BMW names Karim Habib new design chief

With BMW putting its Chris Bangle days behind it, one name that has emerged as a dominant force in the design of German luxury sedans has been Karim Habib. The Canadian-Lebanese designer and engineer rose up through the ranks of the BMW Group design offices, styling among other vehicles, the current 7 Series. A few years ago, Habib defected to arch-rival Mercedes-Benz, but was lured back to Munich to head up the brand's exterior design department.

Now BMW has promoted Habib to design director, putting him in charge of all aspects of vehicle design – both inside and out – for the BMW brand specifically (discounting Mini and Rolls-Royce). In his new capacity, Habib will report to Adrian van Hooydonk, who continues to oversee all design for the entire BMW Group as senior vice-president. Find the official announcement below.

Karim Habib                            

Vehicle Profile: 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5

Green means go.


The world’s benchmark sport sedan breaks new ground with the introduction of the 2012 BMW ActiveHybrid 5—a model that manages to boost power and performance over its 535i Sedan stablemate, while shifting into the green band of efficiency. For all of its eco-friendly credentials, the ActiveHybrid 5 stays true to its BMW heritage, surpassing the competition in driver engagement, build quality, and interior refinement.
 
Like other hybrid models in the BMW family, the new 2012 ActiveHybrid 5 (MSRP $60,950) pairs a combustion engine with an electric motor to deliver superior fuel mileage with all the driving pleasure buyers expect. The ActiveHybrid 5, however, is the first BMW hybrid model that can be driven solely on electric power, offering around-town motoring with zero emissions.
 
The heart of the ActiveHybrid 5 is the same TwinPower turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that motivates the 535i. Boasting a TwinScroll turbo, piezo direct fuel injection and Valvetronic variable intake valve lift control, the 3.0-liter inline-six cranks out 300 hp and 300 lb/ft of peak torque.
 
Add the liquid-cooled electric motor and the total drive system output reaches 335-hp and 330 lb/ft of torque.
 
Also carried over from the 535i is the standard eight-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission paddleshifters mounted on the steering wheel are optional). Acceleration runs from 0-60 in just 5.7 seconds while overall driving range increases (and carbon dioxide emissions decrease) by up to 16 percent compared to the 535i. BMW has not announced final fuel-economy ratings for the ActiveHybrid 5, but, following an initial review, the editors of Car and Driver magazine estimate the vehicle achieving up to 34 mpg on the highway.
 
Storing power for the electric motor is a 96-cell lithium-ion battery with a usable energy capacity of 675 watt-hours. Encased in a collision-resistant housing set between the rear wheel arches, the battery is so compact that the ActiveHybrid 5 can still offer 13.2 cubic feet of storage space in the trunk. To further boost fuel efficiency, the lithium-ion battery also powers the air conditioning, leaving the passenger compartment cool and comfortable even when the Hybrid Auto Start-Stop function switches off the inline-six-cylinder engine and runs the car on electric power alone—at stoplights, for example, or when coasting downhill.
 
The ActiveHybrid 5 can also run on emissions-free, all-electric mode for distances up to 2.5 miles at speeds of up to 37 mph, which is perfect for parking spot trawling or negotiating drive-time traffic. And if you’d like to sustain maximum efficiency even when the road clears, set the Driving Dynamics Control system to “ECO PRO” Mode. ECO PRO shuts off the combustion engine and decouples it from the drive shaft when the car is traveling on the highway at speeds up to 100 mph. Dip into the throttle and the TwinPower turbo six instantly reengages for seamless passing power.
 
Along with the aforementioned Auto Start-Stop function, the BMW EfficientDynamics system includes Brake Energy Regeneration, which charges the lithium-ion battery with up to 15,000 watts when the brakes are applied.
 
According to the review in Car and Driver, “One of the most interesting aspects of the ActiveHybrid 5 is the level to which its powertrain management system makes decisions based on information from outside the car.” Program a route using the standard navigation system, and BMW’s power electronics analyze the driving conditions of that route—including topography and speed limits—and prime all powertrain systems for more efficient energy management throughout your trip.
 
Here’s an example of how this “Intelligent Energy Management” system works: If your route includes a series of hills, the system allows the battery to provide maximum energy to the electric motor for supplemental-power delivery on the way up. Depleting the battery on the ascent isn’t a concern, since the system knows it will recharge on the way down.
 
The first full hybrid model in the history of BMW deserves to stand out. To that end, the ActiveHybrid 5 receives a host of exclusive design cues including “ActiveHybrid 5” lettering on the C-pillars and doorsills, an aluminum plate on the center console bearing the same ID and custom covers for the engine and the lithium-ion battery. Model-exclusive options include Bluewater metallic exterior paint and 18-inch streamline light-alloy wheels designed for superior aerodynamic efficiency.
 
