Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[Happy New Year! BMW rings in 2010 with price increases across the board]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/happy-new-year-bmw-rings-in-2010-with-price-increase-across-the/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/happy-new-year-bmw-rings-in-2010-with-price-increase-across-the/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/happy-new-year-bmw-rings-in-2010-with-price-increase-across-the/#comments Filed under: , ,

BMW X6 ActiveHybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery

Normally we can think of some cute little anecdote to kick these here posts off with, but today... can't do it. BMW is raising their prices by 0.4 percent across the board on vehicles sold in North America. This price increase takes effect on January 1, 2010. Why? BMW isn't saying. And while less than a percent may not sound like much, if you're buying a stripper 760Li ($136,600), that's like $600!

There is a tiny sliver of good news. The three vehicles that just got introduced to this continent in December -- the ActiveHybrid X6, ActiveHybrid 7 and the 550i Gran Turismo -- are unaffected by this price increase. Of course as all three of those vehicles haven't proved themselves in the marketplace yet, so that sliver is even tinier upon second glance.

But it's not just the base prices that are going up. Destination & Handling fees are on the rise as well. Every new BMW is coming with an additional $50 tacked onto the 2009 $825 price, for a total of $875. And yes, this fifty dollar increase applies to the two new hybrids and the Gran Turismo as well. Happy New Year!


Gallery: BMW X6 ActiveHybrid Concept

bmw-x6-hybrid-large_7bmw-x6-hybrid-large_6bmw-x6-hybrid-large_2bmw-x6-hybrid-large_1bmw-x6-hybrid-large_3
[Source: BMW]

Happy New Year! BMW rings in 2010 with price increases across the board originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 550i550i Gran Turismo550iGranTurismoActiveHybrid 7ActiveHybrid X6Activehybrid7ActivehybridX6BMW Mon, 14 Dec 2009 10:58:00 EST <![CDATA[Detroit Preview: BMW to unveil faster Z4 sDrive35is, almost an M]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/embargo-12-12-09-6pm-est-detroit-preview-bmw-to-unveil-faster/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/embargo-12-12-09-6pm-est-detroit-preview-bmw-to-unveil-faster/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/embargo-12-12-09-6pm-est-detroit-preview-bmw-to-unveil-faster/#comments Filed under: , , ,


2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is - Click above for high-res image gallery

When BMW launched the new Z4 early this year, they made it clear that, unlike the last Z4 and the Z3 before it, there were no plans to create an M version this time around. Of course, forgoing the M nomenclature doesn't mean that BMW won't create a faster Z4 than what's currently in showrooms.

In fact, the first of those faster roadsters will debut next month at the Detroit Auto Show. The Z4 sDrive35is is based on the existing 35i, with its delicious twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six. Compared to the existing turbo Z4, the new model gets a higher-flow intake and the turbos are allowed to spin up to higher boost pressures, resulting in an 11 percent bump in both power and torque output. The '35is now makes 335 hp and 332 pound-feet. In fact, for brief bursts, the 35is can crank up the boost even higher resulting in short periods of up to 369 pound-feet of torque.

BMW claims the Z4 sDrive35is will get to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Other features of the 35is include revised electric electric power steering programming, a standard dual-clutch gearbox, and brake energy regeneration. Visually, the 35is wears some M Sport aero and suspension bits and sees its ride height dropped 0.4 inches lower than the standard 35i. They may not be calling this a full M Roadster, but in most respects, that's exactly what this new model is.


Gallery: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Detroit Preview: BMW to unveil faster Z4 sDrive35is, almost an M

Detroit Preview: BMW to unveil faster Z4 sDrive35is, almost an M originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2011 bmw Z4 sDrive35is2011BmwZ4Sdrive35isbmw Z4 sDrive35isBmwZ4Sdrive35isDetroitdetroit 2010detroit auto showDetroit2010DetroitAutoShowm sportMSportZ4 sDrive35isZ4Sdrive35is Sat, 12 Dec 2009 18:14:00 EST <![CDATA[G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/g-power-takes-the-bmw-x6-m-x5-m-to-600-hp-and-beyond/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/g-power-takes-the-bmw-x6-m-x5-m-to-600-hp-and-beyond/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/12/g-power-takes-the-bmw-x6-m-x5-m-to-600-hp-and-beyond/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

G-Power Typhoon X6 M - click above for hi-res image gallery

We all know what the biggest problem with the BMW X6 M is, right? Not nearly enough power. Sure, 555 hp from a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 is 5 hp more potent than a Porsche Cayenne Turbo, making the X6 M the most powerful production SUV on earth. Still, 600 hp is the new black, so a stock X6 M just ain't going to cut it. Thank heavens, then, for G-Power.

