Following the unveiling of its M3 Concept at the Geneva Motor Show, BMW has revealed details of the M3’s new V8 powerplant. The first eight-cylinder for the BMW M3 will deliver 420-hp from just 4.0L.

Not only is the new V8 more powerful than the outgoing inline 6 cylinder, it is also lighter than the previous engine.

Full details after the jump.

## Source: BMW ##

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BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer has confirmed that the automaker is still considering a small crossover that would be positioned below the X3. Tentatively called the X1, the new crossover would ride on the 1-Series platform. According to an interview in German magazine AutoZeitung, Reithofer said the vehicle is expected by 2010, and it expects to sell about 100,000 units annually.

Reithofer also said that “the type of products we need in the future” are cars like successors to Z8 roadster and M1 supercar.

## Source: AutoZeitung ##

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As we have previously reported, BMW will expand its 1-Series with coupe and convertible versions. Spy photographers have snapped the best shots yet of the coupe variant of the BMW 1-Series during testing in Munich.

There are rumors of a version powered by BMW’s new 3.0L twin-turbo, and possibly an M version as well.

The BMW 1-Series Coupe will join the 3- and 5-door hatch models and is scheduled to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show this fall.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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We’ve seen several shots of BMW’s mystery roadster that has sparked much debate among auto spies as to this car’s identity. While many thought this was BMW’s SL-challenging Z9 (or Z6) roadster, there are others that think this is the next-generation Z4. The next Z4 is expected to grow to make room for a 1-Series-based Z2 entry-level roadster.

Based on the last set of photos, many changed their minds and got behind the idea that this is the next-generation Z4. While doubts are likely to remain for some time, as we don’t expect to see the camouflage stripped off the car for a while yet, we are jumping on the Z4 bandwagon — but we reserve the right to change our minds at any time.

Whatever it is, we have another set of photos of what we are saying is the Z4 roadster with its top down.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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BMW continues testing its forthcoming M3, and spy photographers have caught a camouflaged prototype of its M3 sedan. The next-generation M3 will launch this fall with the M3 coupe, followed in the spring by the M3 cabriolet and finally the sedan version next fall. This will be the first M3 sedan in 13 years.

Under the camo, the M3 sedan is expected to feature a similar (if not identical) rear fascia and muscular fender flares as the M3 coupe. The M3 sedan will also share its aggressive front fascia will the M3 coupe, including the headlamps and grille coming from the 3-Series coupe. All M3 models will be powered by a 420-hp 4.0L V8 derived from the M5/M6’s V10.

The BMW M3 Coupe will have its official debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show in September. No word on when the M3 sedan will debut.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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Following last week’s debut of the BMW M3 Concept, the Bavarian automaker returned to testing its M3 models. Spy photographers have caught a camouflaged prototypes of its M3 sedan and cabriolet. The V8-powered M3 coupe will launch this fall, with the M3 cabriolet following in the spring.

There is plenty of debate about the type of top that will be seen on the cabriolet model. At first it was thought that the droptop M3 would feature a folding metal hardtop just like the standard model 3-Series, but then came the reports the BMW’s M engineers were not happy with the extra weight of the hardtop.

Based on these photos, it looks like BMW is still considering a hardtop for its M3 cabriolet or it is just trying to throw the dogs off the scent. When we first heard that BMW was considering a soft-top, there was some speculation that BMW may be considering a carbon fiber hardtop as a weight-saving measure.

Either way, the BMW M3 cabriolet is expected in spring of 2008 and we’ll know before then.

## Source: Winding Road ##

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BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer announced that the automaker will continue its new product initiative with the X6 crossover. The X6 crossover will begin production in 2008 at the company’s assembly plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The X6 is a spin-off of the X5 SAV that will seat four and feature a coupe-like body. The X6 will be offered with all-wheel drive and be powered by V8 engines.

Reithofer said that BMW hopes to increase production in the U.S. to more than 200,000 annually by 2010. BMW’s annual production capacity at its only U.S. production plant in Spartanburg, S.C., is currently around 140,000 vehicles. The aim of a North American expansion is to reduce the effect of a strong euro on prices in North America, BMW’s top single market.

## Source: BMW ##

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BMW unveiled a thinly-disguised concept version of its highly-anticipated M3 coupe at last week’s 2007 Geneva Motor Show. Based on the basic design of the standard 3-Series Coupe, the M3 concept features a more muscular sheetmetal and a high-revving 420-hp 4.0L V8.

Video after the jump.

