The difference BMW makes between its concept cars and the models with similar names it releases later on in life are, almost always, negligible.

We’ve all known this for quite some time now yet the Bavarians seem to like exercising secrecy when it comes to testing out these cars in public.

In the case of the 1 Series GT (Active Hybrid Concept) we’ve known what it looks like for the best part of two months now, yet the car is still wearing heavy camouflage.

Not only has this new batch of spy shots caught the 1 Series GT out and about in a spectacularly non-revealing dress, the light fixtures used are the prototype ones.

Could BMW be readying a massive surprise for us? Could they be dramatically changing the look of the 1 Series GT? Could the Bavarians actually change their behavior with concepts?

Not likely. First of all, the BMW Active Hybrid Tourer Concept received positive feedback at the show and most reactions were on the same page.

Secondly, it is an MPV shape that’s pleasant and still speaks BMW on first glance. They managed to get that with a car that’s so close to being hated for its underpinnings.

If that’s the case, obviously BMW are aware of the fact that the car will have plenty of fans and sell in large volumes.

Why would any businessman in his right mind make a decision against this sort of favorable prediction and go in a different direction?

My guess is that they’re using camouflage and concealing the model simply to keep people guessing about what the 1 Series GT will look like or have inside.

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Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post Spied: BMW is still secretive about 1 Series GT appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The Bavarians are cooking up a bit of a mid life update for the F01 BMW 7 Series. The company’s flagship will get a facelift like you’ve never seen before.

Well actually, that’s not true, it’s barely going to change the way its lights and maybe, just maybe, the front bumper will get a bit of a redesign as well.

What will actually change is what’s going on underneath and, as always, some sort of software update is bound to take place or some extra speakers will be fitted.

We expect the engines to get some 10-20 extra ponies and fuel efficiency to be unaffected or improved even further.

Speaking of which, it seems like the F01 BMW ActiveHybrid 750i is what will get the most work. That’s because, contrary to popular opinion it’s a model that makes the most sense.

It may cost a bit of money more than the regular version of the BMW 750i but it will give you 55 more horsepower, save you money on fuel and save you a lot of time and money on taxes and such.

Estimated fuel economy (if it stays the same) for the 750i ActyveHybrid comes in at 17/26 mpg city/highway. It’s not exactly the Prius killer but it’s a bit better than the regular version’s 15/22 rating.

Some voices are even saying that rating might get even better as BMW might be considering a powertrain swap with the 5 Series ActiveHybrid.

That means the 4.4 liter V8 is swapped for 3.0 liter 6 cylinder engine but you still get two turbochargers in the mix.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

The post F01 BMW 7 Series will soon be updated appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.