Coming Soon: BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon

Posted on May 15, 2012 by BMWCars

The latest addition to BMW’s 3 Series is a new Sports Wagon, set to debut in Europe sometime this year, and to come to the US in 2013. While not much has been concretely confirmed about this new model, the facts that have been released along with some educated guesses make the new wagon look polished and versatile.

One fact that has been confirmed so far by BMW is that the new 3 Series wagon will be available in 3 trim levels: Sport, Luxury, and Modern. Also providing an additional option will be the M-Sport Line, which will, as the name suggests, deliver an even sportier wagon. In terms of convenience, the upcoming wagon will feature a roomier back seat, which will fold down at a 40:20:40 split. This, combined with the extra 10% of cargo area, will afford drivers the ability to transport both larger objects as well as more passengers. 4 tie-downs integrated into the cargo area and nets available on both sides will ensure that whatever loads the cargo area will not move.

Rumored to power the 3 Series wagon is a 328i 4-cylinder turbocharged 2.0L engine, delivering 240HP and 260 ft-lb of torque. Also said to be available is a 3.0 6-Cylinder that will bring 300HP and 300 ft-lb of torque.

BMW Encourages Drivers to Go Green, Partners With Solar Energy Provider

Posted on May 11, 2012 by BMWCars

With such a national push to be more environmentally conscious, the automotive industry tends to be one of society’s biggest targets. After all, cars are one of the major producers of airborne pollutants, not to mention the demand for gas ensures high prices at the pump. With all this bad news, BMW is pushing the pack to a greener lifestyle by partnering with RealGoods Solar, a solar energy provider based out of Louisville, Co.

The partnership offers drivers of BMW’s ActiveE experimental electric vehicles who live in Ca, CT, NJ, NY, and MA discounts of up to 35% on solar panels for homes. These discounts will also be available for 2013’s release of BMW’s i3, BMW’s first full-production electric. According to RealGoods, participating in this offer could save homeowners as much as $84,599 over the course of the 20-year lease of the solar panels.

This newest partnership emerges on the heels of BMW’s deal with Tendril Inc., who provides software which connects homes to power grids. Tendril has a number of money-saving offers, such as a feature that charges electric cars when power demand is low, which is frugal for customers and healthy for cities’ power grids.

By offering discounts on additional “green options,” BMW is doing its part to push all of society towards a greener day.

More Details on 2013 BMW X1

Posted on May 3, 2012 by BMWCars

One of the most popular BMW models in Europe, the 2013 X1 has already been confirmed to come to the United States sometime this fall. Now more specifics on the luxury crossover have become available to the public.

The American version of the 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i will come with an exclusive single-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine that is currently available in the X3, 3 Series, and several other BMW vehicles. This engine will produce 300 horsepower, 21 combined miles per gallon, and will be able to go from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds.

Confirmed standard features of the 2013 BMW X1 include automatic climate control, heated mirrors, foglamps, LED taillights, a hi-fi sound system, and HD radio. Rain sensing wipers, a panoramic glass sunroof, and Adaptive Xenon Headlights lights are also available features on the X1. Other available features on the 2013 X1 include a premium Harmaon Kardon Surround sound system, BMW ConnectedDrive, and iPhone integration technologies.

BMW Masters Becomes Official Event on European Golf Tour

Posted on April 26, 2012 by BMWCars

BMW will sponsor the newest official event to the European Professional Golf Tour. The BMW Masters will be played October 25-28 at Lake Malaren Golf Club in Shanghai.

Formerly called the Shanghai Masters, the BMW Masters will have a $7 million purse, up from the $6.1 million purse of last year. The field will consist of 78 players, featuring several tour professionals ranked in the top 100 in the world, including the world’s number one-ranked golfer Rory McIlroy.

BMW has been a proud partner of the European Tour for many years and has been the main sponsor of several events including the BMW PGA (Professional Golf Association) Championship and the BMW International Open. In the United States, BMW sponsors one of the more important PGA play-off tournaments, the BMW Championship.

BMW Prepares for the 2012 London Olympics

Posted on April 20, 2012 by BMWCars

BMW is supplying the official cars for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. Kicking off the Games on July 27th, BMW’s Olympic Livery will consist of over 40 3 Series and 5 Series models which will be available to transport athletes and officials to their competitions.

