BMW 2011 LA Auto Show Presentation - Mission Impossible GHOST

Prototype of the 4-Series cabriolet variant spied with a folding hard-top roof

Just a month after we first spied the 2013 BMW 4-Series Coupe, here are the first spy shots of the 2013 4-Series Cabrio.

Now going by the internal names F32 for the 4-Series Coupe and F33 for the Cabriolet variant (being based on the new F30 3-Series) we're starting to get a better idea of how the 4-Series family will be shaping up. The prototype spied here features a folding hard-top roof. The 4-Series may also spawn a four-door sport coupe variant to compete against the Audi A5 Sportback.

The 4-Series will also be larger than the 3-Series and the Coupe is expected to debut in late 2013 while the Cabriolet variant will follow sometime after that in early 2014.

Source: worldcarfans.com

Introducing The All-New 6th Generation BMW 3 Series Sedan

Dynamic, Efficient and Luxurious


Woodcliff Lake, NJ – October 14, 2011 11:15 am EDT … With the

announcement of the sixth generation BMW 3 Series Sedan, the benchmark by

which all sport sedans are measured just got raised. The pioneering history of

the 3 Series serves as inspiration for the new sports sedan, whose powerful

styling represents a fresh interpretation and conscientious development of

traditional BMW design cues. It will not only set new standards for performance

and handling but also for luxury, technology and efficiency as well.

The all-new BMW 3 Series Sedan arrives in US showrooms in February 2012 as

a 2012 model.

2012 BMW M5 Frozen Silver seen at LA Motor Show

Though apparently focused on their return to the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show and their two main presences there, the hybrid 5 Series and the i Range, BMW knows the importance of the LA Motor Show.

A lovely showcase at the American motor show in Los Angeles features the 2012 F10 BMW M5, with added goodness of a couple of special paint options being included in the lineup offering.

The new paint finishes are called Frozen Silver and Frozen Gray and they are similar to the ones they sold some limited edition M3s over this and the past year.

No pun intended on the brand new F30 BMW 3 Series but the F10 M5 is considerably more interesting and though a little inconvenient, the new paint looks brilliant.

Further more, BMW plans to introduce the new Frozen Silver finish into the premium paint offerings, thus making it available to all F10 M5 purchases not just those of limited edition stamping.
 
Mind you, a price of around 5000 dollars for the special exterior skin of the BMW M5 will still keep a shade of exclusivity.

A new paint finish is nice but the 4.4 liter twin turbo V8 engine that can develop 560 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque is what really gets your heart going.
 
Accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 4.4 seconds (or less by some accounts) and a top speed of 155 mph or even 190 mph when in M Driver’s Package.
Source: BMW Coop

2012 BMW 3-Series Revealed

By Viknesh Vijayenthiran

BMW’s new 3-Series, the sixth generation of the automaker’s entry-level sedan, is now bigger, bolder, and with a revamped engine lineup including a hybrid option, more fuel efficient than ever.

Set to go on sale in February as a 2012 model, the ‘F30’ 3-Series also debuts BMW’s new face, which features elongated headlights reaching along as far as the trademark kidney grille.

BMW M3 Sedan - The Ultimate Q-Ship for the Garden State

Dom Miliano, Newark BMW Examiner

If you know anything about New Jersey, you know it’s a crowded place to drive a car. Big SUVs, slow humdrum slugs and anything that’s not nimble will put you in second place (or worse) in the daily joust that is the Garden State Grand Prix. Also, if you buzz the roads in a bright red, super sexy, low, sleek sportster, you have essentially tipped your hand to the competition – i.e., that mouth breathing bozo in the lane next to you! But a well made slate gray, 4-door sedan – no wings, no buzzy exhaust, no bill board sized decals – can level the playing field. It just might let you fly under the radar and give you an edge when it comes to squirting into a gap or making time in traffic. If that’s your cup of espresso, I have your car – the BMW M3 sedan.

