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.

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.

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.

British workers earn boost in BMW spending

BMW

The outstanding quality of its British workforce was a major factor in BMW's decision to invest a further £500 million ($990 million) in its Mini assembly plant in Oxford and other operations, the group's chairman Norbert Reithofer said yesterday.

Product quality and productivity at its UK operations was "absolutely at the same level" as its other European and US plants, he said.The next generation of the Mini would be built at Oxford and could develop into a "brand family" with up to 10 varieties.

The company also reaffirmed its commitment to its other UK operations - the engine plant at Hams Hall, Birmingham, a pressings division at Swindon and the Rolls-Royce factory at Goodwood, West Sussex.Reithofer hinted that the new generation of small BMW-badged cars could also be built at Oxford.

BMW to focus on smaller cities

BMW to focus on smaller cities

German luxury car brand BMW will consolidate its market position by extending presence in tier-II and III Indian cities over the next one-and-a-half years, a senior executive said on Wednesday.The dealership base of the company will be enhanced from existing 24 facilities to 40 in the next one-and-a-half years, BMW India President Andreas Schaaf said.

"Further, we aim to have 60 facilities by 2015," he told reporters at Verna, 20km from here. Schaaf, who commissioned BMW's Goa facility at Verna, said the company intends to drive into smaller towns from its current thrust on the auto markets like Delhi and Mumbai.

The company, he said, gets 70% of its total sales from Delhi and Mumbai markets and this figure is likely to drop once sales pick up in tier-II and III cities. Schaaf said they are examining the market potential of smaller cities and towns.

BMW claims 41% of share in the luxury car segment of the country. Schaaf said the market share is expected to grow further with the introduction of SUV X 3 model, which is scheduled to be rolled out in September.

The carmaker's Chennai plant has already started assembling the new vehicle, which is considered as ideal for Indian conditions, he added.

BMW India, a 100 subsidiary of BMW Group, was set up in 2007.

Since then, Schaaf said, the network of dealers has been established across India. "We did not engage traditional dealers. The company searched for like-minded dealers who would identify themselves with our ideology." Bavaria Motors, which has BMW dealership in Pune, was given the dealership in Goa.

BMW Hybrid HR2

BMW Hybrid HR2

BMW Hybrid HR2

BMW Hybrid HR2

The BMW HR2 race car has set 9 international and FIA-ratified land-speed records for hydrogen cars. The records were set at the Miramas Proving Grounds in France. The BMW HR2 is one of the few hydrogen cars developed with internal combustion engine (ICE) technology instead of fuel cell technology.

The BMW HR2 also is a dual-fuel vehicle. With a flip of a switch the HR2 can move between hydrogen or gasoline fuel tanks for power. When accomplishing the land-speed records, the gasoline portion of the dual mode operating system was disabled.The HR2 uses BMW's top of the line 6.0-liter V12 gasoline engine modified for either hydrogen or gasoline and can achieve 285 hp and with a top speed on 185.5 mph. The HR2 can also accelerate from a standstill from 0 - 60 in about 6 seconds.

The HR2 is based on BMW's flagship limousine, the 760Li with fully variable VALVETRONIC valve drive. The main modifications to the engine involve enhancements to the fuel injection system and seals needed to accommodate the H2 fuel. Since hydrogen burns faster and at a slightly lower temperature than gasoline under normal pressure, yet runs hotter when mixed with air for combustion, the HR2 engine management system had to be modified. For instance, the pistons were not ignited by the hydrogen / air mixture until they had reached top dead center inside the cylinders.

2012 BMW 3-Series Hybrid

2012 BMW 3-Series Hybrid

2012 BMW 3-Series Hybrid

2012 BMW 3-Series Hybrid

2012 BMW 3-Series Hybrid

Identifying this next-generation 3-Series prototype as a hybrid are the proper "Rescue" stickers on the doors and rear end. Other than that, it looks like a normal, although, heavily camouflaged, 2012 3-series model.

