BMW Engine Starts Powering Toyota Cars

Remember the deal announced years ago on collaboration between BMW and Toyota in the product development? The agreement covers the adaption of BMW excellent turbo diesel engine to Toyota cars, synergy of hybrid powertrain development which is a forte of Toyota and jointly develop sports car for both marque. Now the first product has hit the production stream.

Starting from January 2014, Toyota Verso MPV can be spesified with the BMW-sourced 1.6L diesel. The mill is currently used in the likes of Mini One D and BMW 114d. In this application, the 1,598cc mill produces 111bhp@4,000rpm and 270Nm of torque from 1,750 - 2,250rpm. 

Packaging the engine in the chassis it was never destinated to go is quite a challenge. The team has developed new gearbox housing to match the RFOB (rear face of block) of BMW engine block, and insert the dual mass fly wheel while on the go. The chassis also has received a modified engine mountings and it was mentioned about the optimization of NVH can only go as far as the chassis allows. Toyota also engineered a new idle-stop system for this new powertrain application.

BMW 2 Series Sleek Coupe Unveiled

BMW has debuted its latest model, the 2 Series ahead of its physical unveiling at Detroit Motor Show in January 2014. It is the latest product with BMW's new naming convention whereby the even number is specified for the niche model derived from the mainstream model. It is what a 4 Series to the 3 Series,so the new 2 Series is a replacement for the outgoing 1 Series Coupe.

BMW 2 Series shares the same 2,690mm wheelbase as per BMW 1 Series F20, and measures 4,432mm long, 1,774mm wide and 1,418mm tall. Compared to the outgoing 1 Series Coupe, BMW 2 Series is 72mm longer, 32mm wide, 5mm lower and has 30mm longer wheelbase. This translates into a more habitable cabin and luggage space, where BMW claims an increase of 19mm more front headroom, 21mm more rear legroom and 390L boot volume up from 370L previously.

Unlike the 1 Series Coupe which carries over wholesomely the previous 1 Series hatchback styling cues, BMW 2 Series is a clear departure from that. The front end is sleeker, with slimmer and sharper headlamp making the case here.The front fascia is an amalgamation of multiple surfaces, with outer and inner bumper having different planes and blended well with the surface drawn from the hood. The base car shown above is complemented by Sport, Modern and customary M Sport. The base, Sport and Modern are differentiated by unique bumper insert, not unlike the one in F30. M Sport meanwhile gets a totally new front bumper set.

The compactness of the car can be seen clearly through the side profile, which retain the stubby look of its forebear. However, the car is not that small at over 4.4m, the size at which the older of the 3 Series used to be. Like BMW 4 Series, the belt line creases is immensely strong, it slids inwards post the front wheel arch underneath the waist line, but sneak out again near the rear wheel arch, giving the proper stance to the rear end.

The rear end is another adaptation of BMW L-shaped rear light, although clearly the constraint of dimension does not allow all the lines to flow and converge gracefully. Read more after the jump.

BMW M3 & M4 - Juicy Technical Details Announced

BMW has announced the much awaited details of its forthcoming M-car, the M3 and M4. Originated as an M3, the model has to be split due to BMW new naming convention which segregate the 4 door and 2 door coupe version with different numerics. We already know how BMW 3 Series sedan and 4 Series coupe look like (refer to the BMW M4 Concept above) so let's just dwell on the technological grand force of the new M cars.

In powertrain department, the previous M3 is powered by S65 engine which displaces 3,999cc and kicks out 414hp at dizzying 8,300rpm and 400Nm@3,900rpm, breathing a naturally-aspirated system. The V8 mill is capable of thrusting the M3 to century sprint in 4 seconds flat. Moving on to the next stage, BMW is banking their M3/M4 with new S55B30. Apart from displacing less at 3.0L, and reverting back to venerable straight-six configuration, the new lump features twin turbocharger to boost the power to 430hp and pulling out more than 500Nm. Consistent with the force-fed nature, the power and torque is maintain over a fat range.

