BMW leads Audi, Mercedes-Benz in June 2011 global luxury-sales

BMW

BMW brand topped rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz, selling more cars worldwide in June 2011. The Munich-based automaker reported 134,432 cars sold last month, a rise of 12.3 percent over 2010.

The runner-up, Mercedes-Benz sold 120,510 cars in June, 6.4 percent increase over last year. VW-owned Audi closes the podium with a 19 percent increase or 117, 650 cars sold globally.

From January until July 2011, BMW sold 689,861 units, a 17.8 percent increase. Audi tops Mercedes with 652,950 cars (17.7 percent increase). Mercedes’ sales rose 9.7 percent to 610,531 units through six months.The increased BMW’s global deliveries are directly related to the booming sales of the new 5 Series sedan and the all-new, redesigned, X3 SAV.

“The figures reflect strong global demand,” BMW sales and marketing boss Ian Robertson said in a statement, adding however, that due to the model cycle and the year-on-year base effects, he expects the carmaker’s growth to slow in the second half of the year.

In total, BMW Group, including the BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce brands, sold 165,855 units in June, a rise of 15.9 percent. Between January and June, the brands’ sales were 833,366, a rise of 19.7 percent.

2012 BMW M3 DTM

2012 BMW M3 DTM

2012 BMW M3 DTM

The DTM project of BMW has literally taken off: On Monday the new BMW M3 DTM, with which the brand will make its comeback to the DTM in 2012, completed its first roll-out on BMW’s own test track in Aschheim (DE).

Apart from BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt, numerous motorsport division employees attended the roll-out, which marks a milestone in the preparations ahead of the 2012 season. On Friday Marquardt had introduced the BMW M3 DTM to senior BMW Group executives at a separate event in Munich.

“Obviously it is a very special occasion when a new car such as the BMW M3 DTM drives out of the garage for the first time,” said Marquardt. “For that reason we invited our personnel to see the car in action out in the open. Every member of our team has worked extremely hard towards this day. This marks yet another step towards our first race in 2012. However, many more steps have yet to follow. The car used for the roll-out plus the Concept Car, which will be unveiled on 15th July in Munich, give a first taste of what our 2012 challenger will look like. We expect a lot to change visually on the car before the first race.”

2012 BMW 7-Series

2012 BMW 7-Series

2012 BMW 7-Series

2012 BMW 7-Series

2012 BMW 7-Series

2012 BMW 7-Series (F01) undergoing testing in Germany.Sporting a modest facelift, the car is distinguished by new bumpers, "angel eye" headlights (with LED indicators) and revised tail lights.

Under the hood, we can expect minor modifications for improved efficiency and added performance. The current six-speed automatic will also be replaced by a new ZF-sourced eight-speed unit.

2013 BMW 2 Series Coupe

2013 BMW 2 Series Coupe

In late 2012, BMW will introduce the second generation 1 Series Coupe. Built on the F20 platform, the new 1 Series Coupe will move up in class and be sold under the 2 Series badge. The car will share some design cues with the recently unveiled 1er Hatchback, a controversial model that received mixed reviews.

At the front, the new 2 Series Coupe will most likely feature the same headlight design as the hatchback model. The front bumper is expected to have a more aggressive look and a lower stance.

At the rear, the taillights will receive the LED treatment and will continue to be designed with the usual BMW L-shape approach.

BMW Motorsport Qualifies in GT

BMW Motorsport Qualifies in GT

Our own Horatiu and Shawn are in the enviable spot of sitting live trackside for the 2011 24 

Hours of Nurbrugring as the M3 GTs battle for the title in the ILC. We’ll have more from Horatiu and Shawn but for now we have a full press release from BMW Motorsport on their strong qualifying result!

Nürburgring, 24th June 2011. Mission accomplished: This is arguably a fitting description of Team BMW Motorsport’s second qualifying session for the Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE). Both BMW M3 GT cars managed to improve their lap times compared to the times set in Thursday’s first qualifying, and now find themselves in promising positions for the endurance classic in the Eifel Mountains. 

Dirk Müller (DE) posted the fourth-fastest time at the wheel of the no. 7 BMW M3 GT in 8:27.430 minutes. Augusto Farfus (BR) clocked a lap time of 8:27.915 minutes at the 25.378-kilometre track, finishing fifth.

