BMW claims it is the cleanest 5-Series ever and out performs its closest rivals by 10 percent when it comes to mpg. The 520d EfficientDynamics sedan achieves 62.8 mpg and emits 119g/km of CO2 emissions.  The car still uses the 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine which produces 184-hp and 380 lb-ft of torque. The 520d can accelerate to 62 mph in 8.2 seconds.

The BMW will also feature auto start-stop technology, an optimum gearshift indicator, brake energy regeneration and active aerodynamics. The vehicle has a longer final drive ratio to reduce engine revs at highway speeds and low rolling resistance tires on streamline-design alloy rims.

The ECO-PRO Mode allows economical and comfortable driving at low speeds by adjusting the engine mapping, throttle sensitivity, automatic gearshift points, climate control and heated seats.

The 520d will go on sale in September from £30,435.

[Source: Auto Express]

BMW has let slip news of a “secret” website cleverly named to get our attention: DontBlogAboutThis.com. The site includes four teaser photos and two videos showing a version of the current 6 Series (or the body of one anyway), featuring flared fenders, aerodynamic wheels and ultra-skinny 195 tires. And it didn’t exactly take a photoshop expert to mess with one of the images (above) to reveal a front end design lifted from the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept that was unveiled at last year’s Frankfurt Auto Show.

And there may be more than just a front end in common with that hybrid concept car as the videos show a mostly silent matte-black 6 Series rolling away from a stop, suggesting it’s either an electric car or a hybrid.

The only info contained on DontBlogAboutThis.com is a short statement that, “Obviously, this is more than a 6 Series. But the car is not yet in its final stage.”

We’ll keep you updated are BMW releases more news and info.

GALLERY: Efficient Dynamics 6 Series

[Source: DontBlogaboutThis.com]

Check out the two teaser videos after the jump:

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BMW insider SCOTT26, posting on E90Post.com has dropped another juicy rumor on us: a successor to the Z8. Known internally as the Z Spyder Stradale the car is rumored to be the pet-project of BMW boss Norbert Reithofer.

The name Spyder Stradale comes from a special version of the BMW 328 MM dating from the 1940s.

Not only would the new super sports car be a flagship vehicle in terms of performance and style, it would also be an example of BMW’s “efficient dynamics” engineering expertise. As such it would use a carbon fiber body to keep weight to a minimum – even using a carbon fiber retractable hard top. Also included in the package would be active aerodynamics – like an automatically adjusting rear spoiler and air vents up front that close at speed.

No specifics for the engine have yet been released with the possibility of a V8 or V10 being raised – although we have to think a hybrid setup mated to a turbo inline-six (similar to the one in the Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept) would be perfect. There’s even a possibility of a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A concept version of the Spyder Stradale is believed to be unveiled at next-year’s Frankfurt Auto Show.

[Source: E90Post]

BMW introduced its 1-Series Coupe-based Active E electric vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.

Powered by newly developed lithium-ion batteries, the Active E has a claimed power output of 170 hp with 184.4 ft-lb. of torque.

As per BMW tradition, the Active E is rear-wheel drive, testing an early version of the electric powertrain system which will eventually be used in BMW’s upcoming Megacity Vehicle (MCV).

The Active E will also use BMW’s ConnectedDrive system, using newly developed features including the ability to check the car’s battery level via cell phone, and using mobile devices as a remote control for heating and air conditioning.

BMW will produce  a trial fleet of the Active E in 2011, providing further real-world data following the MINI-E trial currently underway.

Gallery: BMW Concept Active E

***See AutoGuide’s LIVE 2010 Detroit Auto Show Coverage Here***

BMW will introduce a new electric concept model based on the 1 Series Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show.

The BMW Concept ActiveE will follow the MINI E as the second stage of BMW’s electric vehicle development program. BMW has begun development of a trial fleet of cars based on the ActiveE as part of a large-scale field test.

The ActiveE is powered by an electric motor BMW claims can produce 170 hp and a maximum torque of 184 ft-lb. BMW also claims a 0-60 time of approximately 8.5 seconds. The entire drive system is fully integrated into the ActiveE’s rear axle, taking up about the same space as a conventional vehicle’s differential.

