Preview of the BMW ActiveHybrid... part 2 of 2.

This week we'll continue our feature on the BMW ActiveHybrid system by taking a look at the Concept 7 Series Hybrid... this is part 2 of 2 in our short mini-series... enjoy!

Introducing this Concept Car based on the new BMW 7 Series, BMW is clearly demonstrating the potential offered by the most advanced hybrid technology available today. The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid comes with hybrid components tailored precisely to the character of this unique saloon, offering driving comfort, everyday motoring qualities and driving safety of the supreme standard only the BMW 7 Series is able to provide.

In addition, the BMW ActiveHybrid technology featured in the Concept Car reduces both fuel consumption and emissions by 15 percent versus the same car with a combustion engine and offers a standard of driving dynamics clearly exceeding all series models with hybrid technology presented so far.

The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid combines an eight-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor developing 15 kW/20 hp and maximum torque of 210 Newton-metres/155 lb-ft as a mild hybrid concept. Electric power is generated by a particularly powerful variant of Brake Energy Regeneration already featured in the BMW Group's regular production cars. The energy generated in this way is then stored in alithium-ion battery fitted in accordance with the package of the car beneath the luggage compartment.

Maximum efficiency in the luxury class, supreme dynamics in the hybridsegment - precisely these are the unique standards offered and combinedwith one another by the BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid.

*content and information provided by www.bmwusa.com

Preview of the BMW ActiveHybrid... part 1 of 2.

A core part of the BMW ActiveHybrid technology system is that it allows for greater driving dynamics than a conventional hybrid car and at the same time meaningfully reduces fuel consumption. The technology will debut in the upcoming X6 ActiveHybrid and the Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, with other vehicles to follow. This week we'll feature the Concept X6, and for part 2 of this series, we'll bring you details on the Concept 7 Series Hybrid in our next post.

BMW will present a hybrid concept like no other in the world - the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid. The vehicle is the world's first Sports Activity Coupe to feature a unique design of hybrid drive combining the Ultimate Driving Machine with significant enhancement of all-round efficiency.Through its drive concept alone, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid allows far greater driving dynamics than a conventional hybrid car and at the same time reduces fuel consumption by up to 20 percent versus a comparable car running on a combustion engine alone.

The innovative drivetrain and the unique concept of the Sports Activity Coupe form an ideal match that is unparalleled anywhere in the world. BMW ActiveHybrid technology has indeed been developed especially for a particularly dynamic vehicle in this segment and for extensive use far beyond city traffic. In terms of its size, character and driving dynamics, the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe is simply ideal for bringing out the full potential of BMW ActiveHybrid technology, combining an elegant and dynamically flowing roofline with the features so typical of a BMW X model. Its design clearly epitomizes the full DNA of BMW X, while interpreting the character of these vehicles in a uniquely sporting manner.

*content and information provided by www.bmwusa.com

stay tuned in as we'll bring you details on the Concept 7 Series Hybrid next...

BMW Ideas for the Future

BMW's are engineered to be clean. They embody cleanliness in the manufacturing process where they come to life, in the designs whick make them moving pieces of art, and in the systems that power them. But BMW won't just stop there.... they'll continue to push and move forward into developing ideas and innovations that are geared for future of the environment, the people, and the world.

Check out the video clip below on BMW's emerging Hydrogen Technology.

* video courtesy of http://content.bmwusa.com/microsite/ideasareeverything/ideas_landing.html?a=2&m=watch&sub=null

The Next Chapter in the BMW M-Series is Unveiled

Since the original conception of the M-Series, finding new ways to expand the boundaries of the existing BMW models has been the singal main purpose of the BMW M designers and engineers. Now the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are the first all-wheel-drive models in the M-series family to offer remarkable performance, dynamic driving experience, athletic design, and premium quality. Both models are powered by a newly-developed 4.4-liter V8 M engine delivering 555 hp at 6,000 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque from 1500 to 5,650 rpm. 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.

For the X5 M and X6 M, engineers pushed the capabilities of BMW's intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system and the Dynamic Performance Control system to manage the power and performance potential of these two new vehicles. The special M suspension includes Adaptive Drive and the newly-developed Servotronic power steering. These features combine to push the limits of what was previously possible with a sports-oriented vehicle, and guarantee driving behavior characteristics of a BMW M product: incredible stability, precisely controlled steering qualities, and optimal powerful performance.