Meet the G-Power Typhoon. Thanks to 15% increased airflow to the intercoolers, G-Power was able to wrangle an additional 45 hp out of the Bimmer's motivator. Torque's up a bit, too. From 500 lb-ft to 516. G-Power claims the 0-62 mph dash is lowered to 4.5 seconds, too. One issue with that, however: Inside Line ripped off a 4.3 second 0-60 mph blast in a stock X6 M, meaning this here Typhoon should be three flavors of bonkers.

Then there's the matter of looks, always a sticking point when discussing modern Bimmers. Here's what we recommend. Go down to your friendly neighborhood BMW dealer with a folding chair. Locate an X6. Sit down in front of it and start staring. Meditate, let everything else you've ever known or thought about cars and car design melt out of your mind. This should take between five and seven hours. The salespeople won't mind -- honest. When you snap out of your trance with your doors of perception suddenly nailed open, the X6 will appear to you as it truly is -- pretty okay-looking.

That settled, we'll admit to liking the G-Power's mods. For instance, you can't say the new front clip looks worse than the old one, can you? And who amongst you doesn't love 25mm profile tires riding on 23-inch wheels? There's all sorts of carbon fiber this and kevlar that available as well. The best part just might be that G-Power isn't leaving the X5 M -- the X6 M's ugly duckling sibling -- out in the cold, as there's a Typhoon kit for it, too. You know what word comes to mind? Nifty, all of it. Highly entertaining press release after the jump.


Gallery: G-Power X6 M and X5 M


[Source: G-Power]

Continue reading G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond

G-Power takes the BMW X6 M, X5 M to 600 hp and beyond originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BMWBMW X5 MBMW X6 MBmwX5MBmwX6MG-PowerG-power TyphoonG-Power Typhoon X5 MG-Power Typhoon X6 MG-powerTyphoonG-powerTyphoonX5MG-powerTyphoonX6MX5X5 MX5MX6X6 MX6M Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:23:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: More details on BMW's rumored M1(s)]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-more-details-on-bmws-rumored-m1-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-more-details-on-bmws-rumored-m1-s/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/report-more-details-on-bmws-rumored-m1-s/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

BMW 1 Series Tii Concept - click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has the mid-engined R8 (now available with a 525-horsepower V10). Mercedes-Benz now has the AMG SLS (with more power than the R8 - 563 horses). BMW has... a 500-horsepower V10 in a 4,000 pounds M6. Not exactly competitive in the supercar department these days. Well, according to everyone's favorite British Buff Book (EVO), BMW will be releasing a new supercar. Probably something resembling a mashup between the M1 Homage Concept and the Vision EfficientDynamics Hybrid Concept. However, it might not be called M1. Or, it might be.

Here's the thing - BMW is also believed to be working on a buffed out, super version of the 135i (based on the Tii Concept) that semi-logically could be called the M1. Check out the supposed stats on this little puppy: a reworked twin-turbo 3.0-liter motor good for 400 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque, a 150 pound weight reduction, seven-speed dual-clutch tranny, the M3's suspension and torque-vectoring rear end. Where do we sign up?

The issue is that some people within BMW feel the semi-sacred M1 moniker should be reserved only for a car that replaces the 1978 M1, the first car BMW's Motorsports Division ever made (even if Lamborghini played a roll). They do have a point, as among us gearhead types the M1 is a pretty reverential piece of machinery. However, what would you call an M-caliber 1 Series?

Autoblog's advice is this: nothing's sacred. Call the hopped-up 135i the M1. No one cares except for a few old timers within BMW and a few fanatics on the outside. Besides, the aforementioned old timers have sat idly by as the fabled M Division has arguably diluted its once lofty rep by releasing the X5 M and X6 M. It's all water (and money) under the bridge anyhow. And by freeing themselves from this false dilemma (because really, who cares?), BMW is free to name the new supercar the M8.

Failing that, just name the mighty 1 Series the Tii (confusing almost everyone) and reserve M1 for a proper supercar. We don't really mind, as long as both cars go on sale. And no matter the name, it sounds like the range-topping 1 Series should see the light of day in 2011 and the new supercar - which will pair BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with two electric motors - should come online around 2012. Color us excited.


Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii


Gallery: BMW M1 Hommage


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics


[Source: EVO]

REPORT: More details on BMW's rumored M1(s) originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 1 Series1 Series Tii Concept135i1Series1SeriesTiiConceptBMWM1M1 homageM1HomageM3M8TiiTii ConceptTiiConceptvision efficientdynamicsVision EffienetDynamics ConceptVisionEfficientdynamicsVisionEffienetdynamicsConceptX5 mX5MX6 MX6M Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:22:00 EST <![CDATA[FIA gives Sauber the green light to fill Toyota's slot]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/fia-gives-sauber-the-green-light-to-fill-toyotas-slot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/fia-gives-sauber-the-green-light-to-fill-toyotas-slot/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/08/fia-gives-sauber-the-green-light-to-fill-toyotas-slot/#comments Filed under: , ,


After months in limbo, the FIA has released a short statement to announce that it has approved the Sauber F1 team - formerly owned by BMW - to fill Toyota's vacant spot on the grid for next year's F1 championship.

