Classic BMW

 

Munich: The new concept car offers a particularly good rendition of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan in all its dynamic, efficient and innovative qualities, at the same time representing the ongoing development of the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 with their drivetrain technology already in production.

The drive system featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid consists of a straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology, eight-speed automatic transmission, and electric drive. Integration of BMW ActiveHybrid technology in a sedan already extremely efficient with its “conventional” combustion engine reduces both fuel consumption and emissions once again by more than 10 per cent. At the same time the electric motor offers a boost function, supporting the gasoline engine in generating particularly dynamic drive power for an even more sporting driving experience in the car.

Intelligent energy management likewise serves to enhance the efficiency of the overall system, its unique functions ensuring appropriate control and management of all energy paths within the car and appropriate interaction of the drivetrain components precisely adjusted to driving conditions.

The drivetrain technology featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid allows all-electric, zero-emission motoring in city traffic. At the same time a special hybrid-based Auto Start Stop function offers additional efficiency by consistently switching off the combustion engine when stopping at the traffic lights, a road junction, or in congested traffic. Optimised comfort, finally, is provided by the auxiliary climate control function already featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

 

Special development of ActiveHybrid technology as part of BMW EfficientDynamics.  

The concept car based on the new BMW 5 Series Sedan for the first time presents the next generation of BMW ActiveHybrid technology, a special solution exclusive to BMW for intelligent interaction of the combustion engine and electric drive focused specifically on the requirements made of a dynamic sedan in the upper midrange segment.

Taking this approach, BMW is consistently continuing the development of hybrid technology according to a modular principle (best of hybrid), thus offering the optimum rendition of BMW ActiveHybrid technology for each concept and vehicle segment.

In accordance with the BMW EfficientDynamics development strategy, this ensures highly effective and practical use of hybrid technology for the reduction of both fuel consumption and emissions.

 

Also in the BMW Series Sedan segment: the BMW among hybrids combines supreme dynamics with maximum efficiency.  

The combustion engine is supported in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid by an electrical drive system developed specifically for this model and arranged in compact dimensions between the straight-six combustion engine and the automatic transmission. Drawing its energy from a high-voltage battery at the back of the car, the electric motor develops maximum output of 40 kW.

An automatic clutch connects the gasoline engine and the electric motors.

Due to the particularly high level of torque generated from the start through the electric motors, the interaction of the two drive systems ensures extremely spontaneous and dynamic acceleration whenever required.

 

Perfectly integrated, precisely controlled: high-voltage battery supplying power to both the electric motor and the on-board network.  

In overrun and when applying the brakes, the electric drive systems acts as a generator developing electric power fed into the high-voltage battery. This converts kinetic energy otherwise wasted as heat in the brake system into electric power saved for subsequent use.

Such energy obtained without any further consumption of fuel may then be used to generate drive power or operate electrical functions in the car.

This principle is the same as that of Brake Energy Regeneration already applied in BMW’s current production models, with the level of electrical energy generated by the electric motor being significantly greater and the increase in efficiency correspondingly higher.

The high-voltage battery likewise developed for this specific concept is fitted within a high-strength special case near the rear axle of the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid. This leads to an optimum position in terms of both safety and harmonious weight distribution. An integrated control unit permanently analyses the charge status of the high-voltage battery and controls both the battery charge process by way of Brake Energy Regeneration and the system cooling process. Apart from the electric motor, the high-voltage battery also delivers electric power to the car’s on-board network. Among other things, this allows efficient operation of the car’s auxiliary climate control activated whenever required by a remote control function to cool down the car’s interior significantly even before starting the engine.

Convenient use of the all-electric driving mode and the Auto Start Stop function is likewise guaranteed in this way, with all electrical functions such as the audio system, climate control or navigation remaining fully available even with the combustion engine switched off.

 

Unique: intelligent energy management with advance analysis of driving conditions.  

BMW ActiveHybrid technology provides its unique potential in terms of both efficiency and driving dynamics under all kinds of conditions and throughout a wide load range.

Unlike conventional hybrid cars whose extra efficiency is largely limited to city traffic, both the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, by combining the combustion engine and the electric motor, are able to offer significantly lower fuel consumption and emission ratings also at higher speeds. This is made possible by technically sophisticated power electronics masterminding the interaction of the combustion engine and electric motor and thus optimising the overall efficiency of the drive system as a whole.

The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid once again raises the range of functions provided by such power electronics to an even higher standard. As an example, the energy contained in the fuel and provided by the high-voltage battery may now be used even more specifically and efficiently to provide that Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW.

