From the American big three to the Germans and Japanese, each company from those respective nations is said to be showing something that will come to market within the next year. BMW, not to be upstaged by the competition has some significant vehicles that will make their first appearances as well as showcasing the future of the BMW brand in North America. The following is what we believe to make appearances.

The All New 2012 3 Series

• New BMW face emphasises dynamic and elegant design.

• BMW 3 Series now available in three different equipment lines: Sport, Luxury and Modern.

• Optional full-color Head-Up Display along with a wide array of technologically advanced options (Lane Departure Warning, Surround View, Park Assist, etc.)

• Sporty suspension tuning with enhanced ride comfort.

• Both models with the latest BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, 4 cylinder 328i and six cylinder 335i.

• Both models feature a no cost eight-speed automatic gearbox.

• Driving Experience Control with Eco Pro mode; Auto Start-Stop function included as standard.

The US market will see the 328i and 335i models at launch on February 11, 2012 with xDrive offerings coming later in the year along with the ActiveHybrid 3 Series- six cylinder power with four cylinder consumption.

BMW ActiveHybrid 5

North American premiere of the BMW ActiveHybrid 5, the most powerful and efficient full hybrid in its segment.

• Exceptional balance between power output (340 hp) and CO2 emissions (149 g/km). 0-60 mph 5.8 seconds. Electric motor is 55hp and built into the transmission.

• Prominent electric driving experience; range under purely electric power: approx. 2.5 miles, top speed under purely electric power: 37 mph.

• Coasting mode (with the engine switched off) active at up to 100 mph.

• Forward-looking intelligent energy management. Double digit increase in fuel efficiency over base 335i.

• E-boost function delivers extremely dynamic acceleration.

• Stationary climate control as standard.

BMW M5

• High revving (7200 RPM) 4.4l V8. Two Twin scroll turbos, cross bank manifold, Direct Injection, Valvetronic. 560hp/ 500 ft-lbs.

• M 7 Speed dual clutch transmission with Drivelogic. (6 Speed manual for US)

• M Servotronic hydraulic Steering, Dynamic Damper Control, M Dynamic Mode as part of Dynamic Stability Control

• New Active M rear differential and rear suspension mounting techniques provide unparalleled driver engagement and response.

• Sports car and luxury car wrapped into one package. At the press of one of the two “M” buttons the car can change its persona.

World Premier BMW M6 Cabrio (Probably in M color “San Marino Blue” NEW INFO: 12/21/11 M6 will debut in Geneva

• High revving (7200 RPM) 4.4l V8. Two Twin scroll turbos, cross bank manifold, Direct Injection, Valvetronic. Hp/ Torque numbers to be released and to be higher than M5.

• M 7 Speed dual clutch transmission with Drivelogic.(Possible 6 Speed manual for US)

• M Servotronic hydraulic Steering, Dynamic Damper Control, M Dynamic Mode as part of Dynamic Stability Control

• New Active M rear differential and rear suspension mounting techniques provide unparalleled driver engagement and response.

• Sports car and luxury car wrapped into one package. At the press of one of the two “M” buttons the car can change its persona.

BMW i3 and i8 Concepts

The BMW i3 Concept and the BMW i8 Concept, with their highly innovative and efficient drive systems, demonstrate how future mobility can be both sustainable and dynamic. While the BMW i3 Concept is an all-electric vehicle and therefore optimally equipped for operation around town, the plug-in hybrid BMW i8 Concept combines its electric motor with an internal combustion engine to deliver a high level of performance.

All-electric – the BMW i3 Concept.

The electric motor of the BMW i3 Concept is designed primarily for operation in an urban environment, developing 170 hp, with peak torque of 184 lb-ft. Typically of an electric motor, maximum torque is developed from standstill, in contrast to an internal combustion engine where torque increases with engine rpm. This makes the BMW i3 Concept highly agile and provides impressive acceleration. The BMW i3 Concept accomplishes 0-37 mph in under four seconds and 0-60 mph in under eight seconds.

Best of both worlds – the BMW i8 Concept.

The i8 Concept combines the advantages of two different drive systems. As a plug-in hybrid it reaps the benefits of an electric motor and an internal combustion engine for maximum efficiency with maximum dynamics. At the front axle is the electric motor adopted from the BMW i3 Concept and modified for use in the BMW i8 Concept’s hybrid power train, while a 220 hp turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine developing up to 221 lb-ft of torque drives the rear axle. Together, the two drive units take the vehicle to a governed top speed of 155 mph. Like the electric motor, the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine was developed entirely in-house by the BMW Group and represents the latest state of the art in conventional engine design. Acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle of under three litres per 100 kilometres (approx. 84 mpg) are figures currently beyond the capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable performance. Depending on charging habits and the nature of the route, it is even possible to improve on these figures.

We’ve just returned from the Frankfurt IAA and to say that the BMW Hall is overwhelming is an absolute understatement. The scale of BMW’s home auto show venue is immense. Imagine an auto show floor stateside and then think that the size of that entire building is around the size of BMW’s own in Frankfurt- it is that enormous. BMW didn’t disappoint its fans in its presentation of its newest offerings and future concepts; offering a wide range of vehicles, all presented in the ideals of Efficient Dynamics. Our cameras were able to capture it all so be sure to check out the gallery.

World premieres of the BMW i3 Concept and BMW i8 Concept, new F20 BMW 1 Series (including new Efficient Dynamics Edition), new F10 ///M5, 520d Efficient Dynamics Edition, 1 Series with M Sport Kit (March 2012 launch), an electric scooter, Husqvarna motorcycle and several other models. Namely the BMW Performance 1 Series Design Studie, X1 Efficient Dynamics Edition and 3 Series Edition models that we not featured during the actual Media Conference.

We were puzzled by BMW’s decision to feature the 6 Series coupe’ and convertible so extensively during the media conference as these two models (although with new 40d power) were not discussed in the press releases leading up to the event. Secondly, the 6ers have been extensively covered by the media with other power plants. If anything, we were expecting a new model such as the 6 Series GranCoupe to be the surprise guest but rumors circulating the show were that BMW decided at the 11th hour the 6 Gran Coupe didn’t fit the theme of efficiency they were going for. Reportedly, it will be shown in Geneva closer to market launch. In case you were wondering; yes, even the ///M5 was discussed in terms of improved efficiency if you can imagine that.

