For less than a week, Las Vegas revolves around cars and when it comes to car modding or tuning, anything goes here at SEMA. Some of the cars are clearly “overdone” while others still maintain a bit of decency.

Our hometown fellas at JDM Chicago were present and managed to snap some photos for us. Let’s have a look.

One of them is the Alpina B7 BiTurbo ….long wheelbase version, similar to the shorter B7 which debuted at Geneva Motor Show in March. Powered by a V8 4.4 liter twin-turbo engine, Alpina manages to squeeze out 507 horsepower and an impressive 516 lb-ft of torque. Official numbers show the Alpina B7 LWB running from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds.

The speed limit has also been raised to 173 mph (280km/h). The B7 uses the automatic “SwitchTronic” gearbox, of course, rear-wheel-drive transmission. All of these should keep the B7 owners entertained on the german Autobahn.

All that power and balance needs to be kept in place, so Alpina packs the B7 with 245 and 285 tires, and sitting on custom 21″ wheels branded now with the famous Alpina logo.

Inside, several upgrades are offered as well: sportier seats, larger steering wheel and plenty of Alpina branded elements.

No official pricing has been disclosed at this time, but let’s ignore that for a second and enjoy the photos below, courtesy of our friends over at Autoblog.

Our coverage has been very extensive and as large as any coverage one car blog could do. Was it tiring? Exhausting? No doubt, but well worth it in our opinion and we’re glad we managed to pull through and most important, we’re glad you stayed with us through the journey.

But we are not done yet, beside the few videos we have coming up and some exclusive interviews with the 5 Series GT and Vision Concept designers, today, courtesy of our friends over at IAAblog, we have something new: a 3D Panorama from the BMW stand in Hall 11.

The photosynth above uses the MS Silverlight platform from Microsoft and if for some reason, you’re not able to view the 3D panorama, you can head over to MS Silverlight plugin page and download it. The plugin is available for Internet Explorer, Firefox and Safari on Windows and Mac OSX.

We also spend a fair amount of time looking at some of the most exclusive auto brands, for example, Ferrari, Aston Martin and Lamborghini. Being one of the largest auto shows in the whole world, Frankfurt gathers around an impressive amount of carmakers that come to glamor us with their cars.

Ferrari has brought out their latest models, Ferrari 458 Italia. Powered by a new 4.5L V8 which revs to 9,000 rpm, and produces 562hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. Ferrari advertises the 458 Italia as one of the “greenest Ferrari” to date, with an impressive 13.7L/100km (17.1 mpg US) combined city/highway rating.

Aston Martin unveils an elegant and classy Rapide grand tourer powered bys a hand-built 6.0-liter V12 engine capable of delivering 470 horsepower, propelling the car from 0-62mph in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 188mph.

Lamborghini stand turned heads, not only due to their beautiful photomodels, but also because of the Lamborghini Reventón Roadster, which can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and costs $1.6 million and is a 20-car limited production.

If you’re going to miss the Frankfurt Auto Show this year, don’t worry, we got you covered and you can see some of these exciting exotic cars in our photo gallery below.

The 135i Coupe features both exterior and interior performance components; front and rear-end bumpers, carbon-fiber bootlid and side mirrors, upgraded exhaust system, wheels and brakes, Alcantara sport seats and steering wheels, carbon-fiber trim.

Along with the visual upgrades, the BMW 135i Coupe gets an increase in power output of 20 horsepower from 300 to 320 horsepower. Torque has also been increaed, 317ft-lbs (manual transmission) or 332ft-lbs (automatic transmission) available from just 1,500 rpm.

With the power upgrades, the BMW 135i Coupe accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 0.2 seconds faster than the standard model and from 50 to 75 mph in 0.5 seconds faster.

The performance modifications of the BMW Performance Power Kit in no way void the vehicle warranty. Additionally quality standards are not compromised in any way.

Through a power divider with an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch, xDrive feeds exactly the right amount of power in every situation to the axle which, through its wheels, has the best grip on the road. Precise and quick control of this power distribution gives BMW’s all-wheel-drive luxury saloons truly supreme and outstandingly safe driving behavior under all conditions.

Through its dynamic operation, xDrive also helps to give the new luxury performance models with this technology the neutral behavior in bends and supreme tracking stability so typical of an all-wheel-drive BMW. In bends more drive power is fed to the rear axle in order to make the car even more nimble and avoid any understeer.

In the process the operation of xDrive is based on the steering angle pre-determined by the driver. While, when driving smoothly in a straight line, the front-to-rear power split is 40:60, up to 80 per cent of the drive power goes to the rear axle in a bend, ensuring spontaneous steering behaviour precisely following the actual radius and course of the bend. Then, when leaving the bend, the distribution of drive power returns to normal in the interest of maximum traction when accelerating again in a straight line.

