2011 BMW M3 Photos Released with Details About the New Competition Package!

Here are the first official photos of the 2011 BMW M3, which get's slight styling updates for the new year. The 2011 M3 gets restyled taillights and slight tweaks to the front fascia. For 2011 there is a new Competition (ZCP) Package that is available on the coupe and sedan. The package includes a 10 mm lowered suspension, 19x9" alloy wheels and a new EDC sport mode. The Competition Package adds $2,500 to the price of the M3. The 2011 M3 is powered by a 420-hp 4.0L V8 that can be mated to either a six-speed manual or the double-clutch transmission. In Europe the M3 will now have start-stop technology that reduces emissions by 8%.

BMW unveiled the refreshed 2011 X5 which Gets Turbo Power and a Facelift!

 

BMW has unveiled the refreshed 2011 X5, which gets new gas powered engines and a small facelift. Both of the gas engines in the X5 are new. The xDrive35i is now powered by the same single turbocharged N55 six-cylinder that is also available in most of the BMW range. It reaches 0-60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The xDrive50i is now powered by the 400-hp twin-turbocharged 4.4L V8. It reaches 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. Both the gas engines are now mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The diesel xDrive35d doesn't get any changes under the hood for the new year. On the outside the lower front fascia has been restyled with larger air intakes. The rear bumper also gets a slight restyle.
The 2011 BMW X5 will debut at the New York Auto Show in April and sales will start shortly after that.

2011 BMW Alpina B7 Starts at $122,875

 

BMW has announced the pricing for the 2011 BMW Alpina B7, which is headed to the US this spring. The 2011 Alpina B7 starts at $122,875 and $126,775 for the extended wheelbase model. The Alpina B7 is powered by BMW's turbocharged 4.4L V8 with 500 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque. It reaches 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
The 2011 BMW Alpina B7 will debut at the Chicago Auto Show this month.

BMW officially released the details and photos of the refreshed 3 Series coupe!

BMW has officially released the details and photos of the refreshed 3 Series coupe and convertible.
As we await the next 3 Series sedan that is expected to be unveiled some time next year, we can enjoy a refreshed 3 Series coupe and convertible. The coupe and convertible get a refreshed face for the 2011 model year. This includes slightly tweaked headlights, a larger grille and a revised lower fascia. The rear end gets slightly revised taillights.
Under the hood the 335i gets a new turbo engine with only one turbo compared to the current twin-turbo setup. The new engine is supposed to have less turbo lag than the current twin-turbo inline six. According to BMW the new engine puts out the same 300 horsepower, but is more responsive and efficient.
The 2011 BMW 3 Series coupe and convertible will go on sale this spring.

BMW 335is to Put Out 322HP and Have Opt 7-Speed Double Clutch Transmission!

Official details have surfaced regarding the upcoming BMW 335is. Just in case you thought the 335i needed more power, but can't quite afford the M3, BMW is set to launch the 335is coupe and cabriolet with 322 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. of torque from the twin-turbo inline-six.
In addition to more power under the hood the 335is is available with the 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The exterior features the M Sport package and 18" wheels.
The 335is cabriolet is expected to enter production in March with the coupe following in May. It's not known if BMW is planning a sedan version as well.
The 3 Series coupe is also expected to get a facelift for the 2011 model year.

BMW and Mercedes-Benz have both unveiled hybrid versions of their flagship sedans and Audi is next. Audi is set to unveil the A8 Hybrid at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Audi announced its plans at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Audi also included that it sees hybrids as the next step to fully electric vehicles and that it has no plans for a mild hybrid. The A8 Hybrid will be a full hybrid. Audi is also going to release a Q5 hybrid this fall. The A8 hybrid is expected to appear shortly after the Q5's launch.

The 2010 MINI Cooper and Clubman Models Get Power Upgrades!

The 2010 MINI Cooper, Cooper S and Clubman models are getting a slight boost in power for the new year. Starting with the base Cooper and Clubman models, it now puts out 3 more horsepower from the 1.6L than last year, not really a big deal I guess. The Cooper S and Clubman S models now put out 9 more horsepower from the turbocharger 1.6L. The S models equipped with the manual transmission get a new self-adjusting clutch with carbon coated linings, which supposedly improves pedal feel and service costs.
The 2010 MINI models will be arriving this March.

2011 BMW 740i Brings Six-Cyl Power Back to the US

BMW has announced the return of the 740i and 740Li models for the 2011 model year.

The 2011 740i and 740Li will be powered by BMW's twin-turbocharged inline-six with 315 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque from 1600-4500 rpm. The six-cylinder is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

Both models will be available in the spring of 2010.

Detroit 10' Preview: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is Gets Closer to an M Version

When BMW introduced the new Z4 roadster this year, the automaker stated that unlike the last generations, there would not be an M version of the new Z4. At launch Z4 buyers could choose between the sDrive30i or sDrive35i models. Well BMW has just announced the addition of the new sDrive35is model for the 2011 model year.

