2003 Bmw M3 Base Convertible 2-door 3.2l on 2040-cars

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BMW i3 to start at $41,350*

With a week to go before the global debut of the BMW i3, BMW has announced pricing for its first-ever production electric vehicle. The all-electric version of the i3 goes on sale in the second quarter of next year with a starting price of $41,350 (*not including $925 for destination nor any applicable government tax credits).
Some of the pricing elements for the i3 that BMW continues to withhold are the cost of the model using a gasoline motorcycle engine as a range-extending generator, or that of the DC Fast Charge option. This latter feature will allow the i3's depleted lithium-ion battery pack to get an 80 percent charge in just 20 minutes; for comparison's sake, the DC quick charge feature is a $750 option on the 2014 Chevy Spark EV.
Sure, we've already driven the BMW i3, but the production version of the BMW EV - promising the interior space of a BMW 3 Series - will be unveiled next week at simultaneous ceremonies in New York, London and Beijing. Scroll down for BMW's brief press blast regarding its upcoming i3.

2016 BMW X1 will be second model on company's front-drive platform

BMW is putting a lot of its chips on the success of its forthcoming front-wheel drive models, and it's making a big bet on the company's future in hoping that customers will accept them. Its front-driving UKL platform is underpinning not just the current crop of Minis but a host of BMW vehicles too. The rollout starts with the 2 Series Active Tourer in Europe later this year. But the Bavarian brand confirms to Automotive News Europe that the next one is the X1 crossover, slated to come to Europe next June. It will also be joined by the X2 next summer, confirming earlier rumors about the fashionable CUV's existence.
As the previous spy photos suggest, the X1 is even smaller than the current model, and it supposedly uses the same crop of turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder and 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines as Mini. But according to Automotive News Europe, the little guy is getting an extended, three-row version for the US, Russia and China. Like with the X4 or X6, the X2 shares most of the mechanical parts with its more conventional-looking sibling but features sleeker styling.
To make all of these UKL-based models possible, BMW is sharing development among them as much as is practical. According to Automotive News Europe, the next generations of the Mini Countryman, Clubman, X1 and X2 share the same electrical systems, drivetrains and more. Adding in the Active Tourer and still mysterious Family Active Sports Tourer to the mix, and the result is a big gamble that needs to go Bimmer's way.

Meet the inventor of the BMW 3 Series wagon

It's hard to imagine, but once upon a time, there were only two BMW 3 Series variants: the coupe and sedan. Back before gran coupes, convertibles and yes, even touring models were available, buyers could only get their 3 Series fix if it came with two or four doors and a fixed roof. Back in the mid '80s, BMW engineer Max Reisbock was having some trouble fitting his whole family into his four door. Rather than suck it up and buy a van, he picked up a wrecked 3 Series and got to cutting in a buddy's garage. Months later, he had the very first 3 Series Touring ever built.
At first, he kept the the car to himself, using it to haul friends and family around, but he eventually showed it off to his friends at work. When the BMW executives found out about his project, they called him up to take a closer look. After putting an eyeball on the car, they took it, copied his design, made a few tweaks and quickly rolled out the first production 3 Series Touring. How's that for validation? Check out the video below for Reisbock's story.