Audi BMW

Paris Motor Show has been chosen as the host for the world premiere of the 2012 BMW 6 Series. Introduced in a concept format, the new 6 Series is one of the most exciting BMWs to be unveiled this year. After the unveiling of the new X3, the 6 Series becomes the oldest BMW in the lineup and a refresh of the current design has been highly awaited.

The new exterior design is sharing plenty of details with the BMW Gran Coupe Concept unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year. While both cars are going to the production line, the new 6 Series will continue to be marketed as a super sleek high-end sporty coupe and convertible, in contrast to the Gran Coupe which is a four-door automobile that falls into the controversial naming convention of “four-door coupes”.

After the 2003 design introduced by the current Director of Design at BMW, Adrian Van Hooydonk, the new 6 Series takes a new approach with a less bulky appearance and a more fluid style.

The car is longer and wider than the current generation and will sport shorter overhangs and a lower roofline. The muscular look will be present both at the front and rear-end, with the corona headlights emphasizing the evolution in BMW design.

Engine wise, the new 6 Series will feature a combination of diesel and petrol offerings. The high-end diesel model will be the 640d, powered by the N57 turbocharged straight-6 common rail diesel engine outputting 306 horsepower. The 650i will be the highest offering powered by the 4.4 liter V8 Twin-turbo engine found in the other 50i models.

Unfounded past rumors of a missing M6 from the future lineup are behind us now, and even though BMW has yet officially acknowledged the high-end ///M model, our sources indicate that an M6 will appear at the end of 2012 with an engine similar to the one found in the upcoming M5.

[Photo: Car and Driver ]

A report by Auto Express magazine brings back the rumor that originated here at BMWBLOG and Germancarforum: MINI is planning a new model dubbed Canyon. We’re still working the details on whether the information is simply a reiteration of our report or a confirmation from other sources,  but in the mean time,  Auto Express reports that a three-door model based on the Countryman is planed to go head-to-head with the Range Rover Evoque.

The original idea of a “Canyon” model appeared in 2005 when BMW was looking to expand the MINI family. The first model to emerge out of these plans was the Beachcomber concept unveiled at this year’s Detroit Auto Show.

Shortly after, MINI introduced the Countryman ALL4, a vehicle based on the Beachcomber concept, due to launch this fall.

Continuing down the Countryman family-tree, the Canyon shares the same platform but with a sloping roofline. Our report mentioned a seating configuration for four, while Auto Express mentions only a two-seat setup.

MINI Canyon is an idea that takes the formula used in the MINI Coupe, but translated into a small Activity MINI, utilizing 3 doors.

The magazine mentions that the Canyon could be powered by the 208 hp 1.6-litre turbo engine from the JCW car and a 201bhp 2.0-litre diesel from BMW’s X1 is also likely to be offered.

Since MINI’s Oxford factory will be running at full capacity once production of the Coupé and Roadster begins next year, the Canyon could be built at the Magna Steyr factory in Graz, Austria.

Launch date? A speculative 2012 date is being introduced.

[Source: Auto Express ]

Earlier this month, BMW introduced us to their future family of electric vehicles. Built under the project name, Megacity, the new sub-brand will be joining the BMW family in 2013. Adrian Von Hooydonk, BMW Director of Design, calls the Megacity vehicle the “next premium” automobile and unveiled the first sketches of this exciting new vehicle.

With countless hours and money invested in research and development, the new Megacity family will drive BMW into a new arena where they intend to become the world’s leader in premium electric vehicles.

The project lays under the umbrella of maximum sustainability: from the production process, starting with the first supplier, through to component recycling at the end of the vehicle life cycle, sustainability based on the three cornerstones of eco-friendliness, economic efficiency and social compatibility must be the main process driver.

The Megacity family will carry on BMW’s core values and according to BMW executives, will look and drive as a premium product, and will not be a compromise between looks, performance and safety. Quoting Van Hooydonk, “the car looks solid, with a higher riding position that inspires safety. Some iconic BMW design elements might be omitted in the MCV, but other new design elements will be introduced that in their turn, could turn the car into a sub-brand.

