BMW's new Z4 will be featured together with an array of models that are beginning to arrive at BMW Centres, from the refreshed 3 Series to Advanced Diesels to the new fifth-generation 7 Series. Joining them on the show floor will be the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid and BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, which preview the potential of hybrid technology in luxury performance vehicles.
As the first BMW Roadster with a retractable hardtop, the two-seat Z4 will succeed both the BMW Z4 Roadster and the BMW Z4 Coupe. Setting a new standard in its segment, the Z4's hardtop opens or closes at the touch of a button within 20 seconds, and a moveable partition preserves luggage space when the top is down. With the compact two-piece aluminium roof stowed, the Z4 maintains the classic proportions of a BMW Roadster.
When the hardtop is overhead, driving is enhanced by a larger heated glass rear window, 40 percent larger side windows, increased headroom and elbowroom, as well as the performance provided by either of two inline-six engines, each displacing 3.0 litres.
The BMW Z4 sDrive35i delivers 300 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency from the world's first inline-six engine to feature twin turbochargers, High Precision direct fuel injection and an all-aluminium crankcase. The 255 hp normally-aspirated engine in the BMW Z4 sDrive30i model also delivers excellent refinement, performance and fuel efficiency thanks in great part to the magnesium and aluminium used to produce the exceptionally light engine, which weighs only 161 kg.
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The fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series, which will arrive as a 2009 model in the United States this spring, completely reinterprets style, luxury and driving pleasure. BMW will offer two versions: the 750i and the 750Li, with its wheelbase extended by 14 cm.
A new generation V-8 engine with High Precision direct injection and twin turbochargers expresses BMW EfficientDynamics at the highest level of performance. Weight-efficient construction and innovative chassis technology contribute to dynamic driving qualities that are unique in the world of luxury automobiles. New, exclusive BMW driver-assistance systems such as Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection further add to the exceptional driving experience.
Inside the new 7, the driver-oriented control centre features a console-mounted E-Shift transmission control, new to the 7 Series, positioned closely to a new generation of the BMW iDrive controller, which presents features in a larger, high-resolution colour display. The new iDrive provides more intuitive operation, a new controller, direct-select keys and eight programmable keys. The standard GPS navigation system features an 80 GB hard drive and displays 3D topography with cityscapes.
The 4.4-litre, twin-turbocharged V-8 delivers 400 hp and 610 Nm of torque over an amazingly broad rpm range for optimal responsiveness. A six-speed automatic transmission with optimised shifting smoothness also enhances fuel efficiency. Also new: Integral Active Steering, which adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering to BMW's proven front Active Steering system.
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A key component of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is its two-mode active transmission. This innovative technology enables the interplay between the electric motors and the engine to be varied according to the driving situation. It features two different transmission modes: one that ensures maximum torque when pulling away and in low-speed driving. The other is optimised for higher speeds and bursts of acceleration - for example when overtaking. The two-mode active transmission allows the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid to get maximum performance and efficiency from its drivetrain at all speeds. The aim of BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is a twenty percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. The production X6 ActiveHybrid will come to market in 2009.
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