There was another object on our scavenger hunt list that we searched high and low for in the vast BMW hall; the X6 ///M wearing M Performance stripes- it was nowhere to be found. Maybe that was for the better as our lenses were needed to capture the rest of the show.

We hope you enjoy the photos and we’d like to send a big thank you to Michael Talley for contributing his to our gallery. We’ll have more coverage from other manufacturers so stay tuned!

FULL GALLERY HERE

We are LIVE at the Frankfurt IAA. Over the next few days we will be bringing you photos and stories from Germany’s largest auto show.

The 640d was the opening act, and set the tone for a series of debuts with more power and greater efficiency.

BMW also showed two new Efficient Dynamics models, 116d and 520d that tout hybrid like efficiency numbers.

The ///M5 made its public debut to a packed house. It simply looks fantastic in Monte Carlo blue.

BMWi continues to wow with its use of high tech materials and gadgetry. The i8 is featuring Laser Headlights which are brighter and more efficient than even the most modern LED systems.

It was an eventful morning and is sure to continue.

BMW M is offering a once in a life-time experience at the Moto GP at the Indianapolis Speedway August 26th through the 28th. The event is available to the first lucky 50 to pony-up $2k. Let’s take a look at what you get for the money.

• VIP treatment during the Moto GP weekend, including Paddock Passes.
• Sneak view behind the MotoGP scene with special tour guide and expert Randy Mamola.
• Presentation of the new M5 with M executives sharing their expertise.
• Experience the spectacular MotoGP race action with special guest Kevin Schwantz in the M- Lounge.
• Hot laps in M Safety Cars  Hot laps in M models with instructors from the BMW Performance School
• Exclusive visit of the Indianapolis Hall of Fame Museum.  High-end accommodation and restaurants round off the unforgettable weekend in an M environment.
• Share your passion with M fans from the Americas  Look forward to more surprises!

You can download the full form with more details here.

We were in attendance during today’s unveiling of the BMWi i3 & i8 Concepts and are digesting all of the information we obtained. While we gain some composure and put pen to paper or more so in our case fingers to keys- enjoy the photos from the Frankfurt. (Full gallery after the break)

If you’re lucky enough to be ordering a June production 1M Coupe and had the chance to pick it up in Europe, we’d highly recommend you schedule your time at the BMW Welt in Munich during the second to last week of June.

BMW M has just announced an event like none other that sounds like the ULTIMATE European Delivery event. M-Fest is essentially four days of ///M Power staged around the 24 hours of the ‘Ring. Exclusive access and information about ///M and the BMW Motorsport team, something that all of us enthusiasts should get excited over.

Having completed a bunch of these Euro Delivery trips already it really takes something special to get me excited to the ‘Mth’ degree and what I’m thinking just does that. Arrive on a Tuesday (airfare usually is a bit less) and pickup the object of your affection, notably the 1M (or any BMW), at the Welt. Take in the museum and the much commercialized factory tour followed by a night of biergartens. Wake up after a nice rest at one of Munich’s fine hotels to make the 30 min drive to Garching. The goal is to take a photo (or if pre-arranged thanks to connections- a tour) of ///M headquarters. The sign and the new car in one photo would quickly make it to my office wall, beneath the picture of my dream E61 ///M5.

After that I would high tail it towards the ‘Ring and take in a few laps at a slow pace (after all it’s not broken in yet). If there’s time or if the course is open, I’d include stopping by some of the other German car museums along the way.

Then from there I’d proceed to have the time of my life at M-Fest and the 24 hours of the ‘Ring (detailed below).

Afterwards I’d drop the car in Frankfurt, fly home and start the agonizing wait with photos and memories that are bound to last a lifetime.

Official release on M-Fest after the break,

Official Press Release From: M-Power.com

THE M FESTIVAL details

23–26 JUNE 2011.

24H RACE NÜRBURGRING.

BMW M3 – one of the most successful touring car in the world.

When BMW returned to the 24h race at the Nürburgring last year, competition was fierce but the BMW M3 GT2 set out to continue the legendary performance and finished first. The BMW team secured not only the overall victory but ten class wins. Out of 198 cars lining up, 63 were BMWs.

Time for us to celebrate BMW’s outstanding performance at this prestigious race! Therefore, we would like to invite you to merge into the world of M and come and see the backyard and playground of our M engineers. Every M car is developed and tested on the Nürburgring – the “Green Hell” – to meet the requirements for a race car suitable for everyday life.

THE M FESTIVAL 2011 will last four days and takes place Thursday, June 23rd throughout Sunday, June 26th.

You will literally be part of the famous track because the “Feldherrenhuegel” will be our main event venue. This place is located close to the Grand Prix track and the historical North Loop.

The M Festival starts off on June 23rd at 7pm with an ultimate M Night at Warsteiner Event Center, granting access to an exclusive presentation of new products as well as insider information by M experts and a raffle with fantastic prizes. Make sure you don’t miss this evening!

During the following days and the actual 24h race, BMW M is offering non-stop entertainment and access to its two distinct locations: the “Feldherrenhuegel” features live music, live broadcasting of the race, insights by experts and much more. For those of you who want to smell and feel the race very closely, the “Naturtribuehne T14” is the place to be. Right on the exit of the Grand Prix track, when the race cars fly by to enter the 21km long “Green Hell”. As close as you can get.

Since the 24h Nürburgring race is not only about the driver but all about the guests and spectators as well, we want you to take part and grasp this unforgettable atmosphere.

Join the M parade and drive your own M car on the North Loop for a lap while up to 200,000 spectators cheer and celebrate you. We offer space for 100 vehicles to those who are the first to register.

It’s your turn. Don’t miss the chance to drive your M car on the legendary track!

Few more will have the chance to join through winning the raffles on June 23rd.

Catering and accommodation opportunities are available.

Motorsport enthusiasts are welcome to stay in one of the M tents provided for up to 400 guests, right next to the track. A once-in-a-lifetime experience and true festival feeling! For those of you who prefer hotel accommodation further off the track, BMW M is pleased to offers.

At one glance, this is what THE M FESTIVAL package comprises:

– pure race feeling amongst M fans – admission ticket to the most legendary 24h race: the Nürburgring race – access to the M Night on June 23rd including catering* – access to all M Festival areas – M exhibition – guarded parking for M festival guests – Raffles with fantastic prizes (e.g. helicopter flights, access to the BMW VIP Tower, etc.).

