|
Browse by Tags
All Tags » BMW » Convertibles ( RSS)
-
|
Filed under: Detroit Auto Show , Convertibles , Videos , BMW Click above to watch video after the jump We were half-expecting the next generation BMW Z4 to be revealed at last week's LA Auto Show , but instead, we got an eye-full of the new twin-turbocharged V8 7-series and its ActiveHybrid variant . Yesterday, came word that the new coupe and roadster would be unveiled sometime next month and now, we've got a date: December 15th. BMW has launched a teaser site at http://www.bmw.com/joy that seems to imply that the Z4 will come in a variety of vibrant colors. Either that, or BMW is trying its hand at producing a combination slasher film/laundry detergent commercial. There's no actual mention of the Z4, or any other car, on the site, just this odd little video that you can check out after the jump. Expect more details to be revealed in the coming weeks and look forward to live photos of the 2010 Z4 from the Detroit Auto Show in January. [Source: BMW ] Continue reading VIDEO:...
|
-
|
Filed under: Spy Photos , Convertibles , BMW We haven't shown you new spy shots of the upcoming redesigned BMW Z4 for, oh, at least a couple of weeks, but the latest pics reveal the hardtop convertible's final shape with only minimal covering. That psychedelic applique aside, we can easily see now that the new Z4 will be an evolutionary step for the design of this little roadster. What it will do is wipe clean the Bangle-inspired design elements that made the current car such a visual mess from every angle. It will get the clean, sculpted sides of current BMWs like the 3 Series, and an even larger twin-kidney grille. And unlike the current car, the proportions are now much more balanced with a reasonably sized front end flowing into a tidy cockpit and tapered rear. As mentioned, BMW will be ditching the soft top for a retractable hard top, which may take away some of the car's open air flavor but is largely a necessity in this class nowadays. [Source: Next Autos ] Permalink...
|
-
|
Filed under: Convertibles , BMW , Rumormill BMW 1 Series cabrio: click above to view in high resolution Ever since the Z4 went bigger, rumors have been circulating that BMW is considering building a smaller Z2 roadster. The time may be ripe now for the Bavarian automaker to introduce a compact sportscar based on the underpinnings from the 1 Series. Reports suggest it would likely have a folding soft top instead of a collapsible tin roof like the upcoming Z4 replacement and a small trunk capable of swallowing just a weekend bag. Sources also hint that the Z2 would come exclusively with four-cylinder power, which could discourage BMW from bringing the vehicle to the United States where the assumption is that customers are not prepared to pay for premium cars with four-bangers. However, the development of new four-cylinder turbos potentially destined for American shores could make the Z2 a reality. Still, with the 1 Series cabrio available with the twin-turbo six, the Z2 could have its legs...
|
-
|
Filed under: Spy Photos , Convertibles , Coupes , BMW The next gen BMW Z4 has been caught wearing black and white paisley instead of body armor , and much of the current car's drama definitely looks to have been toned down. The car hasn't been stripped of visual interest, but the angles-meeting-angles has been nixed for what looks like more gentle curves, swells, and strakes. The top is down in all of the shots, so we can't say anything more about the potential hardtop option, because it looks like the current car's cloth roof tucked in back. If not revolution, it looks to be a pretty serious evolution. Click the link to get more spy shots of the next Z4 topless. Thanks for the tip, Alex! [Source: Z Post ] Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
-
|
Filed under: Car Buying , Convertibles , Coupes , Sedans/Saloons , Etc. , Tech , BMW , Lifestyle BMW Assist -- essentially the Bavarian's version of GM's OnStar -- has made BMW Search using Google Maps available on the 1 and 3 Series. Previously, it was only available on BMW models from the 5 series up. If you subscribe to the BMW Assist Convenience Plan, you can use BMW Search to find businesses, then input the information directly into the navigation system, or call with your Bluetooth phone over the service's AT&T Mobility Network (you don't need to have AT&T, though). BMW Search joins BMW's MyInfo service, which allowed customers and businesses to send listings and street addresses directly to the car. BMW Assist is standard on 5, 6, and 7 Series, and included in the Premium Package or as a stand-alone option on all other models. Continue reading Google Maps-powered BMW Search added to 1 and 3 Series Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
-
|
Filed under: Concept Cars , Time Warp , Convertibles , Geneva Motor Show , BMW Click above for hi-res gallery of the '89 BMW M5 cabrio These days BMW's M division is pretty busy, cranking out all manner of sport-tuned models in every form. You can get an M3 as a coupe, convertible or sedan, the M5 in sedan or wagon form, and the M6 as either a coupe or a convertible, in addition to M versions of the Z4. But back in the late '80s, the selection of M cars was much more limited. Not that the engineers in the sporting division weren't trying, though. Case in point is this M5 cabrio prototype that almost made it into production, but was canceled at the last minute. Starting with an E34-generation M5 sedan, engineers in Munich chopped off the roof, strengthened the chassis and replaced the four doors with two longer ones. (If you think the idea is entirely absurd, just look at the Audi A4 cabrio and its quattro GmbH-tuned versions.) The resulting M5 convertible prototype was actually...
