Rumor of the day comes from Auto123 magazine which reports on BMW’s plans to phase out the 335d model for the U.S. market. According to the Canadian magazine that doesn’t quote any official sources, the only diesel 3 Series for the North American market will be replaced by the new ActiveHybrid 3.

BMW’s first 50-state-legal diesel delivers 265 hp at 4220 rpm, and an all too fun 425 lb-ft of torque between 1750 and 2250 rpm. Driving through a six-speed automatic transmission, this engine propels the 335d from 0 to 60 mph in 6.0 sec while delivering 23 mpg city and 36 mpg on the highway. Or in other words, a combination of impressive performance and fuel consumption.

The alleged successor, ActiveHybrid 3, uses the N55 3.0 liter six-cylinder turbocharged TwinPower engine aided by an electrical engine to deliver an additional 40 kW (about 53 horsepower). The hybrid technology is similar to the one seen in the BMW ActiveHybrid 5. The electric motor in the latter model develops 40 kW/55 hp and is supplied with energy by a high-performance lithium-ion battery integrated into the luggage area.

The innovative hybrid system features a coasting mode (with the engine switched off) active at up to 160 km/h (100 mph).

Estimated fuel consumption for the 3 Series hybrid is 37 MPG.

We reached out to BMW for an official statement, stay tuned!

Update: A BMWNA spokesperson says the 335d is out production and there will be no diesel 3 Series in calendar year 2012. BMW is not ready at this stage to announce future diesel plans, but the company says BMW Advanced Diesels have been big success in the U.S. and BMW is definitely planning future diesel models.

[Source: Auto123 ]

As we mentioned before, the X4 seems to be taking its styling cues from the X6, yet maintaining an unique style with redesigned front fascia. A swooping, X6-like roofline blends into a bolder, more athletic rear end.

The X4 is built under the internal codename F26 and shares the platform as the X3. The “baby-SAC” will be positioned below the X5 SAV. It will measure 4.65 meters long (183 inches), same length as the F25 X3.

The X4 will also inherit the engine lineup from the X3, including both four and six-cylinder petrol and gasoline engines.

Another BMW source told BMWBLOG that the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina is already preparing for the X4 production lines and plans have been set in motion months ago.

The X4 will take on the Land Rover Evoque, as well as the forthcoming Q6 and Cajun models being co-developed by Audi and Porsche.

[Source: AutoExpress ]

Hybrid and xDrive versions will be offered as well.

Same source says the design of the 1 Series GT is quite appealing and the car will compete directly with the Mercedes-Benz B-Class.

The 1 Series Gran Turismo, also known internally as Compact Activity Tourer, will be the first of many front-wheel drive vehicles to come from BMW. To reflect the Gran Turismo design, the 1 GT will have an elevated driving position, as seen in the 5 Gran Turismo.

The car will hit the dealerships in 2014.

According to a BMW source the 3 Series GT features more attractive and sleeker lines than its older brother, the 5 GT, but it maintains a somewhat bulky look. The 3 GT is said to offer same trunk space as the 5 Series Sedan and interesting enough, more legroom.

Last year, we learned that the 3 Series Gran Turismo  will come with a hatch as seen on the 5 GT and raised ride height. The car has a high belt line that completely wraps around the car, therefore allowing the roof to be lower and sleeker. The core idea of a Gran Turismo vehicle remains, traveling in style and luxury, but without sacrificing performance.

Internally the 3GT is referred as the “Progressive Activity Coupe.” BMW calls this prototype “Progressive Activity Coupe” because of the way the roof slopes down at the rear, but instead of a larger glass area as in a Touring, there is an additional quarter light and a wrap around tailgate. The rear end is a combination of Touring and a Shooting Brake.

BMW sees the 3 Series Gran Turismo as “the alternative to alternatives, a style conscious car with the dynamic prowess to match its looks.”

The BMW 3 Series GT will inherit the motoring options from the recently unveiled 3 Series Sedan, so we expect to see a high-end 335i GT as well. With the new 3 Series Touring coming to the U.S. as well, it remains to be seen if BMW will offer the Gran Turismo version to American customers.

All 7 Series LCI models will get the signal indications integrated into the side mirrors.

