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The BMW Group will be bringing its first series-production electric-drive model (codenamed Megacity Vehicle) to the market in 2013, the company announced on Thursday."With this innovative vehicle, designed from the ground up, we will be creating new benchmarks for electric mobility from 2013 on, said BMW Chairman Norbert Reithofer. "Our Megacity Vehicle will be significantly lighter than conventional cars and, in terms of sustainability, will set a new standard across the entire value-added chain."The car is currently being developed as part of BMW Group's "project i" programme and will be available under a sub-brand of BMW, comparable to the firm's "M" badge. In other words, expect to see something in the likes of 'E' or 'EV' series.
Even though details remain sketchy, the Bavarian automaker has confirmed that the finalized Megacity will make extensive use of ultra-light yet high-strength composite CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic) materials to dramatically reduce weight thus increasing its range and performance.Previously, Reithofer had noted that aside from a fully-electric drive, the Megacity will also be offered with the option of a high-efficiency combustion engine.*Opening Photo: BMW's 1994 Z13 Concept
Hamann, creator of some of the world's more excessive BMWs, is going to be releasing a tuning kit for the E89 Z4.
The lowered Hamann Z4 features the usual tuner appointments: a new front bumper with integrated LEDs, side skirts, a spoiler, and rear apron. All standard fare, until you realize how mean they make the Z4 look.Wearing a Hamann sports exhaust and electronically tuned to 360 horsepower (265 kW), the car will reach a de-limited 177 mph (285 km/h). Torque peaks at a hearty 398 lb ft (540 Nm).The wheels shown here are Edition Race Matte Black pieces, and these specific 20-inch forged pieces cost €7,640 (with tires).Inside, Hamann threw in a shift knob and floor mats for good measure.For a better look at the finer details, have a look at some of the pics below.By Phil Alex
From Alpine325Ci, the 'Bimmerpost' artist who created last week's pretty 6-Series photoshop (and those previous M5 renderings), comes another look at the next BMW M5.As we can see, his take on the big M retains the new 5's attractive snout while gaining the M division's dumbfounded-expression front bumper and more aggressive skirts.The mirrors also get a little tweak, and it wouldn't be a stretch to believe the F10 M5 would be coming with that carbon fiber roof.As for technical specs, BMW will use a version of the X5M's twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8 that would probably put out more than the 555-horsepower it currently makes. This is a sports sedan, after all, in a very important segment image-wise. The less comparison to those sell-out X5s and X6s from M,the better.Drive trains are likely to include BMW's DCT dual clutch transmission and, depending on demand, a no-cost manual option.The F10 M5 is set to enter the market in 2011.By Phil Alex
Even though details remain sketchy, the Bavarian automaker has confirmed that the finalized Megacity will make extensive use of ultra-light yet high-strength composite CFRP (carbon fibre-reinforced plastic) materials to dramatically reduce weight thus increasing its range and performance.