At launch, Megacity will be offered in a two-door, four-seat configuration. The car will measure around 157 inches. In the future, the MCV sub-brand will include two additional models. First one due in 2015 and dubbed ICV, short Intracity Vehicle, will be a two-door, two-seat car. In 2017, UCV – Urban Commuter Vehicle -will extend the length of the initial MCV and has four doors while hosting five people.

BMW Megacity is powered by a lithium-ion battery with 35 kWh of capacity placed below the vehicle’s floor. Rear-wheels approach remains in BMW’s philosophy and the power is sent to the rear wheels through a rear-mounted 150-hp electric motor. Driving range is expected to top at 100 miles and top speed at 95 mph.

The fine details are still being refined, including the overall design and aesthetics, but the initial sketches and information released, are driving rendering artists into creating computer generated images of how the Megacity might look like.

First in line to take the design cues from the official sketches released, are the folks over at MotorAuthority and their long-time rendering artist Christian Schulte.

The rumors and speculations around a possible BMW X4 continue to ramp up. First news around the X4 showed up back in 2008, at a time when the X6 was relatively new to the market and the idea of a smaller Sports Activity Coupe seemed appropriate.

Backed up by X6’s strong sales (over 80,000 sales worldwide), the business case of the X4 seems to be back on the table.

In a discussion with BMW officials, Autocar learned about BMW’s interest in another all-wheel-drive X-model, but without an official confirmation at the moment.

Rendering by Auto Bild

Thing is, the unexpected showroom success of the X6 has left BMW high ups wondering whether they should push ahead with a smaller, more affordable X4 model that has apparently been on the drawing board in Munich for some time now. The BMW officials in Hamburg weren’t saying as much. But reading between the lines, it was clear they were fishing for thoughts on whether such a car warranted inclusion in the company’s future model line-up.

Having now seen the conservative route BMW has taken with the second-generation X3, it appears there could be scope for a more sporting X4 derivative off the same four-wheel drive platform – BMW’s answer to the three-door Range Rover Evoque if you will.

And at the end of their article, Autocar leaves with the following statement: “Most interesting of all, BMW will not deny an X4 is on the way.”

Back in June, we reported that the BMW X4 would be sold alongside the new X3, with a clear differentiation as between the X5 and X6. Sources indicated that the X4 would share most hardware and interior parts with the X3.

The X4 will be exclusively build at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.

[Source: Autocar ]

Following the successful, yet controversial, BMW X6, (83,000 units since 2008), a new X-model is rumored to join the crossover family. According to the same restless BMW insider, Scott, the Munich-based automaker is planning a downsized version of X6 Sport Activity Coupe.

While rumors of a new BMW X4 have been floating around for years now, this new model is said to be built on the new generation F25 X3 platform. Known internally as X-Style, the car is said to be heavily based on the upcoming X3, but will retain its coupe roof line at the rear-end and a muscular body as seen in the X6.

Quoting the same source, this new design proposal is quite different than before,  instead of a conventional tailgate like the X6, the idea put forward is to increase its flexibility by offering a two-way hatch similar to the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. While maintaining a coupe-like roofline, the X-Style will have a conventional sedan rear-end.

BMW X4 Rendering

Since all the X-models came with a label attach to them, the X-Style is said to be a Sports Activity Sedan.

The car has not yet been greenlighted for production, but an X-Style in Concept design is expected to be shown in the future.

The X-Style would be an entirely cost effective project because of the platform, drivetrains and engines sharing with the X3.

BMW’s rumormill returns with some interesting news around the MINI brand. According to the BMW insider Scott27, the Oxford-based brand is looking to expand its lineup with a new model along the lines of MINI Countryman.

While the Beachcomber concept continues to remain on the table as a production model, MINI is looking to offer an alternative to the hipster five-door concept. The MINI Canyon will be aimed at the “corporate image” demographic.

