Two World & Two North American Debuts at Detroit

The North American International Auto Show in Detroit will see the World debut of the BMW Concept ActiveE and BMW Z4 sDrive35is, as well as the North American unveiling of the twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine version of the BMW 740i and 740Li Sedans and the six-cylinder turbocharged version of the BMW 535i Gran Turismo. BMW Concept ActiveE

BMW Concept ActiveE is the latest electric vehicle project under BMW Group’s initiative to produce vehicles that explore solutions to minimize environmental impact while preserving the dynamic driving experience for which BMW has long been known. The BMW Concept ActiveE will follow the all-electric MINI E as the second large-scale electric vehicle test program to be conducted in the hands of interested customers.

The BMW Group presents yet another milestone along the way to achieving CO2-free mobility. The BMW Concept ActiveE provides a taste of a purely electrically powered BMW. Focused on the requirements of practical use, the study is based on the BMW 1 Series Coupe and embodies the outstanding agility and characteristic driving pleasure of the 1 Series with the added dimension of emissions-free driving.

The BMW Concept ActiveE highlights the continuation of its research and development activities in the field of electro-mobility by the BMW Group and allows for the exploration of new vehicle packaging solutions and components which will be crucial to the success of the Megacity Vehicle. The integration of drive components within the existing vehicle package of the BMW 1 Series Coupe offers the opportunity to provide four full-size seats and a luggage compartment with a capacity of approximately 7 cu ft. (200 liters). The motor, specially developed for the model and located in the rear axle, delivers 170 hp and provides maximum torque of 184 lb-ft. It accelerates the vehicle from 0-60 mph in approx. 8.5 seconds.

The electric drive system draws its energy from new, advanced lithium-ion battery pack developed jointly especially for the BMW Concept ActiveE by BMW and cooperation partner SB LiMotive. They enable a range of approximately 100 miles in everyday use. An intelligent battery management system helps achieve this range largely independently of external climatic conditions. Additionally, the charging period required for the lithium-ion batteries is very short. On the European power grid, the battery pack can be fully charged in just three hours at a wall box with a current of 50 ampere at 230/240 volts. In North America, using a high-current (32 ampere continuous) residential wall box, the charge time is about 4.5 hours.

The BMW Concept ActiveE embodies a whole new dimension of mobility purely powered by electricity. The dynamic potential and high torque of the drive system, along with the rear-wheel drive which is a hallmark of the brand, guarantees a driving experience befitting the Ultimate Driving Machine – but without any CO2 emissions. An impressive range of functions and a high level of suitability for everyday use are both part of this concept, which defines electro-mobility in true BMW style.

BMW Z4 sDrive35is

Combining classic proportions with modern features, the BMW Z4 Roadster enjoys the top spot in its market segment. Now, the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is distills the Roadster’s performance potential to produce one of BMW’s fastest and best-handling Roadsters ever.

The latest Z4 model is characterized by instantaneous response to the accelerator pedal, fantastic sounds, and a free-revving spirit. The engine features increased intake air-flow and increased boost pressure to provide more power with the same standard of efficiency. The combination of twin low-mass turbochargers and High Precision direct injection offers a level of performance which a naturally-aspirated engine would only be able to provide using more cylinders and larger displacement.

The turbocharger system developed for the engine of the new BMW Z4 sDrive35is maintains a high output throughout the entire rev range. Nominal peak torque is increased to 332 lb-ft from available from1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. Maximum output of 335 hp is delivered at 5,900 rpm.

The enhanced engine management system of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is includes an electronically-controlled overboost function which briefly increases torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft. This temporary torque peak of 369 lb-ft gives the car significantly better acceleration. The BMW Z4 sDrive35is will complete the sprint from standstill to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds (preliminary). Top speed of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is is limited electronically to 155 mph.

BMW 740i and 740Li Sedans

The BMW 740i and 740Li Sedans will feature BMW’s award-winning inline-6 engine that is an example of BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy. The engine produces V-8 power on six-cylinder fuel consumption; the new BMW 740i and BMW 740Li achieve a remarkable balance of power, efficiency, and sporty driving dynamics.

A keystone of BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy is “virtual displacement,” the notion that BMW’s modern engines of smaller displacement can equal or exceed the outputs of traditional engines of larger displacement and more cylinders. Virtual displacement provides the power of a larger engine with the fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions signature of a smaller engine.

The 2011 BMW 740i and 740Li feature BMW’s internationally acclaimed twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine with up-rated output of 315 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque from 1600-4500 rpm. All-aluminum construction, High Precision direct fuel injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft technology, and Brake Energy Regeneration are a few of the technologies used under the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy to place the 740i and 740Li among the most powerful six-cylinder luxury sedans in the world. Delivering power to the rear wheels is BMW’s 6-speed automatic transmission, well-known for fast, smooth gearshifts and an ability to intelligently adapt to the driver’s style.

Befitting a member of BMW’s flagship line, the 740i and 740Li will include a full range of features and option that will enable the newest BMW 7 Series to be tailored to individual tastes.

BMW 535i Gran Turismo with six-cylinder turbocharged engine

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the attributes of an elegant sedan, a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle and a classic Gran Turismo, masterfully melded into a single, harmonious vehicle. The six-cylinder turbocharged version of the 535i Gran Turismo will feature a new inline-6 which combines turbocharging, High Precision Injection, and variable VALVETRONIC valve management in one engine for the first time. This unique combination gives BMW’s newest inline-6 a new level of performance and efficiency in the true spirit of BMW EfficientDynamics.

The new six-cylinder again displaces 3.0-liters and develops maximum output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm. This is the same level of performance as the current 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder but with the innovation of twin-scroll technology and the integration of VALVETRONIC, this new engine will be even more fuel efficient. Both the responsiveness and efficiency of the 535i Gran Turismo will be further improved with the addition of BMW’s new 8-speed automatic transmission. Benefitting from this kind of power, the BMW 535i Gran Turismo accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in just 6.2 seconds.

The 2011 Z4 Drive35is, the 2011 740i and 740Li Sedans, as well as the 535i Gran Turismo six-cylinder will arrive at authorized BMW Centers in Spring 2010.

The BMW press conference will take place on Monday, January 11, 2010 from 11:50am – 12:15pm EST.