S55B30 engine adopt close deck engine architecture for an increase in rigidity accommodating the high cylinder pressure resulted from a boosted engine. Cylinder walls features twin-wire arc spray coating instead of conventional liners. The cranktrain system is also lightened to reduce the rotating mass and thus enhance engine responsiveness. The crankshaft is a forged unit which blend ultra rigidity and allow optimization in rotating mass and the conrod has been suitably beefed up too.

The new BMW M3 and M4 will features a host of weight saving technology, in pursuit of less than 1,500kg of kerb weight. This include carbon fibre roof and carbon fibre propeller shaft. The body panels too is subject to weight diet exercise. The lighter roof (which also reduce the weight away from the C.o.G) is further supported by CFRP trunk lid panel. The weight saving activity extends to suspension system too, whereby the control arm, wheel carrier and axle subframe are made of aluminum. Overall weight reduction from existing car is around 80kg.

The increase in power and the reduction in weight will gives higher power density. Apart from fulfilling the handling mantra of an M-car with improved steering precision, on-limit adjustability, enhanced agility and outstanding directional stability, the new BMW M3/M4 is supplied with track-ready cooling system and oil supply system. The thermal management will ensure optimal cooling whether you are blasting around the track or trundling around the city, and this include indirect intercooler to cool the intake air, additional radiators from high and low temperature water circuit, turbocharger and engine oil. Additional electric coolant pump cools the turbo bearing when car is stationary.

The oil system features the sump made of magnesium with special baffle plate to contain the oil under strong 'g'. Also designed for an extreme dynamic envelope is the oil extraction pump and oil return system to maintain an uninterrupted oil circulation.

BMW M3 and M4 comes in two transmission of choice. The first up is the 6 speed manual box. Innovation surrounding it include carbon friction lining in syncroniser rings, dry sump lubrication and have throttle blips control function. The gearbox is not only more compact, but also 12kg lighter then the existing unit. The second option is M Dual Clutch transmission with 7 forward ratios and comes with Launch Control. It is claimed to have an ultra fast gearchange that minimise power interruption. Another system making an appearance is the Active M Differentials. It uses an electric actuator to vary the locking effect in real time continuously.

Pheww. More salivating photos can be found after the jump which detailed out the engine and chassis components. 

BMW 1-Series Arrived : 116i, 118i and 125i, from RM171k

BMW Malaysia has bring in the long-awaited second generation BMW 1 Series to our shore. It has been a long wait, as the F20 has been launched ages ago in other market. There are three main version on offer, namely 116i, 118i and 125i. Typical in the newer BMW model, there's a trim line for an added differentiation, except for the entry level 116i. The 118i can be optioned in either Urban or Sport line, and the top of the line (which is also CBU) can be spesified in either Sport or M Sport guise. 

With regards to the powertrain unit, 116i and 118i are both powered by a TwinPower Turbo unit with 1,595cc. In the lower tune the mill gives 136hp and 220Nm, while in the higher-tune 118i the engine produces 170hp and 250Nm. Both chanelled the drive via an 8 speed automatic transmission. The fully-imported 125i is powered by the fame N20, now in "25i" guise which produce 218hp and 310Nm. 

In terms of pricing, BMW 116i is priced at RM170,800, 118i Urban and Sport at identical RM190,80 while 125i Sport at RM238,800. The range topper BMW 125i M Sport is RM253,800.

BMW i3 - BMW new foray into sustainable mobility

BMW i3 is the first series-produced model by BMW i – zero-emission mobility in a premium car segment. The first BMW Group model running on electric power alone offers customers a totally new and groundbreaking ways to experience driving pleasure, sustainability and connectivity on city roads. The visionary design of the BMW i3 showcases both BMW’s customary sporting capability and the efficiency of a four-seater with authentic clarity. Its innovative vehicle concept is an amalgamation of many breakthrough technology including a passenger compartment made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) which combines lightness, stability and safety with extraordinary spaciousness. Meanwhile, the driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW Connected Drive and the 360° ELECTRIC services – all developed specially for BMW i – turn zero-emission urban mobility into a compelling everyday driving experience.

