BMW Blog

2011 BMW 5 Series - Leaked photo

BMWBLOG — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 16:14:28 GMT

This morning, many BMW forums and websites reported a leaked photo of the F10 BMW 5 Series, next generation model due to launch in 2010. We would like to say from the beginning that we were unable to confirm the authenticity of this photo, but from what we learned in the past, the picture portrays BMW’s next design language. What we can certainly say is that the leaked front bumper that we posted a while back, matches exactly the one in the photo, and also, the leaked image resembles the 5 Series rendering done by Andy Valencia a few days ago. The two side creases on the hood enhance the aggressive look that we noticed in the newly released 5 Series GT . The headlights are a combination between the ones in the CS Concept and the current E60 5 Series. As seen on the BMW Z4, the roundel has moved from the hood to the front bumper. That’s all we have to report for now and we’re sure that in the next few days we will hear more. Also, expect all the German magazines to have...(read more)

FAQ from the BMW 7 Series Webcast

BMWBLOG — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 12:52:03 GMT

As promised, here are the questions and answers from the BMW 7 Series Webcast. Is BMW planning to offer a diesel version of the car in the US? BMW Advanced Diesel models are quite popular in other markets so we haven’t ruled this out. Will you offer a hybrid version of the new 7 Series? BMW has announced that the 7 Series ActiveHybrid will go into series production within one year’s time. Will you offer a turbo inline-6 (gasoline) version of the new 7 Series? At this early stage, such an engine for the 7 Series hasn’t been ruled out. When can we expect to see some 4-cylinder BMWs back in the US market? While you obviously won’t see a 4-cylinder in the 7 Series anytime soon, new technological developments like High Precision direct injection and updated turbocharging techniques could make this possible for other models. When will the new 7 go on sale in the USA? March 6, 2009 (as a 2009 Model Year) as both a 750i and 750Li. Why launch the long-wheelbase version right from the start this...(read more)

We are attending a BMW 7 Series Live Webcast

BMWBLOG — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:14:17 GMT

Stay tuned for more live news! We are currently attending a BMW 7 Series Live Webcast, opened for journalists only, but we will report all the findings, publish the materials, press releases and all the Q&A’s. Many BMW 7 Series experts are present, so this should make for an interesting event. We are also learning, as I type, about the behind the scenes design, the ideas underneath the final product…and how we got to one of the most beautiful BMW designs. As I said, stay tuned, I will have periodical updates….. Update: Martina Starke, Head of BMW Individual Designs, talking about the interior and exterior design of 7 Series Update 1: Tom Plucinsky will moderate the Q&A section Update 2: Not announcing a BMW 7 Series diesel in the US yet…not ruled out though Update 3: BMW Individual Program will be available in the U.S. Update 4: No comments on the 760Li V12…but we know it’s coming Updated 5: Alana Bahri, BMW 7 Series Product Manager talks about...(read more)

Rumor: Chris Bangle to open his own design studio

BMWBLOG — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:03:07 GMT

What started off as a rumor, it might in fact turn into reality. Chris Bangle, still the Chief Designer at BMW until the end of this month, is going to pursue his own design-related endeavors. When the news of him resigning from BMW broke out, we mentioned that according to our sources, he will be looking at opening his own design studio, but still work closely with BMW. Most likely the studio will focus on non-automotive designs, due to non-disclosure agreements signed by him. In a recent press conference Dr. Klaus Draeger said Bangle is “going to make his own dream come true. He’s going to open his own design studio.” There have been also a rumor that Bangle will be going into the wine -making business. , one of his long-time dreams. We have also seen Mr. Bangle being involved with teaching at Harvard and applying the GINA Light Concept idea to low-cost housing projects . It will be quite exciting to see Mr. Bangle opening a car design studio, similar to Gordon Murray, one...(read more)

BMW X6 M spotted…out of all places..in New York

BMWBLOG — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 05:09:41 GMT

Pretty interesting to see the new BMW X6 M in New York City since for the past months, the car was only spotted in California, Spartanburg and Germany. GMInsideNews forum member GeneralMischief spotted the car in Brooklyn, giving us a pleasant surprise. Most likely the car belongs to an executive or test engineer working at the New Jersey Headquarters. I would love to tell you that we have found something new, but the spy shots are pretty much in-line with what we have seen so far. Front and rear fascias are still sporting the light camo, but with no doubt, this is the X6 M. The official BMW video we saw a few weeks back confirmed that the BMW X6 M will have the V8 M Turbo Engine with twin scroll turbo chargers, an enhanced engine, superior to the one found in the X6 xDrive50i. Rumors say the engine will be producing anywhere between 530 hp to 580 hp. We also learned in the past that BMW will enhance the AWD system to reflect M performance, by offering a more rear-concentrated approach...(read more)

BMW USA to make first two payments for select models

BMWBLOG — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 07:56:42 GMT

I have been saying for a while that this is the best time to buy a car, and especially a BMW. I have seen some insane deals on M cars, due to low APR offers and still high residual values. BMW continues its push-sales strategy and they just announced an enhancement to their financing programs. BMW USA is introducing a two payment program for select models throughout its vehicle line-up. In this initiative, BMW will make the first two payments (up to $750 per month / $1,500 max.) for vehicles financed through BMW Financial Services. The program is available for 18 different BMW models, including a choice of BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, and X5 models. The offer can be combined with current APR financing offers ranging from 0.9% to 3.9%. For two of BMW’s most popular models, the 328i and the 528i (both rear wheel and xDrive versions; 2009 models), APR financing of 0.9% for up to 60 months is available through March 31. The program started on February 4 and will end on March...(read more)

850 jobs to go at MINI

BMWBLOG — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:46:33 GMT

Despite the impressive growth and revenue in 2008, BMW AG is cutting 850 jobs at its MINI plant in Oxford. In 2008, MINI manufactured 235, 000 at the plant, but the sales had slumped 34.5% percent in January. The plant will now operate only 5 days a week and as expected, the decision was received with a lot of criticism. “It is tough enough for workers in those car companies who have seen their market collapse in recent months, but BMW makes a top-selling product in the Mini and owed it to their staff to treat them better,” said Unite Joint General Secretary Tony Woodley in a statement. BMW/MINI is not the only company cutting jobs in the UK, major car makers including Nissan, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and Aston Martin have also announced over 3,000 job cuts in recent months out of the 800,000 auto workers. British government is also putting together a loan to bail out the car industry, somewhere around $3.3 billion dollars. [Source: Reuters ] addthis_pub = 'horatiub';...(read more)

2010 BMW 6 Series? Just another CS Concept rendering

BMWBLOG — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 22:19:02 GMT

Since the unveiling of the BMW CS Concept in 2007, many car magazines, blogs, or just online/offline media in general, tried to use the CS Concept as a base for all the future BMW designs. We have seen the next generation 2012 BMW 3 Series being portrayed as a mini CS, the new 5 Series, 7 Series and you name it… And of course, the 2010 BMW 6 Series could not have been excluded from this silly game. The German magazine Auto Motor und Sport , just published in their latest edition, new renderings of the next 6er. And do you want to guess? It says CS Concept all over them!!! I mean, come on guys, a little bit of imagination here, not all the bimmers will be a mini, medium or large CS. Try to focus a little bit on the recent design language and take it from there, forget about the CS for a second. The concept was supposed to be the flagship of BMW’s fleet, not a model that will inspire all the designs, from 1 Series and up. Rant Continued But let us share with them what we know...(read more)