Since the batteries and electric motor are likely to cost at least as much as, or even more than, the car carrying it, Magna are considering a business model where the MILA’s EV module could become the item that car buyers own, rather than the bodywork.Similar electric car projects are also sizing up options for customers to lease, rather than own, expensive battery packs. Part of the Magna EV strategy is that other manufacturers will buy its electric platform as an off-the-shelf base for their own vehicles.When the BMW X3 debuted back in early 2004, it seemed to be an anachronism: an upscale, premium-branded, premium-priced, small sport-utility. After all, the Land Rover Freelander had landed like a thud in our market and was on its way to hiatus status. It turns out that BMW was ahead of the curve, though, because for 2007 the X3 has plenty of competition, including the Freelander's successor, the LR2, plus the all-new Acura RDX. Time for a mid-cycle face-lift, then, for BMW's small SAV, or sports activity vehicle. The freshened 2007 model made its public debut at the Paris salon.
You'll have to look closely at the X3 to detect the physical differences between the 2006 and 2007 models. There are no sheetmetal changes, but last year's black front and rear bumpers are now body-colored, and the twin-kidney grille now has vertical strakes in it. BMW's "corona light rings," known in the parlance as "angel eyes," make their first appearance here, if you opt for the xenon adaptive headlights. Chrome exhaust tips are new at the rear.
BMW has attempted to address complaints about the shoddiness of the original X3's interior with a new dashboard material, additional upholstery in the door panels, and the addition of wood trim to the dash. There's also a new, three-spoke steering wheel, and the optional Cold Weather Package includes heated rear seats in addition to the fronts.
Under the hood, the U.S.-spec X3 adopts the aluminum and magnesium 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that debuted in the 3-series sedan. With variable valve timing, which BMW calls Valvetronic, it produces 260 hp at 6600 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque at 2500 rpm, increases of 35 hp and 11 lb-ft of torque, respectively. A six-speed manual remains standard, and a new six-speed automatic is a no-cost option, replacing the previous five-speed automatic. With the manual, BMW says the X3 will hit 60 mph in 6.9 seconds, an improvement of 0.7 second over the previous X3 3.0i.
We've already driven the new X3, and although more power and more gear ratios are all well and good, what the X3 really needed was a more comfortable ride, and it didn't receive that in this face-lift. In making the X3 handle like a BMW, BMW's engineers sacrificed everyday livability. This vehicle continues to err on the side of spoMay 28th, 2008 Posted in Worldwide News No Comments
BMW has some big plans. It is said that the BMW M1 concept, recently presented at D’Eleganza Villa D’Estebmw-m1-concept-91.jpg will be soon produced in series.
“We have the right engine and infrastructure for a car like this”, said Herbert Diess. From the interview which was taken from the BMW executive department, we will find out a program of the production and why this car won’t be called M1.
The German producer wants to modify a little this M1 concept, in order to defeat Audi R8 which is a real commercial success. In what measure he can do that, we might find out sooner than we thought.
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Bmw M6 available in 2012
May 28th, 2008Posted in Worldwide News No Comments
The next generation of BMW 6 Series will be available only after about 4 years. Until then, we are glad to present you an artistic interpretation of itThe first iteration of the Acura MDX–an SUV equally utilitarian and reliablecompeted with the Mercedes-Benz ML and the Lexus RX300, but the newest generation of the MDX aims straight at the BMW X5 and the Porsche Cayenne. Cargo capacity and off-road capability are no longer the key metrics when contesting market share with those lithe Germans. To instill the same level of driving excitement in the MDX as is found in its new competitors, Acura’s engineers headed to Germany’s Nurburgring, which is prized for its ability to expose chinks in a car’s driving dynamics.
The new MDX’s exterior styling underwent a similarly rigorous workout. According to Frank Paluch, the chief engineer of both the original and second-generation MDX models, the goal was to provide a “stealth family package,” which the design team accomplished by lowering the visual center of the vehicle, what they call the C-line, and angling the D-pillar sharply forward to camouflage the third-row seating. Paluch adds, “The vehicle looks smaller, but it’s wider, longer, and lower.” Until we spend time behind the wheel, we cannot say if the MDX can hang with the fast crowdbut at least it’s wearing all the right clothes. Acura is being coy about powertrain performance, but Paluch says they have aimed for best-in-class V-6 performance. When asked if that translates to 300 hp, he remarks, “that’s a difficult goal.”
Although the vehicle is only a concept and in fact has no interior or powertrain, we expect that Acura will retain 99 percent of its exterior styling for the production model, which goes on sale this fal
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