*Catering: You are cordially invited to attend the M Night. There will be plenty of food and drink stands at all the different locations (Feldherrenhügel, T14 grandstand, M Camp). Purchases are made at these stands using the BMW M ringcard included in the welcome pack and are charged to the visitor.

Additional access to the paddock with a visit of the BMW garage as well as to the Kart Experience is granted for the quickest to register on site.

As the number of participants at the international M Festival is limited, people who are interested should not delay in registering.

M Festival event hotline For questions please contact our M Festival event hotline at +49 212 2606 – 362 or via email The-M-Festival@kogag.de Monday to Friday from 9 am to 6 pm.

I didn’t take this photo to show-off my E28. I took this to show you the most interesting and mysterious trailer at Octoberfest. What’s in the trailer? Check back later this evening for the “reveal”.

Friday is a big day on BimmerFile. We’ll be heading over to the Road America as the sun is rising to get some (passenger) seat time in a few of BMW’s most famous race cars of the last 25 years.

But perhaps most importantly we’ll be reporting live from Dr. Kay Segler’s presentation (head of the BMW M Division) around 7 pm (CST) Friday night. We expect big things (especially around 7pm) so make sure to check back throughout the evening. In fact the photo stream above will be updated throughout the next 24 hours so when in doubt come back to the site, we’ll have the latest right there. And as always we’ll have exclusive interviews and video of everything that happens at the event.

How to find Us

Yes that’s me on the right. So if see a guy who looks like that with various cameras and electronics it’s probably me. I’ll also be in my ’88 535is (yes I drove my vintage BMW three hours through Wisconsin) when I’m not drooling inside the various vintage race-cars.

How to Keep Up To-Date

You can follow us right here on BF as we’ll be live-blogging Dr. Kay Segler’s speech. We’ll also be posting to twitter.com/bimmerfile throughout the day from all of our various experiences at the largest BMW gathering in North America.

Did we mention we’re excited? It’s honestly a little hard to not think about Jack Pitney’s untimely death today when thinking about the world of BMW. But there’s little question that he would have wanted us to enjoy the time we have here, with friends new and old. And we intend to do just that throughout the next 24 hours.

BMW has a long history of supporting the BMW CCA (car club of America) and this year they are doing so with a bevy of historic race cars at the Club’s largest meet. Octoberfest (held this year at the famed Road American in Elkhart Lake Wisconsin) will host four of the more well known BMW race cars of the past 30 years (PDF factsheet in parenthesis):

• M1 IMSA GTO / 1981 (PDF fact sheet)
• M3 E36 PPG Race Car / 1995 (PDF fact sheet)
• M5 E34 IMSA Supercar / 1994 (PDF fact sheet)
• M3 E46 GTR / 2001 (PDF fact sheet)

The best part? We’ll have a chance to get up close with each car and potentially even ride in a few around the famous Road America.

Clearly it’s going to be a memorable event. We’ll have much more in the coming days.

On this Sunday, there will be a large gathering of BMW enthusiasts and a BMW car show at the facility. This event will include open arrive and drive karting for all those that wish to and cash food and drinks. The event will also feature many giveaways and door prizes- this one is not to be missed for all those in the Tri-State area and should have several hundred cars.

For further information you can seek the forums as this has been covered at great depth especially over at E90Post.

We will be there to cover the event and possibly a bit more…. stay tuned!

This coming weekend we will be busy visiting/covering car meets and shows in the North East. On Saturday the Green Mountain Chapter of the BMWCCA will be holding OktoberFAST at the beautiful Smugglers’ Notch Resort. Vermont in the fall is one of my favorite places to be; folliage, micro-brews, and the brisk clean air. Adding some German cars to that makes it even better.

If you are up for a nice ride, great vistas and of course BMWs you should considering making the trip.

On Sunday morning we will be off to GPNY for some karting as part of an Oktoberfest BMW meet, to be covered in more detail tomorrow.

Full details for OktoberFAST can be found below

OktoberFAST Schedule:

Friday:

Meet and Greet at Smugglers Notch 4-8PM in the Meeting House Tavern

Registration table and cheese tasting in the Tavern!

Saturday:

Registration under the big tent, on the field from 7-10AM for cars interested in being judged.

Registration throughout the day as well for everyone else.

Cars to be judged must be on the field by 10AM

This is a non-concours Show and Shine Event!

Blindfolded Driver Rally in the main field (time to be determined)

Live Tech Talk with Mike Miller at noon in the main tent

Car Judging ends at 2PM

Awards Ceremony and Door Prizes at 2:30 PM

Notch Ride immediately thereafter (Route sheets to be available)

Sunday:

9AM morning brunch ride to Rochester, for those interested in heading south

Sign up sheet at registration!

Here is the lodging info.

Rob Aiken Senior Sales Director, Smugglers’ Notch Resort

800-521-0536 802-644-1151 (direct) raiken@smuggs.com

Remember to tell them you are there for the car show!

Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG

Ladies and Gentlemen—

The passion for mobility is in our genes. It is part of our heritage. Each of these three classic cars represented state-of-the-art mobility at its time:

The BMW 328 Mille Miglia Roadster was the 1940 trendsetter in matters of aerodynamics and lightweight construction.

The Isetta reflected the prevailing taste of the 1950s.

The BMW 525e with eta technology already set new standards in fuel efficiency in the early 80s.

Many of our models have written automotive history. And you know that looking ahead is also part of our DNA at the BMW Group.

The best example: The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. A sports car to a core, and yet it runs on less fuel than a small car. This is not an illusion but an embodiment of our innovative BMW ActiveHybrid technology. So what else should this study show? That there is one thing that you will always experience when opting for a BMW: Sheer driving pleasure.

Welcome to the BMW stand at the start of the IAA 2009! Individual mobility can take different forms. Because what people require from their cars might vary greatly. These two cars demonstrate the wide range of the BMW Group model portfolio:

Firstly, our flagship: the new BMW 7 Series. It has not only received numerous awards but it is also appealing to customers. At present it is the best-selling luxury sedan – both here in our home market and worldwide. Obviously, this makes us very proud and happy. This fall, the new 7 Series line-up is complemented by the all-wheel drive version that you can see here. What this means is: We are going to give our customers an even greater range to choose from and more flexibility. No other manufacturer delivered more cars with all-wheel drive last year than BMW. Now our xDrive technology is available for the BMW 7 Series for the very first time. The MINI E looks like the exact opposite of the BMW 7 Series. A small car – but we are going to make a big thing of it. This car is also proof that protecting the climate can be fun. Why is that important? Isn’t environmental protection mainly a matter of reason and understanding? New technologies only promote an effect if customers actually buy them. And why should customers compromise? We consider it our responsibility to have an uncompromising balance between ecological requirements and attractive products. This is how we define Premium at BMW.

