As we broke in our interview with MINI USA Product Manager Vinnie Kung, MINI has axed the idea of bring diesels to the US market. But in talking about that decision a few things became clear about MINI & BMW’s four cylinder strategy given that the two will be sharing cars in the years ahead.
But first a quick recap. MINI will clearly be without a diesel in the line-up in the US. MINI USA had planned on bringing over the Cooper D for the 2010 model year as early as 2007. The plan was to use the engine without urea injection until 2015 when new EPA rules would go into effect. However the 2008 worldwide economic collapse brought some unfortunately realities to BMW and all non-essential projects were cancelled.
Our friendly M Brand Manager Matthew Russell is on his way to Daytona (as seen here on BMWUSA’s FB site) and is taking the first US bound 1M with him. It’s a loaded example with everything but Navigation included. So if you see an orange flash somewhere on the east coast today, you’ve been warned.
Dutch site Autojunk.nl has the best photos yet of the upcoming F10 M5 as it sat on the tarmac of the Schiphol airport in the Netherlands. Seen for the first time finished in Silverstone silver the M5 also reveals it’s decklid spoiler for the first time.
According to reports out of Automotive News BMW’s Chinese partner Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. will build a 5er EV. However according to sources, the car will only be available for the Chinese market.
In the US BMW will be focusing on the 5 Series ActiveHybrid as it’s efficiency leader.
The epitome of personal luxury when it comes to the BMW brand. The 650i Individual is everything you’d want for boulevard cruising down a sunny shore. With leather everywhere inside and exclusive wheels, trim and color on the outside, BMW Individual have clearly created the best expression of the brand to date.
With a full tank of gas and fully loaded with options the 1M appears to weigh in at 3351 lbs. We’ve been told by people in the know that that number is about 120 lbs lower than a comparably equipped 135i. How? The lack of a sunroof certainly helps. But beyond that extensive use of aluminum in the suspension and perhaps the removal of some sound deadening material made it possible.
Keep in mind the 1M features some pretty heavy hardware from the M3; the rear diff, 19″ wheels just to name two. The fact it’s lighter than the 135i is still pretty surprising.
Want an X1 with some M window dressing? BMW has you covered with the new M Sport Package available this spring on the X1. The M Sport specification sees 17-inch star-spoke M alloy wheels, chrome plated door sill finishers with M designation, High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim for the window surrounds, M Sport multi-function steering wheel, Sport seats and Anthracite headlining added.
The option will be available this spring and in the US at launch early next year. Our take? We’d rather have one of these.
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We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
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Sections: 1001 (Future front wheel drive BMW), EfficientDynamics, MINI, Project i Jan 25th, 2011 3 Comments 