Eisenmann Exhaust System For BMW 550i

Horatiu Boeriu



When BMW dropped the V8 naturally-aspirated engines in favor for the new twin-turbo powerplants, many BMW fans and owners complained about the lack of “real sound” coming from underneath the hood or through the exhaust pipes.

Currently, the F10 BMW 550 is powered by a V8 twin-turbo unit producing 407 horsepower and outputting a decent sound through the exhaust pipes. The remedy came shorter after the market launch of the new 5 Series when respectable tuners released their own exhaust systems

The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 arrives at US BMW centers in March 2012.

By Jonathan Welsh

BMW AG introduced a hybrid-powered version of its new 5-Series sedan, called the ActiveHybrid 5. The car is based on the current 535i sedan and uses the same basic turbocharged 3-liter , six-cylinder engine in that car and several other BMW models.

Forza 3 Car Guide-Episode 6-BMW Z4 sDrive35is '11

World Premiere of the BMW Concept M5 at the Auto Shanghai 2011

Z4 gets N20 turbocharged four-cylinder engine

Author: Satch Carlson
When BMW stirred interest by announcing that it will bring four-cylinder engines to the U.S. market again—their last iteration here was the twin-cam four in the 318ti—the big question was: Which cars will get them?

BMW Launches EVolve Mobile App and Online Dashboard

BMW Launches EVolve Mobile App and Online Dashboard, Gauging Compatibility for Electric Vehicle Prospects

Tracking the mobility of today’s consumers, BMW EVolve helps drivers evaluate their EV readiness and aids BMW engineers in developing future innovations

BMW M3 Drifts

This is how Automotive Rhythms' day is going at the BMW Performance Center in Greenville, SC. This is their BMW M3 Coupe with the Competition Package.

BMW M3 Lightweight to be called M3 Sedan GTS – 440 hp

Author: Horatiu B

On April 1st, BMW unveiled a new concept based on the current M3 Sedan. The M3 “Lightweight” is set to debut in June at the Nurburgring M Festival.

Initial information released by BMW were vague, we learned at the time that the M3 Sedan Lightweight will be making extensive use of carbon fiber and other lightweight parts that will reduce the overall weight of the car.

thedieseldriver.com reviews the 535D

2011 BMW 535d Sedan Review and Road Test

DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS IN THE BMW 535D

Driver assistance systems are particularly well-integrated into the car and the more I spend time in cars with these sophisticated systems, the more I become convinced that they are a necessity, not a luxury. Everyone is subject to a car’s blind spot, so, unless you are driving a convertible, blind-spot detection (a light blinks if there is a car in the blind spot) has universal appeal. Ditto for the lane-departure warning system that makes the steering wheel vibrate if the car wanders out of the lane. Far too many accidents take place when drivers momentarily lose their focus (or worse, fall asleep) at the wheel.

BMW’s Intelligent Transmission Reads the Road

BMW is developing an “intelligent” transmission that uses GPS and other tech to read the road and shift accordingly.

The eight-speed gearbox would consider things like topography, road conditions and speed to select the optimal gear. Data is gathered via the car’s navigation and stability control systems, a cellular data connection and — down the line — onboard cameras and radar.

The Story Behind the Building of your BMW X3

A behind the scenes look at what it took to create a customized video for new owners' of their X3 being built

BMW Security Vehicles. Training.

Deep Inside East Germany. On a former soviet military airport, BMW offers its toughest driver training. Here, drivers of BMW High Security Vehicles can develop their driving skills and push the cars to their limits

Video: 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible in Black Sapphire

Author: Horatiu B.

The 2011 Detroit Auto Show has just closed its doors and the first major automotive show of the year has proven to be a success for most of the automakers. BMW made no exception and the Munich-based automaker introduced for the first time two of their latest models.

First, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe finally took off its cover and revealed to the world one of the most anticipated BMWs of the year. Second, the new 6 Series Convertible showcased the latest BMW design language. The 2012 6er Convertible made its world debut with two vehicles present in Detroit.

