Official Release: BMW today revealed the first images and information about the newly updated 2013 BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe which arrives in US BMW Centers this spring. The world’s first ever Sports Activity Coupe stills offers a unique combination of sporty dynamics, versatility and unmatched character. Select design updates and innovative features further hone the profile of the new BMW X6 as a distinctive model within the premium segment of all-wheel-drive vehicles. Its ongoing popularity is due to both its highly expressive design, which combines the athletic and elegant lines of a coupe with the unique character of a BMW X model, and the outstanding driving experience provided by two powerful engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology and xDrive, the intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The BMW X6 continues to offer Dynamic Performance Control which gives the Sports Activity Coupe unparalleled agility for a vehicle in this segment.
Official Release: The recruitment process for the highly anticipated all-electric BMW ActiveE is now open in the metropolitan markets of Boston, Hartford, New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco. The BMW ActiveE is available by lease only at a cost of $499 per month for 24 months with a down payment of $2,250. Electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts interested in leasing the BMW ActiveE can begin the recruitment process at www.bmwusa.com/ActiveE. Vehicles are available on a first come, first served basis.
Official Release: No fewer than six BMW Group models have received the prestigious 2011 GOOD DESIGNTM Award: the BMW 6 Series Convertible, the BMW 6 Series Coupe, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, the BMW ActiveE, and the two motorcycle models BMW K 1600 GT/GTL along with the BMW G650 GS. The annual GOOD DESIGNTM Award ranks as the most celebrated international accolade in the field of product design – and this year once again it honours the outstanding quality of BMW Group Design.
As we predicted last week, BMW will be updating the 2.0L diesel engine to produce more power and burn less fuel. Today Autocar confirms this with a few new details of their own. According to the British magazine, in 125d guide, the new engine will produce 218bhp (up 13) and likely a mountain of torque. 0-60 should be in the low 6s with a top speed of around 150 mph.
So why are we so excited about this? Because this could be the engine that form the basis of BMW’s next diesel strategy in the US. It’s still technically a rumor at this point but it’s getting juicier by the minute and this could give us a hint of what’s to come.
The next generation X5 has begun its early rounds of testing. It is hard to distinguish much of the details thanks to BMW’s famous ability to pop rivet on cladding and cover with swirled wrap but one thing that is obvious is that roofline has become more sporty. This new version of the X5 will go on sale in 2013 as a 2014 model year. It will grow slightly in wheel base and length to help BMW hit new emissions targets and to assist in accommodating a slightly more comfortable (still only for children and those that are less than 5 feet tall) third row.
Official Release: Title-holder BMW enters into the new season of the American Le Mans Series with a team of experienced drivers. Dirk Müller (DE) and Joey Hand (US) will represent BMW Team RLL as reigning GT champions. As in the past three seasons, Bill Auberlen (US) will also start in a BMW M3 GT. New to the team are 2001 ALMS GT champion Jörg Müller (DE) and Uwe Alzen (DE). The sixth driver will be announced at a later date.
The return of the “Ultimate Driving Machine” campaign got us to thinking about some of BMW’s past tv spots. Some of those we recall are more recent than others, like our favorite above- the 2008 ad showing off the inner workings of the ///M3 race bred V8 engine. All of them bring back strong memories and are examples of what BMW ads should be and what they are getting back to.
Do you remember the original E39 M5 spot, the one with the camera attached to it as it films a world record jet powered car attempt or how about the X3 ad mocking all other SUVs? Those and a handful of others can be found after the jump. The 1M and 318is ads shouldn’t be missed. If you have a favorite ad just let us know in the comments and we’ll try to include it in the post.
The Z4 Roadster is now available with a revised folding hard-top for greater ownership enjoyment. Engineers in Munich have enhanced the elegant two-piece folding roof with a reinforced hydraulic system so that it can now be raised or lowered at speeds of up to 25mph. Previously the roof could not be lowered while on the move.
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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.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
In short, we can't get enough of BMWs. This is BimmerFile.
Sections: E71 X6, Official News Jan 25th, 2012 3 Comments 