In some of the summer test drives, journalists across the world have been pleased with the performance and dynamics of the 7 Series xDrive, but we’re reserving judgment until our own test drive.

While the 7 Series Security was off limits due to customers being offered a presentation behind closed doors, the X5 Security was accessible and we decided to take a closer look.

The windows are upgraded to laminated 22-mm thick security glass and the car makes use of high-performance steel molded components and panels. The body features sealed joints providing support between doors and frames as well as between side panels and pillars.

An intercom system and around the car camera system can assist the passengers in extreme cases when stranded inside the car.

BMW X5 Security Plus is powered by the 4.8-litre V8 engine delivering 355 horsepower and peak torque of 350lb-ft (475Nm) at just 3,400rpm. The BMW X5 Security Plus accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 8.2 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 112mph (180 km/h).

What makes this vehicle even more interesting is the fact that even to the most observant person, the X5 Security Plus can pass on as a regular production model, providing discretion and a higher level of security.

The revolutionary difference to its predecessor is the newly designed fender extensions and the striking rear. The visual and sonorous highlights of the rear part are the earthy sports exhaust system with the remarkable center double end pipes.

The masculine appearance of the TYCOON EVO is mainly emphasized by its new front wings and back wing extensions made of light composite material. They broaden the body by striking 60 millimeters. The perfectly designed side skirts render the optical connection while the front apron is an outstanding eye-catcher with its large air inlets and the LED daytime running lights under the serial headlights. At the rear of the X6, HAMANN engineers replaced the original skirt with an own development. This makes place for the sporty and earthy exhaust system with the center double end pipes.

The suitable rim for the broad makeover of the BMW X6 is the DESIGN EDITION RACE ANODIZED. The ultra-light forged wheel combines both agility and also elegance. The black rim star and the titanium bolting underline the dynamics of the wheel. The highly polished rim flange on the contrary gives the car a noble impression. HAMANN offers the 23-inch wheel with tires sized 315/25 R 23.

The tuning expert bestows the X6 xDrive35i with an engine output of 360 hp / 265 kW at 5230 rpm. Parallelly, the maximum torque rises by 140 Nm to 540 Nm in the rpm-range between 1300 and 5000. At the same time, HAMANN also suspends the speed limit of 250 km/h and allows impressive 275 km/h.

The Diesel series also profits from extra power. After the serial motronic is re-programmed, the xDrive30d has 265 PS / 195 kW and transfers a maximum torque of 600 Nm to the crankshaft. The engine variation xDrive35d also turns into a racy sprinter: HAMANN is able to tease 320 PS / 235 KW and a sensational torque of 660 Nm at 2000 rpm out of the Diesel car.

The maximum performance enhancement HAMANN offers is for the eight-cylinder model xDrive50i. By using a new motor electronics map and by applying metal catalysts and the matching sport exhaust system, the engine output increase to 501 hp / 368 kW at 5,600 r.p.m. (serial version: 407 hp / 300 kW at 5,500 r.p.m.). The maximum torque rises to enormous 700 Nm at 3,700 r.p.m (serial version: 600 Nm at 1,750 r.p.m.). Also the maximum speed rises significantly and only misses the 300 km/h notch by a whisker.

Inside, HAMANN offers accessories made of aluminum, from pedals and footrests. Decorative stitching and an embroidered logo remind us that we’re looking at the X6 by HAMANN.

The German based tuner Hamann brought out a variety of vehicles, from a Ferrari California and BMW 7 or X6, to Fiat 500. The Hamann 7 Series was introduced earlier this year and followed through with several small upgrades.

The exterior has been obviously received the most upgrades, starting with a new front skirt and continued with a roof and rear spoiler. LED daytime running lights which are integrated in the new front skirt, render a sporty-dynamic look.

The dual twin pipes sticking out of the rear end and the wider side skirts enhance the overall aggressive look that Hamann gives to the new 7.  To fit the wider body, Hamann offers a quite large selection of wheels, from 19 inch all the way up to 22 inch, wheels that fit on 265/30ZR22 and 295/25ZR22 tires.

The four progressively coiled chassis springs which lower the center of gravity with the models 730d, 740i by 40 millimeters at the front- and rear axles, render a dynamic appearance. For the models 750i and 750Li, there is a lowering kit consisting of two chassis springs and an evening kit.

In the power department, Hamann managed to increase the stock 245 horsepower on the 730d to a whooping 290 horsepower.