During press days, we had a chance to shoot some video of a 6er Convertible in the stunning Black Sapphire color. Before we jump into the video, allow us to recap some of the details around the new 6 Series.

The new 6er convertible makes its US debut this Spring. By the end of this year, the US market will get both the 640i and 650i models. The entry-level 640i is powered by the N55 TwinScroll turbocharged engine. The engine produces 320 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. The 640i Convertible weighs 1,840 kilograms, but still manages to run from 0 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

BMW’s top model 650i is powered by the twin-turbo 4.4-liter direct injection V8. The engine produces 400 horsepower from 5500 to 6400 rpm. While it is impressive that peak power is maintained for 900 rpm, the even more impressive feet may be sustaining the peak torque of 450 pound-feet from a lowly 1750 rpm all the way up 4500 rpm. Equipped with either the manual or the torque-converter automatic, the 6 is rated with a 0-to-60 time of 4.9 seconds and limited top speed of 155 mph.

The stunning, all-new 2012 BMW 650i Convertible will start at $91,375, pricing for the 640i will be announced at market launch.




Source: BMWBlog


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2012 BMW M5 close to its final unveiling » 2010-m5-

According to our sources we are less than three months away from the official unveiling of the new 2012 F10 BMW M5. Meanwhile, BMW continues to test different prototypes across Europe and the last one was spotted on the tarmac of the Schiphol airport in Netherlands.


Despite several reports on different BMW websites, including ours, the M5 Concept will not be unveiled at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, with another auto show being chosen as the host for the world debut of the concept version. (More on this soon).

The next generation 2012 BMW M5 drops the fans-favorite V10 naturally aspirated engine in favor for a V8 turbocharged engine. The powerplant in the F10 M5 is based on the same unit found in the BMW X5 M and X6M, the twin scroll twin turbo version of the N63, known as the S63. The 4.4-liter V8 twin-scroll powerplant will peak at 578-horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque. The 0-62 mph dash should take about 4.4 seconds, but official track times will not be available until late 2011.

As seen on these spy shots as well, the front-end sports the expected M trademarks with the usual aggressive bumper and larger than normal air intakes.


While built on the same platform, F10 as the 5 Series sedan, the M5 features wider fenders, giving the car more muscular and imposing look. The twin dual-exhaust tips are an M trademark and the prototype spotted features them as well.

Other new technology is expected to be seen in the new F10 M5, but BMW has been lips-sealed so far.

[Source: Autoblog.nl ]

G-Power to give the BMW M3 GTS over 600 horsepower

Author: Horatiu B.


Press Release: The BMW M3 GTS seams to have all it takes for being the ultimate BMW M3: lightweight body parts, carbon aerodynamic parts, titanium exhaust, racing suspension, roll cage and racing bucket seats for six-point seatbelts. BMW is right when they call it an “extreme athlete for street and racetrack”.
 
But there is one thing it is missing. The ultimate output. An additional 30 hp compared to the standard BMW M3, that costs just half the price of the M3 GTS, is not too bad, but the ultimate output for the M3 GTS can only be provided by G-POWER.

That is why the first couple of BMW M3 GTS, out of the limited edition of 220 unites, have started to arrive at G-POWER for their output enhancement. A specially adapted version of G-POWER’s SK II CS supercharger system pushes the factory output of 450hp to a more suitable 6XXhp.

After this modification the BMW M3 GTS can finally show the armada of Porsche 911 GT3 RS who’s the boss at the various clubsport racing events.
 
Right now the first of the announced BMW M3 GTS has just arrived at G-POWER. Two more are already on their way. So a little piece of advice for the “competitors” of the G-POWER trained BMW M3 GTS: prepare yourself for a rough ride…

Source: BMWBlog

BMW 1M: All the info you need to know

Author: Horatiu B.

While attending the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, our team at BMWBLOG had the opportunity to participate in a workshop with Dr. Kay Segler, BMW M CEO. Being one of the most hyped BMWs in the past year, the 1M is gathering lots of attention from BMW’s current and future customers, as well as fans around the world.

