The 2015 Shanghai Auto Show is fast approaching and BMW has already announced its intentions of bringing a lot of high-end models at the event, amongst which the newly unveiled BMW X5 xDriv40e SAV, the carmaker`s first plug-in hybrid of the 2-Series.

What we know about the BMW X5 xDrive40e SAV is that it will come with a lot of space inside, now offering the chance of the third-seat row and making room for a plug-in hybrid configuration. We are dealing here with a conventional 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol unit, with the BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which is capable of producing 313 horsepower, the power being also achieved by a synchronous electric motor.

The BMW X5 xDrive40e also makes use of the BMW EfficientDynamics eDrive Technology, which provides the all-wheel drive layout great road efficiency as well as outstanding figures in terms of fuel consumption. The model is thus able to achieve just 3.4-3.3 liters per every 100 km, while the CO2 emissions stand at only 77-78 grams/kilometer.

But the BMW X5 xDrvie40e SAV is not the only star to be officially launched in Shanghai between 22 – 29 April, as the German premium carmaker has already prepared other models, which will be available on the Asian market as well, soon after the event.

BMW has thus prepared the 1-Series and the 2-Series Gran Tourer, two premium models that bring a fresh feel in terms of performance and safety, followed by the more dynamic and more exclusive BMW M6 Coupe and the BMW M6 Gran Coupe.

On the other hand, BMW will also launch the more luxurious models, the BMW 6-Series Convertible, the new 6-Series Coupe, as well as the fresh 6-Series Gran Coupe. Finally, let`s not forget the car`s BMW i lineup, which is the carmaker`s icon in terms of technology. We should mention here the high innovations, like the BMW ConnectedDrive, with special goodies destined for Shanghai alone: BMW Social Connected, the Ximalaya audio streaming service, or the Xiami music download service.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

Guess that despite the recent woes about high end luxury car sales being on the decline don’t worry BMW too much who are keeping their original plan.

The M1 successor is going ahead in its development and its scheduled release for 2016 remains unaltered. BMW will have a different kind of flagship to fight off Audi’s R8 and Mercedes’ SLS.

It will be a mid-engined supercar, something we haven’t seen BMW do since the early 80’s. Not only that, the BMW M1 it was the only creation from the bavarians to have such a setup.

Unlike the previous version, this car will not be developed alongside Lamborghini, the plans and molds will hopefully not need to be stolen and the commercial success won’t be duplicated.

The first version of this car was a bit of a mess in terms of pricing and sales success. This one is supposed to set landmark history in the German rivalry.

Apart from that, the BMW M1’s development will fall onto the shoulders of the M Division. AMG did their work on the SLS and they ended up with quite the crazy machine.

If the M Division gets the same level of engineering freedom, they may end up producing something that handles beyond what we can dream right now.

There is a bit of controversy about the new announcement though. The M1’s successor will actually be called the M8.

This is done to avoid confusion between the new car and the 1 Series M Coupe. Since the 8 Series doesn’t really exist anymore, we’ll let it slide.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

In the past BMW have won quite a few awards for various achievements related to their business. Though I’m a big fan of the engine of the year ones, the favorite is else were.

The constant stream of sustainability titles is what I love the Bavarians for. Essentially, they’re not only bringing us joy right now, they will be here for a long time in the future as well.

As recent proof of these constant efforts to stay on top, BMW recently told us about their keeping of original forecasts and predictions in finance.

BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer has now stepped forward in order to give us another bit of news about the sustained efforts of the company.

The focus this time is not the money bag, but rather something that’s sapping into the funds. Yes, it’s the electric car they’re advocating under the i brand.

If the BMW i4’s unveiling at the LA Auto Show wasn’t enough of a giveaway, it seems that the Bavarians are willing to spend on this sort of technology.

They know that it’s going to lose money for now, and for quite some time in the near future, so why are they doing it?

Why is a company that’s careful with its money interested in wasting some of it? The simple reason is that it’s not actually a waste.

Over the longer term, the electric vehicle is going to be the profitable way to go. If we’re talking about sustainability, that’s the sort of thinking you need to get on.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

Earlier today reports started coming in about people committing suicide after reading the morning papers. It seems there was some news from BMW in them.

The Bavarian brand confirmed the 2012 Paris Motor Show unveiling of their 1 Series GT model. That’s the front wheel drive version of the 1 Series.

Extra practicality, efficiency, all these things don’t really matter to the enthusiasts of the brand. Nor does the market fighting value of the equation.

For some reason, nobody cares if BMW will make this the greatest car ever made, it will always get knocked down for being front wheel drive.

Which is kind of annoying as the F20 BMW 1 Series gets knocked down for being rear wheel drive and often impractical.

Either way, even though I’m not the biggest fan of front wheel drive there’s just no doubt in my mind that the BMW 1 Series GT will be a great handling car.

Since the idea originally came up the 1 Series GT never got too many fans but when the first announcement of a Paris unveil came up most were hoping BMW would change their mind in the meantime.

It hasn’t happened, there’s a lot of disappointment and suicide going on and there’s not a lot of cheering going in the rival camps.