The announcement puts an end to a long period of uncertainty for the Swiss team that started when BMW announced it would withdraw its support. A deal was then penned with a shady investment firm known as Qadbak. But after Qadbak emerged as little more than a shell company for a convicted fraudster, the team's founder and namesake Peter Sauber negotiated a deal to buy the team back from the departing Bavarian automaker.

BMW motorsport chief Mario Thiessen - who supervised the company's F1 participation from providing engines to Williams through its purchase of Sauber - has announced that he'll remain with BMW and not leave with Sauber, leaving old Peter in charge.

The newly independent team has reportedly negotiated a deal to run Ferrari engines next season, an arrangement that powered Sauber F1 cars for eight years, rebadged as Petronas under the sponsor's name. Reports also suggest that Giancarlo Fisichella - who raced for Sauber in 2004 alongside Felipe Massa - could drive for the team once again in parallel to his Ferrari test duties.

A revised entry list is expected within the next few days. Follow the jump for the FIA's official announcement.

[Source: FIA | Image: Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images]

Continue reading FIA gives Sauber the green light to fill Toyota's slot

FIA gives Sauber the green light to fill Toyota's slot originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmw sauberbmw-sauberBmwSauberf1fiaformula 1formula oneFormula1FormulaOnepeter sauberPeterSaubersaubersauber-ferrarisauber-petronas Tue, 08 Dec 2009 08:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Autotechnik + Tuning brings the rain with its Thunderstorm BMW M3]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/autotechnik-tuning-brings-the-rain-with-its-thunderstorm-bmw-m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/autotechnik-tuning-brings-the-rain-with-its-thunderstorm-bmw-m/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/autotechnik-tuning-brings-the-rain-with-its-thunderstorm-bmw-m/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Autotechnik + Tuning Thunderstorm BMW M3 -- Click above for image gallery

Autotechnik + Tuning has done a job on the BMW M3, but if you don't look closely, you might miss it. Echoing a sentiment we love, they declare "At first glance you cannot estimate the scope of retrofitting." However, while we appreciate their tuning philosophy, we're not so sure about their tuning math.

ATT adds a supercharger and remaps the engine software, all of which bumps the M3's horsey count from 414 to a nice, round 500. To get that bad boy in your engine bay will cost you a tear-shedding €11,749 ($17,455 U.S.). But that's not all: a new exhaust, KW coilovers, and ATT-TEC Le Mans wheels on 20-inch rubber will add more than €7,000 ($10,399 U.S.) to the line at the bottom of the invoice. Those are the kind of numbers that'll give you a concussion, especially when we're talking about an 86-horsepower improvement.

Either way, you can read about it in ATT's own words in the presser after the jump, or check it out in the gallery of photos below, and if nothing else, at least that's free.


Gallery: Autotechnik Tuning Thunderstorm BMW M3


[Source: Autotechnik + Tuning]

Continue reading Autotechnik + Tuning brings the rain with its Thunderstorm BMW M3

Autotechnik + Tuning brings the rain with its Thunderstorm BMW M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 BMW2010 BMW M32010Bmw2010BmwM3aftermarketATT-TECautotechnikautotechnik tuningAutotechnik Tuningbmwbmw m3BmwM3m3tuner carTunerCartuning Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:28:00 EST <![CDATA[24 Hours of LeMons announces 2009 Season Champions]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/24-hours-of-lemons-announces-2009-season-champions/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/24-hours-of-lemons-announces-2009-season-champions/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/05/24-hours-of-lemons-announces-2009-season-champions/#comments Filed under: , ,

24 Hours of LeMons
Another day in LeMons paradise - click above to view hi-res image gallery

In case you missed it, the 2009 LeMons season ground to a halt a few weeks back at Thunderhill after the third running of the Arse-Freeze-A-Palooza (full disclosure -- I work as a Judge for the 24 Hours of LeMons). Filthy 2009 proved to be a pretty hectic season for LeMons, what with ten $500 car races at various mud pits locales around this great country of ours. However, '09 will pale in comparison to the frenzied, property-devaluing idiocy that the 21-race 2010 season is sure to bring. We'd like to apologize to our understanding women-folk and potential home buyers in general in advance.

Still, the 2009 season was filled with all the wonderful elements that make LeMons the fastest growing motorsport in the world: namely, fires, terrible driving, whiny drivers, cheating mechanics and totally excellent BBQ. Oh, and lots of cars blowing the hell apart. You'll learn all about this year's champs after the jump, but we'd just like to point out that the 2009 Deconstructor Championship belongs to Ford. If you don't know, the Deconstructor goes to the manufacturer that builds the cars that blow up the most often.

