Recently the NY Times was able to spend some time with the BMW Hydrogen 7, for the most part they came away from the experienced pleased though there was one glaring issue.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has made the decision to ban the car from the Lincoln and Holland Tunnels as well as the lower level of the George Washington Bridge, this essentially makes traversing the Hudson a bit more time consuming and frustrating since there are not as many options to beat the traffic.
We have seen several sets of spy photos of what can be interpreted as a BMW X6 ///M over the last month. Originally it was thought that it would feature an over boosted version of the Twin Turbo V8 in the xDrive50i as the source of wheel spinning power.
Indications now are that these test mules could be featuring a advanced hybrid system designed under BMW’s F1 program, a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). This is an different system to the previous hybrid X6 (non-///M) we had featured which will utilize the system jointly developed with MB, GM and Chrysler.
This rendering once again shows us how the rear of the forthcoming Z4 may appear. It has the reversed shoulder line as we had discussed in the past as well has the hard lines from the front. BMW’s use of design cues from the CS and also the GINA concept are apparent in the overall style of this car.
Below are the official BMW AG photos of the upcoming 1 series new iDrive system. In addition to the new controller, the current pop-up screen has exited the dash in favor of a new wider and higher resolution (1280X480 to be exact) fixed screen. The system will also feature a 80 GB hard disk and brand new menu system as previously discussed for the 3 and 7 models.
This new Professional navigation system will allow for a full-screen map display and additional features such as travel and route planners.
These changes have been confirmed for most markets outside the US. Click on the “link” tab to view at a higher resolution.
(I apologize for the slow load times as I did not resize them appropriately)
Here are some shots of future additions to the BMW lineup; the PAS (based on the next generation 5) and the X1. The redesigned X3 was caught in its swirled disguise as well. We have been hearing the X1 should premier in “concept” form this fall while the X3 will relieve the current one some time next year. This is a year earlier than the normal life cycle as the current version is based on the E46 and is looking very dated. The PAS will debut around the time of the new F10 5 series.
As we reported awhile back the 2009 1 Series will indeed get the thoroughly revised iDrive. Bringing it in line with the 3, 5, and 7 series, the 2009 1er will also feature a larger 1024px screen that gives a traditional (in the BMW sense) split view and offers much more screen real-estate than previously available. You can check out pics below.
No sooner do we question why BMW is keeping us in the USA in the dark and they go release the requested information! We now know the reason for the delay; there is no mention of the DCT in this piece BUT there is very little mention of the coupe (E92) or convertible (E93) so there is still some hope. There is also no mention of the internet via Connected Drive or the newer Efficient Dynamics technologies.
The only change engine wise is the Advanced Diesel in the 335d. There will not be a 335 wagon or a direct injection 330.
The iDrive will be updated as we have known for sometime and the remainder of the changes in appearance and packaging (including a heated steering wheel) will occur.
All in all it is very similar to the UK just we are not worthy of the other engines, DCT (yet?) or Connected Drive.
Update
It appears that the “XI” badging may be history:
BMW’s acclaimed xDrive all-wheel drive is featured in the newly named 328i and 335i xDrive Sedans and 328i xDrive Sports Wagon
Today BMWUSA.com now has a link to the 2009 3 series sedan. Instead of telling us what the US version will have and what to expect this fall they link to the European press release.
The new 3 Series Sedan Breaks Cover
The epitome of sporty style, the new 3 Series Sedan remains, as it has for years, one of the most widely sold premium vehicles in the world. The latest model includes a redesigned interior, restyled exterior and new safety and comfort technology.
The new 3 Series Sedan will be available at BMW centers in fall 2008.
Until then, explore the International Press Kit. Note: the European models includes slight variations from those that will be available in the U.S. The U.S. press release is coming soon.
If they would like some of us enthusiasts to write the press release I think we would be more than happy to help! It is troublesome to think that they are keeping everyone in the dark and speculating on what will be in order to possibly move a few more 2008 cars by leaving the possibility of something not being available in the US. The current lease programs and finance rates should be more than enough to move the current stock or is there something else holding them back from making things official?
In a strange turn of events we realized that unless BMW USA made an error on their website the 2009 5er and 6er will also be receiving the new iDrive system. We had originally been told the 5 would get the update but the latest materials we obtained did not state this.
Jonathan Spira has informed us that there is indeed an error in the website so the 5/6 will NOT get the new iDrive.
The following from the BMWUSA website discussing Navigation for European delivery, BMW will now be loading all cars available for Euro pickup with the new maps (they will be on the hard disk prior to Welt pickup).
Navigation
If you have ordered Navigation on your new BMW, beginning with 2009 models, all Europe maps will be automatically loaded when you pick up your car in Munich. The only exception is X3 models, the process of ordering the DVD in advance of travel is still a requirement.
The X3 exclusion makes sense since the X3 system is the only model that will not have iDrive in the lineup for 2009, with iDrive being on its third rendition this really shows how antiquated the X3 is becoming and why it will not complete a full life cycle.
Not major news by any account but the name change of the X3 3.0si has been officially confirmed. As we mentioned here several months back BMW will be readjusting their naming schemes due upcoming regulations. So following the same rules as the X6 in naming the X3 will follow as is the X5 xDrive35.
This still leaves us wondering what the new name of the upcoming “Z” will be if there is more than one engine version.Is it possible that if a 4 cylinder engine is an option it would be the Z4 and if it is a 6 it would be the Z6? We will let you know as soon as we hear!
Update
No sooner was this written it was brought to our attention that BMW has already given us a clue to the possible naming game of the next Z4, sDrive.
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Sections: E65/E66 7 Series, EfficientDynamics, In the Press Jul 26th, 2008 2 Comments 
