All posts by Francis Mitterrand

News

BMW produced 1 million copies of the X1

In 2009, BMW introduced a subcompact luxury crossover, the BMW X1, based on the E90 3 Series. Due to its smaller size, increased efficiency, and a lower price tag, it is intended for a wide range of customers. The fact that the millionth copy of this car recently left the production lines shows how good the decision of the Bavarian company was.

This is the smallest SUV offered by BMW, and this anniversary is marked by the production of an electric version. Assembly takes place at the factory in Regensburg, which produces around 1,000 Series 1, Series X1 and X2 cars every day.

BMW recently announced plans to continue investing in this plant, which will mean an increase in production and several hundred new jobs. The total investment will be around 350 million euros.

The BMW Group Regensburg plant recently became the first automotive plant in the world to use an end-to-end digitized and automated process for the inspection, processing and marking of vehicle paint surfaces in standard production that relies on robots controlled by AI (artificial intelligence). This represents another step towards a digital and intelligently connected factory (BMW iFactory) in this region.

Source: BMW

Tuning

ABT RS7 Legacy Edition based on the Audi RS7

Two months ago ABT Sportsline presented the RS6 Legacy Edition, now the German tuner presented the RS7 Legacy Edition, based on the Audi RS7, which will be produced in 200 units.

The standard RS7 is powered by a 4.0L twin-turbo V8 engine with 630 hp (463 kW) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque. However, thanks to ABT’s turbocharger, new intercoolers, and new engine software, the RS7 Legacy Edition has 760 hp (559 kW) and 723 lb-ft (980 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to all wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. It reaches 62 mph in just 3.1 seconds, which is 0.5 seconds faster than the standard model.

The car is equipped with a modified suspension, new springs and anti-roll bars on the front and rear axles, a set of 22-inch gloss black forged wheels wrapped in 295/30 ZR22 Goodyear Eagle F1 Supersport tires. The company says the RS7 now has superior handling on dry roads and extremely balanced performance on wet roads.

The tuner has prepared a special equipment kit giving the car a more aggressive look, which includes front bonnet insert, front lip, front skirt inserts with the enlarged air intake grilles, wheel arch vent, mirror cap attachments, side skirt attachments and inserts, rear skirt insert and the contrasting rear wing made of carbon fiber. The four round ends of the exhaust pipes with a diameter of 102 mm, which are integrated into the rear diffuser, contribute to a better sound.

Source: ABT Sportsline

Gallery:

ABT RS7 Legacy Edition based on the Audi RS7
News

BMW increases production of the M3 Touring

A year ago, BMW introduced the M3 Touring as a response to rival models from Audi and Mercedes. The car exceeded all expectations when it came to demand, so BMW decided to increase production.

“If you want one, order it now. Demand is huge, it even surprised us. I think it’s a fantastic car and a great addition to the M family. Due to demand, we’ve increased production,” said Van Meel, head of BMW M division.

BMW M3 Touring is powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine with 510 hp (375 kW) and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque, in its most powerful version. It comes only in the Competition version with xDrive and 8-speed automatic transmission, and it can reach 62 mph in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 174 mph (280 km / h), with the M Driver option. Optionally, the driver can also choose the option of rear-wheel drive.

Inside, the car is equipped with a large display with a 12.3-inch instrument panel and a 14.9-inch multimedia system. Also, the volume of the trunk is from 500 to 1,500 liters, which is more than enough for families.

The M3 Touring is an outstanding car that showed its capabilities on one of the most famous racetracks in the world, the Nürburgring Nordschleife, when it set the fastest lap time in the station wagon category, showing the competition that it will be a serious competitor.

Source: BMW

Gallery:

BMW increases production of the M3 Touring