BMW CLR X 650 by Lumma Design

German tuner Lumma Design will be unveiling an extensively modified BMW X6 at this year's Essen Motor Show in Germany. Set to debut near the end of this month, the Lumma Design CLR X 650 takes the latest BMW SUV and gives it a new aerodynamic profile, as well as improved power and handling to make it even more potent. The most striking modification is the eye catching wide-bodykit, which gives the SUV a more aggressive look. Adorned in a simple monochrome color scheme, the body kit includes a larger, gaping grille to feed air into the modified engine and displays an even more menacing appearance. Lumma Design BMW X6 CLR X 650

 

 

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BMW insider reveals details about ‘green’ supercar based on M1 Homage

Despite BMW not having built a true supercar for 30 years since its original M1 model, a "high ranking insider" at the firm insists management is trying to reinvent its performance image with a new 'green' supercar based on the wild M1 Homage concept revealed earlier this year. BMW is reportedly studying the viability of the project, with the ultimate goal to create a two-seater sports car that showcases all of firm's most sophisticated environmental technology, with a view to releasing it for a limited production run at the end of 2012. Speaking with AutoWeek, the insider said that "the idea is to take the supercar to a whole new level of environmental compatibility using technology and materials already in wide use today", presumably referring to lightweight materials and BMW's already in-use technologies such as stop-start systems, regenerative braking systems and direct injection, as well as other possible technologies such as cylinder deactivation. Rumors of a possible return of the M1 supercar have been coming since late September, and bringing a flagship sports model to market will help BMW compete against the likes of the Audi R8 and upcoming Mercedes Benz SLC Gullwing. BMW M1 Homage

 

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BMW acknowledges N54 engine turbo lag, releases software update

In an effort to address specific noise concerns, BMW in the United States updated the turbocharged engine software on 335i/xi and 535i/xi models built from June 2006 through March 2008. However, the updated software caused a small amount of increased turbocharger lag under certain circumstances, which BMW confirmed is noticeable and now plans to address by releasing a new update. Release of the new software to restore the original turbocharger response is planned for January 2009, and it will be available for vehicles produced from September 2007 through March 2008 when they are brought to an authorized BMW center for a repair that requires a programming update.

 

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Hamann releases new wheel kits for the BMW 7-series and Maserati GranTurismo

Renowned German tuner Hamann has developed a number of heavily modified sports cars in the past, the most recent being the Mercedes-McLaren SLR 'Volcano' supercar. Lately, however, the tuner has decided to take a more subtle approach to customization, releasing a set of custom wheels designed specifically for the new BMW 7-series saloon and Maserati's handsome GranTurismo. The BMW gets two new wheel designs from Hamann, with both a Superleggera-style multispoke set as well as a less ornamental set with five spokes available. Hamann BMW 7-series and Maserati GranTurismo wheel kits

 

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Hartge releases E92 BMW M3 Convertible mod package

This February Hartge released its E92 M3 Coupe tuning package, adding power and more aggressive looks to the already imposing base vehicle. Now the company has released its treatment for the M3 Convertible as well. The primary focal points of the drop-top treatment are the points of difference from the Coupe's package: a unique front air dam and lip spoiler, decklid spoiler and rear diffuser. Hartge hasn't revealed what it has in store for the Convertible on the mechanical side of things, but being essentially identical to the Coupe, it should be able to take advantage of the same performance enhancers. Those include a raised electronic speed limit (up to 180mph or 291km/h), or optionally the speed limiter can be completely removed. Hartge M3 Coupe

 

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Official U.S. prices announced for BMW 335d and X5 xDrive35d

BMW's first U.S. diesel was spotted testing earlier this year in California's Death Valley in the form of a slightly disguised 3-series sedan packing a twin-turbo 3.0L straight-six oil-burner. The new diesel is the 2009 335d sedan, which is set to arrive at the end of the year as part of the facelifted 3-series range. The diesel version of the X5, the xDrive35d, will also be making its debut, and official U.S. pricing for both of the diesels was announced during a webcast today. The 335d will start at $44,725, a premium of about $2,500 over a similarly-equipped automatic transmission 3-series sedan. 2009 BMW 3-series facelift

 

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Spy shots: BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

BMW first revealed that its X6 SUV would be available as a hybrid model when it rolled out the X6 ActiveHybrid concept vehicle at last year's Frankfurt Motor Show. The car has since been spotted testing in prototype form on both sides of the Atlantic and these latest spy images reveal a near-production ready version of the upcoming model. Previous prototypes were seen sporting an oversized bulge on the bonnet, most likely to accommodate the new hybrid hardware. The latest prototype looks much more like the standard X6, although a small bump remains. The new hybrid will feature BMW's version of the modular two-mode hybrid system jointly developed with Daimler and General Motors and is expected to improve fuel efficiency by about 20% when compared to the xDrive50i V8 model. The design uses twin electric motors which can either be used to boost acceleration, charge the batteries or as a generator to mutually power each other. BMW X6 ActiveHybrid spy shots

 

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