We don’t often regurgitate American car magazine news but this one is hard to not mention. Car and Drive has named the E9X 3 Series to its annual top 10 list. But that’s not why it’s noteworthy. It’s because this is the 21st straight year that has happened.

Official Release: The BMW 3 Series has been named to the Car and Driver 10Best Cars list for 2012, marking the 21st consecutive 10Best win for the BMW 3 Series. It is the only car to achieve such an unbroken string of wins.

“To receive this recognition for 21 years straight shows how consistently the BMW 3 Series has delivered on the promise of the Ultimate Driving Machine®,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO of BMW of North America, LLC. “The 3 Series has been named to Car and Driver 10Best Cars through three complete generations. With an all-new 3 Series ready to debut early next year, we look forward to having the streak continue into the next generation.”

“After 21 consecutive years on the 10Best list, BMW continues to evolve the 3 Series toward some platonic ideal of sportiness, noted the editors of Car and Driver. “You don’t notice the seats, the steering, the suspension, or the brakes because everything feels natural. Everything feels right.”

The BMW 3 Series, originally introduced to the United States market in 1977, is now entering its sixth generation. For the 2012 model year, the 3 Series name covers a wide array of models all sharing the common theme of traditional BMW values: compact dimensions, near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, excellent outward visibility, precise ergonomics, smooth yet responsive engines, and a direct connection to the road.

Available as a Coupe, Convertible, and Sport Wagon, as well as two- and all-wheel drive variants, the 3 Series can be configured for a range of active lifestyles. At the top of the 3 Series are the fire-breathing M3 Coupe and Convertible. The M3 is powered by a 4.0-liter, 414 horsepower V8 engine and represents decades of race-bred development by BMW M GmbH.

In February 2012, the sixth generation of BMW 3 Series Sedan will begin with the launch of the all-new BMW 328i and 335i Sedans. The 328i features BMW’s new TwinPower Turbo 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. Both Sedans feature an 8-speed automatic transmission and Auto Start/Stop technology designed to optimize efficiency.

As a pure expression of The Ultimate Driving Machine, every 3 Series model, regardless of engine configuration or body style, is available with a six-speed manual gearbox. Also standard is BMW Ultimate Service, including no-cost maintenance for four years or 50,000 miles.

BMW once again has two engines in Ward’s Top Ten. This time it’s the venerable N55 and the newly released four cylinder N20. Here’s a quote from Ward’s

BMW returns to the list for a second time with the N55 3.0L turbocharged 6-cyl. engine in the 335i coupe, an engine that perfectly illustrates the superior balance and refinement of inline engines and the Bavarian auto maker’s mastery of the architecture’s execution.

With 300 hp and 300 lb.-ft. (407 Nm) of torque, this engine manages better than 25 mpg (9.4 L/100 km) during heavy-footed evaluation by WardsAuto editors in October.

New to the winner’s circle is BMW’s 2.0L N20 turbocharged 4-cyl. engine that dazzles editors in both the Z4 sDrive 28i roadster and larger 528i sedan. With 258 lb.-ft. (350 Nm) of torque in the Z4 and 260 lb.-ft. (353 Nm) in the 5-Series, this stout, compact powertrain packs an impressive 120 hp/L, without sacrificing any of BMW’s stellar vehicle dynamics.

Source: Ward’s Auto

Official Release: BMW has scooped up no fewer than three of the coveted awards presented by the German Design Council in the Automotive Brand Contest, the new international brand and design competition launched this year. The winner of the “Architecture & Events” category was the SESTOSENSO light installation created in collaboration with FLOS and light designer Paul Cocksedge, while the BMW 328 Hommage won the “Concept & Study” category. The new BMW 6 Series Coupe also came away with a prize in the “Exterior” category. With these three accolades, the German Design Council pays tribute to the outstanding level of BMW Group design. The presentation ceremony will be held on 13 September 2011 as part of the Automotive Designers’ Night during the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA).

Official Release: At the New York International Auto Show, it was announced that the 2011 BMW 335d was voted the “Diesel Car of the Year” by readers of “The Diesel Driver”.

