World Car News: BMW

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Detroit 2009: BMW pulls the cover off the new Z4

2010 BMW Z4

BMW had a Cirque du Soleil wannabe hanging upside down from a curtain to pull the sheets off of the 2010 BMW Z4 at the Detroit Auto Show. The Z4 is the third generation of BMW's small roadster since the original Z3 debuted in the mid-90s. This time around, the company is moving production from South Carolina to Europe to make room for the next gen X3 at Spartanburg. The new Z4 gets a retractable hardtop in place of the soft top, and with only two seats to cover, the proportions don't look as goofy as other hard top convertibles.

The flame surfacing of the last Z4 has been dramatically toned from the last generation, giving a much cleaner look overall. Under the hood, US versions of the Z4 are restricted to 3.0L six cylinder engines with and without turbochargers. No word yet on an M version, but given recent statements from BMW it seems more likely to get a more highly boosted version of the six rather than the M3's V8. The Z4 goes on sale this summer. Expect pricing to be released closer to the sale date.

Gallery: Detroit 2009: BMW Z4

Gallery: 2010 BMW Z4

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BMW 135i "SuperSports" model coming in 2010

BMW 1 Series tii concept

According to a report originally posted at Germancarzone and then repeated at BMW Blog, a certain Bavarian automaker is currently working on a new performance version of its 1 Series. Although it wouldn't be called an M1 -- since that moniker is reserved for supercar status -- the so-called 135i SuperSports would get a bunch of improvements, consisting mostly of lightweight body panels, a decontented interior, as well as an upgraded suspension and brake package. Power is said to come from the latest version of BMW's outstanding 3.0L turbocharged inline-six that's rated at 326-horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque in the 2009 7 Series.

We wouldn't be surprised to see the upgraded engine migrate down the line from its placement under the hood of the latest flagship, but we're a bit dubious that an upcoming lightweight SuperSports edition will see daylight beyond that. We'd rather see the 1 Series get these light weight mods (in a tii model perhaps?) along with a smaller four cylinder engine option, complete with a price that's a bit easier to swallow than the current model. We're also still holding out hope for the 123d.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: Germancarzone via BMW Blog]

Front end of 2010 BMW 5 Series leaked

It's hard to really picture a raw fascia on a car, but the BMW fan world is mildly atwitter with the leaking of some images of the 2010 5 series bumper. As expected, it looks like a BMW nose, complete with twin kidney grille, wide lower intake, and a spot for the Roundel. The new 5er is likely to share a resemblance with the upcoming Z4 rework, meaning the standard practice of evolving the established style will continue unabated. We'll wait to pass final judgement until we see the nose attached to the rest of the sheetmetal, but the 5 may not tiptoe as near the 2009 7 series' new duds as first thought, though the headlamps may be similar. It seems that BMW's going conservative after taking flak over its design direction.

[Source: BMWBlog]

BMW's 2009 unveiling schedule?

BMW Blog has trained its spyglass on what it says is a list of BMW rollouts for 2009, and it will begin next month with the brand spankin' new Z4 showcased at the Detroit Auto Show. It is March, though, that will bring year's first real bounty. At Geneva, BMW will be showing off a concept version of the Progressive Activity Vehicle (half 5 Series, half X6), the Concept eDrive (an electric 1 Series or 3 Series), a Z4 Individual, and the Rolls-Royce 102EX (otherwise known as the RR4). Then in April, BMW's taking the show to Shanghai with the 760Li.

Post-Shanghai, you'll get a few months to digest. Then at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, BMW is expected to have the production-ready Progressive Activity Vehicle on display and the MINI Crossover. It is there, perhaps, that they'll also trot out a show pony speedster they call the Vision-Z with eDrive, their idea of "progress of sports cars for the future." And sprinkled on top throughout the year come launches of the 7 Series xDrive, 7 Series Hybrid, X5 M, X6 M, and X6 Active Hybrid. For bimmer lovers, 2009 is going to be a jubilee year.

[Source: BMW Blog]

BMW M3 Recalled Due to DCT Transmission Issue

Okay, so this is very reminiscent of the big recall BMW had on the previous generation E46 BMW M3 for a rod bearing in the years 2001 to 2003.5. Now all new BMW M3's with a DCT Transmission have been recalled which tally's to about 2500 cars. Although this is not near as big as the E46 recall, many enthusiasts who purchased or ordered a new BMW M3 with the DCT Transmission will now have "that feeling" in their gut on whether or not this car is "reliable". The issue occurs when the car is in a near panic stop/breaking. The transmission will attempt to downshift several times to the point where it causes the engine to stall. The good news about this recall is that it is resolved with a software update. You would think that automakers would get the DCT/Dual Clutch setup right by now; it is not as if about half of the automakers are coming out with their own version of a dual clutch setup.

Oh look… it's the new iDrive controller next to the DCT shifter. Wheew!

Spy Shots: Chery Tiggo5 takes aim at X5, Touareg

Chery's supposed lack of money hasn't stopped it from going ahead with its multi-model Tiggo SUV rollout. The Tiggo3 -- which looks much like a RAV4 -- has done well for Chery, so now it's preparing the Tiggo5 and Tiggo6.

The Tiggo5 is expected to do battle with the VW Touareg and BMW X5 (and by extension, the Shuanghuan CEO). With rugged yet basic styling penned by Bertone, the Tiggo5 will be powered by Mitsubishi engines including the 3.0-liter V6 and 2.0-liter turbo.

