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.

Electric BMW 1-Series revealed

BMW has revealed official images of an all-electric concept based on the 1-Series Coupe, ahead of its debut in Detroit. Called the Concept ActiveE, it represents the second phase of BMW’s project i, following the MINI E, an ongoing venture to bring a range of zero emissions vehicles to market.

Gone is the MINI E’s front-wheel drive, two-seater layout – a restriction thanks to the batteries sitting where the rear seats should be. With the Concept ActiveE clever packaging has produced space for four passengers, a 200-litre boot and weight distribution similar to the standard car. In keeping with BMW’s philosophy, power is fed to the rear wheels, ensuring the driving experience should be instantly recognisable to current BMW owners.

Power comes from a new electric motor integrated into the rear axle. With 168bhp, 250Nm of torque available from zero rpm and a kerbweight of 1,800kg performance is impressive. A 0-37mph sprint is completed in 4.5 seconds, 0-62mph takes just 9 seconds and the top speed is limited to 90mph.

A bank of lithium-ion batteries sits where the combustion engine would normally be, and features a new stable temperature regulation function to keep it cool. Charging takes place via either a standard home socket or an industrial high-current outlet, the latter tops up the batteries in just three hours, giving a real-world range of 100-miles.

Besides the circuit-board inspired livery and the lack of an exhaust pipe, the visual changes from a standard 1-Series Coupe are minimal. However, a new ConnectedDrive service allows owners to use their mobile phone to check the charge status of their car remotely, as well as activate the heating and air-conditioning systems.

Six-Cylinder Option Returns On 2011 BMW

2011 BMW 7-Series

In line with the automaker’s EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy, BMW announced today that its flagship sedan would get a smaller twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine pumping out 315 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 330 pound-feet of torque from 1,600 to 4,500 rpm.

The unit is based on the same 3.0-liter block found in a host of other BMW models, including cars like the 335i and Z4 sDrive35i. In the 2011 BMW 7-Series, the award-winning engine will reside in the new 740i and 740iL long-wheelbase variant.

Both models will go on sale as 2011 models in spring 2010. Pricing will be announced closer to the sales launch. Despite being the new entry-level models for the 7-Series range, they will be available with a full complement of options and packages, including the M Sport Package, Driver Assistance Package, Luxury Seating Packages, Rear Entertainment Package, and even the BMW Individual Composition Package.

2011 BMW 740i and 740Li

We’re accustomed to seeing eight- and twelve-cylinder engines nestled beneath the hood of a BMW 7-series, but it’s been a long time -- nearly a decade, in fact -- since we’ve seen BMW’s flagship powered by a six-cylinder.

For 2011, however, such a model returns. Both the new 740i and long-wheelbase 740Li make use of BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6, found in the likes of the 335i. Power is boosted slightly to 315 hp at 5800 rpm, and 330 lb ft of torque from 1600 through 4500 rpm. As no X-drive model is in the cards, power is routed to the rear wheels via a ZF-sourced six-speed automatic transmission.

Apart from the powertrain, there’s hardly a difference between the 740i and its V-8 and V-12 siblings. All options available on the 750 and 760 (including the M Sport package and upgraded rear seats) are available on the 740i and 740Li.

BMW has yet to announce pricing for either the 740i or 740Li, but we’d expect a short-wheelbase car to sticker just underneath the 750i’s base price of $82,280. Look for both the 2011 740i and 740Li to arrive in U.S. dealers in the spring of 2010.