One of the main buzz surrounding i3 launch is the drivetrain. The hybrid synchronous electric motor generates output of 170 hp and puts maximum torque of 250 Nm on tap from the moment the car pulls away. The BMW i3 dashes from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, having accelerated from rest to 60 km/h in just 3.7 seconds. With a time of 4.9 seconds for the sprint from 80 to 120 km/h , it boasts a level of sporting ability that comparably sized combustion-engined cars would require far higher outputs to achieve. Top speed is pegged at 150 km/h.

The lithium-ion battery enables the BMW i3 to achieve a range of 130 to 160 kilometres  in everyday driving. This rises by around 20 kilometres (12 miles) in ECO PRO mode and by the same distance again in ECO PRO+ mode. If desired, the BMW i3 is also available with a range- extender engine, which maintains the charge of the lithium-ion battery at a constant level while on the move as soon as it dips below a specified value. This role is performed by a 650cc two-cylinder petrol engine developing 34 hp and mounted immediately adjacent to the electric motor above the rear axle. The range extender increases the car’s maximum range in day- to-day driving to around 300 kilometres.

Dimensionally, BMW i3 measures 3,999mm long, 1775mm wide and 1,578mm tall. It rides on 2,570mm wheelbase. The finely honed aerodynamics give a drag coefficient of 0.29, and the good packaging gives 260L of boot space with all seat occupied.

The rear drive machine is suspended by  McPhersons struts at the front and five-link setup at the back. The 19" wheel is wrapped in a narrow 155/70 tyres. BMW i3 is priced at GBP 31k in UK before the government grant deduction. It has been a long journey for the electric powered BMW after setting the scene in early 90s with several concept car. Autocar ran a story of i3 forebear HERE. 

BMW 4 Series Coupe Concept revealed

BMW has been contemplating about renaming the 3 Series coupe to a 4 Series since quite a while, and only now it will materialize. Although officially labelled as a concept, this is the 2 door version of the F30 3 Series, set to be unveiled at the North American International Motor Show in January. Codenamed F32, the concept is named 4 Series Coupe Concept and apart from the glitzy bumper fascias, fancy interior trimmings and gigantic wheels, this is a thinly disguised BMW 4 Series.

The front end carries the same design philosophy as the F30 with the drooping nose and headlight "pan handle" intersecting the grille housing. The headlight itself is more delicately styled as compared to the F30. The bumper on the concept car has a gaping lower air intake, garnished with the parallel inner fins to complete the chiselled frontal fascia.

The side profile is classic BMW coupe sillhouette with sloping C-pillar and lengthy front door. In the concept, and billed to reach production, there is a lower fender gills. The rear end bears a strong family resemblance with the new 6 Series with overall outlines of the proportion. The cohesiveness between the trunk lid, C-pillar kick and the rear light shape is just astonishingly pretty. The same can't be said with the rear bumper decoration, which follow the same concept as the front ones, but looks quite overdone. This probably will be one of the extravaganza detailing of the show car. However, overall, the 4 Series Coupe Concept is stunningly elegant just like any of the BMW coupe.

The cabin will be a familiar environment to the current 3 Series owner, and the dashboard and gear console are practically carried over wholesomely. The showcar comes with leather upholstered dashboard upper section with contrasting stitching, unique veneer for the panelling and the prominently-stitched and ribbed brown cow-hides on the dashboard lower panel and on the seats. Expect the cabin to be identical to the current trim lines as of the F30 once it reaches production.

With the new segment numbering signified by the 4 Series, the F32 Coupe is larger than the 3 Series sedan that underpinned it. Length is slightly up at 4,641mm, wider at 1,826mm but lower at 1,362mm. It sits on a similar 2,810mm wheelbase. The powertrain unit is set to mirror those on the sedan with their downsized displacement boosted with TwinPower turbo technology. More photos of the BMW 4 Series Coupe Concept can be viewed after the jump.