Further changes occur under the hood. The 750xd will have the same 3 liter tri-turbo diesel engine as seen in the recently unveiled M550d, X5 M50d and X6 M50d. The engine produces 381 horsepower and will be unveiled in Geneva as well.

The U.S. entry-level model, the 740i will change its engine to the N55B30 which produces 320 horsepower. The 750i will now use the N63B44TU powerplant that produces 450 horsepower. The unit will also be available in the 650i Gran Coupe.

The diesel engines are also being updated. The 730d and 740d models will output 258 and respectively 313 horsepower while providing better fuel consumption. No power upgrades are offered for the top model BMW 760i and its N74 twin-turbo V12.

Across the range, the 6-speed auto transmission will be replaced by the ZF 8-speed automatic.

Stay tuned for more exclusive info on upcoming BMW models!

We have also learned that the new M6 will make us of a 7-speed M DCT transmission (no word on manuals yet) and will run from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 4.2 seconds. With the M Launch Control feature, we expect the high-end M model to get under 4 seconds.

Our sources say the car sports a very aggressive front fascia that is even more prominent in colors like Melbourne Red.

We continue to believe that the M6 Coupe and Convertible will be powered by the same powerplant as the F10 M5 which goes on sale this summer, producing 560 horsepower and 501 lb-ft of torque ( 680 Nm) at 1500 rpm. The M6’s rear-drive chassis has been tuned extensively at the Nürburgring and it has the dynamic proficiency to cope with prodigious power outputs.

The super-sporty M6 will feature carbon fiber roof and body panels that will help with weight savings. A carbon-ceramic brake system and lightweight ally wheels are also part of the package.

When it goes on sale, we predict the base price of the M6 to be above the $100,000 mark for U.S. customers.

An insider reveals to Autocar that the M6 will make use of the same powerplant as the F10 M5 which goes on sale this summer, producing 560 horsepower and 501 lb-ft of torque ( 680 Nm) at 1500 rpm. Same insider says the M6’s rear-drive chassis has been tuned extensively at the Nürburgring and it has the dynamic proficiency to cope with prodigious power outputs.

The super-sporty M6 will feature carbon fiber roof and body panels that will help with weight savings. A carbon-ceramic brake system and lightweight ally wheels are also part of the package.

Is the M6 BMW’s own version of a supercar? At Detroit Auto Show, same insider says “M wants to build its own car. BMW has a great heritage of super-coupes and the M6 is the latest part of that. But we also want to do something that we can call a ‘super sports car’.”

Can the M division put together a compelling case for an M supercar? Time will tell, but in the mean time, stay tuned for the M6 Coupe debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

[Source: Autocar | Rendering: LeftLanNews ]

The 1 Series front-wheel drive models are based on the all-new front-wheel drive platform and will take advantage of BMW’s new three-cylinder 1.5 liter turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. The Munich-based automaker will also offer an xDrive version.

The N37 power unit will deliver at least 160 horsepower and 95 g/km CO2 rating for diesel units. The high-end 1 Series with front-wheel drivetrain will be powered by a TwinPower engine with 180 horsepower.

First model to launch will be the Advanced Family Sports Activity Tourer. BMW insiders say the idea is to mix the space and flexibility of an MPV, the solidity of an SAV with the shape of a larger Touring model, but have maintain the car-like appearance. With AFAST, short for Advanced Family Sports Activity Tourer, BMW’s ideas are to reinterpret the concept of a van to be more car-like, but without compromising space, flexibility and driving dynamics.

The new layout has also allowed BMW to rethink the car’s proportions, with the front bulkhead and A-pillars being brought further forward. This will increase the volume of the cabin to a level comparable with Europe’s best-seller, the Volkswagen Golf, and the Audi A3.

BMW insiders suggest there could be 1 million front-drive BMWs and Minis produced annually by the end of the decade.

The Rocketman made its debut in concept form last year at the Geneva Motor Show and was initially approved for mass production. The new mini-MINI was supposed to create a new entry point for the company, with a range of three-cylinder engines on offer, lightweight materials throughout and an all-electric version in the pipeline.

