Most “Hybrid” cars on the road today give its driver an average range of 40 – 45 miles per run. ActivE supplies 100 miles of everyday use to its occupants. Charging times required for this lithium-ion battery is very short: a European power grid can recharge a battery pack in just 3 hours at a wall box with a current of 50 ampere at 230/240 volts. In North America, the charge time is a little over 4 hours. BMW may have constructed the best example of zero-emissions driving to date.

Power is set at 170 HP with 184 lb-ft of torque, which is enough to get the battery-laden coupe up to 60 MPH in about 8.5 seconds. Built into the 1-Series platform, this is all meant to produce an electric car experience more in line with BMW’s expressed value as a driver’s machine.

With the BMW C1 Scooter even your already egotistical hipster can become increasingly pretentious. This little known and much chatted about (at least, in the scooter enthusiast world) C1 concept was a big deal for BMW, and it now seems they will bring the C1 to life again…maybe. C1 was originally launched in 2000 as a response to the Smart, the scooter with a wide seat and a roof was touted as the ideal city vehicle. It only tops out at 70 miles per hour – but as it is meant for city driving that’s kinda fast!

The new concept will have an electric motor, lithium-ion batteries, and the “C1-E” designation. “Visually, the concept vehicle expresses brand-typical sheer driving pleasure,” according to Beamer. Now, will it ever be built? Who knows, though the auto maker “is proud to point out that the C1 is the only motorized single-track vehicle to be exempt from mandatory helmet-wearing in almost all European countries.”

via Car and Driver

The 2010 BMW 7 Series ActiveHybrid, a much-anticipated diesel/electric hybrid auto, is pretty much set for it’s 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show revealing. ActiveHybrid models should start to appear at BMW dealerships by year’s end, but we’ve got “officially official” photos and videos for your viewing pleasure!
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2010 BMW X5 M Specs

Chassis
Brakes (Front) – 15.6 inch rotors
Brakes (Rear) – 15.2 inch rotors
Wheels – 20 inch light-alloy M Sport wheels
Tires Front – 275/40-20 Bridgestone
Tires Rear – 315/35-20 Bridgestone
Front Suspension – Double-wishbone front control arms
Rear Suspension – Integral four-link rear axle
Drivetrain
Layout – Front Engine, AWD
Transmission – 6 Speed M Sport Paddle-Shifted Automanual
Differential – Electronic front and rear LSD
Engine
Type – Direct injection BMW M Sport V8
Compression Ratio – 9.30:1
Displacement – 4.4 liters
Induction – Twin Garett turbochargers, 21.0 PSI
Horsepower – 555 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque – 500 lb-ft. @ 1500 to 5650 rpm
Exterior
Body Type – 2 Door, 5 Seat SUV
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph – 4.5 seconds

2010 BMW X6 M Specs

Chassis
Brakes (Front) – 15.6 inch rotors
Brakes (Rear) – 15.2 inch rotors
Tires Front – 275/40-20 Bridgestone
Tires Rear – 315/35-20 Bridgestone
Wheels – 20 inch light-alloy M Sport wheels
Rear Suspension – Integral four-link rear axle
Front Suspension – Double-wishbone front control arms
Drivetrain
Layout – Front Engine, AWD
Transmission – 6 Speed M Sport Paddle-Shifted Automanual
Differential – Electronic front and rear LSD
Engine
Type – Direct injection BMW M Sport V8
Induction – Twin Garett turbochargers, 21.0 PSI
Displacement – 4.4 liters
Torque -500 lb-ft. @ 1500 to 5650 rpm
Horsepower – 555 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Compression Ratio – 9.30:1
Exterior
Body Type – 2 Door, 4 Seat SUV
Performance
Acceleration 0-60 mph – 4.5 seconds

Thanks to RSportscars for these specs!

BMW Alpina B7

BMW Alpina B7

According to German Car Fans: Typical Alpina trim can be expected inside and outside as partly seen from the well known signature Alpina multispoke rims and rear boot spoiler. Technical upgrades should include stronger brakes and a sportier chassis. Stayed tuned for a report back from Geneva 2009 as we check out crowd reactions to the Alpina B7.

BMW Alpina B7 Rear

BMW Alpina B7 Front

Alpina B7

Racer X Design Press Release - 

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 independent 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

History of the E24 6 series: The early BMW sport coupes had monumental performance and style with the added luxury of design and technology. Showcased at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 1976, the 6 Series E24 sport coupes were the successor to the E9 3.0 CSi coupe. The coupe tradition in the early and mid seventies had been so widely successful, that BMW decided the era of 1965-75 coupes needed a successor. Transferring the tradition and image created by BMW with beautiful models like the 2000 C/CS and the 3.0-3.5 CS/CSi/CSL coupes, the E24 coupe captured this same image and effect. The E24 635 CSi touring car was BMWs entrant in Group A touring car racing from 1983 until the introduction of the BMW M3 in 1986.

The 2010 BMW Z4 will make its official debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January – but keep an eye on this website for special previews and leaked 2010 Z4 video – and check out the official BMW press release below with our stunning pictures.