2011 BMW 335i

2011 BMW 335i

2011 BMW 335i

2011 BMW 335i

2011 BMW 335i

2011 BMW 335i

The 2011 BMW 335i sedan that we recently tested fits all of these criteria about as well as any car we've ever driven. The current generation 3 Series that debuted in 2005 was the first BMW to bring the latest cleaner version of the automaker's design language.

In typical BMW fashion the hood is long and the cabin is set well back on the body giving its profile a sporting and aggressive stance. That long hood also helps to accommodate the traditional BMW inline-six cylinder engine which we'll come back to in a bit.

Inside our tester was equipped with the Premium, Cold Weather and Sport packages as well as the navigation system. The front sport seats are supremely supportive when cornering and feature extendable thigh supports. The leather covered steering wheel has a perfect combination of thick rim and small overall diameter making it the ideal tiller for a sporting machine.

BMW currently offers three different 3.0-liter inline-six engines in the U.S.-market 3 Series (not including the V8 powered M3). The 335d uses BMW marvelous twin turbocharged diesel six which blends performance with excellent fuel economy. The BMW 328i has a normally aspirated gasoline engine while the BMW 335i has turbocharged version of that engine.

The N55 adopts BMW's fully variable valve timing and lift system called Valvetronic along with direct fuel injection. The new turbocharger is a dual-scroll unit with two inlets to the turbine housing that let the engineers better control when and where the exhaust gas pulses hit the turbine wheel. Our tester was paired up with a slick shifting six-speed manual gearbox that features short throws and a progressive easily actuated clutch pedal. The size of the wheel blends brilliantly with the amount of effort required to turn the wheel at just about any speed. The rear-wheel-drive layout of the standard 3 Series splits the workload between the front and rear tires allowing the fronts to handle directional control and the rears to propel the car.

BMW M3 crocodile skin

BMW M3 crocodile skin

BMW M3 crocodile skin

BMW M3 crocodile skin

BMW M3 crocodile skin

Some of us have been to crocodile parks as kids, use wallets, bags, purses and briefcases made using crocodile leather. Wikipedia says the nutrient-filled crocodile meat is served as a dish in parts of Africa and Thailand. We’ve even produced “Crocodile tears” at the headmaster’s office. But here is a bizarre relation between a car and crocodiles – an unusual Eastern European tuner created a BMW M3 covered in crocodile skin!

If someone told you tuners can’t think beyond horsepower and wheels, show them this – a customized 318i by Latvian tuner Vipon made using crocodile skin. The smart tuners haven’t yet acknowledged if it is actual croc skin or imitation material covering the length and breadth of the car, but that’s probably to stop an alarm setting off in your country’ customs office.

BMW X4 Canceled Or Delayed

BMW X4

The long-time rumored BMW X4 has been canceled…for now. Initially rumored to appear in 2012, the X4 Sports Activity Coupe would shared most hardware and interior parts with the X3 and be exclusively build at the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. Autocar, quoting BMW officials, says plans for the X4 are on hold pending a new platform strategy that will center on greater commonality between the X3 and X5.

BMW X4 was envisioned to be a smaller and more agile four-seater, receiving individual styling in a move to give it a more sporting image and enable BMW to position it higher than the X6 SAC upon which it is based.

Back in February, our sources said the X4 will be offered with various 4- and 6-cylinder engines, and probably in the future, a hybrid version, similar to the X6 ActiveHybrid or the future X3 hybrid. All-wheel-drive is likely to be the only torque delivery system offered.

2012 BMW M5 F10

2012 BMW M5 F10

2012 BMW M5 F10

2012 BMW M5 F10

2012 BMW (F10) M5 were first published in the German car magazine Auto Zeitung. The photos show a very muscular M5 wearing 20-inch wheels and dressed in the color of Monte Carlo Blue. Feel free to compare the differences between this 'official' M5 and the M5 Concept from a couple of months ago.

Power output specs on the next M5 will be 560 PS (412 kW / 552 bhp) and 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) of torque from a twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8. Its 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint will be 4.4 seconds (0.3 seconds faster than E60 M5), 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 13 seconds and top speed will be 305 km/h (189 mph) with the M-Drivers-Package. Transmission choices will be 6-speed manual and 7-speed DCT.

Official media release is expected early next week, with its first public appearance at the M Festival on June 23 at the Nürburgring.Starting price in Germany will be around €100,000 ($140,000).

