Autoblog

BMW plan to provide 4,000 cars to Olympic dignitaries in London triggers controversy

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:33:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Etc., BMW, UK, Luxury

The problem when a bunch of bigwigs want to do something good for the environment is that they won't stop being bigwigs in order to do it. Getting a lot of VIPs together means a lot of private jets and limousines, and next thing you know, you've got a situation like the 2009 climate change conference in Copenhagen, when it only took a few days for 15,000 delegates to create as much filth as the town of Middlesbrough's 142,500 inhabitants.

According to the UK's Daily Mail, the 2012 London Olympics may be headed down the same carbon trail, with sponsor BMW planning to ship 4,000 cars to The City for use by dignitaries. Games organizers had promised that this would be the cleanest Olympics ever, and London mayor Boris Johnson said in 2009 that he wanted London to be the cleanest city in the world by the time the games arrived. Even though 200 of the BMWs are electric and all fall below the 120g/km emissions limit, the promise could still be difficult to fulfill with 3,800 more limos on top of the extra rides already called into service, especially once you factor in shipping them from Germany.

Some perspective, though: the addition of four thousand BMWs is being compared to London's aim for clean games; the extra metal really isn't that many cars considering we're talking about an event of this size. Only 250 vehicles will be allotted exclusively, the rest will be in shared service, and many will simply be displacing cars that otherwise would have been called into regular service. And, on the bright side: their use of BMWs will leave more room on buses and trains for the rest of you...

BMW plan to provide 4,000 cars to Olympic dignitaries in London triggers controversy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive set to make Geneva swoon

Domenick Yoney — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, BMW, Design/Style, Electric

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW is coming to the Geneva Motor Show tech-loaded for bear and the Vision ConnectedDrive concept is the sleek, roadster-shaped weapon. The topless study is based on the production-bound BMW EfficientDynamics and serves as a platform to showcase the Bavarian automaker's advanced driver assistance and mobility networking systems, demonstrating what is possible both now and in the future.

The drivetrain beneath the concept is purely electric. No specifications have been revealed yet, though it really only needs enough get-up-and-go to get up on the stage and get gone after what's sure to be its enthusiastic presentation. The sexy package is just meant to grab your attention long enough for BMW to subliminally inform you how it will swath you in a safe and entertaining environment through technology that's just a mind-meld short of miraculous. Check out our high-res gallery below and the press release after the jump detailing the VCD concept and BMW's other Geneva activities.

Gallery: BMW Vision ConnectedDrive

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW Vision ConnectedDrive set to make Geneva swoon

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive set to make Geneva swoon originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: BMW's production Vision Concept to be called i8

Sebastian Blanco — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:55:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, BMW, Rumormill, Electric, Diesel

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We have heard that BMW has has registered a series of "i+number trademarks (i1, i2, i3, i4, i5, i6, i7, i8 and i9) to use for its fuel efficient MegaCity range of vehicles. BMWBlog is now saying that it has heard a rumor that the combination that will be applied to the upcoming (read: 2013 or 2014) version of the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept will be i8. This makes some sense, as a BMW i8 would conjure up images of the never-seen M8 supercar, but BMWBlog is unconvinced. After all, why bring back memories of gas-guzzling supercars when you're trying to reinvent what one can be? Plus, since the vehicle is so far away, there's probably no name set in stone yet anyway.

Whatever BMW decides on, it'll be better than the name that the car was given when we first saw it at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2009. Vision EfficientDynamics is just way, way too long.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

[Source: BMWBlog via Green Car Reports]

Rumormill: BMW's production Vision Concept to be called i8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: BMW's next supercar coming in 2013 for $200,000

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW is set to change the way we think about supercars with its Vision EfficientDynamics concept. This swoopy economical machine is estimated to produce around 328 horsepower from its three-cylinder diesel hybrid powertrain, and fuel economy is claimed to be a lofty 62.5 miles per gallon.

While speaking to Inside Line recently, the automaker's sales and marketing director, Ian Robertson, announced that the car will cost roughly €150,000, or about $200,000 USD when it goes on sale. That's indeed a pretty penny, but it's put into perspective when you consider that Mercedes-Benz's upcoming efficient supercar, the SLS E-Cell, is rumored to cost around $250,000.

No official timeframe has been given as to when we'll see the debut of the production-ready EfficientDynamics supercar, but Inside Line states that BMW is sponsoring the 2012 London Olympics, so we should look for the car to debut at that time. It's indeed a vast change from the eight-, ten- and twelve-cylinder hotties that currently make up the supercar segment, but with the changing times putting a larger emphasis on efficiency, BMW's end result should still be pretty sweet.

