Audi BMW

Judging by the latest sales numbers, Audi is clearly shaping up to become BMW’s biggest competitor in the premium cars segment, especially in Europe. So it comes with no surprise that the two companies are competing head-to-head in many segments. The last addition to the Audi family, the entry-level A1 model, is targeting the same customer demographic as BMW’s highly profitable MINI brand.

Audi labels the A1 as the first and only small premium car, but with many parts shared between the A1 and its “brothers” VW Polo and Seat Ibiza, one needs to wonder what is the message passed on by the Ingolstadt-based company.

Both cars are unmistakably appealing and while the MINI has the advantage of having behind a very loyal customer base, the Audi A1, on the other hand, brings to the table their latest design language and a larger appeal to the younger demographic.

Price wise, both models are competitive on the European market, the Audi A1 is priced at € 34,690, € 35,900 respectively for the MINI Cooper.

One area where the Audi usually shines is the interior design and quality of materials, but the A1 breaks this myth with plenty of plastic materials and hard plastic components. One can argue that it’s an entry level model that needs to be priced competitively and we can certainly agree with that statement.

The exterior design remains one sensitive and subjective area, and to avoid any “fanboyism” labeling, we will use our right to stay silent on this. But one point to take home is that the two exterior design languages are essentially quite distinct and as we mentioned earlier, the Audi A1 caters to a younger demographic, more adventurous and fond of a flashier design, while on the other hand, the MINI features the same classy, yet appealing and intriguing design that made the British brand one of the best investments ever made by BMW.

[Photos by BimmerToday ]

The Frozen Grey Metallic mate finish is slowly becoming one of the most popular Individual colors and our favorite one so far. It is based on the “regular” Space Grey Metallic paint with a special matte clear coat (FF95-0550) added for the matte finish.

The color was shown to the public for the first time at the Frankfurt Auto Show where BMW displayed an M6 Competition Frozen Grey Metallic. Just weeks later, we had the opportunity to see the M5 on U.S. soil sporting the same paint.

At the 2010 Leipzig Auto Show, BMW displayed a beautiful facelifted M3 Coupe sporting yet again the same Frozen Grey Metallic. The vehicle shown at the AMI combines the special exterior color with an interesting interior and Novillo leather.

Anyone willing to shell out some extra cash, they can build their M3 exactly like the show car and it is expected to retain its resale value, probably because the numbers of Frozen M3 Grey Metallic vehicles are limited.

[Source: BimmerToday ]

Back in December of 2009, BMW introduced a new model in the Z4 family: sDrive35is. The new upgraded, more powerful Z4is went public at the Detroit Auto Show when the 2011 roadster opened the doors for more “is” performance oriented vehicles to come in the months. Yesterday, the Z4 35is made its European debut at the Leipzig Auto Show and our sister magazine, BimmerToday, was there to snap some new photos.

The sDrive35is carries under the hood an upgraded version of the popular N54 engine or in everybody’s language, the award winning six-cylinder 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine. The tuned up engine produces 335 horsepower (340hp in Europe) at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft in “regular mode”. An electronically-controlled overboost function can briefly increase torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft. This brings the torque peak to 369 lb-ft.

Unofficial, preliminary numbers show that the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is runs from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. In comparison, the regular Z4 35i registers 0 to 60 mph in 5.0 seconds (5.1 manual transmission). BMW Z4 sDrive35is is limited electronically to 250 km/h or 155 mph. The engine is matted to 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT) with SPORT and SPORT+ driving modes. The DCT also features a Launch Control function for maximum performance when accelerating from a standstill. BMW sDrive35is weighs 1,525 kg (3,362 lbs).

The significant performance boost is a direct result of a higher-flow intake that allow the turbos to spin up to higher pressure. Three big software changes were added to this upgrade model as well.

The electric power steering (EPS) features very sporty programming providing a greater feedback to the driver; cornering and aggressive shifting at its best.

Even though it doesn’t carry the M badge, the BMW Z4 sDrive35is includes new M Sport upgrades such as adaptive M Suspension and M Aerodynamics. The adaptive M Suspension combines a ride-height reduction of 10 millimeters (almost 0.4”) with electronically controlled shock absorbers. Special M-Sport 18-inch light-alloy wheels in five-spoke design round off the sporty character of the Z4 sDrive35is. Optional, the buyer can choose 19-inch wheels.