“The 335d truly is changing the way Americans feel about diesel,” said Paul Ferraiolo, Manager – Product Planning and Strategy. “Fans of ‘The Diesel Driver’ share our passion for the great performance and efficiency of our BMW Advanced Diesels. They are the embodiment of BMW EfficientDynamics.”

The BMW 335d received 29.6 percent of the votes cast by readers of The Diesel Driver from 43 countries. 83% of the votes came from readers in the United States. Each year, the Diesel Driver’s readers select the Diesel Car of the Year and recognize the top three diesel automobiles offered in the U.S. For the 2011 Diesel Car of the Year, readers chose among 12 passenger vehicles and SUVs. Criteria ranged from fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions to performance, handling, styling, comfort, and the overall package.

The sales momentum for the BMW 335d continues. In the first quarter of 2011, sales were up 34 percent over the same period last year. This comes after the 335d posted an impressive gain of 130 percent for calendar year 2010 when compared to 2009.

BMW’s well-regarded 3.0L N54 twin-turbocharged inline-6 earned Ward’s 10 Best Engines honors in 2007, 2008 and 2009. For 2011, the N55 I-6 in the 335i replaces the two compressors with a single twin-scroll turbocharger that saves weight, improves throttle response, boosts fuel efficiency (15% over the N54) and reduces friction, while decimating the notion of turbo lag.

(Official release after the break)

Integrating the third-generation Valvetronic intake and Double-VANOS stepless variable valve timing, the 300-hp “Twin Power” N55 reaches its torque apex of 300 lb.-ft. (407 Nm) at a mere 1,200 rpm, propelling the 335i sedan with shocking ease. For drivability and smoothness, the N55 is unparalleled.

You can read the entire article and see the full list here

Official Release: BMW’s newest turbocharged inline six-cylinder has been named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines. For the 2011 model year, BMW’s new “N55” twin-scroll turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine was elected to the 10 Best Engines list by the Ward’s AutoWorld panel of expert judges. To win a place on the 10 Best Engines list, an engine must score highly in measures of horsepower, torque, refinement, technical relevance, and comparative data.

“BMW’s EfficientDynamics strategy is focused on building more fuel efficient engines without sacrificing performance and instantaneous response. The new N55 twin-scroll turbo inline six shows that there is still more that can be accomplished with the internal combustion engine,” said Tom Baloga – Vice-President, Engineering US for the BMW Group. “With the ground-breaking combination of a twin-scroll turbo, high-precision direct injection and Valvetronic, it offers performance that once would have only been possible with a much larger V8 while offering further improvements in efficiency.”

The newest in BMW’s long line of inline six-cylinder engines again produces 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque and is featured in the 2011 335i, but is found through the range for the 2011 model year including the 135i and the new 535i. It also powers the 2011 X5 xDrive35i and X6 xDrive35i Sport Activity Vehicles as well as the all-new X3 xDrive35i.

As an example of efficient dynamics in action, the 2011 BMW 335i matches the 2010 model in the 0-60 sprint at 5.4 seconds but offers a ten percent improvement in efficiency according to EPA estimates.

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.

Topping off this strong result was a special award for the newest arrival in the BMW X family – with its launch countdown already under way, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 took the Eco Award for its innovative powertrain. This first full-hybrid model from the BMW brand uses its highly intelligent combination of internal combustion engine and electric drive to maximise both performance and efficiency. These latest successes in the Off Road readers’ poll seamlessly continued BMW’s strong performance of the previous years. The “Off-Roader of the Year” awards, which are decided by the votes of an exceptionally knowledgeable readership, were first presented in 1982. This year readers chose from a field of 97 models in eight categories.

The BMW X5’s first place in the “Luxury SUV” category is a further indication that the Sports Activity Vehicle concept – a segment first pioneered by BMW in 1999 with the predecessor of the current model – is still a firm favourite. The combination of sporty on-road handling and surefooted off-road traction was a hit right from the start. With its intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel drive, powerful and efficient engines and an interior which is both flexible and luxuriously equipped, the current BMW X 5 is doing even more to set the standards in its class.

