Archive for May, 2008

BMW To Use 8-Speed Gearbox

BMW will be obtaining the eight-speed automatic transmissions from ZF Friedrichshafen a German supplier that they often deal with. BMW has plans to debut the new transmission in the X6 Sport Activity Vehicle and 7-Series sedan.

The current BMW 7-Series both use six-speed automatics. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class utilizes a seven-speed automatic of their own design, while Lexus debuted their eight-speed transmission in the LS 460. Increasing the number of forward gears offers advantages in smoothness, acceleration, and improves fuel efficiency. Lower fuel consumption equates to reduced emissions, helping the powerful models meet increasingly stringent air quality standards in Europe and the United States.

Thieves Nab £40,000 BMW Z4M

The BMW is such a great car that no one can resist it. Not even some thieves looking for something that can truly give them a thrill ride. In Straiton, Midlothian some thieves reached through the letterbox of a suburban home and grabbed the keys to the residents £40,000 BMW Z4M.

Police stated the car was probably targeted while the owner was using it at work or while they were shopping and the thieves followed them home.

2011 M5 To Kick Out 550 HP

BMW is already working on a way to bring the power levels of the AMG up by the time the new M5 is revealed in 2011. In order to accomplish this the output needs to be more than current model’s – which is 501 horsepower. BMW till have to get rid of the V10 5.5 liters and give it a couple turbos and use direct-injection in order to bring it up to at least 550 horsepower.

BMW To Use 4-Cylinder Engine In More Models

PSA and BMW are working together to create the 4-cylinder 1.6 liter engine that for now resides in the R65 MINI Cooper. Norbert Reithofer – BMW CEO – stated during an interview that this engine will be making its way into the BMW 1-Series. We weren’t able to get details on which particular models would be given this engine or even which markets it will be sold in.

BMW To Release ConnectedDrive In-Car Internet System Later In The Year

BMW stated today that they will be releasing their new in-car internet system to the markets located right outside of Germany sooner then they originally planned. The new ConnectedDrive allows drivers unrestricted access to the Internet through the EDGE network. EDGE is one of the fastest mobile Internet connections in the world.

People riding in the back seat will be able to connect and surf the net as much as they want. However, we don’t recommend drivers surfing unless they are at a complete stop. Unlimited service is going to cost consumers around 15 euros every month.

BMW Shows Off X6 With Hologram Ads

By using a hologram technology made by viZoo, a Dutch advertising company, BMW is marketing the X6 a new BMW as an entirely new class of car. BMW is using the hologram to catch the market in a new and exciting way. The system uses a 10ft long light controlled area. The system will show a three dimensional interactive image of the X6. The system is controlled by a touch screen, which can be used to see a variety of the X6’s angles, see the interior and get the vehicle’s stats. BMW has yet to any footage of the X6 hologram.