BMW is working on its own compact, more affordable four-door coupe to rival the likes of the Audi A5 Sportback and the upcoming Mercedes-Benz CLA.

The 4 Series Gran Coupe is set to debut sometime next year and will go on sale before the end of 2013. The 4 Series Gran Coupe will follow in the footsteps of the recently released 6 Series Gran Coupe, sporting four doors and a slightly longer wheelbase than its two-door counterpart. It’s not exactly classified as a sedan however – that’s reserved for the 3 Series moniker – as the 4 Series Gran Coupe will sport a nice, sweeping roofline.

Chances are the front end will resemble that we see now on the newly-designed 3 Series but with larger air intakes. Under the hood, the 4 Series Gran Coupe will be equipped with the same engine variants offered in the coupe and convertible models: a 428i with a 2.0-liter turbo-four and a 435i with 302-hp. Out in Europe, a 420d diesel is offered boasting 65-mpg.

BMW will also ultimately release an M4 Gran Coupe model, powered by the rumored inline-six, turbocharged engine that will pump out around 450-hp.

[Source: Auto Express]

BMW has anointed its newest Head of Design, Karim Habib, who will effectively take the position starting June 1st, 2012.

Habib is credited with styling the exteriors of the current BMW 7-Series, a vast improvement over the previous generation’s styling designed by Chris Bangle. Even though the E65 7-Series was fairly popular in terms of sales, it’s undoubtedly ingrained in many minds for its ‘Bangle Butt’, the oddly shaped two-level rear end. Ironically enough, the ‘Bangle Butt’ was actually designed by Adrian van Hooydonk, who worked closely with Bangle on the previous generation 7-Series.

Regardless, the German automaker is looking forward to ushering in a new era of design with Habib at the helm. He is a 42-year old Lebanese-born Canadian who has been in charge of exterior design on BMW Automobiles up to this point. Habib will report to the previously mentioned Hooydonk, who is Senior Vice President of BMW Group Design.

Habib joined the BMW Group back in 1998 and worked with the automaker for ten years. In 2008, Habib jumped over to BMW rival Mercedes-Benz for a two-year stint before returning to Munich in 2010.

“Karim Habib is an outstanding designer who has had a significant impact on the design of the BMW brand over many years,” said Hooydonk. “His longstanding experience and subtle instinct for timely elegance and dynamics are the ideal prerequisites for this demanding task. I look forward very much to his support and collaboration,” he added.

The next generation BMW M3 and especially its engine have been surrounded by rumors, but now it has been confirmed by the president of BMW North America that an inline six-cylinder engine will be the power source of the new M3. 

The new inline six will get either a two or three turbo setup, and will produce somewhere around 450 hp. Also look for a significant jump in torque.

Other M performance cars such as the BMW M5 and M6 are running with a bi-turbo V8 setup, suggesting that the third turbocharger will come on the inline six to keep the car up to the power standards of the BMW M line. As an electric turbocharger was patented recently by BMW, it is likely to find its way into the M3 as the third and final turbo.

Along with getting more power and becoming more efficient, the M3 will lose some weight, and in true performance car fashion, offer a six-speed manual or a seven speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Based on spy photos of the car, the M3 won’t change in look a great deal, but what it lacks in new style it will make up for with added performance.

The new M3 will probably be introduced in 2013 as a 2014 model.

[Source: Bimmer Post]

After being ousted by Toyota last year, BMW is back on top as the world’s most valuable car brand.

The BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands study has been a battle between the German and Japanese automakers over the past few years. In the 2010 report BMW was named number one among automakers, while the previous four years belonged to Toyota.

“As one of the great brands in the world, BMW has been absolutely consistent in the long-term regarding what is meaningfully different about their brand, in highly competitive market places,” said global brand director Peter Walshe of Millward Brown, which publishes the Top 100 brands report. Noted in the report is the automaker’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” slogan.

Toyota’s brand message is also clear, with a focus on reliability and value, and Walshe admits that the drop to the number two spot has less to do with brand awareness and more to do with its bottom line. “The problem with Toyota has to do with its financials, not brand, due to the disasters, which were clearly out of its control,” said Walshe.