In the “Crossover” category, first and second places both went to BMW. After some internal jockeying, last year’s winner, the BMW X6, was beaten into second place by its brand sibling the X1, which was launched on the market just five months ago. The X1’s concept – which extends the hallmark fun-to-drive qualities of a BMX X model to the premium compact segment – was instantly voted into the number one spot by Off Road’s readers. The BMW X1 impresses with its sporty handling, versatile interior and unrivalled efficiency for a vehicle in this category. The most fuel-efficient X1 is the BMW X1 sDrive18d, which achieves average fuel consumption of 5.2 litres/100 km in the EU test cycle. The X1’s outstanding safety standards also earned it the highest Euro NCAP crash test rating of 5 stars. In spring 2010, two new engines will be added to the range with the arrival of the new BMW X1 sDrive18i entry-level model and the six-cylinder BMW X1 xDrive25i. The X1 line-up will then comprise three petrol and three diesel engines.

Meanwhile, the appeal of the BMW X6 remains as strong as ever. The world’s first Sports Activity Coupé delivers typical BMW driving pleasure in a unique form. Agility, responsive steering, directional stability and traction have been taken to a new level – in part thanks to Dynamic Performance Control, a technology that made its debut in this model. While the electronically controlled BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system splits the drive in a seamlessly variable ratio between the front and rear wheels to suit the current driving situation, DPC performs the same function between the rear wheels. The BMW X6 combines its outstanding dynamics with impressive efficiency, which will be further boosted by a revised engine line-up scheduled for spring 2010. The BMW X6 xDrive30d will then set new benchmarks, with an output of 180 kW/245 hp from its six-cylinder in-line diesel engine and improved average fuel consumption of 7.4 litres/100 kilometres in the EU test cycle.

The original pioneer in its segment, the BMW X3 too impresses with still unsurpassed agile handling and surefooted traction on unsurfaced terrain. Its enduring popularity has played a major role in introducing new target groups to the benefits of the xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Second place for the BMW X3 in the “SUV” category reflects the high popularity the BMW X3 continues to enjoy in its – now substantially expanded – segment. This model, which has raked in numerous awards for its outstanding reliability and safety, now comes in a choice of three petrol and four diesel versions, with power ratings ranging from 105 kW/143 hp to 210 kW/286 hp. The entry-level BMW X3 xDrive18d boasts exemplary fuel efficiency, with average EU fuel consumption of 6.2 litres/100 km.

Official Release: Yesterday, BMW of North America accepted the Ward’s 10 Best Engines award for its groundbreaking 3.0-liter BMW Advanced Diesel engine at the North American International Auto Show. For the 2010 model year and the second year in a row, BMW’s sequential twin-turbo inline-6 diesel engine was elected to the 10 Best Engines list by the Ward’s AutoWorld panel of expert judges. To win a place on the 10 Best Engines list, an engine must score highly in measures of horsepower, torque, refinement, technical relevance, and comparative data.

“When we accepted this award last year for BMW’s then-new Advanced Diesel engine, no one could predict for certain how Americans would adopt BMW Diesel in the coming months,” said Hans Hohenner, General Manager of Drivetrain Development for BMW Group. “Now, I’m pleased to say that the Advanced Diesel inline-6 powered 30 percent of all BMW X5 models sold in the United States in December 2009. Americans are discovering the magic of new-generation Diesels, and compared to only a year ago, Diesel has gained fantastic momentum in the marketplace.”

Featuring all-aluminum construction, BMW’s 3.0-liter sequential twin-turbo Advanced Diesel inline-6 offers V-8 performance with four-cylinder fuel efficiency: 265 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. EPA efficiency figures are 23 (city) / 36 (highway) in the 2010 BMW 335d Sedan, which is capable of 0 – 60mph in 6.0 seconds or better. Those figures make the 335d Sedan the fastest diesel-powered passenger car available in the US. It is also the most fuel efficient vehicle BMW has ever sold here. In addition to the 335d Sedan, this BMW Advanced Diesel engine is available in the X5 xDrive35d Sports Activity Vehicle, which is capable of 0 – 60mph in 6.9 seconds and 26 mpg on the highway.

Official Release: The new BMW Z4 draws attention to itself not just on the road but also among internationally renowned design experts. Just a few weeks after its market launch, the Roadster has now received the International Design Excellence Award (IDEA) 2009 in the USA. The award is presented annually by the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA), based in Duelles in the state of Virginia. The BMW Z4 received the bronze award, thus continuing the success story of BMW Group vehicles in this competition. Since 2000, nine vehicles of the brands BMW, MINI and BMW Motorrad have been recognised for their outstanding design.