The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is might not be a successor to the Z4 M Roadster, but in terms of styling, performance, overall dynamic and ability, it is more than a worthy replacement.

[Source: BimmerToday ]

Another world premiere took place yesterday at the 2010 Leipzig Auto Show. The European-only model, BMW X5 xDrive40d was shown for the first time to media journalists. The facelifted BMW X5 xDrive40d comes with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology following the Variable Twin Turbo principle where the small turbocharger cuts in just above idle speed and the larger turbocharger is activated under higher load.

This superior power unit delivers its maximum torque of 600 Newton-meters/442 lb-ft between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm and reaches its peak output at 4,400 rpm. Extra power of this kind accelerates the BMW X5 xDrive40d to 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds and the higher level of efficiency is reflected by average fuel consumption of just 7.5 liters/100 kilometres (equal to 37.7 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle.

The engine is matted to the more powerful and fuel efficient 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. The idea behind this new naming convention is to showcase a smaller, powerful, fuel efficient and low CO2 emission engine that would give the large 4-5 liter diesel engines from Mercedes and Audi, a run for their money.

One of the reasons why the new models diesel models are not yet available in the U.S. market, revolve around the U.S. emission standards compliance in all 50 states. If the strong diesel sales continue in the U.S., especially in the X models market (1 out of 3 X5s in December 2009 were diesels), then we certainly see case building for the North American diesel market.

[Photos: BimmerToday ]

Another new model to make its world debut today at the 2010 Leipzig Auto Show, was the BMW 530d Touring.

Sporting a 3.0 liter straight-six engine, the 2011 BMW 530d Touring outputs 245 horsepower and remains the top model in the diesel range. Thanks to BMW BluePerformance technology it fulfills the EU6 emission standard. All versions of the new BMW 5 Series Touring fully comply with the EU5 requirement.

With this engine and despite the weight increase, the new 5 Series Touring the still manage to sprint from 0-62 mph in just 6.4 seconds, while continuing to maintain an unbeatable low 6.4 liters per 100km (37MPG).

The BMW offers with 2.97 meters, by far the longest wheelbase in its segment and, consequently, the shortest overhangs, which contributes much to its dynamic side view. All the competitors are within 7 centimeters in exterior length, with the new 5er Touring situated between the A6 Avant and the E-Class Estate.

The  luggage capacity of the new 5 Series Touring is 560 liters, on par with the Audi A6 Avant. If desired, an increase in capacity to a maximum of 1,670 liters is guaranteed by 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, which are unique in this segment. The backrest angle is variable by up to 11 degrees. The backrest can be folded down using two control levers inside the luggage compartment, the loading space cover of which is automatically lowered when the tailgate is closed. The separately opening rear window automatically swings upwards at the push of a button.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring features as standard pneumatic suspension on the rear axle, including automatic self-leveling. Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering are optionally available.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring is making its debut with a choice of two straight-six petrol engines as well as a four-cylinder and a six-cylinder diesel.

[Photos by BimmerToday ]

The new BMW 5 Series Touring had its world premiere today at the 2010 Leipzig Auto Show. Courtesy of our sister-magazine, BimmerToday, we are bringing you real life photos of one of the best looking Touring models coming out of the Munich gates.

Touring coverage continues with new videos just released by BMW. With its long bonnet, short overhangs, the longest wheelbase in its segment, the stretched silhouette and a steeply inclined roofline, the new BMW 5 Series Touring possesses an elegance that hopes to attract new customers to the brand.

In a segment where the competition comes from Audi A6 Avant and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate, the new 5er Touring is characterized by its dynamics and powerful looks.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring is fully equipped to meet the most diverse demands. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 560 liters. If desired, an increase in capacity to a maximum of 1,670 litres is guaranteed by 40:20:40 split folding rear seats, which are unique in this segment.

As seen in the 5 GT or 7 Series, optional Dynamic Driving Control enables drivers to set the suspension individually to their personal requirements. The new BMW 5 Series Touring features as standard pneumatic suspension on the rear axle, including automatic self-levelling. Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering are optionally available.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring is making its debut with a choice of two straight-six petrol engines as well as a four-cylinder and a six-cylinder diesel and it is NOT available in the U.S., as we recently learned.

One of our favorite parts of the auto show is the “walk around” given to a select group of journalists. Here we enjoy insights into several new cars and technologies as we walk around the display floor. In NY we were delighted to follow Martin Birkmann and Jack Pitney around as they talked to us about a few highlights of BMW’s new cars.