In concept form, the unique 3+1 seater features three doors and has length just over 3 meters, cater to the urban lifestyle in big cities. MINI Rocketman makes use of lightweight design principles and an interior geared to maximum driving fun and unbeatable variability. A carbon spaceframe construction, whose striking surface structure is visible at the front end of the car, around its doors and in the interior, forms the basis for a weight-minimizing construction.

The MINI Rocketman Concept measures 3.419 meters (approx. 11 ft. 3 in.) in length, adding just a few extra centimeters to the front and rear of the brand’s founding father born in 1959. The new study is 1.907 meters (approx. 6 ft. 3 in.) wide, including the exterior mirrors, and stands 1.398 meters (approx. 4 ft. 7 in) tall.

The reasons for the cancellation lay within the development costs associated with the new platform and current regulations, including stability, handling and crash performance.

As a final point, CAR is also known for its speculative reports, so until we confirm these news with another source, we encourage you to take the rumors with a grain of salt.

“We’re looking at options there,” Kurt McNeil, Cadillac’s vice president of sales, said in an interview for the magazine. “I think it would go a little bit more head-to-head with like the X3.” Mcneil also says that GM hasn’t yet greenlighted the small Cadillac SUV.

“The fact that Cadillac is becoming more of a global brand will certainly play a role in that decision,” he said.

Cadillac SRX featured here

The ambitious plans come from the success of the larger SRX sport-utility vehicle which increased U.S. sales 11 percent last year. BMW’s second generation X3 has also proven to be a successful model for the Munich-based automaker making the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina run at full capacity.

The aforementioned Cadillac ATS goes on sale in 2013 and will be offered with both rear-wheel and all-drive options. The company describes the ATS as being “nimble, fun and quick,” traits typical of a midsize, sport and luxurious car.

As an ending point, McNeil said that Cadillac “has to be as good or better than our main competitors.”

The new hatchback is said to retain the retro MINI style and the biggest surprise could come from the inside. Recent spy photos reveal an interior design which is very BMW-like. In a way, the design cues resemble the ones found in the 1 Series, with the typical arrangement of gauges, radios buttons and dashboard as seen in BMW vehicles.

Will MINI go through with such a radical change? Hard to predict at the moment, but there is also the possibility that the spy photos captured the BMW 1 Series GT with MINI-style body parts in order to hide the field testing of a BMW with the front-wheel drive platform.

The 1 Series Gran Turismo, also known internally as Compact Activity Tourer, will be one of the first front-wheel drive vehicles from BMW. Design wise, the 1er GT follows the steps of the 5 Series GT niche model and also the future 3 Series GT.  1 GT will be 2 inches (5cm) longer than the 3-door and 5-door models, but it will sport an unique front-end. To reflect the Gran Turismo design, the 1 GT will have an elevated driving position, as seen in the 5 Gran Turismo.

Earlier this week, in an interview for Automotive News, Dr. Kay Segler, Head of MINI, says the company will add three models by the end of the decade. Segler refrained from offering specific details on the three models, but they will likely use the upcoming front-wheel drive platform that will be shared with the BMW family as well.

[Source: InsideLine ]

According to BMW insider Scott27, the 4 Series Gran Coupe will be a “very sexy looking four door Gran Coupe model which will bring the sleek sportiness , premium image and ambience of the 6er Gran Coupe to the Premium entry sports segment.”

The 4 Series Gran Coupe is said to compete with the A5 Sportback. Built under the codename F35, the 4 Series Gran Coupe will launch in 2015.

The bigger brother and the first BMW with four-doors and coupe-like design, 6 Series Gran Coupe, will launch in summer of 2012 and will directly compete with the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS.

The 4+1 seat addition to the 6 Series line combines stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe with interior room and amenities for up to five passengers.

The 6 Series Gran Coupe goes on sale in the US in June 2012 and will be offered as three distinct models: BMW 640i, 650i and 650i xDrive (the latter two launching in late summer 2012).

Possibly dubbed MINI Cargo, the first van within BMW Group is apparently based on the Clubman model and is shaping up to be a work-ready hauler with the rear bench seat removed.

To stay true to its van designation, the rear side windows will be ditched for sheetmetal.

