BMW

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

BMW design chief Chris Bangle quits auto industry

One of the most recognized automobile designers in the world, Chris Bangle, has announced today that he plans to quit the auto industry to pursue his own design-related endeavours. Bangle is the controversial designer behind recent BMW design traits such as ‘flame surfacing’ and the notorious ‘Bangle Butt’ boot lid, and his creative works have divided numerous BMW enthusiasts over the years who either love or hate them. Bangle leaves the post of BMW Group's Head of Design and will be replaced by Adrian van Hooydonk, who is currently Head of BMW Automobile Design.

BMW 335d and X5 diesel qualify for IRS tax credit

Tax incentives designed to help promote the adoption of technology that is slightly more expensive but in the end, more fuel efficient, are growing rapidly. The IRS' Lean Burn Technology Motor Vehicle Tax Credit, for example, is targeted at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. BMW announced today that its 335d sedan and X5 xDrive35d SUV both qualify for credits under the measure. The 335d sedan is eligible for a $900 tax credit under the Lean Burn bill, while the larger X5 xDrive35d can tap up to $1,800 in credit.

Spy shots: 2009 Alpina B7 based on the BMW 7-Series

BMW specialist Alpina recently unveiled a teaser image for its upcoming B7 performance saloon, based on the recently launched 2009 BMW 7-Series, and now we have the first spy shots of the car, taken while it was testing in Germany. Trademark Alpina mods can be seen in the images, such as subtle aerodynamic modifications at the front thanks to a custom front lip, as well as a small spoiler at the back. As in the past, the new Alpina B7 should also see the standard BMW engines upgraded or replaced from their standard form. BMW first released details on the new 2009 7-Series back in September, revealing that the range topping 750i would be getting a 400hp (298kW) 4.4L twin-turbo V8 engine with 450lbs-ft (610Nm) of torque.

Video: 2010 BMW X1 caught winter testing

The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it launches a handful of new models including new versions of current top sellers and some models we’ve never seen before. The new X1, revealed in this latest spy video released by BMW, falls into the latter category and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. The new clip, plus previous renderings and spy shots, show that BMW designers will stick closely to the lines of the Concept X1 showcased at October's Paris Motor Show. The new X1’s running gear is based on the 1-series compact car but its ride height will be taller.

Spy shots: BMW X6 M SUV spotted in white

Currently sitting atop BMW’s X6 range is the xDrive50i but as these latest spy shots and previous rendering attest there will be a new top dog in the X6 lineup soon, likely wearing an M badge. After witnessing Porsche and AMG rack up thousands of sales with their respective Cayenne and ML models, BMW is now primed to launch its own high-performance version of the X6 SUV. The newest photos reveal that little on the exterior of the X6 will change for the M model, though the usual adjustments to the aerodynamic elements at front, sides and rear will reflect a more aggressive demeanor.

Spy shots: New images of the facelifted BMW X5

In the past months we’ve seen BMW testing prototypes for a new high-performance version of the X5 SUV that will be released later this year as the carmaker’s latest M-Division model, but that isn’t the new only X5 model in the works. Later this year BMW is expected to reveal a new hybrid version of the X5 and after that we should see the introduction of a facelifted model. Seen here for the first time, the facelifted X5 should arrive late this year or in early 2010 for the 2011 model year.