Tag: BMW

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BMW

BMW 5 Series Touring – Aus launch in October

BMW 5 Series Touring

Following a series of leaked images over the weekend BMW have released official pics of their new 5 Series Touring, which will have its full public reveal at Leipzig in early April. Regular readers will know AUSmotive approves of all Euro wagons, and this new 5 Series is no different. It’s a nice evolution of the F10 5 Series saloon, and while I was a big fan of the previous generation 5 Series, the new models are starting to grow on me.

The 5 Series Touring is due in Australia in October September, and surprisingly BMW Australia have given us a tip on the expected engine line up at launch. It is stated in the press release (available below) that Australian customers will have the choice of two models, 520d and 535i. The 520d is powered by a 135kw four cylinder diesel engine, while the 535i gets the 225kW twin turbo 3.0 litre straight six also found in the Z4, among others. All engines meet EU5 emissions standards. Both models will be available with an 8 speed automatic transmission, although local pricing and specs won’t be confirmed until closer to the launch date.

As expected you can achieve a multitude of layout and boot opening arrangements. The rear window can be opened to offer quick access to the rear luggage compartment. Plus, there is an auto open/close function for gaining full access to the rear compartment. In its regular format the cargo space offered by the latest estate from Munich is 560 litres, which can be expanded to a maximum of 1670 litres. Instead of the more common 60:40 or 50:50 split folding rear seats this wagon provides a 40:20:40 set up. Which is also a hint that the rear bench is really best suited to two adults and a lap dog. If you need to fit five adults in your 5 Series Touring then make sure you bags the front seats first, as it might get a bit squishy in the back.

Like the saloon, the 5 Series Touring shares many components with the up scale 7 Series and all roll off the Dingolfing production facility. Further detail and a number of pics (you can click on each to load a 2000px super image) can be found after the jump. There’s also a brief intro courtesy of BMW’s YouTube channel.

UPDATE 3 August: BMW Australia have announced list pricing for the 5 Series Touring, which is now due in September:

  • 520d – $92,800
  • 535i – $138,900
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BMW

Front-wheel drive BMW ‘0 Series’ gets green light

BMW '0 Series' sketch - via BimmerFile.com

Autocar is reporting that BMW execs have signed off what was once unthinkable, that is the production of a new front-wheel drive model. They claim their source is none other than BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofe. The newest entry-level BMW, likely to be badged as the ‘0 Series’, will piggy-back off the next gen MINI platform and will be priced below the 1 Series.

This latest news has emerged from the Geneva Motor Show, and follows speculation from December last year. “We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small car segment with new models and variants,” Reithofe told Autocar, acknowledging demand for premium vehicles in the compact segment is on the rise.

BMW intend to counter the new Audi A1, as well as the Smart Forfour currently under development. The next MINI is scheduled for release in 2014, however it is likely that the ‘0 Series’ could be on European roads as early as 2013.

The other interesting tidbit from the Autocar article, is in reference to future 1 Series production. While the quote was not acknowledged to Reithofe, Autocar say a Munich insider told them, “We are looking at alternatives. With the new platform set to support four-wheel drive, it wouldn’t be that hard to use the transmission tunnel for a rear-wheel-drive application.”

[Source: Autocar | Pic: BimmerFile]

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BMW

The oldest trick in the world

BMW S 1000 RR tablecloth trick

BMW is at it again with this new video promoting their S1000RR motorcycle. The image above tells you what the trick is, but can the bike make the trick work? Watch the clip below to see what happens next…

[Thanks to Wayne for the tip]

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Audi BMW

BMW returns serve in latest Audi ad war

BMW mailer

BMW has retaliated to Audi’s latest ad campaign in which the Ingolstadt marque boasts it has beaten BMW in three consecutive comparos. The tests have been run in the US mag Car and Driver and this BMW response reminds Audi that its 3 Series has been on the Car and Driver 10best list for 19 years in a row.