BMW X1 facelift debut in Malaysia - new variant sDrive20i

BMW Malaysia has introduced the facelifted version of its smallest SAV, the X1 to our shore, following its world debut last May. The introduction of the updated X1 also signalled the end of the entry level version sDrive18i powered by naturally-aspirated 1,995cc lump punching out 150hp and 200Nm. The entry-level model is now sDrive20i, priced similarly at RM238,800, but now propelled by the turbocharged 2.0L Twin Power unit producing a healthy 184hp and 270Nm, so the gasoline version of the X1 is now reasonably powerful.

As described in May, the updated X1 received a host of enhancement. BMW has updated the front end with revised front bumper design sporting more angular three lower grille. While the high-mounted front fog lamp remains, but the bumper is more angular in its execution. Combined with larger twin-kidney grille, BMW X1 now has a more muscular front end presentation. Elsewhere around the exterior, the side mirror has been replaced with the boxier item featuring LED indicator.  Meanwhile, the rear end revision is very minor. The tail lamps has been retained, while the lower section of the bumper has a smaller black cladding. As a results, the rear reflector is now the bumper section, instead of being fixed together with the blackened bumper garnish. In the interior department, the cabin has been reworked minimally with the new steering wheel design that is more in-line with recent BMW model. The classy touch has also been added to the i-Drive screen with chromed accents on the outer edge of the screen.

BMW 5 Series facelift spied for the first time

The mid-range sedan from BMW, the 5 Series is nearing its mid-life update. The LCi version of the F10 generation 5 Series is set to arrive next year, after 4 years in the market since its introduction in 2009. Details are scarce at the moment as, typical to BMW LCi terminology, changes are minimal. The critical change areas are camouflaged, making the prediction difficult.

The headlights are unlikely to be redesigned, except some minor revision to the internal graphic, depicted by slightly different looking outer edge of the headlamp. The hood and fender too looks carry-over from the current F10. It is the front bumper that gets most of the changes, and the upper grille silhouette is different in detailing to the current F10. The lower intake also sets to be revised although it is impossible to see the precise redesign. Side view mirror might be installed with the LED repeater like its smaller siblings too.

At the back, the inner portion of the tail light looks similar with its top placement of reverse light and three strips light bars. The changes could be all on the outer portion, although the change could be limited to some re-coloring. Rear fascia looks unchanged too judging by the placement of the rear reflector although changes could well be lower down. The squarish exhaust tips seen here is not new, as this is the standard item of the higher-powered 550i available in other markets.

Other than that, expect some enhancement in the cabin, particularly the switchgear and cabin trim to make it consistent with the rest of the updated model range. Some more photos can be found after the jump.

BMW launched the entry level 3 Series - the 320i

BMW Malaysia has released the new version of the F30 3 Series, an entry level 320i Sport and 320i Luxury. The car is priced at RM238,800. Previously, the lowest rank F30 is the 320d, which is priced at RM248,800, and offered in Sport and Modern trim line.

Similar to the 520i, BMW 320i is powered by TwinPower unit features twin-scroll turbocharging, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control producing 184bhp@5000-6250rpm and 270Nm@1250-4500rpm of power and torque. The engine catapult the 320i to 100 km/h in mere 7.6 seconds and to a 235 km/h of top speed. Average fuel consumption is rated at 6.0L/100km.

The 320i comes with BMW EfficientDynamics pack, so you'll get Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop and Eco Pro mode. The new variants of the BMW 320i are also fitted with a host of features and equipment to exude the complete premium innovation experience that the BMW brand has to offer, be it behind the wheel or in the passenger seat. Both the new BMW 320i Luxury and Sport Line feature BMW Live and BMW TeleServices as a standard feature which are accessed through a 6.5” free-standing LCD panel and central BMW iDrive controller.

Additionally, BMW ConnectedDrive, the other innovation offering for in-car vehicle connectivity, provides owners with complete USB and Bluetooth connectivity to expand functionality for mobile phones and portable music players, on-board mobile office applications and on-board internet, making the experience with the new 320i, true Sheer Driving Pleasure.

BMW unveiled Active Tourer Concept

BMW has released the detail about its upcoming concept car bound for Paris Motorshow, the Active Tourer Concept. The car was commissioned to satisfy the need of customers of premium segment who appreciate a high level of comfort, raised seating position and generous amount of space, in a compact dimension. The industry is very sure that the car previews the forthcoming 1 Series Gran Tourismo, or 1 Series GT.

