With the 2011 Vehicle Season quickly approaching, here is a blog miniseries that provides an overview of some of the exciting new and updated 2011 BMWs.  In this final installment of the 2011 BMW Lineup Miniseries, I will focus on the 2011 BMW 5 and 7 Series including the 2011 BMW ALPINA B7 and 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 750Li, and 2011 BMW 550i.

The 2011 BMW ALPINA B7: This 7 Series is Back & Better than Ever

The 2011 Season marks the triumphant return of the BMW ALPINA B7.  This remarkable vehicle combines luxury and power into one vehicle.  The BMW ALPINA B7 starts with the BMW 7 Series platform and then is substantially upgraded at the exclusive ALPINA Plant.  The new generation of the B7 is offered in four variations: regular and long-wheelbase, with rear-wheel drive or xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive.

Overview of the 2011 BMW ALPINA B7 Features:

• 500-hp, ALPINA-tuned twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter, V-8 engine
• 516 lb-ft of torque for smooth and remarkably swift acceleration
• Advanced performance technologies: electronically adjustable suspension and Active Roll Stabilization
• Exclusive ALPINA Colors, Materials, & Features
  • A console-mounted ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC transmission control with Sport and Manual modes
  • 20-spoke 21-inch ALPINA CLASSIC wheel,
  • Exclusive ALPINA Myrtle Burl wood trim or Piano Black interior trim with silver diagonal rhombs
  • Spoilers that reduce lift at the front by 30% and rear by 15%

The 2011 BMW 7 Series: Welcoming Some New Additions

In addition to the BMW ALPINA B7, the 2011 BMW 7 Series luxury lineup will include several other new models including the 740i, 740Li, ActiveHybrid 750i and ActiveHybrid 750Li.  With these exciting new additions, there will be a total of 13 BMW 7 Series vehicles available for 2011.

The 2011 BMW 740i & 740Li: Efficient Luxury Vehicles

The BMW 740i & 740Li embody the perfect marriage of style and power that the BMW 7 Series is renowned for.  With their 6-cylinder engines, these two new BMW 7 Series Sedans mark a return to BMW’s 7 Series roots and offer drivers a more efficient luxury driving experience.

Overview of the 2011 BMW 740i & 740Li Features:

• Award-winning BMW inline-6 engine that produces V-8 power on six-cylinder fuel consumption and 315-hp
• Brake Energy Regeneration that converts kinetic energy into usable electrical power
• 25 mpg highway
• Fine Line High-Gloss Wood Trim & Dakota Leather upholstery
• Enhancement Package options available including M Sport Package & Driver Assistance Package

The 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 750i and ActiveHybrid 750Li: Luxury with a Conscience

Considered to be “the world’s most luxurious and dynamic hybrids” the BMW ActiveHybrid 750i & 750Li are making their 2011 debut.  The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 Series combines an electric motor with BMW’s 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8.  This innovative design saves fuel and reduces tailpipe pollution.

Overview of the 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 750i and ActiveHybrid 750Li Features:

• 120-volt lithium-ion battery with boost function
• New 8-speed automatic transmission that accelerates from 0 – 60 in 4.7 seconds with 455-hp
• EPA fuel economy estimates: 17mpg city and 26mpg highway (an 18% improvement over the non-hybrid versions)
• Engine Start/Stop to avoid wasteful engine idling
• Plus other 7-Series Standard Features

The 2011 BMW 5 Series: The Benchmark Gets Raised

Since its introduction in 1972, the BMW 5 Series has been the benchmark for midsized luxury-sports sedans.  Continuing to set the bar in this market segment, BMW presents the modified and enhanced Sixth-Generation BMW 5 Series for the 2011 Season.  The redesigned 2011 BMW 5 Series features a sleeker body that adopts a shortened version of the 7 series design.  The new 5 Series is 1.5 longer with over 3 inches more wheelbase, giving it the longest wheelbase segment in its segment.  The new BMW 5 Series is offered in two new versions: a turbocharged six-cylinder engine (BMW 535i) and a ferocious twin-turbo V8 (BMW 550i).  The 2011 BMW 5 Series offers exciting new features like Park Distance Control as well as several BMW 7 Series technology features like heads-up display, Blind Spot Detection, night vision with pedestrian detection, and active suspension controls.

