BMW: December 2012

Monday 17 December 2012

2013 BMW 335i

2013 BMW 335i in Estoril Blue II with us today. The sedan has been fitted with a number of upgrades such as the BMW M Performance kidney grills, iND painted bumper reflectors, 3M Gloss black mirror covers and 3M Gloss black rear diffuser/reflectors.

2013 BMW 3 Series is a compact entry-level luxury�vehicle offered in sedan, coupe, and convertible (hardtop) trim levels. All trims are available as a base 328i that utilizes a standard 2.0-liter 4-cylinder twin-turbo charged engine that produces 240 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Sedan, coupe, and convertible trims offer an optional 335i trim powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 300 hp (convertible trim also offers a 335is trim that yields 320 hp.)

An additional engine offered is an optional 3.0-liter twin turbo V6 diesel engine (335d) that produces 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque. Transmission options consist of a 6-speed manual, 8-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters, and a 7-speed double clutch automatic. All trims, with the exception of the convertible level, offer AWD. Features include premium sound, navigation, automatic cruise control, and iPhone/iPod integration. Safety is comprised of dynamic stability control, enhanced braking, advanced airbags, and xenon adaptive headlights. The 3 series is backed by a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty.

The US specialist also installed BC Racing BR type coilovers and BMS JB4 Stage 1 Tune. The German car rides on K3 Projekt F2 Concave/Retroflex wheels sizing 20×9 inch in the front and 20×10.5 at the rear. The wheels are shod in Pirelli Pzero, front 245/30/20 and rear 285/25/20.

2013 BMW 328i

Engine Specifications

Type: Turbocharged Gas I4

Size: 2.0L/122

Horsepower: 240 @ 5000 RPM

Torque: 255 @ 1250 - 4800 RPM

Drive Train

Drive Train: Rear Wheel Drive

Transmission: 6 speed Manual

Safety

Air Bag-Frontal-Driver

Air Bag-Side Body-Front

Air Bag-Side Head-Front

Air Bag-Side Head-Rear

Brakes-ABS

Brakes-Type-4 Wheel DISC

Child Safety Rear Door Locks

Daytime Running Lights

Engine Immobilizer

Headlights-Automatic

Traction Control

Trunk-Emergency Release

Comfort & Convenience

Air Conditioning-Auto Climate Control

Air Conditioning-Front

Air Conditioning-Multi-Zone

Air Conditioning-Rear

Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror

Cruise Control

Keyless Entry

Max Seating Capacity: 5

Mirror(s)-Power

Mirrors-Memory

Mirrors-Vanity-Driver

Mirrors-Vanity-Driver Illumination

Mirrors-Vanity-Passenger

Mirrors-Vanity-Passenger Illumination

Power Locks

Reading Lamps-Front

Reading Lamps-Rear

Seat-Memory

Seat-Power Driver

Seat-Power Passenger

Seat-Rear Pass-Through

Steering Wheel-Adjustable

Steering Wheel-Audio Controls

Steering Wheel-Leather

Steering-Power

Trip Computer

Trunk-Release-Remote

Universal Garage Door Opener

Windows-Power

Music & Entertainment

Audio-AM/FM Stereo

Audio-CD Player

Audio-MP3 Player

Interior

Floor Mats

Exterior

Doors: 4

Fog Lamps

Mirror(s)-Heated

Rear Window Defogger

Wipers-Intermittent

Wipers-Rain Sensing

Wipers-Variable Speed

Intermittent

Tires

Front Tire Size: P225/50R17

Rear Tire Size: P225/50R17

Spare Tire Size

Wheels

Front Wheel Material: Aluminum

Rear Wheel Material: Aluminum

2013 BMW 3-series

The 3-series will grow slightly, more so in wheelbase than in overall length. While its front-engine, rear-wheel-drive architecture remains similar to the current model’s, the powertrain package comes in for a big overhaul.

The four-door sedan is in essence a downsized 5-series, longer, sleeker and more homogenous than the model it supersedes, with none of the polarizing cutlines, flame surfaces, and quirky details. The coupe is not just a two-door sedan with a lower roofline but boasts bespoke sheet metal from nose to tail, featuring more sculptured flanks, a more steeply raked windshield and rear window, a sportier front section and a totally remodelled rear end. To enhance the passive safety performance, BMW has opted for prominent B-posts and thus for fixed rear side windows.

Contrary to earlier plans, the convertible is now likely to retain the controversial retractable hardtop, which is particularly popular in North America and China. There is a slim chance that we might see a 3-series Speedster with a manual fabric roof and a lowered windshield. If that does happen, this car would be engineered and marketed by the M division.

Turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines take the place of the naturally aspirated inline-six; the N55 engine, a single-turbo inline-six, will be the top powerplant for the regular models. Above that, Kay Segler’s M division takes over: We expect the next M3 to be powered by a twin-turbocharged inline-six instead of the current model’s thirsty 4.0-liter V-8.

Europeans will have a choice of four- and six-cylinder diesel engines; the turbocharged, 3.0-liter inline-six diesel could be offered stateside as well. And there will likely be a gasoline hybrid for the U.S. market.

Power will be channeled to the wheels through a six-speed manual or a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive remains an option.

2014 BMW M4 Coupe

BMW 3-Series has been altered significantly this past year, with the announcement of a new name for the coupe and convertible versions of the luxury car. From now on, these two variants will be sold under the 4-Series nomenclature, meaning that the M version will be sold as the M4.

We’ve only been able to see some spy shots of the 4-Series Coupe , but that doesn’t mean that we can’t put pen to paper to conjure up the look of the future M4 Coupe. For this we’ve taken BMW’s usual M-design elements like the front bumper, LED headlights, a wide track, and different side air intakes and added it to the 4-Series images.