Not much is known about the hybrid drivetrain that will go into the next 3-Series except that most of the technology will be derived from the 5-Series hybrid which is also coming.

That 5-Series hybrid setup was previewed in the 5-Series ActiveHybrid Concept car that debuted in Geneva last year. That model featured a 3.0 liter straight-six twin-turbo petrol engine producing 306 PS (225 kW / 300 bhp) coupled with a 54 PS (40 kW / 54 bhp) electric motor and fitted with a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox.

BMW M3 ALMS

bmw rahal letterman racing alms

BMW chose the Chicago Auto Show to announce its re-entry into American Le Mans Series racing. The German automaker revealed a race-prepared M3 coupe, festooned with a large rear spoiler, aggressive fender flares around the wheels and a stripped interior complete with built-in roll cage. The M3's V8 has been up-rated to 485 horsepower.

bmw rahal letterman racing alms

bmw rahal letterman racing alms

bmw rahal letterman racing alms

bmw rahal letterman racing alms

bmw rahal letterman racing alms

bmw rahal letterman racing alms

bmw rahal letterman racing alms

bmw rahal letterman racing alms

bmw rahal letterman racing alms

BMW M3 Race Version 2009

BMW-M3_Race_Version_2009

Chicago, IL/Woodcliff Lake, NJ - February 6, 2008... BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: "With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step. The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters."

BMW's 2009 entry into the American Le Mans Series will be driven by a partnership between BMW of North America, LLC and Rahal Letterman Racing, co-owned by US motorsport legend Bobby Rahal.
"We are very pleased to be returning to the American Le Mans Series with our latest generation BMW M3," states Tom Purves, Chairman and CEO, BMW of North America. "Sports car racing has been part of BMW of North America's history practically from day one. Just two weeks after the company was incorporated in March 1975, a BMW CSL won the Twelve Hours of Sebring. We are confident that the fourth generation M3 will continue the legacy of its two predecessors which combined to win six manufacturer's championships over nine seasons in US sports car racing. As it has been in the past we believe the ALMS is the ideal venue to showcase the potential of the newest BMW M3."
Echoing that sentiment Bobby Rahal adds, "BMW has an illustrious racing heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is eagerly anticipating, not only becoming part of that heritage, but helping to enhance it. Our dedication to this project will be without equal and we look forward to racing at the front of the grid with BMW in the years to come."
Martin Birkmann, Motorsports Manager, BMW of North America, adds: "We are very excited to announce our return to the American Le Mans Series with the 4th generation M3 at the same time as the road car hits the BMW showrooms. We are also excited about our partnership with Rahal Letterman Racing. The ALMS offers racing where we can compete against the finest and most renowned automotive brands from Europe and the US. Motorsport is deeply ingrained in the BMW DNA and we are pleased to partner with an organization which shares that same heritage. Rahal Letterman Racing is the perfect partner to be behind the wheel of our new BMW M3 racing effort."

BMW-M3_Race_Version_2009

BMW-M3_Race_Version_2009

BMW-M3_Race_Version_2009

BMW-M3_Race_Version_2009

2012 BMW GINA Light Visionary Model

2012 BMW GINA Light Visionary Model

2012 BMW GINA Light Visionary Model

2012 BMW GINA Light Visionary Model

2012 BMW GINA Light Visionary Model

2012 BMW GINA Light Visionary Model

BMW GINA Light Visionary Model is a car that its outer skin made of textile fabric which is mixed with metal wire and carbon fiber. Framework car is controlled by electro-hydraulic devices and can actually move and change shape under the fabric skin. For example, the concept can be affected by light or concealed by the skin of a car such as blinking eyes, and the hood opens from the center as part of the fabric to expose the engine.

