BMW M2 Concept

The BMW M1 was the latest BMW amongst the series to have an engine in rear center position. This model has been revisited through the BMW M1 Homage in 2008. The model series of the BMW Concept is still awaited but it would be interesting to imagine what would be a model of sport entry level by the German manufacturer, a car smaller and more accessible than the legendary M1 and which would compete with the Porsche Cayman or Audi TT. This concept could be equipped with a V8 (the one of the next M5) combined with a manual gearbox or 7-speed automatic. And in the continuity of BMW concepts in recent years (Active E & Vision Efficienct Dynamics Concept) a hybrid version would complement the offer.

First Look: 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

Waiting for a new take on the M roadster? You’ll have to make do with the 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is. It may not wear that fabled “M” badge, but the new range-topping Z4 model is faster than the last Z4 M models produced.

As indicated by the awkward name, the Z4 SDrive35is makes use of the same twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 as the Z4 sDrive35i, but BMW’s increased the output to 340 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. An “overboost” button allows the driver to command even more torque -- 369 lb-ft -- at the driver’s whim.

Mated to a modified form of BMW’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox or a six-speed manual transmission, the boosted 3.0-liter can slingshot the Z4 sDrive35is from 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds, making it three-tenths of a second faster than an sDrive35i. In comparison, the last Z4 M coupe and roadster models blasted from 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

BMW to introduce electric concept car at 2010 Detroit Auto Show

ActiveE Photos courtesy of BMW

An electrically powered version of BMW’s 1 Series coupe will be introduced Jan. 11 at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

Known as the BMW Concept ActiveE, the vehicle has a motor located in the rear axle that generates 170 horsepower and 184 foot-pounds of torque. It can hold four passengers, has a seven-cubic foot luggage compartment and can accelerate from a stop to 60 mph in approximately 8.5 seconds. The range is estimated at 100 miles.

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is: First Look

• Competes with: Mercedes-Benz SLK, Audi S5
• Looks like: BMW’s new Z4 got better, with a worse name
• Drivetrain: 335-hp, twin-turbo six-cylinder with seven-speed double-clutch transmission
• Hits dealerships: May 2010

For 2011, BMW is adding a new trim level to its recently redesigned Z4 convertible hardtop roadster. A new 335-horsepower model with an adjustable sport suspension, which is borrowed from the company’s M lineup of performance cars, now sits atop the range. BMW has dubbed this model the Z4 sDrive35is. There’s also a Z4 sDrive30i and a Z4 sDrive35i, which has the same engine as the new 35is but puts out less power and doesn’t have the performance and body modifications of this new entry.

The sDrive35is gets a specially tuned exhaust, the M suspension that lowers the car 10 millimeters or a third of an inch, unique 18- or optional 19-inch wheels, matte aluminum trim and special silver side mirrors no matter the car’s exterior color.

The only reason we can tell this Z4 isn’t given an M designation is that the engine isn’t as powerful as the current Ms in the lineup, which bottoms out with the 414-hp M3. Even with the “paltry” power ratings, the Z4 sDrive35is is predicted to go from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds.

Pricing hasn’t been announced, but the 2010 Z4 sDrive 35i starts at $51,650; expect the “is” to cost more than that. More photos below.

BMW trying to figure out what to do about its electric Mini test

BMW Mini E's is plying the streets of the east and west coasts, being driven by consumers in an experiment in electric transportation.

By BMW

There are about 600 pure electric versions of BMW's Mini running around. The German automaker is now about six months into its test of how the electrics will hold up in real-world consumer tests. Now it 's trying to figure out what to do next.

"We're looking at whether to extend (leases) with the existing clientele or (find) a new clientele next year," said Ian Robertson, BMW's worldwide sales and marketing chief in an interview with Drive On earlier this month.

But he says BMW is learning a lot from the experiment:

For one, he says, there's a big problem with different cities that typically blanket a metro area having different requirements for the garage recharging equipment required to own an electric car. In fact, there's not even a common recharging plug depending on what country you're in, Robertson says.

2011 BMW 740i and 740Li To Debut at 2010 Detroit Auto Show

2011 BMW 740i Picture

BMW 7 Series gets a version of the twin-turbo inline-6 from the 5 Series.
BMW said it will begin selling the 2011 740i and 740Li sedans next spring in the U.S., featuring a version of the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that powers the BMW 535i and other models.

In the 2011 7 Series models, the twin-turbo 3.0 will deliver 315 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. It will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

BMW said the new 740i and 740Li will be available with such options as an M Sport package, Driver Assistance package, Luxury Seating packages, Rear Entertainment package and the BMW Individual Composition package.

For model year 2010 in the U.S., BMW sells the 750i and Li, powered by a 400-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, and the 760Li, powered by a 535-hp twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12. Prices currently range from $81,280 to $137,450.

BMW Goes Luxury Green Electric Car with Concept ActiveE

BMW, which earlier this year was showcasing for American drivers its upcoming hybrid ActiveHybrid X6 crossover utility vehicle, is back again now at greener cars with the all-electric Concept ActiveE. BMW says this is its latest electric vehicle that explores “solutions to minimize environmental impacts while preserving the kinetic driving experience for which BMW has long been known.”

The ActiveE, debuting at the upcoming North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) 2010 in Detroit and related to the Mini E currently being field tested, integrates “drive components within the existing vehicle package of the BMW 1 Series Coupe.” BMW says of this car’s electric motor, located in the vehicle’s rear axle, that it “delivers 125 kW/170 hp and provides maximum torque of 250 Nm / 184 lb-ft.” It also reportedly accelerates the vehicle in less than 9 seconds from zero to 100 km/h (0-60 mph in approx. 8.5 seconds).

image via BMW

BMW, partnering with SB LiMotive, is introducing into the ActiveE a “new, advanced lithium-ion battery pack” which will provide an “approximate” range of around 100 miles in typical everyday use. Charging time in North America, using a high-current residential wall box, will be around 4.5 hours. Top speed of the ActiveE is “electronically limited” to 90 MPH to help save on battery life, which will likely disappoint many BMW fans. Still, this is a solid movie forward by a well loved luxury car maker to bring electric vehicles into more homes. It is said a production version of this vehicle might be ready late next year.