German automakers Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen and Audi all saw their brand value increase for 2012, due to strong growth in Asia. And much like Toyota, Japanese automakers Lexus, Nissan and Honda all saw a decline.

Hyundai managed a ninth spot on the list, marking the first time a Korean automaker joined the top 10 automotive brands, while Ford was the lone domestic automaker in the automotive top 10.

Taking into account all brand categories, the list is topped by Apple (valued at $182.9 billion), followed by IMB ($116 billion) and then Google ($107.9 billion). While the top automotive brand, BMW ranks just 23rd overall.

List of Most Valuable Automotive Brands:

1. BMW $24.6
2. Toyota $21.8
3. Mercedes $16.1
4. Honda $12.7
5. Nissan $9.9
6. VW $8.5
7. Ford $7.0
8. Audi $4.7
9. Hyundai $3.6
10. Lexus $3.4

[Source: AutoNews Europe]

NASCAR driver Boris Said already has a lengthy racing resume with one win in the Nationwide Series and seven top ten finishes. Now he’s looking to conquer the infamous Pikes Peak Hill Climb behind the wheel of an electric-converted BMW M3.

Built by EV West, the 1995 BMW M3 runs on a Net-Gain HV11 and a Evnetics Shiva and in race trim boasts around 700 hp. Electric vehicles also have a huge benefit making the Pikes Peak trek, with the increased elevation oftentimes hindering combustion engines as drivers get closer to the top. In the video, the BMW M3 already looks to be rubber burning, but apparently it only packed around 400-hp then.

“It’s my 25th year of racing, and I’m fortunate enough to have competed at the 24 Hours of Daytona, Sebring, Bathurst, 24 Hours of Nürburgring, the Daytona 500, Baja 1000 and Circuit de Spa, but never on Pikes Peak, which is on my bucket list,” Said commented on his upcoming journey to Pikes Peak.

Electric vehicles are making plenty of noise for this year’s Pikes Peak event. Mitsubishi recently unveiled its funky i-MiEV Evolution Pikes Peak Race Car, while Monster Tajima is looking to set an all-new record with an EV this year.

We’ll be looking forward to seeing how well these EVs perform on July 8 when the event kicks off.

Check out a short clip of the electric E36 BMW M3 after the break.

[Source: Motor Authority]

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BMW has been providing the official safety cars for MotoGP for the past 13 years, and this year it has decided to update mid-season with the new M6 Coupe, replacing its 1 Series M Coupe safety car.

The MotoGP M6 safety car will make its debut at this weekend’s Nürburgring M Festival sporting plenty of carbon fiber accessories including its front bumper lip, side mirrors, and adjustable rear wing. And since a partnership with Akrapovic was announced just a few months ago, we expect one of Akrapovic’s high quality exhaust systems to find its way on the M6.

After its debut at the Nürburgring, it will make its way to the M Festival’s M Corso event.

Maybe you’ve been in this situation: stuck on the side of a road, a punctured tire needing to be changed out for the spare one in the trunk. You have a pair of options, do you choose to change the tire yourself, or do you call for roadside assistance. Both options can take a while to get you back on the road, especially if you’ve never changed a tire yourself before. And even if you have, sometimes it can take some serious elbow grease.

It’s dilemmas like these that have more car makers offering run flat tires on new cars. Run flats can run for at least 50 additional miles following a puncture, giving you the ability to safely get home, or exit a highway and find a repair shop.

What are Run Flat Tires?

Even though changing a tire is an important skill, the idea of run flat tires sounds pretty handy. The added benefit of losing the weight of a spare tire and tools could help with fuel efficiency too.

There are two main types of run flat tires: Self-Supporting, and Auxiliary Supported. Self-Supporting tires have stiffer and tougher rubber, which can temporarily carry the weight of the vehicle under lower tire pressure. If you do get Self-Supporting tires (see right) you will need a tire pressure monitoring system (which is now government mandated standard equipment on new cars), because a driver may not notice their tire has lost pressure without it. Auxiliary supported tires don’t have stiffer and tougher rubber, but are attached to a special rim which has a steel support ring that is attached to the wheel and can support the weight of the vehicle.