Gallery: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Prototype

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: BMW's next supercar coming in 2013 for $200,000 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Officially Official: BMW confirms Efficient Dynamics production [w/video]

Autoblog Staff — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:06:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, BMW, Electric

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Sure, BMW is going to build a small, urban electric car - the Megacity - in a few years, but we're pretty sure there are a lot of Bimmer drivers who won't much care for that little thing, no matter what the powertrain. For them, BMW has announced a second treat today: the Vision Efficient Dynamics (VED) concept will indeed make the jump to production form.

We first saw the VED a little over a year ago at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 and BMW says the concept was met with an "overwhelming response." Little surprise, then, that BMW was interested in building this for the people - well, people who can afford the $200,000, give or take, the car will likely cost when it come to market in a few years. Since the VED contained a fair bit of "completely or virtually production-ready components," BMW is confidently giving out media test drives at the Leipzig trade fair center of a road-ready technology showcase vehicle based on the VED.

Final production numbers won't be known for a while, but the prototype features wing doors and a 2+2 seating arrangement. Underhood, a three-cylinder turbo diesel engine "with a hybrid synchronous motor at the front axle and a full-hybrid engine at the rear axle" put out a total of 241 kW/328 bhp and hits 0-100 kilometers per hour (62 miles per hour) in just 4.8 seconds. The sleek car can do this while burning just 3.76 litters of fuel per 100 kilometers (a Toyota Prius-beating 62.5 miles per gallon U.S.) and emitting 99 grams of CO2 per kilometer. The production VED will also be a plug-in, with the ability to go 50 km (31 miles) on lithium-polymer battery power. Hit the jump for the full details in BMW's press release, as well as a video of the Efficient Dynamics prototype.

Gallery: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Prototype

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Officially Official: BMW confirms Efficient Dynamics production [w/video]

Officially Official: BMW confirms Efficient Dynamics production [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW's dontblogaboutthis.com car revealed on forum

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:27:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Spy Photos, Coupe, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Rumormill, Specialty

dontblogaboutthis BMW - Click above for high-res image gallery

Yesterday we brought you a few strange images and even weirder videos showcasing an odd BMW. Today, more images have hit the web, proving this is more than a BMW 6 Series with skinny tires and a missing tailpipe. The car may be wearing 6 Series skin from the a-pillar back, but the front is a different animal. It appears to be similar to the face found on the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept vehicle.

There are a lot of ways these "spy shots" can be perceived. The above image and the extremely quiet running sound from the clips certainly led us to believe this car is utilizing a new EfficientDynamics powertrain. This would mean the above mash-up mobile is powered by a 1.5-liter inline three-cylinder diesel as well as a pair of electric motors set on the axles.

A viral campaign complete with dark photographs of a mysterious vehicle? It must be auto show season! The Paris Motor Show is right around the corner and we hope someone BMW will be ready to spill their precision-engineered beans.

Gallery: DontBlogAboutThis.com BMW

[Source: dontblogaboutthis, e90post forums]

BMW's dontblogaboutthis.com car revealed on forum originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: Production BMW Efficient Dynamics sports car in 2013, M version too!

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Diesel

2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

A production sports car based on last year's BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept will reportedly debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and come to market by 2013. According to Germany's AutoBild, the car which they refer to as the I100 (as part of BMW's project I which is also spawning the MegaCity EV) will be powered by a hybrid powertrain much like the one in the concept.

A 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (possibly a diesel) paired with an electric motor based on the architecture of BMW's mild hybrid 7 Series would drive the rear wheels, while a second motor would drive the front wheels. A lithium ion battery pack is earmarked to provide electrical energy storage, although it's not clear if the plug-in capability of the concept would be retained.

According to Autobild, it's also possible that we'll see an M variant of this car using the 450 horsepower twin-turbo inline-six from the next generation M3 along with set of supercapacitors instead of a lithium battery pack.

Gallery: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

[Source: AutoBild]

Rumormill: Production BMW Efficient Dynamics sports car in 2013, M version too! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumormill: BMW developing M8 hybrid sports car

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

This isn't the first time we've heard rumblings about the possibility of BMW producing a hybrid sports car based on its Vision EfficientDynamics concept. Now, though, the German magazine Autozeitung report that the new sports car could potentially be named M8, and more importantly, that the plug-in hybrid motor from the concept will be ditched in favor of something sweeter.