The new BMW Z4 impressed the jury with a design which unmistakably and authentically reflects the driving pleasure characteristic of the roadster. With its long bonnet, long wheelbase, large wheels and short overhangs, the two-seater possesses classic roadster proportions which are interpreted in a modern way with a styling which is characteristic of the brand. Its sophisticated surface design gives the BMW Z4 a fascinating elegance which can be seen from every perspective. Its appearance is that of a vehicle sculpture shaped as a single entity. An equally characteristic feature is the low seating position close to the rear axle. The resulting driving experience and the visual impression of the roadster thus provide a perfectly integrated and fascinating whole.

For the first time, a BMW Roadster is fitted with a retractable hard top. The dual-section roof in aluminium lightweight construction also contributes to the harmonious design of the BMW Z4. When closed, the hard top provides a flowing, coupé-like roof line which highlights the car’s elegant look. When open, it is discreetly and harmoniously integrated into the flat rear.

The success of the BMW Z4 at the 2009 International Design Excellent Awards builds on the outstanding showing of the BMW Group in this competition in past years. Three vehicles of the BMW Group have received a gold award: the motorcycle models BMW K 1200 LT in 2000 and BMW R 1200 GS (2004) and the MINI Cooper S (2003). Silver has gone to the BMW X5 (2000) and the MINI Convertible (2005), bronze to the motorcycle model BMW F 650 CS (2003). What is more, the BMW 3 Series Convertible and the motorcycle model BMW F 8090 GS achieved finalist status in last year’s competition.

The international jury of the International Design Excellence Awards presented awards in 17 categories this year. In addition to products from the fields of transport, office equipment, communication, household and consumer electronics, there was also assessment of design research projects and innovations in the field of environmental technology. The official award ceremony will be held on September 26th 2009 after the annual international design conference of the IDSA in Miami.

Official Release: Scoring outstanding wins in the three categories of the International Engine of the Year Award, the BMW Group once again highlights its top position this year as a manufacturer of particularly powerful and, at the same time, efficient engines. In the world’s most significant engine contest, the V8 power unit featured in the BMW M3, the straight-six with Twin Turbo Technology to be admired, among other models, in the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 1 Series and the BMW X6, as well as the four-cylinder twin-scroll turbocharged engine in the MINI Cooper S, have all scored triumphant victories in their respective classes.

The Awards were presented on 17 June 2009 at the Engine Expo in Stuttgart.

This triple victory continues the BMW Group’s story of success in the International Engine of the Year Award. In this contest held since 1999 BMW engines have brought home overall victory no less than six times, including the four last years in a row. This year’s three winners once again thrilled the jury through their fascinating development of power as well as their up-to-date efficiency. This combination of such superior virtues is the result of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy characterising both the eight cylinder from BMW M GmbH, the straight-six from BMW, and the MINI four-cylinder.

In the engine category between 3.0 and 4.0 litres the V8 power unit featured in the BMW M3 successfully defended the title it had already won last year. Indeed, this 309 kW/420 hp 4.0-litre makes a substantial contribution to the success of BMW’s high-performance sports car in the market, now available in the guise of the BMW M3 Coupé, the BMW M3 Saloon, and the BMW M3 Convertible.

The 3.0-litre 225 kW/306 hp six-cylinder with Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection, in turn, this year dominates the engine category between 2.5 and 3.0 litres for the third time in a row.

Continuity has also been the name of the game in the engine category between 1.4 and 1.8 litres ever since the year 2007, with the 1.6-litre four-cylinder power unit in the MINI Cooper S with its twin-scroll turbocharger, direct gasoline injection and maximum output of 128 kW/175 hp still setting the standard.

The decisions on the International Engine of the Year Award are taken by an international jury made up of renowned motoring journalists. This year the team of no less than 65 experts came from 32 countries, awarding prizes in eight engine classes based on size and in three special categories, as well as the special award for the overall winner.

In the eleven contests held so far since 1999, the BMW Group has already brought home more than 40 trophies. This ongoing success in the world’s most significant engine contest is impressive proof of the BMW Group’s unique competence the world over in the area of powertrain development.

