Don't say it. I know what you're thinking: Chris Bangel attempted to recreate the Batmobile! Well, luckily for Bimmer fans, not exactly. This is the Alpine BMW Sinister 6. A completely revamped BMW 645i Cabriolet featuring Alpine's latest products like the multi-channel digital processor and the massive 8000w PDX digital amplifiers and of course, a "sinful" body. In addition to its first appearance at the CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Vegas this past January, the BMW Sinister 6 was also present at this month's SEMA Show.
Following the official pictures and press release, BMW came out with a promo video of it's first ever coupe-cabrio model, the E92 3 Series Convertible. Fitted with a three-piece electronically operated retractable hard-top, the Convertible will be offered in five versions: 320i (170Hp), 325i (218Hp), 330i (272 Hp), 335i (306 Hp) & 330d (231 Hp).
Get a load of this rally car driver ! He not only gets to keep his BMW X5 Rally up on it's four after two consecutive flips that almost tip the car over, but he also manages to (over)steer the bimmer out of the edge of a cliff to safety and get back on track -truly unbelievable !
Update: Following my previous post on BMW's Hydrogen 7 model (to see more pictures click here: Hydrogen 7), BMW came out with an English press release confirming without doubt that the Bavarian automaker is producing the world's first hydrogen-drive production vehicle. According to BMW, the Hydrogen 7 (based on the latest 7 Series) has undergone the regular Product Development Process and it will be built in a limited series and deployed to selected users in the U.S, Europe and other countries in 2007.
The good news is that according to the press release, the Hydrogen 7 is equipped with an internal combustion engine (6.0 litre V12, 260 Hp) capable of running either on hydrogen or on gasoline, although it doesn't give us any more technical info on that sector, apart from the fact that it features a dual-mode power unit -controlled at the touch of a button.
As for performance specs, BMW says it accelerates from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 9.5 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 143 mph - 230 km/h while cruising range is estimated to be more than 400 miles with the use of both fuel types. Sounds good, even though I wonder how many hydrogen filling stations are located either side of the Atlantic so as to make the best use of BMW's innovative technology. Read the official Press Relase after the Video (Technology and Interior Clips)
PRESS RELEASE:Hydrogen technology dramatically reduces emissions generated by personal transport and, in particular, minimizes the emission of CO2. Running in the hydrogen mode, the BMW Hydrogen 7 essentially emits nothing but vapor. And, unlike fossil fuels and traditional gasoline, hydrogen is available in virtually infinite supply. With the BMW Hydrogen 7, the BMW Group is laying down a marker for sustainable mobility. This car will play a pioneering role in driving forward hydrogen technologies. BMW has gained an excellent reputation for significantly reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by using ultra efficient, yet very dynamic gasoline engines. Together with clean performance diesel cars and the technologically advanced hybrid systems currently under development within the BMW EfficientDynamics project, the BMW Group has a clear strategy for sustainable mobility with hydrogen as the ultimate solution.
With all the comforts and amenities of a non-hydrogen BMW 7 Series, the BMW Hydrogen 7 is powered by a 260 hp twelve-cylinder engine and accelerates from 0-62.1 mph in 9.5 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 143 mph. The BMW Hydrogen 7 also features a dual-mode power unit - controlled at the touch of a button - that can switch quickly and conveniently from hydrogen to conventional premium gasoline.
The car's dual-mode drive provides an overall cruising range of more than 400 miles and enables the driver of a BMW Hydrogen 7 to enjoy virtually unlimited mobility, even when far away from the nearest hydrogen filling station. This technology is a viable solution until the hydrogen infrastructure is fully developed.
BMW CleanEnergy: paving the way into the future : The BMW Hydrogen 7 perfectly captures the essence of the BMW CleanEnergy strategy. By using hydrogen produced from water and renewable energy, such as wind, sun or hydropower, in an internal combustion engine, the car's emissions are essentially nothing but vapor. And, with this emitted water vapor, the cycle can start again and the dream of sustainable mobility without using fossil fuel resources and without impacting the earth's climate can become a reality. The complete change from a fossil fuel infrastructure to a hydrogen economy will require decades, but with the Hydrogen 7, BMW shows that bringing hydrogen technology to the road is indeed feasible.
