Filed under: Aftermarket, Geneva Motor Show, Crossover, BMW, Luxury

The Westphalians at AC Schnitzer have done a number on the diesel BMW X1 to come up with the AC Schnitzer X1 E84. The range of changes, options, and badging – especially the badging – is extensive. But the crux of the tuned crossover is that the 1.8d model goes from 143 horsepower to 171, and the 2.0d goes from 177 hp to 210.

Your super schneller X1 will look the part with a comprehensive aerodynamics package outside and carbon goodies inside, including a Schnitzer logo’d cover for the iDrive controller. And it is promised as the “new standard in driving pleasure” because of a new suspension kit. Schnitzer’s full info on the X1 E84 is in the press release after the jump, and you can get a high-res view of it in the gallery below. Stay tune for all of our live pics and info from Geneva.

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Continue reading AC Schnitzer gives the BMW X1 a once-over

AC Schnitzer gives the BMW X1 a once-over originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW

BMW has done a lot of work over the past year to bring its core philosophy of Efficient Dynamics to nearly every vehicle in its lineup. We’ve seen new hybrid production vehicles like the ActiveHybrid X6 and 7, as well as diesel-powered offerings like the 335d and X5 xDrive35d.

But for BMW, Efficient Dynamics doesn’t just represent alternative fuels. The automaker has implemented technologies like regenerative braking on gas-powered models, as well as a larger focus on using lightweight materials to construct the vehicles in its lineup.

BMW’s latest ad spot shows how these forward-thinking improvements influence its full range of products, and ties it all into the original Vision EfficientDynamics concept car from last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show. (We really like seeing that thing in action.) Hit the jump to watch the video.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BMW “Joy is Futureproof” commercial showcases Efficient Dynamics engineering

Video: BMW “Joy is Futureproof” commercial showcases Efficient Dynamics engineering originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Crossover, BMW

BMW is hell-bent on incorporating its EfficientDynamics systems into every model in its line-up, and the latest recipient is the M3, which will come equipped with Auto Start Stop this spring. According to BMW, the system, which cuts the engine when the M3 comes to a stop, reduces emissions and fuel consumption by up to eight percent.

BMW will also begin offering a Competition Package for the M3 coupe and sedan in Europe, which includes 19×9-inch wheels, a suspension lowered by 10mm and a revised Sport traction control setting. A carbon fiber rear spoiler and front apron flaps are included in the package, and can be ordered separately for older M3s.

A new M Sport package for the X5 will debut alongside the Competition M3 at the Geneva Motor Show, comprised of a 19- or 20-inch wheels wrapped in specially developed tires, a new front fascia with larger air intakes, “satinized aluminum” window surrounds, M leather steering wheel, footrest and a few interior tweaks. All the details, along with new Individual packages for the X5 M, X6 M, 5 and 7 Series sedans, are available in the press release below the fold.

Continue reading BMW announces start-stop system and Competition package for M3, M Sport for X5

BMW announces start-stop system and Competition package for M3, M Sport for X5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

Not only will BMW not make an M7, but they even stopped making the incredibly-close-to-an-M Alpina B7 a few years ago. That car could hold its head high against competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, Audi S8 and Bentley Flying Spur Speed, with extra horsepower, refined handling and unique looks setting it apart from standard 7 series fare. Sadly, that car was only produced from 2007-2008 and since ‘09 there’s been nothing to fill the void.

Today in Chicago we saw a bright light on the horizon. Just in time to do battle with the upcoming Jaguar XJR, Porsche Panamera Turbo and the like, BMW unveiled the 2011 Alpina B7. Functional front and rear fascias and spoilers, 20-spoke, 21-inch Alpina wheels, hand-stitched “Lavalina” leather and Alpina badges and sills differentiate this from lesser 7s.

Underhood there’s a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque – 100 hp and 66 lb-ft better than the 750i, with a 0-60 dash of 4.5 seconds. Available in short wheelbase for $122,875 or extended wheelbase at $126,775, it’s a helluva car for helluva lot scratch. Press release after the jump and live gallery below.

Live photos copyright (C)2010 Frank Filipponio/Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Chicago 2010: BMW ends three year Alpina B7 drought for 2011

Chicago 2010: BMW ends three year Alpina B7 drought for 2011 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW

Technical details of BMW’s coming M1 have leaked before and the important bits are these: Aluminum, twin-turbo six-cylinder, 350 horsepower, 310-plus pound-feet of torque, six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, electronically-controlled rear M differential and around 3,300 pounds. Now details on the car’s appearance are bursting through the cracks and the mods aim to separate this from lesser 1-er siblings by including a trapezoidal central grille, two lateral intakes, different headlights, a “ducktail” integrated rear spoiler and the quad pipes standard on all Ms.

A host of the changes serve both functional and aesthetic purposes. The six-piston brakes up front are getting a lot of attention, which is part of the reason for the reshaped grille up front as well as lip spoilers above the brake duct inlets. The track has been increased front and rear, which will necessitate new wheel arches. Up top will be a carbon fiber roof to lower the center of gravity and down low will be ducts in the rear diffuser for better aerodynamics. When we finally do see it next year, the whole package will sit on two choices of 18-inch wheels: Standard or Competition.

[Source: 1 Addicts]

More details about rumored hotted-up BMW 1 Series surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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