Official release: BMW of North America yesterday accepted two 10 Best Engines awards from Ward’s Automotive Group. As the only double winner this year, two BMW twin-turbo inline-6 engines — one diesel and one gasoline — were elected to the 10 Best Engines list for the 2009 model year by the Ward’s panel of expert judges.

“These two awards are further testament that BMW’s EfficientDynamics engineering strategy is delivering the performance and efficiency that drivers expect today.” said Hans Hohenner, General Manager of Drivetrain Development for BMW Group. “Each of these very different engines brings to market new technologies that combine to create the highest-performing six-cylinder engines BMW has ever produced while delivering fuel efficiency that was previously unattainable.”

BMW’s gasoline 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged DOHC Inline-6 received a Ward’s 10 Best Engines honor for the third time since its introduction in the summer of 2006. The acclaimed engine now powers 11 BMW models in the US – from the 135i to the X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupe. This 300-horsepower engine features twin low-mass turbochargers, High Precision Direct Injection and electrified accessory drives for an unbeatable blend of power, efficiency, and responsiveness. As an example, this engine propels the BMW 335i coupe from rest to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds (manual transmission) yet delivers an EPA-estimated highway mileage of 26 mpg.

The second Ward’s 10 Best Engines honor for BMW was awarded to the new 50-state BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance technology. Featuring all-aluminum construction, this light-weight 3.0-liter Sequential Turbo DOHC Advanced Diesel inline-6 offers V-8 performance on four-cylinder consumption: 265 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque, with EPA efficiency figures of 23 (city) and 36 (highway) in the 2009 BMW 335d Sedan, which is capable of 0 – 60mph in just 6.0 seconds. In addition to the 335d model mentioned, this new engine will also be available in the X5 xDrive35d Sports Activity Vehicle, which is capable of 0 – 60mph in 6.9 seconds and 26mpg on the highway. Both Advanced Diesel models will be in BMW centers later this month.

Wards Auto has named both of BMW’s inline six twin turbo’s in their top ten engines of the year. Here’s more from the official release:

BMW AG’s new 3.0L inline 6-cyl. turbodiesel scores a slot on the list in its first year available in the U.S. Joined by the auto maker’s twin-turbocharged and direct-injected gasoline I-6 engine, which returns for the third year, the diesel employs a sequential twin-turbocharger system that provides the 335d sedan with impressive fuel economy and a stunning 425 lb.-ft. (576 Nm) of torque.

And it goes without saying that the petrol twin turbo inline six has exceeded expectations since it’s release last year. You can read more below.

+ Ward’s Announces 2009 10 Best Engines Winners / Wards Auto

BMW’s biggest selling model range, the 3 Series, has been voted the most reliable car in a survey of Britain’s vehicle leasing companies. The poll, which covered the reliability history of nearly 900,000 vehicles in 2008, also revealed that BMW was the most reliable manufacturer overall.

In an historic win over the Japanese car manufacturers who traditionally dominate in reliability surveys, BMW topped the charts in this year’s annual FN50 reliability survey. The BMW 3 Series was the most rated model for reliability, with the MINI hatch and BMW 1 Series also making the top ten, sitting fifth and seventh most reliable respectively.

The survey compiled by Fleet News looked at multi-marque leasing companies. 881,000 cars were assessed according to the number of breakdowns per 100 of each type of model on each leasing company’s fleet. Points were then awarded according to the number of times that brands or particular models appeared in the tables supplied by the leasing firms and also for the position in which they were placed.

BMW honoured for EfficientDynamics

News of BMW’s success in the FN50 reliability survey comes swiftly after the marque won a trio of important environmental awards in recognition of its EfficientDynamics technologies.

The Energy Saving Trust staged the 2008 Fleet Hero Awards to idenitify companies that have gone to impressive lengths to cut down on fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. BMW was announced the winner in the ‘Industry supplier’ category for the introduction of EfficientDynamics. Meanwhile, BMW picked up two awards in the GreenFleet Awards 2008. The marque was presented with ‘Car Manufacturer of the Year’ in honour of its innovative engineering solutions to modern day motoring issues and ‘Green Marketing Campaign of the Year’ for its accurate and effective promotion.

