Spy shots: BMW's next 5-series

The BMW’s next-gen 5-series will arrive late this year as a 2010 model. The lately spy shots haven’t tell us much information, with the camouflage still pretty distracting.

It’s not yet clear which engines will be used for the new 5-series. However, a wide range of engines currently in the BMW stable is expected. Those include both the 3.0 liter inline 6 cylinder and the 4.4 liter V8 twin-turbo engines. On the lower end of the scale, there will also be 2.0 liter petrol and diesel engines packing enough punch to properly power this mid-range premium model.

Performance will also be improved thanks to the extensive use of lightweight materials including carbon-fiber and aluminum. The car’s construction will be a hybrid of an aluminum spaceframe for the front section, and a traditional steel monocoque for the passenger compartment and rear. This will ensure a favorable front-to-rear weight distribution and improved handling. Up front will be an independent suspension with MacPherson struts, with a multi-link layout for the rear. High-performance models will include carbon-fiber body panels to shed even more weight.

2010 BMW 1 Series gets two new engines and additional trim levels

Like its 7-series, BMW is also expanding the 1-Series lineup for 2010 with new engines and several special edition models. Choices include the 120i and 118d 1-series Coupes, as well as the Lifestyle and Sport Editions of the three and five-door Hatchback models.

Still the only rear-wheel-drive model in the compact segment, the BMW 1-series offers a unique blend of sporty driving and compact car efficiency. Nowhere is this more evident than in the 1-series Coupe, which for 2010 will be available with a direct-injected 2.0L four-cylinder engine developing 170hp (125kW) and 155lb-ft (210Nm) of torque.

With the new engine, the 120i Coupe will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 224km/h. Fuel economy comes in at 35.6mpg (6.6L/100km).

Also available is a 143hp (105kW) 2.0L turbodiesel with 221lb-ft (300Nm) of torque on tap. This power unit offers a respectable combination of performance and fuel economy, with the 118d Coupe accelerating from a standstill to 100km/h in 9.0 seconds and reaching a top speed of 210km/h. Average fuel economy comes in at 52mpg (4.5L/100km).

Both new variants of the 1-series Coup also come as standard with a wide range of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies such as brake energy regeneration, an engine stop-start function, a gearshift point indicator and ancillary units with on-demand management and control.

We have to noted that both the engines are available exclusively for the European market, so we won’t be seeing them in the U.S..

In terms of style, the three and five-door Hatchbacks can be ordered in either Lifestyle or Sport Edition Models, both of which offer RWD performance beginning this September. The Lifestyle model offers special edition Marrakesh Brown Metallic paint, unique brown body color interior components, chrome-tipped exhaust and 17-inch light aluminum rims. The Sport model includes the M Sports Package, with a sports tuned suspension, unique dual spoke aluminum rims, stainless steel pedals, and an M steering wheel and gearshift lever.

2010 BMW 7-series receives M Sport Package, xDrive and new 740d

The BMW 7-series is a great success since its introduction last year. Now good news is BMW will be offering a bevy of new features for the 2010 BMW 7-Series, including the new M Sport Package, xDrive AWD as well as a new 740d.
The M Sport Package includes the typical exterior upgrades to give a sharper, sportier appearance, along with interior upgrades to enhance the driver-car interface. New pieces include a BMW M shifter, M steering wheel and M footrest. Carbon-fiber trim is also available. The new pack offers the exclusive paintwork in Carbon Black Metallic, apart from the already-offered six body colors all available as an option. Completing the look is a set of 19in M light-alloy wheels in a double-spoke design, or optional 20in units. BMW Dynamic Drive, leather sports seats, and anthracite roof liner are also included. Incidentally, the 1, 3, and 5-Series, as well as the X5 are also available with the M Sport Package.

BMW’s intelligent xDrive AWD will also be introduced in the 7 Series for the first time in the 2010 model year. Already available on the 3er, 5er, and X models, xDrive will be mounted to the V8 powered 750i and 750Li. xDrive is an electronically controlled system that will spread out 407 horsepower across each wheel at appropriate points. Front-to-rear power will be split at 40:60, but in turns the xDrive sends as much as 80% of available power to the rear axle. The xDrive AWD will initially be available for the 750i and 750Li models but is expected to filter across to other models over the course of the year.