BMW X6 M special edition

BMW X6 M special edition

BMW X6 M special edition

BMW X6 M special edition

BMW X6 M special edition

Here are some of the first spy shots available of an upcoming special edition BMW X6 M.This prototype spied testing on the Nürburgring is sporting a massive air scoop on the bonnet as well as air extractor outlets which BMW is trying to hide with the camo. The side skirts also look a little bolder than on the standard X6 M model.

 

We expect this special edition X6 M to feature an uprated 4.4 liter, twin-turbo V8 to around 600 PS (441 kW / 592 bhp) over the series' 555 PS (408 kW / 547 bhp).

BMW 4-door coupe patent sketches

BMW 4-door coupe patent sketches

BMW 4-door coupe patent sketches

BMW 4-door coupe patent sketches

These images of a BMW 4-door coupe have been leaked from a patent office somewhere and fallen into the hands of our intrepid colleague over at Carscoop.The images show a 4-door coupe, based on the Gran Coupe Concept that debuted last year, that will compete against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS and the Audi A7 Sportback.

In the sketches there are some design changes to the front fascia and rear lights which are to be expected as the model makes its way through the production process.The as-of-yet unnamed model is set to go to production next year. What will it come to be called?Well, as it's based on the 6-Series, it could be the 6-Series Gran Coupe or the 6-Series Gran Turismo.

2014 BMW Z2

2014 BMW Z2

2014 BMW Z2

BMW, it's getting hard to keep track of what's going to be what--and the latest report out of the U.K. makes it that much harder. Is BMW planning an all-wheel drive roadster?

That could be the case, according to CAR. Sporting a soft top, more basic (read: less expensive) features, and aiming at the likes of the Mazda MX-5, the next Z2, a project rumored since 2009, could also sport all-wheel drive.

It's a curious suggestion, as all-wheel drive always adds weight, complexity, and expense to a car--three things that are the antithesis of a pure, driver's sports car. But all-wheel drive is also a great way to boost performance and utility, turning what might otherwise be a three-season car into something that can be driven year-round. But BMW apparently hasn't made the final decision on which direction to go--all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.

If it's based on the upcoming UKL1 front-drive architecture tipped for future small BMWs and the MINI range, the all-wheel drive solution would be a huge improvement over the alternative in terms of dynamics, unless it's significantly front-biased. If BMW opts to go the rear-drive route, it could require delays to get the engineering work done, but would be the purer option for sports car enthusiasts.

Whichever drive orientation the Z2 ends up with, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinders are pegged as the powerplants of choice, ranging in power from 170 to 272 horses.

2012 BMW M5

2012 BMW M5

2012 BMW M5

2012 BMW M5

2012 BMW M5

2012 BMW M5

The V-10 M5 is dead – long live the turbo V8. Or something to that effect. The glorious S85 5 liter V10, that rev’d to 8250 RPM is no more. The E60 M5 was the first production sedan to utilize a V10. And as good as the E39 M5 was, the E60 was an order of magnitude better. In fact it was really too powerful and capable for most drivers. However, BMW has moved on with the new F10 M5 and in the process they’ve replaced the high revving V10 with a turbo V8.

So is the new engine better than the V10. Well, it’s certainly more powerful and has gobs more torque available right off idle. If numbers mean anything then it’s better because it’s quicker to 100 kmh than the E60 M5 (by about 10%). But that won’t stop the wailing and gnashing of teeth over the loss of another naturally aspirated engine from BMW’s lineup.

he new engine have than the V10, well how about 160 Nm more (that difference is more torque than the 1.6L engine in the Hyundai Accent produces for goodness sake). Plus, as we’ve said time and time again, ‘HP sells cars, torque wins races’. And what BMW has done with their turbo motors is to arrange the torque to be delivered in a broad mesa from almost idle to 5,750 RPM. And the newest turbo V8 doesn’t disappoint, delivering all of its torque from 1500 to 5750 RPM. And when you calculate peak HP, it comes in at 560. Yes, that’s only about 10% more than the S85 produced, but the new V8 doesn’t rev as high (if it did, the HP figure would be off-the-charts).