Many information around the 1 Series M Coupe have been already communicated and our extensive coverage of the new baby-M began several months ago, but in Detroit, we learned more about the car, both from a technology, engineering and marketing perspective.

What is the nearest competitor?

Nearest competitor is probably the Porsche Cayman S, however, no competitors were considered when building the car – the purpose was to build cars the customers would want to drive.

Why a low volume M?

The idea is to keep resale value as high as possible. creating an instant classic.

Pricing?

Price was a serious driver of this car – it was a distinct effort to create an E30 M3 soul successor.

The 1M in a single phrase.

The 1M is basically a truncated M3 Competition Package with a manual.

Development of the engine.

The development time of the engine was very short – engineers took only about a year to build it if not less, beginning in October 2009. In December 2009 the decision was made to build the 1M. Dr. segler championed the project and made all major decisions. Took around 1 year to develop and test the car. M cars utilize the Nurburgring circuit for extensive testing. All the testing needed to be completed in Spring and Summer before bad weather starts. He said the engineers and designers worked very, very hard to complete the project. Dr. Segler was emotional and had a few tears the first time he saw the car in completed form. In a broken voice, he said, “we need to build this car”.

The 1M is powered by the N4 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter I-6 engine. For the 1M, the turbocharger, exhaust system, and ECU have been revised to produce 335 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, though up to 369 pound-feet are available temporarily in overboost mode. Redline is found at 7000 rpm.

Why Valencia Orange?

Ironically, the 1M was first presented to Dr. Segler in Valencia Orange and it was so good that the color made it to the production model. As a fun fact, we observed Dr. Segler was wearing a new Rolex Milgauss which had a black dial with orange second hand and dash marks. True love for the color scheme…

1M design.

The fascia looks like a car built within a car. The car was built with very little changes to be made from the concept to the production model. There will be no convertible version and no other transmission or option for a sunroof. Weight savings came through minimal options.

When Dr. K join BMW M he drove several M models. He was inspired by the E30 M3 EVO. He liked how the car felt.

1M customer demographic.

Dr. Segler said many car manufactures are not listening to their young customers and only build expensive super sports cars. Recognized there was a need to produce an affordable M car for younger enthusiasts. This car shows BMW is listening to what customers want. He hopes the 1M will inspire young future engineers and designers to want to work on cars and hopefully BMW.

“is” vs. M cars?

Dr. Segler was clear cut on this. “is” badged cars are not M cars. M cars are race cars. The car is M pure. It’s not about just power and hp. This car is about road holding because of M3 suspension components. You do not need more power in this car. M button on steering wheel offers a more aggressive throttle response by changing engine mapping of N54B30TO engine.

The engine background.

The engine software tuning was done by BMW race car engineers. It took a very long time to get it just right. From October ’09 to December ’10. Dr. Segler is confident with N54 1M engine reliability.

This engine had to pass bench and Nürburgring track tests for reliability before it was signed off by BMW M to be used in the 1 Series M Coupe.

He said the closest part of track in America, that resembles the Ring, is the kink at Road America. He said multiply that times 70 corners over 13 miles and you will see why it demands so much from a car.

Production and markets.

Official production starts May 2011. Cars will be delivered to China market as well. Dr. Segler said there is no limit on how many 1M’s can be built. This is the first M car to be built in Leipzig plant – alongside 1-Series models.

Video: Control a BMW with a Nokia C7

Viral videos are one of the best weapons in the online world, and this one makes no exception. Apparently setup by the cellphone maker Nokia, the short viral clip showcases a pair of Chinese guys using the recently launched Nokia C7 phone to control via Bluetooth a BMW 1 Series Hatchback.

This brings back memories of James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies when Pierce Brosnan controls a 7 Series via a smartphone. While the special effects and bad guys are missing from this new clip, the results is quite extraordinary as well.

Details around this project are scarce at the moment, but we’re hoping to learn more soon.

