The second team to be reveal their 2010 Formula 1 race car is BMW-Sauber. Called the C29, it also needed to undergo a few changes in order to obey the new regulations. "The development of the BMW Sauber C29 has seen the team build on the experience gained last year and the improvement in performance over the final third of the season. However, the new regulations banning refueling during the race and stipulating a reduced width for the front tires have required significant changes to the car’s design."
The increased size of the fuel tank means the car has grown longer and because they are skinnier, the front tires will undertake a heavier load, requiring weight to be shifted further towards the rear of the car.
Another very distinctive feature of the C29 is an extremely long undercut at the transition from the chassis to the under body. These and other aerodynamic measures also help to ensure optimum airflow to the double diffuser at the rear while further changes were required to integrate the Ferrari engine and, in particular, the Ferrari quick shift seven speed gearbox.
Press release after the jump.
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When BMW revealed the new Z4 Roadster, the new retractable hard top came with some bad news: there will be no M version. However the Z4 sDrive35is that is set to be revealed in January 2010 at the Detroit Auto Show is just as good as any other M model.
The new Z4 sDrive35is is faster and better than any other model in the Z4 line-up: powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six with increased air flow and more boost pressure. The result is an output of 335 HP at 5,900 RPM and a peak torque of 332 lb-ft from 1,500 RPM to 4,500 RPM. The sprint from 0 to 60 MPH is made in just 4.7 seconds, while the car’s top speed is limited to 155 MPH. The engine is mated to a 7 speed Double-Clutch Transmission with SPORT and SPORT+ modes for crisper shifts and more performance driving.
The Z4 sDrive35is borrows the M Aerodynamics and adaptive M Suspension from the larger cars. The new Z4 rides on lightweight 18 inch five spoke alloy wheels, a striking front bumper with a matte aluminum trim bar in each outer air intake, a rear bumper with accentuated surrounds on the tailpipes, and a rear diffuser finished at top in body color and black textured surface underneath. On the interior BMW added a new M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, an M driver’s footrest, and sport seats.
Updated 01/29/10: BMW today announced prices for the Z4 sDrive35is. Sales will begin in the Spring at a price of $61,925 including $875 Destination & Handling. By comparison, the MY2011 Z4 sDrive30i and Z4 sDrive35i start at $46,875 and $52,775 respectively.
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The German automaker BMW has come up with a solution for enthusiasts who wish they could afford to get behind the wheel of a track tuned M3 but are willing to settle for a twin turbocharged straight six substitute, they will be happy to hear that there will be a new high performance addition to the 3-Series lineup. The 335is will undergo the same treatment as the Z4 SDrive35is and will debut at the New York International Auto Show in and slotted between the current 300 HP 335i and the 400 HP M3.
The BMW 335is will be offered in both coupe and convertible bodies dressed up with some fancy go fast parts in the rear with a set of black chrome exhaust pipes protruding through a body colored diffuser while riding on a set of 18 inch Ferric Grey alloys. While the new Bimmer retains the 3.0 Liter inline six cylinder engine with a pair of turbochargers hanging off to one side developing 320 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque mated to either a six speed manual or an optional seven speed double clutch transmission, it does get a new set of stylish pipes letting the lump breathe a little easier. The added boost and free flowing sport tuned exhaust means that 0 to 60 MPH times will be 5.0 seconds with the optional 7-speed DCT and 5.1 seconds with the manual 6-speed.
Updated 01/25/10: BMW today revealed the official details on the 2010 335is, both coupe and convertible models. Both versions will go on sale this spring, with prices starting at $50,525 for the 335is Coupe, and $59,075 for the Convertible.
Press release after the jump.
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The German luxury automaker BMW unveiled the official details about the upcoming 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible. Both versions will go on sale this Spring and prices will be announced at a later date. Starting with the exterior, BMW has updated headlight design, widened the classic kidney and redesigned the lower front fascia with a larger air dam. The side mirrors become sleeker adding to the innovative look of the new coupe and convertible.
The biggest change for the new car comes under the hood offering a choice of two different inline six cylinder engines, with the 328i making 230 HP and the twin turbocharged 335i good for 300 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque thanks to the twin scroll turbine and the integration of Valvetronic engine technology. As a result the new 3-Series can sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in just 5.3 seconds and reach a top speed limited to 130 MPH, or 150 MPH when equipped with the optional Sport Package.
Updated 01/19/10: Presentation video revealed. Check it out!
Press release after the jump.
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We have just got the official details on the 2011 BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible. But before BMW releases the M3 version, the German automaker has revealed details on the M-Sport package. The M-Sport package further accentuates the sporty lines of the 3-Series by offering a lowered sports suspension and BMW alloy wheels. The package allows owners to opt for an aerodynamics package that includes a modified front spoiler, rear spoiler and side skirts.
The The M-Sport package lets you choose from three sets of sport wheels measuring 18 and 19 inches in diameter, an M-Sport chassis and the BMW Individual High Gloss Shadow Line or black window frames with the exclusive "Le Mans Blue" paint being offered as an option. The interior gets sports seats covered in an exclusive Alcantara combination, aluminum interior trim finished in Glacier Silver, an M leather steering wheel, M door sills, M foot rest, and a M shift knob to complete the BMW Motorsports experience.
Prices will be announced shortly.
