BMW at 2012 NAIAS (Detroit)
by 
On January 9th 2012 the automotive world will converge on Cabo Hall, Detroit Michigan (like in Frankfurt above). This coming North American International Auto Show is going to be a spectacular event, not for the venue itself but for the number of production cars making world premieres as well as the Concept cars that will shape the future landscape of automobiles as we known them.
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.
