| BMW's X5 puts 'sport' in SAV
But, somehow, after driving BMW's 530xi sedan and the new ($61,900) X5 3.0Si SAV back to back, it was the sports activity vehicle that felt sportier. Both are powered by BMW's 3.0-litre in-line six, though the X5's boasts five more horsepower (260). But, despite being 160 kilograms heavier, it's only 0.3 seconds slower to 100 kilometres an hour from a standstill (7.3). Though the new X5 is immediately recognizable, there are two distinct changes for 2007. The first is more compliant, refined suspension performance without sacrificing handling. The second, the one of which I'm less convinced, is the X5's available seven-passenger-seating option. I understand why -- for marketing reasons -- BMW has to offer it, but the third row is truly only suitable for the legless.
The 60mpg BMW
THE most fuel-effificient production car BMW has ever produced will be among the model-line-up when the new 1 Series goes on sale in spring. The introduction of a three-door model and a revised five-door come as a raft of new fuel-saving innovations are rolled out across the range. Technologies such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Automatic Start-Stop function and Electric Power Steering are combined with a gearshift change indicator to encourage economical motoring. These innovations are in addition to the use of variable valve technologies and High-Precision Direct Injection engines on some 1 Series models that boost power output but cut fuel consumption and emissions. The BMW 118d, BMW's most economical car, manages its record 60.1mpg figure courtesy of these features in conjunction with the use of further lightweight engineering.
BMW ‘posts’ record sale in GCC region
DOHA: BMW Group Middle East has announced record sales in the GCC countries with 11,250 units, the highest ever volume achieved in the Gulf region. The fast growing markets in the GCC were Oman with 26%, Qatar (18%), and Dubai (12%). "BMW continues to deliver strong results in this key market for the marque," said BMW Group Middle East managing director Guenther Seemann. "Despite challenges experienced in the region in 2006, we were still able to achieve good results with 4% growth," he said. New models such as the BMW X5, the New MINI, the BMW 3 Series Convertible and the new BMW 5 Series are to be launched this year. Key highlights for BMW Group Middle East in 2006 included the launch of the Z4 Roadster, Z4 M Roadster, Z4 Coupe and Z4 M Coupe, 3 Series Coupe, BMW X3 and the BMW M6 Convertible.
Grounded ship hits S.Africa car and wine sectors
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Volkswagen South Africa said on Thursday it was cutting back on production after losing car parts on a ship grounded off the southern English coast. Looters made away with everything from car parts to BMW motorbikes and nappies as wreckage littered the beach after MSC Napoli was purposely grounded last Saturday to prevent it sinking at sea amid storms. .
BMW 135i hatchback is bound for North America
We were pretty certain that the BMW 1-series was heading to the United States, but now we can know for sure. BMW has officially confirmed that the entry-level hatchback is bound for North America in the form of the 135i, a tight little package powered by a twin-turbo 3-liter inline-six engine (that's a lot of hyphens). A little further down the road, they hope to also introduce the cheaper 130i model as well.
But wait, there's more. It's not just the hatchback that will hitting our shores. According to Winding Road, the BMW 1-series will be offered in the United States as a convertible and a coupe as well, though it's unclear exactly when those additional models will make their first appearance. If you're looking for more fuel efficiency, though, you may have to wait until the Bavarian automaker produces a "proper turbocharged four-cylinder engine" (which may be sooner than you think).
E-mail alert: No such thing as a free BMW
"The board of directors, staff, and the International Awareness Promotion Department of BMW Automobile Co., congratulate you as the winner in this year's BMW Automobile International Awareness Promotion."
The prize is a new BMW 5-Series car plus 450,000 British pounds, or about $900,000.
We called BMW spokesman Rob Mitchell to learn if having its International Awareness Promotion Department in England, not Germany, will speed delivery of the car and cash.
"We don't headquarter it in England because there is no such department--anywhere," he replied. "It's a scam. It started a couple years ago and is back again. Don't make room for the car, and don't spend the $900,000."
But the e-mail doesn't ask for a bank account or Social Security number.
BMW Announces Pricing for 3 Series Convertible
BMW Group Australia has announced pricing for its 3 Series Convertible, which will be launched next month to the Australian public at the Brisbane International Motor Show. Customer deliveries of the iconic BMW 3 Series Convertible, which will feature for the first time a folding metal hardtop, will begin in March. SunReflective technology, which reduces heat build-up in leather upholstery exposed to direct sunlight, will become a standard feature in BMWs fourth generation Convertible. The new Convertible is the sleekest rendering yet of the new generation 3 Series design. The stunning silhouette of the new Convertible is characterised by a slender roofline descending down to the rear and a low and smooth shoulder-line. The design also features the traditional Hofmeister Kick which appears for the first time on a BMW Convertible.
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