anthonyhenriques: Preview: BMW at the Los Angeles International Auto Show ...

BMW today announced a portion of its lineup to be displayed at this year?s Los Angeles International Auto Show press days. From the exotic BMW Concept i8 Roadster to the versatile new BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride based on the popular new BMW X1with graphics designed by Designworks USA, the company will showcase a comprehensive product arrangement which strikes the perfect balance of high performance, innovative efficiency, and outstanding design. There will be more BMW i news at the show.

BMW i8 Concept Roadster

With a total powertrain output of 354 horsepower, zero-to-60 mph in 4.6 seconds with revolutionary efficiency, and style like you?ve never seen, the BMW i8 Concept Roadster is set to stun the city of Los Angeles. The third BMW i concept embodies the future of cutting-edge and emotionally-appealing mobility concepts. The combination of intelligent lightweight design and state-of-the-art hybrid technology imbues the BMW i8 Concept Roadster with genuine sports car performance, yet its efficiency, at an estimated 78 mpg US, is better than you would expect from a small economy car.

Among the most eye-catching features of the BMW i8 Concept Roadster are the upward-swiveling, windowless doors and a range of purpose-oriented on-board equipment including electric kickboards stowed under a transparent tailgate. The car is based on BMW?s innovative LifeDrive architecture, which is underpinned by a lightweight, modular construction and the use of exotic materials. The BMW i8 Concept Roadster is a plug-in hybrid vehicle powered by a high-performance drivetrain of electric motor and gasoline combustion engine. The lithium-ion battery supplying the motor with power can be recharged in a short time.

BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride

The creative meeting of minds between BMW and K2 has inspired both a concept car to be revealed to the world in Los Angeles, based on the new BMW X1 as well as a limited edition X1. The BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride is a reflection of the adrenaline rush of full-speed downhill fun. Separately, it also signals the arrival of the BMW X1 Powder Ride Edition, due to arrive in BMW showrooms in November 2012. The Edition will be available this winter only, and starts at $44,390 including Destination & Handling.

The BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride blends unique exterior features with an exclusive roof structure and refined additions to interior details. Valencia Orange metallic paintwork is complemented by a distinctive graphic whose design takes its cues from a limited-edition K2 ski. A central element of this crossover graphic is the stylized image of a fox, which forges ahead of a dynamically penned X from the rear of the car to the front doors. The exterior design of the BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride backs up this energy-laden graphic with a sprinkling of other distinctive characteristics which accentuate the sporting instincts of the compact BMW X model to impressive effect. An extra eight millimeters of suspension travel over the standard model and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey with polished spokes exude a feeling of power and presence. The Ferric Grey trim of the front and rear sills and side skirts emphasize the car?s uncontained forward momentum over snow and loose ground. Dark tinted side windows with matt Black surrounds and the roof rails ? likewise painted matt Black ? form an appealing contrast to the rich colors of the body surfaces.

A sound system from Harman Kardon is installed in the two luggage boxes on the driver?s side. Hi-fi specialist, Harmon Kardon, has been a long-time provider of dynamic audio experience in BMW automobiles. The two-way loudspeakers installed in the BMW Concept K2 Powder Ride generate output of 320 watts and turns the X1 into a powerful sound stage for apr?s ski fun with a difference at the end of the valley run. A Class D amplifier with 2 x 550-watt output, a 500-watt subwoofer and a high-quality microphone from AKG are also on hand for those spontaneous parties in the snow. And the transparent sounds can be complemented by visual effects, for good measure. The luggage boxes can be illuminated in Blue and Orange, as desired, and three LED spotlights are integrated into the front edge of the roof structure.

2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 and ActiveHybrid 5

The 225 kW/300 hp inline-6 engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology in the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (starting at $50,195 including Destination & Handling) and ActiveHybrid 5 ($61,995 including Destination & Handling) is the same engine renowned for its free-revving capability, pulling power and efficiency in the BMW 335i and 535i. The electric motor, meanwhile, develops 55 hp and is supplied by a high-voltage lithium-ion battery integrated underneath the luggage area. Power is transferred to the rear wheels by BMW?s eight-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to full-hybrid design, which enables purely-electric and therefore local emissions-free driving in urban conditions or while coasting, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 and ActiveHybrid 5 boast significant improvements in fuel efficiency. In order to exploit the potential of the BMW ActiveHybrid technology, the intelligent energy management of the power electronics uses a host of innovative functions to ensure the drive system runs efficiently. Charging of the high-performance battery primarily takes place during coasting or braking, the electric motor performing the role of a generator feeding energy into the high-voltage battery. By contrast, under acceleration the electric motor takes on a boost function. Here, it assists the gasoline engine with a burst of power. While coasting at speeds of up to 100 mph in ECO PRO mode, the combustion engine may be switched off and fully decoupled. Coasting combines comfortable driving with optimum utilization of the kinetic energy already generated. To avoid periods with the engine running at idle at intersections or in traffic jams, the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 deploys its hybrid start-stop function. The power electronics can be intelligently linked up with BMW?s latest navigation system (optional on the ActiveHybrid 3). This allows for proactive analysis of the driving situation, enabling the drive components to be primed to deliver maximum efficiency (the effect may vary according to the quality of the available navigation data). The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 sees the sporty yet elegant design of the BMW 3 Series Sedan complemented by bespoke touches which highlight its innovative drive technology.

