BMW CS Mule Caught In Munich [BMW CS]

After confirming the BMW CS Concept at the Toyko Motor Show things have been quiet on the news front. Until we saw these spy photos this morning. Since all the cool kids are doing a sedan with a coupe-like roof-line these days, BMW has to get in on that action and the CS is the perfect car to do it with. EVO caught this one outside BMW's headquarters in Munich apparently making U-turns in a playpen. The shape of this mule retains much of the concept cars shape with a long low profile, set back green house, and a wide, flat hood. While their shape is very similar, the details on the headlights are a little dumbed down, but that's to be expected going from concept to reality. We expect BMW to announce the cancellation of the CS any time in order to focus on hydrogen fuel cells, hybrid drive trains, and new rainbow harnessing technology. [EVO]

 

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The new BMW Z4

First BMW roadster to feature a Retractable Hard-Top roof. Three six-cylinder engines offered along with Double Clutch Transmission. Adaptive M Suspension and Drive Dynamic Control debut on a BMW Z model. The latest in BMW's long and successful roadster family has been revealed. The all-new BMW Z4 will go on sale in May 2009 and features a host of innovations never before showcased during BMW's 75 years of roadster heritage. The BMW Z4 is the first to come with a two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated Retractable Hard-Top roof that can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds. The new roadster is also the first vehicle to be offered with Adaptive M Suspension. Electronically controlled dampers offer three different configurations and lower the ride height by up to 10mm for a more dynamic drive. By way of comparison, the Sport+ setting of the new car is comparable to the outgoing Z4's standard ride comfort level. The standard Drive Dynamic Control function is another first and allows the driver to alter, depending on model specification, the throttle and steering response, level of ride comfort, Dynamic Stability Control response and, on automatic or Double Clutch Transmission cars, gear change times. Model Power (hp) Torque (Nm) 0-62mph (seconds) Top Speed (mph) Combined Fuel Consumption (mpg) CO2 Emissions (g/km) BMW Z4 sDrive23i 204 250 6.6 (7.3) 151 (149) 33.2 (34.4) 199 (192) BMW Z4 sDrive30i 258 310 5.8 (6.1) 155 (155)* 33.2 (34.0) 199 (195) BMW Z4 sDrive35i 306 400 5.2 (5.1) 155 (155)* 30.1 (31.4) 219 (210) * Electronically-limited. Figures in brackets denote car with automatic gearbox or Double Clutch Transmission. Powering the new BMW Z4 is a choice of three six-cylinder powerplants. The range flagship is the current International Engine of the Year winning 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine. Producing 306hp at 5,800rpm, the BMW Z4 sDrive35i powers its way from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds (5.1 seconds for a Double Clutch Transmission-equipped car) and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. The twin-turbocharged 2,979cc engine with high-precision direct injection technology produces 400Nm of torque from just 1,300rpm for effortless in-gear acceleration. The strong performance credentials are matched in terms of economy and emissions. The Z4 sDrive35i records a combined consumption figure of 30.1mpg (31.4mpg) and CO2 emissions of 219g/km (210g/km). Joining this model in the launch line-up are the Z4 sDrive23i and the Z4 sDrive30i. Both use the same magnesium aluminium alloy engine with Double VANOS and VALVETRONIC technology, but with varying capacities. The 2,497cc entry-level Z4 sDrive23i produces 204hp at 6,400rpm and 250Nm of torque from 2,750rpm. This equates to a zero to 62mph time of 6.6 seconds (7.3 seconds for the Sport Automatic) and a top speed of 151mph (149mph). In contrast the Z4 sDrive23i is capable of 33.2mpg (34.4mpg) on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 199g/km (192g/km) respectively. All three six-cylinder powerplants surpass the latest strict EU5 emissions standards. The BMW Z4 sDrive30i comes with a 2,996cc powerplant offering 258hp at 6,600rpm and 310Nm of torque from 2,600rpm. The six-cylinder engine records a zero to 62mph time of 5.8 seconds (6.1 Seconds for the Sports Automatic) and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. Like the Z4 sDrive23i, the Z4 sDrive30i posts impressive combined consumption and CO2 emissions figures, recording 33.2mpg (34.0mpg) and 199g/km (195g/km). Transmitting the power to the road in all three Z4s is a six-speed manual gearbox as standard. Customers of the Z4 sDrive23i and the Z4 sDrive30i who prefer the characteristics of an automatic can specify a six-speed Sport Automatic transmission featuring gear change paddles on the steering wheel. Buyers of the Z4 sDrive35i can choose the more advanced seven-speed Double Clutch Transmission, again with gear shift paddles located on the steering wheel. EfficientDynamics All of the latest BMW Z4s come as standard with facets of BMW's award-winning EfficientDynamics programme. Technologies that improve engine performance while enhancing economy and cutting emissions include Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering with Servotronic, Reduced Rolling Resistance Tyres, on-demand control of the engine's ancillaries and Optimum Shift Indicator on manual transmission cars. The BMW Z4 also adheres to a philosophy of lightweight construction with the front suspension and subframe being largely made from aluminium. Enhanced packaging The new BMW Z4 is larger than its predecessor measuring 148mm longer at 4,239mm and 9mm wider at 1,790mm, and this results in greater interior space and luggage capacity. With the roof up, headroom has been increased by 44mm while the greater car width and design enhancements have led to 20mm more shoulder room and 43mm more elbow room. For the first time on a BMW Z4 there is a bespoke storage facility located behind the driver and passenger seats. This approximate 15.5-litre single compartment stretches the width of the car's interior and features netting to hold the contents in place. It can be complemented by an optional Storage Package that adds further stowage capacity. BMW's latest generation of iDrive makes its first appearance on a Z4. The BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system features a hard disc drive capable of 12Gb of audio file storage and BMW ConnectedDrive functionality. The system also comes with eight programmable Favourite buttons as system shortcuts. The unique roof construction of the BMW Z4 creates a boot that varies in capacity from 180 to 310 litres – large enough to stow a full set of golf clubs. For the first time on a BMW Z4 customers can specify a through-loading system for additional storage capability. A hatch between the two seats permits a second full set of golf clubs to be carried. Driver visibility in the BMW Z4 has also been improved. All round visibility is up by 14 per cent while, courtesy of the four electric windows creating a larger glasshouse, side visibility is up 40 per cent. The Retractable Hard-Top roof features a glass rear window and this too improves visibility by 52 per cent.