A BMW van has also been rumored in the past. Known internally known as the Advanced Family Sports Activity Tourer, a BMW insider describes the BMW mini-van as a model mixing the space and flexibility of an MPV, the solidity of an SAV with the shape of a larger Touring model, but have maintain the car-like appearance.

So will BMW Group debut two vans in the near future? We’ll find out first in Geneva.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport ]

Market Launches

F30 BMW 3 Series

In February 2012, BMW will start shipping the new F30 3 Series. In the U.S., the high-volume seller will come initially in two flavors: 328i and 335i. A diesel version, most likely 335d, will debut later in the year. The 3er will be available with the Sport, Modern, Luxury and M Package lines.

Later in the year, BMW will also debut the ActiveHybrid 3, but it remains unknown if the U.S. market will get to enjoy the first hybrid 3 Series.

F31 BMW 3 Series Touring

The Touring version of the 3 Series will debut at the Leipzig Auto Show in June 2012 and the European market launch will take place in late Fall. According to BMW sources, there are no plans to bring the Sports Wagon across the pond.

F20/F21 BMW 1 Series

The all-new entry-level 1 Series will also come to the European market in early 2012. First available in the 5-door configuration, the 1er family will receive the 3-door models just a few months after. Unfortunately for American customers, BMW has no plans to bring the new 1 Series to the United States.

BMW M550d

The tri-turbo six-cylinder diesel and the M550d will start production in March 2012. The newly designed diesel engine will output 381 horsepower and over 700 Nm of torque (516 lb-ft).

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

The 6 Series Gran Coupe goes on sale in the U.S. in June 2012 and will be offered as three distinct models: BMW 640i, 650i and 650i xDrive (the latter two launching in late summer 2012).

BMW 7 Series Facelift

The facelifted version of BMW’s flagship will also be available this Summer. While the company will include some minor cosmetic updates, the big changes come from underneath the hood where the luxurious 7 Series gets updated power units.

U.S. BMW X1

Finally the entry-level Sports Activity Vehicle will make its way into the U.S. market. The X1 xDrive28i will debut this fall with the new 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine.

BMW X6 and X6 M Facelift

Another SAV or SAC if you may, that will debut this year is the X6 facelift, in both standard and M form. The facelifted X6 and X6 M will sport a more aggressive front fascia, redesigned the X6 headlights, as well as LED-powered white corona rings for daytime running lights. At the rear, the taillights will receive the now usual LED treatment.

F10 BMW M5

While debuted in 2011, the F10 M5 super sedan launches this Spring. BMW of North America will offer the new M5 with both a DCT and manual transmission.

BMW X6 M50d

The X6 M50d will debut this year as well and BMWBLOG learned from sources that the M diesel will run from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.9 seconds. Furthermore, we learned that the car will output 381 horsepower and 545 lb-ft of torque (740Nm).

The X6 M50d will come equipped with an innovative and unique engine, a tri-turbo six-cylinder diesel.

Auto Show Debuts

BMW M6 Convertible and Coupe

Just as the 6 Series models, the convertible version of the M6 will debut first. The world premiere will take place in March at Geneva Motor Show.

Even though not confirmed, we expect the M6 Coupe to come on the floor at the October’s Paris Motor Show.

The market launch for both M6 variants will occur in 2013.

BMW 3 Series GT

BMW is being tight-lipped about the 3 Series Gran Turismo, but through some back channels we learned that the car could debut this year, either through a web unveiling or an unexpected presence at an auto show.

Unknown “emotional concept”

Yes, this is exactly how the car was described to us and we were told that, just as every year, BMW will unveil an “emotional concept” that will show the direction of BMW design and technology. Unfortunately, our sources refrained for revealing any further information, but speculations could point to the long-term rumored Z2 Roadster.

BMW X4

The F26 BMW X4 will come to market in 2014, but we expect the midsize X vehicle to debut, at least in concept form, later this year. The X4 will use the platform of the X3 and will be positioned below the X5 SAV. It will measure 4.65 meters long (183 inches), same length as the F25 X3.

Our own sources say that design wise, the X4 will keep a bloodline with the X3, although the front and rear will be separate designs. The smaller SAC makes use of BMW’s latest design philosophy in which wheelarches are defined by making them more three-dimensional, instead of building them out by adding more technicality and un-needed lines.