BMW is also offering a $1500 inducement for current Audi owners and if they accept the offer they will also be rewarded with free servicing. The promo quips this will allow owners of the four rings to “leave those Audi maintenance bills behind”.

Now, I’m not sure what the BMW servicing scene in the US is like, but here in Australia I can’t see what benefit BMW would gain from criticising the repair bills of their competition. It would be a dumb strategy.

Similarly, I’m not surprised in the slightest that BMW have responded to Audi’s latest offensive. However, that a $1500 “bribe” is the best they can come up with is not only surprising, but an equally dumb strategy that might be the first step in a very slippery discounting war which could leave both brands licking their wounds.

[Source: Autospies]

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BMW

2010 BMW X1 – Australian pricing

2010 BMW X1

BMW Australia have just announced the pricing and predicted model range for the new X1. The little BMW SUV, sorry Sports Activity Vehicle, will go on sale locally on 10 April and list pricing starts at $43,500 for the rear wheel drive only sDrive18i manual. The line up will be topped by the all-wheel drive xDrive23d auto priced from $59,280.

You might be wondering why BMW, who have just given us the MINI Countryman, are releasing yet another soft-roader in this small-car market? The answer is obvious, as this sentence straight from the press release points out, “The BMW X1 is the first premium vehicle of its kind to offer the driving pleasure so characteristic of a BMW X model in the compact segment.” Okay, then.

Further details and a whole heap of X1 images can be viewed after the jump.

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BMW

2010 BMW 5 Series photo gallery

BMW 5 Series sedan

BMW released their all new 5 Series sedan in Munich this morning. First impressions? Not as cutting edge as the previous model. From a design point of view, it’s definitely a bit safer.

There are clear styling cues from within the BMW family, as you would expect. There’s some 7 Series flavour up front with lashings of 3 Series at the back. That sounds like it might be a bit of a mish mash, but the overall styling works quite well. Although, they stopped the penis extension bonnet just in time. Any bigger and, well, yeah. However, there’s no doubting the new F10 5er will kick lots of goals with its intended audience. I’m just disappointed they turned up the conservative dial a bit. The previous 5 Series, for me, got it just right in terms of pushing design boundaries while not alienating its market.

The car will go on sale in Europe after the Geneva Auto Salon (March 2010), with Australian deliveries commencing, not long after, in the middle of next year.

Of course this new model reveal brings with it a new round of technology, engines, safety gizmos and other things you never knew you needed in a car. Internet access for back seat passengers anyone?

European customers will have access to a full complement of engine choices. Ranging from a 135kW turbo diesel four cylinder (520d) through to a 300kW twin turbo V8 (550i). I can’t imagine a four cylinder 5 Series will find its way to Australian shores.

BMW’s lab coat wearers and marketers have teamed together to create a massive vocabulary of techno terms. Looks like dynamic is the current buzzword in the halls of Munich—the new 5 features Dynamic Driving Control, Dynamic Damper Control and Dynamic Drive stability control, all under BMW’s EfficientDynamics umbrella.

When you’re done with all things dynamic, you can still play with Adaptive Drive, Brake Energy Regeneration, ConnectedDrive, Parking Assistant, Surround View, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, Head-Up Display and BMW Night Vision. Quite a mouthful.

Plenty of pics, press blurb and a video, too, can be seen after the jump. A reminder that all pictures can be accessed in high-resolution wallpaper friendly sizing by simply clicking on each image. If you want more in depth coverage of the new F10 5 Series, then take a squiz at BimmerFile.

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BMW Honda Nissan Porsche Video

Nissan 370Z versus rivals at Tsukuba Circuit

The Nissan 370Z has the pedigree and the statistics to give its German and Japanese rivals some serious wasabi heat. But that’s all theory, how will the 370Z really stack up in practice?

Well, luckily for us the Japanese crew from Best Motoring have gone to the trouble of finding out. I trust you’ll enjoy this clip, filmed at the 2km Tsukuba Circuit in Japan (similar to Wakefield Park). Here you will see how the 370Z compares against the Honda S2000, BMW 135i, Porsche Cayman S and Porsche 911 Carerra.

