BMW auto news

BMW 760li to start at $136,600?

If we told you about a new vehicle powered by an all-aluminum twin-turbo V12 putting out 544 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, you'd assume it's a high-dollar supercar. However, we're not talking about some sleek, sexy Italian -- it's the extra-large and in charge 2010 BMW 760li.

BMW Blog reports the new 760li is ready for dealer order, and sources indicate the price tag will start at $136,600. That's $50,000 more than the 750li, but it's over $10,000 less than a comparably equipped Mercedes S600.

The site also reports that the 760li will carry an achingly long list of standard features including an eight-speed automatic transmission, 19-inch wheels, active steering, blind spot detection and fancy ceramic controls -- a lot of Bimmer for a lot of cash. Pricing and info for the 760li haven't been released on the BMW USA website yet, but expect all the details to hit in a few days.

Gallery: 2010 BMW 760Li

BMW throws big cash on the hoods of its U.S. diesel offerings

BMW is offering the rebates on the X5 35d and 335d as an "Eco Credit" to supplement Cash for Clunkers. BMW points out that on top of the up to $4,500 in incentives, buyers of the Bavarian diesels are also eligible for tax credits of $900 for the 335d and $1,800 for the X5 35d. And since the oil-burners are so efficient, BMW estimates fuel savings over four years at $2,000 verses comparable petrol-powered luxury rides.

The program, which runs through August 31, is being advertised as a one-time special offer, but it could also signal a lack of acceptance for diesel-powered luxury vehicles in the US. That would be too bad, though, because the diesel Bimmers we've driven were flat-out terrific, and with 580 miles/tank and a 20% reduction in CO2, they're eco-friendly, too. Hit the jump to read the BMW press release. Hat tip to Why not the LS2LS7.

Gallery: Review: 2009 BMW 335d

Continue reading BMW throws big cash on the hoods of its U.S. diesel offerings

BMW heiress Susanne Klatten reportedly blackmailed again in sex-tape scandal encore

Susanne Klatten is learning what it's like to live a recurring nightmare. Last year, the heiress to BMW's controversial controlling Quandt family fortune was blackmailed by Helg Sgarbi, a conman who seduced her into a two month affair and subsequently threatened to distribute video footage of their encounters to the public if she didn't hand over a payment of some 50 million Euros. Klatten refused and instead went to the police, resulting in a six-year jail sentence for Sgarbi. Germany's wealthiest woman - a married mother of three - endured the embarrassment in the pursuit of justice and a refusal to acquiesce, but that wasn't the end of it, as Bloomberg is reporting that another set of fraudsters has attempted a copycat performance.

Apparently, a group of three men contacted Klatten claiming to have the tapes and demanded she fork over 800,000 euros (about $1.13 million USD) in a BMW X5 or they'd release the tapes to the public. Evidently, the three men failed to learn about Klatten's determination from Sgarbi's mistakes and they, too, were arrested. Police reportedly got the drop on the blackmailers as they argued over who would drive the X5. It remains unclear, however, if the three extortionists even had possession of any such tapes.

REPORT: BMW admits four-cylinders are likely headed back to U.S.

About half the vehicles BMW sells worldwide come equipped with four-cylinder engines, yet the German luxury car maker's single biggest market doesn't sport a single four-banger in its entire lineup. BMW hasn't sold a vehicle with a four-cylinder engine in the U.S. in over a decade, but company vice president of US engineering Tom Baloga told Bloomberg that the trend won't likely continue.

The U.S. government is mandating fuel economy averages of 35.5 mpg by 2016; a number that will shrink engine sizes for most automakers. BMW's overall fuel economy for the 2008 model year was reportedly 26.5 mpg, which means the Munich, Germany-based automaker has a lot of work to do to achieve that number. And since customers have come to expect a certain level of performance from BMW, Baloga says the company will have to increase fuel economy without hurting performance. To keep performance levels high, we expect to see more turbocharging and direct injection in future models.

Interestingly, BMW already meets 2016 U.S. fuel economy standards with its model lineup in Europe, but team Bimmer reportedly doesn't plan to fill out the bulk of its lineup with oil burners. BMW already has diesel powerplants in its 335d and the X5 in the States, though, so we wouldn't be surprised to see more diesels in the years to come.

VIDEO: Top Gear pits Jaguar XFR against BMW M5

While the BMW M5 has topped Top Gear's list of four door sports sedans for what seems like forever, the Bavarian bombshell suddenly has plenty of competition, the newest of which is the Jaguar XFR. TG wanted to see which vehicle was better on the track and around town, and naturally, Jeremy Clarkson volunteered to work as judge and jury.

Clarkson spent all of his time behind the wheel of a right hand drive XFR, and he seemed surprised and delighted at the Leaping Cat's power and handling. Clarkson calls the cushy ride of the XFR "so soft and it's so absorbent, it's like sitting on a fat dog." But this plump puppy has 503 hp, and "80 more torques" than the BMW, while both vehicles' weight is about the same. Hit the jump to check out the comparo, and try to guess which sedan finished the Top Gear lap faster.