|
-
|
Filed under: Convertibles , Coupes , BMW , Special/Limited Editions Click for a hi-res gallery of the BMW 6 Edition Sport BMW has responded to customer demand for a tauter 6 Series by announcing the availability of a new Edition Sport trim level for the grand tourer. While the new Competition Package offers a host of modifications for the M6, the Edition Sport follows along the same lines for the rest of the 6 Series range, including both coupe and convertible models. The package includes a restyled hood and new lightweight 19" alloys, plus stiffer anti-roll bars and the anti-roll stabilization system borrowed from the M division. Brushed aluminum trim for the cabin and fog lights also form part of the Edition Sport, along with a couple of new colors. The 650i Edition Sport also benefits from a new exhaust system. Pricing and availability have not yet been announced for the US market, but the package commands a £1500-2000 premium in the UK. While we wait for word, you can check...
|
-
|
Filed under: Convertibles , Coupes , BMW , Rendered Speculation AutoExpress ' artists worked their magic on the next generation BMW Z4 and even though the exterior is more appealing than its predecessor, what lies beneath the evolved flame-surfacing has us aching to get behind the wheel. As reported before , the next Z4 will feature a retractable hard top, but a cloth roof will continue to be offered on entry-level models. Motivation will come in several different flavors, beginning with naturally aspirated four- and six-cylinder powerplants. A diesel is also being considered - a first for the Z4 - and there's no doubt that the 3-series-based roadster will come packing the twin-turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline six that's proliferated throughout BMW's lineup. More importantly, rumors are beginning to swirl that the M version will be equipped with the 4.0-liter V8 currently found in the M3. If that happens, it's all but guaranteed that the twin-clutch gearbox will find a...
|
-
|
Filed under: Spy Photos , Convertibles , BMW Our ever-vigilant readers have struck, proving yet again that in the age of the camera phone, almost anyone with a mobile device can emulate Jim Dunne, Brenda Priddy or Hans Lehmann. The latest capture we've received comes from reader Charlie Hung, who recently spotted this black roadster on a Southern California freeway. A quick inspection of the images reveals it to be the next-generation BMW Z4 that's been spodded periodically for some time now. The bodywork on BMW's latest offerings would suggest that the current Z4's flame surfacing will probably be radically toned down. Much of the contouring we see on this prototype is likely just camouflage. Underhood, we'll probably get the same powertrain lineup as the 3 Series, with the next M Roadster getting the M3's V8. Judging from the size of the rear window, the Z4 will probably pick up a retractable hard top as well. When the new Z4 debuts, BMW will move production from...
|
-
|
Filed under: Convertibles , Coupes , Sedans/Saloons , Paris Motor Show , BMW The 2009 BMW 3-series will be revealed in all its facelifted glory at the Paris Motor Show and sales will begin across North America this October. The only discernible differences up front are a new fascia that apes the recently unveiled 7-series , new headlamps with "altered graphics," a contoured hood and modified mirror housings. Out back, the subtle changes continue, with a new taillight design that integrates more cleanly into the trunk lid and a reworked bumper that will join a one-inch wider track on high end version of the 3-series. Inside, you'll find a revised armrest on the driver's side door, an updated iDrive controller and software, a high-resolution 8.8-inch screen, with options for an 80-gig hard drive that can store MP3s and the sat nav software. The 335i's (claimed) 300 hp, 3.0-liter twin-turbo six will remain, as will the 328i's 230 hp, 3.0-liter inline-six. The new...