Taking additional factors into account, the interaction of the two drive units in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is tailored to the driver’s requirements and current driving conditions with maximum precision. At the same time the power electronics also control the operation of the car’s ancillary units and comfort functions, again in the interest of maximum efficiency.

The range and diversity of parameters taken into account by the system is indeed quite unique in the automobile, just as the number of functions controlled in this way. A high level of all-round networking allows the power electronics to provide intelligent energy management, thus optimising the operating strategy of the entire vehicle under all conditions.

A further unique feature of energy management in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is the car’s ability to adjust its operating strategy not just to current, but also to upcoming driving conditions. To do this the power electronics from the start evaluate data indicating a possible change in exterior conditions or the driver’s wishes and prepare the components in the drivetrain as well as the car’s electronic system for a possible change in requirements.

To analyse driving conditions up front, the system uses data provided by engine and chassis management as well as the sensors in the driver assistance systems on board the car. Data saved in the navigation system on the route chosen by the driver likewise goes into the final calculation, enabling the system to forecast driving conditions on the route directly ahead. Then, proceeding from this analysis, the car is coordinated in advance and the optimum use of all systems serves to use the energy available with maximum efficiency.

Should the system determine, for example, that the autobahn ahead is about to lead downhill, the charge level of the high-voltage battery is intelligently controlled in advance to regain brake energy upfront with maximum efficiency.

Similarly, the high-voltage battery may be fully charged in good time before the driver reaches his destination, enabling the system to switch off the combustion engine at an early point and change to all-electric drive along the final stretch of road. Indeed, this forward-looking function is able to extend the cruising range on electric power by up to 30%.

 

The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid: the future of driving pleasure and efficiency in the upper midrange segment.  

Optimised to an even higher standard in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid, the drivetrain and control systems underline the great significance of hybrid technology as a cornerstone of BMW EfficientDynamics. Looking at a new generation of hybrid technology from BMW featured in the BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid therefore offers particularly attractive perspectives, the ongoing development of BMW ActiveHybrid technology serving to provide substantial progress in all areas leading to a harmonious all-round concept with distinctive features typical of the brand.

The BMW Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid is therefore more dynamic, efficient and more intelligent than conventional representatives of this drive technology, standing out clearly as the BMW among hybrid cars in this segment.

• The majority of the customer base doesn't feel alienated by a fresh look to their model coming out frequently.
• The residual values of these models stay at a high level.

The Bavarian carmaker understands having the same exact design for a 7 year period could become stale and to prevent this, BMW employs what they call a Life Cycle Impulse.  This "facelift" offers a few changes to freshen the look or update the mechanics of the model to keep buyers' interest.

On Saturday, BMW presented a press release containing pictures and details on the updates to the E92 and E93 (code names for the current 3 Coupe & Convertible models).  This LCI will include changes in sheet metal as well as engine design.  Below is the press release and a few photos.  The complete photo album can be found on our Facebook page.

PRESS RELEASE: 

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 16, 2011 6pm Eastern Time… BMW has announced substantial enhancements to the 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible, including outstanding style updates for 328i and 335i models and a new engine for 335i models. The 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models will go on sale in Spring 2010, and pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

Fundamentally unchanged are each car’s essential attributes of rear-wheel drive (xDrive is available on the Coupe), near-perfect 50-50 weight distribution, remarkably precise steering, and skillfully engineered suspension…all of which conspire to produce the uniquely satisfying driving experience that is quintessentially BMW.

All-new is the engine for the 335i model. Internally designated the “N55,” this turbocharged, all-aluminum engine features essentially the same “short block” and 3.0-liter displacement of its predecessor, but benefits from five additional years worth of development and refinement. The result is an engine that is more responsive, more fuel efficient, and cleaner-running than its outstanding predecessor, but preserves the previous engine’s output and soul: 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and a 7,000 rpm redline. The 6-speed manual gearbox – beloved by North American enthusiast drivers - remains standard, and the well-known 6-speed Steptronic automatic is optional, now featuring “pull-style” shift paddles on the multifunction steering wheel.

 

Design. Reflecting the legendary distinction of BMW Coupes and Convertibles

The profile of the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible is instantly recognizable at first glance.  Beyond the basic shape of the car and its classic lines, the new design of the headlights, the enhanced depth and detail of the taillights, the interior, and even the exterior mirrors were specifically created for the Coupe and Convertible.  These unique design elements reflect the sporty character of the car.  The driver who chooses a two-door vehicle desires a car with dynamic looks as well as driving performance.  With this in mind, BMW engineers and designers set out to create a unique, unmistakable blend of design features and most importantly, driving pleasure.