 

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All-New 2010 BMW Z4 Officially Unveiled Before Detroit

Following several spy photos and photo leaks, BMW has officially unveiled the 2010 Z4 before its official unveiling at the Detroit Auto Show next month. The new Z4 gets all-new styling that is both more aggressive (front end) and cleaner (back end). A new first for the Z4 is a two-piece retractable hard-top that ditches the soft-top from the last generation. The Z4 also employs BMW's new naming scheme (sDrive) with the sDrive30i and sDrive35i. The sDrive30i is powered by a 255 horsepower 3.0L 6-cylinder engine and the sDrive35i is powered by the 300 horsepower 3.0L twin-turbo 6-cylinder engine. Both engines can be mated to either a a 6-speed manual or a dual-clutch 7-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The sDrive30i is also available with a six-speed automatic. The all-new Z4 will be officially unveiled next month with sales starting in the fall of 2009.

 

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BMW Re-launches The Z4 Roadster

Hey, why not do this again … I guess that's what BMW were thinking, but at any rate, here's the new-new-new Z4 Roadster. All things considered, this is a pretty fun ride. The driving dynamics are top notch, the build quality is going to be among the best in the world, it's got a ton of comfort & convenience features, and to top it all off (so to speak) the Z4 Roadster has a power folding hardtop. Great. Yes, having a folding hardtop does and weight and complexity, but it's always an idea I've liked. You get the best of both worlds: The fun and direct experience of a convertible and you also get the security warmth and sound isolation of a coupe. We'll get more into the details, and more beauty shots after the jump. First, the mechanicals. As you would expect, the engine choices in the new Z4 roadster are top notch. BMW Z4 sDrive35i: straight-six petrol engine with Twin Turbo and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection) Capacity: 2,979 cc, max output: 225 kW/306 hp at 5,800 rpm, max torque: 400 Nm/295 lb-ft from 1,300–5,000 rpm Acceleration [0–100 km/h]: 5.2 sec (seven-speed sports automatic with double clutch: 5.1 sec) Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) Average fuel consumption to EU standard: 9.4 ltr (9.0 ltr)/100 km (30.0/31.4 mpg imp) CO2 emissions to EU standard: 219 g (210 g)/km. BMW Z4 sDrive30i: straight-six petrol engine with magnesium/aluminium composite crankcase, VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS Capacity: 2,996 cc, max output: 190 kW/258 hp at 6,600 rpm, max torque: 310 Nm/228 lb-ft at 2,750 rpm Acceleration [0–100 km/h]: 5.8 sec (sports automatic: 6.1 sec) Top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) Average fuel consumption to EU standard: 8.5 ltr (8.3 ltr)/100 km (33.2/34.0 mpg imp) CO2 emissions to EU standard: 199 g (195 g)/km. BMW Z4 sDrive23i: straight-six petrol engine with magnesium/aluminium composite crankcase, VALVETRONIC and double-VANOS Capacity: 2,497 cc, max output: 150 kW/204 hp at 6,200 rpm, max torque: 250 Nm/184 lb-ft at 2,950 rpm Acceleration [0–100 km/h]: 6.6 sec (sports automatic: 7.3 sec) Top speed: 242 km/h (239 km/h) (150/148 mph) Average fuel consumption to EU standard: 8.5 ltr (8.2 ltr)/100 km (33.2/34.4 mpg imp) CO2 emissions to EU standard: 199 g (192 g)/km. BMW has this to say about the way trick folding hardtop: Two-piece electrohydraulically retractable hardtop in lightweight aluminium shell construction. The hardtop opens and closes fully automatically in each case within 20 seconds, the roof elements coming to rest in the roof compartment to give the car a low-slung rear-end design reflecting the traditional proportions of a roadster as well as a large luggage compartment ranging in capacity from 180–310 litres (6.3–10.9 cu ft). The high-quality interior lining finished in an extra-light colour as well as large windows including the heated glass window at the rear ensure an exclusive ambience and optimised all-round visibility. The revamped, yet still feared idrive also turns up in the Z4. They say it's improved, let's see if it is: First use of the BMW iDrive control system in the BMW Roadster. In conjunction with the optional Professional navigation system the new generation of BMW iDrive comprises an ergonomically optimised Controller for the selection and control of functions by turning, pressing and tipping the Controller, function buttons on the Controller for direct menu entry, freely programmable favourite buttons for even easier operation, as well as a folding 8.8-inch display with high-resolution graphic presentation and an optimised menu structure. Enhanced navigation system with an even wider range of functions in entering destinations, planning trips and presenting maps. Optional audio system with hard disc memory. Unrestricted use of the internet in the car as an option in conjunction with the Professional navigation system. The gear box, which has the great twin clutch as an option will surly be a highlight: Seven-speed sports automatic with double clutch as an option on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i. Shifting gears without the slightest interruption of -traction, the transmission provides a unique combination of the extra comfort of a BMW automatic transmission with maximum dynamism and performance. Acceleration and fuel economy improved once again over the manual gearbox models. Six-speed sports automatic with optimised gearshift dynamics, direct connection to the engine and minimised converter slip available as an option on the BMW Z4 sDrive30i and BMW Z4 sDrive23i. All sports automatic transmissions with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel. And of course, there's the overall safety outlook that BMW is renowned for: Comprehensive safety concept with extremely stiff body structures, defined load paths, specific use of high-strength steel and special deformation elements, head/thorax airbags integrated at the front and at the side in the seat backrests, three-point inertia-reel seat belts with new belt tightening technology, massively reinforced A-pillars and roll bars behind the headrests, runflat tyres and a Tyre Defect Indicator fitted as standard, dual headlights with bi-xenon light technology likewise featured as standard equipment. OK, and now, pretty pretty pictures.