Why Ford? Mostly for the numerous SHOs that lunched their engines and transmissions all over various LeMons paddocks, coast to coast. To quote LeMons' second banana, Nick Pon, after he strolled through a typical three SHO/three dead cars pit in Louisiana, "Looks like someone tossed a Taurus grenade in here." Just seems to be the Taurus's week for winning awards. OK -- now make the jump.


Gallery: 2009 24 Hours of LeMons Champs plus Thunderhill

Continue reading 24 Hours of LeMons announces 2009 Season Champions

24 Hours of LeMons announces 2009 Season Champions originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 24 Hours of LeMons24HoursOfLemonsArse-Freeze-A-PaloozaBMWBMW E30BmwE30Coppa di BondoCoppaDiBondoE30FordFord SHOFordShoLeMonsSHO Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:15:00 EST <![CDATA[LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/bmw-activehybrid-x6-7-series-vision-concept-los-angeles-2009-debut/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,


BMW ActiveHybrid X6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW took advantage of California's proclivity for greenwashing to give its ActiveHybrid models their North American debuts at the LA Auto Show. Just for good measure they also brought along the incredible Vision Efficient Dynamics sustainable supercar concept. While we know a great deal about BMW's first true hybrid, the X6 ActiveHybrid, from our first drive, we still had to admire its incredible combination of horsepower and technology, even if the mileage isn't really spectacular enough to warrant a truly green halo.

The BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid is a mild hybrid with the electric motor filling one of three roles while in motion. It alternates between being a motivator, a generator and a booster depending on load and demand. It can go 37 mph on the motor alone, it gets 20% better overall mileage than the straight gas engine, and it does the 0-60 trot in just 4.7 seconds thanks to its 455 horsepower and 515 lb-ft of torque. BMW's Peter Miles did add one bit of information to the Active 7 equation when he announced pricing. The regular wheelbase model will start at $103,125 while the long-wheelbase "L" model will start at $107,025.

The last car in the BMW eco show was the Vision concept. And never before has the phrase, "last but not least," been more appropriate. This thing looks like it could have come out of Minority Report, yet it has so much real world promise. We'll never see this car in production, of course, but don't be surprised to see many of its elements in future BMW models. We're still trying to decide whether we'd take this or the swoopy e-tron concept next door at Audi's stand, but why not have both?

Check out our gallery of live shots from LA by clicking below, or the official 7 Series pricing press release after the jump.


Gallery: LA 2009: BMW Active Hybrids and Vision Concept


Photos copyright (C)2009 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: BMW]

Continue reading LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125

LA 2009: BMW ActiveHybrids get North American debut; 7 Series model priced from $103,125 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 7 series2010 BMW2010 BMW 7 series2010 bmw 7 series activehybrid2010 BMW X62010 bmw x6 activehybrid2010 X620107Series2010Bmw2010Bmw7Series2010Bmw7SeriesActivehybrid2010BmwX62010BmwX6Activehybrid2010X6activehybridBMWbmw active hybirdbmw active hybridBMW Active Hybrid 7bmw activehybrid x6bmw hybridbmw visionBMW Vision Efficient Dynamicsbmw vision efficient dynamics conceptbmw vision hybridBmwActiveHybirdBmwActiveHybridBmwActiveHybrid7BmwActivehybridX6BmwHybridBmwVisionBmwVisionEfficientDynamicsBmwVisionEfficientDynamicsConceptBmwVisionHybridla 2009la auto showLA Auto Show 2009LA Showla show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009LaShowLaShow2009 Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:20:00 EST <![CDATA[Spy Shots: BMW M3 caught with new LED taillamps]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/spy-shots-bmw-m3-caught-with-new-led-taillamps/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/spy-shots-bmw-m3-caught-with-new-led-taillamps/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/01/spy-shots-bmw-m3-caught-with-new-led-taillamps/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2010 BMW M3 -- Click above for image gallery

Just a couple of years into its run, this is your slightly revised BMW M3, free of camo save for the taillights. The photog on the scene said there is nothing we should expect from the next Munich mauler save for new LED lamps in back and an updated interior. We speculate that cabin changes will include upgraded materials and lines that bring it closer to its recently unveiled siblings higher up the food chain. And that should be enough to keep everyone happy while BMW and M3 mavens focus on the M3 GTS.


Gallery: BMW M3 caught with new LED taillamps


[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW M3 caught with new LED taillamps originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 bmw2010 bmw m32010 m32010Bmw2010BmwM32010M3bmwbmw m3BmwM3m3spy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShots Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:59:00 EST <![CDATA[VIDEO: BMW M1 in mule-style camo?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/video-bmw-m1-in-mule-style-camo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/video-bmw-m1-in-mule-style-camo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/29/video-bmw-m1-in-mule-style-camo/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Camouflaged BMW M1
BMW M1 in camouflage - Click above to watch the video

For the life of us, we can't figure this. BMWblog has posted a video of what surely looks like an O.G. BMW M1, dressed up in that ubiquitous swirlydelic camouflage du jour and parked on a Munich street. It's either a very clever gag being put on by someone, or something potentially awesome is afoot. Either way, we can dig it. See for yourselves after the jump. Thanks to Mike S. for the tip!

