BMW has discussed their Megacity car concept before, but not in great detail…until now. Thanks to the people over at WorldCarFans & Autoblog, new details are emerging. The MCV will be an all-electric car sold under a new, as of yet unnamed, sub-brand by BMW Group. The model is scheduled to be introduced in 2013 and features a new construction paradigm for BMW, consisting of a carbon fiber passenger cell coupled to an aluminum chassis.

BMW may also provide a range-extended version of the MCV with a 1.0 liter, two-cylinder engine fitted under the front nose of the car.

There will also be no B-pillar. Instead, the MCV will have rear-hinged doors, similar to the Mini Clubman, taking advantage of the stiffer monocoque carbon fiber passenger cell and the aluminum chassis.

Source: worldcarfans.com

German magazine Bild is reporting the i100 will be a plug-in hybrid with a 163 bhp to 182 bhp three-cylinder engine (likely a diesel) and two electric motors which contribute 99 bhp. More importantly, the car would have an electric-only range of 9.3 to 31 miles.

The vehicle’s setup is virtually identical to the VED concept, but Bild goes one step further by stating the U.S. market may receive an i100 with a four-cylinder engine. There are also rumors that the M version will feature high performance capacitors and a six-cylinder engine from the next-generation M3.

The car is rumored to make an appearance at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, and will apparently start with an asking price of $130,775.

Source: WCF

The car is expected to be a two-seater, unlike the MINI Spiritual Concept seen here, though it could end up with three spaces for passengers. Based on a modified front-wheel-drive platform made for a front-engined car, the sub-Cooper would have a shortened wheelbase that could put it in line with the Toyota iQ or the Smart ForTwo.

“The idea to create a highly compact Mini model is one that has been on the agenda for quite a while,” the source reportedly told the magazine. “On the outside it would appear a natural fit for the brand, but profitability is a major concern at this end of the market. It’s one thing making a good-looking small car, but it’s another thing making money on it,” the source concluded.

via | worldcarfans

In the past we’ve brought you BMW’s Simple Concept in picture form. Now check out this official video from the Gemran auto maker, which shows off the strange little vehicle, combining the best aspects of a motor-car and a motor-cycle. Both motor heads and gear heads will love it. Simple fulfilled all the BMW Group premium brand demands: sheer driving pleasure, innovative vehicle configuration, technology integration and a sense of comfort and spaciousness.

Basically this video gives you a “Holy SH!@ Look at that?!?” reaction. It also reminds me of an old Dane Cook bit, about a tire hunting down a racing fan (which, from what I’ve heard, he stole from Dave Attell. But that could be a rumor) -

With that, BMW has introduced their Gran Coupe Concept at 2010′s Beijing Auto Show.

The Gran Coupe is indeed grand – with a sleek, low-slung, long-wheelbase design. Gran’s coupe-like roofline and short overhangs give the appearance of a roaster about to take off. And even though the “coupe” name makes you think two-door, this concept actually has four, making it a sedan officially.

Although, if the car is ever put into production, an two-doored variant might be available. There’s no word yet if Gran will be BMW’s replacement for the 5-Series (which is mimics) or just a counterpart.

According to BMW, the Gran Coupe “concentrates the design expertise of the brand” and “captures a sense of superior dynamic performance and high-quality elegance.” We can see that for ourselves. A large front grill and LED headlights dominate most of the Gran’s face. Gran appears to be wider then it actually is with those larger front lights. The car also features frameless windows on each door – something not too common in 2010.

One possible Gran Coupe interior...

Details about the interior are few and far between, though we can expect a sporty BMW-Z look to it (or at least we hope). Gran Coupe will most likely morph into some other production friendly model, but aspects of Gran will be taken into account at the auto maker continues to evolve and move forward.

These special edition MINI’s will include a computer feature called Mission Control, which gives voice feedback based on various driver inputs. MINI has programmed many responses to situations like putting revs into a cold engine and hard acceleration or cornering. And yes, they will be in a British accent.

The buyer will also get a choice of three metallic paint colors, sport seats, special upholstery selections, dynamic traction control, xenon headlights, fog lights, grille badge, rear spoiler, upgraded Harman/Kardon audio system, special interior trim, 17-inch wheels and hood graphics.

With a price ranging near $24,000, and only 100 total of the two models, MINI is sure to sell out in no time. We just hope someone delivers up one for a test drive at our offices.

Source: AllSmallCars Via Motor Authority

Technik Think Tank led to the production versions of the Z1 Roadster, as well as the BMW Z3 and Z4. The group also conducted research on the BMW 1-series fuel-cell hybrid, and the 2001 BMW Z29 concept. The Z29 was capable of sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, with a weight-to-power ratio of 3.4 kg/hp.

Source: WCF

When space is limited and you still want to safely park that Bimmer away from pesky meter maids, adjusting your home to fit a small garage might be the answer. But is there room? Apparently, there always is. These Kanagawa, Japan homes are built with just that in mind. With only 2000 Sq. Ft. to work with (Only? The North Jersey home I grew up in was smaller than that!) you’re going to need at least a third to fit you 1986 BMW M3 in without scratching its doors.

Architect Akio Nakasa, who designed these modern wave-looking homes, separates living space from office and guest space, creating a yard in the process. 80 of those Sq. Ft. are occupied by the cherished black BMW E30 M3, parked right next to a dining table sized to seat every possible occupant. Now that’s optimizing your area!

pic: Jalopnik

Available from June of this year, M Bike will be sold in three different frame heights. It’s an aluminum frame with a Match front suspension fork from Manitou. Suspension springs have an 80-millimeter deflection. BMW engineers installed a fi’zi:k leather saddle with a red insert. Other features include disc brakes, a Shimano SLX component group/gear system with high gear ratio to optimize speed. Check out the press release below:

Rolling Wonder. The BMW M Bike – The BMW M Bike is a spectacular combination of state-of-the-art technology and exclusive design. Disc brakes and an elegant matt anthracite frame with the M logo combine perfectly with the leather saddle, stunning rims and handles, and shiny red seat inlay. Characteristic of the entire M collection, which, like the BMW M model itself, stands for the extraordinary and unique.

Weight: 12.9 kg

Source: World Car Fans