With the 2011 Vehicle Season quickly approaching, here is a blog miniseries that provides an overview of some of the exciting new and updated 2011 BMWs s.  In this second installment of the 2011 BMW Lineup Miniseries, I will focus on the 2011 BMW SAVs including the 2011 BMW X3 and 2011 BMW X5.

Check back next week for part three of the blog miniseries about the innovative changes BMW has in store for its other 2011 Ultimate Driving Machines.

Introducing the Second Generation BMW X3: The 2011 BMW X3 Sport Activity Vehicle

Introduced in 2004, the BMW X3, a small, premium Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) with all-road capability and unparalleled driving dynamics, revolutionized the auto industry.  In 2011, the second generation BMW X3 is sure to once again transform the SAV market segment.  Set to hit the US market by the end of 2010, the 2011 BMW X3 promises drivers a vehicle with enhanced agility, efficiency, and comfort and an elegant, agile, and rugged design.

The 2011 BMW X3 will be slightly larger than previous models with its increased space offering optimized functionality and enhanced driving comfort.  The vehicle will be about half-an-inch taller, 3.4 inches longer, 1.1 inches wider with a half-inch more ground clearance.  Despite its larger size, the second generation X3 will be lighter than its predecessors.

Overview of the 2011 BMW X3 Features:

• An 8-speed automatic transmission with smooth and sporty shifting (allows direct shifts from 8^th gear to 2^nd gear for maximum acceleration)
• Choice of two engines:
  • xDrive28i with BMW’s award-winning 3.0 inline-6-cylinder engine, or
  • xDrive35i with a turbo-charged 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that combines direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic.
• Electronic Damping Control Option: adjusts the shock absorbers to any level of firmness, quickly adapting to road conditions and the driver’s demands
• Upgraded interior design: driver-oriented dashboard, higher-quality materials and trim, built-in 8.8 in LCD screen, new instrument clusters, and larger cup holders
• Largest luggage compartment in its segment
• Bold looking exterior with forward-slanting BMW kidney grille, large headlight assembly, and six contour lines that sweep down the front to meet at the kidney grill
• Features powerfully flared wheel arches and short front and rear overhangs

The Sports Activity Vehicle Gets Refreshed: The 2011 BMW X5

The new 2011 BMW X5 takes the innovative design and dynamic versatility of BMW all-wheel drive SAVs to a new level.  The new vehicles will have several premium exterior enhancements designed to accentuate the vehicle’s well-balance proportions, powerful presence, and agility.  Additionally, the 2011 BMW X5 will feature two new power train options, xDrive50i and xDrive35i, in addition to the existing BMW Advanced Diesel X5 xDrive 3d.

Overview of the 2011 BMW X5 Features:

• New exterior metallic color options: Deep Sea Blue, Platinum Grey, and Sparkling Bronze
• New interior Nevada Leather color options: Oyster and Cinnamon Brown
• New headlight fixtures that emphasize the vehicle’s high quality and sportiness: dual round Xenon Adaptive headlights and fog lamps situated higher and closer to the kidney grill

The 2011 BMW X5 xDrive50i:

• Twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V-8 engine
• 400 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 450 lb-ft torque at 1,750 – 4,500 rpm
• 0 -60 mph in 5.3 seconds

The 2011 BMW X5 xDrive35i:

• Brand new inline-6 gasoline engine that features a single twin-scroll turbocharger and revolutionary Valvetronic throttle-less intake technology
• 8-speed automatic with 300 horsepower and the choice of three shifting programs (Drive, Drive Sport, and Manual)
• 0-60 in 6.4 seconds
• 2 new additional trim levels: Premium and Sport Activity Packages (on top of standard features)
  • Premium
    • 19” light alloy wheels
    • Roof rails and panoramic moonroof
    • Power adjustable steering column
    • iPod/ USB adapter interface
    • Privacy glass
    • Option to choose up to four additional packages (including the Active Ventilated Seat Package, Convenience Package, Cold Weather Package, and Technology package)
  • Sports Activity
    • 20” light alloy wheels
    • Sport seats
    • Shadowline exterior trim
    • Anthracite headliner
    • Option to choose up to four additional packages (including the M Sport Package, Active Ventilated Seat Package, Convenience Package, Cold Weather Package, and Technology package)

