Check out the latest news about BMW 7-Series and X6 Hybrids at Eco Cars News site.
Monthly Archive for July, 2009
The BMW Group will not continue its Formula One campaign after the end of the 2009 season. Resources freed up as a result are to be dedicated to the development of new drive technologies and projects in the field of sustainability. BMW will continue to be actively involved in other motor sports series. The landmark decision to restructure BMW Motorsport’s activities was made at the Board of Management’s meeting yesterday.
“Of course, this was a difficult decision for us. But it’s a resolute step in view of our company’s strategic realignment,” explained Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “Premium will increasingly be defined in terms of sustainability and environmental compatibility. This is an area in which we want to remain in the lead. In line with our Strategy Number ONE, we are continually reviewing all projects and initiatives to check them for future viability and sustainability. Our Formula One campaign is thus less a key promoter for us. Mario Theissen has been in charge of our motor sports program since 1999. We have scored a large number of successes in this period, including some in Formula One racing. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Mario Theissen and his team for this,” said Reithofer.
Dr. Klaus Draeger, the member of the Board of Management responsible for development, said: “It only took us three years to establish ourselves as a top team with the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Unfortunately, we were unable to meet expectations in the current season. Nevertheless, our ten years of Formula One experience have had a major impact on our development engineers. We have racing to thank for numerous technological innovations as well as the competitive spirit that drives us to develop mass-produced cars.” Possible redundancies in Munich and Hinwil cannot be quantified at present. Says Draeger: “Since we only made this decision yesterday, we cannot provide any more precise information. We will develop and assess various scenarios and do our best to find a solution for the employees in Hinwil and the staff members involved in the Formula One project in Munich. We are aware of the responsibility we shoulder and will inform the staff as soon as we can make a clear statement.”
Says BMW Motorsport director Dr. Mario Theissen: “Of course, we, the employees in Hinwil and Munich, would all have liked to continue this ambitious campaign and show that this season was just a hiccup following three successful years. But I can understand why this decision was made from a corporate perspective. We will now focus sharply on the remaining races and demonstrate our fighting spirit and put in a good result as we bid farewell to Formula One racing.”
BMW will continue its programs in a number of motor sports series: BMW will appear on the starting grid in the touring car series and young driver promotion program in Formula BMW. This will be supplemented by BMW’s participation in ALMS, the American Le Mans Series, endurance races and close-to-production customer sports. Furthermore, BMW Motorrad Motorsport will continue its campaigns, with the super bike world championship leading the way.
BMW looks back on a long track record of success in the field of motor sports:
BMW achieved eight Formula One victories from 1982 to 1985 with Brabham. In 1983, BMW won the driver’s championship with Nelson Piquet (Brabham BMW). The last win with the legendary turbo engine followed with Benetton in 1986. Ten victories were scored during the partnership with Williams (2000-2005). BMW had a total of 19 grand prix wins and 33 pole positions before the BMW Sauber F1 Team era.
In its debut season in 2006, the newly established BMW Sauber F1 Team wound up fifth in the constructor’s championship. In 2007, the German-Swiss team came in second after McLaren-Mercedes’ exclusion from the points standings. The 2008 season saw the team in the hunt for the world championship until the end of the season, winding up third. Polish-born Robert Kubica achieved the first and hitherto only GP victory in Canada on June 8, 2008. So far, the BMW Sauber F1 Team has taken one pole position (Kubica in Bahrain in 2008) and 16 podium finishes. The BMW Sauber F1 Team occupies the eighth spot in the manufacturer’s standings in the season presently underway.
Check out the driving video at Videos blog.
• Supreme motoring culture and luxurious comfort in perfection: The new BMW 760i and BMW 760Li twelve-cylinders mark the pinnacle of the fifth-generation BMW 7 Series. Superior powertrain technology, generous space and comfort, and unique features all round create an incomparable driving and travelling experience impressively confirming BMW’s leading position in the global market of luxury performance cars. Two body variants and a wide range of customisation options provide a huge margin of freedom for enjoying the exclusivity of this twelve-cylinder luxury saloon in your own, very personal style. Together with the BMW 760i, the BMW 760Li with its wheelbase extended by 140 millimetres or 5.5″ and particular emphasis on rear-seat comfort is also entering the market as the absolute climax in motoring luxury.