Conceptually, the car will rivals Mercedes B-Class, its fellow German competitor. As with the Stuttgart rival, Active Tourer Concept sits on a front wheel drive platform, a sign that BMW is contemplating a shift to FWD in its lower end car. It is a platform that will spawned the next generation MINI cars.

Apart from the glitzy show car touch, Active Tourer Concept is more or less production ready in its outlook. Ditch the gigantic alloys and some fancy trimmings, it is as good as go.The front end is characterized by the large headlight that bears similar internals with the F30, while the chunky bumper looks nothing like a pure concept car either. Side profile is dominated by the strong body creases that catch attention to the sills and waistline. The rear end adopt the modern BMW SUV look, like the X3, bit with the light silhouette and internal graphic that consistent with the recent crops of car like F20 and F30. The show car wears a lot of chunky chrome trimmings on the bumper and sills. 

The interior in essence is typical BMW architecture. The layout is production feasible, while the proud stand alone screen already features prominently in the new 1 Series and 3 Series. So by removing those one-off material and control panel surroundings, and replace them with contemporary BMW steering, meter binnacle, climate and audio control, i-drive control and gearknob and we won't stray far.

BMW Active Tourer Concept measures 4,359mm long, 1,834mm wide, 1,560mm tall and 2,670mm wheelbase. The Concept car is powered by  BMW new 1.5L turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels, paired to a synchronous electric motor driving the rear axle. Total system output is 188hp, with 8s century sprint and a top speed of around 200km/h. Average fuel consumption is 2.5L/100km with CO2 emissions of less than 60g/km. More photo can be seen after the jump.

MINI Paceman -7th member of MINI family

MINI presents the world’s first Sports Activity Coupé in the premium small and compact vehicle segment, the  MINI Paceman. It is the seventh model in the brand family and offers an innovative combination of sporty, extrovert design, hallmark MINI driving fun and an exclusive interior ambience; unique, yet uniquely MINI.

The latest crossover was previewed at Detroit 2011, and it is an extension of the Countryman crossover-SUV, further crossed-breed with the coupe concept, giving birth to a two-door body, with higher-than-average ground clearance and with unmistakeable Countryman's nose.

The upright front end exudes power and presence; hexagonal radiator grille with broad chrome surround, black bordering on the lower edge of the body and other typically MINI design elements with an individual touch; coupé-style stretched side profile with long doors, dynamically downward-sloping roofline and greenhouse tapering towards the rear; muscular flared wheel arches with distinctive helmet roof form adapted from MINI Coupe. It is aft the longer front door where the Paceman differs greatly from the Countryman. There is a more pronounced hunches accommodating wider wheel arch, steeply raked rear screen and a redesigned rear fascia.

The interior mirrors those on the MINI Countryman, right down the separated rear seat. While you can have the 5 seater version on the Countryman, it is strictly 4 seater coziness here. The boot volume is practical 330L, expandable to 1,080L with the folded rear seats.

There are four variants of Paceman available from the launch namely Cooper Paceman, Cooper S Paceman, Cooper D Paceman and Cooper SD Paceman. All variants come with a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic as an option while MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system available for the MINI Cooper S Paceman, MINI Cooper SD Paceman and MINI Cooper D Paceman. More details after the jump.

BMW 3 Series now with 1.6L turbo - a continued trend of downsizing

BMW will release a slew of model enrichment for autumn 2012, covering mainly 1 Series and 3 Series. The popular 3 Series range will be joined by 320i EfficientDynamics and 316i. The former will be powered by a turbocharged 1.6L, which deliver an excellent 170bhp and 250Nm of torque. While being oriented towards reducing fuel consumption and exhaust emission with the incorporation of optimized engine management and gear ratios coupled with the reduction is drag and rolling resistance, the car is still capable of 7.6s century sprint while emitting just 124g/km of CO2 and consume on average 5.3L/100km of fuel.