BMW Hydrogen 7: Industrializing hydrogen technologies : The BMW Hydrogen 7 has successfully completed the entire Product Development Process (PDP) obligatory for all new BMWs. In this process, all components of the new technology were integrated into the overall vehicle according to the same challenging criteria applied to "regular" production cars. The BMW Hydrogen 7 is not a hand made concept car, but rather, a milestone in industrializing hydrogen technologies for automotive use.
The knowledge gained in the PDP has not only made a decisive contribution to the everyday driving qualities of the BMW Hydrogen 7, but it will also significantly impact the development and production of future hydrogen car concepts, with the principle of dual-mode drive and the features of other components now going through the strict test of everyday driving practice.
Dual-mode combustion engine for enhanced flexibility : While cruising range is a significant consideration to consumers in any car, BMW recognizes that it is of critical importance in a hydrogen-powered vehicle, because there is not yet a full network of hydrogen filling stations in the United States.
For precisely this reason, the BMW Hydrogen 7 features dual-mode drive technology and a combustion engine capable of running on both hydrogen and gasoline. The cruising range in the hydrogen mode is more than 125 miles, with another 300 miles in the gasoline mode. Thus, the driver of a BMW Hydrogen 7 is able to use the vehicle without problem even when the nearest hydrogen filling station is far away.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 clearly proves that liquid hydrogen may by all means be used as a source of energy for the production car. By introducing the BMW Hydrogen 7, the BMW Group establishes powerful momentum for the ongoing development of a supply infrastructure serving above all to set up additional hydrogen filling stations providing sustained mobility on a broad basis also in the future.
Two tanks: Smooth transitions and maximum cruise range: To offer the longest conceivable cruising range, the BMW Hydrogen 7 comes with both a conventional 74-litre (16.3 Imp gal) gasoline tank and an additional fuel tank taking up approximately 8 kilos or 17.6 lb of liquid hydrogen. Stored in a high tech tank, liquid hydrogen offers significant advantages in energy density enhancing the cruising range of the hydrogen car.
The driver is able to switch from hydrogen to gasoline mode manually by pressing a button on the multifunction steering wheel. Because engine power and torque remain exactly the same regardless of the mode of operation, switching from one mode to another has no effect on the driving behavior and performance of the BMW Hydrogen 7.
The control system in BMW Hydrogen 7 gives priority to the use of hydrogen. And, should one of the two types of fuel be fully consumed, the system will automatically switch over to the other type of fuel in the interest of secure, ongoing supply.
Luxury class comfort for four : The BMW Hydrogen 7 is a four-seater with the two passengers at the rear enjoying the same high standard of comfort in the world's first hydrogen car developed for everyday use as in one of BMW's "regular" luxury performance vehicles.
The BMW Hydrogen 7 comes with an unusually wide range of standard features. In addition to the high level of equipment featured from the start in the BMW 760i, the BMW Hydrogen 7 comes inter alia with climate comfort composite glazing, BMW's high-end automatic air conditioning, auxiliary heating, electric seat heating for the driver, front passenger and rear seats, lumbar supports, electric seat adjustment with memory function on the front seats, ISOFIX child seat fastenings, Park Distance Control, a rain sensor, exterior and interior mirrors with automatic anti-dazzle, Soft Close Automatic for the doors and a headlight assistant. A complete entertainment and communication package adds to the comfort a BMW 7 Series can provide.
Progress without compromises : BMW Hydrogen 7 emphatically proves that changing over to an alternative form of energy doesn't mean missing out on superior driving dynamics and comfort. The departure from fossil fuel does not in any way mean giving up the dynamics and performance typical of a BMW. Mobility of tomorrow and driving pleasure of today are compatible, with the drive concept of BMW Hydrogen 7 being directly transferable to future models. Driving a car of this caliber will be just as thrilling in the future as it is today, but at the same time cleaner than ever before.
A BMW 7 Series Touring model and a S-Class with a SL-styled front end? Well, their products may not even come close to be characterized as harmonious -let alone beautiful, but no one can blame Russian Tuning company Addesign for being conventional.
