�� BMW �� 2008 - �� 25

�� · #**121** 22-09-2008, 10:30 PM

Filed under: Sedans/Saloons, Videos, Paris Motor Show, BMW

Click above for high-res gallery of the 2009 BMW 7 Series

BMW released a bevy of new 2009 7 Series images and even some video today in anticipation of the big sedan's appearance next month at the Paris Motor Show. Officially unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show in early July, the 2009 7 Series will appear at the Paris show in at least six different models: the 730d powered by a 3.0L straight-six diesel engine, the 740i and long-wheelbase 740il, the 750i and the also long-wheelbase 750il, as well as a hybrid version. The 7 Series will also be packed with more high technology than NORAD, including a Side View camera system, Park Distance Control system, Lane Departure Warning system, Head-up display, a four-wheel steering system called Integral Active Steering, and, of course, the latest generation of BMW's iDrive. Back seat passengers can also be entertained via big headrest-mounted screens that are controlled via a second iDrive rotary knob in the rear seat center armrest Check out all of the new images released by BMW today in our gallery below, as well as b-roll video the new 7 Series being driven on the road after the jump.

Gallery: 2009 BMW 7 Series

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Pics and Video Aplenty: 2009 BMW 7 Series

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�� · #**122** 22-09-2008, 11:16 PM

Filed under: Hybrids/Alternative, Sedans/Saloons, Green, Paris Motor Show, BMW

Click above for high-res shots of the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid

With the arrival of the BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid, which will make its initial debut at the Paris Motor Show, both BMW and Mercedes-Benz are set to enter the luxury hybrid market that has so far only seen action in the form of the Lexus LS600h. Although BMW was one of the brands that helped develop the sophisticated Two-Mode hybrid system that's currently being used in the full-size 'utes from both GM and Chrysler, the Bavarian automaker has chosen instead to equip its 7 Series with the same mild hybrid architecture that it helped to develop and is used by cross-country rival Daimler. Like the S400 BlueHYBRID, a 120-volt lithium ion battery will be kept underhood along with a small helper motor that's hooked up to the engine, in the case of the BMW, a twin-turbocharged, direct injected 4.4-liter V8. Expect well over 400-horsepower from the gas/electric combo along with combined fuel mileage in the low 20's.

Gallery: BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

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�� · #**123** 23-09-2008, 01:41 AM

Filed under: Plants/Manufacturing, BMW

BMW has achieved sales increases in the US for 16 straight years, but that impressive streak is going to end in 2008. BMW USA CEO Jim O'Donnell has decided to stop shipment of 44,000 vehicles destined for the States by the end of this year. The move was made to prevent pushing increased sales in a down market because too many incentives were needed to entice consumers. The weakness of the US Dollar vs. the euro makes high incentives unprofitable. Some vehicles, like the X3, are coming to the US in smaller numbers even though they are selling well without incentives. Leases are also a cause of concern, with 63% of its vehicles leaving BMW showrooms with a down-payment and a mileage limit. O'Donnell wants to cut that number by 10% or more, and in August, leases were down to 50% of sales.

The German automaker is also looking to cut expenses in the U.S, with plants to slash 90 jobs in the States, along with reducing marketing expenditures. The largest short-term change is that BMW will not end December with a high incentive sales blowout, which means if you're waiting for the big Bimmer sales event, it probably won't happen.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd]

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�� · #**124** 25-09-2008, 04:08 PM

It's no secret that our cars are quickly becoming extensions of our data-crazed lives. Everywhere we go, we surround ourselves with electronics meant to make our lives more convenient. Plus, most of these gadgets are just plain cool. Microsoft and Ford started something with the SYNC system and Apple has the market cornered with its iPod and iPhone, with integration of those i-devices now becoming popular options with car shoppers. Don't expect Google to sit back and watch. The internet giant has teamed up with an impressive list of major players, including Intel and Wind River Systems. These companies are actively working on getting their Android open-source operating system integrated into cars as we speak. If we had to wager a guess, it would be BMW that's most likely to roll out a new Android-powered infotainment system first, possibly as early as next year according to John Bruggeman, chief marketing officer at Wind River. For an early look at the first device with the Android OS, check out Engadget's recent feature.

[Source: CNET via Jalopnik]

�� · #**125** 26-09-2008, 09:14 PM

Filed under: Concept Cars, Paris Motor Show, Crossovers/CUVs, BMW

Click the image above to view the teaser video of the BMW X1 Concept

Rocking graffiti styles we haven't seen on the street since the late 90s, BMW has put out a 40-second teaser video of a covered X1 Concept being unloaded from an enclosed trailer ahead of its debut next week at the Paris Motor Show. Our skateboarding, urban protagonist tags the letters "M," "C" and "X", using each letter to spell out some lofty buzz words about the X1's desired demographic, simultaneously stoking our curiosity and leaving us shaking our heads. Check the video after the break and stay tuned on Thursday for the official reveal, live from Paris.

[Source: BMW-web.tv]

Continue reading VIDEO: Cloaked BMW X1 Concept is a hip-hop wannabe

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