Even though run flat tires have been around in production vehicles since 1994, the adoption as a mainstream replacement for conventional tires has been slow for many reasons. Sheri Hermann, Communication Coordinator from Continental Tire tells us “run flat tires provide convenience to a consumer, but conventional tires are typically lower in cost and have better ride qualities.”

Another top complaint is in regards to price. On average, run flat tires are about one third more expensive than regular tires.

That’s not the only complaint though. While the reduced weight of carrying around a spare might seem like an advantage, run flat tires also have an impact on your fuel economy. Thanks to the tires being heavier and thicker they can reduce fuel economy by 1-2%. Also, due to the stiffer and heavier design, the run flat doesn’t quite perform like its price would indicate. They can often be harsh on the road and don’t provide a lot of grip in low temperatures.

Lastly, when you do get a puncture, or lose tire pressure, it’s not quite as easy to get them repaired. While some run flat tires can be repaired, they need to spend some time off the rim, and need to be inspected to ensure they can be fixed. If they can’t, it’s time to buy new tires. Conversely, most punctures on a conventional tire can be fixed with a simple repair kit that costs just a few dollars.

Despite these obstacles and concerns, run flat tires are increasingly becoming standard equipment on new cars and the reasons are simple: safety and peace of mind. Not only do run flats ease concerns, but they make a vehicle easier to control in the case of a tire blow out.

Why Are Automakers using them?

Monty Roberts from BMW Product and Technology communications tells us that run flat tires are standard on most BMW models with the exception of some BMW M Models. He said specifically that run flat tires have several advantages and that they “Support BMW’s EfficientDynamics Strategy by eliminating the extra weight of the spare tire, jack and tools in the vehicle for better balance, dynamic handling and fuel efficiency.”

When asked about the criticism of run flat tires Roberts said “run flat tires by their design do have stiffer sidewalls than conventional tires, however, all current BMW models that use run flat tires have suspensions that were significantly developed for use with this technology.” He added “These suspensions have been developed and tuned for the best possible ride comfort. The safety benefits of run flat tires are so significant as to outweigh any possible trade-offs.”

When asked if owners could or should swap out their run flats either when a replacement tire is needed or because they’re looking for added performance, Roberts was unequivocal. “We do not recommend replacing run flat tires with conventional tires,” he said, “that deviates away from the original design, safety and suspension calibration technology that the run flats were originally designed for.”

What are customers saying?

Even with tougher rubber, run flat tires do wear out quicker than regular tires. Many owners on the AutoGuide Forum Network complained that they were replacing their OEM run-flat tires within 20,000 miles. This prompted a lawsuit, which was settled by BMW and Bridgestone. Members of the settlement will receive a full refund for the purchase of replacement tires if they were needed before 10,000 miles. If replacement occurred between 10,000 miles up through 30,000 miles, reimbursement will be 50 percent or less. If buyers are experiencing wear at around 20,000 miles, that’s less than half the life of an ordinary tire.

Customers though, haven’t responded well to these types of tires. Honda has stopped offering the tires on its vehicles after settling a class action lawsuit last year. The owners of Acura’s RL, and Honda Odysseys claimed unreasonable tire life and unexpectedly high replacement costs.

Run flat tires may have their advantages, but it still seems like their many compromises are stopping the equipment from taking off. BMW and MINI vehicles get them as standard equipment, and owners (especially enthusiasts) are not happy with them. Vanessa Terrier from Bridgestone’s Communications team mentioned that “As of today, the run flat tire market is mainly driven by car manufacturers and original equipment.”

If you’re afraid, or uncomfortable with the idea of replacing a punctured tire with a spare, then the run flat tires are made just for you, but beware of the added costs of ownership. And if you’re convinced that the disadvantages outweigh the benefits, be weary of cars that come equipped with them from the factory, as a non-run flat replacement tire that was never designed for the car might bring with it unique disadvantages.