The selection of interior colors, upholstery and interior trim elements reflects the range offered for the other BMW 3 Series and 5 Series variants. Added to the standard-fitted array of comfort-enhancing features is also a 2-zone climate control system with stationary air conditioning. A wide range of driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive mobility services, as well as virtually all the other optional extras available for the conventionally powered BMW 3 Series and 5 Series, can also be optionally specified. The integration into the production process of BMW ActiveHybrid technology is underpinned by the efficient combination of state-of-the-art automated process engineering and the skilled craftsmanship of specially trained employees.

2013 BMW 7 Series by BMW Individual

Shown at Los Angeles for the first time in North American with stunning BMW Individual Frozen White exterior paint, the freshly-updated 2013 BMW 7 Series Sedan has again set new benchmarks in its class for performance, luxury, efficiency and safety. Updates for 2013 include substantial powertrain enhancements for the 740i / Li, 750i / Li, xDrive and BMW ALPINA B7 models. The new 7 Series, which starts with the 740i model at an MSRP of $74,195 including Destination & Handling, boasts a revised exterior that features new technologies such as available LED headlights. The interior of the new 7 is similarly enhanced with the updated iDrive 4.2 and the availability of an optional Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound system.

Individuality reflects one?s taste, dreams, and ideas. This simple thought inspires BMW Individual? the freedom to customize your BMW down to the finest detail. BMW Individual offers a wide variety of brilliant paints, high quality leathers, sophisticated trims, headliners, and details to choose from. Every detail is a result of top-class workmanship to make the choices truly unique. Customizing is the core concept of BMW Individual, where customers can choose from a package or a-la-carte.

2013 BMW Individual X6 Performance Edition

The limited-production 2013 BMW Individual X6 Performance Edition will be outfitted with an M Performance Package engine upgrade which provides increases of +15 hp, +30 lb-ft of torque in the X6 xDrive35i and +40 hp, +30 lb-ft of torque in the X6 xDrive50i. It features BMW Individual Pearl Silver metallic paint, 20-inch Y-Spoke wheels, and black chrome exhaust tips. The interior features seats and door panels upholstered in Black Alcantara and Leather with Sakhir Orange contrast stitching. Additional contrast stitching and piping can be found on the dashboard and floor mats. The dashboard and center console are finished with BMW Individual Carbon Leather Wrapped Trim.

Starting at an MSRP of $81,695 including Destination & Handling, the BMW Individual X6 Performance Edition will also include the Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Technology Package, soft close doors, running boards, five-seat option, satellite radio with one-year subscription, BMW Apps, LED headlights (X6 xDrive50i only), and Premium Sound Package (X6 xDrive50i only).

2013 BMW M5 Sedan

Since the ?M5? badge was first placed on the deck lid of a BMW back in 1988, this iconic model has exemplified the luxury and daily usability of a top range BMW sedan combined with true super-car performance. Now, in its 5th generation and starting at $90,795 including Destination & Handling, the all-new BMW M5 is again poised to redefine the performance envelope possible in a luxury sedan.

The new BMW M5 is a high-performance sports car whose exceptional dynamic potential is geared squarely towards the demands of track use while ? at the same time ? sets a new benchmark in daily driving with its touring comfort and innovative equipment features. It also sets the pace in its class in terms of efficiency. Under the hood of the new BMW M5 lies a newly developed, high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo (consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, a cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Injection fuel direct injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control), maximum output of 560 hp from 5,750 ? 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 500 lb-ft between1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The instant power delivery and sustained thrust results in an acceleration of 0? 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. While the engine?s output has increased by around 10% and maximum torque is up by more than 30%, the new BMW M5 consumes substantially less fuel in normal driving and has substantially higher range than its predecessor. The significantly improved balance between the performance-focused M experience and the car?s fuel consumption originates from the efficiency of the new V8 engine and from leading edge BMW EfficientDynamics technology including the Auto Start-Stop function in conjunction with the standard seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic.