Now that the 1 Series can actually put up a serious fight in practicality the Audi A3, Mercedes B Class and Volvo V40 will shiver.

Especially as BMW promises the 1 Series GT will retain the incredible driving dynamics of the company. No torque steer, as little understeer as possible and utter joy should be felt from behind the wheel.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

Sure, it’s been plenty of talk about it, a lot of work will go into it but the amount of rumors regarding the next generation of the F30 M3 simply outweighs both.

Most of them have been dismissed by this point and while some still rage on, the main points have been pretty much cleared.

A few details have been appearing lately however there’s something considerably important to talk as they are biggies.

The 3.0 liter-ish straight six engine was something we already knew and loved considerably more than the rumored V6.

Turbocharged system haven’t been cleared up yet but the displacement is finally available. It will be a 3.2 liter, something that can’t be described as anything other than great.

Some of BMW’s greatest cars ever were powered by a 3.2 liter straight six so the F30 M3 has a lot to live up to.

This happens with every single new M3 model but this generation will have a special “problem” as the Bavarians have announced something worrying.

It seems that the F30 BMW M3 will use an electric power steering system. This usually robs you away of feel and unless BMW manage to revise it brilliantly, the steering may be… less than perfect.

We need to consider the situation like this, would you like less power and have a great steering setup or a rather less responsive one with added boost?

It’s a hard decision and BMW have already made it for us. Perhaps they know what they’re doing better than we can speculate.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

I’m still hardly believing it but it seems that the Bavarians at BMW have yet another excellent piece of news for us brand enthusiasts.

Apparently, though it had been on and off for a while, BMW is actually going to make a successor to the iconic M1 supercar of the late 70s.

Despite having said they decided not to make it last year it seems that the recent worries about the i Range are encouraging them to decide against the decision.

The BMW M1 supercar will be introduced just after they unveil the brand new i8 hybrid range so maybe it’s not time to shout about the green cars being killed off.

As it stands, the schedule sees BMW unveil the M1 sometime in 2016 with no actual plan announced for the actual going on sale bit.

Nothing has been uttered on the interior, the final exterior look or the power. Whereas the first one is a full mystery, the design is expected to look a lot like the M1 Hommage concept.

As for the performance levels, there’s a fairly conventional kind of technology to consider. Nothing too fancy, nothing too electric or anything of the likes.

The mid-engined supercar will very likely come with a turbocharged V8 engine much like the one in the M Division’s products so far.

Most estimates see it produce some between 600 and 650 horsepower, having a top speed figure of 205 mph and costing around 250.000 euros.

We will wait and see, but frankly it doesn’t really matter as long as BMW make it and it doesn’t end up costing far more than any Ferrari model.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

No, I have not started playing scrabble with added numbers. An expansion/differentiation of the lineup is actually going to happen at BMW.

The change in internal or public model naming of BMW’s products may be something of a change but there’s something that’ll please the enthusiasts in this announcement as well.

Having spoken to Mr. Ludwig Willisch, President of BMW North America, the guys over at bimmerpost have managed to find out what engine we can look forward to.

Under the bonnet of both the F30 M3, and the allegedly called F80 BMW M4 coupe version we’re going to see a very traditional inline six cylinder engine.

It will be getting the not exactly traditional force fed TwinPower Turbo technology but hey, you can’t win them all.

The engine will be sized at 3.0 liters, perhaps even a little more thanks to different stroke management. Regardless of the this specification, performance for the new M3 is expected to be epic.

Most voices speak of more than 450 horsepower being available on tap. The BMW officials are still keeping away from this but there’s a certain feel that nobody will be disappointed.

Come to think about it, the only actual worry about the upcoming BMW M3’s engine is the fact that it might not deliver the same sort of snarl as its predecessors.

Who knows, maybe BMW will fit some of that Active Sound technology to the stereo of this very desirable motorcar.

I for one am so glad to know the BMW M3 is going back to the straight six I might even let that idea pass by without too much grumbling.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com

It’s pretty much common knowledge that diesel engines aren’t first on the list of preferences for the American market or the legislation that prevails in the United States of America.

However, more and more diesel engines manage to leap the Atlantic and land a place in the North American market. A perfect example would be how the 2011 BMW 5 series will be bringing in such an engine stateside.

Something about diesel engines made available on the F10 BMW 5 Series has been rumored along for quite some time now and for a few hours now it’s been a definite fact.

A BMW official has made the confirmation of a diesel variant while in an interview with Inside Line. While this is good news, as if diesels are to make into the U.S. they have to be excellent and these new generation of diesel engines BMW is offering are just that, the official wouldn’t dish out addition details, not even which engine will actually be available.

In order not to keep us completely blinded while waiting we do know that it will be one of the diesel engines available in Europe for the 2011 BMW 5 Series. Most experts would bet on the 535 d being the lucky entrant to the exclusive market as it’s 3 liter engine develops 245 horsepower and a maximum torque of 398 lb-ft.

Figures such as these push acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in 6.3 seconds and keep the car relentlessly pulling further until it reaches an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

About Post Author

Marcus M.

http://www.bmwcoop.com