BMW will be pushing Efficient Dynamics and sustainability at the opening of the LA auto show later today. We originally had been informed that we would be seeing the new Z4 premier today, but that does not look as though it will happen, the launch seemingly has been pushed to Detroit.
With the slowing economy and push for more efficient modes of transportation this places the MINI-E and Active Hybrids at the top of the corporate priority list.
Full Presentation and release
BMW Group Press Conference
2008 L.A. Auto Show
Los Angeles, November 19th, 2008
BMW AT THE 2008 LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW
BMW today showcased a wide range of models and technologies as part of its ongoing EfficientDynamics strategy that exemplifies the German firm ‘s commitment to reducing harmful emissions and to help protect the environment. Rather than focus on just a few models and one or two types of technology, BMW applies its principles to all of its vehicles using a wide variety of technologies. Immediately prior to their market launch in the US and Canada, the 335d Sedan and the X5 xDrive35d Sports Activity Vehicle(R), featuring BluePerformance technology, are being presented to the public in California. Parallel to the North American debut of the all-new BMW 7 Series, the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, BMW ‘s second ActiveHybrid Concept, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, will also be seen in Los Angeles. Also featured will be the updated 2009 BMW 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon.
BMW 7 Series again sets the benchmark
The all-new fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series radiates a natural presence, inherent sportiness and an elegance born of precision in concept and execution. A new V-8 engine with direct injection and twin turbochargers expresses BMW EfficientDynamics at the highest level of performance. The 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8 delivers 400 hp and 450lb-ft of torque. New, exclusive BMW driver-assistance systems and comfort-related features further add to a truly exceptional driving and riding experience.
Inside the new 7, the ambiance is luxurious, of transcendent quality and – most important of all – inviting. The driver-oriented control center features Black Panel technology. More functions than ever are conveniently accessible to the driver from the multi-function steering wheel.
The new 7 is BMW ‘s first passenger car with multi-link double-wishbone front suspension. The new Integral V rear suspension incorporates extensive use of aluminum. On the long wheelbase 750Li, self-leveling air suspension is standard. Also new, and a world premiere: Integral Active Steering, which adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering. With the standard Driving Dynamics Control, the driver can choose between four settings for shock-absorber firmness, transmission shift characteristics, engine-throttle response and power-steering assist.
An array of innovative driver-assistance options unique in the luxury segment includes Active Cruise Control with new stop-and-go capability, Lane Departure Warning, Active Blind Spot Detection, Head-up Display, High Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with new Pedestrian Detection, Side View and Back-up Cameras.
All of this will make the new 7 once again the benchmark for performance, luxury, efficiency and safety when it arrives in the US in early 2009.
BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid: The BMW of hybrids
As an integral part of the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid previews the potential of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in a luxury sedan. In typical BMW fashion, this new concept car combines a significant reduction of fuel consumption and emissions with a level of driving dynamics never seen before even in this class of hybrid cars.
The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is an intelligent symbiosis of BMW ‘s new twin-turbo V8 engine and electric drive as a mild hybrid concept. A compact electric motor, integrated into the transmission housing, replaces the conventional alternator as well as the starter. Power to run all electrics on-board the car is generated by means of Brake Energy Regeneration. The combination of internal combustion engine and electric motor take the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 ‘s already potent 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque and supplies an additional 20 horsepower and up to 155 lb-ft of torque as needed. The drivetrain technology featured in the concept car allows enhanced driving dynamics together with a reduction of fuel consumption and emissions by 15 percent in the EU test cycle compared to the same car running on a combustion engine alone. At the same time the use of BMW ActiveHybrid technology does not require any compromises in driving qualities and features of the BMW 7 Series.
Energy is stored in a compact lithium-ion battery housed in the luggage compartment. An Auto Start Stop function helps to ensure optimum efficiency in all driving situations.
The hybrid technology showcased in the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid is perfectly suited to the new benchmark in the full-sized performance luxury sedan segment just as the two-mode hybrid technology used in the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, also on display in Los Angeles, is well matched to the world ‘s first Sports Activity Coupe.
BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance: efficiency and dynamics in abundance
With the introduction of the new BMW Advanced diesel powered 335d and X5 xDrive35d models, the BMW Group announces another step in its strategy for EfficientDynamics. Both models will feature a 50-state emission compliant version of BMW ‘s award winning sequential-turbo 3.0-liter diesel engine – the first performance-oriented and efficient Advanced Diesel engine in BMW ‘s U.S. line.