To plug in the C7 for Nokia, here are some of the background information on their new smartphone: it has a 3.5 inch OLED display with a resolution of 640 x 360 pixels, does quadband GSM/EDGE and pentaband 3G, meaning you’ll be able to get high speed internet access on this thing regardless of where you are on the world and which operator you use, Bluetooth 3.0, WiFi b/g/n, 8 GB of onboard memory, 8 megapixel camera, and the ability to capture 720p video.



 

 
Source: BMWBlog

Due To Record Sales, BMW and Audi to Expand Factories This Year

Author: Horatiu B.




According to Bloomberg, BMW, Mercedes and Audi AG, the world’s three largest luxury-car makers, will expand factories this year to ease capacity constraints driven by record demand for their vehicles.

Volkswagen AG’s Audi is aiming to overthrown BMW as the world’s bigger maker of premium vehicles by 2015, and plans to increase production for cars and SUV to more than the 1.15 million produced in 2010.

BMW and Mercedes have similar plants with increased production at the Leipzig and respectively Stuttgart plant.

“The top three are poised for further growth,” said Juergen Pieper, a Frankfurt-based analyst with Bankhaus Metzler who recommends buying VW, Daimler and BMW shares. “The momentum in luxury markets will continue this year and also in 2012. It’s a necessity for manufacturers to take steps to address this.”

The increase in automobiles sales is a direct link to the expanding Chinese market which became one of the two largest auto markets in the world. United States continues to remain the largest one. Audi plans to spend 11.6 billion euros ($15.7 billion) through 2015 on plants and new models. BMW has spent 1.5 billion euros alone on its German plants since 2009, while Daimler is building an 800 million-euro small-car plant in Hungary.
 
While BMW plans over 20 new models in the next five years, Audi said will roll out a total of 13 new models and upgraded vehicles this year.
 
The VW unit will spend more than 5 billion euros at two German factories in Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm, where the A6 will be built. Audi also said it will begin work this year to expand a factory in Gyor, Hungary, to increase capacity to 125,000 cars.
 
BMW anticipates record sales in 2011 with more than 1.5 million BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce models. The Munich-based automaker is spending 400 million euros at its factory in Leipzig, Germany, to prepare for the production of the Mega City electric car by 2013.

Just recently, BMW completed a $750 million expansion of its U.S. factory in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to make room for the revamped X3 SAV. BMW is also expanding capacity in China, India, and South Africa.

Source: BMWBlog

2011 BMW X3 Test Drive & Review

BMW Group Announces Partnership with NBC Universal

BMW Group Announces Partnership with NBC Universal to Become the Exclusive Foreign Brand Automotive Advertiser for NBC’s Coverage of the London 2012 Olympic Games

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 13, 2011... BMW Group announced today that it will be the exclusive foreign brand automotive advertiser for NBC Universal’s broadcast of the London 2012 Olympic Games. This agreement marks the first time that NBC Universal has granted foreign automotive exclusivity for its Olympic coverage. It is also the first time that NBC will have only two automotive advertisers, one foreign and one domestic.

The agreement expands the automaker’s association with the Olympic Games. In addition to being the official Automotive Partner and a Sustainability Partner of the London 2012 Olympic Games, BMW announced last July a six-year, multi-million dollar partnership with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the National Governing Bodies of USA Bobsled & Skeleton, U.S. Speedskating, USA Swimming and USA Track & Field. Under that agreement, BMW will provide the USOC and the four individual sports with financial support, fund-raising opportunities and access to BMW Group’s technical expertise to help the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Teams improve their training and performance. BMW Group was also a sponsor of the Atlanta Olympic Games and the U.S. Olympic Team in 1996.

“The Olympic Games represent the highest level of athletic competition and showcase the world’s best athletes at their peak performance,” said Trudy Hardy, Manager, BMW Marketing Communications and Consumer Events. “As a company focused on the development of high performance vehicles and one that has a long history of dedication to competitive sport, we are proud to strengthen our connection to the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Olympic Movement and Team USA.”