As the official automotive partner of the 2012 London Summer Olympics, BMW has been quite involved with the events, even lending its weather testing facility to proof the olympic torch.

Now the German automaker decided to have a little bit of fun, taking one of its 320d EfficientDynamics models, which is part of the Olympic fleet, and pitting it against Olympic gold medalist Mark Lewis-Francis. Sports scientist Professor Greg Whyte joined the event at The Mall in London in order to study the similarities in acceleration between a world-class sprinter and a BMW vehicle.

Three aspects were recorded, similar to a drag race: acceleration, reaction time, and speed. Amazing, Francis who won an Olympic gold medal back in 2004 in the 4×100-meter relay, was quicker than the BMW up until four seconds – almost 100 feet – after the gun went off. It really puts a perspective to how quickly an Olympic sprinter can accelerate.

“As a professional athlete Mark is adept at sprinting from a starting gun and we are able to measure his reaction time from the moment the gun sounds to the point he explodes from the blocks. Along with other factors, it is how efficiently he is able to relay that response which allows him to pull away,” Whyte said.

[Source: Mirror UK]

BMW is pleased with its revamped 5 Series design, and for the 2013 model year will be offering an optional customizable instrument panel along with revised engines for its Gran Turismo model.

In select markets, the German automaker will now offer a 520d Gran Turismo equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel with 181 hp while the 530d Gran Turismo engine has been bumped up to 255 hp from 242. The revised 530d powerplant offers better fuel efficiency and buyers can now opt for the BluePerformance technology package for reduced emissions starting in July.

The top-of-the-line 550i Gran Turismo also saw a boost in performance, with the V8 turbocharged powerplant now with 443 hp, a boost of 40 hp from the former model. Fuel consumption has also been reduced in the 550i, despite the increase in power.

Much of the increased fuel economy is attributed to the auto start-stop system that is now standard on all Gran Turismo models. The Gran Turismo also gets a new electric power steering system and Driving Experience Control with “Eco Pro” mode as standard.

As for the optional customizable instrument panel, the German automaker now offers a multifunction instrument display as an option to all 5 Series models except for the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition ActiveHybrid. The instrument panel is a fancy 10.25-inch display with ‘Black Panel’ technology and now allows the driver to choose between Comfort, Eco Pro, and Sport driving modes. The modes can be customized to display certain colors and information relevant to the driver.

Also starting in July, BMW will offer a Bang & Olufsen high end surround-sound system as an option, while a hands-free system to pop open the trunk by moving your foot below the rear bumper will become standard on all 5 Series models.

GALLERY: 2013 BMW 5 Series

Every car, whether it has a big V8 engine or an electric motor powering the wheels, is being equipped with fuel saving technologies.

Recall variable-valve timing. Introduced on the Acura NSX, and at one time a revolutionary technology, now practically all cars have some form of VVT. Now more technologies are being introduced as innovations for saving fuel. Let’s take a look at some of the more important and popular features being introduced on new models; many of which will soon be as prevalent as variable valve timing.

1. Start-Stop systems:

You might think that an idling car isn’t too big of a deal, especially when it’s just for a stop-light, but all those seconds add up. After making a big splash with hybrid vehicles, idle start-stop systems are starting to show up everywhere.

There are a few different kinds of start-stop systems, and for different kinds of vehicles. In mild hybrids, start-stop systems consist of a gas engine, an electric starter/generator and a beefy battery. When the car is braking, regenerative brakes store the energy from the deceleration of the car in the battery. When the car is stopped, the generator shuts off the gas engine. When you need to get moving again, the car uses the energy stored in the battery from the regenerative brakes to work the electric starter and start the engine. Items like your car radio still work thanks to the stronger battery used in this system. If the stop is prolonged, however, the gasoline engine may come on.