The sequential-turbo 3.0-liter diesel engine powering both models employs both a very small and a larger turbocharger combined with an innovative intake system enabling the engine to develop 265 hp. Even more impressive are the torque characteristics. Fully 80% of the torque is available from 1100rpm to 4200rpm. The peak torque is 425 lbs-ft at 1750rpm – almost as much as BMW ‘s 6.0-liter V12. The performance is what the enthusiast would expect from a BMW. The 335d is capable of sprinting from 0 – 60 mph in six seconds flat. The X5 xDrive35d will do it in 6.9 seconds. No other diesels in the US will perform like this pair of BMW Advanced Diesel models.
Coupled with this performance potential is impressive fuel economy. The EPA mileage estimates for the 335d are 23 city and 36 highway. The X5 xDrive35d is rated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Both offer the convenience of travelling approximately 580 miles between fill-ups.
Thanks to BluePerformance technology, this unparalleled blend of performance and efficiency can only be found in a BMW Advanced Diesel.
2009 BMW 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon: The quintessential sports sedan and wagon once again raise the bar
The 2009 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon are poised to maintain market leadership with updated exterior and interior styling, new technologies, enhanced ergonomics and the introduction of BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance in the 335d Sedan.
A Subtle freshening of exterior design features a new front end, more dynamic profile, and wider rear stance. Headlights and taillights are new, yet present a typically BMW look, innovative lighting technology and 3-dimensional effects. The refinement of the interior design reflects and complements the distinctive exterior design. Among functional updates are ergonomically enhanced placement of power-window controls for the driver and new, expanded storage possibilities.
The optional onboard navigation system features an all-new iDrive control concept and display. It offers new menus, new direct-select keys and Programmable Memory Keys. Subscribers to the optional BMW Assist Convenience Plan can access “BMW Search ” to quickly find a desired business or other point of interest with just a key word search, using Google search technology and intelligence, even from the convenience of your home or office. Once a destination has been found, route guidance or a hands-free call from a Bluetooth® -linked phone is available at just a simple push of a button.
For 2009, BMW maintains its position as a leader in technology while providing the most innovative blend of performance and fuel economy that are the hallmarks of BMW EfficientDynamics.
Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We are delighted to be here in L.A. – since California is the largest market within the USA for our company.
The BMW Group is a pioneer in the field of efficient premium cars. And the state of California is a global leader when it comes to reducing greenhouse gases.
Today we will be presenting:
-three U.S. premieres for BMW
-and an absolute world premiere for MINI
These vehicles also bring new engine technologies to the market. They offer exactly the kind of green mobility that our customers are demanding here in the U.S. and around the world. No other car company has reduced CO2 more over the past few years than the BMW Group. This has been confirmed by international environmental bodies and NGO’s.
Behind all of this is our unique developing strategy EfficientDynamics. For many years now we have been taking various steps to reduce the consumption and emissions of our cars while still remaining: The Ultimate Driving Machine.
Our customers do not even have to give up large sedans – as least not when they offer both top performance and fuel economy like a BMW.
You have the proof right here next to me: the new BMW 7 Series!
No other sedan in the luxury class combines the best in dynamic driving performance and driving pleasure with such style, comfort and luxury. Whether you are behind the wheel or a passenger – you will experience the unbeatable standards of innovation, efficiency and safety the new 7 Series offers.
Here are three examples:
-An infrared camera warns the driver of pedestrians on the road at night.
-The second-generation i-Drive is even easier to use.
-The optional rear wheel drive – combined with Active Steering – ensures greater driving pleasure,dynamic performance and safety.
The 7 Series has been the BMW brand’s flagship for more than 30 years. The previous BMW 7 Series was the most successful 7 Series ever.
The new BMW 7 Series will be launched on the U.S. market in spring 2009. The BMW 750i will be the first car available – and it will also be offered at the same time in the long wheelbase version.
Today, we offer our customers the most efficient vehicles in the premium segment. We are also developing new concepts for individual mobility.
Hybrids are an important step for us on the way to the future. We can show you what it looks like in a BMW – right here. This is the U.S. debut for the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid.
Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development
What you see here is a further step in BMW EfficientDynamics. It means: The Ultimate Driving Machine with even lower fuel consumption.
This car combines a completely new highly efficient V8 twin turbo gasoline engine with an electric drive as part of a mild hybrid concept. The electric drive produces 20 horse power and has a maximum torque of 210 Newton meters.
The electrical power is used primarily to supply the on-board power system. It also supports the combustion engine in clearly defined driving situations. In this way we can substantially enhance the engine.
What does that mean for customers?
-First: The highest level of efficiency in the luxury class combined with the best dynamic performance among hybrid vehicles.