Powering the motor is a litihium-ion battery pack specially developed by BMW and SB LiMotive for the ActiveE. BMW says the battery supports a range of 100 miles in everyday use, with a charge time of 4.5 hours using a North American 32A circuit.

The electric motor can also serve as a generator when the accelerator isn’t being pressed. The car’s kinetic energy is converted into electric power and stored in the battery pack. BMW estimates this process can increase the ActiveE’s range by up to 20%.

We’ll have more on the BMW Concept ActiveE when it is officially unveiled at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

Gallery: BMW Concept ActiveE

Officially release after the jump:

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Along with a hybrid 7 Series and a hybrid X6, BMW will use the LA Auto Show as the venue to introduce North America to its Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. Built as a show-piece to display BMW’s fuel-efficiency expertise, the Vision ED Concept is also a true BMW, offering impressive fuel economy while not sacrificing performance.

A mean-looking 2+2 sports car, this concept uses both a turbo-diesel three-cylinder engine, as well as two electric motors in a full plug-in hybrid layout. BMW says the goal of the project was to build a vehicle that has the performance of one of its M cars, while delivering fuel-economy that is superior to current small cars. This they most certainly achieved with a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a claimed fuel economy figure of 62.6 mpg.

The diesel engine used is essentially half of that found in the current BMW 335d, displacing 1.5-liters. On its own the diesel makes 163hp and 214 ft-lbs of torque. The car also gets BMW’s impressive six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Two electric motors are paired to this engine, which is located in a mid-rear configuration. A 33hp motor sits between the engine and transmission while a second 80-hp motor delivers power to the front axle. The result it a total of 356hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque. Storing that energy is a lithium-polymer battery pack that runs down the center of the car for optimum weight distribution.

BMW says the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept can be plugging in a charged at a conventional outlet in just 2.5 hours and can travel up to 31 miles on pure electric power. A 6.6 gallon diesel tank will then allow an extended range of 400 miles.

To keep the weight of the vehicle to a minimum, BMW engineers build the chassis and suspension entirely out of aluminum, meaning the car weights just 3,076 lbs. Engineers also worked hand-in-hand with the designers to create the body of the concept, with a light weight polycarbonate body that boasts a aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.22 cd. BMW says part of the reason for the impressive aerodynamics is due to their ability to work on the front end of the car, made possible by moving the engine to the rear. New thermostatically controlled slats in front of the radiator can also close at speed to redirect air around the car when cooling isn’t a top priority.

In addition, one of the vehicle’s most progressive technologies is what BMW calls “Forward looking energy management.” BMW hopes that by using technology to foresee what is coming on the road ahead it can save energy by shutting down or powering up other systems. An example would be using the radar system built into the active cruise control to see when traffic is slowing down ahead, and then shut of the car’s engine while activating the regenerative braking ahead of time.

While some have speculated that the Vision ED Concept will make its way into production as a future BMW exotic car, it’s more likely that the vehicle was built to showcase new technologies that will eventually make their way into BMW products in the future.

See AutoGuide’s Live 2009 LA Auto Show Coverage Here Starting December 2nd

GALLERY: BMW Vision ED Concept Debut in Frankfurt

GALLERY: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

A rather unique looking M3 has been spotted on the Nürburgring and the photos seem to suggest that BMW is prepping a CSL model. BMW execs have denied a light weight and even more performance-oriented M3 is on the way, but with the recovering economy, the demand for such a car and the fact that the idea behind it fits nicely into BMW’s “efficient dynamics” philosophy, the car almost seems like a sure thing.

The spy photos, captured by the U.K.’s AutoExpress show a lower car with a new front lip spoiler and a significantly sized rear spoiler. There is also the matter of the CSL-styled wheels.

If BMW does go through with it, expect the CSL model to come with many of the upgrades fund on the previous (E46) CSL. This would include items like a carbon fiber hood and front bumper, a lighter exhaust, stiffer springs and roll bars and light weight racing seats. Under the hood there should also be some light-weight carbon fiber components (like the intake manifold), some new engine software and possibly a new set of cams could bump up horsepower even higher.