The automaker plans to introduce the BMW 740d in the fall, which will feature a brand new straight-six diesel engine. The all-aluminum engine features BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology, and produces a maximum 306 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque. BMW reports a 0-100 km/h time of 6.3 seconds, with a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Despite the respectable performance, average fuel economy comes in at 34mpg (6.9L/100km) with CO2 emissions down around the 181g/km mark.

In a press release, BMW claims these figures to be best in class. This latest engine means the 7-Series may be purchased with one of either three petrol units or two diesel engines. The other diesel engine is a 245 hp six cylinder, available on the 730d. BMW says they will retune this engine to provide better fuel economy by 2010.

BMW to introduce upgraded 306hp twin-turbo diesel

BMW has just announced an updated more powerful version of its 3.0L twin-turbo six-cylinder diesel engine. The new engine offers a cool 306hp (228kW), and in typical diesel fashion, impresses with 443lb-ft (600Nm) of torque. At the same time, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions are reduced by four percent compared to the previous version.

Larger cars are likely to be the first beneficiaries of the new engine. The European 735d is expected to get the engine first, followed by the 535d and 335d. Other 35d models, such as the X5 xDrive 35d could also get the powerplant.

However, it's not yet clear when BMW plans to roll the new engine out.
And since BMW only just introduced a version of the previous engine with U.S. legal after-treatment systems in late 2008, it seems unlikely that the U.S. will receive the upgrades in the near future.

Preview: New BMW 3-series GT set to join 5-series GT in 2011

2010 BMW 5 Series GT set to goes on sale early next year, and now BMW has turned its attention to pulling the same trick on the 3 Series, a smaller version based on the next-generation 3-series sedan is expected to be launched in 2011.

Picking up the 3-series GT moniker, the car will feature the same raised seating position and ride height as the bigger 5-series GT and will also likely adopt a two-tier rear hatch design. It will come with both RWD and xDrive AWD configurations, with power coming from a range of four and six cylinder engines. The computer generated rendering above gives us a preview of what the new car may look like, revealing that it will share the aggressive new look that’s being implemented across BMW’s lineup.

Speaking with British auto magazine AutoExpress, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer said that the German manufacturer considers the upcoming 3 Series GT a “volume builder with which BMW can earn good money.”

Designers will be stressing the car’s coupe characteristics just as they did with the X6 and new 5-series GT. Expect to see extremely short overhangs, pumped fenders and sporty alloy wheels. Pricing will also reflect the car’s positioning above the standard 3-series on which it will be based. Along with an upcoming replacement for the X3, it will give BMW a vital rival to Audi’s A4 Avant as well as the upcoming Q3 SUV.

BMW releases new full-phrase voice control system

Are you tired of inputting a series of painfully long and intricate menus to choose songs, whiling driving? Well, things are going to change. BMW is releasing a new voice control system allowing drivers better control over their cars' infotainment and navigation tools. It’s said that "the driver hardly having to take his eyes off the road" with the new system.

The German automaker claims the system is a first, where drivers only need "one single voice command ... to completely transmit the driver's destination into the navigation system." The driver’s verbal statement specifying the place, street and number is processed immediately by the system, all data going directly into the navigation unit. For example, the driver can state "Chicago, 1060 West Addison" to immediately get directions to Wrigley Field, eliminating the step-by-step process previously used.

The system also interfaces with the music system, allowing the user to access not just the audio source but also to choose individual music titles with voice alone. Of course, as with all voice recognition systems, accuracy and speed will be the key to making it more useful than touch-entry.

BMW thinks it has gotten the package right on these accounts, saying in a statement, "The BMW system monitors and interprets the user’s voice commands regarding the type of music, the name of the artist, an album or an individual title, ensuring precise access to the audio program desired."
Music functionality will be upgraded further in early 2010, when BMW will add the ability to interface not just with the car's built-in media library, but external media players as well.

