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Wide World BMW Press

BMW Takes 2011 U.S. Luxury Sales Crown

Bavarian Automaker Overtakes Lexus, Mercedes-Benz

 

SPRING VALLEY, N.Y., Jan. 11, 2012 - For the first time in 11 years, there is a new luxury auto sales leader in the United States. BMW used its second-best sales year ever to edge out Mercedes-Benz and take the luxury sales crown away from Lexus in 2011. The Bavarian automaker will defend its new title in 2012, led by the next-generation 3 Series sedan debuting at BMW dealerships in February.

 

Lexus had previously held the title of America's best-selling luxury brand for more than a decade, but supply issues stemming from the March 11 Japan earthquake hampered the brand's ability to deliver cars. BMW sales, on the other hand, remained strong the entire year and ended with a 15.3-percent sales increase in December compared to same month in 2010. Total 2011 BMW sales were up 12.6 percent compared to 2010, thanks in part to a 30.4-percent sales increase from the 2012 BMW 5 Series, which features a new standard engine that boosts power and fuel economy over previous models.

 

"A big part of BMW's success in 2011 was increased fuel efficiency," said Michael Trontz, general manager of Spring Valley, New York BMW dealership Wide World BMW. "Modern luxury car buyers don't like spending money on gas any more than anybody else, so an efficient car that still delivers on performance and refinement is an attractive package."

 

The same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that helped boost sales of the 5 Series will also find a home in the all-new 2012 BMW 3 Series. Replacing the naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine in the 328i, the new engine produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, an increase of 10 horsepower and 60 pound-feet of torque over the outgoing mill. The new engine also allows the larger 528i to return 34 mpg on the highway, which bodes well for the new 3 Series, though an official mileage estimate has yet to be released.

 

BMW's efforts to increase fuel efficiency didn't stop in the engine bay though, as the new 3 Series will weigh 88 pounds less than the outgoing model. Munich engineers accomplished this feat by using lighter weight materials to construct the chassis, while stretching the 3 Series platform in nearly every direction. The result is a wider, longer car that maintains a perfect 50:50 weight distribution for dynamic handling.

 

Increasing the 3 Series' dimensions means more room for passengers and cargo, and the 2012 3 Series has more leg-, knee- and headroom than the outgoing model. BMW's bestseller will also feature a bigger trunk capable of fitting three golf bags, and with the optional Comfort Access package owners can automatically open that trunk simply by swinging their foot under the rear bumper.

 

"The 3 Series was already an extremely popular car, so there was no need to make radical changes," Trontz noted. "BMW has focused on evolution rather than revolution, which ensures that each generation improves on the last without losing the core traits that attracted our customers to the car in the first place. The refinement, comfort and dynamic performance will still all be there, making it the best 3 Series yet."




BMW's Third Hybrid Sedan Will Be a 3 Series

Next Generation of Iconic Sports Sedan to Gain Fuel Efficiency and Performance

 

SPRING VALLEY, N.Y., Nov. 3, 2011 - While most BMW buyers will go for silver, BMW's recent announcement of the ActiveHybrid 3 means that 2012 BMW 3 Series shoppers have a chance to go green as well. Arriving at BMW dealerships in the fall of 2012, the ActiveHybrid 3 will be the third hybrid BMW sedan to join the German automaker's lineup.

 

By tapping the same drivetrain as the previously announced ActiveHybrid 5, the ActiveHybrid 3 will help BMW prepare for increasing federal fuel economy requirements while still delivering on performance. The German automaker's fuel-efficiency efforts aren't restricted to hybrid technology though, as a new TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder engine in the 2012 BMW 328i is expected to improve on both gas mileage and power when it goes on sale this coming February.

 

"BMW is committed to improving efficiency without sacrificing power and performance, and it shows regardless of whether it's a new hybrid or gas-only model," said Michael Trontz, general manager of Spring Valley, New York BMW dealership Wide World BMW. "The next-generation 3 Series is bigger, lighter and more powerful than before, which is quite a feat given how advanced the current generation is."