[Source: China Car Times]

VIDEO: BMW drives the X5 M

Click above to view the teaser video of the BMW X5 M after the jump

After countless spy shots and rumors, BMW has finally admitted that an M version of its X5 SAV is on the way. The proof of concept comes in the form of a video released on the automaker's bmw-web.tv site, and not surprisingly, the clip doesn't divulge much about the M-modified 'ute. Bernd Limmer, an exec at BMW M GmbH, discusses the essence of "M-ness" that BMW infuses into all of its Motorsports models, goes into detail about how the different systems interact with each other and then hits the Nurburgring to show off the X5 M's prowess on the Nordschleife. There's still no word on when the BMW X5 M will make it's debut, but considering that the original X5 debuted at the Detroit Auto Show almost a decade ago, the Bimmer boys could have something up their sleeve for the festivities in Motown. Hit the jump to see the video.

Gallery: BMW X5 M and X6 M - spy shots

Jim Press says Chrysler could be America's Benz, BMW

What American automaker best matches up with the uber-machines from the Germans? Lincoln... no, probably not. Cadillac? Getting warmer. How 'bout Chrysler, asks ChryCo. co-Prez Jim Press. After a quick review of Chrysler's current line-up, we're not really buying the comparison; but it's fun to dream, so we'll bite. The Sebring is roughly the size of the C-Class and 3 Series, but it's driving the wrong wheels to go head-to-head with BMW and Mercedes-Benz, so that would need a complete rework, to say the least.

The 300C is a very nice car with an appropriate engine up front, rear-wheel drive and a relatively attractive price compared to the Germans. That could work, but it's clear that Chrysler would need to pump lots more money into the car to keep it up to date with it's competition from Germany. Minivans don't equate very well to any Germanic rivals, especially since the R-Class from MB has been a major disappointment.

One possible area that Chrysler has over its supposed competition is trucks. The new '09 Ram may be a major step up from its predecessor, but we're not so sure we're ready to call it the Mercedes-Benz of pickups, which is pretty much how Press says he sees it. We're all for the idea of an American competitor for Mercedes and BMW, and we'd love to see the Pentastar emerge from its financial problems a leaner, more focused manufacturer. Still, we wonder if Chrysler should set its sights on cross-town rival Cadillac before jumping all the way to Germany.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd, Photo by Brendan Smialowski/Getty]

Is this the BMW CS Concept/8-Series/GT ?

November 4th represents the day when BMW fans' hopes to see a hig-end luxury car were shuttered by BMW. The highly-acclaimed and admired CS Concept was officially cancelled by BMW's Board of Directors due to financial reason and the current economical climate.

Even though the project received the axe, we did learn that the CS Concept might make its return in the future, most likely as under the Rolls-Royce brand. The CS Concept was rumored for months to take on different name conventions, starting with CS, then the revival of 8 Series or even GT.

The fellows at Autobild spotted two photos of what it seems to be a model based on the new 7 Series but with some differences, especially on the front-end.

EnI, a member of Germancarzone, as someone close to BMW, confirms that the CS Project is still going on, but most likely, it will emerge as a baby Rolls-Royce.

I was told although BMW GT project had been ready to begin the initial testing when BMW Board of Directors decided not to offer this car under BMW but under RR badge. Of course RR design is far from being ready; the design process has just begun … But the BMW-like CS prototypes are starting the testings as scheduled - until RR design is ready.

What's certain at this point is that BMW has not completely erased the CS out of their Road Map and the state of the economy will dictate their future plans. We can only hope now!

[Source: BMWToday ]

The new BMW Z4 officially unveiled

The new BMW Z4

After last week we saw two leaked photos of the new BMW Z4, this weekend, the German carmaker officially unveiled their new sports car. When it will go on sale, the new Z4 will be available with three engines, an entry level 2.5 liter developing 204hp (152 kW) and 250Nm (184 lb-ft) of torque, a 3.0 liter (258hp (192 kW) 3-liter engine with 210Nm (228 lb-ft) of torque) and a top of the line 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged unit that delivers 306hp (228 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque and takes the Z4 from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds.

A premiere for the Z Series is the use of a new retractable hard-top, which opens and closes in 20 seconds. Of course, this means that the car is heavier, but to deal with that, BMW has fitted the Z4 with an Adaptive M Suspension system (ride height can be raised/lowered by 10 mm with three configurations available), plus the Drive Dynamic Control function, available for the first time on the Z4.

The new BMW Z4 will make its world debut at next month's Detroit Motor Show, when BMW will also probably announced the dates when the car will go on sale.

Check out more photos and a video after the jump.

Photo Gallery: The new BMW Z4

Spy Shots: Are reports of the BMW CS' demise exaggerated?

The unadulterated beauty that is the BMW CS Concept cannot decide whether it wants to be built. A little more than a year ago the CS Concept was going to be the basis for a new flagship sedan. A month ago, BMW turned heel and walked away from a production version, running instead into the arms of smaller vehicles and EfficientDynamics. Now, Evo claims it has caught BMW testing a CS mule near BMW's headquarters. What is actually pictured, however, is a 7 Series with a CS-style nose and headlights. While a production CS would be based on the 7 Series, this is a long way from BMW actually building the CS. We aren't saying they won't, since every car has to start somewhere... but we are saying be skeptical.

Gallery: BMW Concept CS

[Source: Evo]

In The Autoblog Garage: 2008 BMW M5

BMW's M5 is understated enough to fly under the radar of the general public, but those in the know, familiar with its capabilities and the legacy it carries, grow silent with reverence if you pull up to them at the gas pump. Who can resist a vehicle that can stop conversations mid-sentence, and accelerates strongly enough to extinguish candles on the next block? We certainly couldn't, and thus began our week with the mighty M5.