More power, more efficiency, & more comfort. Two all-new BMW Z4 Roadster models raise the standard for style and dynamic performance.

Poised to lead its market segment once again, the 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster will make its North American debuts at the 2009 North American International Auto Show on January 11.

Return of a Classic

The classic roadster is back – more powerful and more stylish than ever before. It is the BMW Z4, the only car in its segment combining classic roadster proportions with a seating position moved close to the rear axle, rear-wheel drive, with a retractable hardtop.

The new BMW Z4 offers all the driving pleasure of a BMW Roadster with particularly refined and stylish flair. Driving with the roof down, this two-seater offers a refreshingly intense experience of the sunshine and the wind rushing by – and driving with the hardtop closed it provides all the comfort of a sporting coupe in the premium segment. So through this diversity and wide range of qualities, the new BMW Z4 is the re-birth of the roadster.

The design of the new Z4 comes out through classic details interpreted in new, up-to-date style. This outstanding two-seater offers a unique combination of elegance, agility, and supreme comfort. The aluminum shells of the two-piece lightweight hardtop come to rest in the roof compartment, saving maximum space in the process. Even with the roof closed, the new Z4 retains the proportions typical of a genuine roadster.

To ensure driving pleasure, the new BMW Z4 is offered with two inline-6 engine displacing 3.0 liters: 300 hp in the BMW Z4 sDrive35i and 255 hp in the BMW Z4 sDrive30i ensure truly outstanding acceleration and response at all times.

Comprehensive use of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies serves to provide an unparalleled balance of driving pleasure and fuel efficiency. While both models are available with a manual six-speed gearbox, the Z4 sDrive35i is available also with a dual-clutch sport automatic transmission featuring seven gears. The six-speed sport automatic is available on the Z4 sDrive30i. Both sport automatic transmissions feature steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.

Featuring Dynamic Drive Control as standard, the BMW Z4 enables the driver to choose between three drivetrain and suspension settings at the touch of a button.

Design: the modern look of a classic roadster.

The new BMW Z4 takes on the classic look of the roadster in modern, flowing lines. The car’s proportions are borne out by the long and low-slung engine compartment lid, short overhangs, the long wheelbase and large wheels as well as the low seating position near the rear axle.

The front view features a large, upright BMW kidney grille, wide air intake and the dual round headlights, typical of the BMW brand. All surfaces and lines, including the character lines on the hood, strive towards an imaginary target point on the road ahead.

The side view is dominated by the dynamic flow of the car’s shoulder line connecting the front and rear wheel arches and accentuating the stretched, athletic look of the Roadster. The horizontal orientation of the car’s lines and surfaces at the rear, in turn, emphasizes the sheer width of the new BMW Z4. Further characteristics are the extra-large hood extending far over the wheel arches, the black A-pillars, the gills at the side with their integrated LED direction indicators, as well as the slender rear fixtures with three-dimensional LED-fed rows of light.

Stylish, sophisticated, and typical of a genuine roadster: the interior.

For harmonious unison of the exterior and interior so important in an open-air car, the shoulder line is reflected by the door panels with their unique configuration and flow from front to rear.

The contoured surface to the left and right of the steering wheel incorporates the controls for the lights and air conditioning. These elements are available trimmed in Satin Silver matte, Brushed Aluminum, and Ash Grain Wood, the respective color and trim variant also being used on the center console and door handle.

The standard seats with integrated headrests on the BMW Z4 sDrive35i feature high-quality Kansas leather in a choice of three colors. A fourth choice, Ivory White Nappa leather, is also available as part of the Exclusive Ivory White Leather Package, which includes sport seats and Anthracite wood trim.

An Extended Leather option (Z4 sDrive35i only) adds leather on the upper section of the instrument panel, the doorsills, the sun visors in Black leather as well as the leather-finish door closing handles in upholstery color on the passenger’s side.

The entire range of paintwork colors available on the new BMW Z4 is made up of no less than nine color tones including Orion Silver metallic exclusive to the new Roadster.

Cycling in 20 seconds: the retractable hardtop.

The new BMW Z4 is the first BMW roadster to protect its occupants from wind and weather with a fully retractable hardtop. This two-piece lightweight aluminum shell opens and closes at the touch of a button within 20 seconds. The compact packaging of the folding roof enables the Z4 Roadster to retain the ­characteristic, slender proportions of its predecessor.

This innovative roof system offers outstanding acoustic and aerodynamic qualities and sets a new standard in the Z4’s segment. Large windows and the high-quality roof lining give the hardtop a light look. Driver and passenger enjoy a bright ambiance, generous space, and optimum visibility. Compared with the former model, the side windows are 40% larger, the see-through area in the rear window 52% larger, and all-round visibility increased14% over the previous generation.

The glass rear window in the hardtop is equipped with an electric defroster and the four side windows of the new BMW Z4 may be lowered individually. The higher roof line and larger door openings allow easier and more convenient access with the roof closed.

The retractable roof may be operated either by a switch in the center console or by remote control key fob when equipped with optional Comfort Access. Comfort Access also allows convenient loading and unloading of the luggage compartment with the roof open. To provide access to the luggage compartment in this case, the open hardtop is moved to an interim position facilitating the removal of large objects.