 

Thanks to a 335-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine, an electric motor and an eight-speed automatic transmission, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 will be more than capable of defying the stigma that hybrids lack acceleration. That performance comes paired with the ability to cruise on electricity alone for up to 2.5 miles at speeds up to 37 mph, which means greater fuel savings when stuck in traffic or cruising downtown. In European testing, the ActiveHybrid 3 has achieved an overall fuel economy of 36.7 mpg.

 

The 2012 BMW 328i benefits less from electricity and more from the clever engineering in its new TwinPower Turbo engine, which produces 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That is an output of 10 more horsepower and 60 more pound-feet than the outgoing naturally aspirated six-cylinder unit. Additional power means the new BMW 328i will be able to scoot to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, which is six-tenths of a second faster than the current model. Fuel economy figures have yet to be released, but the current BMW 528i powered by the same engine returns 32 mpg on the highway.

 

BMW's efforts around the next generation of its flagship sedan haven't all been spent under the hood. The 2012 3 Series rides on a longer wheelbase and has grown slightly wider as well, providing more room for back passengers and cargo. Those increased dimensions don't result in additional weight though, because BMW engineers have used lightweight materials like aluminum to ensure the 3 Series stays light on its feet. In fact, the 2012 model is 88 pounds lighter than the previous model.

 

"I'm continuously impressed with the way BMW has found ways to shed weight and improve performance," Trontz noted. "The 2012 3 Series promises to be the best model yet, providing a sporty experience for New York drivers who are unwilling to settle for second best."




Land Rover Race Team Turns to BMW for Power

Bavarian Diesel Engines to Drive British Team at 2013 Dakar Rally

 

SPRING VALLEY, N.Y., Oct. 4, 2011 - Range Rovers may be known for their off-road abilities, but members of the British Excite Rally Raid Team will be turning to BMW for power as they outfit their British-made SUVs for the thousands of miles of sand in the 2013 Dakar Rally. The group is preparing three Range Rover Evoque models for the two-week endurance race that takes place every January, ditching their Ford-derived powertrains for BMW's 3-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel engine, which is found in a number of vehicles at BMW dealerships.

 

A favorite with rally racers for its reliability, fuel efficiency and power, the BMW TwinPower Turbo diesel is designed to stand up to the rigors of motor sports, but is equally at home on the morning commute. New York BMW fans can find the 3-liter powerplant in the 2011 BMW 335d sedan, as well as the capable 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d.

 

"BMW has an extensive history in developing engines that can stand up to the demands of a race like the Dakar Rally," said Michael Trontz, general manager of Spring Valley, New York BMW dealership Wide World BMW. "The Dakar Rally is one of the most challenging races on the planet, which is why the British Excite Rally Raid Team turned to BMW for its engines. It's one less thing for them to worry about."

 

Five prototype race vehicles have been built for testing and none have had a mechanical failure, a testament to the durability of the BMW engine, which produces 275 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque in its race trim. Although everyday models dial down the power a bit for greater fuel economy, the BMW X5 xDrive35d brings 265 horsepower and 425 pound-feet of torque to the table, allowing BMWs equipped with the engine to rocket to 60 mph from a standstill in just 6.9 seconds. More impressively, the diesel-fueled X5 returns 26 mpg on the highway, giving it a range of 585 miles between fill-ups.

 

With standard xDrive all-wheel drive, dynamic stability control and ample ground clearance, the X5 is equipped to tackle even the worst snow storms New York can dish up, and thanks to an optional third-row seat, the X5 can carry the entire family to the mountains for a weekend on the snowy slopes. Inside, the X5 hosts all the luxury amenities BMW owners have come to enjoy, like soft leather seats, Dark Burl Walnut Wood trim and a panoramic moonroof that brings natural light to the front and back seats.

 

"New York's roads can feel like a rally course in the winter thanks to frost heaves and ice patches," Trontz noted. "The X5 has the suspension to smooth out the worst roads and the all-wheel-drive to get you where you need to go."

 

BMW's other diesel vehicle available in the United States, the BMW 335d, produces 265 horsepower while returning up to 36 mpg on the highway.