In some vehicles, there isn’t a need for all that complicated technology. Rather than requiring heavy and expensive electrical components Mazda uses a start-stop technology called i-stop that puts a piston in the best position to restart the fastest when the engine turns off. That piston would already have air and fuel ready to be ignited, so that when the car needs to start again, it doesn’t require much time or power. This allows the car to start in as quick as 0.35 of a second. Other car companies like Mercedes-Benz are using technology like this in its big cars too. Mazda states that its start-stop system results in about 10% better fuel economy and while no Mazda vehicle is available with the feature in North America, look for it to arrive soon.

Currently government fuel economy testing methods don’t take into account start-stop systems, so for cars that do come equipped with them, like the 2012 Kia Rio, real world fuel economy numbers could be better than advertised. If and when government testing does take into account the benefits of start-stop systems, look for this new feature to go mainstream.

2. Variable Displacement/Active Cylinder Deactivation:

Another way to help improve fuel economy is to shut off unnecessary cylinders. Mercedes-Benz uses a cylinder deactivation system that deactivates half the cylinders in its V8 and V12 engines, essentially turning them into more frugal 4, or 6 cylinder engines. GM has a system that’s present in quite a few of its trucks that shuts off half the cylinders in the engine when cruising. This is also present in sportier cars like the automatic transmission equipped Chevrolet Camaro SS.

Chrysler’s version of cylinder deactivation is present on its HEMI V8s. In Chrysler products the system will shut off half the cylinders at speeds above 18 mph during moderate rpm. Chrysler says that thanks to cylinder deactivation technology its vehicles have 10-20% better fuel economy.

Honda also offers a cylinder deactivation technology called variable cylinder management (VCM) that shuts off two or three cylinders in V6 models like the Accord, Pilot and Odyssey.

3. Direct Injection:

Fuel efficiency might mean frugalness to some people, but it also means getting the most out of your engine. Direct-Injection means that the gasoline is injected right into the cylinder chamber of each cylinder in the engine, and at such a high pressure that the liquid gas is actually a gaseous gas, mixing better with the air and improving combustion. This improved combustion means more power is being generated, and as a result fewer emissions remain.

James hope, Kia Product Communications Manager explained that due to direct-injection, along with other key technologies, the Kia Optima is able to achieve best-in-class highway fuel consumption with its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder model, and tons of power from its relatively small 2.0-liter turbo.

4. Smart Alternator:

Hyundai has been boasting its smart alternator technology, which is in all of its U.S. Models. The major function of this alternator is that it chooses the best time to recharge the car’s battery. For example, when you’re decelerating, the system will kick in to charge the battery, as opposed to when you’re accelerating, and likely want all of the cars available power. “It allows us to cut the alternator drag,” said Derek Joyce from Hyundai Public Relations. “It basically recoups energy that would probably be wasted anyways.” Joyce also said that the technology helps improve fuel economy by around 1.5 to 2 per cent.

5. Electric Power Steering:

Furthermore, many companies are switching to electric power steering instead of conventional hydraulic steering systems. Rather than powering a hydraulic pump and keeping up system pressure at all times, the electric system only needs to engage when steering is required. Not only does the system save fuel by not being a drag on the engine at all times, it also helps cut weight by removing all the hydraulic components. The new Chevrolet Malibu Eco features this electric power steering and Chevy says it can help improve fuel economy by up to 2.5%.

Mark Meyers, General Motors global vehicle performance manager said “Electric power assist steering is just one example of how a system improvement can deliver not one but several benefits for customers.” He added that “By the end of the 2013 model year, more than half of all Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC vehicles will have electric power steering.” Electric power steering is also making its way into BMW models, as well, as part of its EfficientDynamics philosophy and can be found on everything from Ford and Dodges to Hondas and Hyundais.

6. Eco Button:

Your next car may also feature a little button somewhere on the dash that helps get your more miles per gallon. “When activated, ECON mode alters the Drive-by-Wire throttle system response curve in the range from about 10 percent of pedal movement to 80 percent,” said Chris Martin, from Honda Public relations, about what the ECON mode button does in the new 2012 Honda CR-V.

He added that “With less gain, the throttle opening in this range increases more gradually to reduce a potentially excessive peak input for better fuel efficiency.” He explained that ECON Mode affects more than just your throttle though. “ECON mode also alters the operation of the cruise control system and the air conditioning system, allowing for slightly increased variances with the set speed or the set temperature in order to conserve fuel whenever possible.”