BMW Launches BMW X3 Customer Video Portal:

BMW Launches BMW X3 Customer Video Portal:

Consumers Can Watch Production of Their Custom-Made BMW X3.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 19, 2011… Starting on January 20, BMW customers will have unique access to the creation of their custom-made BMW X3 vehicles via an online video portal that will show them footage of their customized X3 being produced at the company’s plant in Spartanburg, SC.

“Customization is essential to the new BMW X3. With more than 10 million distinct configurations available, we wanted to get customers excited about the birth of their unique vehicle,” said Trudy Hardy, Manager, BMW Marketing Communications and Consumer Events, BMW of North America. “This production footage of the BMW X3 vehicles from our Spartanburg plant enhances the overall customer experience that is part of the BMW brand.”

Customers can view the footage by creating a My BMW account on bmwusa.com and entering their X3 order number or VIN. Using seven cameras in BMW’s South Carolina plant, BMW delivers X3 customers with video that tracks their vehicle through the various stages of final assembly. The video does not have an expiration date, giving consumers round-the-clock access to the assembly footage, and the video can also be downloaded and shared with interested friends and family members.

Available this month, the new BMW X3 builds on the success of its first-generation counterpart, offering drivers increased space, functionality, efficiency and comfort. The first BMW X model to be equipped with electro-mechanical power steering as standard equipment, the vehicle also offers owners the option of Dynamic Driving Control and BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems.

BMW M3. 25 years.

he success story of BMW M began in August 1985 with the fastest 3 Series BMW of all times. Today, BMW M is the embodyment of BMW Motorsport. Watch a brief history about this very special brand.

BMW 1 Series ActiveE production vehicle to roll out next week

Author: Horatiu B.

The BMW 1 Series ActiveE will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2011, but the first production vehicle will be roll out as early as next week. According to BMW insider Scott27, the company will soon be ready to accept applications for the pilot program that begins this summer.
 
To gather feedback quicker and more efficient, BMW has also setup a forum for future owners and general public. The team behind the ActiveE project pointed us to the following internet address: bmwactivatethefuture.com.

BMW will also introduce an iPhone app, called “BMW EV Mobile Application” which will allow non-electric drivers to make an informed decision on whether the BMW 1er Coupe ActiveE satisfies their driving habits and requirements.

In the US, BMW will offer at least 450 ActiveE vehicles, similar to the MINI E pilot introduced two years ago.
 
New York Metro and Greater Los Angeles will again be included and be joined by Metropolitan markets of San Diego, San Francisco, Sacramento and Boston.

A glimpse of the BMW ActiveE was first seen with theConcept ActiveE at the North American International Auto Show in January, 2010. Based on the chassis of a BMW 1 Series Coupe it features a newly developed electric drivetrain and a lithium-ion battery-packed developed in cooperation with SB-LiMotive. It offers four passenger seating and approximately seven cubic-feet of luggage capacity.

Based on realistic simulations, the sprint from 0-60 mph requires approximately 8.5 seconds. The maximum speed of the vehicle is electronically limited at around 90 mph.

The lithium-ion battery pack specially developed for this vehicle supplies energy to the motor and all other functions of the BMW Concept ActiveE. For the first time, storage cells are used which were developed especially for use in automobiles by the BMW Group in collaboration with the cooperation partner SB LiMotive. The aim is to use the best available technology in the area of energy storage as part of the development of the Megacity Vehicle.
 
The lithium-ion batteries of the BMW Concept ActiveE have their own liquid cooling system and intelligent battery management system, which are key elements in increasing both the storage capacity and the durability of the battery cells. These systems also ensure that the long range can be maintained largely independent of external climatic conditions. The storage system developed for the BMW Concept ActiveE enables a real-world range of about 100 miles on a single charge, depending on conditions.

More information and photos will be released in the next weeks.

[Source: GCF ]

2012 BMW 650i Convertible - 2011 Detroit Auto Show

This new droptop Bimmer embraces the three virtues of driving: Performance, Fun and Style.