 

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Official Unveiling: 2010 BMW Z4 Roadster - Images & Videos

BMW has officially unveiled the new 2010 BMW Z4 Roadster. You can see some of the new sDrive badge on this bad-boy and hear the nice serene engine notes in the video below showcasing the new Z4 in action. Freedom and joy in its purest form, the new 2010 BMW Z4. View the videos of the new Z4 in action and images below after the jump…

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2009 BMW RZ-M6 by Racer X Design

(from Racer X Design) Inspired by the earlier generation E24 6 series, the RZ-M6 captures the stylish and aggressive looks of the older generations of BMW's and puts them in the current 6 series . This is what the current 6 series could look like, by replacing body panels, yet keeping the basic structure intact. The body is 50mm wider to offer wider rubber for better grip.   The current M6 already offers a high level of performance, with upgrades for even more power available worldwide. The RZ-M6 is designed to show how a 6 series should look like to reflect that pedigree. While aggressive, it's not over the top, keeping the lines of the current M6 structure flowing and factory like. It's not a boy racer's car, it's more mature, more elegant, yet not to be messed with. All this was evident in the older generation BMW's. This is a tribute to the E24 6 series. Started as a small indipendent body styling company, Racer X Design has a history of designing and building conversions based on top of existing cars for competitions, togather with designing cars and such conversions for international clients. We are looking for partners who have the same passion for the BMW brand and would like to see the RZ-M6 hit production. For more information go to www. racerxdesign. com © Source: seriouswheels

 

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Spy Photos: 2011 BMW M5

According to the felows at Carmagazine UK, the next generation 2010 BMW M5 has been spotted during testing around Nurburgring. Recently, we have seen many spy shots with the next generation 5 Series, a car which is expected to launch in Spring 2010.  Historically, the M model of the 5 Series, M5, is expected to follow a year later, so it is not surprising that BMW began the testing process now. I have to admit that the photos below are not very convincing and really don't point out the M5 design elements, but I believe it's a vehicle testing the drivetrain, suspensions and other elements, on a regular 5 Series platform.  As we have already mentioned back in July, the 2011 BMW M5 will drop the famous naturally aspirated V10 engine in favor of a twin-turbo V8, similar to the 4.4 liter V8 found in the X6 xDrive50i, but tuned up by the Motorsport experts at BMW. Should the new 2011 BMW M5 engine produce 550 hp or more, it will become the king of its market segment. Audi's RS6 is still holding the top position in the "horsepower war" with  572 hp. Despite the fact that many bimmer fans are disappointed by BMW decision to phase out  the naturally aspirated M engine, I believe it's a step into the right direction and BMW is setting a new trend, where the focus on efficiency is primarily objective at the Munich HQ. [Source: Carmagazine UK ] And a rendering by MotorAuthority

 

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