IS a change of culture afoot in Munich? Time will tell
BMW — specifically, Stefan Krause, BMW’s head of sales and marketing — is seriously considering starting up a new brand to build and sell a line of green vehicles:
The mighty Munich operation must find a way to “satisfy growing pressure for vehicles with better economy” Krause has been quoted as saying. Interestingly, BMW’s researchers have concluded that the BMW brand cannot be stretched much further from its ‘ultimate driving machine’ position. So while it has made impressive gains with its Efficient Dynamics programme, fundamental changes to the brand are out of the question.
Instead, BMW might need a range of smaller, lighter front-drive models to build up into a big-selling global business. Such a move would also help meet future binding fuel-economy targets in Europe and the U.S. (the EU looks like it will join the U.S. in setting economy targets and then fining carmakers for selling vehicles that don’t achieve them).
According to Mr. Krause, BMW won’t simply pin the green label onto Mini, which won’t expand much beyond the upcoming Clubman.
There’s no word on what technology this new green brand would focus on — hybrid, hydrogen, ethanol or diesel. Right now, BMW’s most publicized green effort is its Hydrogen 7. Based on the 7 Series luxury sedan, the Hydrogen 7 is powered by an internal combustion engine that can run on hydrogen and gasoline. But it’s only available on a short-term loan. And BMW is saving those for celebrities like Jay Leno, Brad Pitt and Will Ferrell.
More recently, BMW introduced two diesel vehicles at the Detroit auto show, the 335d sedan and the X5 xDrive35d, which it plans to offer in the United States by the fall. Like the Mercedes-Benz diesel engines, the BMW engines have yet to be approved by the Air Resources Board in California
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 07, 2008
BMWV5 spy shot
From our friends at autobahn report (autobahnreport.com), a test photo of the upcoming V5 (possible '09 launch)
The V-Spot
A V7 crossover long wagon was mooted a few years back, but now it seems
thaththe first model in the V line (looks like a competitor to the
Mercedes R line) will be based on the 5-series. The following from autobahn report:
BMW's V5 crossover has been caught winter-testing.
Although wearing a bit of a fat suit, the shape is clear — a stand-out feature being the sloped roof and rear glass.
There are two ways of looking at the V5. The first: a raised 5 Series wagon with fastback rear. The second: a lowered X6, which itself was only recently unveiled.
Of course, the V5 will have a style all its own when the production version finally breaks cover (likely several months away). BMW calls it a progressive activity sedan, blending impressive practicality with exceptional handling.
The interior is predicted to have various configurations for carrying plenty of people (up to six) and all of their stuff.
Likely engines include BMW's 300-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six and a V8. Production could happen at BMW's South Carolina plant, where capacity is being beefed up.
The V5 name has not been confirmed but, from what we gather, is the strongest option being considered
thaththe first model in the V line (looks like a competitor to the
Mercedes R line) will be based on the 5-series. The following from autobahn report:
BMW's V5 crossover has been caught winter-testing.
Although wearing a bit of a fat suit, the shape is clear — a stand-out feature being the sloped roof and rear glass.
There are two ways of looking at the V5. The first: a raised 5 Series wagon with fastback rear. The second: a lowered X6, which itself was only recently unveiled.
Of course, the V5 will have a style all its own when the production version finally breaks cover (likely several months away). BMW calls it a progressive activity sedan, blending impressive practicality with exceptional handling.
The interior is predicted to have various configurations for carrying plenty of people (up to six) and all of their stuff.
Likely engines include BMW's 300-horsepower twin-turbo inline-six and a V8. Production could happen at BMW's South Carolina plant, where capacity is being beefed up.
The V5 name has not been confirmed but, from what we gather, is the strongest option being considered
1 X1
BMW is getting ready to add a third Sports Activity Vehicle to its model line, most likely for 2010.
Recently spotted as a disguised prototype, the X1 will be a baby brother to the well-established X3 and X5.
The X1 is based on BMW's 1 Series cars and is being developed alongside Mini's first Sports Activity Vehicle.
The BMW and Mini SAVs are expected to share a platform, raised suspension and four-wheel drive — with the BMW being a bit bigger in size.
Unlike the X3 and X5, the X1 has a less upright and more sloping rear, as depicted in these photos.
Engines will likely carry over from the 1 Series, which means a range-topping 300-horse bi-turbo inline-six that will certainly distance the BMW X1 — figuratively and literally — from competition such as the Toyota RAV4.
Count on Autobahn Report for the latest news and photos
Recently spotted as a disguised prototype, the X1 will be a baby brother to the well-established X3 and X5.
The X1 is based on BMW's 1 Series cars and is being developed alongside Mini's first Sports Activity Vehicle.
The BMW and Mini SAVs are expected to share a platform, raised suspension and four-wheel drive — with the BMW being a bit bigger in size.
Unlike the X3 and X5, the X1 has a less upright and more sloping rear, as depicted in these photos.
Engines will likely carry over from the 1 Series, which means a range-topping 300-horse bi-turbo inline-six that will certainly distance the BMW X1 — figuratively and literally — from competition such as the Toyota RAV4.
Count on Autobahn Report for the latest news and photos
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Happy New Year, Bimmamaniacs
It's been a while since we've presented new developments in
the Bimmasphere, but 2008 is here and the wheels are ready to roll again, even
if the local dealership is yet to warm to us as we would have liked.
The bimma blog thanks those who have supported us to this point
and pledges to remain your access point for BMW developments in 2008
from the Ultimate Bimma blog,
happy New Year
the Bimmasphere, but 2008 is here and the wheels are ready to roll again, even
if the local dealership is yet to warm to us as we would have liked.
The bimma blog thanks those who have supported us to this point
and pledges to remain your access point for BMW developments in 2008
from the Ultimate Bimma blog,
happy New Year
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