With the 2011 Vehicle Season quickly approaching, here is a blog miniseries that provides an overview of some of the exciting new and updated 2011 BMWs and MINIs.  In this first installment of the 2011 BMW & MINI Lineup Miniseries, I will focus on the Limited Edition Vehicles being offered for the 2011 Season.

Check back next week for part two of the blog miniseries about the innovative changes BMW has in store for its 2011 Ultimate Driving Machines.

The 2011 Limited Edition BMW Frozen Gray M3 Coupe

The BMW M3 is celebrating its 25^th birthday in style.  To mark the celebration of a quarter of a century of unrivaled driving power and elegance, BMW introduced the Limited Edition 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe.  With only 30 models being produced, M enthusiasts jumped at the chance to reserve one of these rare and exciting vehicles on June 21, 2010.  Less than 15 minutes after the 2011 BMW Frozen Gray M3 Coupe Reservation Hotline opened, all 30 vehicles had been reserved.

The 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe embodies the BMW tradition of innovation and passion for driving.  It has been described as “the most dynamic and exclusive M3” ever to hit the US market.

The 30 limited edition vehicles feature a special matte-gray paint with a deep metallic luster that accentuates the M3’s athletic contours.  The 2011 Frozen Gray M3 also has a unique interior: Fox Red/Black bi-color Novillo leather.

Equipment List: 2011 BMW Frozen Gray M3 Coupe

• BMW Individual Frozen Gray Metallic exterior paint.
• BMW Individual bi-color (black with red) Novillo Leather interior.
• M DCT Transmission (lowers the 0-60mph acceleration time of the M3 to 4.5 seconds from 4.7)
• All-new 4.0-liter, 414-horsepower V8 engine with eight individual throttle bodies and an 8,400-rpm redline.
• Competition Package
  • Electronic Damping Control, 19’’ light-alloy wheels, lowered suspension, sport mapping for EDC and DSC.
• Premium Package
  • Power folding mirrors, universal garage door opener, digital compass mirror, BMW Assist with Bluetooth, Novillo Leather, Carbon Leather trim.
• Technology Package
  • M Drive system, Comfort Access system, Navigation system, Voice Command system, Real Time Traffic Information system.
• Heated Front Seats

Picture this: you are motoring down Highway 89A from Flagstaff to Sedona, Arizona. The switchbacks keep you on your toes as the beautiful scenery takes your breath away. The winding, narrow road brings you further and further downhill.  This road is demanding, but it is nothing your Ultimate Driving Machine cannot handle.  Life doesn’t get any better than this!

All throughout America there are byways that provide this kind of thrilling ride.  These spectacular roads span the country from California to Rhode Island.  Some provide ultra-scenic relaxing driving; others provide special maneuvering challenges; while many offer the best of both worlds.

Here is a list of some of America’s best roads.  Which ones have you traveled?

Eastern Drives

The east coast offers a number of special roadways. One challenging example is the Taconic State Parkway, which starts in Westchester County, New York. Approved for construction back in 1923, the 105 mile long Taconic Parkway provides driving thrills, great scenery and a variety of driving terrains.

Another east coast gem is US Route1, which heads up along the coastline in Maine. Starting from the New Hampshire border in Kittery and running all the way up to the Canadian border, Route 1 passes through many small towns, all the time offering views of the Atlantic. With state parks, antique shops and lighthouses along the way, Route 1 is a great excuse to let loose on the road in your favorite BMW.

Colonial Escape

A driving tour of American History makes for a great escape.  For example, you could travel the beautiful areas of the mid-Atlantic that surround US historical sites in towns like Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg.  Referred to locally as America’s Historic Triangle, these three English colonial cities bring history to life and provide a great excuse to take a memorable road trip.