Using the same platform as the Countryman, the Canyon is rumored to be a three-door vehicle, shorter than “its brother” and with the All4 drivetrain. MINI Canyon is an idea that takes the formula used in the MINI Coupe, but translated into a small Activity MINI, utilizing 3 doors and space for four people.

The MINI Canyon will be fighting for market share with the Land Rover Evoque. The uniqueness in the MINI Canyon comes from the unusual “Origami” roofline that flows in coupe shape giving the car a dynamic loo. The design also features a luggage box built into the roof for extra flexibility.

While the car has yet to be greenlighted for production, it continues to sit on the drawing board at MINI and awaiting to see how it could fit in the upcoming MINI family. The badge is also not set in stone and could change if it makes into production.

With the new MINI Countryman, the Oxford-based automaker adventures into new territories, seeking new customers by offering a wide range of vehicles. If successful, the Countryman will most likely open the door for future All4 models.

[Source: Germancarforum ]

LeftLaneNews and Jon Sibal published new renderings of the next generation BMW 3 Series. Due out in 2012, the new 3 Series, dubbed F30, is shaping up to be one of the most technological advanced BMWs ever built by the Munich-based automaker.

Design wise, the new F30 3 Series Sedan will return to the “slimmer look”, but the proportions of a typical 3 Series remain, with squat proportions and short rear overhang. The overall exterior design is more toned and muscular, bringing some the aggressiveness and design lines seen in the recent models.

BMW is getting back to basics with clean uncluttered shapes, plus lower and wider kidney grille openings. The sedan model will feature shorter overhangs, but at the same time, a longer wheelbase, at least 1.5″ longer than the current generation. The F30 will sport a “pushing nose”, somewhat similar to the E89 Z4 front-end.

The hood design will also most likely mimic one found in the Z4 and the new 5 Series, with more aggressive, but still fluent design lines. The 3 Series has its wheels pushed all the way out to the corners, which gives the car a great stance and muscular good looks.

The typical BMW glasshouse remains and in the new design, the 3D line above the Hofmeister Kink, as featured on the 7 Series, will be present as well. The rear flanks from the taillights towards the rear door, are left with a subtle line that links to the shape of the lights and the bootlid sculpture.

The front-fascia will receive a wider kidney grille, but slightly smaller than in the new 5 Series and less bold than the 5 GT. While not confirmed, the base design of the new corona rings headlights will remain and according to some sources, under each headlight unit there is a semicircle shape that in the center allows for a V shaped opening where the kidney grille is placed. There are still plenty of rumors floating around mentioning some CS Concept design cues being used in the F30 3er.

The taillights maintain the typical L-shape design that wrap around the corners.

BMW will also enable the next 3 Series to feature the very latest in Efficient Dynamics technologies, such as aerodynamically designed wheels , BMW active aerodynamics, solar roof panel for extra energy efficiency in the use of interior controls, brake energy regeneration , stop-start technology , pre-heating technology for the engine, gearbox and differential. Many of the technology powering the new 3 Series, such as the climate control system or telematics, will be completely re-engineered.

The expected range of powerplants includes 6-cylinder engines, complemented by a new range of 4-cylinder engines and possibly even a 3-cylinder variant for Europe.

[Source: LeftLaneNews ]

According to the German magazine Auto Zeitung, Stuttgart-based automaker, Mercedes-Benz is working on a new model aimed at the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe.

The coupe-crossover dubbed GLC is due to launch sometimes in 2014.

The GLC won’t be a high-end model but rather a stylish and relatively affordable coupe-crossover based on the same compact car platform that will underpin the next-generation B-Class. While not confirmed, the assumptions are that the GLC will likely employ a transversely-mounted four-cylinder engine driving the front wheels in standard form. An all-wheel drive system will most likely be offered as well.

Details are scarce at the moment, but a possible engine could include the 1.8 liter four-cylinder outputting 204 horsepower, as well as the more powerful turbodiesel, 2.2 liter with 250 ponnies.