## Source: BMW ##

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Following the refresh of its 5-Series sedan, BMW is giving its 6-Series a minor facelift, which will likely arrive for the 2008 model year. Up front, the BMW 6-Series gets a revised front air dam, with narrower center intake and repositioned fog lights within the center air intake. The disguised headlamps offer hints that BMW has those will see a few changes. Out back, a revised bumper will include redesigned reflectors back-up lights. The revised taillamps will feature three gill-like extensions for a little visual bling.

With the dramatic/controversial design of the 6-Series, The minor refresh is typical of BMW’s mid-cycle facelifts, and with the dramatic/controversial design of the 6-Series is likely to be noticed by only the most avid BMW fans.

## Source: The Car Connection ##

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BMW unveiled a concept version of its forthcoming M3 coupe at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show earlier this month. The concept is based on the basic design of the standard 3-Series Coupe, but features a unique design and almost all new sheetmetal.

As previously reported, the concept M3 — as well as the production model — is powered by a high-revving V8 delivering in the neighborhood of 420-hp.

Video of the unveiling after the jump.

## Source: BMW ##

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With the launch of the 2008 BMW 5-Series, the automaker also introduced a regenerative braking system, which is the first time such a system has been used on a non-hybrid car.

BMW’s Brake Energy Regeneration system works by harnessing the energy currently lost through engine over-run during braking. Using an intelligent alternator, which engages during braking, the system powers the battery to 100 percent with what would have been lost energy. It also reduces drag on the engine by only engaging and charging when required. The system cuts CO2 emissions and fuel consumption by around three percent.

BMW’s Brake Energy Regeneration is part of the company’s Efficient Dynamics program that aims to reduce vehicle weight, lower fuel consumption and improve efficiency in other areas such as aerodynamics, all with the aim of developing more power from less fuel in a lower-weight vehicle.

Video after the jump.

## Source: BMW ##

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DaimlerChrysler and BMW have announced that they are expanding their hybrid system collaboration. The two German automakers have already worked with General Motors on the development of the two-mode full hybrid system, which will debut in early 2008 on the Chevrolet Tahoe/GMC Yukon and Dodge Durango.

DaimlerChrysler and BMW will work together to develop a mild hybrid drive system to be used in both automaker’s rear-wheel-drive premium segment cars. The system is expected to go into production in about three years. The technolgy will be adapted by the companies to fit the different character of the two brands.

Press release after the jump.

## Source: DaimlerChrysler ##

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We’ve posted several sets of pictures of BMW’s new mystery roadster. While many thought this was the new Z9 (or Z6) because of the car’s size and folding hardtop, others thought this was the next-generation Z4, which is expected to grow to make room for a new Z2 entry-level roadster.

These new photos — the first with the top down — provides some insights that this is actually a prototype of the next Z4. This hard plastic camouflage is typical of BMW, but we’ve never seen it quite so far off of the underlying body panels, which makes the car look much bigger than it really is. At the base of the windshield, this prototype has at least a four inch gap between the camo and the actual vehicle.

The are other clues that indicate this is likely the more mass market Z4, including the prototype’s cloth interior (which would never be seen on car like the Z9), and, with the top down, it looks like a conventional softtop, not the hardtop that is expected on the Z9. Finally, an MX-5 Miata was spotted near the prototype all day, and the MX-5 is not the car you’d have on hand for comparision if your target was the Mercedes SL. Not that the MX-5 would be the target for an larger, more upscale Z4 either.

## Source: Winding Road ##

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BMW will install French-built engines in its cars for the first time, according to German publication Der Spiegel.

BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroen currently produce the 1.6L four-cylinder that is used in the BMW’s MINI Coopers and the Peugeot 207. The two companies will produce a new four-cylinder engine that is destined for BMW’s 1-Series. The new engines will be built at the PSA plant at Douvrin near Lille.

This will be the first time a foreign-made engine will go into a BMW. Apparently, BMW management doesn’t feel that the brand’s reputation will be hurt by using a French-built motor.

## Source: Der Spiegel ##

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Earlier this week we reported that BMW was scheduled to unveil a concept version of its M3 at the Geneva Motor Show. One of the key differences between the concept and the production version will be the license plate holder on the concept will be in the lower bumper area, while the production model will have the license plate on the trunk lid.

BMW has now begun taking virtually undisguised (just a few strips of tape have been digitally removed) copies of its E92 M3 out for testing, and Hans G Lehmann has snapped the first shots.

The new M3 looks impressive, albeit very subtle.

## Source: World Car Fans ##

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