Following their “First Drive” evaluation of the ActiveHybrid 5, the editors at Motor Trend magazine declared, “Its driving experience [is] absolutely worthy of the marque's performance heritage.” When you’re ready to experience the Ultimate Driving Machine® of premium hybrid sedans, contact us to test drive the new BMW ActiveHybrid 5.

Vehicle Profile: The 2012 BMW Z4

Sculpture at speed.


Tracing its design heritage back to the storied BMW Z8 (itself an evocation of the milestone BMW 507 of the 1950s), the new 2012 BMW Z4 two-seat Roadster fulfills the mandate of every premium roadster: To surround you in absolute comfort while delivering the ride of your life. This year, the Z4 lineup matches precise handling, robust power and supreme luxury with exceptional efficiency, thanks to the addition of an all-new TwinPower turbo inline four-cylinder base. 
 
BMW offers the Z4 in three trim levels: the Z4 sDrive28i (MSRP $48,650), Z4 sDrive35i (MSRP $55,150), and Z4 sDrive35is (MSRP $64,200). In the Z4 model names, “s” stands for “sport,” and “i" indicates a fuel-injected engine.
 
As noted, the big news for 2012 is the introduction of the new Z4 sDrive28i, the foundation of the Z4 family. In the Z4 sDrive28i, the normally aspirated inline six-cylinder found in last year’s Z4 sDrive30i is replaced by a new inline-four, displacing 2.0 liters and featuring direct injection, Valvetronic turbo variable intake control and a TwinScroll turbo. 
 
The new TwinPower turbo four cranks out 240 hp and 260 lb/ft of torque—40 lb/ft more than last year’s six-cylinder. Best of all, that abundance of torque reaches its peak at a low 1,250 rpm, good for near-instantaneous acceleration. Power channels through either a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission. Sprints from 0-60 mph take 5.5 seconds (with the manual transmission), and fuel economy, EPA-estimated at up to 34 mpg highway, is improved by up to 20 percent over the Z4 sDrive30i.
 
The source of power for the Z4 sDrive35i continues to be the renowned 3.0-liter TwinPower turbo inline six-cylinder, making 300 hp and 300 lb/ft of torque in this application. The dynamic Z4 sDrive35is model draws strength from a 335-hp version of the same powerplant. Drop the hammer on the Z4 sDrive35is and an electronically controlled overboost function temporarily raises torque from its usual 332 lb/ft peak to 369 lb/ft. The result: Bolting from a standstill to 60 mph in less than five seconds.
 
A six-speed manual transmission serves as the standard gearbox on the Z4 sDrive35i while an advanced seven-speed, Double-Clutch automatic transmission (optional on the Z4 sDrive35i) sourced from the BMW M3 heightens performance in the Z4 sDrive35is. Shifts with the seven-speed automatic are breathtakingly swift, while manual control is available through the gear selector lever on the center console, or via paddles mounted on the steering wheel.
 
Straight-line propulsion may capture headlines, but a true Roadster earns its stripes slicing through twisting tarmac. A fully independent suspension, four-wheel anti-lock ventilated disc brakes, and speed-sensitive Electric Power Steering help make the Z4 the perfect implement for precise road carving—as do such standard aids such as traction control, Cornering Brake Control, Driving Dynamics Control, and Dynamic Stability Control.
 
For drivers looking to explore the razor’s edge of premium Roadster performance, the Z4 offers the M Sport Package on the Z4 sDrive28i and the Z4 sDrive35i. It’s a gathering of features designed to push the level of driving excitement squarely into the red (most of these features come standard on the sDrive35is). The package includes an Aerodynamic Kit, sport seats, special interior trim, an anthracite headliner, and 18-inch light-alloy wheels (19-inch light-alloys are also available on the Z4 sDrive35i and Z4 sDrive35is). An M Sport leather-trimmed steering wheel is also added, along with an Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers and an increased top-speed limiter (up to 155 mph).
 
At the touch of a button, the Z4 hardtop roof completely retracts in 20 seconds, unveiling the bounty of standard features you’ll find inside. The Z4 sDrive28i brims with such must-haves as Xenon Adaptive Headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers, Bluetooth® phone connectivity, an AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system, HD Radio, an auxiliary jack, and an iPod®/USB adapter.
 
Choosing the Z4 sDrive35i nets you additional standards such as eight-way power seats, Kansas Leather seating and Brushed Aluminum interior trim, while the top-of-the-line Z4 sDrive35is boasts 10-way power seats with adjustable side bolsters and the Aluminum Carbon Shadow trim.
 
Buyers intending to personalize their Z4 models have a host of available packages and stand-alone options to select from. Depending on the model, the choices include a surround sound audio system, heated front seats and steering wheel, satellite radio, BMW Assist™, and a satellite-based navigation system with a pop-up 8.8-inch high-resolution display.
 
Come experience the exhilaration of driving in its most liberating form by scheduling a test drive of the new 2012 BMW Z4 Roadster.