunk floor that was practically made of cardboard. The result was that the M3 CSL was 407lbs/185kg lighter than the regular M3. Technically, the car had its power boosted from 343 bhp to 360 bhp and was only available with the SMG gearbox.

On the exterior, the light M3 distinguished itself form its standard sibling with a different wheel design, a larger integrated rear spoiler and a large air intake hole on the left side of the front bumper.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, BMW might launch a city car in 2010 in order to compete with the future Audi A1.

The news seems rather suspicious. Audi is developing the A1 to compete with the Mini built by BMW. Why would BMW develop a car that would compete with its own range? Furthermore, according to the German magazine, the car will have the same length as the Mini. It will be a front wheel drive vehicle that will reject less than 100g CO2 per km.

Why would BMW launch a direct competitor of the Mini? Is the car as unprofitable as rumours have indicated? It has been said that BMW will lend the Mini platform to Mercedes for the next A-Class, but BMW has denied the rumours and declared it made a profit on each car produced since the new Mini has been launched.

So, the city-BMW would seem to be a bad idea for the present and would not be a logical step BMW.

According to the Globe and Mail newspaper, BMW plans to launch a Mini SUV based on the Mini Clubman, set to be launched officially at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Dubbed Mini Colorado, it may be built in the Magna’s Austrian factory based in Graz and formerly known as Steyr Puch. Steyr Puch became famous through its production of the Mercedes G-Class and its specialisation in four wheel drive systems. BMW is currently discussing with Magna International the production of 65,000 vehicles per year.

For Magna International, it is an opportunity to replace Chrysler 300C built there sold in Europe. As it plans to shift production to its plant base in Brampton, Canada, the Mini Colorado will easily replace the 26,500 300C built last year. Unfortunately it will not be enough to replace the X3 SUV. BMW decided to build the next generation in its own factory in Spartanburg in the U.S. This is a 113,000 vehicle loss for Magna.

Source: Globe and Mail

With these spyshots, the BMW X6 reveals its the last remaining mysteries of its design. A lot of people have been speculating about the hatchback. Now the speculation is over. The X6 will be a German interpretation of the rather unique Ssangyong Actyon.

Obviously, we can expect a better look than the Korean alien, but this attempt to merge a SUV, an estate and a coupé will still stun BMW aficionados.

The X6 will share 70% of its components with the X5 and will be built in BMW’s American factory, based in Spartanburg, on the same assembly lines as the X5. BMW will sell the car as an upmarket X5 with a rumoured £3,000 excess. The German carmaker expects to produce 120,000 X5 and 40,000 X6 in 2008.

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Here are some new spyshots of the next BMW 1-Series convertible. This time, the compact convertible has its roof down.

In all likelihood, the car will be unveiled at the next 2008 Geneva Motor Show. No information is available concerning the engine but inline 4 and 6 will be available in order to compete with the future Audi A3 convertible.

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The German tuner AC Schnitzer is well known for for tuning BMW cars. This time it has decided to focus on the BMW’s British brand Mini by presenting its interpretation of the Mini Cooper S.

The tuned Mini receives a new exhaust system and revamped suspension. The latter was developed and tested on the Nürburgring circuit. On the outside, the changes concern the front bumpers, which now have prominent corners. The rear end has a diffuser which will probably pull the Mini down to the tarmac. There is a choice of two wheel designs, the classic 17” AC Schnitzer and a brand-new Bicolor 18” wheel.

On the inside, the Mini gets an aluminium package that includes the handbrake handle, the gear shift knob, the foot rest and the pedal set.