To channel the engine?s impressive power into inspiring performance characteristics, the new BMW M5 boasts chassis technology ? including electronically controlled dampers, M-specific Servotronic steering, a stability control system with M Dynamic Mode and high-performance compound brakes ? developed from racing expertise and tuned to the output profile of the engine. In turn, the aerodynamics of the new M5 have been tuned to optimize the supply of cooling air to the engine and drivetrain, maximize high speed stability and enhance the dynamic design typical of BMW M cars. Ultimately, all systems have been refined in extensive and detailed testing on the Nordschleife circuit at the N?rburgring. This ensures unbeatable longitudinal and lateral acceleration, handling characteristics and braking performance on the circuit or the commute to work.

2013 BMW M6 Coupe

Starting at $106,995 including Destination & Handling, the iconic M6 returns from a two year hiatus more powerful, more athletic, more focused, more luxurious and more efficient than ever before. The M6 Coupe enjoys the power and efficiency of the new M5 Sedan?s powertrain, but in a lighter, more-compact package.

Since the ?M6? badge was first placed on a BMW back in 1987, this iconic model has exemplified the luxury and daily usability of a top range BMW coupe combined with true super-car performance. Now, in its 3rd generation, the all-new BMW M6 will again be offered as a 4-seat Coupe and Convertible. Like its predecessor, the roof of the new BMW M6 Coupe is molded from natural color Carbon Fiber Composite. The dark color of the roof gives the two-door car?s silhouette a longer look, which is further emphasized by the dynamic longitudinal character lines unique to the M6 Coupe. The use of the lightweight material for the roof allows the car?s center of gravity to be lowered, enhancing agility. The standard BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line trim surrounds the side windows (or the waistline in the case of the BMW M6 Convertible) and the base and lower section of the aerodynamically optimized M exterior mirror caps.

2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe

The 2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is a new 4-door, 4+1 seat addition to the 6 Series line that successfully combines the stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe with interior room and amenities for up to five passengers. Perfect proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces give the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the unique ability to satisfy the driver who wants a luxurious and sporty coupe yet needs a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort and luxury. The TwinPower Turbo V-8 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe are priced at $87,395 and $90,395 respectively (prices include $895 Handling and Destination). Sporting a length of 197 inches (5,007 mm) and wheelbase of 116.8 inches (2,968 mm), the Gran Coupe is 4.4 inches (111 mm) longer than its 2-door coupe sibling. A significant part of this extra length has been used to enhance seating comfort for the rear passengers. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is also 74.6 inches (1,894 mm) wide and stands 54.8 inches (1,392 mm) in height. For comparison purposes, the Gran Coupe is 4.0 inches (102mm) longer, 1.3 inches (34mm) wider and 2.8 inches (72mm) lower than the BMW 550i. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, in keeping with the tradition of the 6 Series Coupe, offers a unique combination of top-class sporting dynamics, stunning design, luxurious touring comfort and a 13.0 cubic foot luggage compartment ? now for four passengers. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe?s signature driving experience is complimented by a range of innovative driver assistance systems and BMW ConnectedDrive infotainment features. The new car meets the highest expectations of driving pleasure and style in a large, premium 4-seat sports coupe.

BMW X5 xDrive35d

The history of BMW diesel engines began in 1983 when the BMW 524td was introduced as the fastest diesel in the world. From that starting point, BMW has spent 25 years continuously developing diesel technology. The X5 xDrive35d, which continues into the 2013 model year, is a perfect reflection of these engineering developments. Today, this model represents about one in four BMW X5 models sold in the United States.

BMW Advanced Diesel models are characterized by dramatically improved power and performance, fuel consumption and emissions levels ? reflecting the principle of BMW EfficientDynamics in every respect. Through their superior motoring refinement alone, BMW diesel engines have helped to significantly eliminate any reservations regarding the acoustic properties of a diesel engine. Indeed, great demand for BMW diesel engines has helped BMW achieve increased market share not just in Europe, but in regions across the world.

Well over half of all new BMWs delivered to customers in Europe are powered by a diesel engine. While diesel engines of today represent an impressive standard for fuel efficiency and emissions on the whole, BMW Advanced Diesel engines take this a step further, setting the standard for torque and pulling power that could never be achieved by a similar displacement gasoline engine ? while consuming 25 percent less fuel on average than an equally powerful gasoline engine. Given all of these qualities, BMW?s 3.0-liter diesel with Variable Twin Turbo has won the prestigious International Engine of the Year Award multiple times. The engine is featured in a large number of models in Europe and is now expanding its global story of success as the BMW Advanced Diesel in the popular X5 Sports Activity Vehicle.

Watch for more news at the BMW press conference to be held on the BMW stand at 3:10pm on Wednesday, November 28.