 

It all begins with proportions.  The new, long hood powerfully symbolizes BMW's loyalty to the inherently balanced inline-6 engine.  The long wheelbase, short overhangs, the passenger compartment set aft and the low, sleek roofline which seamlessly slopes into the trunk are all characteristics of the BMW Coupe and BMW retractable hardtop Convertible.

 

In addition to the classic proportions, three design lines—the shoulder, character and lower sill lines— enhance the sleek appearance.  Both the shoulder line and character line stretch uninterrupted to the back of the car, allowing one's eye to move quickly and smoothly from front to rear along the entire length of the car.  The sill line of the lower edge of the door flows into the front and rear air dams, reinforcing the dynamic nature of BMW's newest 3 Series Coupe and Convertible.

 

The combination of lines flowing into one another elegantly emphasizes the vehicles’ performance potential.  While the shoulder line rises slightly but consistently from front to rear, the character line flows in a long, stretched arch all the way from the front fender to the new taillights.  As the sill line, by contrast, moves up slightly to the rear in a slow and gentle curve, the distance between the character and sill lines becomes smaller near the rear wheel arches.  The fender flare around each rear wheel also serves to give the character line extra tension in both an upward and outward direction.

 

Attractive new innovations at the front, side, and rear - integrated precisely into the overall look of the car- give greater emphasis to the sportiness of both models. At the same time, these modifications slightly extend the overhangs front and rear (now 1.14” and 0.12” longer, respectively), which adds a sleeker and even more athletic appearance.

 

 The new, widened kidney grille, a signature feature of every BMW, suits the broad new hood and stands out from the surfaces around it.  Interaction with the three-dimensional kidney frame creates a look of power and unique style. The frame around the kidney grille now features a chrome band precisely twisted within itself.

 

The 3 Series Coupe and Convertible come standard in the U.S. with Xenon Adaptive Headlights, accented by BMW's signature corona light rings.  At the top, the new headlights merge into a trim bar cutting off the light beam to create that concentrated, focused look typical of a genuine BMW. The corona rings, now powered by super-bright LED light sources, can serve as daytime running lights (if that feature is activated), and also as evening city lights, making the Coupe and Convertible instantly recognizable as a BMW, day or night. The upper edge of each headlight fixture is also illuminated by an LED light source.

 

The new design of the taillights is unique to the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible.  The rear light cluster feature two-piece L-shapes and are further accentuated by a new color scheme. With two rows of light tubes that illuminate simultaneously, they create a night design with depth and dimension. Integrated flush into the body of the car, the lights are split into two sections and extend up the trunk lid, blending with the character lines from the side profile.  Horizontal LED tube taillights give the car an unmistakable look at night.  The horizontal flowing lines accentuate the wide track and low stance of the Coupe and Convertible.

 

An additional horizontal contour line has been added to the rear air dam to further accentuate the width of the Coupe and Convertible. It creates light-and-shade effects to give the entire rear end a flatter and smoother appearance.

 

The exterior mirrors also receive a new design, adding further innovation to the unique looks of the BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible. They blend harmoniously into the side view and silhouette of each new model.

 

Deep Sea Blue Metallic, Vermillion Red Metallic, and Mineral White Metallic exterior colors will each become available for the new 3 Series Coupe and Convertible this spring.

 

Interior: a truly stylish ambiance

The emphasis on individual style, dynamic performance and exclusivity continues within the interior.  Here again, the focus is on the driving experience, as announced by the standard leather multifunction steering wheel.  Horizontal lines dominate the surfaces on and around the instrument panel which blend with the lines of the center console door panels to give the interior a light but dynamic feel.  In true BMW fashion, all operational and informational elements essential to driving are grouped on and around the steering wheel.  Climate controls, as well as those for the audio and navigation systems, are within easy reach of the front passenger. 

 

Because the Coupe and Convertible are four-passenger cars, the rear seat passengers are treated to a center console between their individual rear seats which includes individual storage boxes, additional air outlet vents, and footwell lights.

 

The BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible come standard with Dark Burl Walnut wood trim.  As a choice, Bamboo Anthracite wood, Light Burl Walnut wood, and Aluminum trim are optional.  Like the standard Dark Burl Walnut, these materials appear on the dash, front and rear consoles, doors and rear side panels.