Instead of a wholly electric motor, these new rumors suggest that the production M8 will use a version of the E60 M5's 5.0-liter V10, but with two electric motors added on for good measure. These two electric mills will be mounted at the front and rear, similar to the layout seen in the Vision EfficientDynamics concept, and should produce around 150 horsepower, combined. Add the V10 to those whirring motors and we expect total output to be somewhere between 600-700 hp. If this is the future of hybrid sports cars, we're okay with it.

The magazine also reports that the M8 will be about five inches longer than the original Vision concept, and that a two-plus-two seating configuration will be offered inside. If the project remains on track, expect to see BMW's hybrid supercar debut at some point in 2012.

Gallery: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

[Source: Autozeitung via TeamSpeed, BMWblog]

Rumormill: BMW developing M8 hybrid sports car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: Clearest look yet at BMW's next 6 Series

Jonny Lieberman — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Europe, BMW, Luxury

The next BMW 6 Series-click above for high-res image gallery

We've been seeing spy shots of the upcoming 6-Series Convertible for some time now (also, here), but this is the first time we've seen the hard topped version out in the streets. Well, halfway out in the street, as BMW has it all wrapped up for up for a psytrance after-party. We will tip our hats to BMW for this black and white disguise, however, as there's a slight resemblance to the Maserati 4200 GT in front, while they taped off the C-pillar ape the Z32 300ZX. That said, they're not fooling anyone.

First of all, the stuff they didn't/can't cover with camo-wheels, brakes and mirrors-all scream BMW. Especially the "Efficient Dynamics" brake kit that will charge the battery while you're slowing down. Also, the trunk is still fairly Bangled, though less so than the current car.

The engines will be coming out of the 7 Series, though probably not the vaunted 760Li's twin-turbo V12. Expect the double-scroll single turbo 3.0-liter straight six and the twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, as well as few diesel mill we won't be seeing in the States. As far as the next M6 goes, that's up in the air. Early reports indicate that BMW will be selling some manner of R8-fighter based on the Efficient Dynamics Concept, though it will probably be stuffed with a 600+ horsepower version of the BMW 262 cubic inch twin-turbo V8.

Before you get salty tears in your coffee, our spies also inform us that a four door version of the new 6 Series is expected. Something along the lines of a 650i Gran Turismo, including a hatch/trunk lid similar to the one found in the 550i GT. A model needed (apparently) to combat the upcoming Audi A7 four-door coupe. Those wacky Germans...

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW 6 Series

Spy Shots: Clearest look yet at BMW's next 6 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Video: BMW gets cute, takes dig at Audi in the classroom

Chris Shunk — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Videos, Audi, BMW

Click above to watch the video after the jump

Good, we were hoping BMW would answer the latest challenge from Audi in the online battle of boast. Audi started up again the dormant war of words between these two German automakers a couple weeks ago by patting itself on the back for winning three Car and Driver comparisons in a row, and now BMW is striking back by bragging about its mixture of efficiency and vehicle dynamics sans compromises.

Hit the jump to watch the 1:25 video for yourself. Unfortunately, Team Motor Werks didn't get to throwing down with Audi until the very end of the spot, which takes place in an elementary school classroom. And even when the guys and gals at BMW took their swing, we're afraid it just grazes the four-ringed chin of its luxury car rival. Let us know which automaker you think scored the more direct blow by chiming in on the post-jump comments.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BMW gets cute, takes dig at Audi in the classroom

Video: BMW gets cute, takes dig at Audi in the classroom originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Report: 2013 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics supercar moving toward production

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Rumormill, Electric, Diesel

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

According to an unnamed "senior BMW authority out of Munich" speaking with InsideLine, the German automaker will indeed build a production version of the Vision EfficientDynamics concept that debuted last year at the Frankfurt Motor Show. BMW is reportedly planning for a model run of between 5,000 and 10,000 units in 2013. We'll get to the details in a moment, but here's the best news: "That name that the marketing people forced on us [is] going to change for sure." Phew.

Apparently, BMW has no plans to ditch the radical plug-in hybrid powertrain, which put out 356 horsepower and a stonkin' 590 pound-feet of torque in the concept. That means we'll get something similar to the turbocharged three-cylinder diesel range extender and twin electric motors powered by a lithium polymer battery pack that was featured in Frankfurt. Sounds great so far, and BMW claims the performance will be even better than the 4.8-second 0 to 60 run quoted for the concept.