By Sam Mitani

There’s no secret that BMW was planning to make a convertible version out of the new 650i Coupe when it showed the 6 Series Coupe Concept at the 2010 Los Angeles Auto Show; so we were primed and ready when the Munich, Germany-based company took the veils off the new 650i Convertible today in Detroit at the North American International Auto Show. And just as we predicted, the car is stunning inside and out, spiritually similar to the current 650i Convertible that has proved popular in the high-end convertible marketplace the past few years

Like the current model, this new BMW 650i Convertible features an electrically powered soft top with flying-buttress architecture. The buttresses project out along the flanks of the body into its rear section, accentuating the car’s sweeping silhouette. With the roof up, the transition of the roofline into the rear end flows smoothly; with the top tucked in place behind the cockpit, the car looks like it was originally designed as a convertible. The automatic opening and closing operation for the roof is activated by holding a button on the center console. Opening the roof takes 19 seconds, while the closing process lasts 24. As with the current model, both operations can be activated while on the move at speeds up to 25 mph. The roof of the new BMW 650i Convertible is available in two colors, including a new beige. Two non-metallic exterior paint colors and seven metallic shades are available. Exclusive Nappa leather is standard, and can be ordered in four color options (Vermillion Red, Ivory White, Cinnamon Brown and Black). The instrument panel, center console, and the upper sections of the rear door panel and side trim can also be lined with Nappa leather with contrasting stitching as an option.


Head-Snapping Power

Under the hood of the sleek new 650i Convertible is a 4.4-liter V-8 that produces 400 bhp between 5500 and 6400 rpm, and delivers peak torque of 450 lb.-ft. between 1750 and 4500 rpm. This unique “reverse-flow” engine, whose turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder banks, produces power from low in the rev range, making it both thrilling and fun to drive. Mated to this powerplant is BMW’s 8-speed Sport Automatic transmission that features speed, flexibility, sportiness and efficiency. Its minimal torque converter slip and rapid gear changes should satisfy even serious drivers who are accustomed to standard manual gearboxes in their sports machines. The new transmission has an innovative gear set configuration that allows this unit to offer eight gears, aiding acceleration yet allowing the driver to save fuel by driving at low revs. The driver can choose to select gears manually via shift paddles on the standard Sport leather steering wheel. The factory claims that new 650i Convertible will run to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds with both the manual transmission and the 8-speed automatic, and reach an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

The new BMW 650i Convertible will reach dealer showrooms in the spring as a 2012 model, priced at $91,375.

Source: Road & Track

Breaking News: Audi TT RS heading to America in 2011

Audi has given its lust-worthy TT RS the green light to tear up U.S. roads. With 360 bhp, it’ll be plenty capable.

By Mike Monticello

You asked. We asked. And today Audi made it official: The TT RS will be coming to America. You’ll have to wait until the third quarter of 2011 to find one in a U.S. showroom (the hot little sports coupes are already on sale in Europe), but if R&T Road Test Editor Jonathan Elfalan is a good judge of performance cars—and he is!—we’re confident it’ll be worth it: After sampling a TT RS at Willow Springs Raceway earlier this year, Elfalan basically got down on his knees and begged Audi to start shipping the all-wheel-drive rockets our way.

Apparently Elfalan wasn’t the only one hassling Audi. In just one month, more than 11,500 enthusiasts expressed interest in the TT RS via a survey on Audi’s Facebook page. That, along with the aforementioned positive reviews from U.S. media outlets, served up a no-brainer decision for Audi.

“With performance and agility rooted in Audi motorsports success, the TT RS is truly an emotional sports car,” said Audi of America president Johan de Nysschen. “That emotion became abundantly clear as we explored interest across the country.”


The TT RS’s emotion comes by way of a 2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder producing 360 bhp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque. The sole transmission choice—a 6-speed manual—points to the car’s utter enthusiast bent, as does the lack of a convertible version. Audi estimates the pumped-up TT RS will hit 60 mph in 4.6 seconds

Pricing will be announced closer to the car’s on-sale date next year.

Source: Road & Track