 

The standard leatherette upholstery is available in Black and Creme Beige.  For the optional leather upholstery, luxurious Dakota leather can be chosen.  Here too, the buyer may choose Creme Beige, Oyster, Coral Red, Saddle Brown, Gray, or Black.  Upholstery leather appears on the seat facings, door inserts and door handle surrounds; other leather-trimmed items include the gear shift boot, handbrake grip and steering wheel.

 

In other items of trim that don't change with upholstery or trim options, the interior door handles, gearshift surround trim, steering wheel spokes, instrument dial and engine Start/Stop button surrounds, dash air-outlet adjusting tabs and the optional iDrive controller are in pearl-gray galvanic material.

 

An elegant ambiance is further created in the interior by special lighting and switches with a premium look and feel.  Ambiance lighting, streaming down from under the ledge on the door and side panels,  and running from the A pillar all the way to the rear passenger area, creates a particularly warm, indirect lighting effect. 

 

Through its design and configuration, the cabin emphasizes the sporting and driver-oriented character of the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible.  Taking a seat behind the steering wheel, the driver’s eyes will immediately focus on the instrument cluster.

 

All-new turbocharged engine with Valvetronic for 335i

BMW 3 Series Coupe and Convertible customers have a choice of two inline-6 engines that are the worlds’ finest. The 328i features 230 horsepower while the 335i has 300 horsepower and is the first inline-6 equipped with a single twin-scroll turbocharger, BMW’s Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology, High Precision direct fuel injection, and all-aluminum construction. 

 

The 335i’s new inline-6 engine displaces 3.0-liters and develops maximum output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm.  Redline is 7,000 rpm. This is the same level of performance as the previous 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-6 but with the innovation of twin-scroll technology and the integration of Valvetronic, this new engine is even more fuel efficient. 

 

Historically, BMW engineers were never satisfied with the most often-cited downside to turbocharging: the frustrating “turbo lag” that occurs between the time at which driver presses the accelerator pedal and when the turbocharger develops sufficient rotation to increase power.  Turbo lag is usually worse at low engine speeds.  Other drawbacks included relatively high fuel consumption and poor emissions output. At the time, turbocharger technology was not a reliable, practical or efficient was to make power.  For these and other reasons, BMW put turbocharged gasoline engines on the shelf for more than 20 years.

 

Two recent developments caused BMW to reconsider turbocharging. While many luxury-performance carmakers began to achieve power gains by building engines of ever-increasing displacement, BMW looked for a more efficient way; smaller engines and turbocharging made sense.  Also, the technology transfer from BMW’s turbocharged diesel engines could easily be transferred to their gasoline-fired counterparts. Accordingly, BMW articulated its new approach to developing high-performance engines as part of its EfficientDynamics initiative.

 

The new N55 is the first BMW inline-6 to combine turbocharging, High Precision direct fuel injection, and Valvetronic variable intake technology. It features a single, mid-sized turbocharger with a “twin-scroll” housing to boost performance and minimize the response lag.  Thanks to its housing design which maintains proper separation between streams of exhaust gasses, the turbocharger builds up pressure much faster than previous-generation turbochargers, thus eliminating even the slightest tendency for lag. 

 

A further advantage of turbocharging is that this is the most weight-efficient method to boost engine power and performance.  The N55 turbocharged inline-6 weighs approximately 150 lbs. less than an equally powerful eight-cylinder engine displacing 4.0 liters.  This lower weight means a significant advantage not only in fuel economy, but also in balancing the car's weight distribution.

 

Using Valvetronic for the first time on a turbocharged inline-6 allows the engine to “inhale” air for combustion with virtually no delay and with reduced pumping losses. As a result, the engine makes power more quickly than ever before, and this is proven by the N55’s ability to reach peak torque at 1200rpm, 200rpm earlier than its predecessor.

 

As a result, the technology in the BMW 335i Coupe and Convertible represents a significant achievement in terms of both performance and fuel efficiency.  The advantages over a conventional turbocharged engine are not only clearly measurable, but easy to feel on the road.

 

Turbocharging typically includes intercooling of the engine's induction air, that is, cooling the compressed air that emerges, very much heated up by the compression process, from the turbocharger(s).  Sometimes it's done with coolant; in the case of the N55 engine, it's accomplished with outside air.  Intercooling is necessary to reduce the temperature of the incoming air to preclude detonation or "knocking" that can reduce power or, in the extreme, damage the engine.  Of course, the N55, like all other current BMW engines, is equipped with knock control as part of the Digital Motor Electronics (DME) engine management system.  On the N55 engine, the DME is now mounted directly to the top of the engine for better packaging and weight savings.