Those who already have BMWs may be wondering how this is an advance over the "full word destination" control system introduced in 2006, which allows full word destinations to be spoken. The primary difference is the removal of computer-guided steps in destination entry; instead, the car just listens to the full destination and sorts out place, street and number on its own. That speeds things up and makes it easier to keep your hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

In the end, this is really just a further complication of the already frightfully complex iDrive system. In a way, however, it is also a simplification - the input process is streamlined and dealing with the guided menus is no longer a must. So on the whole, iDrive fans should appreciate the extra functionality, while those not so impressed with the complex system will welcome the improved ease of use.

The new voice control system will be available on new cars beginning in September 2009 in Austria, France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the United States. It is unclear if the system may be retrofitted on previous cars.

BMW overtakes Lexus to be top-selling luxury brand so far this year in U.S.

BMW was the top-selling brand for a full year was back in 1997. But since 2000 Toyota Motor Corp.'s Lexus has been sitting on top of the US luxury brand market. Now things are going to change. The king may be coming back! It’s reported that BMW has overtaken Lexus to become the best-selling premium marque in the United States so far this year.

Lexus hit high ratings in both dependability and satisfaction surveys, however, Lexus is suffering from a sales decline of 37.2% this year, according to data compiled by Autodata Corp. BMW sales are down this year as well but not as severely as those of Lexus, with the German automaker’s figures dipping 30.5% to 76,819 for the first five months of this year, which is slightly ahead of Lexus's 73,186. The worst performance luxury brands, incidentally, were Bentley and Maybach, both of which are experiencing sales declines in excess of 60%

BMW claims that dependability and enduring quality have been the reasons why they became number 1 in sales during the early part of this year with the 3-series, 5-series and X5 range making most of the sales numbers.

"We have been seeing, all year, customers remain cautious, and when they shop for premium products, they are buying brands that have a history of value, dependability and enduring quality," BMW’s U.S. chief Jim O'Donnell told The Detroit News. "This has helped sales in our core 3-series, 5-series and X5 range."

But the year is not over yet. Lexus has recently launched its new RX SUV and the new HS 250h compact hybrid is also due to hit the streets in coming months. Who will be the winner is still uncertain.

Bmw M3 Tornado by G-Power

The G-Power name has become synonymous with extreme BMWs, which is working at creating the world's fastest BMWs. Its G-Power M6 Hurricane CS based on the BMW M6 Coupe has a recorded top speed of 367.4km/h (228mph) --- making it the fastest BMW Coupe in the world.

Now G-Power has also unveiled a new performance upgrade for the M3 and they called it Tornado. Why this name? In fact, the new car fits in perfectly with that description.

While the standard M3 already has a fairly potent 420hp (312kW) under the hood, G-Power's engineers have taken the car into true supercar territory with a new supercharger system that raises the final power output to a heady 500hp (373kW). Using relatively soft charging of just 4.4psi (0.3bar) boost from the T1-518 ASA centrifugal supercharger (the same system used in certain Alpina models), G-Power claims that its M3 constantly provides around 20% more torque than the standard model.

The sueprcharger system also uses a large volume air box, including eight lightweight integral resonance induction pipes, which are responsible for improved throttle response and creating an optimal torque curve. Finally, the supercharger system is completed by the large air-to-air intercooler that is located up front and cools the boost temperature down for added performance and reliability.

The result of the new performance system gives the G-Power M3 a top speed in excess of 200mph, while the sprint to 124mph is dispensed within just 13.5 seconds - more than two seconds quicker than the stock M3.

Custom wheels and Michelin sport tires help put the power down onto the road, along with a new continuously height-adjustable G-Power coil-over suspension system with nine settings to help the BMW more effectively use that extra power. Additionally, G-Power offers a new sports rear muffler to give the M3 a deeper roar, and also lighten the car's final weight by close to 15kg.

Capping off the upgrades is a new interior, decked out in carbon-fiber panels, a custom G-Power speedo that goes up to 223mph, aluminum pedals and tailor made leather seats.

Incidentally, The G-Power BMW M3 Tornado has been thoroughly tested in the hot temperatures of the United Arab Emirates for performance and reliability.