• The newly developed V12 power unit with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, ¬High Precision Injection and double-VANOS infinite camshaft adjustment delivers maximum output of 400 kW/544 hp from engine capacity of 6.0 litres and develops peak torque of 750 Newton-metres/553 lb-ft from just 1,500 rpm. A masterpiece in modern engine technology, the all-aluminium twelve-cylinder power unit stands out through its effortless surge of power, unique acoustic and vibration-damping qualities, and a level of efficiency never seen before in this performance class. Naturally, both the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li comply in full with the EU 5 emission standard.
• Both the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li come with brand-new eight-speed transmission featured in these outstanding models for the first time. With its innovative gearset configuration, the new transmission offers additional gears while maintaining the dimensions and weight of a conventional six-speed automatic. This makes the eight-speed automatic transmission an ideal match for the power and performance characteristics of the new twelve-cylinder, bringing out the comfort and dynamic qualities of the V12 in particular style. And at the same time the new transmission enhances the all-round efficiency of the car to an even higher standard never seen before.
• The BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li both represent the stylish presence, superior sportiness and precise elegance of the BMW 7 Series in particularly exclusive style. The outstanding highlights of these very special models include the extra-wide, slightly concave chrome frame as well as powerfully contoured bars in the BMW kidney grille, 19-inch light-alloy wheels, the V12 model designation on the chrome-plated gill elements, an additional chrome bar at the rear as well as twin tailpipes in rectangular design.
• Detailed refinements add yet a further exclusive touch to the modern and luxurious interior ambience. The special features exclusive to these very special models include stainless-steel entry trim with an illuminated V12 model designation, the instrument panel finished in nappa leather and highlighted by elegant stitching, the roof lining and sun visors in alcantara as well as high-quality burr walnut interior trim of the most exclusive standard.
• Offering generous freedom of space, the wide range of standard features as well as innovative comfort and entertainment options enhance the grand touring experience particularly on the rear seats. The BMW 760Li comes with individually adjustable single seats at the rear, kneeroom of 208 mm/8.2″ and headroom of 988 mm/38.9″ setting up new records even in this demanding segment. Standard equipment on both models features highlights such as four-zone automatic air conditioning, the BMW Professional navigation system, comfort seats, Park Distance Control and Automatic Soft Close on the doors. Additional enjoyment is added by optional features such as the multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, a DVD system at the rear, an additional iDrive Controller serving to mastermind entertainment, telecommunication and navigation functions from the rear seats, active seat ventilation, massage seats as well as the contoured sliding roof optimised for excellent noise control and highly attractive design.
• The BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li come as an option with the full range of features from BMW ¬ConnectedDrive, including driver assistance systems such as Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a High-Beam Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, Side View and a back-up camera. Further features offered by BMW ¬ConnectedDrive are BMW Online, BMW Assist, BMW TeleServices and unrestricted use of the internet in the car as well as the Extended Emergency Call function with automatic determination of the car’s current location.
• Suspension technology unique even in the luxury class gives both the BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li truly fascinating performance and, in particular, unparalleled comfort. Both models come with a double-wishbone front axle, the Integral-V rear axle exclusive to BMW, hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering with on-demand management of the power assistance pump and Servotronic. Significant features coming as standard are Dynamic Damping Control including Dynamic Drive Control as well as Dynamic Drive anti-roll stability. The BMW 760Li comes additionally with air suspension and self-levelling on the rear axle, and as an option, both models are available with Integral Active Steering.
• Maximum occupant safety is guaranteed by the optimised structure of the body in conjunction with a wide range of passive safety systems interacting with one another and masterminded by electronic management. These include three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, frontal and side airbags, head airbags at the side, crash-activated headrests at the front, runflat tyres as well as a Tyre Defect Indicator. The BMW 760i and the BMW 760Li come as standard with bi-xenon dual headlights including a daytime lights function provided by corona rings as well as foglamps and Adaptive Brake Lights. Adaptive Headlights with a Bending Light function, variable light distribution and adaptive headlight range control are all available as options.