FN50 Survey results

Top 10 most reliable manufacturers

1. BMW 3 Series

2. Honda

3. Toyota

4. Ford

5. Volkswagen

6. Mercedes-Benz

7. Audi

8. Lexus

9. Mazda

10. Vauxhall

Top 10 most reliable models

1. BMW

2. Toyota Avensis

3. Honda Accord

4. Volkswagen Golf

5. MINI

6. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

7. BMW 1 Series

8. Honda Civic

9. Ford Focus

10. Audi A4

Full details of the FN50 survey can be viewed at www.fleetnews.co.uk More information on BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies can be found by clicking on www.bmwcorporate.co.uk/efficientdynamics

With these awards the BMW Group continues to strengthen its track record gained in the representative study of customers. Also in Europe, current BMW Group models ranked highest in their segments in the latest customer satisfaction studies carried by J.D. Power and Associates. In Germany and France in particular, highest rankings were awarded in 2008 in the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI). In both countries the BMW 5 Series was ranked highest in customer satisfaction of all models in the executive luxury car segment. An additional ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates Study carried out on the German market went to the BMW X3, which managed to rank highest in customer satisfaction in the SUV segment.

In France, BMW received not only the segment ranking in the BMW 5 Series segment, but also the overall CSI nameplate ranking. Additionally, in Germany, BMW was able to rank highest with the BMW 5 Series and the BMW X3 for model assessment in the categories vehicle quality and vehicle desirability.

J.D. Power and Associates is one of the world’s leading marketing information services companies. With numerous studies the renowned institute regularly analyses customer satisfaction in the most significant international automobile markets. For determining the “Customer Satisfaction Index” in Germany alone just under 20,000 vehicle owners took part in a written survey on their cars, which were two years old on average. The assessment incorporates the factors quality, reliability, desirability, satisfaction with dealer service as well as maintenance costs. The J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Study adheres to the same criteria in France. The results of the current APEAL study for North America are based on a customer survey conducted by J.D. Power and Associates three months on average after initial registration of the vehicles.

BMW 3-LITRE TWIN TURBO (135, 335, X6) “Outstanding in power output, low-end torque, refinement and fuel economy. Top marks to BMW” Arturo de Andrés, Automóvil By completing back to back wins at the International Engine of the Year Awards 2008, BMW’s 3-litre Twin Turbo petrol unit has matched the feat achieved by its V10 in 2005 and 2006, and secures back-to-back overall wins at the event. The result also confirms turbocharging as the power generator of choice, as the engine’s triumph here makes it one of seven categories scooped by turbo engines. With an impressive 380 points – finishing nearly 100 points ahead of the Volkswagen’s TSI – the 2,979cc unit proved to be a hit with jury members the world over. Many were wowed by its sheer performance, or recognised the significance of the debut of BMW’s high-precision direct-injection system, which helps to maximise performance and fuel economy by precisely dosing the air-fuel mix. Adoption of the system also enables a higher compression ratio (10.2:1) for better fuel economy as well as a more efficient method of combustion chamber cooling. John Carey from Wheels magazine said the unit is “proof that BMW pushes the boundaries of engine technology more than any other manufacturer”. Auto’s Lorenzo Facchinetti thinks it is a “gorgeous engine that has the ability to make a 1-Series or 3-Series feel like an old M3, with much more fluidity and fuel efficiency”. And Schalk Pienaar from Wiel commented that it shows “good use of available technology to lower fuel consumption and provides smooth and strong power delivery”. The two small turbochargers – rather than one larger unit – each supply three cylinders to ensure a more rapid response to throttle position throughout the rev range, and also eliminate lag. The last words on the powerplant should go to a clearly overwhelmed Hormazd Sorabjee, editor and publisher of Autocar India: “There is something simply magical about BMW’s in-line six. It has a creamy smoothness that makes velvet feel like sandpaper.”