The second model is the 316i, powered also by the 1.6L gasoline with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, albeit in different state of tune. In this application, the 1.6L lump kicks out 136bhp and 220Nm. Drive is channelled via either the 6 speed manual or 8 speed automatic. The automatic version can reach 100 km/h in 9.2s (8.9s manual) on the way to 210km/h of top speed. Fuel consumption is 5.9L/100km on average and CO2 emission is 139g/km. Read more after the jump.

BMW Zagato Roadster unveiled at Pebble Beach

BMW and Zagato revealed their second fruit of collaboration within this few months with the unveiling of the BMW Zagato Roadster. Their previous product of collaboration was the Coupe version of the same car, showed only 3 months back. The Roadster was conceived after the very warm acceptance of the Coupe, and the Roadster was completed within just 6 weeks, a testimony of the two companies capability when they combined their pool of resources.

The exterior aesthetic of the BMW Zagato Roadster is an epitome of the Italian finesse meets Bavarian teutonic design quality. With the proportion of classic roadster, the Roadster wears the svelte curvaceous that only come from Zagato. The taut, hallmark BMW surface treatment and Zagato’s clearly defined distribution of visual mass lend the BMW Zagato Roadster an athletic appearance – poised and eager, demanding to be driven. At the front, the low-set kidney grille, complete with intricate z-design grating, as well as focused twin circular headlights and a three-dimensional front apron shape the expressive face of the BMW Zagato Roadster.  The nose surges forward dynamically, dipping down close to the road, and allows the BMW Zagato Roadster to cut an agile figure, crouching as if about to pounce. The contoured hood extends this aura of dynamism with its sweeping lines and taut surfaces, while a pair of air intakes carved into the hood supply the engine compartment with extra air and hint at the brawny powerplant inside.

The BMW Zagato Roadster’s silhouette outlines a poised and alert presence, the car’s sweeping hood, long wheelbase, short overhangs and low rear end merging into a taut, sporty whole. The basic choreography of lines and surfaces is similar to that of the BMW Zagato Coupé, but subtle differences are noticeable at the rear. The tail end as a whole places a greater emphasis on elegance than that of the Coupé, which shows a sharper sporting edge. The Roadster’s lines are smoother here and the rear is lower-slung. Plus, a fine additional line forges a visual connection between the sill and the rear apron to round off the rear end design in style.

The sharply chiselled tail of the BMW Zagato Roadster provides a fine advertisement for the exquisite talents of the Zagato body specialists. The rear end displays a seamless perfection, giving it a feel of quality – like a sculpture cast from a single mould. Here, the high degree of handcraftsmanship within the walls of the Zagato design studio and the company’s vast well of experience in working with surfaces and forms come resplendently to light.

The interior of the BMW Zagato Roadster is heavily based on the common Z4, but with an added classy touch of the one-off car. Sumptuously upholstered in brown leather covering the dash top, upper panel of door trim, floor console and sprinkled tastefully around the door trim insert. 

Both BMW and Zagato made comments on the possibility for a limited run of production. Gallery after the jump.

BMW updates the 7 Series flagship

Among all the modern day BMW, the flagship 7 Series is the oldest one, and it looks like one too. BMW technology and design evolution do not follow the same coincidence cycle. For example, the 7 Series might have debuted some of the electronic trickery that has been filtered down to the mainstream model, but the updated design philosophy only debuted with the new 1 Series and 3 Series. In an attempt to prolong relevancy of its flagship series, BMW has thrown in some updates to keep the model fresh. The new BMW 7 Series reinforces BMW’s commitment to building the finest flagship model possible with a focus on sporting elegance, superb refinement and luxurious comfort combined with efficient yet high performance powertrains.

Small design enhancements, including new optional Adaptive LED headlights, accentuate the strong, powerful lines and balanced proportions inherent to the 7 Series. Inside and the pursuit of innovation is apparent with an enhanced control display and a new optional multi-function Instrument panel providing access to the latest in BMW’s ConnectedDrive technology. Additional in-car refinement measures and further optimisation of the 7 Series’ chassis have led to an even higher level of driving comfort for the occupants.

