With the introduction of the new X6 Sports Activity Coupe, BMW rounds out its lineup of four-wheel drive vehicles. This time it is targeting those SUV owners who prefer a sportier drive. We recently had a chance to test drive this wonderful beast and our review will be up soon. In the mean time here is the official press release from BMW, including tech specs and pricing.

2008 X6 Technical Data

2008 X6 US Prices

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 5^th, 2008… BMW has once again introduced a ground-breaking idea to the world and the creation of a new segment with the debut of its all-new X6 Sports Activity Coupe. This all-new addition to BMW’s very successful SAV line redefines the very notion of a coupe—with five doors and four sculpted seats, a higher ride and loads of cargo space. It defies coupe conventions in one jaw-dropping look, combining coupe agility and SAV versatility, taking the coupe to a higher level.

As the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe, the BMW X6 will be available in two engine variants: the xDrive50i (4.4 V8 engine, 400 hp, 450lb.-ft torque) and the xDrive35i (3.0 inline six-cylinder engine, 300 hp, 300 lb.-ft torque), both with Twin Turbo and direct injection. The BMW X6 offers unique features and performance ability in a combination unmatched by any other vehicle. The new BMW X6’s design combines the sporting elegance of a large BMW Coupe with the powerful presence of a BMW X model.

The BMW X6 employs BMW’s proven intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology with electronic control to vary the distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles, instantaneously adjusting to driving conditions. However, the X6 takes xDrive a step further with the introduction of Dynamic Performance Control.

Featured for the first time on the BMW X6, Dynamic Performance Control ensures variable distribution of drive forces between the two rear wheels. Dynamic Performance Control incorporates an advanced computer control and an innovative rear differential incorporating two planetary gear sets and two clutch packs that enable the system to multiply torque on an individual rear wheel. The result is that Dynamic Performance Control can help steer the vehicle by directing torque to either of the rear wheels. Unique the world over, this cutting-edge technology is effective whether the driver is accelerating or decelerating and significantly enhances steering precision and, as a result, the agility of the vehicle at any speed. In fast corners with abrupt steering maneuvers or with the driver suddenly releasing the gas pedal, Dynamic Performance Control serves to improve the stability of the entire vehicle, thus allowing the driver to safely enjoy new dimensions of driving dynamics. Finally, on slippery or uneven surfaces, Dynamic Performance Control provides the further advantage of even safer and more stable traction.

The new V8 engine with Twin Turbo technology and high precision direct injection, is likewise making its world debut in the BMW X6. Displacing 4.4 liters, this eight-cylinder with maximum engine output of 400 hp and peak torque of 450 lb-ft available over an unusually large range of engine speed from 1,750–4,500 rpm, is the most powerful engine ever seen in a BMW X model.

The new eight-cylinder is indeed truly impressive not only through its outstanding thrust and pulling force, but also through its compact dimensions. For this is the first eight-cylinder gasoline engine in the world to feature its turbocharger in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders.

Hence, the BMW Sports Activity Coupe is an absolutely exceptional vehicle beyond the direct range of BMW X model competitors, ensuring unparalleled performance in all situations, regardless of road and surface conditions.

Unique design: dynamic line, powerful presence.

In its design, the BMW X6 definitely offers all the DNA of a genuine BMW X model, interpreted however, in a brand-new, extremely sporting style. Indeed, the design language of this new model is the authentic visualization of the outstanding driving characteristics offered by the BMW X6, mainly through intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology and Dynamic Performance Control.

Various design features typical of BMW also stand out in the vehicle’s details, ranging from the BMW kidney grille to the dual round headlights optically “cut off” at the top and the powerful contour line along the side, all the way to the horizontal lines at the rear emphasizing the sheer width of the vehicle.

Front end with clear and dynamic orientation to the road.

Just one look at the front end of BMW’s new Sports Activity Coupe demonstrates the powerful presence of this unique vehicle. Due to the greater share of surfaces finished in body color, the front end looks lower and even more dynamic, clearly emphasizing the powerful orientation of the BMW X6 to the road. This DNA so typical of BMW is also demonstrated in the design of the hood and in the vertically positioned BMW kidney grille, with fins finished in a sophisticated titanium color on the xDrive50i and in black on the xDrive35i.

Large air intakes are positioned far to the outside for more than just meeting the cooling requirements of the powerful engines. Rather, interacting with the side panels extending far to the inside over the headlights, the air scoops provide clear orientation towards the wheels, emphasizing the powerful stance of the vehicle on the road.

The headlights themselves merge in a dynamic sweeping line into the side panels, the surface of the engine compartment lid is divided by striking lines tapering out towards the BMW kidney grille like the borderlines of the engine compartment lid at the sides.

Side view: dynamic roof line, muscular surfaces.

The unique proportions of the new BMW X6 stand out particularly clearly from the side. For example, the short body overhang at the front emphasizes the dynamic look of the vehicle, while the roof line tapering out gently towards the rear and the long body overhang on the rear section, add to the stretched silhouette of a genuine coupe.

At the rear, the side window frame features the “counter-swing” at the bottom of the D-pillar, so well-known as the “Hofmeister kink” and chrome surrounds on the windows featured as standard distinguish the BMW X6 xDrive50i from the xDrive 35i.

The high waistline and powerfully contoured wheel arches both front and rear, moving the visual center of gravity to the middle of the vehicle and thus bearing testimony to all-wheel drive, are further significant features of the DNA of a BMW X model.

The side panel is split by two lines with striking contours, moving slowly towards one another at the front end of the vehicle to create a wedge-like impression symbolizing the forward-pushing, powerful character of the BMW X6. While the lines at the side highlight the supreme elegance of the vehicle, the special design of the surface gives the BMW X6 a particularly powerful look from this perspective. Striking interaction of the concave and convex surfaces emphasize the muscular look of the vehicle, providing the BMW X6 with an excellent balance of visual power and stylish presence.

Strong shoulders and a powerful stance from the rear.

Likewise, the rear end of the BMW X6 offers a thrilling combination of elegance, sportiness and robustness in full harmony with one another. The muscular bumper and protection cover on the underfloor; the striking light edge along the lower section of the bumper, highlighting the ride height of the BMW X6; and the vehicle proportions that are so typical of a coupe, are all examples of classic design elements that stand out clearly and convincingly in the particular style and looks of a BMW X model.

The entire rear end is subdivided by horizontal lines giving the rear end a wider look and emphasizing the powerful stance and road-holding of the entire vehicle. The greenhouse with its strikingly low rear window, in turn, tapers out smoothly towards the rear, with the rear lid featuring a distinct air flow lip, further proof that this unique new vehicle is a genuine coupe in both its looks and style.

Even the special design of the rear light clusters takes the unique character of the BMW X6 into account, the L-shape so typical of a BMW X model being re-interpreted and now boasting a particularly dynamic sweep from one side to the other. Extending far into the side panels, the rear-light clusters bring out and accentuate the entire width of the vehicle also through its night design.

Sportiness and luxury within the interior.

To the very last detail, the interior of the BMW X6 offers a unique synthesis of luxury, sporting dynamics, and powerful style. Tense surfaces blending into one another symbolize the active character of BMW’s Sports Activity Coupe, sporting features such as kneepads on both sides of the center console, paddles on the sports steering wheel featured as standard, and the fine scale on the circular instruments creating an excitingly different driving experience in the new BMW X6 both on the road and off the beaten track.

Like all BMW X models, the new Sports Activity Coupe offers the occupants of all four seats an elevated, commanding seating position. In particular, this gives the driver a clear feeling of being perfectly in control of his BMW X6 in all situations. In conjunction with the cockpit simply begging the driver to drive his vehicle in an active style, this creates an innovative impression of genuine, all-out sportiness.

A further point distinguishing the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe from the other BMW X Models is the sporting design of the individual rear seats separated from one another through the center console, the high-rising side supports, and the integrated headrests on all four seats.

The BMW X6 is the only vehicle in the complete segment of BMW X models to feature a sports steering wheel with gearshift paddles as standard, which enable the driver to shift gears manually on the six-speed automatic transmission for enhanced smoothness and response at all times. Furthermore, multifunction buttons on the steering wheel operate the telephone and audio systems quickly, smoothly and without the slightest distraction, while two additional buttons may be programmed individually according to the driver’s personal preferences.

The instrument panel is dominated by dual round instruments with fine scales reminiscent of motorsport as clear visual reference to the sporting character of the BMW X6. The galvanized trim rings on the instrument panel clearly accentuate the exclusive character of the vehicle’s interior, with the same high-quality metal shimmer being boasted on the rotary knobs, the door openers, on the gearshift lever knob, and on the brackets within the air vents.

The new kneepads on the center console stand out clearly as a particularly sporting feature offering the driver and front passenger additional stability in maneuvers in city traffic and when driving off-road under tough conditions.

Visibly and tangibly sophisticated, premium quality surfaces make the interior of the BMW X6 a genuine experience to feel and behold at all times. Through their special quality designed for lasting strength and resistance, the interior surfaces also emphasize the superior robustness of the vehicle committed to off-road use whenever required.

Lots of space, lots of customization options.

Wide opening rear doors facilitate access to the two rear seats, while head-room in the rear is unusually generous for a coupe—headroom of 37.2 inches guarantees supreme comfort and convenience, even for tall passengers.

A wide range of materials and colors highlighting the sporting character of the BMW X6 adds to the individual style and personality of this unique vehicle. The exterior paintwork, for example, comes in a choice of no less than ten exterior colors, eleven leather options and three trim options ensure a wide range of individual style and choice.

Trim in ash grain has been created especially for BMW’s Sports Activity Coupe. And while the wood variants exude a particular touch of discreet exclusivity, the sweeping polish on the aluminum version shows a clear and distinct reference to motorsport.

The passenger and luggage compartment on the BMW X6 are distinctly separated from one another in the usual style one would expect of a fully-fledged coupe. Offering 25.6 cu ft of storage space, the luggage compartment behind the rear seats of the BMW X6 is far larger than in a conventional coupe, providing enough space to store four full-size golf bags in the luggage compartment—even with four people riding in the vehicle.

BMW’s new Sports Activity Coupe also boasts a firm, folding cover on top of the luggage compartment that can be folded and stowed beneath the floor for convenient transportation of bulky objects. To increase the transport capacity available, the rear-seat backrests may be folded down in an asymmetric split, expanding loading capacity to a substantial 59.7 cu ft.

An automatic tailgate opening and closing function is available as an option on the BMW X6 allowing the driver to vary the final position of the tailgate when open. This helps to reduce the risk of damage, for example in an underground garage with a low ceiling.

Perfect combination of superior dynamics and outstanding comfort.

A new type of vehicle and a new driving experience, the BMW X6 definitely offers the best of both worlds. In terms of driving dynamics, the first-ever Sports Activity Coupe offers new dimensions defined by a considerable enhancement of agility, unique stability in fast corners and safe traction on slippery surfaces. Powerful engines, BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive technology, Dynamic Stability Control, optional Active Steering and Adaptive Drive, as well as Dynamic Performance Control featured for the first time on the BMW X6 as standard equipment, set the foundation for superior driving dynamics at all times.

Driving dynamics with intelligent control: Integrated Chassis Management.

The vehicle’s drivetrain and suspension systems interact perfectly with BMW’s Integrated Chassis Management. This high-performance electronic control ensures perfect harmony of drivetrain and suspension functions within fractions of a second, spelling out maximum driver control and supreme performance wherever you go and at all times.

Even under a sudden change in driving conditions for example, on varying surfaces, in panic steering maneuvers, when accelerating or applying the brake abruptly, ICM reacts with the utmost precision to the xDrive, DSC and Dynamic Performance Control actuators and to Active Steering when fitted as an option. In all cases, the nature and scope of such intervention is appropriately controlled to ensure not just maximum driving stability, but also optimum dynamics.

BMW’s X models already available today owe their outstanding agility largely to the supreme performance and qualities of ICM. Now the central control unit has an even greater and more progressive influence on driving dynamics in the new BMW X6, since it is also able to use the actuators serving for BMW’s new Dynamic Performance Control. Depending on driving conditions and with fully variable management, the power of the engine is no longer split “just” between the front and rear axle, but also – through Dynamic Performance Control – between the left and right rear wheel, feeding additional power to the most appropriate point where it can be conveyed best to the road.

This drive technology, quite unique in the market enhances the agility, steering precision and tracking stability of the vehicle in corners as well as its traction on slippery surfaces, significantly improving driving dynamics in all cases and under all conditions.

As a result, Dynamic Stability Control is only required to cut in by applying the brakes electively on the appropriate wheel or wheels when the vehicle really reaches the extreme limits of driving physics. The world’s first Sports Activity Coupe thus offers the driver the truly superb experience of being able to handle even the most demanding driving situations with sporting style and dynamic performance never seen before.

The drivetrain and suspension technology of the BMW X6 ensures the highest conceivable level of safety, precision and driving pleasure on all surfaces whether rough or smooth. The foundation of this purpose is provided by suspension technology quite unique in the segment of BMW X models. The front axle, for example, is a double wishbone control arm configuration applying the double joint principle for dynamic lateral acceleration, superior tracking stability and minimization of forces acting on the steering wheel. Appropriate front axle kinematics, in turn, ensure optimum front wheel camber on the road at all times, the BMW X6 thus maintains supreme grip and road-holding even under the most dynamic conditions.

At the rear, the BMW X6 features BMW’s patented Integral IV axle serving to harmonize superior comfort with equally superior dynamics. And now this lightweight construction has been specifically optimized for the Sports Activity Coupe in many respects, with the entire rear axle configuration being appropriately adjusted to the specific demands of this model, for supreme sportiness and performance.

The wheel mounts, rear axle sub frame and four track arms efficiently take up the dynamic and drive forces flowing into the suspension, reducing any elastic distortion of the wheel mounts, while soft swinging mounts provide appropriate longitudinal suspension and optimize the roll quality of the wheels. Effectively separating the road surface from the drivetrain, finally, the rear axle helps to ensure first-class noise control and ride comfort.

The BMW X6 comes as standard with 19-inch light-alloy wheels. Also featured as standard are run-flat tires, which enable continued driving even after a complete loss of pressure in the tires. Furthermore, the Tire Pressure Monitor system constantly monitors air pressure and warns the driver as soon as the air pressure in the tires drops more than 30 percent below the ideal level.

BMW xDrive: intelligent all-wheel drive for enhanced dynamics and optimum traction.

Permanent all-wheel drive with electronically controlled, variable distribution of drive power between the front and rear axles gives all BMW X models not only superior traction, but also enhanced driving dynamics. Indeed, BMW xDrive gains its superiority as an intelligent all-wheel-drive system by distributing drive power front to rear by way of an electronically controlled multiple-plate clutch according to driving conditions, in exactly the right dosage and to the axle with grip.

In normal driving situations BMW xDrive distributes drive power in a 40:60 split front-to-rear, with sensors consistently measuring wheel slip. Hence, the system is able within a fraction of a second to vary the distribution of drive forces, anticipating the upcoming situation and not just responding once a wheel has started to spin. This serves to stabilize the vehicle even before the driver notices any need for action.

On the new X6 with Dynamic Performance Control, handling and stability are enhanced to an even higher level with the ability to multiply torque to an individual rear wheel for yaw control. With the combination of xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control, the X6 is able to counteract even the slightest trend to over- or under-steer right from the start, at the earliest conceivable point, benefiting the driver’s sense of driving dynamics.

Unparalleled agility and tracking stability thanks to xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control.

The positive effect of Dynamic Performance Control on the agility of the BMW X6 is clearly seen right from the start. In conventional everyday traffic, the vehicle steers into corners with significantly enhanced precision at any speeds.

Dynamic Performance Control likewise enhances the handling and, indeed, the overall control of the BMW X6 in sudden steering maneuvers and at particularly high speeds in corners. If the vehicle begins to understeer or push to the outside of a corner BMW xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control will dynamically shift torque to the outside rear wheel in order to counteract the understeer. On the other hand, if the vehicle threatens to over-steer, xDrive reduces the transmission of power to the rear wheels then the Dynamic Performance Control transfers torque and drive forces from the outer rear wheel and diverts these forces to the inner rear wheel.

This intervention in the interest of greater stability is so quick and finely controlled that the driver will not even notice what is happening. What the driver will notice, however, is that the BMW X6 has exceptional steering precision and vehicle balance all the way to the extreme limit.

Unique: Dynamic Performance Control enhances steering precision also when the driver takes his foot off the gas pedal.

A further unique feature of Dynamic Performance Control is that engine power and torque are split variably between the rear wheels not only when the engine is “pulling” the vehicle, but also on overrun. This is made possible by the addition of a planetary gear set and a multiple-plate clutch operated by an electric motor on both output sides of the rear differential. With this configuration Dynamic Performance Control is able to vary the distribution of drive power also when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator.

The BMW X6 is the first vehicle in the world to offer such a stabilizing effect independent of engine load and drive power.

Dynamic Performance Control also serves to optimize traction on a slippery surface. With its ability to vary the transmission of engine power specifically as required between the two rear wheels, Dynamic Performance Control serves to improve traction and pulling force whenever the vehicle is running on different surfaces from one side to the other, for instance, with asphalt on one side and a snowy surface on the other. Any differences in the frictional coefficient between the wheels on the left and right (modal split) are offset by Dynamic Performance Control specifically controlling drive forces on the rear axle.

The driver can observe the interaction of xDrive and Dynamic Performance Control in an instrument cluster pictogram. By simply pressing the lever on the steering column, the driver is informed of the current distribution of drive power via a bar diagram showing how much power is going to each of the four drive wheels at any given point in time.

DSC intervening only when driving to the limit.

The difference in drive forces between the two rear wheels provided by Dynamic Performance Control can be as high as 1327 lbs-ft (1800 Newton-meters). But even then, all the driver will feel when Dynamic Performance Control intervenes is a – significant – increase in agility, traction and driving stability. As a result of Dynamic Performance Control’s intervention, the Dynamic Stability Control intervenes much less frequently than before. In practice, this means that the driver is able to use the full drive power and torque of the engine much longer than with a conventional system. DSC will intervene on individual wheels or by reducing engine power only when the driver really pushes the vehicle to the extreme limits of physical performance.

In addition, DSC in the new BMW X6 offers a wide range of additional functions serving to promote safe and dynamic motoring including: ABS anti-lock brakes; Automatic Stability Control; Trailer Stability Control; Hill Descent Control; Cornering Brake Control and Dynamic Brake Control, automatically maximizing brake pressure when required in the interest of minimum stopping distances.

The DSC system in the BMW X6 has the ability to serves as an electronic limited slip differential for improved acceleration. Fade Compensation can increase brake pressure under extremely high brake temperatures to maintain consistent brake forces. Brake Drying, in turn, optimizes brake performance in wet conditions by periodically lightly applying the brakes to dry the rotors, while the Start-Off Assistant prevents roll-back on an uphill gradient.

The new BMW X6 features a parking brake operating both electro-mechanically and hydraulically, activated or released simply by pushing a button.

Reflecting the high standard of driving dynamics offered by the BMW X6, DSC also comes with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) as a special function, raising the DSC response thresholds to a higher level, allowing a particularly sporting and active style of motoring, and enabling the driver to set off smoothly on snow or in loose sand with the drive wheels intentionally spinning slightly.

Supported by a wide range of DSC functions, the high-performance brake system featured in the BMW X6 ensures excellent stopping power under all conditions. Vented discs on all four wheels combined with newly developed lightweight floating aluminum calipers front and rear, guarantee extremely good resistance to fading and maximum brake comfort on the top-of-the-range BMW X6 xDrive50i.

Active Steering for a particularly sporting and comfortable style of motoring.

The BMW X6 is also available with Active Steering as an option. This system, developed by BMW, offers exactly the right steering ratio at all speeds. At low speeds, such as when parking, the driver only has to turn the steering wheel twice from lock to lock. At higher speeds, on the other hand, Active Steering offers a more indirect transmission ratio in the interest of steady directional stability and, as a result, enhanced driving comfort and stability.

On the BMW X6, Active Steering is combined with Servotronic, thus making an active contribution in stabilizing the vehicle in the event of over-steer in bends or particularly demanding brake maneuvers. When applying the brakes on different surfaces left and right, Active Steering counter-steers discreetly but firmly to enhance stability.

Unique: Adaptive Drive with data transfer via FlexRay.

Carefully harmonized interaction of the vehicle’s anti-roll bars and dampers controlled by Adaptive Drive is another unique feature in the segment of BMW X models. Indeed, this combination of active body roll control and variable damper adjustment, Electronic Damping Control (EDC) available as part of the optional Sport Package gives the new BMW X6 incomparably superior driving behavior.

Adaptive Drive constantly monitors and calculates data on road speed, the steering angle, longitudinal and lateral acceleration, body and wheel velocity, as well as ride and damper position. Applying this information, the system acts directly on the anti-roll bar swivel motors and the electromagnetic valves in the EDC dampers, varying body roll and the damping effect appropriately at all times and in all situations. Simply by pressing a button, the driver is able to choose either a sporting or a comfortable setting on Adaptive Drive.

BMW Adaptive Drive uses high-speed FlexRay data transmission for fast and reliable coordination of data. This system, developed to production standard by a development consortium under the leadership of BMW offers a standard of data transfer capacity never seen before – and BMW is the first automaker in the world to use FlexRay technology in a regular production vehicle.

Superior engine dynamics in both the xDrive35i and xDrive50i.

Through its superior suspension technology, the BMW X6 is able to convert all the power of the engine safely and consistently into driving dynamics under virtually all conditions and on all kinds of surfaces. And the engines available in the first Sports Activity Coupe set standards themselves in terms of muscular performance, superior running smoothness, and outstanding efficiency in their respective class. Both the xDrive35i and xDrive50i feature Twin Turbo technology engines, representing the latest in state of the art engine technology—with the power range extending from 300 hp to 400 hp.

The BMW X6 xDrive50i is powered by an all-new eight-cylinder, while the BMW X6 xDrive35i features the most powerful straight-six within the engine portfolio of Germany’s leading premium automaker. The performance characteristics and efficiency for both of these engines benefits from the exclusive combination of Twin Turbo technology and High Precision Injection available only from BMW. The principle of combining two turbochargers and direct gasoline injection applied for the first time on the straight-six is now also to be admired on the new V8.

A class of its own: The new eight-cylinder with Twin Turbo Technology.

With ultimate driving performance as the most important feature—this applies to BMW’s X models and to BMW’s eight-cylinder engines—the BMW X6 is adding an incomparably dynamic variant to the line-up of BMW X Models, with the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe boasting a particularly sporting and dynamic eight-cylinder.

Displacing 4.4 liters, the new V8 engine with Twin Turbo technology and direct gasoline injection (High Precision Injection) develops its maximum output of 400 hp throughout a broad range of engine speed from 5,500–6,400 rpm. Engine torque reaches its peak of 450 lb-ft throughout an unusually large speed range from 1,750–4,500 rpm. The spontaneous, intense and long-lasting thrust generated in this way is the result of Twin Turbo technology already featured on BMW’s most powerful straight-six combined with High Precision Injection. The cooling effect of direct fuel injection allows for a very high compression ratio of 10.0:1 – which is quite unusual on a turbo-charged engine. The high compression ratio helps to give the engine its high level of efficiency and performance characteristics.

The position of the turbochargers and catalytic converters in the V-section between the two rows of cylinders is likewise an innovation in technology allowing particularly compact engine dimensions and at the same time requiring new configuration of the intake and exhaust ducts. This means shorter intake and exhaust manifolds and larger cross-sections significantly reducing pressure losses on both the intake and exhaust side.

The all-aluminum V8 engine developed for the BMW X6 offers all the qualities typical of an eight-cylinder in incomparably sporting style. In practice, this means a combination of superior torque at low engine speeds with an ongoing surge of power and performance up to the higher speed range.

The BMW X6 xDrive50i accelerates from 0–60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and boasts ample power reserves for exceptional acceleration also at higher speeds. When equipped with the optional 20 inch wheels with performance tires, the top speed is a truly impressive 155 mph limited electronically by the engine control unit.

Twin Turbo technology featured for the first time on an eight-cylinder gasoline engine.

The power and performance characteristics of the new V8 result to a large extent from Twin Turbo technology, the use of two turbochargers for the first time on an eight-cylinder engine serving to boost both engine output and torque with maximum efficiency. Each of the two turbochargers supplies compressed air to four cylinders at a time, ensuring particular spontaneity and a direct reaction to the gas pedal.

As with the straight-six featuring Twin Turbo technology, the “turbo lag” typical of a turbo-charged engine with conventional technology, that is the time until the turbocharger builds up its boost, is virtually eliminated through the combination of two small turbos and the direct injection calibration.

A further advantage is that the engine revs up smoothly, maintaining its high torque consistently throughout an unusually broad range of engine speed. In its power and performance characteristics, therefore, the engine is comparable to a significantly larger normal-aspirated engine while offering the advantage of much lower weight and reduced package size.

Not only are the dimensions and weight of the new V8 unusually modest, but the fuel consumption is also exceptionally low for an engine of this caliber. A significant factor contributing to the superior fuel economy is double-VANOS infinite camshaft management, a technology characteristic of BMW engines. Indeed, this technology is also one of the reasons why the V8 – over and above its superior fuel economy – develops exceptionally high torque from low engine speeds.

High Precision Injection also plays a key role in the efficient use of fuel. This second generation of direct gasoline injection uses piezo-injectors positioned directly next to the spark plugs in the cylinder head and delivering fuel into the combustion chambers at a pressure of 2900 psi. The advantage is extremely precise dosage of fuel, with the further benefit of reduced emissions and improved engine acoustics.

BMW’s most powerful inline-six in the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe.

The second version of the BMW X6 boasts the highly acclaimed twin turbo, inline-six cylinder engine: Maximum output of the engine featured in the BMW X6 xDrive35i is 300 hp from an engine capacity of 3.0 liters. This superior power is maintained consistently between 5,800 and 6,250 rpm, with maximum torque of 300 lb-ft provided all the way from 1,400–5,000 rpm. This gives the six-cylinder superior power and performance from an unusually early point on a gasoline engine, subsequently maintaining this high power throughout a broad range of engine speed.

Like the new V8 engine, the engine in the BMW X6 xDrive35i offers the exclusive combination of Twin Turbo technology and High Precision Injection for incomparable power and performance, plus a standard of economy quite unique in comparison with the engine’s dynamic driving potential.

On the inline-six with Twin Turbo technology, two exhaust turbochargers each supply compressed air to three cylinders. The small mass inertia of the relatively compact turbochargers optimizes response to a significantly higher degree on this engine, building up charge pressure without the slightest delay from low engine speeds. The result is a rapid increase in power and torque further promoted by infinitely variable double-VANOS camshaft control.

This characteristic of BMW’s Twin Turbo gasoline engines is unique world-over and offers an exceptionally high standard of power and flexibility on the road. In practice, this allows the driver to use the superior torque of the engine right from the start when accelerating, with engine power then remaining consistent over a wide speed range.

The exceptional dynamism of the engine is further enhanced by its high compression ratio, again an advantage made possible by High Precision Injection: With the fuel/air mixture being cooled as a result of direct injection, the compression ratio can be increased to a higher level than on a turbo-charged engine with intake manifold injection. Engine efficiency is improved accordingly, offering more power on less fuel.

The level of power offered by the inline-six with Twin Turbo Technology and High Precision Injection is equal to a level that only a much larger eight-cylinder was able to provide in the past. But at the same time BMW’s most powerful six-cylinder offers a much higher standard of fuel economy and, thanks to its all-aluminum crankcase, is much lighter.

BMW EfficientDynamics: wide range of features serving to reduce fuel consumption and emissions – and all coming as standard.

Offering a wide range of features serving to enhance efficiency on and around the engine, all versions of the new BMW X6 ensure a particularly good balance of power, performance and economy – and all these features come as standard.

The all-round efficiency of the BMW X6 is further optimized by on-demand control and activation of the engine’s ancillary units helping to significantly reduce the power required for the fuel and steering assistance pumps and thus again saving energy in the process.

For example, the drive belt for the a/c compressor, comes with an independent clutch automatically disconnecting the compressor as soon as the driver switches off the air conditioning and thus reducing the drag forces generated by the compressor to a minimum.

Automatic transmission designed for sports motoring.

Power is transmitted on the BMW X6 in standard trim by a six-speed sport automatic transmission with a particularly sporting gearshift now enhanced to an even higher level.

The automatic transmission chooses the appropriate gear with incomparable spontaneity, precision and efficiency, benefiting both the comfort and driving dynamics of the BMW X6. The automatic transmission shifts gears either in response to the electronic gear selector lever or the gearshift paddles on the steering wheel.

Intelligent lightweight technology for enhanced dynamics and solidity.

Like the other models in the BMW X range, the BMW X6 boasts a particularly strong and sturdy body. To keep weight to a minimum despite this outstanding solidity, BMW’s engineers developing the new model focused consistently from the start on intelligent lightweight construction. Both the choices of materials as well as the arrangement and geometry of the various support bars, rods and other support elements are based on an overall concept combining maximum crash safety with superb agility on the road.

The new BMW X6 not only includes front and side airbags as standard, but also curtain-type Head Protection System airbags at the side, protecting the occupants both front and rear from injury. Additional features include: three-point inertia-reel belts on each seat, with belt force limiters together with a belt tightener on the front seat; crash-activated headrests to prevent cervical spine injury in the event of a collision from behind, that come standard on the front seats.

All restraint systems are controlled by one central electronic safety “brain” monitoring the type and severity of a collision and activating the most effective protection units in each case. The front airbags, in turn, come with a gas generator operating in two stages and thus activating the airbags with varying intensity, depending on the severity of an accident.

In the event of an imminent rollover, the vehicle’s rollover sensor activates both the curtain airbags and the belt latch tensioners. Indeed, this integration of the system with DSC Dynamic Stability Control guarantees appropriate function of the overall safety system in good time whenever necessary. And to avoid accidents from behind the new BMW X6 comes with BMW’s two-stage brake lights.

The BMW X6. The first Sports Activity Coupe.

The BMW X5 has already demonstrated most clearly that dynamic driving qualities are a decisive criterion also with a vehicle of this class and caliber. The BMW X3, in turn, has added outstanding agility as a further factor crucial to success in this segment. And now the BMW X6 focuses again on these priorities, raising them to an even higher level. As a result, the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe from BMW once again sets the standard in a market segment characterized by particularly dynamic growth. And at the same time the BMW X6, through its concept and drive technology, clearly proves and confirms the exceptional innovative power of Germany’s premium automaker.

The new BMW X6 xDrive35i is expected to be in authorized US BMW SAV Centers in late April 2008 and retail starting at $53,275 (including Freight and Destination). The X6 xDrive50i will retail starting at $63,775(including Freight and Destination) and will arrive in US BMW SAV Centers in the summer of 2008.

After three races completed, BMW Sauber is atop the leader board in the Constructors Championship. Having started at the pole position and finishing with its third straight podium finish, BMW Sauber heads to Spain leading Ferrari with a one point margin.

BMW Sauber F1 Team – Bahrain GP – Race.

04-06-2008 Press Release

Bahrain Grand Prix – Race, Sunday – 06.04.08

Sakhir (BH). After the first three fly-away races of the season the BMW Sauber F1 Team returns to Europe leading the championship. Robert Kubica, who claimed the first pole position for the team on Saturday, and Nick Heidfeld were third and fourth respectively at the Bahrain Grand Prix. The team celebrated its third consecutive podium and, for the first time in its young history, took the lead in the standings, although the gap is only one point.

Robert Kubica: 3rd
BMW Sauber F1.08-03 / BMW P86/8
Fastest Lap: 1.33.775 min on lap 55 (5th fastest overall)
“I am happy with the result. This is my second consecutive podium and the team is leading the constructors’ championship. Unfortunately I had massive wheel spin at the start and hit some debris in the first corner of the second lap. When I drove through the oil I was sure I had punctured my tyre as at that point I didn’t have the information about the oil. But this was a great day for the team. I am now looking forward to Barcelona.”

Nick Heidfeld: 4th
BMW Sauber F1.08-04 / BMW P86/8
Fastest Lap: 1.33.565 min on lap 48 (2nd fastest overall)
“Now after the race I’m much happier than I was yesterday. Having finished fourth is a positive result after what was a difficult weekend for me. The car’s balance on this track was just not how I wanted it to be. I hope I won’t have such troubles again. Finishing the race just one position behind my team mate, who started from pole while I was sixth, is a good result. I enjoyed overtaking Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen. Once again for us in the team everything went smoothly.”

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director):
“The third podium in the third race – this was really a tailor made start to the season for our team. Finishing third and fourth in Bahrain with Robert and Nick was a very good result. Our performance gives everybody extra motivation for the coming weeks. Both drivers lost positions at the start, the reason may be technical and must be analysed. Later on both drove excellent races and the pit stops went perfectly. In the end the gap to the Ferraris was really small. The car still has more potential for us to exploit, and we shall continue to do this carefully one step at a time.“

Willy Rampf (Technical Director):
“Basically the race went as expected. We knew we could not match the pace of the Ferrari’s here and planned our strategy accordingly. Robert and Nick made the most out of it by finishing in third and fourth. It was pleasing to see that in the end the gap to the front wasn’t big, and there was no real pressure from behind. After three podiums in three races, we shall make the most of our strengths in the short break and be really motivated to close the gap even further.”

Let the modding begin! For those who don’t want to wait for the rumored 1 series sports concept that was unveiled at the Tokyo Auto Show, BMW has now made available performance parts to trick out your shiny new 1 series. Although there are no engine modifications, there is a variety of aerodynamic kits, brake systems, and carbon fiber accessories available to satisfy all your boy-racer needs. Check out the link below for all the details.

BMW 1 Series Performance Parts

From the steaming jungle heat of the second race in Sepang, Malaysia, into the dusty desert of Sahkir in the Kingdom of Bahrain for the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, the BMW Sauber crew continue their promising season on their quest for the championship. Here are their thoughts on the upcoming race.

Nick Heidfeld, BMW Sauber
2007 Qualifying – 5th, 2007 Race – 4th
“I really like the track layout and the whole complex in Bahrain. Everything there is very modern and spacious. For me one of the best sections of the entire season is the stretch between Turn Five and the penultimate turn at the Bahrain International Circuit. The climate tends to be pleasant there, although being in the middle of the desert means that sand keeps blowing onto the track and into our equipment. Last year we came very well prepared after our double test there, and I had a great race. This year some of the teams tested their new cars there before the start of the season. On Friday our first priority is to close this gap through our set-up work.”

Robert Kubica, BMW Sauber
2007 Qualifying – 6th, 2007 Race – 6th
“I’m looking forward to the race in Bahrain, for one thing because last year it was where I picked up my first points of the 2007 season, and for another because we have had a strong start to the season in Australia and Malaysia. The circuit in Bahrain is quite different from Melbourne and Sepang. It has long straights with hard braking zones. Plus there are hardly any fast turns. The wind could play a major role here, but I hope it isn’t too strong because our car reacts quite sensitively. Of course we’ll have to just see how the F1.08 performs on this circuit, but I’m confident that we can be very competitive here as well.”

Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport director
“Our bottom line after the first batch of overseas races looks pretty good: we’re very happy with our two second places in Melbourne and Sepang, our first fastest race lap in Malaysia and 19 points in the championship. So, after a brief pit stop back home, we will be heading for Bahrain well motivated. We aim to keep up the same level of performance as we’ve shown so far.”

Willy Rampf, BMW Sauber technical director
“Our two strong performances in Australia and Malaysia confirm that we are on the right track with our development of the F1.08 and have taken a leap forward. But I wouldn’t like to commit myself to any hierarchical order at the moment. For that we will have to wait for another race or two. The circuit in Bahrain features several slow turns and the very long start/finish straight with a tight chicane at the end. The track design calls for a compromise in terms of aerodynamic set-up. On the one hand the many slow corners require high downforce, on the other hand top speed is very important. Good traction also has a high priority, especially along the narrow section after the start/finish line. In Bahrain we will be driving with relatively soft tyre compounds, which plays an important role in the race strategy.”

When the BMW Sauber F1.08 was launched back in January, the team admitted they had taken a gamble with its design philosophy. Mixed results from winter testing suggested that gamble may have backfired, but two races into the season and things couldn’t look more different. Lying a clear second in the constructors’ championship, it seems that McLaren and Ferrari could have a real fight on their hands by the time we get to Europe. Not surprisingly, team principal and BMW Motorsport Director, Mario Theissen, is rather happy with progress…

How do you review the situation after the first two races of the season?
Mario Theissen: “Naturally we’re extremely pleased with the way the season has started off for us. Two second places by Nick and Robert in Melbourne and Sepang, Robert on the front row of the grid in Australia, Nick claiming the fastest race lap in Malaysia, plus 11 points in one race and 19 in the championship – that’s an outstanding achievement and a strong basis for the coming races. It demonstrates we have been making steady progress since the roll-out in mid-January. I wasn’t just gratified by our good results, but above all by the performance and pace we managed in both races.”

The BMW Sauber F1.08 didn’t come up to expectations in the first tests. How did the engineers deal with that?
Theissen: “It was the first real acid test for our young team. Since the first outing in Valencia the day after the launch, we refused to be diverted at any stage and systematically continued along our planned path. Measured data and driver feedback were compared, causes analysed and a whole package of measures adopted – with success. In the weeks following the launch of the F1.08, we not only brought the car up to speed but also learnt a great deal in the process. In retrospect these were extremely productive and motivating weeks. Willy Rampf and the entire team deserve a huge compliment for never once losing sight of the goal even under extreme pressure.”

You mentioned a package of measures. What precise modifications have been made to the car?
Theissen: “During the first tests we very quickly established that the F1.08 is a far more complex car than its predecessor. It wasn’t a case of an individual component in the car not working. The key factor was that, in the first tests, individual elements weren’t interacting with each other perfectly. We rectified that step by step. It was a matter of fine-tuning the overall package, which we managed to improve through dozens of minor alterations. On the aero front we optimised the interplay of the front wing, deflectors and underbody, and in terms of mechanics, for example, we modified the front suspension slightly. These are all changes you can’t see but which all add up to a significant improvement in performance. And, of course, with each test we were able to gather new data that now enables us to find the right set-up for varying conditions.”

So will you be pitching your season target higher now?
Theissen: “There’s no call for that really. Our goal is to close the gap to the leaders and win our first race. That’s a fairly ambitious goal and we’re sticking to it. In the first two races we managed to open up the two-way battle. We were faster than one of the two top teams on each occasion. But one shouldn’t draw any premature conclusions. We’re still not on a par with Ferrari and McLaren-Mercedes. However, the latest results are certainly a great incentive for everyone. The clear message to the workforce is: we can make it.”

How much potential remains inside the BMW Sauber F1.08?
Theissen: “We’ve still got several arrows in our quiver and certainly haven’t exhausted our entire potential yet. The next major step is planned for the European curtain-raiser in Barcelona. For us one thing is clear: risking a major concept leap in the winter has paid off. Now it’s up to us to systematically continue along the path we’ve embarked on.”

How do you rate the performance of your two drivers?
Theissen: “Both of them have delivered what we expect of them. Not just in the two races, but prior to that during the important testing work over the winter. Both of them have prepared single-mindedly for the new season. And both of them have got what it takes to claim the first win for our team. They also know that it takes more than just a few fast laps. The drivers are leaders within the team and have a huge impact on the team spirit and the ongoing development of the car. Both of them are bringing this awareness into play, and I am very happy with the results so far.”

How did you fare with the standard electronics in the first two races of the season?
Theissen: “There was the occasional hiccup, but that was down to the fact that the application had not yet been perfected and was unrelated to the basic software. There were no malfunctions that might have threatened to end the race or compromise driver safety.”

In the humid heat of Sepang the BMW Sauber F1 Team scored 11 championship points – it was the best result for the young crew so far as they finished in the podium once again. This was the first time in team history that they finished on the podium in consecutive races. Polish native Robert Kubica’s was at the podium as he placed 2nd behind the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen.

Thanks to a great performance, BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Robert Kubica secured second place in the Malaysian Grand Prix. His teammate, Nick Heidfeld, also delivered a flawless performance and added a further three points to the team’s tally by finishing sixth.

The Malaysian Grand Prix, round two in the 2008 Formula One World Championship, proved to be another successful race for the BMW Sauber F1 Team. By winning 11 points in the Malaysian heat, the team achieved the best overall result in its history.

Both BMW Sauber F1 Team drivers made a good start. Robert passed Toyota’s Jarno Trulli on the inside while Nick truly rocketed away to pass both Robert and Trulli on the outside. Trulli, however, wasn’t ready to give in, and in the first corner he forced Nick off the ideal line. As a result, Nick dropped back to tenth position.

Robert, however, successfully defended his third place and quickly opened a gap over the drivers behind him: Mark Webber (Red Bull), McLaren’s Lewis Hamilton, Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen (McLaren).

After the first set of pit stops, Robert continued in third position. But behind him, Kovalainen moved up to fourth place. Those who feared that the Finn might become a threat for Robert were soon proven wrong. The Pole was able to match the pace of the McLaren driver and even succeeded in extending his lead over Kovalainen.

When Ferrari’s Felipe Massa spun off the track and was left stranded in the gravel on lap 31, Robert moved up to second place. He continued his mature performance, made no mistakes and eventually crossed the line as runner-up.

Nick’s race, however, was a little more eventful. Following the first-corner incident, the German continued in tenth place but soon demonstrated that he was determined to battle his way back up the field. On lap five, he made a great move to pass both David Coulthard (Red Bull) and Renault’s Fernando Alonso at the same time, thus moving up to eighth position, just 2.3 seconds behind Kovalainen. Despite being one of the first drivers to come in for his first stop, he still held eighth position following the first round of pit stops. He followed seventh-placed Lewis Hamilton like a shadow and benefited from Massa’s retirement to gain another position.

During the second round of pit stops, the good strategy and great work of the BMW Sauber F1 Team pit crew helped him to move up another position. At the end of the day he finished sixth, thus scoring another three points for the Munich and Hinwil based squad. On the penultimate lap of the race, Nick lapped the 5.543-kilometre “Sepang International Circuit” in 1:35.366 minutes, thus setting the fastest race lap.

“This is a great start to the season,” said BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. “Having secured two runner-up finishes in the first two races is a really fine result. We have learned once again that grid positions are really important in today’s Formula One as overtaking is extremely difficult.”

More reactions:

Robert Kubica: “It’s a fantastic day for the team, for Petronas and for me – the second consecutive podium. After Monza 2006 I finally managed to get another podium myself. I want to thank everybody in the team who worked very hard over the last two months to improve the car. I didn’t have a good start because of too much wheel spin, and was fighting with Nick and Jarno Trulli. I took the dirty inside line and almost lost the car, but somehow I managed to get through the corner and overtake them. From this moment on I drove at my own pace. The Ferraris were too quick, but I was able to increase the gap from the cars following me. After the second pit stop I reduced the revs to save the engine and took it easy. I didn’t feel very well all weekend and it was very hot in the car, so the last ten laps were pretty tough. But it all paid off with a brilliant result.”

Nick Heidfeld: “I have mixed emotions about today’s race. Of course I’m happy to have clocked up my first fastest race lap in F1, and 11 points are also the best ever result for our team. The pace of the car was really, really good – about the same level as the McLaren. That’s all very positive and makes it even more disappointing that I only finished sixth. My start was very good and then I tried to overtake right on the outside in the first corner. Robert was on the inside, and Jarno Trulli was between us – I just ran out of room. It was a try, but it didn’t work out. I picked up some dirt and lost two more positions on the first lap. At least I got them back when I overtook David Coulthard and Fernando Alonso on lap four. Again our pit crew did a very good job.”

Mario Theissen (BMW Motorsport Director): “This was another good performance for our team. Robert was able to establish himself behind the Ferrari right after the start. He drove a very strong race and claimed not only his second podium, but also his best result in F1. Nick had no luck in the first corner and lost some positions. I regard it as a success that he still managed to finish sixth and also clocked up the fastest race lap. Of course we are very pleased with the early days of the season – two podiums in two races, 19 nice points to our account and 11 points in one go is a new record for us. That’s all very positive and a good basis for the next races.”

Willy Rampf (Technical Director): “The second second place in a row, fastest race lap, thanks to Nick, and eleven points – we are very pleased how this season has started for us. It was another fantastic race for us. Only the Ferrari was faster than Robert today, and I am especially happy for him that all went so well after he had a lot of bad luck in Australia. While Robert was able to gain a place at the start, Nick unfortunately lost a few. Later he managed to come back and executed a very fine overtaking manoeuvre by catching two cars at once. We had no technical problems on either car, the performance was again very strong. Now highly motivated we fly back to Hinwil and Munich and look forward to the coming races.”

BMW will give the Big Apple a glimpse into what the future of pure driving pleasure looks like as its all-new 2008 M3 Convertible and Concept CS vehicles make their North American debuts at the 2008 New York International Auto Show in Manhattan on March 19.

“BMW is excited to present the North American debuts of the 2008 M3 Convertible and the Concept CS at the New York International Auto Show,” said Tom Purves, President and CEO, BMWNA. “The cars round out several new production and concept vehicles introduced by BMW over the past few months, which not only exemplify our dedication to providing the ultimate driving machines, but also give some insight into future innovations.”

Arriving this spring, the all-new 2008 M3 Convertible shares the M3 Coupe and Sedan’s high-revving 414-horsepower engine, and just as its counterparts, will feature the first V8 in a series-production BMW M3. The introduction of the Convertible also marks the debut of BMW’s optional M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic (M DCT Drivelogic)—a unique 7-speed double clutch transmission specially designed for a high-rpm engine (6-speed manual transmission is standard). The M3 Convertible will also feature driver-adjustable settings for crucial dynamic controls encompassing throttle response, steering, damping and stability (with an available steering-wheel-mounted “MDrive” button to store the preferences) and a sumptuous interior which can be optimized to the driver’s desires including the comprehensive entertainment/navigation system operated through BMW’s latest iDrive controller.

BMW will also present the North American debut of its Concept CS, the German automaker’s vision of a unique four-door car that combines the exclusivity of a genuine luxury Grand Turismo with the fascinating thrill of a high-performance sports car. Inside and out, the concept vehicle provides a new definition of powerful and expressive design, utilizing materials of the highest quality while combining stylish luxury with the most uncompromising ambience, full of class and value.

In addition to BMW’s latest vehicle lineup, its stand will also feature the following recently debuted vehicles:

2008 X6 Sports Activity Coupe – The world’s first Sports Activity Coupe, combining the sporting elegance of a large BMW Coupe with the powerful presence of a BMW X model. With two variants, both with Twin Turbo and direct injection, the X6 xDrive35i (3.0 inline six-cylinder engine, 300 hp, 300 lb.-ft torque) will be available in May and the X6 xDrive50i (4.4 V8 engine, 400 hp, 450lb.-ft torque) this summer.

2008 1 Series Coupe and Convertible – Inspired by its iconic 2002 models of some 40 years ago, the BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible represent the core BMW philosophies of pure performance and premium design. Both available in 128i (3.0 inline six-cylinder engine, 230 hp, 200 lb.-ft. torque) and 135i (3.0 inline six-cylinder engine, 300 hp, 300 lb.-ft torque) versions, the Coupe will go on sale in March; the Convertible will go on sale in time for summer.

335d Advanced Diesel vehicle – Marking a significant milestone in the BMW EfficientDynamics strategy, this fall BMW will release two vehicle models equipped with BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance—the X5 xDrive35d and 335d. Successfully meeting the strict exhaust emissions requirements of the North American automobile market, the vehicles will be available in all 50 states and on average, offer 25 percent less fuel consumption than equally powerful gasoline engines.

2008 M3 Coupe and Sedan – Featuring the first V8 in a series-production BMW M3 just as their roofless sibling, the all-new 2008 BMW M3 Coupe and M3 Sedan arrive in March 2008. Fourth in the line of vehicles that set the standard in minimizing any compromises between race-inspired performance and luxury and convenience, the 2008 BMW M3 Coupe, Sedan and Convertible each offer new possibilities to experience uncompromising driving dynamics.

From the oven-like heat of the opening race in Melbourne, Australia into the steaming cauldron of the second race in Sepang, Malaysia, the F1 teams have barely any time to catch their breath as they try to adjust to the new 2008 F1 rules. BMW Sauber’s successful first weekend bodes well for a hopefully historic season.

BMW Sauber F1 Team – Malaysian GP – Preview

03-16-2008 Press Release

21st – 23rd March 2008
2nd of 18 World Championship races.

Munich/Hinwil, 16th March 2008. The BMW Sauber F1 Team heads for a home event this coming weekend, exactly 9,778 kilometres distant from Munich and 10,012 kilometres from the Swiss headquarters at Hinwil: the Malaysian Grand Prix is held under the sponsorship of the team’s premium partner, Petronas.

Nick Heidfeld:
“For years now the Malaysian Grand Prix has been rather a special race for me. Petronas, of course, was already a partner of Sauber when I was driving for them from 2001 to 2003, and we used to do promotional tours around the country. As a Formula One driver you usually don’t get to see much beyond airports, hotels and race tracks as there simply isn’t the time to get to know a country and its people. But in Malaysia I’ve already managed to get around quite a bit and I feel very much at home there. It always takes a while to get acclimatised to the combination of heat and high humidity, but that’s never been a problem for me. The circuit is an attractive and challenging one. Last year I had a great race in Sepang and finished fourth. I managed to get past Felipe Massa and kept the Ferrari in check behind me.”

Robert Kubica:
“I’m looking forward to the race in Malaysia because Sepang is a very challenging track which I’m fond of. Of course the climatic conditions are at the extreme end, which makes it even more of a challenge. But fortunately we already had very high temperatures in Melbourne, so we’ve had a bit of a chance to adjust. Last year our car was very competitive, but for me pretty much everything went wrong. So I still have a score to settle in Sepang. The Malaysian Grand Prix is a very special race for us on account of our partner Petronas. We have a lot of fans rooting for us there.”

Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
“No sooner have we ticked off the season opener in Australia than Malaysia is already beckoning. This Grand Prix is a kind of home race for us. Since 2006 we have experienced the sheer charisma that our premium partner Petronas has in Malaysia. The euphoric welcome extended to our team in this country is a fantastic experience every time, and the various events held at the foot of the Petronas Twin Towers have always exerted a magnetic pull. As part of its Asia strategy, the BMW Group has ramped up its involvement in Malaysia over recent years. The race in the Greater Kuala Lumpur area is an important grand prix for both BMW and Petronas.
“Following the unexpectedly hot battle in Melbourne, we now head for the steam bath of Sepang. Not only are temperatures above 30° Celsius, but humidity levels are also extremely high due to the proximity to the equator. Consequently, we are looking ahead to this test of endurance with bated breath.”

Willy Rampf, Technical Director:
“The race in Australia has given us a first pointer as to where the individual teams stand, but no more than that. That’s because the Albert Park circuit with its distinctive characteristics is not very representative. And so I believe we won’t get a reliable picture of the true balance of power until after the Malaysian Grand Prix. Due to its many differing corners, Sepang makes huge demands on the set-up of the cars. The slow sections require plenty of traction, while high stability levels are crucial particularly for the many fast corners. Good aerodynamic efficiency is another essential. In Sepang, moreover, the rear tyres come in for a great deal of punishment, which will be exacerbated further by the absence of traction control.”

Facts and figures:
Circuit/Date: Sepang International Circuit/23rd March 2008
Start time (local/UTC): 15.00 hrs/07.00 hrs (CET 08.00 hrs)
Lap/Race distance: 5.543 km/310.408 km (56 laps)
Corners: 10 right-hand and 5 left-hand corners

In an eventful Australian Grand Prix, BMW Sauber F1 Team driver Nick Heidfeld secured second place and the team’s maiden podium finish of the season. Robert Kubica also delivered a strong performance but was hit by another driver on lap 49 which resulted in his retirement.

Three safety-car periods, seven drivers making it to the finish line – and Nick finishing second, this equalled the best result in both the BMW Sauber F1 Team’s short history and his own career. The German delivered a flawless race and succeeded in avoiding all the incidents that turned the 2008 Australian Grand Prix into one of the most eventful Formula One races in recent years.

At the start, Nick was passed by Williams’ Nico Rosberg but successfully defended his fifth place as fourth-placed Ferrari driver Felipe Massa was part of a first-corner incident that caused the first safety-car period of the day. After the restart, Nick continued in fifth position and by the time of his first pit stop he had worked his way up to third position as Robert, and McLaren’s previous race leader, and future winner Lewis Hamilton, had stopped earlier than the German. On lap 22, Nick and Nico Rosberg stopped simultaneously and thanks to the fantastic work of the BMW Sauber F1 Team pit crew, Nick succeeded in passing his compatriot during the stop.

The next safety-car period, on lap 27, was caused by Ferrari’s Felipe Massa hitting the Red Bull of David Coulthard, which left the Scot stranded next to the track with a broken suspension. At this point in time, Nick held fifth position behind Ferrari’s Kimi Räikkönen who had not yet pitted. When Robert came in for his second stop when the pit-lane was opened at the end of the safety-car period, Nick moved up to fourth place. Both gained another position when Kimi Räikkönen attacked McLaren’s Heikki Kovalainen for second place and went off into the gravel on lap 31.

Nick later benefited from a perfectly timed second pit stop on lap 45. Right after his stop, a crash involving Toyota’s Timo Glock resulted in the third safety-car period of the race, costing Kovalainen, who still had to come in for his second stop, the lead. In the closing stages of the race, Nick delivered a truly mature performance and celebrated a fantastic second place. Robert was also on the way to securing several points for the Munich and Hinwil based squad, but at the restart following the third safety-car period he was involved in an incident with Williams’ Kazuki Nakajima and forced to retire from sixth position.

“It was a great race and a great result,” beamed BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen after the race. “Yes, we had a dose of luck with Nick’s second pit stop,” he admitted, “but in a race with three safety-car periods, you just need some luck as it always proves to be a strategy gamble.”