Model variants:
BMW 760i: V12 gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo and ¬
High Precision Injection
Capacity: 5,972 cc, max output: 400 kW/544 hp at 5,250 rpm
Max torque: 750 Nm/553 lb-ft from 1,500–5,000 rpm
Acceleration 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 12.9 litres/100 kilometres (21.9 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 299 g/km
Emission standard: EU 5
BMW 760Li: V12 gasoline engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo and High Precision Injection
Capacity: 5,972 cc, max output: 400 kW/544 hp at 5,250 rpm
Max torque: 750 Nm/553 lb-ft from 1,500–5,000 rpm
Acceleration 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 13.0 litres/100 kilometres (21.7 mpg imp)
CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 303 g/km
Emission standard: EU 5
Well, even though the new 7-Series has only just been launched, BMW will offer a hybrid version next year. For now, there’s the 740d – the most powerful diesel 7-Series ever.
Under the bonnet is an even more muscular version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo oil-burner that powers the 730d, which will make its way into the new 5-Series, too. It produces 61bhp more, at 306bhp, and delivers a massive 600Nm of torque – a 60Nm advantage.
Hooked up to a slick-shifting six-speed auto, the unit propels the newcomer from 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds – a second faster than the 730d – and 155mph. Drivers won’t be penalised at the pumps, though. In fact, as the 740d returns 40.9mpg and emits 181g/km of CO2, it’s even more efficient than the current 730d – although a revised version of the latter is due in September.
How does the model perform on the road? Well, it’s absolutely storming. The enormous torque output means response is instantaneous and supercar-fast between 50mph-75mph.
It’s easy to find yourself travelling at very high speeds, partly because there’s so little wind or engine noise, while the blend of comfort and a range of around 600 miles makes this a supreme long-distance car.
The way the 740d tackles corners is just as impressive. As with all 7-Series, it has Dynamic Drive Control. This gives the option of Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport + modes, which alter the responsiveness of the steering, suspension and traction control. It means you can make the car boulevard-smooth one minute, sports-car-firm the next.
As you’d expect, all this comes at a price. The 740d will cost over £58,000 – around £5,000 more than the 730d. The latter is fast enough for most, but if you have the funds, the new car is a wonderful all-rounder.
BMW is an expert at filling niches that buyers probably never even thought existed. Witness vehicles such as the 5-series Gran Turismo, the upcoming Mini SUV, and the smallest member of the X family, the X1.
This new BMW baby ute is 175.4 inches long, 70.8 inches wide, and 60.8 inches high. That makes it 2.8 inches shorter than a 3-series wagon and 4.5 inches shorter than an X3. Although this may suggest it’s based on the 1-series, the X1 is actually closely related to the 3-series wagon, down to axles, powertrains, and identical all-wheel-drive systems.
The X1 is not a serious off-roader—there are no differential locks, for instance. It’s more of an on-road driving machine with forest-exploration capability. In everyday driving, the AWD system delivers 60 percent of the engine torque to the rear axle and 40 percent to the front, but the multidisc clutch pack is able to apportion torque to whichever axle needs it for traction.
At a glance, the X1 looks very similar to the bigger X3. The main differentiation is its giant BMW kidney grille and more steeply raked windshield and liftgate. Inside, the X1’s décor and layout mimic those of the 3-series. Surprisingly, in view of the vehicle’s compact dimensions, there’s plenty of room out back for a couple of adults. The fifth passenger’s space is compromised by the way the center console runs back into that rider’s seating area. The cargo area varies between 15 cubic feet with the rear seats slid all the way back—there’s another 3 cubic feet available if they’re slid forward—to 48 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.
When the car goes on sale in the U.S. in early 2011, the initial model offering will be the X1 xDrive30i, powered by a 260-hp version of BMW’s familiar 3.0-liter inline-six also found in the X3 and the X5. A 2.0-liter, four-cylinder twin-turbo diesel may or may not make it to these shores. In Europe, the inline-six is mated only to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Specifications
VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 5-door hatchback
ESTIMATED BASE PRICE: $36,000
ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve inline-6, aluminum-and-magnesium block and aluminum head, port fuel injection
Displacement: 183 cu in, 2996cc
Power (SAE net): 260 bhp @ 6600 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 225 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting
DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 108.7 in Length: 175.4 in Width: 70.8 in Height: 60.8 in Curb weight: 3750 lb
PERFORMANCE (MFR’S EST):
Zero to 62 mph: 6.8 sec
Top speed (governor limited): 127 mph
FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
EPA city/highway driving: 18/25 mpg
The X1 definitely wants to be the sports car in the compact-SUV segment. The Servotronic steering system is tuned comparably to the 3-series’ helm and feels much more responsive than the X3’s. The optional Sport package lowers the ride height by 0.8 inch and comes with 18-inch wheels and tires in place of the standard 17-inchers. Despite this, it’s more comfortable than the X3 and exhibits better body control in taking corners. Harsh impacts cause fewer tremors than in the X3.
