Bimmers Garage

BMW G 450 X "snowcat"

After BMW revealed the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show, they are also preparing a production version X5 Hybrid for 2010. The first BMW model to benefit from the Active Hybrid system will be the 7-Series (set to be revealed in September at the Frankfurt Motor Show) followed by the X6.

The first prototypes have already been caught testing in the California. The difference between the concept revealed in the 2008 and the prototypes caught by the spy photographers is its engine. If the concept combined a diesel engine with an electric motor, the prototype was powered by a gasoline engine. But even so, BMW will also produce a diesel-hybrid powertrain, we’ll just wait to wait longer to finally see it.

2010 BMW 1-Series

BMW is reshaping the way they make cars; the German automaker is planning on selling lots and lots of BMW 1 Series hatchbacks and has just revealed details about the all-new car for 2010. Starting this September the luxury carmaker will add four new models to their compact lineup: Starting off with the BMW 120i Coupé and the BMW 118d Coupé and then the Lifestyle and Sport Editions of the BMW 1 Series three and five-door body styles.

The new BMW 120i Coupe is powered by a 2.0 Liter four cylinder engine with BMW High Precision Injection (direct gasoline injection) with piezoelectric fuel injectors. The engine makes 170 HP and 155 lb-ft of torque, allowing the BMW 120i Coupé to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 149 MPH. The new diesel powered BMW 118d Coupe has the same engine displacement, except this one is developing 143 HP and 221 lb-ft of torque. It can go from a standstill to 60 mph in 9.0 seconds and reaching a top speed of 130 MPH.

BMW to invest 2.2 bln rand in South African plant

German carmaker BMW (BMWG.DE) plans to invest 2.2 billion rand ($288 million) at its Rosslyn plant in South Africa to boost production capacity by 45 percent, boosting capacity to 87,000 units.

BMW said on Monday the decision came after signing a letter of commitment with the South African Department of Trade and Industry. [Read more...]

Luxury-Car Sector Still Thrives in China

China continued to offer some relief for the world's biggest luxury-car makers in September, with sales soaring from a year earlier, driven by new models and a robust economy bolstered by stimulus packages.

BMW AG, Daimler AG's Mercedes-Benz brand and Volkswagen AG's Audi nameplate are racing to increase their footprints in China in order to benefit from the market's growth potential and reduce their reliance on sales in Western Europe and the U.S.

Mercedes May Lose Top Spot to BMW in India

India's identity as a 'Mercedes country' will be under threat this year, as arch rival Bayerische Motoren Werke (better known as BMW) is on course to dethrone the Stuttgart-headquartered luxury car maker from the top slot for the first time ever in India.Mercedes Benz just about managed to keep its neck ahead last year, with a lead of 537 units over BMW, according to data available with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers. [Read more...]

The German automaker BMW has just launched the High Security version of the new 7-Series reserved for high-risk celebrities and the Pope. The security version is built from either a 760Li or 750Li luxury limousine to meet the strict regulations of the new ballistic protection level VR7. [Read more...]