BMW X1 to go on Sale this November, X6 and 7-Series Hybrid to follow Shortly

In a prepared statement concerning the Bavarian firm's first quarter results, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, revealed that the new X1 SUV will hit showrooms this fall followed by the hybrid variants of the X6 SUV and 7-Series limo. BMW's new entry-level X-Series model, which will occupy the space under the X3 rivaling compact SUVs like the Toyota RAV4 and VW Tiguan, is the production version of last year's X1 concept and it will be offered with numerous 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines.

Both the X6 Hybrid and 7-Series hybrid models have been teased in the form of concept studies in the past. It is expected that they will share the same two-mode hybrid system that combines electric motors with an advanced automatic transmission and a conventional gasoline engine, most likely the 407HP 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8.

The hybrid system allows the vehicles to be powered either exclusively by the electric motors (like the Prius) or in tandem with the gasoline unit. BMW has yet to publish any official figures, but the system is said to boost fuel-economy by around 10 to 15 percent over their conventionally-powered siblings.

BMW to Unveil new 760i and 760iL with Twin Turbo V12 at Shanghai Show

BMW has revealed details on its new flagship models, the V12-powered 760i and its long-wheelbase sibling, the 760iL, that will make their world premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show in China that runs from April 22 to 28, 2009. Taking over the top position within BMW's model portfolio, the 760i and 760iL are powered by an all-new 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine that cranks out 544 horsepower and is mated to an also new, eight-speed automatic transmission.

Developed as a completely new engine from the ground up, the V12 also forms the base for the new Rolls Royce 200EX's 6.6-liter V12. In the BMW 760i and 760iL, the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 makes 544 hp at 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 750Nm or 553 lb-ft from just 1,500 rpm.

At the same time, the 760i and 760iL with its extended wheelbase by 140mm or 5.5", are the first models in BMW's portfolio to feature the newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission.

According to the German automaker, the 760i accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in just 4.6 seconds and goes on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h or 155mph. The luxury sedan's average average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 12.9 liters/100 kilometers or 18.2mpg US.

Both the 760 and 760iL are expected to arrive in showrooms during the second half of the year.

Barfarian Motor Works presents the BMW 730i Convertible

Looks like someone has been spending way too much time at Amsterdam's notorious coffee shops... This drop-dead-top conversion of the second generation BMW 730i (known internally as the E32), appeared on a Dutch car auction website with the seller asking a 'mere' €2,750 for the kinky red-colored 7-Series. The rag-top 730i comes without a central roll bar, which may be good for open-air motoring but not when it comes to frame strength and rigidity, especially for a four-door sedan model that was converted into a cabriolet by someone other than the manufacturer.

Source: Carsales

Alpina B7: First Photo of Bi-Turbocharged BMW 7-Series

The first official picture of the all-new Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo has made its way into the internet prior to the sport saloon's world premiere in Geneva next week. Alpina's latest proposal is based on the new 7-Series and it uses a modified version of BMW's factory 4.4-liter twin-turbochargedV87 engine developed to produce 507-horsepower and 700Nm of torque.

The result is a zero to 100 km/h (62mph) acceleration time of 4,7 seconds while the car's top speed is electronically limited to 280 km/h or 174mph. Alpina has not issued any details yet, but we gather that the B7 Bi-Turbo will also feature upgrades to the suspension and braking system.

Visually, the B7 has been enhanced with Alpina's signature front lip spoiler, a boot spoiler and a set of multispoke alloy wheels.

Via: Autoblog.it

Fan Comes up with BMW M7 Rendering, Bavarians' Still not Interested

In yet another case of 'too-much-time-itis', a reader of our Dutch friends at Autblog.nl has come up with a new fantasy rendering of the BMW M7 - a car that has never been confirmed, and most probably never will. Using a blacked out 7-Series as a base, the artist photoshoped an "M" style bumper, lowered the car a few inches and added a set of... Brabus alloy wheels. Even though the German saloon looks pretty menacing here, we reckon that if BMW ever decided to build an M7, it would look far more aggressive than this proposal.

Via: Autoblog.nl , Source: Autojunk.nl