Inside, the Hamann 7 Series gets non-slip aluminum pedals and foot rests, as well as floor mats matching the interior colors. Plenty of carbon-fiber parts have been used by Hamann, such as decorative strip pieced for dashboard, inside door handle covers front & rear, decorative strip 3 pieced for center console, ashtrey cover, cover for cup holder panel and cover for hat rack.

Overall, a great looking car, but definitely not for everyone. Some might see it as the perfect tuned up 7, but others might think of it as too “flashy”.

The upgraded V8 twin-turbo with High Precision Direct Injection runs together, at the same time, with a 3-phase synchronous electric motor which is positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor generates approximately 20 hp and peak torque of 155 lb-ft.

The “pumped up” V8 twin-turbo engine produces 40 horsepower more than the engine found in the 750i/Li models to a total of 400 horsepower. The overall combined output is being advertised at 455 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (preliminary), while delivering fuel economy approximately 15% better than the 750i.

The ActiveHybrid 7 uses a lithium-ion battery pack supplying 120 volts.  A nickel-metal hydrid technology (NiMH) battery pack is featured in the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 with a total capacity of 2.4 kWh. Liquid cooling is used for even greater performance on the NiMH battery.

The 7 Series Hybrid has the drive power transmitted via an 8-Speed automatic transmission.

The 7 Series ActiveHybrid will launch in April 2010 with a price tag lower than the flagship 760Li.

Held every two years, the Frankfurt Auto Show gives BMW the opportunity to focus all their marketing efforts on one of the largest european car shows and this year, they spared no resources. From the imposing entrance with two rows of vehicles displayed on each side, to the suspended track used to drive their cars and the multiple lounges available for the visitors, BMW’s stand is one of a kind and one of the most impressive displays at the IAA.

Along with the cars available for viewing, there are also plenty of interactive activities that one can participate in, from the skiing machine available in the X1 area to the BMW Application Store Concept.

In the same Hall 11, MINI and Rolls Royce took their fair share and used their stands to launch several models.

Courtesy of BMW.tv, the video below will give you a general idea of what we have experienced at the 2009 IAA.

The visual differences between the regular X6 models and the ActiveHybrid one are very minimal and only a trained eye could really distinguish between them. The innovation and differences come from the hybrid technology developed by BMW.

BMW ActiveHybrid X6 features a two-mode hybrid system which allows the X6 to run either on its electric motors alone at low speeds, internal combustion or a combination of both. Compared to the 7 Hybrid, the X6 makes use of not one, but two electric motors which deliver 91 hp and 86 hp, respectively, with peak torque values of 192 lb-ft and 206 lb-ft. Top speed in the electric mode is 37 mph, maximum range is 1.6 miles.

The maximum output is 480 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque, enough to be crowned as the most powerful hybrid vehicle ever offered for sale. The ActiveHybrid X6 runs from 0 to 60 mph in only 5.4 seconds and still increases efficiency by 20%. The X6 Hybrid uses a 7-Speed automatic transmission. Top speed of X6 Hybrid is electronically limited to 130 mph.

All the ActiveHybrid concepts displayed previously at other auto shows featured the same silver color seen on the final production models in Frankfurt, but in a conversation with a BMW person involved in the X6 ActiveHybrid project, we learned that other exterior colors will be available at a later date.

Even though not confirmed, we expect the base price of an X6 Hybrid to be set between $70,000-$80,000.

Therefore, BMW decided to combine the exclusivity of the Individual division with the brand’s flagship, the new 760.

BMW 760i and 760Li are powered by a completely new 6.0-litre V12 all-aluminum engine with Twin-Turbo Technology,  High Precision Injection with fuel injected directly into the combustion chambers, and to BMW’s infinite double-VANOS camshaft adjustment as well as the eight-speed automatic transmission featured for the first time in a BMW.

The V12 engine outputs 544 horsepower at 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 533 lb-ft at 1,500. The wheelbase has been extended by 5.5 inch providing more passenger space and comfort. As expected, the BMW 760 runs from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and it offers improved fuel consumption over the previous model by 4.5 per cent.

The exterior design has been slightly modified to differentiate the 760 models from the others, the kidney grille for the radiator boasts an extra-wide chrome frame in slightly concave design as well as bars extending powerfully to the front. The 19-inch wheels are only available on these models and together with the V12 model designation on the chrome-plated gills with their integrated side direction indicators at the transition point between the front side panel and the driver’s and, respectively, front passenger’s door likewise help identify the high-end 7 Series.

While the interior design of the new 7 is already at the highest standards, the 760Li Individual takes it to a new level with even more refined interior parts.

Attending an European auto show, gave us the opportunity to see some cars that are not available for the U.S. market. Our first stop, the Wiesmann stand where the MF5 Roadster has been displayed.