 

The significant loads and cylinder pressures of the N55 300-hp engine required the use of an aluminum engine structure with cast-iron cylinder sleeves.  Altogether, the N55 weighs about 427 lbs. The 335i Coupe and Convertible dual exhaust system runs at both sides of the vehicle.  At low loads, a flap channels most gas through one side to reduce low-frequency exhaust "rumble."  The 335i Coupe and Convertible feature an air-to-oil external oil cooler mounted in one wheel well as opposed to the N52's coolant-to-oil unit.

 

The peak power of 300 hp at 5800rpm has already been mentioned; this is fully 70 hp up on the 2011 328i models.  At least as important is the fact that this engine can deliver its peak torque from 1200 rpm - not far above idling - to 5000 rpm.  On the road, this power and torque result in outstanding performance.  The 335i Coupe and Convertible can accelerate from 0 - 60 mph in just 5.3 (5.5) seconds and 5.5 (5.7) seconds, respectively, when equipped with the manual (automatic) transmission.  The sense of urgency continues all the way to the electronically limited top speed of 130 mph (150 mph when equipped with the optional Sport Package). The 335i xDrive coupe accelerates 0-60 mph in 5.2 (5.3) seconds when equipped with the manual (automatic) transmission.

 

Finally, the new N55 engine is able to achieve a more favorable emissions signature than its predecessor. The single turbocharger has only one exhaust path and feeds a single catalytic converter in place of the previous engine’s two. This means the exhaust gases are concentrated at the catalytic converter for better cold-start emissions performance, making the N55 a more environmentally friendly engine.

 

The 328i Convertible is powered by BMW's 230 horsepower, 200 lb-ft, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, known internally as the N52.  Its magnesium/aluminum construction and Valvetronic variable valve lift are features found only on BMW engines.  The N52 achieves impressive progress on all performance and technology fronts, especially in its remarkably light weight of 357 lbs. An aluminum/magnesium engine block, hollow camshafts, plastic camshaft cover, improved combustion chambers, a further evolved Double VANOS[1], higher fuel injection pressure, sophisticated engine electronics, an electric coolant pump, a variable-volume oil pump and an oil/coolant heat exchanger are the other weight-saving features and improvements of this engine over previous generations.

 

For the Coupes: Available xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.

The 2011 BMW 335i xDrive Coupe combines intelligent all-wheel drive with the power of BMW’s new 300-horsepower, turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine.  Likewise, the 2011 BMW 328i xDrive Coupe will impress with its 230-hp, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine featuring magnesium-aluminum construction. On smooth, dry roads BMW’s xDrive gives a sporty, rear-wheel drive feel.  But on a wet or snow-covered road, xDrive automatically sends more torque to the axle with more traction. BMW’s xDrive is the most sophisticated and responsive all-wheel drive system on the market today.  It has proven its merits, in terms of agility and safety, in the 19 BMW models currently offered with xDrive in the U.S. 

 

For the Convertibles: Sun-Reflective Leather offers cooler seats

BMW is the first carmaker in the world to use sun-reflective technology to mitigate temperatures on leather seating, armrest surfaces, headrests, and gear shifter. The process uses modified color pigments imbedded in the leather during the production process to reflect the infrared radiation of the sun in wavelengths of more than 720 nanometers.

 

This leather treatment is able to reduce surface temperatures on dark interior colors by up to 20 Celsius degrees (36 Fahrenheit degrees), and also offers advantages on light-colored upholstery, where the heating effect of sunshine is less severe, reducing the surface temperature by as much as 15 Celsius degrees (27 Fahrenheit degrees).  All other qualities of the leather remained unchanged. 

 

Check out this video from Edmunds.com at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show. This show, also known as the North American International Auto Show, will host releases from BMW as well as other automakers over the next few days. Check back often for more updates!

This video gives us a closer look at the Z4 that will be the closest thing to an M version.  BMW Maintains there will not be a M Roadster.