German tuners Hamann have taken an all new BMW X6 and tuned this puppy into a lean, mean luxury machine. They’ve supercharged the engine and transformed BMW’s standard V6 into a 3.5 liter powerplant, pumping out upwards of 320 horsepower. Interior and exterior have also been advanced to give this special X6 a superior look, which will no doubt catch a few glimpses while on the road. More with BMW’s official press release and photos below.

HAMANN Motorsport sharpens the driving performance and image of the BMW X6 – With the X6, the BMW program offers a car which does not only have the characteristics of an SUV, but also of a sports coupe. As a certified specialist for sport accessories, HAMANN-Motorsport is especially focusing on the driving dynamics segment of this Crossover model. For this reason, the technicians are refining the aerodynamics, motor and running gear. The modifications turn the X6 into an automobile which makes nearly every wish come true as far as performance is concerned. But the Laupheim-based refiner can do even more: an extensive interior and rim-program completes the X6 refinement and makes the automobile stand out against the vast number of other upper class SUVs.

Inspiring torque enhancement – The range of HAMANN performance enhancement is as manifold as the choice of BMW motors. Thus, the technology specialist equips the X6 xDrive35i with a motor performance of 360 hp / 265 kW at 5,230 rpm. At the same time, the maximum torque rises by 140 Nm to 540 Nm within the speed range from 1,300 to 5,000 rpm. Thereby, HAMANN also suspends the 250 km/h limit and allows an impressive speed of 275 km/h. The Diesel version is also provided with extra power. After re-programming the serial motronics, the xDrive30d renders 265 hp / 195 kW and draws a maximum torque of 600 Nm to the crankshaft. The motor version xDrive35d turns into an enormously powerful sprinter as well. The engineers from Laupheim were able to tease 320 hp / 235 kW and a sensational torque of 660 Nm at 2,000 rpm out of the self-igniting engine. Moreover, the sport mufflers by HAMANN-Motorsport are adjusted to the various performance kits. The product range does not only offer a double-pipe, but also a four-pipe system which renders a sonorous and earthy sound.

Fascinating design is matched with functional aerodynamics – The exclusive HAMANN auto body program renders an optimal airflow over the car silhouette. The body kit consists of a sportive and energetic front skirt with integrated LED daytime running lights, a three-part rear casing and an attractive roof spoiler. For additional output on the rear axle, the customer can either opt for a small restrained or large and prominent rear spoiler. According to customer specifications, the BMW specialist can also replace the serial bonnet with an ultra-light carbon version.

Rims in ultra format – Single or multi-part, sportive and striking or elegant and noble – HAMANN offers a wide range of wheel designs in different sizes. The ultimate rim is a 23-inch version called DESIGN EDITION RACE ANODIZED for the X6 wheel arches. The ultra-light forged wheel combines power and elegance. The black varnished rim star and the titanium bolting both emphasis the dynamics of the wheel. The highly polished rim flange on the other hands implies a noble appearance. HAMANN offers the 23-inch wheel with tires measuring 315/25R23 from 9,385 euros. The new aluminum wheels with special running gear springs are perfectly put into focus. Thereby, progressively coiled springs lower the SUV´s center of gravity by maximally 40 mm at the front- and rear axle.

Perfected technology for the interior – In addition to the consisting serial interior equipment, HAMANN offers accessories made of high-quality aluminium. Pedals and foot rests render motorsports flair and perfectly match the 12-part HAMANN decoration set made of carbon fibre. An instrument dial with a scaling up to 300 km/h and a three-spoke sport steering wheel render an additional energetic overall impression.

BMW is going the way of the Woody family station wagon with their new AC Schnitzer X6 Falcon concept. Nostalgia, of one too many viewings of National Lampoons Vacation, have inspired the Racing Design firm to contract out Beamer’s new X6 crossover for their inside broad new look. You don’t have actual wood panels, unfortunately, but the paint scheme cries Grizzwald!

Unlike the Truckster, pictured just above, X6 Falcon is not thrown together with random parts, but meticulously edged and studied to produce a beautiful vehicle for the highways and city streets. The car’s body appears more drawn down, with a sexy slope down the rear of the vehicle for wind resistance. AC Schnitzer 22-inch alloy wheels are available in black or silver, to help complement X6 Falcon’s new look.

AC Schnitzer Racing Design have given the Falcon an exhaust system to shout about, providing excellent resonance for its equally well-performing range of engines. Two diesel units are enhanced from 235 horse power and 286 horse power, up to 272 and 310 horse power respectively.

The main topic of Design Los Angeles is Motor Sport Vehicles 2025 – Try to show us what the future of racing will hold. Many of the world’s top auto makers have submitted gorgeous and eco friendly race cars, all featuring the top car technology available today, and some yet to come. BMW Group DesignWorks USA introduced a vehicle made from reusing ordinary and mundane materials such as oil barrels and barbecue lids for components and construction. The Reuse Salt Flat Racer may be the future of recycling and of automotive sustainability. Not to mention it’s Hydrogen powered.