Despite losing one of their prized and controversial auto designers in the industry today, the BMW continues to hum. Designs may not necessarily be the marquee of most BMW vehicles today but apparently expect them to continue trying.

Such should be the case of the budding new BMW concept called the BMW S.X. concept, a brainchild of lulian Bimbu, a Milan design student. The BMW S.X. projects a futuristic look, something we see evolving from most cars in the market today.

Racy and certainly something futuristic, this car design may yet pass the BMW standards to make them stand out from the other car manufacturers which ironically seem to be carrying the same design. The only thing is who will come first, a benchmark that erases the tag of a copycat once their new cars come out in the market.

(Source) Luxist

Tags: benchmark, bmw vehicles, brainchild, car design, car manufacturers, copycat, designers, market source, marquee, milan design, new bmw, new cars

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We all got a glimpse of the BMW Z4 at the Detroit Motor Show and its first official stop is Dubai. This was announced as the modern classic roadster designed car has officially landed in Dubai Territory. For the car enthusiasts of Dubai, the arrival of the BMW Z4 promises to provide better driving pleasure thanks to a seating position moved close to the rear axle, rear-wheel drive and an automatically retractable hardtop.

‘The design elements of the new BMW Z4 Roadster have already been recognized internationally, having won a prestigious red dot award, the largest and most renowned design competition in the world. We are confident that our clientele in Dubai will also recognize and appreciate the inherent beauty and performance of this exceptional car.’

The new BMW Z4 is bound to continue the much retained level of luxury driving that only a few can enjoy. And among the first people to experience the difference happens to be lucky Dubai-based customers who will surely be checking out the first glimpse of the BMW Z4 roadster that is now available in their territory. The BMW Z4 is now available at AGMC.

(Source) Ame Info

Tags: bmw z4, bmw z4 roadster, classic roadster, detroit motor show, new bmw, rear axle

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The key towards balancing the overall weight of cars depend on what the car is composed of. But take away all the peripherals inside of it, it all boils down to the bare boned car. And with that in mind, the type of steel used can perhaps be improved to create a lighter vehicle.

In a study released today by the Automotive Applications Council of AISI’s Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), researchers with Ducker Worldwide estimated that the use of advanced high-strength steels (AHSS) in 2009 model year light vehicles increased by more than four percent of total body weight from 2007, while the average weight per vehicle decreased by 163 pounds.

While more than half of the vehicles produced worldwide contain some amount of AHSS, the new BMW X6 leads the way with 32 percent of its body structure and closures manufactured from AHSS. Other new models with above-average AHSS body content include the new Chevrolet Traverse, Ford F-150 and Chrysler Town and Country.

According to the study, weight reduction will account for at least 25 percent of the necessary improvement in fuel economy, with advances in powertrain and other technologies – such as drag reduction, low-roll resistance tires and a 42-volt electrical system – making up the difference.

(Source) Press

Tags: aisi, bmw x6, body content, body structure, chevrolet traverse, chrysler town and country, drag reduction, ducker worldwide, ford f 150, fuel economy, high strength steels, light vehicles, new bmw, resistance tires, smdi, steel market, volt electrical system, weight reduction

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While we are all in this age of recession, it is surprising to note how some BMW dealers are investing heavily on the future. In fact a projected $300 million is expected to be invested on, made up new and modernized equipment.

Over the last nine years, the BMW network has invested $2.2 billion as part of a comprehensive plan to develop the best facilities of any premium brand. The current $300 million investment continues this direction. By the end of 2009, most of the 338 dealerships will have undergone modernization of facilities.

In the current demanding and difficult automotive environment, BMW dealers have maintained their strong and stable franchises. “Our dealers have led the way with a stronger emphasis on the used car business and it has helped buffer the consequences of declining new car sales in the US,” said O’Donnell. “Early on, we and our dealers recognized this opportunity and the used car business has become an even more important part of our strategy for our US success.” O’Donnell also noted this action is bringing new and younger customers into the BMW family, even in the current economic climate.