The electric drive is the great hope for the future. It is one way of making zero-emission mobility come true. And I am sure there will be many concepts here in Frankfurt. However, no other electric car has covered more miles and kilometers than our MINI E.

Our customers’ experiences with the MINI E will be applied to the development of our Megacity Vehicle. As you know this car will be launched as a BMW sub-brand.

At the BMW Group, we will continue to remain forward-thinking:

We are developing a completely new car architecture.

We have entered into a battery-cell cooperation with SB Limotive.

We will implement sustainable measures throughout the entire value chain.

But there are some things which are not in our hands, such as: creating the necessary regulatory framework to realize a new type of individual mobility. Mobility for the future, whether it be electric- or hydrogen-based needs clear guidelines. We aim to promote an open dialog about future mobility with all stakeholders and other representatives of society – to find viable solutions from which we will all benefit in the long term.

Sustainability is on everyone’s agenda. But, what is most urgently needed is clear action. We all know how beautiful but fragile nature can be. We need to preserve the environment, not only for ourselves but future generations.

I am proud to announce: The BMW Group is the world’s most sustainable car manufacturer. This was confirmed again by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, just this month for the 5th time in a row. This index is one of the world’s most important indicators of sustainable business. It is a fact – no other manufacturer in our industry uses resources as economical as we do. This inspires us to go even further and it shows us that we are on the right track. In the end, our approach also pays off in economic terms. All of our activities and goals are presented in our 2008 Sustainable Value Report which we have just released. The report itself complies with the strict requirements of the environmental label “Blue Angel”. We have accomplished a lot. But we will do even more! For us at the BMW Group, sustainability – in all its forms – is an integral part of being premium. We truly believe this – and we live it.

Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development

There are some events in our lives which make us incredibly proud – and for me, this is one of them. I was closely involved in the development of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo right from the very beginning. I clearly remember how we started: The first question we considered was: What does the customer want? We quickly came to the conclusion that customers would welcome a completely new model.

So our aim was to develop a completely new BMW: based on an elegant, prestigious sedan with the functionalities of an SAV and elements of a traditional Gran Turismo.

Here you see the final result. Today I am extremely proud to present the world premiere of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo. It is an innovative and intelligent vehicle that also opens a new segment – and it really adds to the BMW brand.

What I like best about this car is its incredible versatility. Its interior is both luxurious and extremely spacious – so it’s not just a Coupé with a large tailgate. It is an extremely practical car. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is a true long-distance sedan that offers maximum comfort and driving pleasure. I can only recommend that you take it for a test-drive yourself: sheer-driving pleasure at its very best.

Our second new BMW also has its world premiere today. Please welcome the new BMW X1.

The BMW X1 combines the typical features of a BMW X model with the driving characteristics and fuel efficiency of the BMW 1 Series. It is the perfect solution for customers who do not require a big vehicle but nevertheless want to enjoy the advantages of driving a modern SAV.

I believe that many customers have simply been waiting for such a compact BMW SUV. And this is why the BMW X1 has every prospect of becoming a huge success. I am absolutely convinced that it will be a big hit.

At first glance, this car looks just like an ordinary BMW 3 Series sedan. But did you notice the lowered car body and the special wheel rims? Let me tell you: These have not been chosen for the visual effect. This car is all about state-of-the-art climate protection – true to our Efficient Dynamics program.

This BMW 3 Series sedan is the BMW model with the lowest CO2 emissions available today. Its name: BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Edition.

This model has 163 horsepower – so it is sporting through and through. It runs on 4.1 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers. And its carbon emissions amount to 109 grams; which is an amazing achievement in engineering

Just a short while ago, this would have been beyond the scope of what the industry could do. So today, you are looking at true progress – made possible only through the dedication to our Efficient Dynamics program. Just in case you are looking for a new driving experience: The European market launch is scheduled for March 2010.

Please welcome the world’s fastest all-wheel drive hybrid – the BMW ActiveHybrid X6.

For this vehicle we have combined a V8 Twin Turbo with two electric motors. The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is a full hybrid – which means that short distances can be covered entirely in electric mode. Compared with the so-called conventional BMW X6, this hybrid model is 20 percent more fuel-efficient. I loved this vehicle right from the start – the way it seems to float without a sound, and on top of it the great performance. This is simply unique for a hybrid!

The same is true for the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series.

Once again, the drive is based on a V8 Turbo and complemented with an electric motor that supports the engine particularly during starting and accelerating and recovers brake energy. The electric motor basically serves as an “electric turbo”. As a result, the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series’ acceleration is even better than that of the BMW 750i. Besides offering enhanced performance, it also saves 15 percent in fuel and emissions.

And this is exactly the idea behind our Efficient Dynamics strategy: to combine greater dynamics and greater efficiency.

All the new models I have just presented to you are scheduled for series production in the near future.

But what would the Frankfurt Motor Show be without exciting visions? We asked ourselves: How would a BMW look and feel if we took Efficient Dynamics to a whole new dimension?

And here you see the answer to that question: the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics.

This concept has already been highly acclaimed by the media. In fact, I can’t remember a concept study that has received such an overwhelming response. And rightly so I would say. Here are the facts:

zero-to-one hundred (km/h) in 4.8 seconds an electronically regulated top speed of 250 km/h a fuel consumption of 3.7 liters per 100 kilometers. Yes, that’s right: 3.7 liters! and CO2 emissions of 99 grams per kilometer in hybrid mode – or 50 grams per kilometer in fully-electric operation.

These performance figures are achieved by combining three engines:

a completely new 3 cylinder turbo diesel drive

and two innovative electric motors on each axle.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics can be operated electrically or solely by using the power of the turbo diesel engine or in the continuously variable combination of all three drives.