The top of the line version of the compact BMW 1-Series is the 135i, and both the coupe and convertible examples have received a few updates for the 2010 model year. The 135 is powered by the same twin turbocharged straight six as the larger 335 and starting in March of 2010, the BMW 1-Series will be sold with a seven speed double clutch gearbox from BMW with an all new Sport Automatic feature for more spirited driving.
The 3.0 liter inline six cylinder engine benefits from BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, High Precision Injection and fully variable VALVETRONIC valve management to ensure that the entire rotating orchestra is not only in tune, but performing at their absolute best. The 135 develops a total of 306 HP 295 lb-ft of torque allowing the baby Bimmer to sprint from 0 to 60 MPH in only 5 seconds and promises to return an average of 22 MPG on both city streets and the highway.
The Sport Automatic feature on the new seven speed transmission improves both the vehicle’s acceleration and efficiency while at the same time providing the driver with the ease and comfort of a BMW automatic gearbox. Thanks to the double clutch design, the gearbox is able to shift seamlessly without the slightest interruption of power and has the added benefit of allowing the driver to enjoy the performance of a manual gearshift with the comfort of an automatic.
Press release after the jump.
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Even if the German automaker just launched the BMW X1, the compact crossover is already undergoing its first round of changes. Even though the sheet metal will remain the same, as of March 2010 BMW will offer the smaller CUV with two new fuel efficient power plants and a few new colors like: Space Grey, Cashmere Silver, Tasman, Sparkling Bronze, and Graphite Blue metallic to dress up the diminutive sport activity vehicle.
The X1 sDrive18i which will be powered by a 150 HP gas burning four cylinder and the new BMW X1 xDrive25i will have a straight six under the hood cranking out a total of 218 HP. Thanks to BMW’s VALVETRONIC variable valve management system, double-VANOS powered camshaft timing and the DISA adjustable length intake manifold; the manual version of the sDrive18i can get from 0 to 60 MPH in 9.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 125 MPH. Meanwhile the slush box equipped X1 is a bit slower to 60 MPH, getting there in 10.4 seconds and topping out at 124 MPH. The more powerful xDrive25i features an integrated all wheel drive system standard and a six speed automatic transmission. The six cylinder sprints from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.9 seconds and will reach a top speed of 138 MPH.
Press release after the jump.
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The German car builder BMW unveiled their Concept ActiveE at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. Based on the 1-Series Coupe, the ActiveE features an electric drive system that offers owners a range of up to 100 miles. The EV power train generates a maximum output of 170 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque from the battery powered motors that will accelerate the ActiveE Concept from 0 to 60 MPH in a reasonable 8.5 seconds and will reach a top speed limited to 90 MPH all without emitting a single pollutant. Quite possibly the most attractive aspect of any premium compact.
The lithium ion batteries found in the BMW Concept ActiveE have their own liquid cooling system and an intelligent battery management system which are the key elements to increasing both storage capacity and longevity of the electricity storing cells. They also ensure that the EV Bimmer’s rather long range is guaranteed independent of external conditions. The unique BMW derived ActiveE’s high storage capacity electric drive system is the only reason that the Concept can achieve the kind of autonomy that it is capable of, allowing up to 100 miles of driving on a single charge. With this concept BMW is making a strong charge to get Americans excited about premium efficiency in compact packages.
Updated 12/01/10: New video added: Detroit Auto Show revealing. Check it out!
Press release after the jump.
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The German automaker BMW is showing that efficiency can be fun their EfficientDynamics lineup will grow by two new models, a 135i Coupe and Convertible. At the heart of these compact sports cars is a 3.0 Liter BMW straight six boosted by a pair of twin scroll turbochargers and the integration of VALVETRONIC throttle less intake technology as well as VANOS variable valve timing, offering better throttle response and improved fuel efficiency while still making 300 HP and 300 lb-ft of torque. The motor is mated to an all new DCT 7 speed Double Clutch Transmission with dedicated paddle shifters where he driver has to pull back on the right lever to shift up and tug on the left one to downshift. Meanwhile creature comforts are taken car of with a top of the line Harman Kardon Surround Sound System as optional equipment.
The 2010 BMW 135i Coupe an Convertible will arive in dealer’s showrooms later on this Spring.
Press release after the jump.
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Given the modest price tag – only about $37,100 - and the diesel engine variant that the Euro only 118d coupe comes in, the competition of this car is slim pickings, to say the least. Other than Volkswagen’s very own 2.0 TDI Scirocco, you won’t find any other car out on the market that can combine the power, value, and prestige of a BMW 118d Coupe. The most important question to ask when you’re in the market for a car in the range of a BMW 1-Series is exactly how much value are you going to get for your buck?
First of all, you can’t disillusion yourself into thinking that the
118d packs the same power and speed as most of its higher-echelon
brethren. But that’s not to say that the car doesn’t come with the same high-level performance that is standard with BMW. For starters, the car’s 141hp rear wheel 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine played a key part in the 118d winning the World Green Car of the Year 2008 Award. There’s also a useful amount of torque to go around and while its 0-60mph time of 9 seconds is uncharacteristic of BMW, the car’s U.S.-converted 57.8 mpg, which Autocar measured in its test run, is right on the same plane as that of the Toyota Prius, which comes in at 60.3 mpg.
Although it may sound as nitpicking, one thing that we noticed
about the 118d’s engine was that it was louder than usual – a mild irritant that we’re sure will pass as soon as you get used to it. After all, for
this price tag, you’ll take all of the whips and whistles that come
along with it.
Full review after the jump.
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