Colonial Parkway, a 24-mile scenic highway, is the exciting roadway that links these three historic towns. The sweeping curves and surrounding scenery allow drivers to get a first-hand look at the natural beauty of Virginia all while enjoying the ride.

Western Adventures

When one thinks of the west, a vision of rugged terrain usually comes to mind.  And many areas in the west don’t disappoint.   For example, the mountains in Montana offer a rugged driving landscape.  The Montana Scenic Loop is a great drive to enjoy spectacular scenery. Places along the way like Glacier Park and Flathead Lake give new meaning to seeing the country from the comfort of your vehicle.

California’s Highway 1 is an unforgettable drive. The portion of Highway 1 that is best known runs from San Luis Obispo to the city of San Francisco. The views that are available to drivers and passengers along the Pacific coast in places like Monterey, Santa Cruz and Big Sur cannot be rivaled.

BMW adds to the thrill

From the 550i GT to the M3, the 328i to the X3, BMWs offer driving excitement and performance. The performance-drive focus of BMW makes it a natural choice for maneuvering America’s best roads.

It’s coming!  Are you ready America?  In January 2011, the long anticipated MINI Cooper Countryman will be making its US debut.

What is the MINI Countryman?

The MINI Cooper Countryman is the first four-door member of the MINI family.  This brand new MINI crossover is the first MINI offered with optional four-wheel drive.   It comes in two versions: the MINI Cooper Countryman and the MINI Cooper S Countryman.   Both the MINI Cooper Countryman and MINI Cooper S Countryman come with the choice of an automatic or manual transmission and have six-speed configurations.

Power up in the S Version

This exciting new addition to the MINI Family uses BMW’s Valvetronic technology.  The turbocharged 1.6 liter engine found in the Mini Cooper S Countryman produces 184 horses for some spirited motoring. With the optional 6-speed manual gearbox and the paddle shifters, the Countryman offers more driving excitement than your typical crossover.

The higher-horsepower S Countryman also offers optional all-wheel drive. Drivers in snowy regions will find even more to love in a MINI. Under normal driving conditions all the power is directed to the front wheels.   When conditions require torque in the back, up to 50% of the power is allocated to the rear wheels. If the front wheels are stuck, the Countryman ALL4 system can direct up to 100% of turning power to the rear.

The Countryman:  Trendy and Practical

The MINI Cooper Countryman maintains the classic look of a MINI while adding more ground clearance and more size. It offers additional functional dimensions to the classic MINI as it can traverse snowy roads and be used to haul larger cargo.

Appearance-wise, the Countryman retains the MINI look while offering some new features including differently shaped headlights, aggressive bumpers, and four full-sized doors.  Safety features include anti lock brakes, traction control, anti-skid system, front-side airbags and curtain-side airbags.

The MINI Cooper Countryman: A Technology User’s Best Friend

The MINI connected platform in the Countryman may prove to be an iPhone users dream. The iPhone acts as a data terminal and displays the information on the Countryman’s LCD panel. Not only that, but all passengers have a place to plug in their phones and MP3 players at their seats.

Stay tuned for announcement of the arrival of the MINI Countryman at Habberstad Auto Group!

Summertime is officially here.  That means the time for sand, sun, surf, and family road trips has arrived!

If you are taking to the roads this summer, here are a few tips on how to save money on gas and make your trip even more enjoyable.

Driving used to be more fun when the cost of a gallon of gas was an afterthought. Gas was only twenty-five cents a gallon in the fifties. Although wages have increased since then, gas prices in the two, three and four dollar a gallon range have forced drivers to consider fuel prices before venturing on long trips.

Driving Habit Makeover

The person sitting in the driver’s seat can play a big role in cutting the cost of fuel; yes, that would be you. Driving style translates directly into fuel usage. A vehicle in motion uses the least amount of fuel. Braking and accelerating both consume more gas. Jumping on the brake at the last minute or hitting the brake often on the interstate both increase gas usage.

One way to use less gas then is to maintain greater car lengths between your car and the car in front of you on the interstate.  Leaving more room between cars leads to less braking.  This is not only safer driving, but more economical driving.

Gradual is the word to keep in mind. Gradual acceleration and gradual braking pay off in the fuel-savings category every time.

Simple Ideas Add Up

An open window causes drag. Rolling up a window can mean greater fuel mileage over the course of a trip. On the other hand, if you are in stop and go traffic and the temps outside are moderate, opening the windows and turning off the air will save gas.

A well-tuned engine can contribute to even greater savings. Regular tune-ups make a substantial difference in an engine’s efficiency. Another related idea is to read your owner’s manual and determine the correct frequency for air filter changes. A dirty filter forces more fuel into the mixture, increasing fuel usage and decreasing gas mileage.

And don’t forget tire pressure. The truth is that properly inflated tires can increase mileage by about 4% compared to under-inflated tires.

Some simple attention to your vehicle and your driving style can make that next trip easier on the budget.

Get into one of these Fuel Efficient Cars at Habberstad Auto Group

Check out the BMW 7 Series Active Hybrids

Check out the BMW Active Hybrid X6

Find out more about fuel efficient MINIs

BMW Driving School

Spirited driving, performance driving, it all means something more fun than ordinary driving. That’s why BMW created the BMW Performance Driving School Delivery Center. It allows drivers the opportunity to learn many forms of performance driving, all the time, having way too much fun.

The program’s aim is to increase the harmony between driver and machine. It teaches how to maximize vehicle performance by maximizing the drivers’ abilities. Four programs are offered, including the Driver’s Program, M School, Teen School and Motorcycle Rider Training. Each program is unique and includes a choice of courses. Each is hands-on and the fun quotient is always there.

M School

What kind of skills do pro-drivers work on daily? This is one way to find out firsthand. M School comes in five versions depending on skill level. Each course matches drivers with one of the incomparable M-series vehicles from BMW. Everything from elementary high-performance driving to the most challenging race track driving experience is available. One version of M school even combines a golf package with the thrill of learning high-performance driving. Can someone say ‘gift certificate?’

Teen School

Imagine your teen learning advanced driving techniques from a BMW Driver Training Instructor. Any teen who is at least 15, with a valid learners permit can qualify. The teen school is offered in one and two day versions with the two day version including more complex exercises and an array of vehicles.

Drivers’ Program

Learning how to control your vehicle and respond to adverse situations is the mark of a competent driver. BMW’s training pros help you master these skills with sufficient practice during either a one-day or two-day program.

The BMW Performance Driving School Delivery Center

All of this, and a motorcycle rider training school, are available at the BMW Performance Driving School Delivery Center. The facility, located in Greer South Carolina, was developed by BMW at a cost of $12 million. The school offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn important skills while having a great time.
It’s no wonder that the folks at the BMW Performance Driving School like to say, “Discover the joy of driving.”

Read more about the M Ultimate Driving Programs at Habberstad BMW’s Website

Schedule Your Ultimate Driving Class Today at BMW USA

In an era of economic uncertainty, the BMW name and product continue to triumph. BMW has reported year over year increases in both earnings and vehicle sales for the first quarter of 2010.  Greater demand for premium vehicles and an updated 5-Series both contribute to the results, according to BMW.

The MINI product line saw an increase of 13.6% during the quarter with expectations for sales demand in the second half of 2010 coming from the introduction of the MINI Countryman.

BMW owns Rolls Royce, which saw exceptionally remarkable sales numbers. With sales of 279 units during the first quarter of 2010, the company realized its best first quarter ever. A new model, the Ghost, accounted for 158 of the units sold.

Strong model and market sales
Quality and value are recognized in recovering economies, and this has benefited BMW during the first quarter of 2010.  Company-wide, sales were up substantially in the U.S. and Europe, while sales in China more than doubled.  Sales in emerging markets were also strong during 2009.

The new 5-Series Sedan, recently introduced, has seen excellent sales volume and the flagship 7-Series has recorded sales more than 54% ahead of the same period a year ago. The new 5-Series will account for 1 out of every 5 new BMW sales.