[Source: YouTube via BMWblog]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW M1 in mule-style camo?

VIDEO: BMW M1 in mule-style camo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwbmw m1BmwM1camouflagem1mulemunich Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:48:00 EST <![CDATA[Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/essen-preview-ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-123d-the-police-package-tr/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/essen-preview-ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-123d-the-police-package-tr/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/28/essen-preview-ac-schnitzer-gives-bmw-123d-the-police-package-tr/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , ,

AC Schnitzer BMW 123d Tune It Safe! police concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

High performance vehicles like Porsche 911s being used for pursuit duty on Germany's autobahn is nothing new. As such, in order order to grab the attention of Essen Motor Show attendees, the Tune It Safe! program's annual police-liveried show car needs to go a step further. Past efforts have included rides such as a police-liveried Brabus Rocket and a TechArt-prepared Porsche 911. This year, AC Schnitzer got the call and it has unwrapped (or perhaps wrapped is the better term, given the side graphics) a police car concept based on the BMW 123d coupe.

Naturally, Schnitzer couldn't leave the stock, 40 mpg 204-horsepower twin-turbo 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel alone, and so it has boosted the show car's engine to 241 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. They've also applied an array of their appearance upgrades including a front splitter, rear spoiler, and a bigger wheel/tire package. The body has been dropped 30 millimeters, which should help compensate a bit for the extra drag of the light bar on the roof. Inside, racing seats and carbon fiber trim are accompanied by a cover for the iDrive knob that matches the wheel design.

We'll pass on the light bar and the graphics, but take the rest of the car, please. Not sure about it yourself? Take a look at the high-res gallery below and a video available after the jump.


Gallery: AC Schnitzer BMW 123d police package


[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Continue reading Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO]

Essen 2009: AC Schnitzer gives BMW 123d the police package treatment [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 123dac schnitzerAcSchnitzerbmwbmw 123c coupebmw 123dbmw 123d coupebmw dieselBmw123dBmw123dCoupeBmwDieselBmwDieselsconcept carConceptCarcoupeessen 2009essen motor showEssen2009EssenMotorShowpoliceschnitzershow carShowCartune it safeTuneItSafe Sat, 28 Nov 2009 19:31:00 EST <![CDATA[BMW reaches agreement to sell F1 team back to founder Peter Sauber]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/bmw-reaches-agreement-to-sell-f1-team-back-to-founder-peter-saub/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/bmw-reaches-agreement-to-sell-f1-team-back-to-founder-peter-saub/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/bmw-reaches-agreement-to-sell-f1-team-back-to-founder-peter-saub/#comments Filed under: ,



The future of Sauber F1 looks a little more secure. After BMW's announcement earlier this year that it would withdraw from its involvement in Formula one at the end of the 2009, the automaker has reached a deal to sell the team back to eponymous founder Peter Sauber.

The new deal comes just days after it became clear that the previously unknown Qadbak investment company that had a deal to buy the team may have in fact been nothing more than a scam. According to previous reports, Qadbak apparently just wanted to collect Sauber's share of the F1 commercial money.

Peter Sauber has apparently raised the financing to buy back the team he sold to BMW in 2005 although the announcement does not disclose the purchase price. The team is being restructured in accordance with new F1 rules designed to bring down costs, and the staff at team headquarters will be cut from the current 388 to 250, with the first batch of layoff notices landing in inboxes today.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW reaches agreement to sell F1 team back to founder Peter Sauber

BMW reaches agreement to sell F1 team back to founder Peter Sauber originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwBMW F1bmw f1 withdrawalbmw formula 1Bmw sauberbmw sauber f1bmw sauber f1 teamBMW-SauberBmwF1BmwF1WithdrawalBmwFormula1BmwSauberBmwSauberF1BmwSauberF1Teampeter sauberPeterSaubersauberSauber F1sauber f1 saleSauberF1SauberF1Sale Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:02:00 EST <![CDATA[BMW continues curtailing racing programs]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/bmw-continues-curtailing-racing-programs/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/bmw-continues-curtailing-racing-programs/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/bmw-continues-curtailing-racing-programs/#comments Filed under: ,


BMW 320si WTCC, BMW-Sauber F1.07 and Formula BMW FB02 - Click above for high-res image gallery

What would BMW be without racing? We could be about to find out if recent developments are any indication. The Bavarian automaker competed in F1, the World Touring Car Championship and various sportscar series, while running its own Formula BMW feeder series that has helped breed such talents as Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel. The automaker announced its withdrawal from Formula One at the end of this year, and reports now indicate that they'll be severely curtailing their participation in the World Touring Car Championship as well.