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Convertibles , BMW Click above for a high resolution image The M division is a natural choice for anyone who wants a high performance BMW, but that hasn't stopped G-Power from offering go-fast parts for Bimmer owners who want an extra kick in the pants. Their latest offering is the EVO III supercharger package for the Z4 3.0i that boosts horsepower from the standard 231 to a whopping 375. Good enough to run with the Z4 M Roadster, the G-Power Z4 can reach 60 mph in under five seconds and tops out at 186 mph. Other upgrades are available, including aerodynamic body panels, 20-inch wheels, adjustable coilovers, 15-inch brakes, and a quad exhaust system. More info on this M-fighter in the press release after the jump. Gallery: G-Power G4 3.0i EVO III [Source: G-Power] Continue reading G-Power aims to rival M with supercharged Z4 Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
-
|
Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage , Convertibles , BMW BMW's 1-Series does not smirk at you and say "don't hate me because I'm beautiful." No, this small Teut is easy to deride on appearance; one look has you hating it because it's not beautiful while so many of its past brethren have been classically handsome. Whether it suits your taste or not, the 128i convertible we borrowed is unmistakably the work of the wizards of Munich. So, it's definitely a BMW, and it's being described as a reincarnation of the legendary 2002; does it measure up? Gallery: In The Autoblog Garage - BMW 128i Convertible Photos Copyright (C)2008 Dan Roth / Weblogs, Inc. Continue reading In The Autoblog Garage: BMW 128i Convertible Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
-
|
Filed under: Spy Photos , Convertibles , Sedans/Saloons , BMW Click above for gallery of BMW Z4 and 7 series spy shots Friend of the blog Fred K. happened upon a pair of BMW prototypes while cruising California's Pacific Coast Highway recently and had his camera phone in tow to take some pics. What he saw were the next BMW Z4 and 7 series sedan heavily covered in camouflage, but not so much that we can't make out their general shapes and few new styling cues. Feast away at the pics in the gallery below and remember, always have a camera with you as prototypes are popping up all over these days. Gallery: BMW Z4 and 7 series - spy shots Permalink | Email this | Comments
|
-
|
Filed under: Concept Cars , Convertibles , Videos , BMW BMW GINA Light Visionary Model in motion The automotive community has clearly been impressed with the GINA Light Visionary Model concept that BMW unveiled this week. The fabric-covered concept with its winking headlights, blinking gauges, mouth-like hood, and unique ability to shape shift by moving its metal-and-carbon-fiber skeleton via electro-hydraulic actuators is marvelously creative and practically ingenious at the same time. We around the Autoblog offices had a big discussion about the car after it was revealed and were amazed with the out-of-the-box ideas BMW is exploring, though some were doubtful that a fabric skin could ever be used for an actual production vehicle. While it was fun perusing the dozens and dozens of images that BMW handed out showing the GINA in various states of fold, the video above shows you exactly what the concept can do. Keep your eyes peeled for the headlight wink, disappearing gauges, pop-up head...
|
-
|
Filed under: Aftermarket , Tuners , Convertibles , Sports/GTs , BMW Click above for high-res gallery of the G-Power M6 Hurricane We were highly impressed with G-Power's M5 Hurricane . After all, it's twin-supercharged V10 produced nearly 50% more power than stock and it had a top speed of 211 mph, which G-Power claims to be faster than any other street legal Bimmer. With the BMW M6 packing the same 5.0-liter V10, it was only a matter of time before it received the same treatment. Behold the G-Power M6 Hurricane! While the twin blowers are set for lower boost, only 6 psi compared to the M5's 10 psi, the M6 still produces a healthy 635 bhp @ 7300 rpm and 469 lb-ft torque @ 6300 rpm. This is good for a 4.5 second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of nearly 200 mph. Not one to forget that appearance matters, G-Power also provides a new front and rear fascia, rocker panels, and carbon fiber rear diffuser along with 21-inch wheels that make room for a 15-inch brake system up front...
|
More Posts Next page »
|
|
|