Detroit Preview: BMW To Unveil 3 Series Cabrio
DETROIT ” BMW began circulating photos of its redesigned 3 Series convertible in October. But the driving public won't get its first in-person glimpse of the new retractable-hardtop car until early January, when the car makes its world debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. BMW's NAIAS display also will include the redesigned X5 utility vehicle and the Hydrogen 7, which the company describes as the world's first hydrogen-powered luxury sedan. The car's 6.0-liter V12, modified to run on either gasoline or hydrogen, delivers 260 horsepower. The 3 Series convertible, which goes on sale in the spring, tops out with the 335i, powered by a twin-turbocharged inline-6 that delivers 306 hp. What this means to you: Seems like everyone is jumping into retractable hardtops these days.
IL Exclusive: 2008 BMW 7 Series Will Be Smaller, Sportier and
MUNICH — The current BMW 7 Series is a sales success, especially in North America and Asia, but its controversial looks have been a downer for the luxury brand. Not surprisingly, the appearance of the flagship will be changed with the next-generation model as insider sources tell Inside Line the next 7 Series, coming in late 2008, will be less radical-looking, smaller and sportier. The next 7 Series is in the works now, under code name "F01" for the standard 7 and "F02" for the long-wheelbase version, which will reportedly be about 5.5 inches longer. Major changes are to the rear end, which will have wraparound lights and a more sculptured look. From the side, there will be three creases rather than the current two, and door handles are positioned lower. The shift lever will be moved to a more traditional location on the transmission tunnel.
BMW introduces Qiblah arrow in navigation system
BMW Group Middle East has become the first premium car manufacturer in the region to introduce the arrow to Qiblah in Makkah in BMW navigation systems, operational from March 2007.
"We have realised the changing needs of many of our customers in the Middle East, whose busy lifestyles mean they are spending more time on the roads travelling between one city to the other," BMW Group Middle East managing director Guenther Seemann said.
The arrow towards Qiblah in Makkah will be available in the BMW 7 Series, X3, Z4, Z4 Coupe and MINI Cabrio from March 2007, and will also be available for RetroFit in the existing BMW 7 Series, BMW X5, BMW 3 Series and MINI models.
Behind the Scenes with Seth Thomas
Behind the Scenes with Seth Thomas While most people are enjoying the holidays, BimmerWorld driver, Seth Thomas, is ready for the 2007 racing season to begin. Thomas hopes to win his first driver's title in the Speed World Challenge Touring Series in his BimmerWorld BMW E90 325i. In 2006, BimmerWorld was the only team to run the new E90 chassis and they spent a great deal of time testing and developing the car. Although they encountered many gremlins along the way, Thomas finished 12th overall in driver's points in his #38 BimmerWorld Performance Friction BMW 325i. Thomas is a natural on the track and he certainly has what it takes to help BMW reclaim the manufacturer's title. While competitive, his laid back personality and great sense of humor makes him popular in the paddock. I stopped by Seth's home town of Cumming, GA to learn more about this young energetic driver.
IL Exclusive: 2008 BMW 7 Series Will Be Smaller, Sportier
MUNICH ” The current BMW 7 Series is a sales success, especially in North America and Asia, but its controversial looks have been a downer for the luxury brand. Not surprisingly, the appearance of the flagship will be changed with the next-generation model as insider sources tell Inside Line the next 7 Series, coming in late 2008, will be less radical-looking, smaller and sportier. The next 7 Series is in the works now, under code name "F01" for the standard 7 and "F02" for the long-wheelbase version, which will reportedly be about 5.5 inches longer. Major changes are to the rear end, which will have wraparound lights and a more sculptured look. From the side, there will be three creases rather than the current two, and door handles are positioned lower. The shift lever will be moved to a more traditional location on the transmission tunnel.
SPEED To Air Highlights Of Inaugural MOTO-ST Daytona 8-Hour
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. “ Fans and competitors of the newly-formed SunTrust MOTO-ST Series, which kicked off this past October with the 8 Hours At Daytona, will get a special look at the twin-cylinder motorcycle racing series on December 17 at 3 p.m. ET, when SPEED airs a one-hour race highlight package from the series' inaugural event. The race, which ran on October 21 at the “World Center of Racing," was won overall by the Super Sport Twins class No. 46 San Jose BMW R1200 of Brian Parriott, Stephane Mertens and Nate Kern, which outlasted the No. 18 M4 EMGO Suzuki SV1000S trio of Michael Barnes, Chris Ulrich and Geoff May. The show was filmed and produced by Chet Burks Productions in concert with SPEED. “SPEED has done a great job producing races in the Grand American Rolex Series and KONI Challenge Series for years now, and we were thrilled to have the network capture this historic motorcycle event," said Grand American Road Racing Association President Roger Edmondson.
BMW 3 Series Convertible makes world debut at Detroit
BMW's new 3 Series Convertible makes its world debut at the 100th North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit on 7 January 2007. Offering innovations, unique technologies and powerful yet low emission engines, the new 3 Series Convertible is set to offer unparalleled levels of performance and refinement to remain the clear class leader.
Clearly a 3 Series, the Convertible is differentiated in design at the front, back and side from the Saloon and Touring variants with its visually elongated lines and wide stance. The new Convertible also features the first electronically-operated folding hard-top roof offered by BMW and is the world's first car to be offered with SunReflective seat cooling leather. Under the skin, it will be powered by two efficient yet powerful engines at launch.
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