BMW BLOG

There is no surprise anymore that BMW plans on launching several other hybrid models in the future. The new ActiveHybrid 7 and ActiveHybrid X6 were the first to BMW hybrids to make into production and other several ones are waiting their turn.

The next generation 1 Series has been rumored to feature a hybrid version as well, part of the EfficientDynamics program and BMW’s plans to improve the fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions in their fleet.

For the first time, spy photographers managed to photo capture a current 1 Series hatchback test mule featuring a hybrid sytem. The vehicle caught was wearing a “Hybrid Test Vehicle” badge as we’ve seen before on the X6 and even X5 test mules.

While not officially confirmed, we can assume that the 1 Series will feature the mild hybrid system seen in the X6, a modular setup with a motor/generator placed between the engine and transmission. Of course, a lithium ion battery will be strategically placed in the trunk.

Full photo gallery at Autoblog.com

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With days before its official unveiling in Munich on November 23rd, a new and most likely last spy video of the new 2011 BMW 5 Series has showed up on our radar. The fellows journalists at Auto Motor und Sport spotted the new 5 Series during several testing sessions on the roads of Munich.

The video shows different 5 Series variants and exterior colors: 550i, 535i and Sophisto Gray, Amethyst or Alpine White. What strikes us the most about this video compilation is the professional method in which it was shoot, a sign that the launch is imminent and the car is out in the open.

As we mentioned, the new 2011 BMW 5 Series will launch next Monday and our German publication, BimmerToday.de, will be there to report live. As always, stay tuned for a complete coverage of this new model.

While BMW has decided not to design an M version of the new roadster, the BMW fans looking for a sportier version of the Z4, will have to settle for the M Sport Package.

First spy photos of the Z4 M Sport Package surfaced back in September when several test mules were seen near Nurburgring. The M Sport Package will include the typical exterior and interior upgrades. On the outside, the already aggressive look will be enhanced with the addition of M front and rear-end bumpers. We also expect to see an exclusive choice of wheels and new exterior colors.

It is unclear if BMW will offer any performance upgrades, but we already know that the 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine is capable of producing more power

The folks over at Worldcarfans managed to capture the Z4 M Sport package in motion.

A new spy video reveals more details of the next generation BMW 5 Series which is due to be unveiled on November 23rd.

The video below shows us all three 5-series variants: F10 sedan, F11 Touring and M5. While the M5 still hides many of its design lines, the sedan is being barely covered in camouflage.

What’s left to see are those tiny details that can make or break a model, but judging from this video and the other spy photos, the new 5 Series will be a tough competitor for any other car in its segment.

Watch out our website next week and as we approach the unveiling date, more details will be revealed.

The first spy photos of the next generation BMW 3 Series broke out just a couple of weeks ago. With three years left before the unveiling, several test mules began the lengthy testing process.

The prototypes seen on the road now carry a large amount of plastic camouflage on them that cover the actual design lines. What the photos reveal currently are similar proportions to the current model and a slightly longer wheelbase.

Sources close to BMW mention that the proportions of a typical 3 Series will remain, meaning squat proportions, short rear overhang and wheels placed to each corner.

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Update: Looking at some spy photos and the “leaked picture”, we believe the 5 Series photo shown below could be a photoshop. There are several elements that don’t match. Thanks Miles!

The “marketing game” has begun. As we always see with new models, some allegedly leaked photos make their way onto the internet days before the official launch.

The new 2011 BMW 5 Series makes no exception and according to Worldcarfans, the photo below shows the partial front-end of the new 5er, spotted somewhere at a German dealership.

While we have our own doubts about a new 5er already being on dealers’ lots, there are several similarities that indicate this could be the new 5.

Is it real or not, we’ll let you decide, but the photo will serve its purpose: to create buzz before a product launch, a strategy that benefits both the BMW fans and the company.

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The current E90 BMW 3-Series has been on the market since 2005 and following BMW’s history of launching a redesign every 7 years, the next generation 3 Series is due out in 2012.

While many of the details are still sketchy, we’re pleased to see the first spy photos of the F30 bodystyle. The test mule features the now famous BMW camouflage, along with plenty of plastic panels that cover the actual design lines. What the photos reveal is similar proportions to the current model and a slightly longer wheelbase.

Sources close to BMW mention that the proportions of a typical 3 Series will remain, meaning squat proportions, short rear overhang and wheels placed to each corner.

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Based on the latest and some of the most revealing spy photos of the 2011 BMW 5 Series, our friend Jon Sibal decided to show us what could be hiding underneath that very light camouflage.

Judging by the spy shot posted by us earlier today, we believe the rendering is very close to the actual design, maybe with a slight adjustment at the bottom of the headlights area.

Looking at the car from this angle, the sleek, svelte look is in line with what we have seen so far. The rendering also features a low roofline and short overhangs, design cues that we’ve been mentioning several times in the past few months.

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After taking a break from the BMW 5 Series spy photos, we return today with a new shot showing the new 5er is “almost” all its glory. Courtesy of Car Advice, we’re getting one of the best spy shots we have seen so far with the beautiful corona headlights and the aggressive fascia.

Looking at the car from this angle, the sleek, svelte look we’ve been hearing about is more obvious than ever. The slightly larger dimensions are well “hidden” by this new design, and the modern and proportionate look, typical to a mid segment sedan, is back again. The low roofline and short overhangs are typical of this approach and the car is evenly proportioned with a wider track to accommodate larger wheelarches.

BMW will revive the successful slogan used in the past, “Die neue Klasse”, to welcome its new F10 5er bodystyle. The new 5er will replace the successful and avantgarde looking E60 series. With the new 5 GT model being part of the same family, the exterior design will show slightly similar design cues: mirrors , side indicator lights and door handles.

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As BMW announced many times before, the highly wanted Z4 M model will  not make it into production. Somewhat as a consolation and also to enhance the look of current E89 Z4, BMW is testing an aggressive M-Package which is due in 2010.

First spy photos of the Z4 M Sport Package surfaced back in September when several test mules were seen near Nurburgring. The M Sport Package will include the typical exterior and interior upgrades. On the outside, the already aggressive look will be enhanced with the addition of M front and rear-end bumpers. As seen in these photos, we expect to see an exclusive choice of wheels and new exterior colors.

The interior will also feature M branded design elements, as seen in the other M Sport Package: door sills, M steering wheel, foot rest and gear lever.

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