Feb 3rd, 2010
With their typical fun-to-drive qualities, superior all-wheel-drive technology and powerfully expressive styling, the BMW X models occupy a position all their own in their respective classes. The unique attractions of this concept, now successfully established in four different market segments, received further confirmation recently with an excellent showing in the latest readers’ poll by the German magazine Off Road. The BMW X5 was voted “Off-Roader of the Year” in the “Luxury SUV” category, while the BMW X1 and BMW X6 came first and second in the “Crossover” category and the BMW X3 took second place in the “SUV” category.
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Feb 3rd, 2010
One of the least anticipated updates for 2010 has to be the X5. Nevertheless when purported official images are leaked ahead of a launch, it’s always news. So with that we bring you what appear to be official X5 LCI photos that have appeared on several websites in the past few hours.
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Feb 2nd, 2010
Official Release: Internationally acclaimed artist Jeff Koons will create the 17th BMW Art Car in the 35th anniversary year of the program.
Koons and Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW North America jointly made the announcement today at an event held at Koons’ New York City studio. “I always thought it would be an honor to work on a BMW Art Car,” said Jeff Koons. “I look forward to participate in a tradition set forth by such great artists as Calder, Lichtenstein, Stella, and Warhol.”
“The entire BMW Group is looking forward to this celebration of contemporary art by Jeff Koons, one of the greatest artists of our time,” said O’Donnell in making the announcement.
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Feb 2nd, 2010
BMWNA graciously provided us the dialog of a recent in-house interview with M Brand Manager Larry Koch. We and others have openly speculated as to why the US would not receive the ///M3 GTS but it has never been officially explained, until now. Our speculation (and many others) was spot on.
Q: “Why won’t BMW NA bring the M3 GTS to the United States?”
LK: When I first started discussing the GTS with M in Garching [Munich], I knew it could be a hit in the US, albeit most likely a short-lived hit given such a high price [110,000 Euros before US homologation]. However, when taking a closer look, we realized the car does not pass any EPA or federal safety standards. Those are two big catches for importing a new BMW, even in small volumes. Modifying the GTS to make it US-compliant would be a very costly affair because the car lacks airbags, proper DOT seatbelts, proper bumper height, etc. And those are just the safety items. Keep in mind the 4.4 liter engine is not homologated for the US which would require more than a simple set of racing catalysts [as the car is currently equipped].
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Feb 2nd, 2010
Today BMW announced that they have reached an agreement for both parties to jointly develop a successor to the current four cylinder family of engines found in the MINI and several PSA products. The new engine will be more efficient and will meet EU 6 requirements that will come into force from 1 January 2015 for the registration and sale of all new cars in Europe.
Interestingly we’ve also heard rumors of BMW sharing some of it’s engines directly with MINI that are being developed or its new range of efficient vehicles. We’ll have more on this soon. Until then, the full release is below:
Official Release: The BMW Group and PSA Peugeot Citroën will continue their successful engine collaboration. An agreement to that effect was signed by Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, and Philippe Varin, Chairman of the Managing Board of PSA Peugeot Citroën, in Paris.
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Feb 1st, 2010
Today BMW has taken the wraps off of pricing for the Alpina B7. The 500 hp 516 lb-ft of torque B7 is the performance leader of the 7 Series range and will be once again offered in the North American market. Look for its official US debut at the Chicago Auto Show coming up in early February.
Official Release: BMW announced the pricing today for the 2011 BMW ALPINA B7 sedan, which will join BMW’s North American product range as the most dynamic 7 Series model. As the second generation of ALPINA automobiles based on the BMW 7 Series to be offered in the US, the 2011 BMW ALPINA B7 sedan will retail for $122,875 (standard wheelbase) and $126,775 (extended wheelbase). Both prices include $875 Destination & Handling. The first BMW ALPINA B7 was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years. Newly interpreted and based on the current BMW 7 Series platform, the B7 will again set the benchmark in terms of performance, refinement, and technology.
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