Wiesmann MF 5 Roadster is powered by the same engine found in the BMW M5: 5.0 liter V10 powerplant which outputs 500 horsepower. The roadster runs from o to 62 mph in only 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 193 mph.

With the same 500bhp 5.0-litre V10 as an M5 Wiesmann likens the Roadster MF5 to a wild animal. And while it weighs little more than a well-fed heffer (at 1395kg) it certainly has the potential to display a predatory instinct out on the road – the 0-62mph sprint is completed in 3.9 seconds, before it roars on to a 193mph top speed. Wiesmann MF5 weighs 1,395 kg (3,075 lbs).

The hand-crafted interior design screams of luxury, combined with an old-school approach that makes the MF5 so unique. The Wiesmann Roadster also uses BMW’s 7-Speed SMG sequential gearbox with paddle shifters.

Wiesmann Roadster MF5 comes with a hefty price: £168,790 ($274,271)

They didn’t spare any resources nor money to bring the BMW fans and not only, one of the most impressive cars display we have seen in years. BMW, MINI and Rolls Royce had over 70 cars on the showroom floors and thousands of people have visited the stand on the first day.

The BMW press conference was sold out with journalists and not only, scrambling to find some space. BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer opened the show, followed by the Head of Research and Development, Dr. Klaus Draeger.

We compiled a series of eight videos which will give you a better view of what went on there.

The M3s will run in limited production for six months and they will be available in four distinct colors: Alpine White, Black, Dakar Yellow, and Monte Carlo Blue. The M3 Edition models will also sport the BMW Individual High-Gloss Satin Chrome.

The M displayed at Frankfurt was showcasing the beautiful Monte Carlo Blue color, one of the best colors that we’ve seen on an M3.

The M Sports Package comprises an Aerodynamics Package as well as additional chrome trim on the specially designed front and rear aprons, illuminated M entry trim and BMW Individual High-Gloss Shadow Line.

In combination with the M Sports Package, the customer also has the choice of exclusive paintwork in Carbon Black Metallic, apart from six other body colours all available as an alternative.

The dynamic look of the car is rounded off by 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design featuring different-sized tyres front and rear. As an option there are also 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, again with different tyre sizes front and rear.
And last but not least, electronically controlled BMW Dynamic Drive also comes in the M Sports Package for the BMW 7 Series.

Sports seats with leather upholstery, the M leather steering wheel with multi-function buttons and the M footrest underline the active character of this luxury performance saloon also within the passenger compartment. BMW Individual roof lining in anthracite and interior trim in fine-grain aluminium round off the interior ambience with its focus on sporting performance.

The BMW M Sports Package is available for all models in the BMW 7 Series with both normal and extended wheelbase.

The Marrakesh Brown painted 1 Series is an exclusive color for 1er models and it really stands out as you walk into BMW’s Hall 11. The Edition Models 1 Series stands out with high quality interior trim in high-gloss Marrakesh Brown as well as door panels and seat upholstery in Magma Brown.

And as an alternative to Network cloth upholstery there is also the choice of Pearlpoint upholstery with Magma Brown cloth / leather.

On the outside, the Lifestyle Edition features the exclusive Marrakesh Brown Metallic including additional components in body colour and chrome-plated tailpipes as well as exclusive light-alloy rims in five-spoke design. The 1 Series Lifestyle models come with 17-inch wheels.

If you’re at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the 1 Series Lifestyle edition is a must see.

The Performance Kit gives the engine a 20 horsepower upgrade along with 40Nm of torque, for a total of 197 horsepower and 390Nm. Despite the power increase, BMW says that fuel consumption average remains unchanged.

The power kit for the N47 includes both software and hardware components, including a large intercooler and a particular powerful fan for the water-cooler.

Along with the engine upgrade, several exterior and interior performance parts have been added to the 320d Sedan, starting with upgraded front and rear bumpers, fiber carbon boot lid, performance brakes, Alcantara sport seats, steering wheel with LED screen, carbon fiber trim and many other specific parts from the performance catalog.

The car displayed at the auto show features the exclusive Frozen Gray Metallic matte finish. The M6 Competition Edition is limited to only 100 vehicles, all of them carrying a special engraving.

While inside there are plenty of elements reminding us of the limited edition status it carries, the M6 Competition also received some fine technical tuning, starting with a special suspension which will provide even more momentum, and continuing with revised springs, dampers and stabilizers. The ride has also been lowered by 10 mm upfront and 12mm at the rear.

The photos don’t do any justice to the car and you have to trust us when we say that it looks absolutely gorgeous in person.