Exactly what the X1’s niche is, though, we’re not quite sure: the sporty member of the really small and expensive cute-ute category, perhaps? When it goes on sale, it will be in a class of three, joined by the Land Rover LRX and the Audi Q3, and it will likely start at about $36,000.
Here is this great review of BMW X6 M from the folks at Cars Guide.
The super-sized X5 and X6 M are SUVs, but that doesn’t stop them making a sub-six second sprint to 100km/h, hitting a top speed held back to 250km/h, and flaunting the sort of macho body bits that always move an M machine away from the BMW mainstream.
Cranking up to 240km/h down the back straight at Road Atlanta raceway, in a racer red X6 M, was the cement-solid proof that the oddly-styled SUV works better with an M makeover. We’ll have to wait for the X5 with M, but it promises similar stuff.
The X6 is still quirky, and compromised in the cabin, but the selfishness of a driver-focussed update reflects the original thinking behind what BMW calls its sports activity vehicle. And you don’t notice that there are only four seats, or that the rear window view is like peeking out of a letterbox, or that the body could have come from Korea.
Like every M machine, once you floor the throttle in the X6 M — and unleash a twin-turbo V8 that makes a romping 408 kiloWatts — the rest of the deal goes out the door.
The Xers have been given the M treatment because so many potential owners want to go all the way. Particularly in America, where the X5 and X6 are built.
But in Australia the demand for M cars has always been high and only one, the M5 wagon, is not sold Down Under.
The sporty SUVs will be priced north of $180,000 and supplies will be very limited, with around 150 in 2010 spread between the X5 and X6.
The big change for the M conversion is a tweaked 4.4-litre twin-turbo engine that tucks the fans inside the bank of the vee, together with the catalytic convertors. It’s an incredibly complicated and compact conversion which almost eliminates lag and delivers instant access to 680 Newton-metes of torque from 1500 revs.
The Xers are the only fully-auto M cars but the six-speed self-shifter has been tweaked for sports performance, complete with launch control, and they also have intelligent all-wheel drive, servotronic steering, active dampers, bigger brakes and 20-inch alloys that are up two inches from a regular X6.
The body bits include a giant front spoiler with huge cooling holes, side skirts and a rear diffuser that leaves the four-pipe exhaust exposed in M style.
Inside, there is a head-up display, M leather seats and wheel and the M-specific instruments.
DRIVING
There was only one X5 M at the global press preview in Atlanta, Georgia and it was not for driving. It looks nice in bold blue, but that is all I can say.
But I can tell you all about the X6 M after two hours of city and country driving, and a half-dozen fast laps at Road Atlanta. It’s one of the best tracks in the USA and Marcos Ambrose will be there next week, testing his Nascar.
The 6M looks tough and slightly more hunkered, thanks to the bigger wheels and suspension set 10 millimetres lower, and the cabin is just as classy as you expect from an M machine.
But turn the key and there is . . . disappointment. The X6 M is very quiet and you can barely hear the V8. There is no throb.
As we dribble out of town and I feel as if I’m driving a regular X6 5-litre, which is nice but not a favourite.
But then we roll down the freeway on ramp, I finger the M button in the centre of the steering wheel, and the beast is unleashed. The X6 leaps forward, there is a satisfying growl from the tail, and I have to lift sharply to merge with the legal-speed traffic.
I switch back to regular for the rest of the country run and find the ride and handling is terrific — although I hate the artificial heaviness in the steering — the front seats are great, and there is plenty of cosseting luxury. I can almost ignore the looks and cramped back seat . . .
The X6 M is real fun at Road Atlanta and, despite hauling two tonnes, it feels more like a sports car than an SUV. I still have to be careful to brake early-ish and ease into turns, not just jerk on the wheel, but it is composed and swift and feels better than any four-wheel drive wagon including a Porsche Cayenne.