V10 Engine Era Ends for BMW M5

Twin-Turbo V8 Promises More Power, Fuel Efficiency

 

SPRING VALLEY, N.Y., Sept. 6, 2011 - For some automakers, gaining fuel efficiency is as easy as reducing power, but when you're BMW, less power is never the answer. BMW will be retiring the V10 engine that powered the previous-generation BMW M5 super sport sedan, but fans shouldn't fret. Taking its place will be a twin-turbocharged V8 with even more power and torque, as well as improved fuel efficiency.

 

Slated to take a bow in mid-September at the Frankfurt Motor Show before making its debut at BMW dealerships next year, the fifth-generation BMW M5 will make major strides in fuel efficiency without sacrificing the power that has made it one of the world's most-desired performance cars. According to BMW, engine output from the new V8 is about 10 percent greater than output from the outgoing V10, while fuel economy will improve by up to 30 percent.

 

"As much as people love the M5, gas prices stuck above $3.50 a gallon do make buyers think about fuel economy," said Michael Trontz, general manager of Spring Valley, New York BMW dealership Wide World BMW. "The new M5 uses today's best technology to preserve its heritage as a super-powered sedan, while also delivering the improved fuel efficiency that customers want and that federal regulations will soon demand."

 

While the previous M5 sported a 5.0-liter V10 engine producing 500 horsepower, BMW has dropped a pair of cylinders and reduced displacement to 4.4 liters for the next generation. Generally, fewer cylinders and less displacement mean less power, but the addition of two turbochargers allows the new M5 to deliver 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. At the new M5's launch, a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox channel will send that power to the rear wheels. BMW has hinted that an all-wheel-drive version is also in the works.

 

According to a report from TheDetroitBureau.com, the M5 will also get a diesel variant that will launch in the spring of 2012. Tentatively named the BMW 550dXM, this model will feature a modified version of the 3.0-liter six-cylinder diesel found in the BMW 335d, with a new cylinder head design and a third turbocharger to virtually eliminate turbo lag. Engine output is projected to be between 500 and 550 horsepower, and an all-wheel-drive system may be the only configuration capable of handling the torque of the 550dXM, which could potentially exceed 650 pound-feet.

 

BMW has turned to turbocharging technology in several models to meet stricter fuel economy standards without sacrificing power. One example is the new turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the 2012 BMW 528i, coming to U.S. BMW dealers this fall. With just 2.0 liters of displacement, the four-cylinder 528i will produce the same 240 horsepower as its 3.0-liter, six-cylinder predecessor, generate 30 percent more torque and increase fuel efficiency.

 

"BMW has a history of success with turbocharged powerplants that goes back to the BMW 2002 of the 1970s," Trontz noted. "That success is only going to increase with the engines in these new cars, which are on a different level. They combine power and fuel efficiency in ways that we have never seen before."





BMW 5 Series Adds to Its Appeal with New Engine

J.D. Power and Associates 2011 APEAL Award Winner to Get Four-Cylinder

 

SPRING VALLEY, N.Y., August 4, 2011 - The BMW 5 Series luxury sedan has a long history of accolades that was recently made longer with a Midsize Premium Car segment win in the 2011 J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. Despite the model's success, BMW is still making improvements to the vehicle, adding a four-cylinder engine to the 2012 5 Series before it arrives at BMW dealers this fall.

 

While BMW's lineup is full of inline six-cylinder engines, the four-cylinder mill found in the iconic BMW 2002 has played an important role in the automaker's history. The twin-turbocharged two-liter four-cylinder engine powering the 2012 BMW 528i doesn't sacrifice performance in the name of added fuel efficiency. In fact, it improves both.

 

"Some BMW diehards may initially be disappointed in hearing that the 528i is coming with a four-cylinder engine, but this is a special powerplant," said Michael Trontz, general manager of Spring Valley, New York BMW dealership Wide World BMW. "BMW has made sure that the new engine provides the performance a 5 Series driver will expect when they get behind the wheel."