Here are a few of our notes:

“These are the best cars in the world!” exclaimed Jack Pitney with his enthusiasm boiling over. He went on to explain his comment, “BMW takes risks.” Yes, this can be seen in Project “i” – BMW’s new alternative-drive small car development for extra urban environments. Project i leaders hand selected the finest among BMWs work force – designers, engineers, market researchers etc. A think tank was instituted and these brilliant men and women were even removed from their typical work environment to free their minds and blossom with ideas. These efforts are turning results and according to Jack there are some brilliant new concepts and ideas coming to fruition. Of course, he couldn’t tell us any details, but the twinkle in his eyes and wide smile on his face tells us that he is not bluffing; BMW has taken a “risk” in pushing ahead with project “i” and they are reaping results. We can’t wait to see the final product and take it for a spin.

BMW’s new S1000RR is their first bona fide super bike built to compete directly with the competition in the segment. Jack spoke about “pounding a stake in the ground” with this bike, and we suspect there is a victory flag flying on top of it. How passionate is Jack about this new bike? Well, for starters, he rode it into the press conference (on polished floors with green tires we might add) and had much to say of its speed and usability.

He told us he was recently knee dragging around a race circuit on it and he is a firm believer that this bike is now on top of its competition. Every major motorcycle journal we’ve read seem to agree with Jack – Bike magazine of the UK recently had the S1RR on their dyno where it produced more horsepower at the rear wheel than any other production bike they’ve ever tested. Ever. That’s including Kawasaki’s ZX14 and Suzuki’s Hayabusa – both bikes that have significant displacement advantages of 400cc’s. The S1RR is a bold statement by BMW, a testimony to their engineering prowess and design competence. “Big risks offer big returns” – BMW’s risk building this bike has paid off handsomely. Again we see Jack’s point from the top of the preceding paragraph.

Next we talked about controversy over marketing the joy campaign. We’ve heard a lot of feedback from our readers regarding BMW’s new Joy campaign. Jack explained that a major US news journal had incorrectly claimed that BMW was replacing their slogan “The Ultimate Driving Machine” with the “Joy” campaign. This is categorically untrue and Jack emphasized that “BMW always has been and always will be the Ultimate Driving Machine.” The truth is, Trivial Pursuit would have the biggest gripe with BMW if they dropped their iconic phrase because as it turns out, “The Ultimate Driving Machine” is the only automotive tag line to be found in their board game. “Freude am Fahren” has been a German marketing line for decades and it directly translates, “The Joy of Driving.” Take your seats folks and lose the pitchforks – the joy campaign is nothing new and North America is only now getting a taste of BMW’s “joy” in marketing.

On to electric and other alternative drive vehicles, Jack could put our minds at ease. “0 emissions driving can be a lot of fun,” he went on to explain that electric cars are intrinsically fun to drive thanks to the immediacy of their torque output, available from “0″ rpm. He concluded, “we’re going to be the ones who bring fun to electric driving.”

Before handing off the mike to his associate Martin Birkmann, Jack left us with one last thought. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the “Art Car” BMW’s artistic tribute to various international artists. BMW is a company that embraces creativity, art and passion – the art car is an original contribution to the world of art and its artists.

Martin Birkmann started off having us gather around the ActiveHybrid 7 series. Looking in the trunk he highlighted that BMW engineers have adopted more advanced battery technology than was available in the ActiveHybrid X6. Lithium Ion batteries power the 7 series and as a result space efficiency is increased. The ActiveHybrid 7 sacrifices a small amount of space in the trunk to accommodate the battery pack – about the space of two conventional car batteries is lost.

The benefits are many and significant however, as the ActiveHybrid 7 achieves the V12 performance of its 760Li sibling while maintaining I6 levels of fuel economy. 0-60 arrives in 4.7 seconds while achieving EPA ratings of 17 city, 25 highway mpg – a 15% improvement in fuel economy over the non hybrid 750i (featuring the same N63 twin turbo V8 engine).

The X5 LCI (Life Cycle Impulse or “refresh”) has marked styling changes around the vehicle. The fog lights have been moved higher to the belt line of the vehicle and horizontal winglets are now found in the lower air intakes. All X5s sold in the US will now be turbo charged and directly injected. The current base model X5 will now be as fast as the previous X5 4.6iS while consuming less fuel.