BMW Release:

BMW STRAIGHT SIX-CYLINDER ENGINE WITH TWIN TURBO DEFENDS ITS TITLE OF “INTERNATIONAL ENGINE OF THE YEAR” 05/07/2008 Munich / Stuttgart. With six awards for five engines gained at this year’s “International Engine of the Year Awards”, BMW has successfully defended its position as the world’s leading manufacturer of efficient high-performance power units. For the second time in succession, the 3-litre straight six engine with Twin Turbo and High Precision Injection has won the overall ranking in this most significant international engine competition. The 225 kW/306 bhp engine employed in the BMW 3 Series, the BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible, as well as in the new BMW X6, also has repeated last year’s victory in the 2.5 to 3-litre engine category. Only one engine had previously ever succeeded in repeating overall victory at the “International Engine of the Year Awards”: the 5-litre V10 high-revving power unit employed in the models BMW M5, BMW M5 Touring, BMW M6 Coupe and BMW M6 Convertible received first prize in 2005 and 2006. This year the 373 kW/507 bhp high-end power unit won the Above 4-litre category. The BMW M GmbH was successful in positioning a further winner: the 309 kW/420 bhp V8 engine boasted by the new BMW M3 won the category for engines in the 3 to 4 litre category. Furthermore, the 2-litre four-cylinder diesel with Variable Twin Turbo employed in the BMW 123d received the award for “Best New Engine” of the 2008. And the 1.6-litre four cylinder with Twin Scroll Turbocharger and direct petrol injection employed in the MINI Cooper S managed to repeat last year’s win in the engine class 1.4 to 1.8 litres. For the first time in the history of the competition, the title “Best New Engine of the Year” has been awarded to a diesel engine. The 150 kW/204 bhp four-cylinder diesel with Variable Twin Turbo has earned this award due to a unique relation between performance and efficiency. As the world’s first full-aluminium diesel power unit it delivers a specific output of more than 100 bhp per litre of displacement. At the same time it facilitates in the BMW 123d an average fuel consumption of 5.2 litres per 100 km in an EU test cycle and a CO2 emission level of 138 grams per km. This renders it a fine example of the consistent realisation of the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy. With its current win of six trophies, the BMW Group continues to impressively dominate the engine competition which has been held now for ten years. The repeated success of the straight six engine with Twin Turbo is already the sixth overall victory for the company since the foundation of the “International Engine of the Year Awards” in 1999. The bandwidth of the BMW Group’s currently successful engines is also remarkable. They range from the 128 kW/175 bhp four cylinder of the MINI Cooper S to the two high-revving power units produced by the BMW M GmbH. The “International Engine of the Year Award” has been presented since 1999 by an international jury consisting of highly prominent car journalists. This year the team of experts comprises 65 top journalists from 32 nations which include the USA, Japan, China, Russia, India, Germany, France, New Zealand, Korea and South Africa and, this year, Romania and Poland. Prizes are awarded for eleven categories as well to the winner of the overall rating. The award ceremony will be held on 7th May during the “Engine Expo 2008″ in Stuttgart.

Official BNW Press Release: With its successful performance at the red dot award 2008, BMW Group continues its career of excellence in pioneering design. This year, a total of six members of the BMW Group won the internationally acclaimed label. Two of them, the BMW 3 Series Convertible and the BMW G 450 X motorcycle also won awards in the special category “red dot: best of the best” for outstanding design achievements in the automotive, transport and caravan segment. The trophies will be presented on 23 June, 2008 on occasion of the awards ceremony at the Aalto Theatre in Essen/Germany. Other finalists for the red dot awards 2008 were the BMW X5, the BMW 1 Series Coupe, the Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe and the BMW HP2 Sport motorcycle. BMW Group globally operating subsidiary BMW Group DesignworksUSA also impressed the high-profile members of the jury. The design studio won a red dot award for the interior design of the Embraer MSJ business jet and the design of the Zeydon Z60 luxury yacht.

For the first time in the history of the red dot awards, the jury will provide “honorable mentions” during this year’s ceremony. With these honorable mentions, the jury will pay special attention to products that have clearly set themselves apart from the competition by their particularly successful design solutions. According to the jury, three current BMW Group models deserve this special recognition: the BMW M3 Coupe, the MINI Clubman and the BMW F 800 GS motorcycle.