But the X6 is not an M-style machine in the mold of the race-bred M3.
It’s more like an AMG-modified Benz, with a go-fast upgrade that is brutal but not particularly sharp.
Will that matter? Definitely not in the USA and probably not in Australia, because there are always people who are dazzled by an M badge but have never had the chance for something as look-at-me as the X6.
A workable design by Julian Bumbu, who has applied skills learned at a Milanese automotive design program to a BMW etude. The car has echoes of BMW’s Z4 and looks like one that BMW could easily turn into reality. Much better than the ones which have been out recently, this rendering is one which BMW would do well to consider seriously.
Let’s start the week with something funny: the world’s smallest taxi. Apparently, a Michigan registered taxi is the smallest one in the world. Nothing exciting so far, right? Wait, did we say that this cab is actually BMW’s old school/classic Isetta car?
Chuck Miller, a custom-car guru, bought the 1957 Isetta 300 for $1,500 from a seller that was in a rush to cash out. Despite the impeccable condition of this car, it took the owner about thirteen years until he managed to fully restore it and turn it into a taxi.
Well….not really a “real” taxi since this Isetta is simply a show car, but as the owner said, it is still for sale.
In its standard configuration, Isetta 300 generates 13 hp (10 kW) at 5200 rpm, and a torque of 18.4 Nm at 4,600 rpm. The maximum speed is clocked at 85 km/h (53 mph).
Buying a BMW is more than just buying a car to simply get around. With dozens of car makes to choose from, consumers are attracted to BMW’s brand of sophistication, quality, and timeless style. Its circular blue and white logo is instantly recognizable throughout the world, and some have even touted that the BMW is the most admired car ever. With a look that contrasts the very flashy and vibrant Italian sports cars, BMW evokes a sense of maturity, personal achievement, and a symbol of desirable status.
Branding
It can take years for a company to build a successful brand. Managing one is even more challenging. For three decades, BMW not only focused on BMW’s quality by declaring it as “the ultimate driving machine” but the brand has incorporated elements of wish-fulfillment. Like most luxury products on the market, BMW subtlety focused on how owning a BMW symbolizes the accomplishment of a higher status and financial power. It can be considered as a company that taps into an individual’s hopes and dreams rather than a basic necessity used for personal transportation. In the last decade, some of BMW’s advertising has reached out to a more creative group of people who are known in our society for their innovative ideas and maverick spirit. This group includes educators, writers, artists, scientists, and engineers. BMW reached out to this group by marketing their brand as a company who values innovation, originality, and ambition. This message added a new dimension to the underlying value of quality and performance. Perhaps, consumers who desire a BMW wish to feel like creative professionals who are capable of generating fresh ideas.
BMW in Films
Product placement isn’t new to the entertainment industry, but luxury cars are in great demand in movies where heroes, or villains, must drive the best, well-equipped, and recognizable cars. Various models have been featured in the most famous and successful movies ever made. For example, BMW has been featured numerous times alongside the most well-known spy in the world, James Bond. Usually a character that is seen driving a BMW possesses qualities that consumers may want or admire, which adds to BMW’s status as a luxury vehicle and prized possession. In addition, movies and television are screened to millions all over the world, so the BMW’s visibility becomes present on a global scale.
Personalization
BMW owners also find ways to increase their status and make the experience of driving a BMW more enjoyable by adding special features. Special add-ons include upgraded wheels and interiors, and built-in communication devices. Examples of interior accessories are chrome handles, aluminum foot pedals, and steering wheels with all kinds of decorative trim. These options don’t necessarily add to the performance of the car, but owners may feel that these additions are representative of their status. So the more fancy accessories an owner can possess, the better.
Prices of BMWs can reach to the hundreds of thousands. Even auto insurance rates for a BMW may be steep to some, but those who want one believe it will be well worth the price. To many, the act of buying a BMW is like buying a higher status, and the idea of being capable of buying the latest and greatest BMW is one many consumers will always desire.
The highest end X1 diesel model will be sold under the xDrive23d naming convention and produces 204 horsepower and 295 lb-ft(400Nm) of torque at 2,000 rpm. This is the second fastest X1 vehicle with 0 t0 62 mph in 7.3 seconds.
