If you follow the introduction of new BMW models regularly, you know there are two occasions to expect new pictures of a car: The first batch is released upon its official unveiling with another set of pictures coming when the first test drives occur. It’s no different with the new 5 Series Touring. On the occasion of the first media test drives, BMW released tons of new photos we want to share with you. Stay tuned for more including a video!

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This is Scott’s last update that was posted at GermanCarForum.com a few minutes ago. It’s about the next generation of small volume forced induction engines:

Three to Eight
500cc : A New Base in Engine Design

It is no secret that in terms of downsizing it’s CO 2 levels BMW are moving to replace it’s current range of engines with new Three,Four, Six and Eight Cylinders.

The new three cylinder will be part of a range of engines utilising a new common 500cc per cylinder base design which also uses Direct-Injection and Turbo charging. This engine will feature in many BMW models but will not be perceived as a Base engine or entry model.

The idea of using 500cc pe cylinder in future BMW engines which will rise from the 1.5 right up to a V8 will save resources in engine development costs and engine production.

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It’s an open secret that BMW M is preparing a hot version of the 1 series coupe, internally known as E82. In an interview with BMW M GmbH’s Director Dr. Kay Segler back in November, we learned that BMW was evaluating a possible M-variant of the E82 1 series. We’re pretty excited to bring you the news that the car now got green-lighted:

On the occasion of the victory of the M3 GT2 at the famous Nürburgring 24 hours race, the German publication Auto-News had the opportunity of an interview with Dr. Segler. He confirmed the E82 M is coming. Even more exciting, he unveiled that this car is to be expected in the second quarter of 2011. There was also some light shed on the highly discussed naming issue. While there’s no clear word from Dr. Segler himself, the fact that he wasn’t willing to comment on the name suggests that it won’t be called M1. Instead, Auto-News puts “135i M” on the table. We heard too many different possible names to comment on this, other than it won’t be called M1.

While at it, Segler also talked about the F10 M5. It’s no surprise that he confirmed a V8 Turbo for the M5. While not explicitly mentioned, he’s clearly talking about the S63 found in the X6M and X5M. Output is likely to be higher in the M5, 570-580 hp is the ballpark figure we often hear. Also mentioned is that the M5 will inherit the next step of M’s “Two cars in one” philosophy. This means that the next M5 will be both a comfortable sedan and a real sports car. Future owners will be able to switch between both modes at the touch of a button. If you read some of the older comments from SCOTT, he mentioned this several times.

Finally, Dr. Segler also told Auto News that his division pretty much got rid of any dogma as to the tech they’re using. This showed both the introduction of the X6M and the fact that Turbo engines are getting introduced even in their core models. He went on to say that he wouldn’t rule out Diesel powered M cars, even though their high revving philosophy impedes them for now.

Big thanks to Bimmerpost.com for finding this story! Also have a look at the original interview at Auto News if you’re good in German.

Picture courtesy of autoblog.com

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Here’s what the famous member SCOTT27 from germancarforum.com wrote in his latest thread titled “June Update: Surround me with joy”

Surround me With Joy.

BMW Compactive Sport Tourer
BMW Advanced Sport Tourer

One of the advantages of using the new 1er/3er Matrix or backbone is the cost effectiveness in which new models can be derived from a single structure that can either be stretched or shortened to suit any concept.
BMW request outside survey’s from customers who are not typical BMW customers because there is not really a BMW for their needs. When asked what is the single most desired concept from BMW the results are more than interesting.

A Supercar ? More powerful M3? That is a close second.
The answer is Space for a family and more flexibility in a much smaller car.
With the BMW Compactive Sport Tourer the car is a respite from a typical MPV Concept and a new addition to the premium end of the compact multi-purpose vehicle segment.
when we look at the Multi-Purpose vehicle segment you see a typical one shape concept , spread throughout the segment , some are neither Sporty or desirable but fullfill the customers requirement for flexibility.

BMW Compactive Sport Tourer removes the conventions of a singular MPV Concept and alternates with a raised vehicle utilising a semi-commanding driving position but applies the function into a vehicle that is more car than multi-purpose vehicle.

BMW Sport Compactive Tourer enhances a typical hatch but enlarges it to be more car-like.
The Roof slopes down more dramatic coupe like over the luggage compartment allowing a sleeker look. The overall appearance is less van more car , The outline is of a car with many car like features such as a more car-like front end instead of a steep raised van like bonnet .