 On the powertrain front, the updated 7 Series features a revised range of highly efficient engines, a standard eight-speed automatic gearbox and the full array of EfficientDynamics technologies thus the new BMW 7 Series combines enhanced performance with significantly reduced emissions and fuel consumption. 

From the front, the new 7 Series now presents the latest version of the famous BMW kidney grille which features a larger aperture but with nine instead of 13 slats for greater visual impact. In the lower section a full-width air intake is now split into three sections, defined by a pair of chrome bars on the outer edges and flanked by vertical air intakes that form part of the advanced aerodynamic package. The headlight internals also have been updated with the graphic that is more in-line with the new 1 and 3 Series. At the back, additional chrome element has been added at the lower valence, connecting the reflectors as well as connecting the rear light (which anyway has more red lens). Side mirrors gain an LED indicator too. The car also sits 8mm lower than before.

The interior has been re-crafted with newly design front leather seat, new 1,200 watt Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound System and an optional rear seat entertainment system. 

The powertrain range kicks in the entry level 730i which runs on the naturally aspirated 3.0L punching out 258bhp and 310Nm. The next up is the BMW 740i powered by the superb TwinPower turbo 3.0-litre straight-six, a pioneer of BMW’s integration of twin-scroll turbo technology with direct fuel injection, Double-VANOS and Valvetronic for maximum throttle response and power with highly efficient consumption. The engine has a peak power output of 320hp and a maximum torque of 450Nm. 

Fans of a higher powered version should opt for BMW 750i that comes with a revised version of the TwinPower turbo 4.4-litre V8, with optimised high pressure direct fuel injection and reduced charge cycle losses thanks to the clever integration of Valvetronic variable control of intake valve lift. The engine now delivers 10per cent more power at 449hp, and 8.5per cent more torque at a mighty 650Nm, developed over a broad rev band – enough for a 0-62mph sprint of 4.8 seconds. 

Gasoline range topper meanwhile is the 760Li powered by an  all-aluminium, 5,972cc V12 features TwinPower turbo technology, direct fuel injection and Double-VANOS variable camshaft control to produce 544hp and 750Nm of torque from as low as 1,500rpm. Predictably, this gives the 760Li superb acceleration and speed (0-62mph takes just 4.6 seconds and the top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h), all delivered with the silky refinement. More details after the jump.

BMW 3 Series Touring announced

BMW has announced the arrival of the Touring version of the famous 3 Series. The latest model continues the trend that BMW started since E30 3 Series, a blend of  load capacity that is the largest in its class, complete with innovative storage solutions, wrapped in a dynamically styled and strong but lightweight body that follows the same winning formula of previous BMW 3 Series Tourings over the years. 

For the exterior, the 3 Series Touring is exactly the same as its Saloon brethren from the tip of the nose to the B-pillar. It gets the similarly  expressive front end, twin headlamps with LED accent lights that combine with the gently forward sloping BMW kidney grille to generate a purposeful face, further highlighted by the additional outer air intakes below the headlamps and the sweeping lines of the bonnet that converge on the grille.

From the side, the new 3 Series Touring is defined by the sweeping silhouette, with its smoothly sloping roofline and glasshouse that extends to the rear of the vehicle. The new car is 97mm longer overall and 50mm longer in the wheelbase than before and that, together with the steeply raked D-pillars, angle of the rear window and the traditional ‘Hofmeister kink’, adds a real sense of forward motion to the profile. At the rear, the spoiler ‘peak’ that accentuates the long roofline, together with the horizontal lines and L-shaped lights set far out to the edges, combine with the 48mm wider track to plant the design on the road.

As for the interior, the 3 Series Touring follow exactly the trendy design first seen on the F30 Sedan. In a nutshell, it is more commodious than before especially the rear seats where there is now 17mm extra knee room and 9mm more headroom making ingress and egress to the rear seats is easier than ever before. However, more importantly for this Touring model is the new luggage area is significantly more spacious than before with extra 35L, totally 495L. Loading sill height from the ground is 620mm.