See all the photos here:

BMW M3 CSL Spy Photos

[Source: AutoExpress]

BMW will resurrect the M1, basing the new exotic car on the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, which debuted at the Frankfurt Auto Show. The car will hit the market in 2012 says the U.K.’s AutoExpress, keeping much of the concept car’s green technologies, while offering performance to rival the Audi R8.

The car will be geared towards performance with a two-plus-two seating arrangement. It will also (says AutoExpress) get a 3D heads up display.

The 1.5-liter 3-cylinder hybrid powertrain will also be used, making roughly 350hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque, allowing the car to hit 60 mph in under five seconds. A drag coefficient of just 0.22 cd is expected thanks to a setup that will see air directed through the front bumper and out of the front wheel arches – something that will also improve stability at speed.

The new 1.5-liter engine is also expected to be used across BMW’s product range, helping to brand the company with a new environmentally responsible image.

GALLERY: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept in Frankfurt

[Source: AutoExpress]

BMW is unveiling a high-mileage Efficient Dynamics Edition 320d sedan at the Frankfurt Auto Show with a claimed fuel mileage of 57.36 mpg with CO2 emissions rating of 109 g/km.

Helping the 320d reach such figures are the fitted wheels and a lowered body, reducing the drag coefficient to 0.26. Parasitic losses are reduced by using electric rather than hydraulic power steering while regenerative braking helps store kinetic energy.

A 163hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine sends power through a six-speed manual transmission with a taller final drive ratio specific to the ED edition. The practicality of improved efficiency aside, the 320d ED edition goes from 0-62 mph in a reasonable 8.2 seconds.

And following BMW company policy, the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition is priced the same as the regular BMW 320d.

We’ll have more about the BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition tomorrow when it’s officially presented at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

GALLERY: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics

Official release after the jump:

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BMW has kept the world guessing about a concept car that would epitomize the company’s corporate Efficient Dynamics philosophy and now it is here. The new car is mean-looking 2+2 sports car that uses both a turbo-diesel three-cylinder engine as well as two electric motors in a full plug-in hybrid layout. BMW says the goal of the project was to build a vehicle that has the performance of one of its M cars, while delivering fuel-economy that is superior to current small cars. This they most certainly achieved with a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds and a claimed fuel economy figure of 62.6 mpg.

The diesel engine used is essentially half of that found in the current BMW 335d, displacing 1.5-liters. On its own the diesel makes 163hp and 214 ft-lbs of torque. The car also gets BMW’s impressive six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Two electric motors are paired to this engine, which is located in a mid-rear configuration. A 33hp motors sits between the engine and transmission while a second 80-hp motor delivers power to the front axle. The result it a total of 356hp and 590 ft-lbs of torque. Storing that energy is a lithium-polymer battery pack that runs down the center of the car for optimum weight distribution.

BMW says the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept can be plugging in a charged at a conventional outlet in just 2.5 hours and can travel up to 31 miles on pure electric power. A 6.6 gallon diesel tank will then allow an extended range of 400 miles.

To keep the weight of the vehicle to a minimum, BMW engineers build the chassis and suspension entirely out of aluminum, meaning the car weights just 3,076 lbs. Engineers also worked hand-in-hand with the designers to create the body of the concept, with a light weight polycarbonate body that boasts a aerodynamic drag coefficient of just 0.22 cd. BMW says part of the reason for the impressive aerodynamics is due to their ability to work on the front end of the car, made possible by moving the engine to the rear. New thermostatically controlled slats in front of the radiator can also close at speed to redirect air around the car when cooling isn’t a top priority.

In addition, on of the vehicles most progressive technologies is what BMW calls “Forward looking energy management.” BMW hopes that by using technology to forsee what is coming on the road ahead it can save energy by shutting down or powering up other systems. An example would be using the radar system built into the active cruise control to see when traffic is slowing down ahead, and then shut of the car’s engine while activating the regenerative braking ahead of time.

There’s not reason to think BMW will ever build this car, but we should expect many of the technologies shown here to make it into production cars in the not-too-distant future. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept will officially be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show on September 15th.

GALLERY: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept

Official release after the jump:

Continue Reading…