In efforts to keep the Olympic Games as green as possible, BMW had to meet the strict emissions threshold set forth by the London Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games (LOCOG). To achieve this, BMW’s 2012 Olympic Games fleet will include hybrids, electric vehicles, diesels, and even bicycles. Approximately 4,000 units will be used by BMW at the 2012 London Summer Olympic Games.

In addition to being environmentally friendly, the BMW fleet of vehicles is quite eye catching. The festive and colorful designs will adorn each BMW vehicle participating in their Olympic Livery.

Teaser Video: BMW i8 Spyder

Posted on April 12, 2012 by BMWCars

BMW has released a short video clip for the new BMW i8 Spyder. The i8 is a concept car that BMW has decided to put into production. This is the third i model in BMW’s lineup and it is being met with great excitement and anticipation.

Lightweight design and state-of-the-art hybrid technologies separate this vehicle from all the others. Its dynamic exterior design also makes the BMW i8 a very appealing and unique car. Check out the teaser video below.

Stitcher Radio App to be Integrated with BMW iDrive Infotainment System

Posted on April 5, 2012 by BMWCars

At the South by Southwest Interactive (SXSWi) conference in Texas, BMW demonstrated their newest collaboration, the Stitcher Smart Radio app.

Stitcher allows users to stream music, podcasts, and a selection of over 6,000 news, comedy, and current talk radio shows and live radio on demand. Along with pre-selected station programming, it allows for user-customized content lists for daily commutes, long trips, sports talk during drafts or championships, comic relief in tense traffic, or any number of other uses. It also recommends new personalized content based upon listening history. All with no syncing or downloading required.

When fully integrated with the BMW iDrive infotainment system, BMW drivers will be able to use the system’s high resolution display to view album art or show information, including duration, latest episodes, and listening history. They will also have the ability to create or remove custom stations, search for content, and provide feedback, all through the vehicle controls.

Stitcher technology is compatible with iPhone, iPad and Android technology. The app won a 4.5-star consumer rating and ranked number one in the News category of iTune’s App Store.

BMW i8 Production Model Information Released

Posted on March 28, 2012 by BMWCars

BMW has released specs for the new i8 concept car that is currently in development as a production model. The BMW i8 not only will be powerful and stylish, but it will also be a high-performing green vehicle as well.

The BMW i8 will come with both an electric motor on the front axle and a gasoline three-cylinder turbo engine on the rear axle. It also can be driven in front-, rear-, and all-wheel drive.

This sports car can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds and can reach a top speed of 156 miles per hour. Amazingly, the i8 will be able to achieve nearly 105 miles per gallon in fuel efficiency, with the ability to travel 20 miles without using any gas.

Pop-up doors and wing-like rear spoilers will also be featured on the i8, much like the concept model. The BMW i8 is scheduled to be launched at the end of next year, likely making it a 2014 model.

BMW X1 Comes to United States

Posted on March 20, 2012 by BMWCars

The smallest SUV in BMW’s lineup, the BMW X1, has only been available in Europe since its inception in 2009. Now, the X1 is making its way to the United States for the first time ever and could be offered regularly in the States.

BMW will show off the X1 at the New York International Auto Show on April 4^th and 5^th. More than likely, this means the sleek and stylish X1 could reach U.S. dealerships by the end of the year as a 2013 model.

Only one engine will be available on the X1 in the United States, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, similar to the new BMW 328i. It also does not appear that there will be any major revisions to the State’s version, with only speculation of integrating turn signals with the side mirrors.

BMW M6 Details Released

Posted on March 14, 2012 by BMWCars

BMW has released details about the all-new 3^rd generation M6 Coupe and Convertible. The M6 convertible will be available in the United States in June 2012 as a 2012 model. The M6 coupe will be released as a 2013 model in the late summer of 2012.

While pricing, full specs, EPA mileage estimations, and standard and optional equipment have not been released, there are several features of the 3^rd generation M6 that BMW has released. The BMW M6 will come with a V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, 7-speed M double clutch transmission, and a high-performance brake system.

The BMW M6 is a high-performance sports car that is designed to reach exceptional dynamic potential and styling. The M6 can accelerate from zero to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.

Other features of the M6 include 19-inch light alloy wheels, suspension and chassis upgrades, and unique electronically contouring sport seats.

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