BMW's expansion, diesel proliferation
During yesterday's press conference, BMW confirmed much of what's already been known or assumed, including the upcoming production of the X6 and its subsequent launch in 2008, as well as its plan to grow the number of diesel-powered vehicles it sells in the US over the next two years.The soon-to-be-released oil burners will come equipped with BMW's dual turbocharger (one small snail, accompanied by another larger one) and although BMW was mum on which models will receive this relatively new powerplant, one can assume that the 3-, 5- and X-series vehicles are under development.
The big news was during Tom Purves' talk, when the U.S. Chairman and CEO said that the automaker intends to bring over 30 new models between now and 2010. This expansion plan includes investing $25 billion over the course of 2005 through 2010 on both research and development, and expanded "business activities."
More BMWs and better fuel economy was the crux of the press conference, both topics that are easy to get behind if executed well.
[Source: Detroit News]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
NoNameDenton 10:11PM (4/05/2007)
I would love a BMW diesel. The only Mercedes diesel I like is the one in the E-class (I know they use the smae engine in other applications, but the one in the E-class gets the best milage). Car and Driver and other magazines have tested these vehicles in Europe and are always saying how much they love them and how much hp and torque they make, so I would love to try one out here in the USA.
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lintsniffer 10:27PM (4/05/2007)
I'd love to see an M3d :)
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jg 1:34AM (4/06/2007)
A 128d would be nice. Boatloads of torque and 40 mpg.
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Tal 7:46AM (4/06/2007)
Bring on the diesel powered vehicles.
Never owned a diesel but have become a fan after reading so much this past year about the attributes of diesels with the newest innivations and technology.
Believe we will slowly see more manufacturers introduce diesel powered engines in many models in the next few years. Perhaps C class MB, Subaru, Honda, Suzuki, now BMW and Audi. Audi has been proving how a diesel powered F1 race car can dominate in such a powerful manner.
We need to decrease our fuel consumption nationwide and I would hope diesel engines will be a substantial factor in reducing or leveling our consumption , along with the hybrids, alcohol, possibly hydrogen, battery power. solar and whatever other power source may be technically and economically developed for mass use in the near future.
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Alex 10:27AM (4/06/2007)
A diesel Mercedes makes sense: it fits well with the powerful, substantial and fast-accelerating imposing image of that brand. A diesel Mercedes is an excellent choice.
But BMW's are driver's cars. They are supposed to be lighter and nimbler than their competitors, with fast-revving engines which emphasize high-rpm hp over lower-end torque.
Here a diesel engine, which spins to lower rpm and makes a care more nose-heavy than a gasoline one, seems a less than optimal fit.
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MikeW 11:10AM (4/06/2007)
BMW and diesel are not incompatible concepts.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3670746534228765989&q=gumball+2004&hl=en
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7313743227281222482&q=gumball+2004&hl=en
A little tuning goes a long way.
Bring on the X5 dual turbo diesel (282hp, 428ft-lbs), look how slow the X5 3.0 auto was (N52 with 4.44 axle ratio, same as the 1000lb lighter X3-for more money) in the C&D comparo, as slow as the Touareg VR6.
BMW should use the same axle ratio as the V8 (3.91) and use the N54 twin turbo gas engine. That Land Rover LR3 really needs a 10% shorter axle ratio (4.10)
The GM 6L50 really gave the SRX some jump along with mileage, and whenever MB gets around to bringing over the direct injection for their V6s, the ML350 will remain competitive.
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Jimmy E 10:00AM (4/11/2007)
more stories about diesel. has anyone noticed that diesel fuel is 30 to 50 cents higher per gallon that unleaded regular. will take a long time to recover the purchase cost of the diesel motor.
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brian hague 11:19AM (4/07/2007)
"Here a diesel engine, which spins to lower rpm and makes a care more nose-heavy than a gasoline one, seems a less than optimal fit."
I take it the last time you drove in a diesel was in 1980...
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Alan Ellenbogen 12:25PM (4/07/2007)
Can't wait until the diesels arrive! What is wrong with the powers that control the flow of technology into this country? AND, the diesels should be able to use a biodiesl blend like in Europe as well!
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BlueMonday 7:57AM (6/04/2007)
Whether the new 2 door coupe will be labeled a 1 or a 2 series, I'm hoping for a 135D/235D which would have the twin-turbo 3 litre engine. As this might cut into 3 series sales, more likely will be a 125D/225D featuring BMW's new 100bhp/litre 2 litre piezo injected engine. Can you imagine, a small coupe with a diesel engine that is more powerful, more economical, and faster than the E30 M3?
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