 

 

As an exciting example of its EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy, BMW announced the North American debut of the 7 Series with a twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine. Featuring BMW’s award-winning inline-6 engine that produces V-8 power on six-cylinder fuel consumption, the new BMW 740i and BMW 740Li achieve a remarkable balance of power, efficiency, and sporty driving dynamics. Both models will go on sale in the United States as 2011 models in Spring 2010. The M.S.R.P. of the 740i is $71,025 and the long wheelbase 740Li will retail for $75,425 (prices Include $875 Destination and Handling charge).
In 1977, the original BMW 7 Series was launched exclusively with inline-6 propulsion. The United States first met the BMW 7 Series in the 1978 model year as the 733i Sedan. The 733i featured a 3.2-liter inline-6 engine rated at 197 horsepower. The 733i remained on sale in America until it was replaced in 1985 by the BMW 735i Sedan. The 735i, which featured an updated inline-6 engine producing 218 horsepower from 3.4 liters, enjoyed a production run that lasted through the end of the 1992 model year. The 735i was joined by the extended-wheelbase 735iL in May of 1988.
A keystone of BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy is “virtual displacement,” the notion that BMW’s modern engines of smaller displacement can equal or exceed the outputs of traditional engines of larger displacement and more cylinders. This principle is already seen in the BMW 750i model, which features a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine performing at the level of BMW’s previous-generation V12 engine. Virtual displacement provides the power of a larger engine with the fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions signature of a smaller engine. The 2011 BMW 740i and 740Li feature BMW’s internationally acclaimed twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine with up-rated output of 315 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque from 1600-4500 rpm. All-aluminum construction, High Precision direct fuel injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft technology, and Brake Energy Regeneration are a few of the technologies used under the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy to place the 740i and 740Li among the most powerful six-cylinder luxury sedans in the world. Delivering power to the rear wheels is BMW’s 6-speed automatic transmission, well-known for fast, smooth gearshifts and an ability to intelligently adapt to the driver’s style.
Both models will be available with the full complement of well-known 7 Series options and packages, including the M Sport Package, Driver Assistance Package, Luxury Seating Packages, Rear Entertainment Package, and even the BMW Individual Composition Package.

 

 

The original partnership agreement of six years was forged in 2007 with the creation of the BMW Championship – the third leg in the PGA TOUR Playoffs for the FedExCup.  That tournament will now run through 2014 under the new agreement.  All proceeds of the BMW Championship benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation, which grants full college scholarships to deserving young caddies.  This year, those proceeds totaled $1.6 million.

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with the PGA TOUR and Western Golf Association,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America.  “The BMW Championship affords us an opportunity to connect with our owners and golf fans around the U.S., as well to give back to the community through the Evans Scholars Foundation.” 

“BMW has been an exceptio

nal partner of the PGA TOUR and the Western Golf Association, embracing its role as title sponsor of the BMW Championship and helping to elevate the stature and impact of the tournament,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “We couldn’t be more delighted that our partnership with BMW now extends through 2014.”

“We’re very pleased with the extension of our partnership agreement with BMW and the PGA TOUR, and we’re exceptionally grateful for BMW’s continued and enthusiastic support of the Evans Scholars Foundation,” noted WGA Chairman John N. Fix.

Since its founding with two Northwestern University students in 1930, the Evans Scholars Foundation – administered by the WGA – has provided over 9,800 college scholarships to golf caddies. During the 2008-09 academic year, 845 caddies attended college on Evans Scholarships. The total value of those scholarships was $8.8 million. 
 
The 2009 BMW Championship was played at Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in Lemont, IL and will again return to Cog Hill in 2010. 

 

Introducing the BMW Concept ActiveE, the latest electric vehicle project under BMW Group’s initiative to produce vehicles that explore solutions to minimize environmental impacts while preserving the kinetic driving experience for which BMW has long been known. The BMW Concept ActiveE follows the all-electric MINI E as the second large-scale electric vehicle test program to be conducted in the hands of interested customers.

 

As an exciting example of its EfficientDynamics engineering philosophy, BMW announced the North American debut of the 7 Series with a twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine. Featuring BMW’s award-winning inline-6 engine that produces V-8 power on six-cylinder fuel consumption, the new BMW 740i and BMW 740Li achieve a remarkable balance of power, efficiency, and sporty driving dynamics. Both models will go on sale in the United States as 2011 models in Spring 2010. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

In 1977, the original BMW 7 Series was launched exclusively with inline-6 propulsion. The United States first met the BMW 7 Series in the 1978 model year as the 733i Sedan. The 733i featured a 3.2-liter inline-6 engine rated at 197 horsepower. The 733i remained on sale in America until it was replaced in 1985 by the BMW 735i Sedan. The 735i, which featured an updated inline-6 engine producing 218 horsepower from 3.4 liters, enjoyed a production run that lasted through the end of the 1992 model year. The 735i was joined by the extended-wheelbase 735iL in May of 1988.