The 2011 Z4 sDrive35is is based on the sDrive35i with its twin turbocharged 3.0l inline six-cyl engine. But in the sDrive35is the engine features increased air intake flow and increased boost pressure to release more power. The horsepower rating has been bumped up to 335 and torque is now at 332 lb-ft. The Z4 sDrive35is can reach 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. The more powerful engine is mated to a standard 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Z4 sDrive35is also comes standard with the M Sports Package including the M Aerodynamics Package and adaptive M Suspension, which lowers the ride height by almost 0.4 inches.

The 2011 Z4 sDrive35is will arrive in spring 2010.

2011 BMW 5 Series Officially Unveiled

BMW has officially unveiled the 2011 5 Series. We've already seen the Gran Turismo body style of the new 5 Series, which is already on sale, but this is our first look at the sedan.

The 2011 5 Series now shares its platform with the larger 7 Series and the upcoming Rolls-Royce Ghost. Overall the styling of the new 5 Series, looks very similar to the larger 7 Series. It now has the longest wheelbase in its class. At launch the 5 Series will be available with either a 400-hp 4.4L V8 (550i) or 300-hp 3.0L six-cylinder engine (535i). The engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual, eight-speed automatic or a new "Sport Automatic" 8-speed. The 528i will debut at a later date with a 240 horsepower six-cylinder.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 Starts at $89,725

BMW has announced the pricing for the 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 that will be available starting on December 5th at a starting price of $89,725.

The ActiveHybrid X6 features BMW's dual-mode hybrid technology mated to a twin-turbo V8 and a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The $90k gets a list of things that aren't standard on the X6 xDrive50i including Nappa leather seats, 20-inch wheels, rear view camera, soft close doors, power tailgate, 4-zone climate control, etc. If you want even more, there are extras like the active ventilating seat package, cold weather package, Rear seat entertainment system, etc. All of which would push the price even closer to $100k.

For this price you could also get the 555-hp X6 M, but I guess it's not quite as "green."

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo Starts at $64,725

BMW has announced the pricing for the 2010 550i Gran Turismo that will be available in US showrooms on December 5th. The V8 powered Gran Turismo starts at $64,725.

The 550i Gran Turismo is powered by a 400-hp 4.4L twin-turbo that is mated to BMW's first ever 8-speed transmission. It is capable of reaching 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The twin-turbo 535i GT will also be available, but BMW has yet to release pricing on that model.

PRESS RELEASE:

BMW ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR THE 2010 BMW 550i GRAN TURISMO

The 550i Gran Turismo arrives in showrooms with an MSRP of $64,725.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, November 18, 2009... BMW today announced pricing for the first of its 5 Series Gran Turismo models to reach US shores. The 550i Gran Turismo will be available beginning December 5, 2009 with a base MSRP of $64,725, including $825 Destination & Handling.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is a new interpretation of a classic concept offering, in this case, luxury seating for four or five in combination with remarkably flexible storage options. 550i Gran Turismo will combine the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with BMW's first-ever 8-speed automatic transmission. With maximum output of 400 horsepower and peak torque of 450 lb-ft., the 550i Gran Turismo will accelerate from 0 - 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.

The 550i Gran Turismo provides a luxurious traveling experience for five. The available Luxury Rear Seating Package creates the ultimate first class environment for two rear passengers. The unique dual-access tailgate offers the choice of a tradition trunk opening or full tailgate access to the generous rear luggage area.

A full list of options and packages may be found below.

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo Available Packages:

* Active Ventilated-seat Package $2,950
* Back-up Camera Package $750
* Convenience Package $1,900
* Cold Weather Package $950
* Driver Assistance Package $1,350
* Luxury Rear Seating Package $3,950
* Premium Sound Package $1,400
* Sport Package $4,200
* Nappa Leather Package $1,000

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo optional equipment:

* 20-inch wheels with mixed-sized performance tires $1,000
* Power rear side window shades $500
* Integral Active Steering $1,750
* Multi-contour seats $1,300
* Satellite radio $350
* Rear seat entertainment system $2,200
* Smartphone integration $150
* 4-zone automatic climate control $500
* Ceramic finished controls $650
* Ski bag $150
* iPod and USB adapter $400
* Head-up display $1,300
* Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection $2,600

BMW Delays the Launch of the Next X3 in the U.S. to Mid-2011

BMW is going to delay the introduction of the next X3 by six months to launch a new system that will make it easier for buyers to custom order the X3.

This means that the next X3 will not arrive in US showrooms until mid-2011, a full six months after it launches in Europe. The delay will also allow BMW the ability to offer up to four different engines, which will lower the base price of the X3. According to Jim O'Donnell, president of BMW of North America, the X3 could be offered with a four-cylinder and a diesel in addition to the six-cylinder engines. BMW is going to decide by the end of the year if a four-cyl or six-cyl diesel will be offered. Production of the X3 is also going to X3 will shift from Magna Steyr in Austria to BMW's Spartanburg, S.C., factory.

Of course this delay is going to hurt sales of the X3. Its sales are off 67 percent this year.

Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 3 Series Shows up on a Flatbed

Here's our first look at what we can expect for the next BMW 3 Series, which is expected to debut in 2011 as a 2012 model. From these photos its clear that the proportions of the next 3 Series are not going to change much. The next-generation will also see the return of four-cylinder engines in the US market.

Click here to see the rest of the photos.