Spy shots: BMW releases official teasers for new X1

It’s reported that in the next couple of years BMW will be releasing a number of its latest models including new variants of its present top selling models and some models that have never been seen yet. The new X1, revealed in spy photos, is a new crucial model of BMW and will take the carmaker into the compact SUV market currently dominated by the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V.

The spy shots of the new X1 shows its outlines and curves under the least amount of camouflage. The checkered cladding does obscure the details, but the overall feel of the vehicle is definitely there. Most notable is the completely undisguised grille, and the sporty new front and rear bumpers. Front and rear lights are similar to the 5-Series GT and 7-Series sedan, respectively.

The new X1’s running gear is based on the 1-series compact car but its ride height will be taller. The car is actually expected to use a mixture of 1-series and 3-series parts, sort of bridging the size gap between the two - not that the gap was large to begin with. BMW’s X-drive AWD system will also feature.

Engine options will range from a 145hp (108kW) 1.8L four-cylinder petrol engine to a range-topping 3L turbodiesel. Transmissions will include a conventional six-speed manual as well an optional six-speed self shifter.

Much of the car’s components will also be shared with an upcoming SUV model from Mini to save on development costs, although the BMW model is expected to be significantly larger than the Mini

The production version of the X1 will be shown for the first time to the general public at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September. Production volume is expected to top the 100,000 mark and will start at a BMW plant in Leipzig by the middle of the year. Pricing is unknown at this time, but it will most likely be set between the 1 Series and the X3, likely starting close to the $30,000 mark.

Exclusive BMW M3 Edition Models

BMW's popular M3, is regarded as powerful, aesthetic design, supreme performance and exclusive style. So it will be difficult to make the new BMW M3 even more appealing. But with the new M3 Edition models, it seems that nothing is impossible.

The M3 Edition Models, available only on the M3 Coupe variant, features cosmetic enhancements on new body design and interior features but also new light-alloy wheels and an even lower chassis. Knowing to leave well enough alone, the powertrain of the M3 is untouched in the Edition Models.

The new models is available in four colours: Alpine White non-metallic, Black non-metallic, Dakar yellow non-metallic, and Monte Carlo Blue metallic - all classic choices for the M3. A chrome package is included standard to accentuate "the truly sophisticated character of the Edition Models." They use a dark, eloxy-plated chrome for the quad tailpipes, kidney grille, and side gills. The color tone perfectly matches the blacked-out 19-inch M-series light alloy rims. Or, if you prefer, you can get the rims in either silver or a contrasting white. We recommend going with the dark rims, because they will also match the black mirror caps.

Inside, the cars get contrasting insert colors, 'Carbon Structure' leather trim with contrasting seams, Black Novillo leather seats, all with unique trim and stitching. Armrests and even door handles also get custom treatment with color-matched contrasting seams on the Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo blue models. Finally, the door entry bar gets a checkered flag design and the M3 logo.

The suspension drop is the only significant mechanical change, with all of the M3 Edition Models riding 10mm lower than their standard counterparts. Each model also gets a unique 19in alloy wheel with a double-spoke design. Finish can be either standard alloy or black, while on all but the Dakar Yellow model the rims can also be had in a special white color with polished spokes.

Under the hood we have the same impressive V8 engine capable to develop 309 kW/420 hp and to push the car to 100 km/h comes in 4.6 seconds (six-speed manual: 4.8 seconds) while the average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 11.9 litres/23.7 mpg imp (six-speed manual: 12.4 litres/22.8 mpg imp)/100 kilometres.

The BMW M3 Edition Models will go on sale in July, 2009, and will only be available for six months. The release of the special editions and the limited time frame tip BMW's hand to the motivation for this unexpected batch of early special editions: pumping up slumping sales.

BMW's new weather forecast GPS system

What’s the most terrible thing for you while driving? Traffic jar? Ticket for speeding? I’m sure one of them must be the bad weather. But it’s very considerate that BMW is offering a special GPS system that takes the weather forecast to a new level and help to get people away from rain and hail and towards blue skies and sunshine.