Ouu, I hope Chris Bangle doesn't get a glimpse of Addesign's BMW 7 Series hump wagon and get any weird ideas... Anyway, If you can handle the pics then you'll probably be able to take a look at the following Addesign's promo video with a more of their products in live-action. Via: Autoblog.nl
Bimmer lovers over at M3Post got a hold of a spy video of the upcoming E92 M3. The long awaited top spec 3 Series was caught on tape during tests in the desert. Too bad though that the video was uploaded in 16:9 and not in 4:3 format, bad get a load of that new 4.0 V8 engine that produces 419 Hp and 420 Nm of torque, rumble !
Now, you may ask how do we know the exact specs of the engine? Well, the boys over M3post have done their best to please our bimmer-hungry appetite as they have got their hands on a leaked paper that features the US base price, extras and specs of the 2008 BMW M3. Check them out after you look at the video. via: M3post
Major Standard Equipment
4.0L V8 307kW 420Nm (bi-VANOS 3rd gen.) engine
Adaptive Xenon Headlights
Carbon Fiber Roof
SMG III 7-Speed transmission with DRIVELOGIC
18" M Double Spoke Alloy Wheel
18x8F/18x9R with P235/45ZR18 Front, P265/40ZR18 Rear Performance tires
Invoice: $49,117 BasePriceUSAPort of Entry: $53,975 Vehicle Options List
Metallic paint $475
Napa leather $1,450
Carbon fiber trim $300
Aluminum trim NC
Comfort Access $500
M Multifunction Seats with Active Width Adjustment $1,900
Front Heated Seats $500 / ZCW
Power Rear Sunshade $350
Head-Up Display $1,000
Navigation System w/I-Drive $2,100
Power Rear Sunshade $350
Rear Park Distance Control $350
19" M Double Spoke alloy wheel $1,750
19x8.5F/19x9.5R with P235/40ZR19 Front, P265/35ZR19 Rear Performance tires
Ever wonder now many styling differences there are between BMW's 3 Series E90 sedan & it's E92 coupe counterpart ? If you just shook your head in an affirmative way, take a look at this cool video showing an E90 Sedan morph into an E92 Coupe and vice-versa. via: Le blog auto
You've seen the pictures and you've already read the details so now its Video time. Take a look at the following video clips which BMW released this morning. They not only include the usual exterior, interior and driving shots but also quite a few impressive clips taken while the X5 was in the development stage. Scroll down and watch the clips which are accompanied by the official press release.
Interior - Exterior - Engine Shots
Additional seating practicality comes with new design:In a first for a BMW, the new X5 can be specified with an optional third row of seats allowing up to seven occupants to be transported in comfort. An increase of 19cms in overall body length and an increase in body width of 6cms, combined with innovative design, has made it possible to introduce a brace of seats in the rear, while still retaining luggage space. However, unlike many competitors even with all seven seats in place there is still 200 litres of boot space. The two extra seats, complete with three-point seatbelts and head restraints, are stowed under the boot floor when not in use. BMW X5 owners who do not specify the third row of seats benefit instead from an additional 90-litre storage compartment situated below the boot floor.
Whatever seating combination an owner chooses, the new BMW X5 is capable of taking most payloads. In a standard five seat configuration the boot measures 620 litres - up 155 litres compared to the outgoing X5. For those looking to move sizeable objects, luggage capacity increases to 1,750 litres with all the rear seats stowed -a figure greater than that of any other BMW.
While being one of the most practical cars BMW has ever made, the new X5 still has a luxurious interior feel and a dynamic and sporty exterior shape. A drag coefficient as low as 0.33 places the BMW X5 at the top of its segment as the most aerodynamically efficient large SAV or SUV. This low figure is partly achieved by a rear tailgate that incorporates a roof spoiler and a near flat underbody to aid airflow. Nine exterior colours are offered initially alongside four levels of trim and seven upholstery colours to allow owners to personalise their X5s.
BMW's innovative iDrive control system also comes to the X5 for the first time. A new "wave" style of dashboard houses the colour display while the iDrive controller sits on the centre console adjacent to the new style of gear selector. The controller is complemented by eight buttons integrated as system short cuts for ease of use.