BMW’s new 335iS brings affordable performance and fun to the US market. New features on the 335iS include sport wheels, gloss black mirrors, an M aero body work package including a functional (and beautiful) rear diffuser, a 6 speed manual or 7 speed DTC transmission, additional engine cooling and a power boost of 20 hp. A boost button offers an additional 38 lb-ft of torque for up to 7 seconds. The 335is will only be sold in the US market. Martin explains that this car fits well within the range, offering 80% of the M3’s performance for 50% of the price premium. In USD the 335i sells for $41,000, the 335is for $50,000 and the M3 for $57,000, so the “is” really does sit squarely between in price point. The 335is will be offered as a convertible in the future.

Shared with all 3 series LCI cars are new LED corona rings and illuminated eyebrows, adding a very focused look to the performance coupe or sedan.

And now to the F10 5 series. Martin had much to say, and we were all ears; we stood close to the car taking notes as Martin demonstrated different features. “The proportions are the same through all generations of the 5 series” looking at the exterior dimensions of all 5 series cars. The new 5 is a beautiful today as the original 5 series was in 1972. European crash standards have forced designers to work around new parameters, but the end result is still handsome. Pedestrians will be protected by a new “soft bumper” that can readily absorb an impact instead of inflicting major injury upon a pedestrian in the event of a collision. The hood line is moved back and completely separates the hood from the front bumper in moderate collisions, thereby facilitating decreased repair costs in the event of a collision. This design concept is already found on the 7 series and it will trickle down throughout out the entire vehicle line up in time. We can expect to find this design on the new 3 series when it is released.

Both 5 series models will be sold with a manual 6 speed gearbox or an 8 speed automatic (we can’t praise BMW enough for their decision to offer manual transmissions across the 5 series line). If the 7 speed automatic is ordered, drivers will enjoy very fast kick downs directly from 8th to 2nd gear if necessary under hard braking. It should be mentioned that the automatic optioned 5 series now has proper paddle shifters mounted to the steering column – right for upshift, left for downshift – just like Robert Kubica’s old F1 car. BMW’s 5 series sedan will be the only sedan in its class to offer a manual transmission.

Rear seat patrons will enjoy 2 additional inches of rear leg room – the 5 series standard wheelbase (a long wheelbase version will be sold in the Chinese market) will now offer the same leg room as was available from previous generation 7 series. We’ve been given an unconfirmed tip that the new 5 series has more trunk space than the 7, it sounds hard to believe but we’ll confirm this detail in the future.

Despite more standard options than the E60 5 series including larger wheels, the F10 5 series will cost $2,500 less when ordered from your local dealership.

There are cameras and sensors virtually covering the new 5: ultra sound, infra red and radar is used to facilitate active cruise control, park assist and an amazing new technology that allows the car to determine whether or not a parallel parking space is long enough to accommodate the car before you begin parking.

In typical BMW fashion all driver aids can be canceled because, in the words of Martin Birkmann, “many of our customers enjoy tail out driving.” Count us in Martin; the new 5 truly is a driver’s car.

Thus concludes our NY 2010 walk around, we look forward to bringing you this feature at future auto shows.

After months of 2D viewing, we’re finally able to give you our first impressions of Mini’s new Countryman in the flesh. The Mini Cooper Countryman is Mini’s first attempt at a 4 door, 4 wheel drive vehicle. The new Mini is a crossover that combines typical small car driving dynamics with greater utility and space.

In an apt April Fools joke, Mini unveiled the Countryman from under a traditional linen cover, but a surprise lurked beneath. Wide eyed journalists had looked inquisitively upon the silhouette of the vehicle beneath – but it was a monstrous silhouette, probably closer to the Escalade in size. Pictures can be deceiving – but was the Countryman really that huge? The linen was pulled, and the joke revealed – a giant wooden shell encapsulating the new Mini. Several young men descended on the vehicle to remove the wooden enclosure and finally the Countryman was sitting before us. Take a look at all the action in our gallery below.

So how does it look? How “large” is it in the 3rd Dimension? The most surprising thing about Mini’s new Countryman is its subtly, the way it hides its mass through its tight skin and by way of traditional Mini proportions. While taking a long, careful walk-around I was shocked to eventually notice another Countryman parked close by on the show floor. The entire time I had paid no attention, assuming this was a regular Mini Cooper through my peripheral vision. It just hid itself so well, blending into the Mini family as a legitimate biological sibling. To be fair, it was parked beside Cooper Clubman cars – the stretched version of our beloved Mini Cooper – but I can’t help but feel embarrassed that my environmental awareness had let me down.

