BMW will produce a “Z2” that will be about the size of the original 1990’s-era “Z3” roadster. Slated for release sometime in 2015 and for production for model-year 2016, this roadster will be front-wheel-drive vehicle. The Z2 will be a two-seat roadster based on the new multiplatform, front-wheel-drive UKL system which will be used for multiple models from the new MINI, the X1 and possibly this new Z2 model.
As the replacement for the venerable BMW F30 3-series coupe, Car and Driver expects much from this new Coupe-specific model and they report improvements in handling, steering feel, and overall comfort. Here they test the European sport model F32 435i with the $1000 optional dynamic handling package.
BMW will introduce the all-electric i3 next year at the base price of $42,225.
Some buyers of this car will qualify for the $7500 US tax credit in addition to variable state and local tax breaks for purchasing such a “green” vehicle. The new BMW i3 will be officially unveiled next week in New York, London and Beijing (apparently the target cities for such a small vehicle).
BMW DesignWorks USA has unveiled a concept called the “M8” that is basically a gaming PC with BMW design sensitivities. Their idea was to create a gaming PC that would look awesome set vertically or horizontally. The concept has a cool mirrored interior to make the case look empty on one side. The computer hardware and motherboard can be seen from the other. The concept features a 802.11ac WiFi module and Bluetooth v4.0 providing up to 867Mbps wireless internet connection and a Creative SoundCore 3D quad core processor.
Maybe they’ll start selling these soon!
Check out new photos of the undisguised M235i spied in testing:
BMW CEO Norbert Reithoffer recently gave an interview to Bloomberg about BMW’s attitude on and commitment to hybrid and electric vehicles.
BMW has just partnered with Germany’s Solarwatt to produce solar-powered home charging systems for BMWs range of new plugin hybrid and electric vehicles for the European market. BMW is working this month on new charging system features for the US market at the 2013 Bay Area Sustainability Hackathon near San Francisco.
Eric Sargent details the upcoming version of the iDrive 4.2, with built-in Audible audiobooks, Rhapsody music streaming, 3d graphics processing, as well as 200GB of storage for apps and music.
BMW has released the new M Performance Power kit for the F30 335i. The kit includes a redesigned air intake, engine cover and sportier ECU program to match. Kit includes rocker panel decals. Read more at autoblog below:
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/03/28/bmw-offers-m-performance-power-kit-for-2012-335i-sedan/
Alpina offers special tuned BMWs direct from the factory with special wheels, drivetrain and trim. They have just released a new Europe-only model based on the BMW X3, called the Alpina XD3. The new model features a twin turbocharged 6 cylinder diesel motor with 350 horsepower and 516 foot/lbs of torque.
BMW and tire and parts manufacturer Continental are teaming up to develop future driverless car technology. They forecast increasing automation through the next decade until cars ultimately will drive themselves in 2025.
Car Magazine from the UK has an interesting article about the new M3 releasing this year:
- We’ll see the new M3 in autumn 2013
- There’ll be an M3 and an M4
- The straight-six is back
- More Carbon Fiber
Read more about it at Car Magazine
BMW NA has announced that they are recalling recent model 3 series sedans, 1 series coupes and z4 convertibles / hard tops due to an engine stalling problem.