Enjoy!

Source: The Motor Report

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BMW

BMW Z2 scheduled for 2011?

BMW Z2 - Auto Motor und Sport

German publication Auto Motor und Sport reckons BMW are on track to reveal a baby Z2 roadster by 2011. If this rendering, prepared by Mark Stehrenberger, is anything to go by it will be as stunning to look at as it will be to drive, no doubt.

Best guesses would indicate a mostly four cylinder engine line up, with the possibility of some type of hybrid engine in the range, as well. Although, if you’re anything like me, you’re already thinking how good it would be to have the 225kW twin turbo inline six cylinder from the 135i wrapped inside this gorgeous shell.

Here’s hoping this rumour grows in momentum and we see something concrete on the Z2 in 2010.

Source: Auto Motor und Sport via autoblog

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BMW

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo – the rationale

BMW have gone to some rather unusual lengths to explain their rationale behind the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo. This short film, at a touch over 3 minutes 30 seconds, tells you everything you need to know.

The clip is quirky, cute and more than a little daft, but enjoyable nonetheless.

For more on the Gran Turismo, check out the official website.

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BMW Motor Shows

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo

BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo

New models such as the X6 show that BMW is not afraid to tread new ground. And that’s exactly what this BMW Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo does. Also known as the Progressive Activity Sedan (PAS) this car is part wagon, part sedan and part SUV.

I have to say, regardless of whether there is a market for this car or not, it looks a hell of a lot better than the X6. At first I thought the Gran Turismo, like the X6, was another car that simply left you asking “why?”. But the more I see and read about the 5 Series Gran Turismo, the more I like it.

Perhaps, in the metal it may look a bit clunky, but in these pictures, at least, I think it looks stylish and on the pleasant side of aggressive. Although, the side profile, especially the front, is a bit too abrupt.

Featuring new LED “corona” rings for daytime running lights, a modern interpretation of the “Hofmeister kink” and a razor sharp waistline this Concept will certainly stand out on the road when it goes into production.

The car will have its full launch at the Geneva Auto Salon, however an extensive press release and twenty more images can be seen after the jump. You can also watch a 34 minute recording of the live reveal from last Friday by clicking HERE (note: will resize your browser window).

I’d love to hear what you think, so please leave some comments below.

UPDATE 16 Feb: New release from BMW Australia added below.

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BMW Formula 1

BMW Sauber F1.09 launch

Here’s some video of the BMW Sauber F1.09 launch with thanks to the very good folk at BimmerFile.com.

For pictures and press material, make sure you follow this link.

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BMW Motor Shows

BMW M1 Homage to show off in Melbourne

BMW M1 Homage

BMW’s stunning tribute to their 1970s supercar, the BMW M1, will make its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show in February. The BMW M1 Homage was revealed last year to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original M1.

“We are delighted to be able to announce the BMW M1 Homage show car will be arriving in Australia for the Melbourne International Motor Show,” said BMW Group Australia Managing Director Guenther Seemann.

“The BMW M1 Homage is a sensational looking car that highlights both the strong dynamic Motorsport heritage of BMW, but also the talent and skill of our current designers, who created a 21st century look at how a new generation BMW M1 could look. There is no doubt the BMW M1 Homage will be a draw card for the visitors to the Melbourne show, joining with our new Twin Turbo V8-powered BMW 7 Series and X6 Sports Activity Coupé,” he said.

In 1979 the M1, powered by a 3.5 litre inline six cylinder, was Germany’s fastest production sports car. The car was immortalised, in part, by Andy Warhol’s Art Car that terrorised race tracks in the single make Procar series, which has F1 drivers Nelson Piquet and Niki Lauda among its alumni.

More pictures, including the M1 racers at Hockenheim at the Nürburgring, along with extensive press material are available after the jump.

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