Inside the concept the idea is to utilise more space with the Compactive Sport Tourer allowing four Four or Five passengers. Using the new “Layered interior design process”

BMW Advanced Sport Tourer

Adds a longer Wheelbase and the ability to increase passenger count to seven. Some BMW customers actually request more space for passengers. Currently BMW only utilise seven seats in the X5 , The car that began life as the RFK before refining into the GT was set to take seven seats until the decision was made to utilise the design by christopher Weil which envoked a more coupe like shape and concentrate on a first class cabin for passengers instead of catering for families.

The interesting aspect of this car is it’s positioning. Right between the 1er and 3er and accessible to the lower end of the market. Some name suggestions have included using the above titles or resurrecting the 2er, should anything move further then expect to see a production variant in between 2014-2015.

Not so MINI now…

With the launch cycle of the excellent new addition the Countryman underway. Attention comes as to the next MINI and BMW’s move to officially turn MINI into a Brand.

The first examples of course are the Countryman and the forthcoming Coupe and Roadster. All three of which will feature seperate design details to distinguish the cars from the forthcoming 3rd gen. MINI.
It is in the brand building that things become more interesting?

The MINI Coupe and Roadster are quickly developed off the R56 and are being rushed to production as we speak. The next generation Coupe and Roadster become an entirely different model which is a dream project for the designers to enhance the look and turn them into a proper pair of individual Sports cars.
Although the designs are in the process of being commenced the idea is to utilise a complately different appearance from the next generation hatch and add some interesting details , just as the Countryman is not just a five dr MINI. With the Coupe staying , The Roadster is expected to be replaced by a more raked version that shares nothing with the Cabrio , conceived as the MINI Spyder this MINI will be more sporty looking than the Roadster. There are rumours of using the modular platform which BMW will share with MINI to make the future Coupe and Spyder Mid-engined but for now this conjecture and cafe-shop talk.

The Countryman which is already attracting interest especially with it’s exciting concept to appeal to the MINI owner or would-be MINI owner for more flexibility and space. Is rising high in official pre-orders ahead of the September launch and to familarize more with the car will be shown across Europe this summer. Of course the car that previewed the Concept “The Beachcomber” Concept is one direction to expand the Countryman range.

There is however a stumbling block that such a Concept put into production as it is would not be popular especially in parts of the world where the sun does not shine (as often). The offer to reshape the Beachcomber in something more accessible is put forward as a 3dr , using the sloping rear end as demonstrated by the Concept or something more coupe like and with removable roof panels , conventional doors will have to stay due to side impact protection, but a Targa type t-bar could split the passenger cabin,
This MINI variant would be more urbanic than the Beachcomber but have more of the spirit of the MOKE especially in size and idea. It would use a variation on the Countryman theme – A MINI Urban Activity Coupe.

As with each generation MINI’s become slighty bigger than before so now the time has come to invest of qualities of scale with BMW’s Mega City family and introduce a MINI that is smaller and more tuned like the original.
Unfortunately some elements of the mini cannot be interpreted due to the need for safety requirements and other areas of legislation.
The idea is to use the design ideas of MINI on a much smaller concept than the current MINI – A small City Car Project.

The use of combining resources with the MegaCity projects will allow a greater use of technology , engines and the latest modular platforms, it will also be cost effective and generate profit.
This MINI could also use technology from BMW’s Motorrad division.

The in house decision on shared modular platform’s across MINI and BMW have produced significant projected Profit returns which is why there is a huge emphasis on the city Project and Compact platforms which will spin off many exciting new concepts. Whether the new MINI will be called either “Minor” , MIN-i or even MINI-missimo is unknown at this time because the idea is in competition in BMW’s design studio’s across the world.

MINI City Car Project
MINI 3rd Generation Hatch
MINI 3rd Generation Cabrio

MINI Clubman
MINI SpaceBox (Progressive ACTIVITY MINI)

MINI Countryman
MINI Countryman / MOKE (Beachcomber)

MINI Coupe
MINI Spyder

An additional update will occur later this week and that will be it until July because I am on the road again.
July Preview…

Everything you need to know BMW’s most important new model.

Link to the original thread:

http://www.germancarforum.com/scott27s-info-channel/33546-june-update-surround-me-joy.html

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These are the first images of the F12/F13 6 series that just entered FEP phase. The soft-top is said to be carried over from the E64, However as a first BMW will offer customers a factory fitted optional Folding hardtop if they desire. And of course for a few thousand euros more. Overall appearence comes from the Gran Coupe Concept except some minor details.

Photos courtesy of MotorAuthority.com

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