The interior is typical Mini fare: rounded gauge clusters and interior appointments, trendy, fresh and surprisingly spacious. Materials felt of good quality, though not upscale or supple as would be found on more expensive BMW models. Rear seat space was good and reclining rear seats will win points on any road trip. Rear storage space was adequate for most grocery runs – larger items will require the rear seats folded down, and the Mini is happy to comply, offering up a full 40 cubic feet of space. A secret compartment in the rear floor is ideal for stowing your valuables.

True to Mini’s motto for fun, the Countryman will be offered with a 6 speed manual or automatic gearbox. Adaptive Xenon headlights will show the way, a first in the Mini lineup.

The Countryman is a genuine Mini product – it does not look out of place in the lineup. It’s raised ride height, all wheel drive, increased utility and four usable doors will no doubt make this Mini one of the most popular and profitable in the range.

Jim McDowell, Vice President, MINI USA was on hand to speak about this latest offering from the brand. “Mini is growing with the times,” referring to the Countryman’s larger size, it looks like “this Mini went to the gym.”

Photos credit Shawn Molnar

Another model to make its U.S. debut today at the 2010 New York Auto Show was the 2011 BMW 550i, the high-end model in the 5 Series line-up.

The top-of-the-range BMW 550i arrives with BMW’s “reverse-flow” V-8 engine featuring twin turbochargers and High Precision direct injection for maximum output of 400 hp. The engine is matted to an 8-speed transmission used in the existing 750Li and 550i as well.

The ZF 8-Speed makes for a strong transmission allowing the driver to experience all-round improved fuel efficiency with higher gearing while also allowing for better acceleration. The two taller gears in the 8-speed are ideal for cruising speeds and BMW has managed to improve the weight savings of the transmission to such a point that there is no additional weight added from the extra two gears. For those wanting to extract and put down power manually, a 6-speed gearbox will be available in the U.S. market for the bigger 535i and 550i.

Design wise, the 550i will differentiate itself at the rear-end by the two trapezoidal exhaust tips, as seen in the new 7 Series as well.

Different wheels options will also be available for the new 550i.

The 2011 BMW 550i will start at $60,575, including $875 Destination & Handling.

Photos credit Shawn Molnar

We’re not just BMW lovers, but we often enjoy the company of the other brands within the BMW Group, and one of them, it’s the always young and funky, MINI family. For the first time in North America, MINI has unveiled yesterday their latest and somewhat surprising addition to the line-up: the crossover MINI Countryman.

Back in Geneva, MINI has entered a new era. According to MINI, the Countryman is “a new dimension” and “genuine crossover [that] bridges the gap between the classic concept of the Mini and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle.”

This is the first MINI with four doors and a large tailgate as well as a variable interior offering space for up to four occupants. At the same time the MINI Countryman is the brand’s first model measuring more than four meters (157 inches) in length and available as an option with ALL4 all-wheel drive.

In its design and driving behavior, the new MINI Countryman is clearly recognizable at first sight as a genuine MINI. Right from the start, the car stands out through its unique look – it is powerful, robust and versatile in all its features and appearance. Various design elements and proportions typical of the brand also stand out from the very beginning, enabling the fourth model in the MINI range to bridge the gap between the classic concept of the MINI and a modern Sports Activity Vehicle.

One of the standard features of the MINI Countryman is the innovative Center Rail storage and fastening system. Body paintwork and interior colours created exclusively for the new model, a large range of upholstery variants, decorative trim, high-end audio and navigation systems as well as numerous features specific to the new model offer the connoisseur and aficionado a wide range of options in configuring the MINI Countryman to his personal style in a unique manner again typical of the brand.

MINI Countryman powertrain options include Cooper, Cooper S or Cooper S with ALL4. The Countryman will be the first crossover on the market to feature a turbocharged and direct-injected engine with VALVETRONIC technology, which together provide optimum performance and efficiency. And for those who are focused on gas mileage, MINI Countryman is expected to offer the best fuel economy in the crossover segment.

Final pricing for the U.S. will be announced closer to the arrival on dealer lots.

Photos credit Shawn Molnar