This service with the special GPS system is the BMW's latest ConnectedDrive system, also described as an on-board precipitation radar. Featuring a graphic display, the system is updated every 15 minutes with weather information, showing drivers the geographic distribution of rain, snow and hail. The system shows this information for both the current location and the destination in real-time.

Additionally, BMW said that it will add a menu option called Precipitation Pattern from July 2009 which will provide cloud movement representation in animation from the previous 90 minutes.

The system is on offer in Germany at the moment, and will be compatible with any cars using BMW's ConnectedDrive, meaning it could be fairly easy to incorporate into American vehicles - whether or not BMW will offer this service in North America, however, remains uncertain but there shouldn't be too many hurdles in bringing it over.

BMW’s new 5-series GT details leaked

we have see spy shots of BMW’s upcoming 5-series GT making the rounds along the streets of Munich for several months and now we have leaked official shots of the production that's due to go sale in Europe this November and in the U.S. early next year.

The new BMW 5 Series GT aims to combine touring, sports and luxury all in one. First revealed as a concept version at the Geneva Auto Show, the production model of the 5 Series Gran Turismo features a few changes. Clear differences are the smaller wheels, regular beige leather interior, rounded exhaust tips and new side mirrors.

The body of the 5-series GT features a mix of elements from crossover, hatchback and wagon bodystyles, melding them together to create something that's relatively unique in the automotive world. While the styling may not be to everyone’s taste, BMW insists there's a market for a premium wagon with a coupe-like profile and plenty of innovative storage solutions. A take on the famous Hofmeister kink can be found at the rear of the window line, turning a very non-classical BMW profile into something more recognizable.

At 4.99m in length, only the flagship 7-series is longer than it. This provides plenty of room inside for passengers but oddly BMW has added seating for only four. One of the vehicle’s standout features will be its new two-tiered tailgate. The design enables owners to partially open the tailgate for small packages or stretch it all the way for bigger luggage.

In their standard position, the rear seats offer passengers the same kind of legroom as in the 7-series combined with the same headroom as in the X5 SUV. In this configuration, luggage capacity measures in at 440L. When required, the rear seats may be moved individually to the front by up to 100mm to allow luggage space to expand to 590L. Completely folding down the back seats liberates a generous 1,700L of storage. Up front is BMW’s latest iDrive system, matched to a 10.2in display screen. Other goodies include a USB port, 80GB hard disc, DVD player, and a heads-up-display.

At launch, the new 5-series GT will be offered with no less than three different powertrain options. These include the 530d GT, which comes with a 245hp (180kW) 3.0L six-cylinder turbodiesel with 398lb-ft (540Nm) of torque on tap and is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds while returning fuel economy of 36mpg.

Next in line is the 535i version, which gets BMW’s award-winning 306hp (225kW) straight-six twin-turbocharged petrol engine with 295lb-ft (400Nm) of torque. This model can accelerate from 0-100km/h in around 6.3 seconds and is rated at 26mpg in fuel economy.

Finally, there’s the 550i V8 performance model. Powered by a 407hp (300kW) and 442lb-ft (600Nm) twin-turbocharged 4.4L petrol V8, this particular model can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.5 seconds but only scores 21mpg in fuel economy.

All models come as standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as well as rear axle air suspension, while active steering remains an option. Also standard is BMW’s Dynamic Drive Control, which modules gearshift, throttle and steering inputs depending on whether the driver selects Normal, Sport or Sport+ modes.

Pricing in Germany (including taxes) start at €55,200 (approximately $77,250) for the 530d GT, €55,700 ($77,950) for the 535i model and €75,300 ($105,387) for the 550i range-topper.

Hamann tuned BMW 7-series

Hamann, the well-known German tuning house, has just released a tuning package for the new 2009 BMW 7-Series luxury saloon, comprise of exterior and interior accessories as well as performance upgrades.

There are some obvious aesthetic modifications to the exterior of the car, including custom side skirts, a rear spoiler on the boot and custom tailpipes.

Joining the new body alterations is a set of 22in Evo wheels, which are attached to a performance suspension kit that sits up to 40mm lower than the stock model. The interior has also been given an upgrade, with new aluminum sports pedals and custom seats and floormats bearing the Hamann logo.