Naturally, some of the Vision's more outlandish exterior bits will go the way of the Dodo, but IL reports BMW's target of weight is still under 3,000 pounds, meaning that high-tech composites and construction techniques are a veritable lock. Price for this next-gen eco-friendly supercar? Nothing announced - but if you have to ask... well, you know the rest.

Gallery: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

[Source: Inside Line]

Report: 2013 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics supercar moving toward production originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Spy Shots: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept snagged at Munich photo shoot

Noah Joseph — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:37:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Hybrid, Performance, Europe, BMW

Excited by BMW's new Vision EfficientDynamics concept car? So are we. But while the rest of us have to wait another couple of weeks to see the future-think show car at the Bavarian automaker's show stand in Frankfurt, one lucky enthusiast got an early glimpse while visiting the company's flagship BMW Welt in Munich.

Looks like he got quite an eyeful too, as Car and Driver has a comprehensive gallery of the car shot from every angle while BMW was apparently doing some photography and video work itself. Follow the link to check it out.

[Source: Car and Driver]

Spy Shots: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept snagged at Munich photo shoot originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Sep 2009 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW to debut production hybrid 7 in Frankfurt?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Hybrid, Sedan, Green, BMW

BMW 7-Series ActiveHybrid - Click above for a high-res image gallery

With BMW investing heavily in its Efficient Dynamics program, the next stage could be unveiled at its home-turf Frankfurt show this coming September. Reports out of France suggest that this is where the Bavarian automaker will unveil its 750Hi, a hybrid version of its latest 7-Series flagship sedan.

Previewed by the 7-Series ActiveHybrid concept in Paris last fall, Munich's assault on the recently revealed S400 Hybrid from arch-rival Mercedes-Benz and the Lexus LS600h is expected to pair an electric motor with its highly-rated 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, providing over 400 horsepower in the unassisted, gas-burning version. While there is no word on how big the electric motor will be, but if Mercedes' solution is anything to go by, look for something in the neighborhood of 20 horsepower, while the new eight-speed automatic that debuted on the new 760i in Shanghai could see duty in the production hybrid due to potential packaging benefits. If the reports emerge as genuine, we should have more for you over the course of the summer as more details emerge.

[Source: L'Automobile ]

BMW to debut production hybrid 7 in Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Apr 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rendered Speculation: BMW Z10 ED to tackle Audi R8

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Performance, Green, Supercars, BMW

The BMW Z10 ED -- Efficient Dynamics -- is a green supercar that's out to get the Audi R8. Tech specs are hypothesized to be a high-pressure turbocharged inline six cylinder with 400 hp that would use either a mechanical valve system or BMW's VANOS system, and run through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Along with electronic stop/start aids, there would be technology to turn exhaust gasses into electricity. With the use of plenty of carbon fiber and aluminum, the car is meant to weigh no more than 3,080 pounds.

Even though it hasn't stopped Ferrari and Lamborghini, lead BMW designer Adrian Van Hooydonk thinks it might be hard to sell the Z10 with a supercar body in a global recession. Most importantly, though, he wants the car to be a symbol of the future, and to offer an "exciting dynamic experience." We can't imagine the sketch is anything go by, unless he also wants the car to try and eat you.

[Source: Autocar]

Rendered Speculation: BMW Z10 ED to tackle Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW working on regenerative exhaust system... with NASA?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:32:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Technology, BMW

Baby steps. That's how BMW expects to improve the efficiency of its vehicles - not by revolutionizing the automobile or replacing the internal-combustion engine, but by improving it. The Bavarian automaker's Efficient Dynamics program includes a roster of fuel-saving technologies like regenerative braking and start-stop engine management, but the second generation of the initiative looks to the heavens for inspiration. Specifically, to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

NASA's satellites are powered by thermo-electric generators (TEDs) which derive electricity from the heat generated by radioactive materials. BMW has no intention of putting plutonium in your car, but is working with NASA to adapt the TEDs to hook up to the car's exhaust system and provide some 200 watts of what would otherwise be (and until now has been) wasted energy. Capturing the heat to power auxiliary systems like climate control, BMW says the system could improve fuel economy by 5%. Not a revolutionary figure, but more than the contribution of both regenerative braking and start-stop combined.

[Source: CAR]

BMW working on regenerative exhaust system... with NASA? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Mar 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW preparing new Z10 ED green supercar for production?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Green, Technology, Supercars, BMW, Rendered Speculation

The only thing better than a major automaker rolling out a supercar concept is when they actually put it into production. Usually, if the green light is given, it happens after the show car's public debut. In this case, however, early word from Autocar indicates that things are working backwards. BMW reportedly originally envisioned this effort as a concept car, but instead it has decided to put it into limited production to showcase its high performance and green capabilities.