We also learned that the Spartanburg plant in South Carolina is already preparing for the X4 production lines and plans have been set in motion months ago.

As always, BMW could have other aces up their sleeve, and therefore we anticipate 2012 to be quite exciting for BMW fans.

After joining World Superbike (WSBK) competition in 2009, BMW have seen limited podium success – their first trip to the podium came with Troy Corser at the helm at Monza in 2010. Leon Haslam again graced the third step at Monza this year, Monza being an Italian track that favors engine power over mechanical grip and handling thanks to its long straights.

While BMW have done a great job in WSBK, they are yet to win a race. I fully expect that before any decision about competing in MotoGP is made, BMW would like to see several race wins in WSBK.

Rumors are nonetheless circulating, however, stating that BMW may aim to switch to MotoGP for different reasons that initially thought. Apparently, after several marketing studies were conducted the results showed that the marketing potential from WSBK and MotoGP was approximately equal. So clearly BMW would not eye the switch for marketing reasons. A reason to stay in WSBK would be the close correlation between the race bike and it’s civilian brother, the S1000RR. When buyers can see similarity between their own bike and the racing version, brand loyalty grows (given that the bike is successful, mind you). The same principle applies to automotive racing, hence BMW’s involvement in ALMS with the production car based M3 racer. BMW has won two ALMS championships back to back, and it has contributed to M3 sales at the dealerships.

So why, then, would BMW eye a switch to MotoGP? Rumor has it that the Motorrad department is not so keen on updating the S1000RR every year, or every 2 years as is necessary to stay competitive with the rest of the field in WSBK, since the race bike must be based on the serial production version. Moving on to MotoGP would allow BMW to race and continually develop a prototype, thus eliminating the need for frequent and expensive re-tooling of the S1000RR production line.

Since the S1000RR is a brilliant bike which has dominated bike reviews and comparisons since its release, it could no doubt float on its good reputation for several years – and believe us – it’s performance potential is well beyond the scope of most street riders.

Is there any credibility to this rumor? It does ring clear that BMW have contemplated entry to MotoGP, and their current sponsorship of the series as the “Official Car of MotoGP” while providing M pace cars is evidence that they have their eye on the series. BMW have also built prototype 990 cc MotoGP racers, according to rumor, but they were too heavy and just not up to speed. Frequent rule changes have also frayed BMW’s interest in the series, also future stability in the rules may rekindle interest.

MotoGP is the “Formula 1 of two wheels” – it’s truly the pinnacle of motorcycle racing technology. In our camp, we would first like to see BMW dominate in WSBK before they make any swtich – and for selfish reasons, we’d prefer that BMW stay in WSBK so that they continually improve the civilian version of the bike. In the highly competitive field of superbikes, this is the only way to stay ahead of the pack.

For BMWBLOG’s racetrack review of the venerable S1000RR, click here!

Rumors continue to trickle through the grape vine, and the latest we’ve heard is that a deal may well be signed when both automakers convene upon the NAIAS in Detroit, Michigan. Who knew real business was conducted behind the flashy displays and beautiful girls?

BMW has long focused development towards the burning of cooled, liquid hydrogen in conventional internal combustion engines. However, as the industry develops a better command of electric cars, it appears that fuel cell technology may trump BMW’s IC engine alternative. In a fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen are combined in a chemical reaction which creates electricity, heat, and water as a by-product.

Not only is fuel cell technology extremely clean, but it could likely reduce the reliance of electric cars on dirty-to-produce, difficult to recycle, and heavy battery packs.

While we wouldn’t touch the recently bankrupted and highly unstable car company with a pole long enough to span the Atlantic, it appears that BMW sees some value in teaming with GM, likely to save on development costs, or possibly to take advantage of a hushed break-through that GM may well have in their laboratories. GM have reportedly spent 1.6 billion dollars so far developing fuel cell technology.

In another unprecedented partnership, BMW have recently partnered with Toyota to develop advanced battery packs.