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear pits Jaguar XFR against BMW M5

BMW S 1000 RR now available for pre-order at $13,800

"We intend to take the four Japanese head-on. We did not intend to build a motorcycle like Ducati does or KTM does. We wanted to build a mainstream motorcycle." There were a number who doubted Pieter de Waal, Vice President of BMW Motorrad USA, when he uttered that sentiment back in April regarding the company's new S 1000 RR, but it seems the Bavarian motorcycle manufacturer has come through on its promise of attractive pricing for its latest superbike.

With a base price of $13,800, the new S 1000 RR is within spitting distance of the Yamaha R1, Suzuki GSX-R1000, Kawasaki ZX-10R and Honda CBR1000RR, which is the most expensive of the Japanese literbikes at $12,999 (plus $1,000 for ABS). As a refresher, the new Beemer - which puts out 193 horsepower at 13,000 RPM, 82.5 lb-ft of torque at 9,750 RPM and weighs 455.3 pounds with a full tank of gas - boasts the best power-to-weight ratio of any bike in its class.

Naturally, there are desirable options that can quickly move the bike away from the bargain category, including a package that adds ABS brakes and traction control for $1,480. Click past the break for the complete rundown.

Gallery: 2010 BMW S 1000 RR

Continue reading BMW S 1000 RR now available for pre-order at $13,800

BMW trademarks "Countryman" for Mini crossover name?

Thanks to a few eagle-eyed BMW fans with a handy penchant for tracking trademark filings, we may know the name of the upcoming and oft-spied Mini crossover: the Countryman. If this is indeed the case, the badge would go hand-in-hand with BMW's current naming convention for its Mini line, which includes the extended-length Clubman in addition to the standard Cooper and convertible. We're expecting the new CUV to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in production form as a 2011 model.

Interestingly, BMW also trademarked the name ActiveE, which some are speculating will be the moniker applied to the automaker's upcoming electric vehicles as it matches up quite nicely with BMW's present ActiveHybrid series. Last year, the German automaker reserved the name eDrive, and it seems the two labels could somehow be paired together as part of the company's Project I initiative.

Gallery: MINI Crossover Concept

Hyundai trumps BMW and Jaguar in J.D. Power 2009 APEAL study

Porsche grabs the top spot for the fifth year in a row in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. For this year's study, the team at JDPA gathered information from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of new 2009 model-year cars and questioned them on more than 90 vehicle attributes. Their studies examined "how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive," based on those evaluations.

While the APEAL nameplate ranking is significant (Porsche, Jaguar, and Cadillac round out the top-three), the segment winners offer more insight into what today's buyers are seeking. This year, it appears to be the newly launched models including the Volkswagen CC, Nissan Maxima, Dodge Challenger, and Ford Flex... each took top honors in their respective category. This year's biggest upset comes in the "Midsize Premium Car" segment as the all-new Hyundai Genesis (sedan) knocks the BMW 5 Series from the podium. Check out the gallery for the graphics, and read the full press release after the break.

Gallery: 2009 J.D. Power APEAL Results

Continue reading Hyundai trumps BMW and Jaguar in J.D. Power 2009 APEAL study

BMW recalling 2008MY 1- and 3-Series; plus 2009MY X5 and X6 models over safety concerns

BMW 135i Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

A potential fault with the side airbags fitted to 2008 BMW 1- and 3-Series cars has lead to a recall notice from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Apparently, possible fitment of the wrong crimp connector can cause the airbag not to properly deploy.

In a separate recall, 2009 model year BMW X5 and X6 crossovers are also being called back to dealers, as they may have been fitted with rear brake discs that don't meet specifications. In extreme cases, the flaw could cause the rear disc to break, which would obviously then hurt the vehicle's ability to stop.

Unusually, the number of vehicles possibly covered under the actions has not been released, and BMW has not yet released the protocol for either repair. In any case, you can contact the company or NHTSA for more information. Complete information can be found in the NHTSA notices after the jump.

Gallery: BMW 135i Official Shots

Continue reading BMW recalling 2008MY 1- and 3-Series; plus 2009MY X5 and X6 models over safety concerns

Rendered Speculation: BMW S.X. Concept

Looking at some of the controversial recent designs coming out of BMW, many enthusiasts might think that it's not hard to imagine that study hall doodles would be preferable. Not exactly a schoolboy anymore, Iulian Bumbu has applied skills learned at a Milanese automotive design program to a BMW etude.

The car looks like it could actually be possible, wearing design cues that echo the recently redone Z4. The renderings call to mind the recently scuttled Concept CS from BMW's own pens, depicting a car that's extra-wide, super-low, and ultra aggressive. In any case, BMW could do worse than this flight of fancy.

Gallery: BMW Concept SX Proposal