But the innovative drive system is not the only energy-saving technology in this concept car. Another good example is the proactive energy management: On-board sensors record data concerning the current driving situation and send it to the vehicle computer. It evaluates the information as well as the upcoming driving situation. Let’s imagine the following scenario: You are heading to the motorway. Already at this point, various vehicle systems are adjusted accordingly. This means: The cooling system’s activity is reduced. The short increase in cooling agent temperature will be offset by the increase in speed on the motorway. As I said: We call this proactive energy management.

This vision clearly sets a new standard in sheer driving pleasure and shows that individual mobility definitely has a future. Such a vision is one of the many reasons why the BMW Group is the most sustainable car company in the world today and in the future. Thank you very much!

Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Sales and Marketing

Those who know MINI know that MINI is always a step ahead. One of the best examples is the MINI E. Electric vehicles are a promising zero-emissions alternative and we are leading the way in the development of this technology. We are the first to use the latest generation of lithium-ion technology in an all-electric vehicle, the MINI E.

The MINI E has a top speed of 152 km/h and a range up to 250 km and it retains “MINI like” driving characteristics: quick acceleration and tight, nimble handling.

The MINI E is definitely one of the highlights in the fiftieth anniversary year of MINI.

With over 600 MINI E cars we have the largest all-electric fleet of this kind involved in an international pilot project. This project goes far beyond the simple test of a prototype electric MINI. We are working together with central and regional governments, energy providers and academic partners.

By testing the MINI E in some of the largest cities of the world, we are working towards finding sustainable solutions for future mobility.

Drivers have been testing the MINI E under real-life conditions in Germany and the US since June this year and will do so for twelve months. At the end of 2009, drivers in the UK will also participate in the project. And I’m pleased to tell you that the MINI E project will soon also be extended to France, starting at some stage in 2010. Feedback and experiences from all of our participants will provide us, and our partners, with valuable insight into the realities of living with an electric car.

These findings will help us to develop the next generation of electric-powered vehicles, and to understand the technology and infrastructure required to support them. Today, MINI already offers models with outstanding fuel-efficiency and some of the lowest output of CO2 emissions in its class. The ongoing development of new technologies for reducing emissions is a high-priority at MINI. According to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority, MINI achieved the highest reduction rate of CO2 emissions from 2006 to 2008, compared to any other brand.

This is MINIMALISM at work!

MINIMALISM is an overall attitude of the brand MINI – Lower Consumption. Lower Emissions. Same fun! Measures such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop Function and Shift Point Display are standard on all new MINI models.

We now offer seven MINI models which generate no more than 140 grams of CO2 per kilometre. And this is the international show premiere of the MINI One D which we launched earlier this month. It is the new entry-level diesel model, which delivers exceptionally economical driving fun.

The drive system is based on the 1.6-litre diesel engine from the MINI Cooper D. Featuring a turbocharger and common rail direct injection, the new version of this four-cylinder unit has a peak output of 90 hp and maximum torque of 215 Nm. Like the MINI One, the new MINI One D provides a particularly economical entry point into the world of the MINI brand. And with a consumption of just 3.9 litre per 100 km and a CO2 emission rate of 104 g/km, the MINI One D has the lowest consumption and lowest CO2 emissions within the entire BMW Group. MINIMALISM pure!

And MINI offers eco-friendly vehicles across the whole range of models. Take the MINI Cooper D Clubman – outstanding efficiency, with a consumption of 4.1 litres and a CO2 emission rate of 109 g/km. One thing is for sure – MINI is ready for the future!

Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG

There is not much for me to add. The facts speak for themselves: So far, we have delivered 1.4 million cars equipped with Efficient Dynamics to customers. This is how we achieved greater reductions in fleet consumption than any other carmaker. So where do we stand right now? In Germany, our fleet has achieved an average of 5.9 liters of fuel per 100 km, corresponding to CO2 of 156 grams per kilometer. According to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority, this means that we: outperform all other premium manufacturers and outperform Germany’s highest-volume auto brand – even though our cars offer much higher performance.

And here they are once more: Our Efficient Dynamics fleet and our world premieres! As an engineer I believe in the power of innovation – that benefit both society and the environment. What you see here are our solutions. This is our promise for responsible mobility – today and tomorrow. After all, this is what we owe future generations. In a moment, I will be opening the BMW Group Junior Campus outside of this hall, together with Frankfurt’s Lord Mayor Petra Roth. We have brought our Junior Campus to Frankfurt to teach children about sustainable mobility and road safety in a playful way.

Individual mobility has come to be an integral part of our society. Future generations also want to drive cars, with a clear conscience. Maybe the car of the future will look like the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics. Or maybe like our MINI E. We strongly believe in the future of individual mobility. And we are going to make it happen.

Now, I would like to invite all of you to join me here on stage. And remember:

The MINI press conference is about to start. And at 4 o’clock this afternoon, we are going to unveil a very special new model for you at the Rolls-Royce stand here in Hall 11. I have already driven it – and I have to say – this is truly an incredible new addition to the Rolls-Royce family. And I hope you will also find it as fascinating as I do.

Thank you very much! I wish you all a successful motor show.

From the Pits:

By now most of you have watched or read about the recent ALMS race at Mosport in Canada. The weather played a huge factor in this race as it was cold, cloudy and wet. The rain was sporadic at the track but kept the track just greasy enough to play a significant roll in Sundays race.

Mosport is the epicenter of Canadian Motorsports and the fans there are hardcore (to put it mildly). Lots of great people with a love of racing. Some of theses fans go as far to state the cars driven with the ///M logo on them as BM”V”s; the proper German way. These fans were ecstatic to see the cars qualify 1 and 2 after Saturdays round, about 8 laps in on Sunday things would start to go wrong.

This race can be characterized as one of bad luck. Those of you that were watching on Speed may have noticed that the tires on both cars appeared to start disintegrating shortly after the start of the race. They didn’t but it sure looked that way. Whether it was track debris, the temperature or the rain, the tires just were not right and both cars had them off as soon as they could get in to the pits.

The next setback came a few laps later when Bill was into a corner and had to check up secondary to a prototype in front of him, he saved the nose but the Flying Lizard Porsche smashed into his rear and did some significant damage to the aero kit and body of the #90. The bumper was ripped off and the car was rigged back together with tape and zip-ties to get back out there. The crew went as fast as they could but with such significant damage it set him back about 6 laps.