BMW mounted a concerted comeback effort in the WTCC this year, only to narrowly lose out again to SEAT. Whether the decision is directly related to the upset or not is unclear, but reports out of Europe say that BMW will be reducing the number of its cars in the championship next year from five to two. That means eliminating the national teams system it had in place, consolidating and putting its WTCC-spec 320si in the hands of Team Schnitzer (the erstwhile BMW Team Germany), which gains triple champion Andy Priaulx from BMW Team UK to partner with multiple race winner Augusto Farfus. Two-time CART champion and double amputee Alex Zanardi, who was racing for BMW Team Italy-Spain, is moving to the Superstars Series. (Touring car fans should also note that SEAT's 2008 champion Yvan Muller is moving to Chevrolet to replace the retiring former F1 driver Nicola Larini.)

What remains to be seen is whether BMW will continue cutting its racing activities in other series as well, or if they'll have cut enough expenditures from their F1 and WTCC programs to let its sportscar programs and Formula BMW survive the cutbacks.


Gallery: BMW 320si WTCC


[Source: OmniAuto.it]

BMW continues curtailing racing programs originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> alex zanardiAlexZanardiandy priaulxAndyPriaulxaugusto farfusAugustoFarfusbmwbmw 320sibmw wtccBmw320siBmwWtccnicola lariniNicolaLariniworld touring car championshipWorldTouringCarChampionshipwtccyvan mullerYvanMuller Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:02:00 EST <![CDATA[Spy Shots: New BMW 6 Series cabrio caught, reveals no more flying buttresses]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/spy-shots-new-bmw-6-series-cabrio-caught-reveals-no-more-flyin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/spy-shots-new-bmw-6-series-cabrio-caught-reveals-no-more-flyin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/spy-shots-new-bmw-6-series-cabrio-caught-reveals-no-more-flyin/#comments Filed under: , , ,

It looks like the lakes around Arvidsjaur Sweden have frozen early this year and the engineers from Munich have hit the ice already. The current generation BMW 6 Series has been one of the company's more controversial designs of the past decade, along with the previous-generation 7 Series and Z4. Like most of the rest of the lineup, it will be getting a re-work in the not-too-distant future, and judging from some new photos, it will be following a similar design direction to other recent introductions.

It looks like the bustle back trunk lid (a.k.a. "The Bangle Butt") is being given the heave-ho, although the convertible that was spotted looks like it might be sporting a two-piece rear lid similar to the 5 Series Gran Turismo. It also appears as though there are two cut-lines, the lower one being the one that goes along the side to open for the top to go up and down. The second smaller one higher up might be just for cargo access.

Another element that some will be to see go are the flying buttresses on the top. Thankfully, it appears that BMW has decided to avoid the unnaturally long rear deck that would come with a hard top and retained the fabric variety. At the front, the 6 gets a more vertical grille and headlights that look much like the Z4.

Underhood, the current 4.8-liter V8 will probably be replaced by the newer 4.4-liter twin-turbo and the six-cylinder will probably be the new 300-horsepower single turbo unit just announced for the 5 Series.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Spy Shots: New BMW 6 Series cabrio caught, reveals no more flying buttresses originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> bmwBMW 6bmw 6 seriesbmw 6 series spyBMW 6-SeriesBMW 650iBmw6Bmw6-seriesBmw650iBmw6SeriesBmw6SeriesSpyspyspy picsspy shotspy shotsspy-shotsSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShots Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:56:00 EST <![CDATA[Autoblog Podcast #154]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/autoblog-podcast-154/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/autoblog-podcast-154/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/autoblog-podcast-154/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!


Episode #154 of the Autoblog Podcast is here for your tryptophan-addled pleasure. Chris, Sam, and Dan kick it, starting with the BMW 5 Series, then move on to such appetite supressants as the Lexus GX, Acura ZDX and its pricing, and Infiniti's re-style of the massive QX56 rig. Before we become an emetic, we move on to the pretty new Infiniti M, the ongoing anticipation for a US-bound Chevrolet Spark, and Hyundai's new 2.4 liter direct-injection 4 cylinder for the next Sonata. We hit some questions, and wrap it up in time for pie.

If you're looking to bulk up on podcast excellence over the Thanksgiving holiday, check out our colleagues at Joystiq and Engadget. Let us know what you think by dropping us an email at Podcast at Autoblog dot com, reviewing the show in iTunes, filling out our survey, or even leaving us a voicemail on our Google Voice line 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763). Thanks for listening, we'll see you next week!