This idea extends into the interior, where BMW designers have made visible only instrument needed at any given time, while the remaining time the same fabric interior “blinks” them out of sight. The car itself looks somewhat like a Z4 Roadster, though after viewing the extensive gallery of high res images below, you will be amazed how much the outer skin looks like normal sheetmetal. Until, that is, you will see how the doors open.

They are raised in semi-scissors and because there are no exposed hinges, the fabric artfully binds as the door opened. While the design GINA Light Visionary Model is very Bangle-esque with concave and convex surfaces intermingling everywhere you look, look right and natural here. This car is very much a concept, meant more to inspire BMW’s own designers and engineers rather than stimulate the community, but now we are very excited about the shape-Changin, cloth-covered cars.

The MegaCity Vehicle-BMW i3

The MegaCity Vehicle-BMW i3

The MegaCity Vehicle-BMW i3

The MegaCity Vehicle-BMW i3

The MegaCity Vehicle-BMW i3

The first fully electric vehicle to emerge under the Project i umbrella is the Megacity Vehicle, recently dubbed i3. Part of the new BMW i sub-brand, i3 is one of BMW’s biggest bets in its entire history.

BMW i3 is powered by a lithium-ion battery with 35 kWh of capacity placed below the vehicle’s floor. Rear-wheels approach remains in BMW’s philosophy and the power is sent to the rear wheels through a rear-mounted 150-hp electric motor. Driving range is expected to top at 100 miles and top speed at 95 mph. The i3′s chassis will be aluminum and the passenger cell made from carbon fiber—BMW says more conventional materials would add as much as 650 pounds to the i3—and the electric motor could be joined by a range-extending internal-combustion engine at some point.

At launch, Megacity will be offered in a two-door, four-seat configuration. The car will measure around 157 inches. In the future, the MCV sub-brand will include two additional models. First one due in 2015 and dubbed ICV, short Intracity Vehicle, will be a two-door, two-seat car. In 2017, UCV – Urban Commuter Vehicle -will extend the length of the initial MCV and has four doors while hosting five people.

The Megacity family will carry on BMW’s core values and according to BMW executives, will look and drive as a premium product, and will not be a compromise between looks, performance and safety. Quoting Van Hooydonk, “the car looks solid, with a higher riding position that inspires safety. Some iconic BMW design elements might be omitted in the MCV, but other new design elements will be introduced that in their turn, could turn the car into a sub-brand.

The i3 will carry over the BMW core values around rear-wheel drive vehicles. The electric motor will be placed directly above the rear axle. Some of BMW’s DNA elements like the Hoffmeister Kink are rumored to not be part of the i3.

2011 MANSORY BMW 7 Series

2011 MANSORY BMW 7 Series

2011 MANSORY BMW 7 Series

2011 MANSORY BMW 7 Series

2011 MANSORY BMW 7 Series

The look of the MANSORY aerodynamics kit is based on vibrant elegance. The component parts of the front bumper perfectly blend in with the fitted LED daytime running lights and the new carbon radiator grill and turn the MANSORY 7 series front into a dynamic eye-catcher. The roof spoiler, the rear rim and the rear apron designed in the diffuser look also interact outstandingly. The MANSORY sports exhaust system renders an impressive growling sound. The end mufflers are made of stainless steel and the rectangular end pipes perfectly integrate into the newly designed rear section.

But MANSORY not only knows how to make an engine growl, it also provides breathtaking performance enhancements. With performance kits for the models 750i and 760 Li, MANSORY supplies the core part of the extensive tuning programme. The kits consist of an optimised engine electronics combined with a sports air filter. 360 kW / 490 hp and 720 Nm torque with the 750i as well as 470 kW / 640 hp and 920 Nm torque with the 760Li – these key figures show a significant effect on the stop watch. The optimised MANSORY 760 Li accelerates from 0 to 60 miles an hour in only 4,2 seconds and is therefore 0,4 seconds faster than its serial counterpart.