The #92 car driven by Tommy Milner race began to experience some intermittent issues with mechanicals as was evidenced by the smoke coming from the engine bay; easily interpreted as an oil leak or similar issue. After the driver change with Dirk behind the wheel the #92 seemed to finally catch its stride though it was now a lap down due to pit stops and caution flags. A short while later the car entered the pits and called it a day with smoke billowing from the engine bay, a race cut short due to mechanical issues.

It was a weekend of ups and downs. Even without earning any points for the race it was clear to see that the BMWs had a great advantage in the turns compared to the other GT2 cars. They can literally get the front inside wheel off the ground in a high speed turn, a sign of a truly rigid car and well tuned suspension. So one thing that can be taken from this race as a positive is that the BMW handling is still ahead of the others in class and should continue to be a building block of the car.

Enjoy the photos from track side and from the pits. We are editing some HD video of the pit stops and hope to have that up shortly. As always you can view higher resolution images by clicking the links below the photo browser or by visiting us over at Flickr

Official Release: On September 15, 2009, IAA Frankfurt Motor Show opens its gates to the press. A first for BMW Group: This year, all three brands are presented under one roof – in Hall 11 which today was officially opened by Frankfurt’s Lord Mayor Petra Roth. Europe’s most state-of-the-art exhibition hall can be reached directly from the new main entrance of the Frankfurt exhibition grounds. The highlight of BMW’s 2009 motor show presentation is a circuit of several hundred meters length that encloses the entire exhibition space and on which the BMW EfficientDynamics fleet and the world premieres will be presented.

Thomas Muderlak, responsible for BMW Group’s presentation at the IAA Frankfurt Motor Show: “Participation in motor shows is an important feature in our communication activities directed at customers, the media and trade visitors. We are delighted that the 2009 IAA gives us the opportunity to build on our tradition of innovative motor show presences and this time to present all three brands under one roof – a first. A highlight for our visitors will be to experience our vehicles in motion: For the BMW brand, our presentation will implement the brand’s motto of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ quite literally.”

In 2003, 2005 and 2007, the BMW brand presented itself in a Cubist building on the so-called Agora while MINI and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars were located in different halls. Presenting the three brands so close to each other this year will allow BMW Group to stage various corporate initiatives. As the organizer of the Junior Campus and the host of the ZEIT Conference, BMW Group will seize the opportunity to set the stage for important social issues such as sustainability. Between September 15 and 27, 2009, children between 3 and 13 years can discover the fascination of sustainability and mobility at the Junior Campus. A workshop explains children aged 7 to 13 through play how to handle resources in a responsible manner. A children’s Road Safety School with a driving course located in the outdoor area of the Junior Campus helps children from age 3 to 6 behave responsibly in road traffic. Taking a stand in the socio-political debate on mobility and sustainability, BMW Group’s future summit – the ZEIT Conference – provides a platform for a panel discussion with high-ranking representatives from the worlds of politics, business, architecture and environmental protection. Also, the 2009/2010 Sustainable Value Report will be presented at the BMW Group press conference on September 15. Sustainability is the central theme of the BMW Group’s exhibition stand concept as well: The company applies a reusable exhibition system to motor shows and exhibitions. The concept is based on modular, reusable structural elements which reduce the amount of demolition material and waste.

The BMW Motor Show Presentation: “Experiencing Joy.”

The basic concept behind the BMW brand’s presence at the 2009 IAA focuses on sheer driving pleasure. For the first time, IAA visitors can experience the cars’ design and appeal in motion – thanks to the dynamic presentation of the vehicles on a circuit. The BMW EfficientDynamics fleet presented on the circuit will be an impressive demonstration of the fusion of driving pleasure and low consumption. Thanks to EfficientDynamics, BMW is able to prove uncompromisingly that these are not antipodes: With its two most recent model generations, BMW Group has reduced the fleet’s consumption in Europe by more than 25 percent while improving driving pleasure. By the time the IAA opens, BMW will have delivered about 1.4 million vehicles equipped with the award-winning technology package. Besides the presentation of the EfficientDynamics fleet, the focus at the BMW stand will be on the world premieres of the hybrid vehicles BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and BMW ActiveHybrid X6 as well as on the world premieres of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and the BMW X1. Visitors can expect further additional product surprises.

The MINI Stand: “What a Birthday. It’s MINI.”

On August 26, MINI will celebrate its 50th anniversary. Honoring this special occasion, the MINI motor show presence is all about MINI’s 50-year success story. This agenda is also translated into the stand’s architecture: Visitors are received at the stand by the large-scale claim “What a Birthday. It’s MINI.”, stretching diagonally across the entire open space of the stand with a length of 35, a height of six and a depth of four meters. The MINI world premieres include the birthday editions MINI 50 Camden and MINI 50 Mayfair as well as further surprising product innovations. Another focus at the MINI stand at the 2009 IAA is the MINIMALISM concept – a package of measures developed to optimize fuel consumption and to reduce emissions, which is presented in a futuristic area that offers great experiences.

The Rolls-Royce Motor Show Presence

The highlight of the Rolls-Royce motor show presence is the world premiere of the Rolls-Royce Ghost. The stand itself has been designed as an open building with a daylight roof in which Rolls-Royce presents not only the Ghost, but also the Phantom product range with the Phantom Extended Wheelbase, the Drophead Coupé and the Phantom Coupé.

Lime Rock is known fondly as BMWs “home” track in the ALMS season as it is the closest sanctioned race to the NJ headquarters of BMWNA. The track was adorned with new BMW cars at the entry gates and advertisements, touting “Power” and the “Ultimate Driving Machine” throughout the park for the weekend. Those are some big statements to make when you are competing against the names Porsche and Ferrari. Fans of the Roundel arrived early to park their cars together in the “corral” to show some brand camaraderie and discuss what spot would be the best to view the race from. With home track there comes added pressure and expectations, both of which the crew and racers were fully aware of and welcomed with open arms.

The two white BMW ///M3s were sporting some new decals for this race at the beautiful track in the Connecticut hills. The new livery is compliments of the newest rendition of the video game Need For Speed, coming this fall which will showcase the GT2 M3 and driver Tommy Milner. The Efficient Dynamics emblems were also given a more befitting scheme making the cars look a bit more finished.

The cars looked good but but during qualifying on Friday it was easily noticed by the crew and fans alike that one of the cars just did not sound right. You add in the fact both cars were hung up in traffic and you end up with P4 and P5 for the Saturday start. The issue with the one car ended up only being a cracked header so nothing overly major. The one thing that should be noted about this team is that they leave nothing to be status quo; the crew rebuilds any component they can the night before a race. They even go so far as to re-valve the shocks, which is not necessary but done anyways.