Parking camera: Supplementing the standard fit front and rear Park Distance Control, X5 customers have the option to specify a rear camera for added parking convenience. Automatically activated when the reverse gear is selected, the driver is presented with a wide-angle colour image on the iDrive display in the centre console
First SAV with Head-up Display and Run-flat tyres: The BMW X5 can be specified with Head-up Display. For enhanced safety the system projects speed, navigation and check control messages into the line of sight of the driver. Such a system allows the driver to keep his eyes on the road ahead while still being made aware of important instructions.
Run-flat tyres allow a driver to continue his or her journey in the event of a puncture for up to 90 miles at speeds of 50mph. Run-flat tyres also provide the best stability in the event of a blowout. The BMW X5 comes fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels as standard with optional 19 and 20-inch alloy wheels offered.
Driving Shots
Petrol power:Based on the world's lightest production six-cylinder petrol engine, the BMW X5 3.0si develops 272hp at 6,650rpm. Peak torque of 315Nm is attained at 2,750rpm for in-gear responsiveness, with 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) dispatched in 8.1seconds. Top speed for the new BMW X5 3.0si is 140mph - 225 km/h (when fitted with the Dynamic Package).
Representing the flagship of the range, the BMW X5 4.8i with its 355hp engine is faster from 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) and has a higher top speed than the supercharged Range Rover Sport or a Mercedes Benz ML500 Sport. The 4,799cc V8 powers the car to 62mph (100 km/h) in just 6.5 seconds before going on to a top speed of 150mph (240 km/h) when fitted with the Dynamic Package).
Diesel economy: Output from the 3.0d engine is 231hp, up six per cent compared to the previous model, and maximum torque is 520Nm, up four per cent. This peak torque is available from 2,000 to 2,750rpm offering near instantaneous reactions for swift yet refined motoring. Such an advanced engine powers the BMW X5 3.0d from 0 to 62mph (100 km/h) in 8.3seconds before going on to a top speed of 134mph (130mph for a non-Dynamic Package equipped model).
New six-speed automatic gearbox: The new BMW X5 comes with an all-new faster-shifting six-speed automatic transmission. The gearbox now features a new torque converter with enhanced software resulting in gearshift times up to 50 per cent quicker compared with the previous automatic gearbox. A new design of gearstick also creates more space on the centre console for additional storage space and cupholders. The use of an electronic parking brake in place of a conventional handbrake aids ergonomics further.
Development & Enginnering - Protoype Testing
Driving dynamics and safety: The BMW X5 offers unsurpassed safety credentials and on-road ability. Not only does its intelligent xDrive four-wheel drive system transfer power between front and rear wheels depending on available grip for optimum handling, but it can now be specified with Adaptive Drive and Active Steering -two advanced systems never offered before on a BMW X model.
Adaptive Driveuses active hydraulic anti-roll bars to counteract the cornering forces of the car to keep the body from leaning too heavily and unsettling the occupants. In addition to this Adaptive Drive incorporates an Electronic Damper Control system that uses sensors to continuously adjust the damper setting for optimum comfort.
Active Steering uses an electronically operated planetary gear intersecting the steering shaft that adds more lock than inputted by the driver at slow speeds to make parking effortless. When driving at speed the opposite occurs for a smoother, more composed ride.
Dynamic Stability Control+is also standard on the new X5. DSC+ comes with four unique functions for added safety and comfort. Brake Pre-tensioning shortens stopping distances during an emergency stop by priming the brakes should it detect the driver lifting off the accelerator sharply in reaction to an incident ahead. Brake Drying improves braking performance in the wet by periodically applying the brake pads to scrub away the film of water that can build up on the brake discs.
Hill Start Assistant allows a car to pull away smoothly on a steep gradient without rolling backwards, courtesy of the brakes being held for the short time it takes the driver to apply the accelerator after releasing the foot or handbrake. Brake Fade Compensation applies additional braking without any extra effort from the driver should sensors detect that the brake pads are starting to lose "bite" due to heat build up.
Dynamic Traction Control+(DSC+) allows for a greater degree of wheel slip for more spirited driving without the main traction control system safety net intervening. This option can be selected via a button on the centre console.