 

Using a pair of turbochargers on its two-liter engine will enable the 2012 BMW 528i to achieve 240 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. That is the identical amount of horsepower and a boost of 30 pound-feet of torque compared with the outgoing three-liter six-cylinder engine. Making use of that power is an eight-speed automatic transmission, which helps the luxury sedan sprint to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds - nearly half a second faster than the former model.

 

Combined with a new standard start/stop system that shuts off the engine when the car is stopped or in slow-moving traffic, BMW says the new engine will help net a 15 percent improvement in fuel efficiency. With the 2011 BMW 528i getting 22 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, that means highway fuel economy for the 2012 model could reach nearly 37 mpg when EPA estimates are complete.

 

"BMW redesigned the 5 Series for 2011 and earned piles of praise, and we expect the same reaction to the new engine in the 2012 528i," Trontz added. "We're betting that the increase in performance and fuel efficiency will have people flocking to the car. New York BMW fans can also take comfort in the fact that the 528i will now have an available xDrive all-wheel-drive system for when winter rolls around."

 

BMW had two other vehicles at the top of their segments in the 2011 APEAL Study. The 2011 BMW X3 won the Entry Premium Crossover/SUV class, and the 2011 BMW Z4 was tops in the Compact Premium Sporty Car category. Researchers at J.D. Power evaluated the quality of ownership by measuring satisfaction in 10 categories, including Audio/Entertainment/Navigation, vehicle interior, HVAC, seats, storage, visibility, exterior, fuel economy, driving experience and engine.





'Mission: Impossible' Takes BMW for a Cruise

'Ghost Protocol' Sequel to Showcase BMW's 6 Series and Hybrid Supercar Concept

 

SPRING VALLEY, N.Y., July 11, 2011 - BMW is known for pushing the limits of performance and technology, and now the automaker is helping complete Mission Impossible - at least on the silver screen. "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol," due for release on December 16, will feature both the 2012 BMW 6 Series currently available at BMW dealers and the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car, a precursor to the BMW i8 supercar that is set to arrive in 2014.

 

The fourth film of the Mission: Impossible series, 'Ghost Protocol' lets Tom Cruise loose once again, this time joined by Simon Pegg ("Shaun of the Dead," "Paul") and Jeremy Renner ("The Hurt Locker," "The Town"). The film features other BMW models, but the big stars are a 2012 BMW 6 Series - widely rumored to appear during a chase scene - and the big screen debut of the diesel-electric hybrid concept car expected to be the inspiration for the upcoming BMW i8.

 

"BMWs are the ultimate driving machines and have a long Hollywood history, so it's fitting that they would make an appearance in the ultimate action film," said Michael Trontz, general manager of New York BMW dealer Wide World BMW. "The cool thing is that moviegoers won't just get a look at the current 2012 6 Series - they'll also get a taste of where BMW is going when the i8 concept comes onscreen."

 

While the final details on the BMW i8 have yet to be released, its Vision EfficientDynamics concept features a small displacement diesel engine and two electric motors to provide speedy yet sustainable driving. BMW fans don't have to wait until 2014 to drive a BMW built with forward-thinking though, as the 2012 6 Series already offers plenty of innovative technology.

 

Converting kinetic energy to electrical power to run its accessories, the new BMW 6 Series leverages Brake Energy Regeneration and incorporates thermoplastic front fenders as well as an aluminum hood and doors to shed weight. Currently, the 2012 BMW 6 Series is available as a convertible with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that displaces 4.4-liters, produces 400 horsepower and spins out 450 pound-feet of torque available from a low 1,750 rpm.

 

Starting this October, the BMW 6 Series will also be available in the United States as a coupe, and BMW's N55 single-turbo inline-six cylinder engine producing roughly 320 horsepower will be available in both the coupe and the droptop. Fuel efficiency for the six-cylinder unit has yet to be revealed, but the powerful V8 musters 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway, giving it a highway range of just over 400 miles with its 18.5-gallon tank full of premium unleaded gas.

 

"There's no better way to enjoy the sun than in a BMW 6 Series convertible," Trontz added. "In New York, we know that we have to seize the moment whenever the weather is nice, and you're going to have some memorable summer drives in the 6 Series convertible."