Unlike much of the field the ///M3 BMWs are true 4 seaters when they begin their life as street cars. Once you remove the seats and all the creature comforts from the street car the front to rear weight balance becomes increasingly more towards the front and not ideal for racing. The BMW Motorsport’s engineers moved the engine further back and also placed the transmission in the rear of the car, giving it that 50/50 split that is needed at such levels of competition. Not wanting to waste space, those same engineers mounted the oil tank for the dry sump lubrication system into some of that space the transmission would have otherwise occupied (impressive if you ask me). The Rahal Letterman Racing team is very involved in the inner workings of the car by providing data and input as to what the cars are doing and where they need to go; the R&D is completed in Germany by BMW Motorsport. The team at RLR runs a tight ship and a top class operation, their race planning and management is second to none.

What was eye opening to see was the involvement of Dunlop when it comes to the tires. There were five or six tire specialists in the pits, measuring air and track temperatures all the while calculating tire wear, the proper pressures and what was the ideal compound to run. Tires were in no short supply in the pits, Dunlop was on top of it. The drivers and the team as a whole commented on how great the support from Dunlop has been and how they have been putting in the hours to help keep up with the other race; the tire race. Michelin appeared to have an advantage earlier in the season but as it stands now the gap is marginal from what everyone is saying.

Come start time, the crew and drivers were ready and willing. After the official required a restart they were off and running. Early on both cars looked good, making it up to P3 and P4 while staying on the heels of the Risi Ferrari. The Flying Lizard Porsche was literally “flying” as it had been in the previous 3 races. From the pits the team was poised and running as planned. A bump sent Bill off track and he lost some time in the process. Tommy was running nice and steady.

After his stint Tommy Milner explained, “the car is the best it has been and I was running right with the top cars if not faster, it is great to be in a car that is setup like this. It likes to be driven hard even when it is a little loose.” I later asked about the use of Traction Control in these cars and found it interesting that these ///M3s have 12 settings for TC. Tommy explained that in essence 7-12 are for rain, 5 and 6 if it is damp and on a nice sunny day (like this race) 1-4 are used and depends on tire wear. The TC does not bog the car down or inhibit performance in any way, he said that it is quite the opposite and if used properly it makes you even faster.

Bill Auberlen is a veteran of Lime Rock and has finished more races on the podium than just about anyone. He was not pleased with going off track and losing some time, as is to be expected but said that this team is shooting for first and every member gives it their all.

With Joey Hand and Dirk Müller navigating the track things were looking up. The cars were gaining on the leaders and separating from the rest of the field. Midway through the race Joey was going for a pass and the back end of the car stepped out in the turn, he tried to correct but there was no getting it reined in. He spun several times off course into the wet puddle ridden grass. He luckily was able to get the car back on track without causing any damage or losing any positions; just time. Time was getting short. At this point Dirk was in the pits for an extended stay thanks to a broken half shaft. The crew feverishly replaced the broken part and got him back on his way but he lost a great many laps and was out of contention.

Both cars ended up finishing the race. The 90 car of Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand taking the podium for third, their first podium of the year. While it was not the race everyone had hoped or planned for, the end result was commendable. These two cars had there fair share of mechanical and off track issues but both made it to the finish and the team came home with its third podium of the year. A few tweaks here and there and you may see the BMW Rahal Letterman team running 1 and 2. A first season of a race program always has some growing pains, but this team does not look back; they are looking forward to the next race in Ohio.

After the race I was able to catch up with Dirk Müller and ask him what he though of the track, as he has only been on it a few times. He explained to me that the track is not as difficult to drive as one might think but what makes it difficult is planning your passes and anticipating the moves of the other drivers on this type of circuit. It is a mentally tough track and he said he thoroughly enjoyed it. As for the car “It was running great before the half shaft went out and the team did what they could to get me back out there.”

When I asked Joey Hand about his merry-go ’round ride, he said the car caught some air off another and just lightened the rear up enough to allow it to break loose. He was happy that he and the car were in one piece and that he was able to get it back out on the track without spinning it again on the wet grass. Like the other members of the team had said, they go all out in the name of victory.

The Flying Lizard Motorsports Porsche 911 GT3 RSR of Jörg Bergmeister and Patrick Long extended their GT2 win streak to four races. Risi Competizione’s Jaime Melo and Pierre Kaffer in their Ferrari F430 GT placed second.

BMW is shooting for the niche within a niche with the latest creation from the wizards at ///M. The X6 ///M is destined to be a low volume seller (anticipated at under a thousand per year world wide) and with a base model price point just shy of 90 grand it will play the roll as a halo vehicle to showcase the newest performance technologies. It openly screams: Hey, look what we can do with a 5+ thousand pound truck! All while being the fastest ///M vehicle to date with 0-60, coming in at 4.5 seconds. Packing the twin turbo 4.4l (555 hp and 500 ft/lbs) V8 under the hood it is fast and a whole lot more.

The X6 is a large vehicle in every notable dimension, but when BMW applied some serious M (for Magic and NOT Marketing) it seemingly forgot its size and of course the enthusiasts main sticking point; weight. What if I said that those aforementioned dimensions had no impact on the performance, that the ///M magic made this rendition of the X6 feel much smaller than its weight and size would make you think? You more than likely would tell me I was lying or I must have drank some tainted German Kool-Aid while at the track.

Is it sacrilege to say that it truly is an amazing vehicle? I surely hope not, because it is. From throttle response and power delivery to braking it is a fine piece of performance machinery. There is no perceivable turbo lag (CCM) and if the driver has any sense of PROPER braking techniques for the track there is minimal brake fade, and certainly none on the street.

Most of you were probably expecting my opinion to be that ///M has become nothing more than a status badge and some bolt on parts like AMG is now for Benz and that this is the end of what we have all known and loved. That just is not going to happen this go around. Are there still flaws? Sure there are, but what vehicle is perfect?

Having completed 40+ hot laps myself and 4 stints with Bernd Limmer, Technical Designer and test driver for ///M, at the wheel here at Road Atlanta I feel confident in saying that this vehicle can truly be badged an ///M. It is willing and capable of doing what you ask of it and a whole lot more.