The car in question, according to AC's latest reports, is a new flagship supercar from BMW to be called the Z10 ED. With a two-seat, front-engine layout, the Z10 ED (for Efficient Dynamics - BMW's term for its green tech) is being prepared by the company's Technik skunkworks department. As you may recall, this is the very same crew that brought the Z1 and Z8 roadsters to showrooms.

As the story goes, after BMW canceled plans to revive the M1 with a mid-engine, R8-eating supercar, Munich's decision-makers apparently gave the go-ahead for another project to highlight the company's tree-hugghing and road-hugging technology. For starters, integrated door frames and extensive use of carbon fiber will be employed to keep curb weight down and rigidity up. Power is tipped to come from a high-output version of the company's 3.0-liter six, with all the bells and whistles: twin turbos, variable valve timing and compression, along with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, F1-derived regenerative braking, and start-stop engine management. All of which should yield an anticipated 400 horsepower out of a relatively compact engine.

No telling when we might see the Z10 hit the roads, but sources suggest a $110,000+ price tag when it arrives.

[Source: Autocar]

BMW preparing new Z10 ED green supercar for production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW learns buyers want to save money, not planet

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Green, BMW, UK

BMW carried out a survey of 2,068 motorists in Great Britain and found that no matter what motorists claim to want, what they really want is a BMW. While 20% of respondents said they look at CO2 levels when they research new cars, 75% said they'd only buy a car if they saved money. Which really means they'd only buy a car that slurped less gas than the one in the driveway. Another notable tidbit in the "Driving Change" survey revealed that only 13-percent of people believed that other folks were really buying environmentally friendly cars because of reduced emissions. That means that those Britons know why you really bought that Prius...

Fifty-four percent of the surveyed motorists also said that diesels are better on highway journeys than hybrids, and an unknown percentage of them "are demanding premium performance as well." It's a good thing then that BMW has a line of diesels mated to its EfficientDynamics technology that gets better gas mileage, emits fewer emissions, costs less in taxes, and has higher residual values. And in case you didn't know this about BMW, they're supposed to be a lot more fun to drive. If you have a massive amount of time on your hands, you can read the full report here. Otherwise, skip the words and do your duty: buy that BMW you've had your eye on, save the Earth and have fun doing it.

[Source: BMW]

BMW learns buyers want to save money, not planet originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frankfurt 2007: BMW X6 revealed

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 03:45:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Crossover, BMW

UPDATE: Added BabelFish-translated press release after jump.
UPDATE 2: Press pics added to the gallery.

Click the image above for over 60 high-res images from the live unveiling.

At the reveal of its X6 Concept, BMW gave the all-too-common explanation that while just a concept, the X6 could be produced. Swap "could be" with "will be" and you've got the truth of the matter. The X6 is on a fast track to production and the "concept" you see here is close to final form. Of course, the most talked about feature of the X6 is its raked roof that begins plunging after the B-pillar until it meets the rear deck lid. Compared to other CUVs, rear seat headroom and cargo space is obviously compromised, but BMW is betting that form will be more important than function to an X6 customer.

On hand, BMW showed the standard X6, along with its EffiecientDynamics sibling that gets power from a hybrid drivetrain. BMW assured us that, after seven-years of development, the EfficientDynamics system will be available on every model the automaker makes.

Gallery: BMW X6 - Live from Frankfurt

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: BMW X6 revealed

Frankfurt 2007: BMW X6 revealed originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Sep 2007 03:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Eco-friendly BMW Z4 on the way

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Green, BMW

BMW has found another way to tweak mileage and CO2 output levels through its Efficient Dynamics program. In this case, its efforts were spent on a revised gearbox for the Z4. While past efforts have included the adoption of formerly hybrid-only technology like regenerative braking, an Automatic Engine Start/Stop System, and even full-on hybrid research, this latest move is a lot more conventional.

The technology being shown on the Z4 illustrate how little changes can add up when combined. By using a new, more efficient rear transaxle, the Z4 is able to record lower CO2 emissions levels and better economy. The improvements can be seen on all six-cylinder Z4s except the Z4 M, with a typical improvement of 1-2 percent across the board. Again, it's not much, but definitely a move in the right direction. Four cylinder cars get other changes to their engines that result in similar improvements. All of these eco tweaks will go into effect on cars being produced starting next month.

[Source: Autocar]

Eco-friendly BMW Z4 on the way originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Aug 2007 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments