VIDEO: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics “Spied” in Abu Dhabi

As previously reported, BMW has officially green-lighted a production version of the Vision ED plug-in hybrid sports car. So, it was only a matter of time before new information on the eco-friendly model would surface online. First we saw some pictures hit the Teamspeed forum, followed by this here video, but we’re not entirely convinced that both are part of a lucky scoop.

The quality of the photos lead us to think that we’re dealing with a viral and the fact that no one on BMW’s police-escorted crew noticed that their photo shoot is being recorded in an empty race track in Abu Dhabi doesn’t seem likely. Nevertheless, this is more proof that the Bavarian maker is ramping for an official presentation, probably due at a major international auto show this year, with a production model following in 2013.

The Abu Dhabi video is available below, along with two more clips, one showing how the Vision ED’s – allegedly named i8 in some reports – hybrid powertrain works and a new commercial featuring the same car.

By Csaba Daradics

Via: E90post

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U-SPY: Carscoop Reader Snags a Fleet of BMW Prototypes in Austria

The BMW Group is quite busy these days as the Bavarian automaker is developing a raft of new models, ranging from the upcoming Megacity electric-vehicle and the MINI Coupe and Roadster, to the next generation of the 3-Series and the production version of the Vision ED concept sports car.

Carscoop reader Andras from Hungary was vacationing in Obertauern, Austria when he spotted this convoy of BMWs comprising of both masked prototypes and normal production cars, including a sedan in full body cladding. Check out Andras' photos and story after the jump.

Andras Deak's Scoop:

"I am currently in Obertauern, Austria for my holidays and discovered a small parking place dedicated to BMW. I walked there to check the cars and took some pictures.

There were 4 "cooling boxes" for cars. At the parking area I recognized a heavily camouflaged next-gen BMW 3-Series (possibly a hybrid version), the brand new X3 with some light camouflage (also possible hybrid version) and several 5-Series... Note that all the cars were plugged into something which looked like an electric charger to me.. Maybe a plug-in hybrid?

The interior of the next-gen 3-Series looks like all the new BMWs these days. It looked like a small 7-Series from the inside. The navigation screen is huge. I could see several fingerprints on the screen (maybe touchscreen?), but also an iDrive controller..."

Köszönöm for the pictures Andras!

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SCOOP: 2012 BMW 5-Series Hybrid Spied on the Roads of Munich

It's no secret that BMW is preparing a hybrid version of its latest generation [F10] 5-Series sedan as the Bavarian automaker teased the model at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show with the Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid study. And even though the prototype model seen in our latest spy pictures carries the 535i badge, the "Hybrid Test Vehicle" label on the boot pretty much explains everything.

Being a test mule, the prototype doesn't feature any of the (few) unique styling cues of the concept model, such as the LED strips, different front apron and special alloy wheels, but we assume these details will make it into the production car.

Underneath the body work, we expect to see a similar setup to the concept vehicle, which made use of BMW's straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology (same as the one found in the 535i), an eight-speed automatic transmission, and an electric drive capable of delivering up to 54HP (40kW). Given that the 3.0-liter turbo is rated in the U.S. at 300 hp, the combined system output should be around the 340 hp mark.

According to BMW, the hybrid powertrain reduces both fuel consumption and emissions by more than 10 per cent over the conventional version, while it also allows all-electric, zero-emission motoring at low speeds.

The production version of the 5-Series Hybrid could be introduced at a major international car show as early as next year with sales most likely to follow in 2012.

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New Spy Shots of 2012 BMW 1-Series Hatchback

Here are the latest spy shots of the forthcoming successor to the current 1-Series hatchback. Being that BMW has confirmed the launch of a smaller model with front-wheel drive, it remains to be seen if the Bavarian automaker will keep the 1-Series moniker or baptize its new C-segment hatch as the 2-Series.

Tipped for launch in late 2011, the next-generation 1-Series hatch, codenamed F20, will incorporate BMW's new and softer (as in more mainstream) design language with a more pronounced front grille. Our spy pictures also show the revamped interior with the center console slightly tilted towards the driver.

The big news, however, concerns the available powertrains. Just the other week, BMW revealed that the next 1-Series and 3-Series models as well as its upcoming FWD supermini, will all be offered with a hybrid engine.

In addition to the hybrid model(s), inside sources having been spreading the word that engine choices will include a new generation of four-cylinder and perhaps even three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline units. Chances are that the six-cylinder engines will be carried over more or less unchanged from the current model.

When it enters the market next year, the 1-Series' successor will be available in three-door (see the spy shots here) and five-door hatchback body-styles, with the Coupe and Convertible versions to follow later on.

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2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible Snapped Without Camouflage?

Those quick fingered camera jockeys over at Motor-Talk.de have got what appears to be an undisguised 2012 BMW 6-series convertible. This could be our first look at the new convertible, which is set to go on sale next year, au natural.

Soon after, the Photoshop magicians over at Autobild cleaned up the picture, taking out the cameraman and other foreground obstructions and removing some of the grainy-ness.

It has to be said, this picture looks very close to the artist's impression by e90post forum member 'Alpince325ci', even down to the shape of the bootlid. Well done, sir.

The 6-series Convertible will the most expensive drop top in BMW's lineup, slotting in above the cheaper 3-series convertible and Z4 roadseter. Oddly, it still retains its fabric top, something the current-gen 3-series and Z4 have done away with. Carscoop will have more details and pictures as they come through.

By Tristan Hankins

Sources: Motor Talk, e90post and Autobild

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