-Second: 15 percent less fuel than a comparable combustion engine.
The new BMW 7 Series will be available as a hybrid version. We will be presenting the series model of the hybrid version as early as next year.
The same applies to the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid. This vehicle is also on display here at our stand.
The new BMW X6 has been available in North America for about six months. It is proving very popular with customers. We have sold more than 3,700 vehicles so far in the U.S. Globally we have sold more than 19,000 vehicles so far.
Customers will soon have the choice between a highly-efficient combustion engine and the hybrid version. This is real progress – and real environmental responsibility at the BMW Group.
It is already possible to drive extremely economically using a different kind of engine technology.
I am talking about the diesel engine. Norbert Reithofer will now present BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance.
Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG
Exceptionally economical – and yet still sporty and dynamic to drive – that is BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance.
We are now offering our American customers: The BMW X5 xDrive35d and the
BMW 335d Sedan.
The BMW 335d Sedan is among the finalists of the “Green Car of the Year Award” – presented here at the L.A. Auto Show.
Both models are here at our stand. Both models meet the strict US BIN 5 emission standard.
And they are true “50 states cars”. Both models will be available at our American dealerships from December of this year.
BMW has a long tradition of sporty diesel engines. We have won the renowned “Engine of the Year Award” several times.
We are convinced that BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance is particularly suitable for environmentally-conscious American customers:
-It offers the best performance-to-efficiency ratio.
-It has huge potential for cutting emissions.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The dream of driving emission-free has already become reality:
Making its world premiere here in L.A.: the MINI E!
Our Project i is working on various concepts for new mobility. The first baby of this project is the MINI E with electric drive. By the end of the year we will have 500 MINI E’s available to customers in Los Angeles and New York City.
Their experiences with this electric car will provide valuable input:
-How do customers like it?
-How well is the electric drive accepted?
-What kind of infrastructure do we need?
The input and feedback from our customers will help us in preparing for series production.
If any of you would like to drive a MINI E: Starting now, you can apply for one of the 500 MINI E’s on the MINI USA web page.
When we developed the MINI E we were able to draw on our experience: Back at the Olympic Games in 1972 there was an electric car from BMW driving alongside the marathon.
This time we decided that our first car for customers with an electric drive should be a MINI.
Lots of Americans love MINI. And they want to drive a green car.
That is why we have seen MINI sales grow more than 30 percent in the U.S. over the first ten months of this year. That makes the United States the largest single market worldwide for both our BMW and MINI brands. The electric drive fits well in a MINI.
The MINI E is clearly a car of the premium class. And it is suitable for everyday driving as well:
-Right now, you can drive about 156 miles or 250 kilometers
with this car.
-The lithium-ion battery needs only around two hours or a bit more to be fully recharged.
The MINI E is not some kind of study that we roll out in one event after another. The MINI E belongs on the road.
That is what we want:
-our customers to go shopping with it
-to bring the kid to school with it
-to go on outings on the weekend with it.
156 miles will easily take you from the Convention Center here down to San Diego, for instance.
We will factor all of this input into series development.
It is also important for us to work closely with political decision makers. For alternative drive technologies to have a future, we need reliable parameters.
Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, Development
The MINI E’s 150 kilowatt electric engine accelerates from 0 to 62 in 8.5 seconds. And the acceleration does not stop until it reaches 95 mph.
What makes the MINI E special is that it gets off to a flying start and unleashes its full engine power from the word go – because an electric engine always delivers maximum torque.
To ensure the MINI E achieves the same level of responsiveness as a regular MINI, we adjusted the suspension and the Dynamic Stability Control. Energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important. This MINI E offers another option for drivers in the future. The energy efficiency of the MINI E is so outstanding that you only need one kilowatt hour of electricity to drive about five and a half miles.
For our customers that means: The MINI E has enough range for you to make your daily commute in any major city in the world. In the evening you just recharge your MINI E at home.
The MINI E went through a modified, but rigorous, development process, just like our series-produced MINI. As such the MINI E meets both European and American safety standards.
Electric cars require additional safety precautions:
-So we have color-coded all current-carrying equipment in the engine compartment.
-Another safety feature is: The power supply is interrupted if the hood is opened. And there is an emergency cut-off in the trunk which isolates the MINI E from the lithium-ion battery.
Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG
Throughout the USA – especially after the election – there is a strong sense of a new era beginning. The BMW Group is also on the move towards creating a new era for individual mobility.
Now, I’d like you all to join us here on stage to discover our new cars! Experience these efficiency advancements for yourselves as well!