Launched in 1955, the red dot award has become established as one of the most important design awards in the world. It recognizes achievements in numerous categories such as automotive, architecture, domestic, consumer electronics, fashion, life science and medicine. This year, the jury considered the design of 3,203 products from all over the world. A total of 600 products won the red dot Label. Thirty red dot awards are granted to contenders in the automotive, transport and caravan category, three of which are also presented with the “best of the best” award for particularly pioneering design. Two of these top three are current members of the BMW Group family: the BMW 3 Series Convertible, which reinterprets the classic line flow of an open BMW 3 Series by combining it with a retractable hardtop, and the BMW G 450 X motorcycle, a no-nonsense sports enduro that openly displays it zest for contest.

The repeated great success of BMW Group with the red dot awards again confirms that outstanding design quality will be rewarded with international recognition. Last year, BMW Group was honored for its ongoing, innovative design achievement: as a highlight of the gala, BMW Group was presented with the title “Design Team of the Year”. In 2007, BMW Group and BMW Group DesignworksUSA won a total of eight red dot awards for product design.

The fact that all models of all brands regularly contribute to the success of BMW Group during highly acclaimed design competitions such as the red dot award confirms the strength of BMW Group Design’s unusual concept that combines a common design philosophy with brand-specific design strategies. The brand-specific design strategies are based on the philosophy of BMW Group. The claim to premium substance lies at the heart of this philosophy. In all three brands, this claim comes with a guarantee of aesthetic quality. This philosophy demands respect for every individual brand, its idiosyncrasies, specific design characteristics and last, but not least, its history. Accordingly, the core objective of any BMW Group Design team consists of tracking down the individual character of a brand and its model, to establish a perfect and suitable equilibrium between factors that affect the overall design such as dynamism, technology, driving experience, enthusiasm, comfort, panache, elegance and innovative force and find the right expression in its design.

The common characteristics that are encouraged and maintained by BMW Group Design are not obvious at first glance, as every single one of the three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce has their own, strong identity with clear values and a unique image. Only an intense study of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce and even BMW motorcycle design reveals the congruities. The development of models for the three brands under one roof generates powerful and positive synergies. This constellation also provides fertile ground for the brand design, which boosts the strong character of the individual brands.

With its cross-brand design philosophy, BMW Group Design maintains strategies that underline the unifying personality of all three brands while also boosting the powerful, unique personality of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce models. On a third level, each of these three brands express new, creative ideas within the cross-brand philosophy, which is the benefit of the extraordinary collective innovative strength of BMW Group. Dr. Klaus Draeger, Head of BMW Group’s Development and Purchasing division to which BMW Group Design reports, explains: “When we introduced a new concept, which would unite all our different brand design studios in the culture of BMW Group Design, we clearly made the right decision. Expressing the fact that all our products belong to the family of BMW Group and ensuring the efficient cooperation with all process partners while boosting the unique personality of the individual brand can only be achieved when all team members are working closely together.”

News of the triple win comes soon after What Car? had commended BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme in a special ‘Green Heroes’ overview of 2007 that looked at 45 ‘planet saving cars’ you could buy today. Between BMW and MINI, the Group’s products were the ‘Best Buy’ choice in six of the fifteen categories, and a recommended choice with four more models. By comparison no other car manufacturer took more than one ‘Best Buy’ slot.

Steve Fowler, Group Editor at What Car? said: “Nobody has done more than BMW and MINI to bring low CO2 cars to all car buyers over the past year, from the 104g/km MINI Cooper D to the BMW X5 3.0sd which sits in a tax band lower than most other large 4x4s. While other car makers are still talking about reducing the CO2 output of their cars, BMW and MINI have already done it and those cars are on sale now.”

Stefan Krause, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing, commented: “The BMW Group is delighted to be honoured for its EfficientDynamics programme by such a respected motoring publication. I believe the car industry is taking great strides in addressing its environmental responsibilities and we are proud that our own developments have been recognised by the team at What Car?”

News of the awards comes soon after BMW was honoured for its EfficientDynamics measures outside the UK. The first ever ‘Green Steering Wheel’ award for environmental excellence in the automotive industry was presented to BMW by Bild am Sonntag, Germany’s best-selling newspaper. BMW also recently won environmental awards from Austrian motoring organisation ARBÖ and AutoScout24, Europe’s biggest online car market. Back in the UK, and Car magazine also awarded BMW with its ‘Green Award’ in 2007 based on the EfficientDynamics programme that reduces emissions and fuel consumption, but adds power and performance.