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BMW M6 gets new Competition Package

With 560 horsepower on tap, the BMW M6 is already plenty powerful and capable. Those looking for an extra boost, however, may be interested in the new Competition Package. While BMW already offered a Competition Package before, the new one is even more powerful. Where the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 in the standard M6 produces 560 hp and the previous Competition Package boosted that to 575, the new one bumps it up to a nice round 600 – torque jumping from the standard 501 lb-ft to 516 with the new package. That means the M6 Coupe with the new package in place will now run to 62 miles per hour from a standstill in 3.9 seconds and on to 124 mph in 11.8. Top speed is electronically limited (as usual) to 155 mph, but can be derestricted to 189 if you also specify the M Driver's Package. Of course, this upgraded M6 isn't all about straightline speed: the package also includes firmer springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, as well as a retuned differential, steering and stability control. Unique 20-inch alloys and black chrome tailpipes also form part of the package that will be available for the M6 Coupe, Gran Coupe and Convertible starting in July. Before you get too excited, keep in mind this announcement is for Europe. We're standing by for information on US availability. In the meantime, check out all the details in the press release below. More potent Competition Package for BMW M6 Coupe, BMW M6 Gran Coupe and BMW M6 Convertible. Munich. In July 2015 BMW M GmbH will replace the existing Competition Package for the BMW M6 Coupe, BMW M6 Gran Coupe and BMW M6 Convertible with an upgraded version. The new Competition Package has been developed with a keen eye on enhancing driving dynamics. It includes a power boost for the 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology (BMW M6 Coupe/BMW M6 Gran Coupe/BMW M6 Convertible: fuel consumption combined: 9.9/9.9/10.3 l/100 km [28.5/28.5/27.4 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 231/231/239 g/km)* of 29 kW/40 hp over the standard unit, to 441 kW/600 hp. Peak torque also rises, from 680 Nm (501 lb-ft) in standard tune to 700 Nm (516 lb-ft), and is available across an extremely wide rev band – between 1,500 and 6,000 rpm. New personal best for the BMW M6 Coupe: 0 – 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.8 seconds. The three model variants impress with outstanding performance when fitted with the new optional Competition Package.

BMW will electrify all brands and model lines, including Mini

BMW has announced that it plans to produce a fully electric version of the three-door hatchback Mini. The car will go into production in 2019, and the battery electric drivetrain will be produced at BMW's Bavarian facilities, then transported to Plant Oxford where it will join the cars. BMW says there will remain a diesel variant in addition to the petrol, plug-in hybrid, and EV versions of the Mini. No prototype shots have been released of the upcoming cars; the current one was unveiled in late 2013. The UK production location isn't the only place where BMW builds Minis, as the former Volvo/Mitsubishi/Smart NedCar plant in the Netherlands has been tooled to build some of the 360,000 Minis built yearly. According to the BBC, UK Business Secretary Greg Clark considers the choice to build EV Minis in Britain a "vote of confidence" despite Brexit, and that it would see battery technology development boosted in the UK. By the time the EV version starts production, UK will likely have already left the European Union. The electrification of the Mini is part of BMW Group's continuing addition of full-electric or plug-in versions to all its brands and model series. Of all the vehicles it will sell in 2025, 15-25 percent will be electrified in one way or the other. Similarly to Volvo, BMW sees flexible production to be in a key position in the future: The facilities would have to be able to build all versions at the same time, as markets fluctuate depending on incentives and infrastructure. If EVs sell strongly, the production process can quickly respond to the demand. An electric Mini underwent trials back in 2008, so the full-scale production vehicle would have over a decade's worth of engineering behind it. Green BMW MINI mini ev bmw group

BMW i3 qualifies for both green and white HOV stickers in California

BMW buyers tend to have enough cash on hand to be buffered from the concept of "sticker shock," but the term may take on a different meaning when it comes to the German automaker's i3 plug-in vehicle and its classification by California clean-air regulators. The first i3 EVs are set to be sold in May, and some are questioning if the new car will be eligible for the state's white stickers or green High-Occupancy Vehicle lane stickers, both of which allow for solo-occupancy in HOV lanes. California gives out white stickers to some types of battery-electric vehicles, compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, and there's currently no limit on the number that can be given out. The green stickers, which are applied to other battery electrics as well as some plug-in hybrids, are limited (there are currently about 15,000 left) and will likely run out within the next year or two. The i3's status is uncertain because of it has an optional gas-powered range-extender. Jacob Harb, head of electric vehicle operations and strategy for BMW, told AutoblogGreen that it's not all that complicated. The pure electric version of the i3 will get the white sticker, the REx version will get the green sticker. He also said that both will qualify for the $2,500 state incentive in California and the $7,500 federal tax credit available in all 50 states (For what it's worth, Green Car Reports says the REx version will only get $1,500 from California). Read Autoblog's First Drive impressions of the i3 here.