Over the next few days you can expect some more in-depth commentary from Atlanta and South Carolina. That’s it for now but if you are not familiar with the new ///M Motor in this X6 you can learn more about it from our past exclusive coverage.

We were in New York for the world premiere of the X6 ///M. This SAV looks menacing in person and it sounds like it will have the technology and power to back up those looks. The ///M division has gone to town with new technologies in this vehicle, and along the way developed a new patented manifold system that in the coming weeks we will explain in further details.

For now enjoy the photos!

(Official Release) The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este drew visitors to Lake Como for the first time 80 years ago. For ten years now, BMW has organised the Concorso jointly with the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este luxury hotel. The longstanding tradition of this automotive beauty contest continues this year when, from 24 to 26 April 2009, a select range of classic cars will converge on the shores of Lake Como and be submitted to a vote by the public and a jury. At this anniversary Concorso, the BMW Group will itself be celebrating a rather special birthday: it was 80 years ago that BMW produced its very first automobile. “The past 80 years have shown the high status that BMW accords to design and style. The same applies to the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. And that is not least of all why are a perfect fit,” says Karl Baumer, Director of BMW Group Classic and Chairman of the Concorso. Jean-Marc Droulers, President of Villa d’Este S.p.A., is of the same accord: “The success story of this event in recent years not only shows how well we work together but also reflects our sheer enjoyment in hosting such an extraordinary occasion.”

80 years of the blue-and-white logo

When BMW looks back on its 80-year tradition of car manufacturing at this year’s Concorso, visitors can expect to set eyes on some stunning beauties on wheels. Among the models on show will be a BMW 303, the first Bavarian car to sport the kidney-shaped radiator grille, and an example of the BMW 502, which entered the motoring history books as the so-called “baroque angel”. Models dating back to the 1960s, such as the BMW 2002, and the cars that established the BMW model series in the 1970s will also rank among the exhibits. As a special highlight, BMW will be presenting all its legendary roadsters of the last 75 years: from the 315/1 and 319/1 to the 328 and 507, all the way to the Z1, Z3 and Z8 – plus the latest addition to the family, the new BMW Z4.

Once again, more than 50 classic beauties spanning six decades of motoring history have been selected to appear at the Concorso d’Eleganza. Urs Paul Ramseier, as the Selecting Adviser responsible for the line-up of cars participating in the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, provided a few tasters from this choice field of entrants in Geneva.

Bugatti Atlantic 57SC, 1938

The car from the Bugatti fold that claimed the highest production run and the greatest economic success was the T 57. This model was the only Bugatti to go into series production before the war. One of the most spectacular designs to be based on the T 57 was the Atlantic, of which just three units were produced. Its crouched stance, the vertical, riveted ribs that ran horizontally along the bodywork and its teardrop-shaped side windows gave this model a unique appearance that raised it to one of the icons of motoring history. With the Bugatti Atlantic 57SC, the Concorso presents one of the true legends of the automotive past. The design hails from Jean Bugatti, the son of Ettore Bugatti. Gracing the Concorso will be the last of the three units built. The original owner kept the car until 1967. After changing hands several times, the Atlantic was bought in 1988 by Ralph Lauren, who commissioned Paul Russel with its complete restoration. The car will be making its first European appearance in 18 years at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2009.

Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B, Berlinetta, 1938

The Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B was unveiled in 1935 as the successor to the 8C 2300, in its time one of the world’s fastest automobiles. A total of just six examples of this closed car – known as the Berlinetta – were manufactured. The model ranks as one of the most elegant vehicles to emerge before the Second World War. In September 1947, the example being shown at the Concorso emigrated from Italy via Switzerland to the USA. After being sold to a buyer in South Africa in 1980, the car – now with red paintwork – was restored in England and repainted in its original blue. In 2005 Jon Shirley acquired the Alfa Romeo and had it restored to its original condition. For the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2009, the Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B will be parked on Italian soil again for the first time since 1947.

Momo Mirage, 2 + 2 Coupé, 1972 Peter S. Kalikow visited the New York Auto Show in 1957 and became an instant fan of European cars. This passion led him to Alfred Momo of the New York Jaguar Garage, and a close friendship was to ensue. With Momo he drove to Italy, where he met all the key personalities of the car world, including Enzo Ferrari, Sergio Pininfarina, the Orsis and the Maserati family. Kalikow sought Momo’s opinion before deciding whether to order a new Aston Martin DBS in 1967. What emerged was the happy idea of designing a sports car of their own. Against the advice of his family, Kalikow decided to build a four-seater GT for the American market to fill the gap between the spirited Ferrari and the luxurious and comfortable Rolls-Royce. In Pietro Frua he quickly found a designer and coachbuilder. The original plan to turn out 25 vehicles a year fell victim to high production costs and an ailing economic environment. And so just five cars were built, three of which remained in Peter S. Kalikow’s ownership.

BMW 2800 Spicup, Coupé, 1969

This concept car was first unveiled before the public at the Geneva Motor Show 40 years ago. Combining beauty with excitement – that phrase might well sum up the idea behind this concept: an open car that could be turned into a coupé. And that also explains its name, a contraction of Spider and Coupe. The front end was designed in textbook Bertone style while accommodating the hallmark BMW kidney grille. The car’s form also harked back to the timeless beauty of Albrecht Goertz’ BMW 507. A BMW 2500 curtailed from 269 cm to 234 cm in length served as the chassis, while the engine came from the BMW 2800. The BMW 2800 Spicup was discovered in Holland last year and underwent total restoration. 40 years after its premiere, Roland d’Ieteren brings the car to the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2009 to appear before the public for the first time following its restoration

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2009

Over the weekend of 24 – 26 April 2009, the glorious grounds of the Grand Hotel Villa d’Este and Villa Erba in Cernobbio on Lake Como will once again be transformed into a unique backdrop for the most beautiful cars from past eras and the boldest concept cars of the present. First staged in 1929 at the same location, the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este now ranks as the world’s most tradition-rich event of its kind.

Following the first part of the event for invited guests on Saturday, Sunday sees the Concorso open up to the public in the neighbouring grounds of Villa Erba, allowing all car fans another opportunity to experience these four-wheeled dreams close up. In addition to the automobiles already presented on the previous day, numerous other high-calibre classics will be on display in special shows. Admission to Villa Erba in Cernobbio on Lake Como is 12.50 euros and 8 euros (concessions).