In terms of power upgrades, Hamann has thus far only tinkered with the diesel-powered 730d, boosting output of the 245hp (180kW) stock engine by 45hp (33kW). No word has been given about what other mechanical modifications are to come, but there are predictions that Hamann will also upgrade the engine found in the current 750i model - the 4.4L twin-turbo V8 unit – as well as the new 760i V12.

Nevertheless, the Hamann tuned 750i should be a cracker in terms of performance, as the tuning firm is not known for its restraint in this area. The previous iteration of a Hamann-tuned BMW 7-series V8 featured a bored out 7.1L engine with 510hp (383kW) and a top speed just a few miles shy of 200mph. Until more details are announced, however, we can only speculate on what the tuner has in store for the rest of the 7-series lineup.


Read on for the Hamann press release below:

The HAMANN refining programme for the new BMW 7-series

Individualisation on the highest level – this is the motto under which HAMANN presents its refining programme for the new BMW 7-series of the model range F01 and F02.

Already since 1986, the Laupheim-based company develops and produces products for the individualisation of BMW automobiles. Thereby, the HAMANN technicians profit from hundreds of successful motor sports participations. The competence which was gained there is the basis for the development of new HAMANN products and renders the highest level for product quality and processing. The result: stainless steel exhaust systems with a sporty and earthy sound, aerodynamics components reducing the lifting forces and striking light alloy rims from 19 to 22 inches. Interiors perfectly fitted with leather and combined with floor-mats in matching colours as well as non-slip aluminium pedals extend the accessory range.

Already when establishing the design, HAMANN perfectly adjusts the individual components of the aerodynamic pack. The result is an exciting styling with an optimised air flow across the car silhouette. LED daytime running lights which are integrated in the new front skirt, render a sporty-dynamic look and increase the passive safety. Simultaneously, in combination with the roof spoiler and the rear spoiler, the lifting forces are reduced and give the upper class limousine a new, attractive overall appearance. The visual connection between the front and rear part are the HAMANN side skirts which are available for the model series F01. The optionally available rear shield insert for the side skirt of the model 730d and 740i allows fitting the four-pipe sport end muffler. Four round stainless steel end pipes with a diameter of 90 millimetres perfectly enhance the rear part of the 7-series BMW and produce a powerful, earthy sound.

A performance enhancement for the Diesel engine with variable turbine geometrics is already under construction. By this first tuning stage the serial measure of the 730d (180 kW / 245 hp) increases by approximately 33 kW/45 hp.

A technical highlight of the offered tuning programme is the one-piece HAMANN-aluminium wheel called DESIGN HM EVO 22 inches. A hallmark of the modern styling is the glossy black paint with the diamond-grinded rim star and the discreet deep rim well. Five elongated and over-vaulted triple spokes document visual and technical finesse. Struts inside the spokes render additional stability. Modern production processes and the use of special aluminium alloys guarantee highest bearing loads at a low weight. Here, HAMANN recommends the dimensions 9.0Jx22 inches with 265/30ZR22 tyres at the front axle and 10.5Jx22 inches with 295/25ZR22 tyres at the rear axle.

The four progressively coiled chassis springs which lower the centre of gravity with the models 730d, 740i by 40 millimetres at the front- and rear axles, render a dynamic appearance. For the models 750i and 750Li, there is a lowering kit consisting of two chassis springs and an evening kit.

In addition to the existing, serial interior equipment, HAMANN accessories made first-class aluminium, pedals and foot-rests render motor sports air and perfectly match the embroidered HAMANN floor mat set. If desired, even a complete leather equipment can be produced with expert precision.

Preview: Sporty Mini Cooper Speedster

Mini has been a giant success story for BMW, with the iconic little cars becoming almost ubiquitous throughout cities these days. With brand success comes more models, and BMW has already capitalized on the Mini name in a big way with new variants such as the Clubman as well as an upcoming crossover model, and this trend is likely to continue with the introduction of a possible two-seater convertible speedster.

There has been speculation about a two-seater convertible Mini for some time, and according to latest reports the car has been given the green light for production.