What won’t be easily visible in this image is what’s found under the hood. The new BMW M4 will be dropping the usual V8 engine used in the M3 models and will replace it with a twin-turbocharged inline-six engine with an output of about 450 HP. This will allow the M4 to be both more powerful and more fuel efficient than that the M3.

Expect to see the new BMW M4 a few months after the 4-Series coupe set to be launched in 2013.

Sunday 16 December 2012

2013 bmw 545i

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

PRICE AS TESTED: $62,620 (base price: $55,695)

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection
Displacement: 268 cu in, 4398cc
Power (SAE net): 325 bhp @ 6100 rpm
Torque (SAE net): 330 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm

TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 113.7 in Length: 190.6 in Width: 72.7 in Height: 58.0 in
Curb weight: 4000 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS:
Zero to 60 mph: 5.5 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 13.2 sec
Zero to 130 mph: 23.5 sec
Street start, 5-60 mph: 6.0 sec
Standing 1/4-mile: 14.1 sec @ 103 mph
Top speed (governor limited): 150 mph
Braking, 70-0 mph: 156 ft

FUEL ECONOMY:
EPA fuel economy, city driving: 17 mpg
C/D-observed fuel economy: 16 mpg

2013 BMW 5-Series

2013 BMW 5-Series sport sedans continues to charm--in part, because it drives in a way that isn't at all compromised. These stylish mid-size models put the focus on fuel-efficient performance, advanced high-tech features, and the nuance of the driving experience, yet they offer a reasonably practical and comfortable (and in the case of the 2013 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, a very practical and comfortable) package that could make good family sense.

The 528i, as with the six-cylinder 535i and the V-8 550i, is offered with either rear- or all-wheel drive (xDrive). In 535i models, the 3.0-liter turbocharged six makes 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft, while a new twin-turbocharged V-8 in the 550i makes 445 hp and 480 lb-ft. If you don't mind a slightly more agricultural four-cylinder sound in place of the sonorous six, the base 528i does the job well, too—and much more frugally—while feeling considerably stronger in most situations compared to the base, naturally aspirated six that had previously been used in the 528i.

These sport sedans are loaded with sensors and electronic systems, yet BMW has managed to tune the steering to feel quite natural, and the 5-Series feels nimble and lighter than it is on a tight, curvy road. All of the 5-Series models get BMW's Driving Dynamics Control, which helps the 5-Series fit your need, whether that's taking on a canyon road or bringing the kids to school. This year BMW has added Eco Pro to the existing Comfort, Normal, Sport, and Sport+ settings. The system affects throttle response, steering assist, and transmission shift points, as well as the performance of the active suspension systems, so you can truly dial in a particular performance attitude--including Sport+, which is configured especially for track-driving enthusiasts.

5-Series are superb, backseat space remains one of the few weaknesses. Just at the back of the front seats there's a hard-plastic pocket that can push up against knees, and there's simply not much usable legroom given the size of the cabin as a whole. BMW 5-Series GranTurismo models have a completely different seating arrangement, and they're the exception. With a slightly elevated backseat, lots more legroom, and plenty of headroom (and a great view out), carrying adult passengers is one of the GT's strengths.

2013 BMW 6-Series

BMW has launched the 6-Series Gran Coupe - a production version of the Gran Coupe concept unveiled at the beginning of 2010. On the US market, the new 6-Series Gran Coupe will be offered in a 640i version first, but a 650i and a 650i xDrive version will join the line-up later in the summer of 2012.

The new Gran Coupe will be immediately recognized as a 6-Series, but adding a unique combination of top-class sporting dynamics, stunning design, and luxurious touring comfort. However, compared to a standard 6-Series coupe, the new Gran Coupe version was built on a wheelbase that is 4.5 inches longer and its distinctive profile is dominated by its four-door, elegantly stretched roof line.

The 640i - the first to be offered on the US market - is powered by a TwinPower turbo 6-cylinder engine with an output of 315 HP at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and a peak torque of 330 lbs-ft delivered between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm. The model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds and will hit a top speed of 155 mph.

2013 BMW 760Li

BMW built its first automotive V-12 and stuffed it inside the 750iL; today, the Bavarians are celebrating 25 years of 12-cylinder power with the 2013 760Li V-12 25 Years Anniversary Edition. This special-edition 7-series doesn’t get any performance upgrades to its 535-hp, 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12, but it is ultra-exclusive and ultra-expensive.

You see, it’s not the exclusive Champagne Full Merino complimented by black piping and piano-black wood trim that make the Anniversary 760 special; it’s not the “V-12 25 Years Edition” badges on the doorsills, the headrests, and the iDrive controller; nor are the unique 20-inch wheels the car’s selling point. What makes this 7er special is that just 15 will be made, and only seven will be brought to the U.S. at a price of $159,695—$20k more than your average 760Li.

Even if this Anniversary edition is no quicker than any other 760Li, it’s still a Bavarian-built monster that belongs to the increasingly exclusive religion of 12-cylinder–powered super sedans. Consider us firm believers in such ideology.

2013 BMW 7 Series

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 will become the third petrol-electric model in BMW Australia’s line-up – following 3 Series and 5 Series ActiveHybrid variants – when it reaches our shores around the end of December, and joins an upgraded 7 Series family that is now up to 25 per cent more fuel efficient than the one it replaces.

Priced from $222,000 ($237,000 in long-wheelbase form), the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 costs $4100 more than its only direct hybrid competitor, the new Lexus LS600h F Sport. The green German giant trails the V8-powered Japanese limo for overall power (260kW versus 327kW) but matches it for acceleration (0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds) and easily takes the points in terms of fuel efficiency (6.8 litres per 100km versus 8.6L/100km).