The leader in luxury

BMW is a powerhouse in the premium automotive market, operating internationally with 24 production sites in 13 countries.  During 2009, BMW sold 1.29 million cars and more than 87,000 motorcycles worldwide. The company has continued to increase its focus on ecological and social sustainability while building a product that brings real value to its owner.  This is why BMW is the world’s best-selling luxury car maker.

BMW has avoided red-ink during the economic malaise of recent years. Moderate economic recovery in many countries and several attractive, newly-revised products account for BMW’s impressive revenue and sales growth.

Electric Performer
This is a real electric vehicle based on the 1 Series Coupe, not a hybrid. It is carefully designed to maintain a 50-50 weight distribution for handling and performance by placing the electric motor at the rear axle and the battery in the center of the car. The focus will continue to be on handling and performance like the gas version of the 1 Series.

BMW will approach distribution of the new ActiveE much like it did with the MINI E electric MINI-Cooper, except on a grander scale. It plans to lease the vehicle to select customers in various locations around the country. Its predecessor, the MINI E was leased to about 450 customers in total.  Habberstad provided the MINI E vehicles to local government as part of a pilot program.

The ActiveE will begin its field trial with at least that many ActiveE vehicles. The experience gained through the MINI E fleet has directly translated into the development work that produced the ActiveE.
The seven cubic-feet of trunk space and the engineering that produced a battery that is optimized for temperature extremes are both products of the MINI E field trial.

Performance and practicality
Powering the ActiveE is a 125kW, 170hp electric motor producing 250Nm of torque and allowing for quick acceleration times. The dynamic balance produced by the intentional weight distribution allows for exceptional handling. The configuration of the lithium-ion battery, the electronics and electronic motor leave plenty of room for seating four adults along with luggage capacity in the trunk. From the back, the lack of an exhaust pipe tells you that this car is different.

BMW’s EfficientDynamics vehicle should provide about 100 miles of driving on a single charge. That charge takes approximately 4.5 hours when plugged into a conventional outlet. Outside appliqués make the ActiveE stand out from the conventional 1 Series Coupe. Lettering displays the unique features of this vehicle including ‘eDrive,’ EfficientDynamics’ and ‘ActiveE.’ A printed circuit design adorns the sides as well. It is still unmistakably a BMW.

The Mini Cooper has had a cult following for many years, but it was the purchase of the brand by BMW in 1995 that really accelerated its worldwide cult following. The British Mini and Mini Cooper were born in England in 1959. They quickly became legendary for driving enjoyment, their unique styling and convenience. Three Monte Carlo rally wins in the 1960’s was proof of the Mini’s capabilities.

Return of a Favorite

In the U.S., the Mini made an appearance in the ‘60s and then disappeared from our shores. When BMW took the helm of the company they breathed new life into the brand, and in 2002 it reappeared in the states after making an appearance at the Tokyo Auto Show in 2001. The new styling of the vehicle and the fun factor were once again big hits along with the convenient size. Less boxy but still maintaining the spirit of the originals, the MINI was a star again.

The current evolution of the MINI includes a redesign in 2007. The base and turbocharged power plants under the hood of the MINI provide up to 172 horsepower. With some serious torque numbers and small frame, a MINI is more fun per square inch than any other automobile. Handling is a hallmark of the MINI and everyone will become an enthusiast after the very first drive. This is a small car that goes fast.

Open Air Excitement

Add to this exciting combination of performance and instant-reaction style driving fun the joy of a drop-top, and you have just exceeded your wildest expectations of motoring fun.
Is it too simplistic to say that the MINI looks cool? The details look brawny for such a small car.
The unique design of the MINI places the wheels at the outside corners of the chassis. This design provides stability and great space utilization. The supercharged MINI Cooper S employs a 6-speed gearbox and other performance options. Putting that six-speed manual transmission through its paces is just part of the thrill of driving the MINI.

The original Mini was developed as an answer to the fuel crisis in Europe in the fifties. Today’s MINI does not disappoint in that category. With its combined 32 mpg, it qualified the MINI Cooper as a Kelley Blue Book Top Ten Green Cars. A fun drive with great looks, supplemented by exceptional fuel mileage; the fun without the guilt. The MINI hardtop, Convertible, Clubman and John Cooper Works, just too much fun.