The design of the 2014 BMW M3 Coupe (or M4 for that matter) will build atop the upcoming 4 Series, due out in 2013. The M version of the popular coupe will incorporate the typical M design cues, both on the inside and outside, with the typical wide track, an M front bumper, full LED headlights, and the signature four exhaust pipes at the rear.

The biggest dilemma comes from under the hood. BMW announced in the past that the current generation M3 is the last one to be offered with the award-winning V8 naturally aspirated engine. Therefore, a new engine will now power the iconic M. What we do know for sure is that the powerplant will now use six cylinders, but will it be an inline-six turbo or a newly designed V6? The rumor mill is cranking overtime and different opinions surface almost every month with most of them favoring the turbocharged sixer as the final choice. The runner-up V6 was said to be a 3.3 liter BiTurbo engine with around 450 horsepower.

An interesting piece of information comes from Road and Track, quoting Albert Biermann, head of product development at M, who states that the new M3 or M4 will not have torque vectoring; instead, look for an electronically controlled differential as found in the M5.

The engine is expected to be mated to a dual-clutch transmission, but we won’t be surprised if a manual box will be offered for the U.S. customers.

[Photo: Road and Track ]

“It’s actually a real rival to the Mercedes CL. Because I think the 6-Series is not a full comparison to the CL-Class. I went a bit further from a CL, and also included Rolls-Royce and Bentley influences. It is definitely a 90′s legend 8-Series. High class, business, luxury and supersport. Created to be new legend for BMW,” said Ismet Çevik about his concept.

The original 8 Series began life in the mid-1980′s as a vehicle not to succeed the E24 6 Series but more to surpass it as a more expensive, faster, technology-laden vehicle, namely BMW’s future flagship model. With this newer, larger coupe, BMW intended to take direct aim at the tankish Mercedes Benz S-class coupes of the day and they only knew how to do that through sheer horsepower, displacement and, of course, as we left the Wallstreet Era of the 1980′s – price.

Debuting in September of 1989 at the International Autoshow in Frankfurt, the E31 850i came in at a price of roughly $100,000 USD, immediately making it one of the most expensive BMW ‘s ever produced at that point in time. The 850i came equipped with the 5.0 liter M70 V12 mated to either a 4-speed auto box or a 6-speed manual putting out approximately 300HP – so it was definitely quick despite it’s curb weight of just over 4,000 pounds.

The high-end 8 Series was the 850CSi that it came with a tuned S70 V12 engine good for 380HP mated to a 6-speed manual along with an M-tuned suspension, steering and brakes.

But the ultimate 8er was the one-off BMW M8.

With the brand focusing on sustainability and EfficientDynamics, it remains unknown if a true 8 Series will ever see the daylight, but here is to hope…

[Source: TopSpeed ]

Mercedes-Benz is the first automaker to bring such vehicle on the road. In 2012, the Stuttgart-based automaker will launch the CLS Shooting Brake, a model with an attractive look, carrying forward the next generation CLS language previewed in the Mercedes F800 Style. The rear end offers a more pronounced coupe look than seen on the BMW 5 Series GT, with a tall roof.

The car features a long hood, narrow-look windows with frameless side windows, and a dynamic roof sloping back towards the rear.

Mercedes aims to position the CLS Shooting Brake above the sports wagon segment, in a niche that offer more exclusivity and premium features.

If the CLS Shooting Brake actually proves to be successful, one should assume that the folks in Munich and Ingolstadt will nervously look around for their own offerings, in BMW’s case, a fourth addition to the 6 Series family.

For now, here is how the artist imagines the looks of a BMW 6 Series Gran Touring.

The X6 M50d will come equipped with an innovative and unique engine, a tri-turbo six-cylinder diesel. The internal code for the BMW X6 M50d is FH81 and production will begin in April 2012.

The M division will offer the M50d with a revised front hood, included as option number 348.

But this is not all. We also learned that the “step-brother”, FBMW M550d xDrive will also be equipped with the same powerplant, running to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds. Thanks to the innovative diesel technology, BMW expects a fuel consumption of 6.3 liter per 100 km, or nearly 38 MPG. CO2 levels are 165 g/km.

The FV71 M550d will go in production in March 2012 and will be offered as an European only model.

Stay tuned for more exclusive BMW X6 M50d news in the upcoming weeks!