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #154

Autoblog Podcast #154 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Acuraacura pricingAcura ZDXAcuraPricingAcuraZdxautoblog podcastAutoblogPodcastbmw 5BMW 5 seriesBMW 5-seriesBmw5Bmw5-seriesBmw5Serieschevrolet sparkChevroletSparkfeaturedhyundaihyundai four cylinderhyundai gdihyundai sonatahyundai sonata 2011HyundaiFourCylinderHyundaiGdiHyundaiSonataHyundaiSonata2011infinitiInfiniti MInfiniti M SeriesInfiniti M35Infiniti QXinfiniti qx 56Infiniti QX56InfinitiMInfinitiM35InfinitiMSeriesInfinitiQxInfinitiQx56lexus gxlexus GX 2010Lexus GX 460LExus GX 470LEXUS GX460lexus GX470LexusGxLexusGx2010LexusGx460LexusGx470new bmwNew BMW 5 SeriesNewBmwNewBmw5Seriespodcastsonata four cylinderSonataFourCylinderzdx pricingZdxPricing Tue, 24 Nov 2009 19:10:00 EST Autoblog Podcast #154Autoblog1:17:34podcast; autoblog podcast; lexus gx; infiniti; infiniti m; acura; acura zdx; hyundai; hyundai gdi; chevrolet spark; bmw 5 series <![CDATA[REPORT: BMW using money saved from F1 pullout for more product placement]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-bmw-using-money-saved-from-f1-pullout-for-more-product-p/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-bmw-using-money-saved-from-f1-pullout-for-more-product-p/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-bmw-using-money-saved-from-f1-pullout-for-more-product-p/#comments Filed under: ,


Piece Brosnan with the BMW Z8 in The World is Not Enough

You wouldn't know it if you weren't a serious film buff or marketing exec, but Propaganda GEM is responsible for a big share of the products you see placed in films. The entertainment marketing agency represents such brands as Audi, Lamborghini, Nokia, Panasonic, Bang & Olufsen and Casio, to name just a few. And it has a new client: the BMW Group.

Following such films as I, Robot and Iron Man, Propaganda has helped Audi significantly increase its profile in Hollywood. But the agency will be terminating its 13-year relationship with Audi (and, we'd expect, Lambo along with them) in order to take on BMW (together with Mini, Rolls-Royce and BMW motorcycles), spearheading a new marketing initiative for the Bavarian automaker.

Having temporarily stolen the James Bond spotlight from Aston Martin and Lotus in the mid-Nineties and launched The Hire film short series in 2001, BMW is no stranger to product placement, but the tie-in with Propaganda promises to take things to the next level. Apparently Munich's marketing budget has increased recently, thanks in large part to the termination of the company's Formula One program this year. BMW's sponsorship of the 2012 Olympic Games in London will only be the tip of the proverbial iceberg, as we can expect to see its products and those of its subsidiaries in more movies, television shows, music videos and video games in the near future. Thanks for the tip, Adam!

[Source: Variety]

REPORT: BMW using money saved from F1 pullout for more product placement originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 007Bimmerbmwbmw product placementBmwProductPlacementJames bondJamesBondmarketingPierce BrosnanPierceBrosnanproduct placementProductPlacementpropagandapropaganda agencypropaganda gemPropagandaAgencyPropagandaGemworld is not enoughWorldIsNotEnough Tue, 24 Nov 2009 14:28:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: BMW hoodwinked by fraudster in sale of Sauber F1 team]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-bmw-hoodwinked-by-fraudster-in-sale-of-sauber-f1-team/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-bmw-hoodwinked-by-fraudster-in-sale-of-sauber-f1-team/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/24/report-bmw-hoodwinked-by-fraudster-in-sale-of-sauber-f1-team/#comments Filed under: , ,



Questionable past acquisitions aside, you don't get to be as large and successful as BMW without having some business acumen. That assumption, however, is being cast into question as reports out of Germany suggest that the Bavarian automaker may have been duped in its sale of the Sauber F1 racing team.

Peter Sauber's eponymous racing team joined the F1 grid in 1993, and raced for a dozen seasons independently before BMW bought the team in 2005. But earlier this year, the German automaker announced it would withdraw from the sport, leaving Sauber to look for a new investor. A mysterious Swiss finance firm called Qadbak Investments stepped up, and the sale was completed. Having missed the deadline to re-commit for 2010, however, Sauber was replaced by newcomer Lotus, but since Toyota vacated its position, Sauber has been waiting on the FIA to give them the go-ahead. And now we're starting to understand the FIA's hesitance.

According to emerging reports, it appears that Qadbak - which also recently acquired the Notts County football team in England and was supposedly backed by a couple of reclusive, wealthy Middle Eastern families - is little more than a string of shell companies for a convicted British fraudster based in Dubai. Apparently Russell King, the fraudster at the end of the Qadbak paper trail, was trying to tap into the shared F1 revenue streams split between the teams in the series. Having finished sixth in the constructors' championship this season, the Sauber team would be entitled to a considerable slice of the pie.

The revelation raises more questions than it answers, but we're expecting the whole picture to come into focus over the coming weeks, so stay tuned.

