اخبار سيارات BMW لسنه 2009

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Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Economy, Hybrids/Alternative, Green, Hatchbacks, BMW, FIAT

We've been hearing rumblings that BMW and Fiat were working together on the development of future small vehicle platforms for a while now. With the German automaker working on an Isetta revival and the Italian firm moving forward with a new Topolino, it makes some sense that the two companies would join forces on a single platform sharedbetween the two small retromobiles.

According to Auto Express in the U.K., work is far enough along that we could see both new city cars by 2011. If current rumors are accurate, the cars will feature a rear-mounted engine and four seats, putting the machines on par with the new Toyota iQ and upcoming Up! from Volkswagen. AE says that light weight would be ensured through the use of aluminum and carbon fiber for the chassis and possibly even plastic bodywork, and if that's the case, we can't see these being anything less than premium-priced.

An electric drivetrain featuring one motor for each of the four wheels and a thin battery pack sandwiched under the passenger compartment is also likely. If there's any truth to these rumors, we could see a concept vehicle on the new platform wearing a Mini badge at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year.

[Source: Auto Express]

BMW and Fiat working on new small car platform, concept headed to Frankfurt? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 17:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Motorsports, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., Videos, BMW

Click above to watch video after the jump

Ouch. After taking an off-track excursion and narrowly missing major guardrail contact, the driver of this BMW M3 tries to just power back onto the track. Not so fast says the berm as it totally tears up the undercarriage. The driver's miscalculation leaves this high-performance 3-series high centered and in need of a push, and the car likely sustained more damage before its wheels were once again solidly on tarmac. Check it out after the jump. Thanks for the tip, Fred!

[Source:

YouTube

]

Continue reading VIDEO: CARnage - How not to get your M3 back on the track

VIDEO: CARnage - How not to get your M3 back on the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupes, Sports/GTs, Hatchbacks, BMW

With new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards looming on the horizon, automakers are in the process of developing engines that strike a balance between ultra-efficiency and high-performance. Aware of the challenges ahead, BMW has begun development of the next generation 3 Series and 1 Series, both due for a redesign in 2013, and according to Ludwig Willisch, BMW's M division CEO, new turbocharged engines are on the horizon for the next M3 and 1 Series M (not, we repeat not, to be dubbed the M1).

A turbo'd six-cylinder will likely replace the 4.0-liter V8 currently fitted to the M3, although BMW hasn't decided if it will use a straight-six or a V6 powerplant. Willisch told Motor Trend that the new engine won't be based on the current 3.0-liter inline six currently employed on the 335i and 135i, and it's still too early in the development process to say which configuration will be used. BMW recognizes the inline-six's light weight is a plus, but packaging constraints may required the use of a V6. Either way, the next M3 will be wider, but Willisch insists, "Engines don't need to be more powerful for the next car. As long as you have lighter weight, you have better performance." Although the idea of a V6-powered Bimmer will surely send the marque's faithful into bouts of rage, weight reduction is the future, and to us, it's music to our ears.

As for the 1 series, there won't be an M version per se, but BMW's in-house tuning division wants to recapture the magic of the original E30 M3 by developing a smaller, lighter coupe to slot in below the next M3. As reported previously, a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder will likely power the new coupe, and according to Willisch, the automaker is aiming for something that puts out around 300 hp and weighs around 2,860 pounds (think RWD VW GTI).

Traditionally, the M variants arrive about a year after the new models are introduced, so expect the next M3 and 1 Series M to debut sometime in 2014.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Turbo'd fours and sixes could power future BMW M machines originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Wagons/Estates, Videos, Crossovers/CUVs, Hatchbacks, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo

As expected, BMW is obviously pretty far along with the production version of the 5 Series Gran Turismo concept that debuted earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show. While show-car details like the thin metal blades connecting the side mirrors from the concept have been replaced with more conventional bits, the general shape of the new GT has been left almost exactly intact. The same can't be said about the interior, which seems to have lost its artful air in exchange for BMW's typically Germanic sobriety.

We'll reserve final judgment for when the production version makes its official debut, likely at an undetermined auto show later this year. Click past the break to see the production BMW 5 Series GT on a video capture of BMW TV, along with the car's German-speaking project leader, Hans-Jurgen Branz. Thanks for the tip, Bryan!

Gallery: Production BMW 5 Series GT video stills

Gallery: BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo concept

[Source: Bimmer Blog via

Youtube

via CarSpyShots]

Continue reading Spy Shots: Production 5 Series GT revealed via BMW TV

Spy Shots: Production 5 Series GT revealed via BMW TV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Trends, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, BMW, Earnings/Financials

With 58,000 fewer new vehicles sold in 2008 and a net profit nearly 90 percent lower than it was in 2007, The Independent is reporting that BMW is cutting its board member bonuses by 40 percent. In addition, the balance of its 100,000 employees are facing pay cuts. The sales slowdown will also take a bite out of salaries at all levels, as chief executive officer Dr. Norbert Reithofer, explains:

A profit-sharing program for our board members, executives and all employees is an important element of our compensation system. We apply this system in good times as well as in challenging times. I am convinced that our employees understand the difficulty of the current situation and are willing to accept this hardship.

Although sales and profits have taken a beating (and BMW is clearly not alone), Reithofer is quick to reiterate that BMW is solvent and determined to remain independent... regardless of any rumors.

[Source: The Independent]

REPORT: BMW warns employees of looming pay cuts originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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