Such a performance also cries for larger wheels. Especially for the requirements of the BMW 7 series, MANSORY offers a combination for significantly improved handling and exclusive appearance. The one-part polished rims measure impressive 22 inches. The wheels are 10 inches wide and accommodate high-performance tyres measuring 265/35 at the front axle and 295/30 at the back.

A highlight of the interior design is the ergonomically re-designed sports steering wheel. Thanks to its new shape, lies significantly better in your hand and still offers all functions of the serial steering wheel. If noble or dynamic – MANSORY has the right component parts for any interior wishes. Carbon or burl wood, leather or ultra-suede. If desired, the MANSORY upholstery department can produce anything to make your heart grow faster. From personalised floor mat sets to entire leather equipments, everything is manufactured in masterly precision. Individually designed for you and fitted into your car by skilled craftsmen.

2011 Vorsteiner BMW M3 E93

2011 Vorsteiner BMW M3 E93

2011 Vorsteiner BMW M3 E93

2011 Vorsteiner BMW M3 E93

The boot lid will feature latest pre preg autoclave construction with high gloss automotive lacquer and will be the lightest cabriolet boot lid available in the market to date. All OE mount points will be carried over for uninterrupted usage of the folding roof mechanism.

2013 BMW M3....V6 Engine

2013 BMW M3....V6 Engine

2013 BMW M3....V6 Engine

Facing increasingly strict emissions regulations in Europe and stringent fuel economy standards in North America, BMW confirmed late yesterday that its next-generation M3 will be powered by a turbocharged six-cylinder engine rather than the V8 currently under the high-performance 3-Series’ hood. BMW’s M Group boss also hinted that the next-generation 1-Series will indeed offer an E30 M3-inspired M variant.

According to Motor Trend, BMW’s M Group CEO, Ludwig Willisch, told a media roundtable that the next-generation M3, due in about 2013, will be forced to move to a high-power turbocharged six-cylinder. The M3, initially offered with a four-cylinder in its first iteration, was powered by a high-performance six-cylinder motor for its second and third generations, but the current M3 is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 based on the M5’s V10.

Willisch wouldn’t confirm if it will be a single or twin-turbo powerplant powering the next M3, but he did say that the engine will not be based on the 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six currently used in the 335i. BMW is apparently considering a V6, according to Willisch, who said that the V-configuration would yield a more compact engine that could be butted up against the firewall. He also indicated that the next-generation M3 might not be more powerful than the current, 414-horsepower car. The next-generation M3 will shed some weight and gain a more flexible powertrain.

Willisch also confirmed our earlier report that the next-generation 1-Series will offer a high-performance, M-designed model. Though it isn’t expected to be called M1, the 1-Series M will, at least in BMW’s eyes, reincarnate the first-generation “E30″ M3 offered in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Expect power to hover in the 300-horsepower range thanks to a turbocharged four-cylinder.

It’s expected that the M5 will also move down to a high-power six-cylinder or a V8.

2012 BMW Activehybrid X5

2012 BMW Activehybrid X5

2012 BMW Activehybrid X5

2012 BMW Activehybrid X5

2012 BMW Activehybrid X5

The drive system featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid consists of a straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, eight-speed automatic transmission, and electric drive. Integration of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in a sedan already extremely efficient with its “conventional” combustion engine reduces both fuel consumption and emissions once again by more than 10 per cent. At the same time the electric motor offers a boost function, supporting the gasoline engine in generating particularly dynamic drive power …

Plugging an existing hybrid system into an existing car isn’t quite as easy as plugging into an outlet, but the team at BMW is making it look that way, with the recently-unveiled BMW ActiveHybrid 5 already moving from concept car to testing prototype. As these spy photos show, the car is not significantly different from its conventionally-powered brethren.

Based on the same underpinnings as the new 2011 5-Series, the ActiveHybrid 5 is expected to make its retail debut sometime next year. The hybrid system under the hood pairs a twin-turbocharged …