We have seen several sets of spy photos of what can be interpreted as a BMW X6 ///M over the last month. Originally it was thought that it would feature an over boosted version of the Twin Turbo V8 in the xDrive50i as the source of wheel spinning power.
Indications now are that these test mules could be featuring a advanced hybrid system designed under BMW’s F1 program, a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). This is an different system to the previous hybrid X6 (non-///M) we had featured which will utilize the system jointly developed with MB, GM and Chrysler.
All indicators are go for the PAS (Progressive Activity Sedan) according to Auto Motor und Sport and it will hit the stage in Frankfurt next year.
Essentially think F10 5 series, in hatch back form rather than a sport wagon, an X6 without the “X”. There have been some spy shots on the net but this artist impression is a good look at what the overall theme of the vehicle will be.
It is interesting that they are going to build this “hatch” and more than likely target the US with it but have no plans to bring the hatch people actually want, the 1 Series. BMW does intend to design and build a car for each niche market moving forward but the real question is if this model will replace the sport wagon and/or just impact the sales number of them.
Though the X6 hybrid was revealed as a concept vehicle a while back we recently have not seen or heard much more about it. Until now! Chaz, one of our readers happen to snap some photos of a few different prototypes and graciously provided us with them. In the photos you can see one large chop shop mutant version of the front hood bulge and the other with a more production ready hood.
He was also able to snap a photo of the MB M class with a similar system, notice the HEV tag on the side is that internal code or a new label for Hybrid?
These models could utilize a two-mode hybrid system, much like the current GM offerings (Tahoe) on the roads decked out with large HYBRID lettering on all sides so that everyone knows your SUV is a hybrid.
The two-mode hybrid system is the product of a joint development program between GM, Daimler, Chrysler, and BMW that began a few years ago. The technology originally was designed for public transportation in city buses utilizing a two-mode hybrid transmission produced by Allison.
People always ask us about the latest news, what our sources say and what will come to fruition. Even with the greatest sources and information some things that are in design never make it to production or even designs are so secretive only a few people know about them.
The GINA concept is the latter. No one has ever indicated its existence. The funny thing is it has shaped much of the current model design of BMW and has been around for a long time. It will be at the BMW museum not as a new concept but as part of the history of the brand.
That period of design is history so BMW has decided to “declassify” it to the rest of us.
Geometry and function in an infinite number of adaptations is what GINA (supposedly) stands for. This concept studies the use of non-rigid materials (fabric) over a space frame to create a different manner of “skinning” a car.
Essentially this is about being flexible in the making of a bespoke suit for a vehicle. It looks and moves quite differently than we are used to. It is lighter and requires less time and energy to produce. The front fabric moves to reveal the headlights when they are turned on, the rear wing is only visible as it is required. This concept would allow designers to create cars with any shape and even be able to allow the shape to be manipulated. My only concern is about durability in weather and the sun.
Watch the video and let Chris Bangle explain this concept further.
BMW has posted an official “teaser” video of a Concept car that will be unveiled at the BMW Museum on June 10. The public Grand (re) Opening will be on 6.21.08.
We have been hearing rumors for a few months that BMW has been working on a Hydrogen or Hybrid powered super car. Instead of playing cat and mouse with other manufacturers BMW wanted to change the playing field and how people thought of super cars from a performance and efficiency perspective.
Whether this car is what we have been hearing about is up for debate. This also may finally be the concept California Spyder originally introduced back in 2005 as as design study for the Z9 or is it the Z10?
BMW will introduce the world to a further customizable automobile. As we recently hinted at, BMW has all intentions of making their future cars feature 2-way communication and a completely customizable experience. Much in the same way a personal computer can be customized the vehicle will be able to be, screen savers, colors of the menus etc. These customizations will not need to be made within the car, they can be made remotely on a personal home computer and transferred to the vehicle via a remote server from the internet (GSM Telematics unit) or from a portable device (car key fob, USB fob drive, CD/DVD, etc.)
What is of greater interest is what else we have learned: Functions for the engine and boost levels will also have user preferences that can be customizable for performance or economy, diagnostics can also be accomplished via two way communication with the server. Time shifting radio (Tivo for the radio is now possible with a hard disk based system) the ability to log on to the net and start the HVAC system, to schedule when the seat heaters turn on etc.
All of this will be done via the web (or as above) eliminating much of the fuss associated with making changes within the car, this builds on the current use of Connected Drive. Each user can customize the car to his/her preferences and the car will automatically adjust the setting once the key fob is detected just as many features today do.
The guys over at BimmerPost have some spy photos of what was believed to be the new BMW “V3″. To us the nose looked more like the X1 from spy shots we had seen a while back.
This car is in reality a E91 with an X1 nose on it. The X1 as we reported earlier will be based on the E91 platform. This mule is allegedly testing the new I4 turbo that BMW and PSA recently agreed to in a joint venture. It is much cheaper and easier for BMW to test cooling and other related systems in a modified car than to create a pre-production model. What is interesting to see is that these new motors will not only be used in the Z, and 1 as we were originally led to believe. They will be used elsewhere in the model lineup (but if you consider the X1 as part of the 1 series then it makes more sense!). There is little indication that the US will see these 4 cylinders anytime soon.
The BMW NG6 Project, Next Generation 6 (cylinder) was begun over 6 years ago. This document is believed to have been originally found in the garbage of a BMW facility back in 2003. It may be the notes from one of the engineers after they attended a meeting or presentation. So far all of the engines depicted on this have come to fruition, the only one the US has not seen is the N53.
With all the new BMW models being released, proposed or rumored over the next few years we thought it would be interesting to review a document from late 2005 which indicated the future of BMW.
This document is from Supplier Business, a publication that evaluates information from suppliers to various industries. It is interesting to see what was planned or not planned and what BMW has already released or announced will be released.
We thought it would be nice on a Tuesday, which just happens to be the day after Cinco De Mayo to give you some news that may help your headache (or make it worse). That is if you partook in the festivities a bit too hard.
For all you SAV lovers out there we give you the test mule of the next X3. Yes it is an X3 in underpinnings and drive train but looks like an E91 with some serious fender flares. This is a drive train mule. It is still in the early stages of testing, the actual prototype sheet metal will begin its testing mid summer.
Official BMW AG Press Release: To mark the 30th anniversary of the BMW M1 super sports car, BMW Group Design is presenting a homage to this legendary model as part of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2008. The BMW M1 designed by Giorgio Giugiaro was a car of superlatives and a highly emotive vehicle that was uncompromisingly primed for the race track. Spawning this development was the BMW Turbo by Paul Bracq, a revolutionary concept car which, in addition to its groundbreaking functional design, also boasted a raft of technical innovations. It is from these two unique vehicles that the BMW M1 Homage takes its cue - a design study that pays tribute to its forerunner models and an embodiment of the competence, creativity and potential of the BMW Group Design team.
“For BMW, heritage is always also a living heritage. Drawing inspiration from your own past and thereby reinventing yourself - that is exactly what the BMW M1 Homage demonstrates in impressive style.”
Dr Klaus Draeger, BMW Group Board Member, Development
BimmerFile is dedicated to bringing you the most interesting news, links and reviews related to the BMW brand and it's vehicles.
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: //M\\, Concept, E71 X6, In the Press, Motorsport, Spy photos Jul 25th, 2008 No Comments 