A keystone of BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy is “virtual displacement,” the notion that BMW’s modern engines of smaller displacement can equal or exceed the outputs of traditional engines of larger displacement and more cylinders. This principle is already seen in the BMW 750i model, which features a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine performing at the level of BMW’s previous-generation V12 engine. Virtual displacement provides the power of a larger engine with the fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions signature of a smaller engine. The 2011 BMW 740i and 740Li feature BMW’s internationally acclaimed twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine with up-rated output of 315 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque from 1600-4500 rpm. All-aluminum construction, High Precision direct fuel injection, Double-VANOS variable camshaft technology, and Brake Energy Regeneration are a few of the technologies used under the BMW EfficientDynamics philosophy to place the 740i and 740Li among the most powerful six-cylinder luxury sedans in the world. Delivering power to the rear wheels is BMW’s 6-speed automatic transmission, well-known for fast, smooth gearshifts and an ability to intelligently adapt to the driver’s style.

Both models will be available with the full complement of well-known 7 Series options and packages, including the M Sport Package, Driver Assistance Package, Luxury Seating Packages, Rear Entertainment Package, and even the BMW Individual Composition Package.

 

Munich. BMW Group sales continued their upward trend in November. Overall, the company delivered 11.5% more vehicles than in the same month last year at 107,686 (prev. yr. 96,609) units. Since the start of the year, 1,162,510 (prev. yr. 1,323,453 / -12.2%) BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce have been sold worldwide.

 

Ian Robertson, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing: “Since September, sales have been back on the growth track. In November we achieved another substantial increase in our global deliveries. We intend to continue this trend in December.”

 

In the month under review, sales of BMW brand automobiles rose to 90,383 units (prev. yr. 81,386 / +11.1%). A total of 963,712 (prev. yr. 1,104,983 / -12.8%) BMW vehicles were sold in the year to the end of November. Almost all BMW model series made gains. In November the strongest growth came from the BMW Z4, with an increase of 149.3% (1,760 / prev. yr. 706), and the BMW 7 Series, with gains of 57.1% (5,025 / prev. yr. 3,198). The BMW 1 Series saw growth of 11.7% (16,614 / prev. yr. 14,877), while the BMW 3 Series and the 5 Series reported gains of 3.4% (32,230 / prev. yr. 31,168) and 3.7% (14,164 / 13,665) respectively. In November growth was also driven by the X5 and X6 models, which registered total sales of 11,515 units (+3.6% / prev. yr. 11,120). The new BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and BMW X1 models introduced in late October are being very well received by customers – new orders for both are well above plan. No less than 2,940 BMW X1 and 1,110 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo were already delivered to customers in November.

 

MINI brand volumes were also considerably higher in November. With sales of 17,199 (prev. yr. 15,113) vehicles, deliveries rose 13.8%. For the year to the end of November a total of 198,163 (prev. yr. 217,415 / -8.9%) MINI cars were sold. In the past month Rolls-Royce delivered 104 automobiles (prev. yr. 110 / -5.5%). Between January and November 635 (prev. yr. 1,055 / -39.8%) of the brand’s vehicles were delivered to customers around the world.

 

With gains in Europe, Asia, Oceania and Africa the BMW Group was able to improve its sales figures on almost all continents in the month under review.

In Europe 63,999 vehicles were sold (prev. yr. 57,187 / +11.9%), the majority – 59,698 units – in the major established markets of Western Europe (prev. yr. 53,972 / +10.6%). However, in Eastern Europe, also, all signs pointed to growth in November, with a total of 3,291 (prev. yr. 2,868 / +14.7%) deliveries.

In the Asian region, 33.3% more vehicles were sold in the past month (16,030 / prev. yr.  12,030). The trend in Asia’s largest market, China, remained extremely positive, with sales climbing 39.7% to 8,470 vehicles (prev. yr. 6,062). In Japan, Asia’s second biggest market, the BMW Group sold 2,885 units (prev. yr. 2,788 / +3.5%). But there were also welcome gains in many smaller Asian markets. For instance, in November sales increased 140% (103 units) in Indonesia, 139% (980) in South Korea, 136.8% (315) in Malaysia, 94.1% (295) in Thailand and 57.1% (256) in India.

In Oceania the company sold 28.4% more vehicles, with 2,051 (prev. yr. 1,597) deliveries in the month under review.

The BMW Group was also able to increase sales in Africa (+10.3% / 2,125 deliveries). South Africa, in particular, was once again the continent’s number one volume market with sales of 1,583 units (prev. yr. 1,450 / +9.2%).