The new BMW 3 Series Touring has a split rear boot opening with the upper glass area able to open independently of the overall unit. This is unlocked electrically via a button located on the rear wiper arm, and then opened manually. It is particularly convenient when loading in small items, perhaps where space behind the vehicle is limited. To add the convenience the new 3 Series Touring receives an electrically powered boot, controlled either via the key fob, a switch on the A-pillar or a button on the boot itself, standard for all version. In addition, customers can enjoy further convenience with the Smart Opener feature offered as part of the Comfort Access option. When specified, the boot can be opened with the motion of a strategically placed foot beneath the rear bumper.

Other than that, the drivetrain option, BMW Lines option and equipment level mirrors those on the new 3 Series Sedan.

More photos of BMW 3 Series Touring after the jump.

BMW X1 LCi - updated looks and new drivetrain

BMW has revealed its facelifted junior SAV, the X1 LCi during the New York Autoshow, signalling the entry of its smallest crossover to the US market last month. Now the updated X1 will be gradually updated to the rest of the globe with a refreshed look and updated range of drivetrain promised to be more economical than ever  where every rear-wheel drive X1 now emits less than 130g/km of CO2.  Since its introduction in 2010, some 275,000 unit of BMW X1 has been sold. This signifies the success of the concept of SAV crossover applied to the less-than-X3 package. Furthermore, fellow German rival Audi has released the Audi Q3 in its bid to steal some of the pie in this segment, with Mercedes-Benz rumoured to follow suit.

For the update, BMW has modified the exterior design, meticulously upgraded interior, comprehensively revised engine portfolio and more importantly introduced the new range of BMW Lines in similar trend to the new 1 and 3 Series to deliver an even more intensive experience of the hallmark driving pleasure for which the brand is known for. To recap about the BMW X1 LCi, BMW has updated the front end with revised front bumper design sporting more angular three lower grille. While the high-mounted front fog lamp remains, but the bumper is more angular in its execution. Combined with larger twin-kidney grille, BMW X1 now has a more muscular front end presentation. Elsewhere around the exterior, the side mirror has been replaced with the boxier item featuring LED indicator.  Meanwhile, the rear end revision is very minor. The tail lamps has been retained, while the lower section of the bumper has a smaller black cladding. As a results, the rear reflector is now the bumper section, instead of being fixed together with the blackened bumper garnish.

In the interior department, the cabin has been reworked minimally with the new steering wheel design that is more in-line with recent BMW model. The classy touch has also been added to the i-Drive screen with chromed accents on the outer edge of the screen.

In the powertrain sector, BMW X1 LCi is latest beneficiary of the well-known BMW Advanced Diesel and Petrol TwinPower Turbocharged engine. The range of engines for the new BMW X1 comprises three petrol and five diesel units spanning an output range of 116 hp to 245 hp.  Leading the way in the new generation of four-cylinder diesel engines is the 218hp/450Nm powerplant of the new BMW X1 xDrive25d, featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology comprising latest-generation variable sequential turbocharging. The other diesel offerings are in the xDrive20d (184hp/380Nm), xDrive20d Efficient Dynamics (163hp/380Nm) and xDrive18d (143hp/320Nm). All there displaced 2.0L but with varying degree of tune. The 18d and 20d are available with rear drive, while the the 20ED version is exclusively rear-wheel-driven. All engines are available with the 8-speed automatic gearbox.

The petrol range has been overshadowed by the sheer availability of diesel variants. For the US market, X1 can be had in sDrive28i, xDrive28i and xDrive35i. While the highly-tuned 2.0L TwinPower Turbo received the 8 speed autobox, the older N55 unit in xDrive35i make do with just 6 speed automatic gearbox.

The introduction of the X1 LCi also marked the introduction of BMW Lines for this particular model. In addition to the standard and M Sport, customer can now choose either Sport of xLine trim.  The BMW xLine particularly emphasises the robust versatility of the new BMW X1 while the BMW Sport Line accentuates its agility and dynamics via their exclusive, harmoniously matched design and equipment features.

Large gallery of BMW X1 LCi can be found after the jump.