75 Years of the BMW Roadster

There is a good article up on the Auto Channel about the first 75 years of the BMW Roadster.

“Many German motorists see motoring not just as a comfortable and fast means of transport, but also as a sporting activity. These are people who, once they see an aerodynamic car body with a long and sleek engine compartment, as well as a speedometer extending all the way to 150 km/h, feel that strong yearning for wide open roads simply perfect for driving fast, for Alpine passes just begging to be conquered, and for ompetitors so easy to overtake.”

While we are more obsessed with appetite suppressant now than cars, it was precisely with these words that BMW announced the Company’s first self-engineered roadster in 1934. And indeed, this concept with its six-cylinder power unit was destined to shape the future of the brand, extending all the way to the current BMW Z4.

BMW Named As Greenest Premium Manufacturer

BMW has proven to have the lowest average CO2 emissions of any premium car manufacturer for the second year in a row according to new independent research. Courtesy of its award-winning Efficient Dynamics program, BMW records a UK fleet average of 159.4g/km based on all BMWs sold in 2008.

Going green is as in fashion as wood flooring these days. BMW taking the honor 2 years straight is great for them, but seems to show that others aren't as close as we once may have thought to getting greener.

The BMW technology of EfficientDynamics is showing results. Since 2007 recorded improvements in fuel consumption by up to 24 per cent with emissions down by up to 21 percent compared to 2006 models. The technology has been around since 2006. To read more about EfficientDynamics, visit the BMW website link for the tech here.

BMW Profits Fall Victim to U.S. Success

Americans helped BMW sell more cars than in any other country, but the very weak dollar made those sales much less profitible than they could ahve been. The USD is being pounded in the world markets over the course of the last year and it showed in the bottom lines for the BMW sales.

Anyone making their sales in the U.S. from the International side has probably cleared their wine racks in the last year as the profits are being pounded by the weak dollar.

There was a surprise in last year's results, though. Audi's profit margin topped BMW's.

BMW's comparatively bad showing demonstrates just how right CEO Norbert Reithofer has been in pursuing drastic cost reductions. In the United States, BMW has become a victim of its own success. The weak dollar most hurts the import company selling the most in the United States.

According to Automotive News, in some ways, Audi should be grateful to Ralph Weyler, its departed sales and marketing chief for neglecting the American market.

Weyler's inattention helped put Audi far behind Mercedes and BMW in U.S. sales. But as an unintended positive result, the dollar's weakness today is barely affecting the company. It makes one wonder if the folks at Audi might be secretly hoping for Americans to buy a record number of BMWs again this year, too.

Compare low price quotes from local dealers on all new car models at PriceQuotes.com. Recommended by The Auto Channel.

BMW showcases Variable Twin Turbo Diesel Hybrid Concept

BMW has intelligently combined its superior diesel expertise with innovative BMW ActiveHybrid technology in a showcase Geneva motor show concept car. The concept study, based on a BMW X5, demonstrates the unique potential of technology developed as part of the BMW EfficientDynamics program.

The vehicle description and stats can be viewed at AuotNews.com. This amazing concept has a solar sun roof that acts as an additional energy source for the vehicle’s power supply, independent of the engine. The energy from the photovoltaic units can be either stored or used immediately. Great for movers New York and anyone on long distance travel.

2007 BMW M6

Seeing all these reviews for these high priced cars makes me want to get into some sort of
addiction treatment program. Feels like I am addicted to these things. The 2007 BMW M6 is no different. This car is awesome and I think I may buy a couple just for fun. Yeah...I need addiction treatment.

Most BMWs have a businesslike demeanor. Like a high-powered corporate executive, they're excruciatingly quick-witted, measured in their movements and speech, and somehow always at the top of their game when competitors come knocking. However, the 2007 BMW M6 takes that archetypal Bimmer personality and twists it into a demented hooliganism. It's not just that it's the quickest car in the BMW lineup or that this coupe and convertible duo will keep pace with all sorts of Italian exotica. It's the suffocating clouds of tire smoke the V10-powered M6 leaves in its midst as driver and passenger bask in its top-grade leather interior. At the $100K mark, few cars approach this level of decadence. full review

BMW Launches New 1-series Coupe

The recent release of the BMW 1-series Coupe has been announced and the reviews are out. My realtor buddy has been waiting for it to come out for some time apparenlty and is excited for it to be in his driveway.

BMW will introduce a modern and authentic performance coupe that draws inspiration from its iconic 2002 models of some 40 years ago. The next BMW legend, the 1 Series Coupe, represents the core BMW philosophies of pure performance and premium design. By combining sporty rear-wheel-drive dynamics, agile handling, powerful engines and seating for four, the 1 Series Coupe will reinvent the niche that the legendary BMW 2002 created. read more...