After the race, Nick Heidfeld had this to say, “This was a fantastic start to the season for us. The team was working extremely hard to solve the problems we had in the beginning with the F1.08. We made constant progress and we have not exploited the full potential of the car yet. At the start I had too much wheel spin and could not keep Nico Rosberg behind me. I thought it is going to become a difficult race because I expected him to pit earlier. But we stopped on the same lap and our crew did a really great job to get me in front of him. With my second pit stop I was lucky that the safety car didn’t come out earlier and I could refuel as planned. In the last stint I had to take care not to kill the option tyres. Overall the first race without traction control was less difficult than expected.“

Nick’s teammate, Robert Kubica’s comments: “My race went pretty well in the beginning. I was on a similar strategy to Nick and I had a good pace. Then the strategy was changed and this did not pay off for me. I got stuck behind Bourdais and lost a lot of time. I still had a chance to score some points, but then at the end of the third safety car period Nakajima crashed into the rear of my car and I had to stop.”

All in all, a pretty successful start for the BMW Sauber team’s season.

As part of the new “ConnectedDrive” initiative, BMW’s so-called intelligent network that connects the driver, the vehicle and their surrounding, they are touting themselves as the first car maker to offer unrestricted internet access. With this access, drivers will be able to check their e-mail, do web searches, as well as input any URL and surf the web. Since surfing the web and driving present a safety problem, web access will only be available while the car is parked. Of course, if the vehicle is equipped with the optional DVD entertainment system, passengers in the rear will be able to continue to surf while the vehicle is in motion.

PRESS RELEASE:

World Debut for Unrestricted Use of the Internet:

BMW ConnectedDrive Brings the World Wide Web to the Car Display in a BMW.

Sheer driving pleasure and the joy of surfing. BMW combines the thrill of mobility and unrestricted use of the internet. As the world’s first car maker, BMW allows unrestricted access to the World Wide Web in the car’s display.

Offering this outstanding innovation, BMW ConnectedDrive gives the driver and his passengers the option to surf the internet while travelling, calling up any random internet site either by entering the URL address through the iDrive control system or via a personalised list of favourites, and then presenting the website on the central display in the instrument panel.

This system developed in the context of BMW ConnectedDrive is the consistent enhancement of the intelligent network connecting the driver, the car and their surroundings. Following the highly beneficial features already offered by BMW Online and the option presented in summer 2007 to use the Google online search machine and its various categories in the car, BMW ConnectedDrive now for the first time offers genuine internet in a BMW.

As in the case of BMW Online with direct access to Google, BMW is now once again taking on the leading role in providing online services in the car. Again, therefore, the world’s largest manufacturer of premium automobiles is proving its competence in the area of vehicle electronics.
As a special offer by BMW ConnectedDrive, internet surfing in the car will be available as an optional extra in BMW’s production models straight from the factory in the course of 2008. The version presented at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show is a prototype very close to series production.

Also when using the internet: Maximum convenience thanks to BMW iDrive.

BMW ConnectedDrive brings the complete World Wide Web into the car on the display, offering more functions all in one go than the driver will usually enjoy on the internet in his office or on his PC at home. This is made possible by the unique BMW iDrive control system activating and masterminding all telecommunication, entertainment, navigation and air conditioning functions via the Controller on the centre console and the centre display in the dashboard.

In using the internet, the BMW iDrive Controller acts in the same way as a conventional computer mouse: Moving the Controller in various directions, the user is able to move the mouse on the internet site shown in the display. Then, pressing the Controller, the user clicks the mouse on the PC to select links or specific items in the menu. By turning the Controller, finally, the user scrolls up and down to the appropriate internet site.

The display presents internet sites in high resolution, an additional function serving to enlarge specific sections on the display by a factor of 1.5 or 2.

The presentation of internet sites on the display is only possible for safety reasons with the car at a standstill. As with the configuration of TV and/or DVD functions available as an option on cars with BMW iDrive, the internet site disappears as soon as the vehicle exceeds a speed of 5 km/h. But on models equipped with an optional DVD system in the rear, the internet function might also be added, allowing passengers on the rear seats to surf the net also when driving at higher speeds above 5 km/h.

High-resolution presentation, fast data transfer.

Apart from high-resolution presentation of web contents on the display, fast transfer of data is also guaranteed, with data transfer based on EDGE technology (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution), which, unlike third-generation telephony, is already available on a broad scale and is three to four times faster than GPRS mobile connections.

A special BMW server quickly transfers internet sites into the car and ensures optimum presentation on the display. It also optimises flash animations and other so-called applets with extremely high data volume, which might otherwise slow down the fast transmission rate required. In this way, therefore, BMW ConnectedDrive ensures improved data transfer for comfortable surfing within the car.

A further option is to receive and send e-mails straight from the car, with additional applications such as online banking also being conceivable in full in future.

Using the existing BMW Online portal in the internet, BMW is already the first car maker to offer, through BMW ConnectedDrive, the option to transmit navigation destinations generated by Google Maps into the car from any PC. Then the address data may be used directly in the car as navigation and telephone dial destinations. In the near future, therefore, the BMW Online portal in the internet will allow the configuration of web addresses shown in the car as favourites on the car’s internet starting page.

Over and above the activation of links on the internet sites shown in the display and the choice of web addresses as favourites, BMW also allows the direct selection of new contents simply by entering a URL. To do this, all the user has to do is enter the URL in the browser’s address field, also using other entry fields on internet sites. The entries are made via a selection of letters which, in their function, correspond to the entry of addresses in BMW navigation systems, with convenience and ease of operation being optimised once again.

Whenever the car is used by several drivers one after the other, personalised starting pages may be installed without problems. In that case each driver is able to retrieve the starting page he requires by making his personal registration in the system.

Surfing the internet in the car’s display will be available before the end of this year as a new offer from BMW ConnectedDrive installed directly at the factory and provided together with an unlimited data flatrate.

BMW ConnectedDrive: optimum mobility, maximum comfort.

Offering internet on the car’s screen as an outstanding innovation, BMW is once again making a pioneering breakthrough in the area of intelligent networking, bringing together the driver, the car and the world around them and consistently enhancing the wide range of internet-based services already offered since 2001.

BMW combines such individual online, assistance and service systems in the car under the general term “BMW ConnectedDrive” referring to services which may be used directly through the navigation system or over the telephone in the interest of significantly enhanced comfort and safety.

One example is BMW Assist which, apart from providing an emergency call function and the latest traffic information, also offers a personal enquiry service. Data requested on restaurants, cinemas or hotels may, for example, be fed directly into the BMW navigation system as the driver’s destination. Internet-based services such as stock values, the weather report and free parking space, in turn, are covered by BMW Online. And BMW TeleServices, finally, registers the car independently and automatically with the customer’s BMW Service Partner whenever service is required.

This wide range of internet-based services in the car and the technology involved has been consistently enhanced since 2001. Integrating such services completely in the car’s electronics, BMW Online has a unique position in the market to this day. Such integration of services allows convenient access to local information in the car, BMW Online now also comprising mobility services such as looking for parking space and orientation by mobile phone and an e-mail account with an address directory, information on travel and leisure-time activities as well as hotels and restaurants, an enquiry service, news and weather, the “My News” (RSS feeds), as well as business news and the stock exchange.

In summer 2007 BMW became the world’s first car maker to offer the Google search function in the car, allowing users throughout Germany to retrieve local information directly from the internet through the world’s best-known online search machine. The information obtained is then presented conveniently at the touch of a button in the navigation system and also goes to the user’s mobile phone. The system detects the location and destination of the car independently and presents the results obtained in the area covered together with their address, telephone number and distance, enabling the user to search for names and addresses in a local directory, for example the addresses of restaurants, hotels, filling stations, banks, supermarkets, cinemas or local authorities.

The Google search function in the car consistently enhances the intelligent link of the car and the internet. Introducing the “Send to Car” function, Google and BMW already offered the possibility before to send search results from the Google Maps website directly to the car. And now the Google services search function provides direct access to the internet from the car itself as a further milestone in BMW ConnectedDrive.