In 2008, BMW sold more than 104,000 Certified Pre-Owned vehicles (16.4 percent more than 2007), making the brand the largest used vehicle operation within the premium segment and outselling its closest competitor by more than 60 percent. Results from the first quarter of 2009 indicate CPO sales are on track to increase an additional 15 percent for the full year.

Also important is top-of-industry customer retention through BMW’s Ultimate Service program that includes a 4-year / 50,000 mile vehicle maintenance plan with the purchase of any new BMW. As a result, through the first ownership period, 97 percent of BMW vehicles have all of their service performed at certified dealers, as opposed to the industry average of about 50 percent, helping to fully utilize BMW dealer service centers.

(Source) Press

Tags: bmw dealer, bmw dealers, bmw vehicles, car business, certified pre owned vehicles, customer retention, economic climate, maintenance plan, modernization, new bmw, new car sales, nine years, premium brand, ultimate service, vehicle maintenance

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For the BMW fans who are awaiting to get their hands on the BMW 760i, expect an added bonus to come with it. ZF technology will significantly enhance the comfort, safety, economy and performance of the new BMW 760i with its new 8-speed automatic transmission, CDC2e variable damping system, Active Roll Stabilization (ARS), and the Servotronic steering system.

The BMW 760i marks the first application for the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. The new design shifts in milliseconds, and improves fuel economy by 6 percent over the second-generation ZF 6-speed, and by 14 percent over 5-speed automatics still commonly used. The 8-speed automatic can be adapted for mild and full hybrid use simply by adding an electric motor in place of the torque converter. In a mild hybrid application, an additional 15 percent fuel savings can be achieved.

CDC2e, called “Dynamic Damping Control” by BMW, is an advancement of the Continuous Damping Control (CDC) system from ZF Sachs, the Powertrain and Suspension Components Division of ZF. CDC2e features two electronically adjustable proportional valves per damper that individually regulate the damping characteristics depending on road condition.

The CDC2e system is cross-linked with the ARS system, also known as “BMW Dynamic Drive,” in the 760i to improve body roll characteristics and driving dynamics by working to keep the vehicle level while in motion. The stabilizer can also be decoupled, keeping the vehicle stable when only one side is traveling on a bumpy surface.

Another standard feature on the BMW 760i is the speed-dependent rack-and-pinion Servotronic steering system from ZF Lenksysteme, a joint venture between ZF Friedrichshafen AG and Robert Bosch GmbH. With Servotronic, steering at slow speeds requires less effort while the system tightens at higher speeds to increase performance feel. Active steering is available as an option and adapts to the driving situation electronically, adjusting for vehicle speed, cross winds, or evasive maneuvers.

ZF is a leading worldwide supplier of driveline and chassis technology, with approximately 64,000 employees at 119 locations in 25 countries and total sales of $16.3 billion in 2008.

(Source) Press

Tags: bmw 760i, bumpy surface, cross winds, dynamic drive, fuel economy, hybrid application, new bmw, road condition, robert bosch, speed automatics

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There is a new BMW model at the top of the heap and it goes by the model BMW 760Li. The new BMW 760Li Sedan is taking over the top position within BMW’s model portfolio, delivering the highest level of driving refinement in its segment.
The heart and foundation of this exceptional new vehicle comes from an all-new BMW V12 engine.

Developed as a completely-new engine from the ground up, the latest BMW V12 is a masterpiece of modern engine technology. 544 horsepower (preliminary) comes at an engine speed of 5,000 rpm, with maximum torque of 553 lb-ft (preliminary) from just 1,500 rpm.

Combined with a brand-new 8-speed automatic transmission, this BMW V12 offers unparalleled driving refinement and premium driving dynamics through its ability to convert seemingly unlimited power reserves into action with amazing responsiveness.

(Source) Auto Racing Daily

Tags: 760li sedan, automatic transmission, bmw 760li, bmw model, bmw v12 engine, engine speed, horsepower, model bmw, new bmw, top of the heap

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