The idea behind the Mercedes-Benz GLC is to offer a smaller car than its competitors, avoiding the competition in the crossover segment with a smaller niche product. In the past, there have also been rumors around BMW’s plans to build a smaller Sports Activity Coupe, X4 that will be positioned below the X6.

Range Rover will also launch a similar product next year when the LRX is due to be unveiled.

[Source: Auto Zeitung via MotorAuthority ]

The silly renderings and spy photos games of the new 2011 BMW X3 come to an end. With just days away from its official unveiling, the second generation X3 goes through another drawing exercise.

The result? In our opinion, quite stunning and if the actual design is close to these renderings, the Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLK will be facing a tough competitor.

With the new F25 platform, the 2011 BMW X3 uses many components from both the 3 Series and 5 Series. The compact SAV grew in size 8 centimeters long, 3 cm wide and 1.2 cm in height. The wheelbase was also extended by 9 cm.

Despite the dimensions increase, the new BMW X3 offers safety improvements and increased protection of pedestrians, since there is now a greater distance between the hood and engine, and the other mechanical elements that surround.

Design wise, the 2011 BMW X3 was rumored to be moving from the “boxy” shape and sharp corners to more rounded design lines and a sleeker look. Recent spy photos revealed that the car maintains some of these “boxy” lines, but at overall dimensions closer to the first generation X5, and with a more appealing look.

The hood has been redesigned as well, it now features the creases seen on all newer BMW models, which give the car a more aggressive and imposing stance.

At the initial launch, there are only two engines available, the 2.0 diesel 184 horsepower (xDrive20d), which lowers consumption by 15%, and the 3.0 six-cylinder petrol (xDrive35i), with 306 hp and 400 Nm peak torque. The latter has gone from using a twin-turbocharged to one turbo(N55 engine), with clear advantages in performance: it gives the same power and it uses 9% less fuel.

Gradually, the range will be expanded with new engines. First, a six-cylinder petrol engine with 256 hp (xDrive28i) launching in January next year. Later in Spring, another six-cylinder diesel with around 260 hp (xDrive30d) will appear. By the fall, the xDrive35d with 306 horsepower will be launched as well.

The entry level models will use a new 4-cylinder petrol powerplant which is not available until late 2011 or early 2012.

Paris Motor Show was chosen as the host of world premiere of the new BMW X3.

[Source: Automobile-magazine.fr via X3post ]

According to the German magazine Autozeitung and quoted by GT Spirit, but not yet confirmed by any of our sources, BMW is in the planning stage of a new, supersports, flagship model that could carry the M8 badge. News of a future BMW supercar have been going around for months now, but nothing solid has leaked to the press yet.

The car is rumored to take advantage of BMW’s advanced development in the hybrid world, and the car’s performance could reach 600 horsepower. According to the same German magazine, the technical background is completed, but everyone is waiting for BMW’s board decision on whether to purse this project.

The new model, rumored to be called the M8, will be based on the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept unveiled at the IAA 2009. The hybrid drivetrain will offer near 600 ponies. The VED Concept idea goes through some iterations, and the new M8 will be five inches longer. The highly speculative M8 will be offered with a 2+2 seating combination.

If the rumors turned out true, then the hybrid drivetrain in this M8 will be a major breakthrough for BMW. The engine is based of the V10 unit found in the E60 M5, but it will add two new electric motors, in a similar layout as the VED: front and rear.

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics illustrated

The first electric motor will deliver 80-115hp and the back one will deliver more than 50hp.

To maintain a lower curb weight and drive more performance, the BMW M8 could include an aluminum chassis, carbon fiber bodywork and fine Kevlar bucket seats. The weight target? 1500 kilograms.

The BMW M8 is said to debut sometimes in 2012.

For now, we are considered these news to be highly speculative, but we will report as soon as we learn further details.

[Source: Top Speed via GTSpirit ]