Many other automakers, from Chevrolet to Hyundai use an “eco mode” that puts the transmission on a short leash, making the vehicle shift sooner into higher gears when accelerating to reduce engine rpm and save gas.

7. Low Rolling Resistance Tires:

Finally, more and more companies are including low rolling resistance tires on their vehicles. Martin says “[Honda] has had great success working with the tire manufacturers to develop all-season tires that provide handling expected and appropriate for each vehicle while significantly reducing rolling resistance.”

Low rolling resistance tires minimize energy wasted from friction between the tire and the road. Traditionally used only on hybrids, these tires are now being used on a wide variety of models. Mazda recently started including low rolling resistance tires on its Skyactiv Mazda3. These can result in pretty significant fuel savings, up to five per cent. However, there are certain compromises when having low rolling resistance tires. They tend to not be as grippy as traditional tires, and can even be less comfortable.

With automakers still wanting to offer a wide range of vehicles by combining several of these seven new fuel-saving technologies it’s possible to make a noticeable improvement in fuel economy, without having to make due with a smaller engine or switch to a hybrid powerplant.

As exciting as it is to see BMW‘s new three-door 1-Series and M135i, sadly, neither be making their way to America anytime soon.

Over in Europe and other international markets, enthusiasts will get an opportunity to get their hands on the new model with a huge variety of engine choices with an aggressive, sporty design. Standard gasoline powerplants include a 114i with 102 hp, a 116i with 136 hp, and a 125i with 218 hp, while diesel options are a 116d with 116 hp, a 118d with 143 hp and a 125d with 218 hp. The German automaker will also offer an EfficientDynamics Edition of its 116d with additional fuel efficiency measures.

But the big news is the introduction of the M135i, BMW’s first M Performance engine to pack a standard gasoline engine. Under the hood is a 3.0-liter, straight-six with 320 hp and M-inspired suspension and aerodynamic features. The BMW M135i will also come in a more conventional five-door setup.

All engine variants available at the vehicle’s launch can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission as standard or an eight-speed automatic with sport option. Each three-door 1-Series model can be purchased with a selection of upgrades, such as the BMW Sport Line, BMW Urban Line, and M Sport Package.

Coming in November later this year will be a 118i model with 170 hp, and a 120d with 184 hp. BMW will also offer an xDrive variant for the M135i and 120d marking the first time BMW will use its intelligent four-wheel drive in the 1-Series lineup.

No pricing is available as of yet.

Watch a video of the all-new BMW M135i in action below.

GALLERY: BMW Three-Door 1-Series

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BMW gave its popular 3-Series a revamp for the 2013 model year with the sedan model revealed back in October. We knew the 3 Series wagon variant wouldn’t be far behind, having seen spy photos back in February and now the German automaker has made it official for the European market.

Known as the 3-Series Touring out in Europe, the wagon variant will make its way to America (sooner or later) featuring plenty of space for passengers and luggage having 3.8 inches added to the car’s overall length and almost 2 inches to its wheelbase. Standard equipment will include a 40:20:40 split/folding rear seat bench, an automatic tailgate with separate rear window opening, a separate partition net, and a luggage compartment cover.

As expected, plenty of packages will be made available for the BMW 3-Series Wagon model: Modern Line, Luxury Line, Sport Line, and M Sport package. Out in Europe, buyers will be able to choose from a 328i, 320d, and 330d models, all of which pack BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology. The four-cylinder 328i has 245-hp, while the updated 2.0-liter diesel will have 184-hp. The six-cylinder diesel will pump out 258-hp.

Transmission options for the 3 Series Wagon include a sporty six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, which is standard on the BMW 330d. Both transmissions come equipped with Auto Start-Stop technology to help conserve fuel.

There is still no confirmation on which powerplants will make their way to America, but the 328i variant is most definitely a sure bet.

GALLERY: 2013 BMW 3-Series Wagon