[Source: SonntagsZeitung via Axis of Oversteer]

REPORT: BMW hoodwinked by fraudster in sale of Sauber F1 team originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> Tue, 24 Nov 2009 08:25:00 EST <![CDATA[Officially Official: BMW unveils all-new 5 Series sedan]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/bmw-5-series-2011-sedan-unveiled/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/bmw-5-series-2011-sedan-unveiled/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/23/bmw-5-series-2011-sedan-unveiled/#comments Filed under: , ,


2011 BMW 5 Series - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 5 Series is an important model for BMW, particularly in North America where it's the brand's second best seller behind the 3 Series. Heading into 2010, BMW has expanded its mid-size line with the new Gran Turismo body style already on sale. However, the volume leader for the 5 Series is the four-door sedan, which officially debuts today. The 2011 model transitions to a new platform architecture shared with the latest 7 Series as well as the upcoming Rolls-Royce Ghost. The 5 Series sedan gets a four-inch shorter wheelbase than its siblings, but at 116.9 inches, it still stretches well past its competition. The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class runs a mere 113.1 inches between its axles and the Cadillac CTS is 113.4 inches.

From a technical perspective, the new 5 Series picks up much of what can be found in the 7 Series and the Gran Turismo. Read on after the jump to learn more about it.

UPDATE: Nine videos added and more images uploaded into gallery.


Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: BMW unveils all-new 5 Series sedan

Officially Official: BMW unveils all-new 5 Series sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 20112011 bmw 5 series2011 BMW 5-Series2011Bmw5-series2011Bmw5Series5 series5Seriesbmwbmw 5BMW 5 seriesBMW 5-seriesBmw5Bmw5-seriesBmw5Series Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:12:00 EST <![CDATA[First official shots of new BMW 5 Series leaked online]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/first-official-shots-of-new-bmw-5-series-leaked-online/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/first-official-shots-of-new-bmw-5-series-leaked-online/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/22/first-official-shots-of-new-bmw-5-series-leaked-online/#comments Filed under: , ,

2010 BMW F10 5-Series - Click above for image gallery

BMW's official unveiling ceremony isn't until Monday, but a few authentic shots of the all-new "F10" BMW 5 Series are floating around cyberspace. These three low resolution images only give us a frontal glimpse of the upcoming 5 Series sedan, apparently as it does a dress rehearsal for its big show at the beginning of the week.

Our first sans-camouflage observation says it looks much like the 5 Series GT, its close sibling (nobody was expecting any radical styling departure anyway). Thanks to its "sport sedan" role, the new 5 Series four-door sports a slightly more aggressive flair to its front facade and side styling. In case you were wondering, the little black buttons just ahead of the front wheels are side view cameras, just like those found on the 7 Series. We'll reserve further judgment until Monday, when they pull the rest of the tarp off. Thanks for the tip, Brandon!

UPDATE: Full official gallery of shots from BMW added.

Gallery: 2010 BMW 5 Series F10 Official Pics


Gallery: 2011 BMW 5 Series sedan


[Source: 5post.com]

First official shots of new BMW 5 Series leaked online originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2010 5 Series2010 BMW2010 BMW 5 Series2010 F1020105Series2010Bmw2010Bmw5Series2010F105 Series5SeriesbreakingF10F10 5 SeriesF105SeriesPreviewSneak PeekSneakPeekSpiedSpottedSpy ShotSpyShot Sun, 22 Nov 2009 08:49:00 EST <![CDATA[REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-bentley-ferrari-lamborghini-not-attending-la-auto-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-bentley-ferrari-lamborghini-not-attending-la-auto-show/ http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/report-bentley-ferrari-lamborghini-not-attending-la-auto-show/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The closest we'll get to the Ferrari 458 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Here's an unsurprising stat for you: 60 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. that cost over $100,000 find homes in New York, Florida and California. The majority of which are parked in garages in Manhattan, Miami and Los Angeles, respectively. So the revelation that Bentley, Ferrari and Lamborghini won't be attending next month's LA Auto Show is -- at the very least -- surprising.

According to a spokesperson speaking with The Detroit Bureau, Bentley has decided to skip the So. Cal. show, adding that the automaker is looking for "a better use of our resources." Ferrari and its sister marque Maserati are out as well, with an unnamed source telling the industry pub, "It's just the economy. We're cutting back on a lot of things."

Given the global economic climate and its affect on high-end automotive sales, the choice to scale back isn't such a shock, but for automakers that rely on the Southern California market, it's a disturbing sign of the times. As for the rest of the LA exhibitors, the luxury market's Big Three (Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) will be in attendance, although it looks like the lower hall will only house Aston Martin, Spyker, Fisker and -- we'd assume -- Rolls-Royce.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Ferrari 458 Italia


[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

REPORT: Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini not attending LA Auto Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 2009 la auto show2009LaAutoShowbentleyferrarila 2009la auto showla auto show 2009La2009LaAutoShowLaAutoShow2009lamborghinimaserati Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:32:00 EST