With 15,708 (prev. yr. 15,217) deliveries, the BMW brand achieved a 3.2% increase in the month under review in the USA, whereas the MINI brand, with 2,564 (prev. yr. 4,545) deliveries, experienced a decrease of 43.6%. As a result, in the USA the level of sales for the BMW Group was down by 7.5% (18,272 / prev. yr. 19,762) compared to November 2008. However, the South American markets maintained their strong growth trend last month. For instance, deliveries in Brazil climbed 415.5% to 897 (prev. yr. 174) and Argentina reported an increase in sales of 37.6% to 249 (prev. yr. 181) units. Overall, the BMW Group reported a decrease in sales of 1.3% in the American markets (23,345 / prev. yr. 23,653) last month.

 

BMW Motorcycles sold 5,503 (prev. yr. 5,773 / -4.7%) motorcycles worldwide in November. For the year to the end of November, 81,946 (prev. yr. 94,237 / -13.0%) motorcycles were delivered to customers.

 

PRESS RELEASE:

Kelley Blue Book and ALG Announce Winners on Eve of Los Angeles Auto Show.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, December 2, 2009…  The BMW X5 xDrive35d Advanced Diesel was named Best Resale Value in its class by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, and the 2010 BMW M3 is one of the Top BMW announced today that it has won two Best Resale Value awards from Kelley Blue Book and a Residual Value Award from ALG. The BMW 1 Series won the ALG Residual Value Award in the Near Luxury Car category.10 cars with Best Resale Value according to Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

“BMW drivers are loyal to the brand not only because of the exceptional driving experience their vehicles provide, but because of the remarkable ease of ownership afforded by BMW Ultimate Service®,” said Robert Frisch, Vice President, Western Region, BMW of North America. “Ultimate Service helps ensure BMW vehicles are serviced properly and on-schedule for the first four years, boosting the resale value and desirability of each BMW in the used vehicle marketplace.”

ALG determines the award winners after carefully studying the competition in each segment, historical performance, and industry trends.  Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing strategies are among the key factors that affect ALG’s residual value forecasts. Winning vehicles in each segment are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. Since 2007, BMW models have won five ALG Residual Value Awards.

The Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in producing vehicles that best retain their value. In addition to the mainstream and luxury brands with the best projected resale values across their entire vehicle lines, awards are presented to top vehicles within 16 vehicle categories and for the overall top 10 vehicles across all categories. With these two latest honors, BMW has garnered a total of 14 Kelley Blue Book Best Resale Value Awards since the awards were established in 2003.

 The Press release is below:

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – December 1, 2009... The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported November sales of 18,272 vehicles, a decrease of 7.5 percent from the 19,762 vehicles sold in the same month of 2008.  The BMW Group also reported a year-to-date sales volume of 218,110 vehicles, down 22.5 percent compared to 281,564 vehicles sold in the first 11 months of last year. 

BMW Brand Sales
Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 3.2 percent in November for a total of 15,708 vehicles compared to 15,217 vehicles reported in the same month a year ago.  Year-to-date, BMW brand sales were down 23.7 percent to 176,374 vehicles compared to 231,053 vehicles sold in the same period of 2008.

“November gave us some reason for optimism as it’s the second time in the last three months we showed a gain compared to the same month last year,” said Jim O’Donnell, President of BMW of North America, LLC.  “Overall, we believe that the premium segment is on its way back even though in the early part of 2010, it will be a bit bumpy and uneven. Our cause will be aided with the introduction of more new BMW models next year and just as we saw last month, continued solid performances from our X5 and X5 Advanced Diesel vehicles.” 

The BMW X5 Advanced Diesel is the most forward ordered vehicle of BMW’s model range and accounted for one quarter of all X5 sales in November.

BMW Certified Pre-Owned (CPO)
In November, sales of BMW’s Certified Pre-Owned vehicles increased 7.9 percent to 8,307 CPO vehicles versus 7,700 vehicles reported a year ago.  Year-to-date, CPO sales were up 11.3 percent to 103,289 over the 92,781 reported in the same period of 2008.

MINI Brand Sales 
MINI USA reported sales of 2,564 automobiles, a decrease of 43.6 percent compared to 4,545 cars reported in the same month a year ago.  Year-to-date, MINI USA also reported sales of 41,736  automobiles, a decrease of 17.4 percent, compared to the 50,511 cars reported in the first 11 months of 2008.

“November was a peculiar month as we saw fewer consumers shopping for small, fuel efficient vehicles,” said Jim McDowell, Vice President MINI USA.  “However, we know we have the right kind of vehicles for the future and remain committed to expanding our dealer network and getting ready for three new MINI models in the near future.”