Making the car a strict two-seater means that BMW can use the same platform that the Mini Cooper Cabrio currently sits on. With the back seats removed, the Speedster should have a decent sized boot, and BMW will be able to easily mix and match engines and other parts from its current stock for the eventual Speedster lineup.

At the front, Mini’s now hallmark bonnet will likely appear with a split grille, however, the speedster will be much sportier than the current range of Mini models. This means the speedster will likely be lower and wider than its four-seat siblings and will definitely be the most aggressive Mini of the bunch.

The car will most likely have a soft-top to keep weight down, but a removable hard-top should also be available. Under the hood, expect to see the plethora of engines that are currently seen in the MINI Cooper - including the 173hp (129 kW) 1.6L turbo engine found in the Cooper S.

While BMW is yet to confirm its production, a launch date for the car is rumored to fall sometime in 2011.

Spy shots: BMW 5-series GT

BMW has unveiled a concept of the highly anticipated 5-Series GT, also known as PAS. At March's Geneva Motor Show, BMW gave us the first tangible evidence of the 5-series Gran Turismo (GT) concept vehicle. Today, we have new spy shots of the production version tested on the streets of Munich, which's due to go sale in Europe this November and in the U.S. early next year.

Clear differences between the production version and the concept are the smaller wheels, regular beige leather interior, rounded exhaust tips and new side mirrors.

The body of the 5-series GT features a mix of elements from crossover, hatchback and wagon bodystyles, melding them together to create something that's relatively unique in the automotive world. While the styling may not be to everyone’s taste, BMW insists there's a market for a premium wagon with a coupe-like profile and plenty of innovative storage solutions. A take on the famous Hofmeister kink can be found at the rear of the window line, turning a very non-classical BMW profile into something more recognizable.

At 4.99m in length, only the flagship 7-series is longer than it. This provides plenty of room inside for passengers but oddly BMW has added seating for only four. One of the vehicle’s standout features will be its new two-tiered tailgate. The design enables owners to partially open the tailgate for small packages or stretch it all the way for bigger luggage.

BMW is yet to reveal what powertrain options will be available for the 5-series GT but expect to see most of the engines from the new 2010 5-series carry over. BMW is expected to launch the car initially with a new eight-speed automatic and six-cylinder engines and then expand the range to include an xDrive AWD option and V8 powertrains.

BMW pricing X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs in U.S.

Recently BMW has revealed pricing for the new X5 M and X6 M SUVs, which will start at $85,400 and $88,900, respectively, when they go on sale in the U.S. in the second half of the year. Full pricing and options, as well as pre-order sales, will be available from next month onwards.

BMW admits that it would like to draw customers away from vehicles like the Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG and Porsche Cayenne, and in an effort to make its M SUVs more appealing has fitted the pair with standard 20in wheels, sports seats, red needle gauges, and Merino leather trim.

Both models are powered by a newly-developed 4.4L V8 M engine delivering 555hp (412kW) at 6,000rpm and 500lb-ft (677Nm) of torque from a low 1,500 to 5,650rpm - enough to send the vehicles from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds.

This new M engine is the world's first with a pulse-tuned exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders combined with high-performance twin-scroll twin turbo technology. Two low-mass twin-scroll turbochargers are positioned together with the catalytic converters in the "V" section between the two banks of cylinders. By reversing the flow of gases through the engine from traditional arrangements, the intake and exhaust ducts are shortened and widened. The result is that pressure losses on the exhaust side are minimized.

This configuration, known as Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold (CCM), offers quick turbo spooling, a linear build-up of engine power, and a broad, consistent torque curve by feeding each of the twin turbochargers with a "charge pulse" at approximately every 90 degrees of crankshaft rotation, rather than the more traditional "irregular schedule" of charging. Maximum boost pressure is set at 1.5bar (21psi).

BMW M engineers have also reworked the full drivetrain and chassis, adding new M-specific adaptive suspension, an uprated intelligent xDrive AWD system, and newly-developed Servotronic power steering.

Also featured for the first time on an M model is a six-speed automatic transmission, which for the X5 M and X6 M also comes with an electronic selector on the center console and offers three different driving modes – Drive, Sport and M Manual modes for absolute control of gear selection.