F10 BMW M5 S63

F10 BMW M5 S63

F10 BMW M5 promises to unleash its wrath upon the performance luxury sedan market and take its place as the performance “Gold Standard.”But until we’re actually able to test it against its competitors in real world scenarios and on track, let’s analyze the data.

One of the complaints (again) from the performance M purist is the loss of the lovely high revving V10 S85. “There’s no way the V8 will rev like that darn V10.” Well, the truth might amaze you.

The heart of the F10 M5 comes from the engine currently powering the X5M/X6M twins, internally known as the S63. For the first time in an M5, a high-revving 4.4-liter (4395cc) turbocharged V8 finds its way into the engine bay. BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology, twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold guarantees legendary BMW M-car thrust with seamless lag-free power delivery from just off idle.

KW Coilover Suspension System for BMW 1M

KW Coilover Suspension System for BMW 1M

KW Coilover Suspension System for BMW 1M

KW Coilover Suspension System for BMW 1M

KW Coilover Suspension System for BMW 1M

Small yet powerful is how BMW presents the sportiest model of its 1-series. With its Version 3 coilover suspensions, KW has developed the perfect solution to enable the BMW 1-series M Coupe to whiz around corners even better than before and significantly enhance the agility of the compact Bavarian-made car. In particular, the enhanced adjustable compression damping allows the M Coupe to expertly master sharp bends. Overall, the car is easier to handle at high speed as the ride is more balanced than in the standard models and the driver receives greater response from the road.

But it’s not just the car’s dynamics that’s boosted by the KW coilover suspension, comfort levels are improved, too. At low speed, the impact of transverse joints is no longer transferred unfiltered into the passenger cabin for example. In addition, KW’s engineers have managed to perfect the car’s directional stability and its braking behaviour while overall harmonisation between the front and rear axle has been enhanced, an advance which becomes particularly noticeable at high speed.

2011 BMW Le Mans

2011 BMW Le Mans

2011 BMW Le Mans

2011 BMW Le Mans

BMW Motorsport secured excellent grid positions for the 24-hour race in Le Mans (FR). In the third qualifying session, Augusto Farfus (BR) set the fastest time in the LM GTE class, recording a 3:57.592 minutes lap in the no. 55 BMW M3 GT.

This meant pole position for the 27-year-old and his fellow BMW drivers, Jörg Müller (DE) and Dirk Werner (DE). The second BMW M3 GT (number 56) will tackle the 79th running of the endurance classic from third on the grid. Andy Priaulx (GB) had posted this car’s best lap with a time of 3:58.426 minutes during Wednesday’s first qualifying session.

However, the triple world touring car champion and his team-mates, Dirk Müller (DE) and Joey Hand (US) were forced to sit out the third two-hour qualifying session on Thursday night.

2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan

2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan

2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan

2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan

2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan

The next generation 2012 BMW 3 Series sedan has been spied once again. With just a few months before its official debut, BMW is intensifying the testing sessions and several prototypes are being tested around the world, including the famous Death Valley in California.

The latest test mule spotted by spy photographers sports the usual psychedelic camouflage that still covers some of the fine design details. Spied in a black paint, the F30 3 Series Sedan identifies itself an evolution of the current E90 bodystyle with design accents from the new 5 Series. BMW insiders describe the new F30 3 Series as a scaled down 5 Series, but with unique lines that will make it distinctive within the BMW family.

2012 BMW 1 Series in Alpine White

2012 BMW 1 Series in Alpine White

2012 BMW 1 Series in Alpine White

2012 BMW 1 Series in Alpine White

2012 BMW 1 Series in Alpine White

2012 BMW 1 Series in Alpine White

2012 BMW 1 Series surface from Germany. An Alpine White F20 hatchback was spotted on the Autobahn giving us a closer look at the exterior design from different angles.

At launch time, the F20 1er is offered in a variety of exterior colors: Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Crimson Red, Mineral Gray, Midnight Blue, Deep Sea blue, Glacier Silver, Mineral White, Liquid Blue, Valencia Orange. In the fall, the M Sport package becomes available and among the usual exterior and interior upgrades, will also include the historical Estoril Blue paint.

Styling wise, the F20 1 Series follows the design language initiated by BMW back in 2009 when the new 7 Series came to market. The car features a bold front that aims to stand out with what we believe are a pair of oversized headlights surrounding a flat and smaller than expected kidney grille. The hood sports the creases seen on all the new BMWs and facelift models.