My Perfect Automobile » BMW

Hybrid Market Share Grew 41 Percent in 2012

Larry Bell — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:05:18 +0000

Hybrid car sales (pictured: Toyota Camry hybrid)

The market share for hybrid car sales grew by 41 percent in 2012, according to an extensive study done by Experian Automotive. Total overall market share for hybrids stands at 3.1 percent and is expect to continue climbing in each quarter of 2013. Experian also analyzed characteristics of borrowers who purchased hybrid cars. The company found that hybrid purchasers had higher credit ratings, on average, than buyers of non-hybrid automobiles. A company spokesperson said, “Hybrid vehicle owners have long been perceived as environmentally conscious consumers. While they may have made the vehicle purchase due to caring for the environment, our research shows that hybrid owners are economically-minded as well.”

Hybrid Car Sales: Video

For a close-up look at the BMW i8 hybrid sports car doing the circuit at Nurburgring, see the short video clip above. When hybrid car sales kick into high gear, the 2014 BMW i8 will already be on the streets. Set for a late 2013 production date, the car is the final evolution of BMW’s Vision Efficient-Dynamics concept, which made auto show rounds several years ago. The high-performance hybrid boasts a combined 349 horsepower and a 4.6-second ZTS (zero-to-sixty) time. According to BMW, the i8 will achieve 78 mpg and will be able to roll for 22 miles on electric power alone. The gasoline engine in the i8 is a 6-cylinder, 3.0-liter. The car was one of the more popular show pieces for BMW on the international auto show circuit.

Hybrid Car Sales

Experian’s study summary noted that the average dollar amount financed for a hybrid purchase was $25,807, with an average monthly payment of $461. Buyers of new hybrid cars had credit ratings of 790, compared to the average U.S. score of 755 for buyers of non-hybrid cars.

For more about the company that compiled the data for the hybrid car sales study, see Experian’s official corporate website:
http://www.experian.com

Larry Bell

Larry Bell + is My Perfect Automobile’s Genius Author, but we call him ‘The Expert‘. Here is his full Blog: My Perfect Automobile. Larry lives in San Jose, CA and is also the Expert Author. Larry is a lover of the Automobile as well and shares a passion for Concept, Hybrid and Electric Cars…

Shanghai Auto Show Preview: Unveilings Abound

Larry Bell — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:42:49 +0000

Shanghai Auto Show: Panamera S E-Hybrid will be on display

When the Shanghai Auto Show opens this weekend, the event will play host to the debut of dozens of new cars from a variety of global automakers. Besides the much-anticipated Porsche Panamera S E-Hybrid, Porsche’s first-ever plug-in, Shanghai will witness the unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz Concept GLA crossover, the Lamborghini Aventador LP 720-4 (fiftieth anniversary edition), and two versions of the 2015 Audi A3.

Shanghai Auto Show: Video

See the video clip above for a thorough review of the Porsche Panamera S Hybrid. The plug-in version of this car will be in Shanghai, though interior styling is nearly the same, and much of the hybrid drivetrain is similar except for the plug-in capability of course. Porsche billed the S Hybrid as the most fuel-efficient vehicle the company has ever created when it was introduced. It boasts 41.5 mpg and an extremely low carbon emission level. As the reviewer notes, Panamera S Hybrid runs cleaner and more economically than the Volkswagen Passat 1.8 TSI. Able to reach 62 mph in just six seconds, the Panamera S Hybrid knocks out a blazing top speed of 167 mph.

Shanghai Auto Show

Adding to the barrage of unveilings, BMW will take the cover off its newest concept model, the X4, a coupe crossover. One of the concepts that is getting a lot of media attention ahead of the show is the Icona Vulcano Concept, created by an Italian design company that is based in China. The Vulcano is a supercar that burns pavement at an astonishing 217 mph and packs a whopping 900 horsepower and a V-12 engine under its hood.

The Panamera S E-Hybrid is expected to be one of the biggest crowd magnets at the Shanghai event. The car carries a sticker base price of $99,975. Shanghai is the debut for the plug-in version, Porsche’s first car of this type. The Shanghai Auto Show has become one of Asia’s premier events for the industry.

For all the latest official updates about the Shanghai Auto Show, visit the event’s English language website:
http://autoshanghai.auto-fairs.com/en/leftnavigation/information

Larry Bell

BMW Reveals Data on ActiveE Pilot Program

Larry Bell — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:50:44 +0000

BMW ActiveE electric car

BMW has announced the availability of an online tool that lets uses see data from its ActiveE electric car pilot project. For the past 15 months, the company has been running field tests of its all-electric ActiveE sedans. Now, the German automaker wants to woo potential EV buyers by showing the actual range, savings and other green stats for the cars. An official BMW press release points out that online data will assist consumers who are, “…considering an electric vehicle purchase…”

BMW ActiveE: Video

Watch the short video clip above to get an up-close look at the newest green model from BMW, the ActiveE. Currently in its pilot testing phase, the car is racking up massive amounts of data for use by engineers, designers and company executives. Allowing the public to view much of the database is an industry first, by which BMW hopes to win converts to electric drive and green transportation in general. While watching the walk-around from the most recent New York Auto Show, notice the luxurious design touches on the interior of the vehicle, as well as the futuristic, aerodynamic body styling. Green or not, the ActiveE could turn heads in any auto showroom.

BMW ActiveE Data

The test fleet has already covered more than 6 million miles, avoided using 275,000 gallons of gasoline, and toted a combined fuel savings of nearly three-quarters of a million dollars. One of the primary beneficiaries of the data deluge will be BMW itself, who intends to use the information when the all-electric i3 becomes a production car later in 2013. That vehicle is an electric plug-in that features a carbon-fiber body. As for the ActiveE program, BMW does not plan to make, sell or lease the vehicle once the pilot project is complete.

For more information about the ActiveE, see the company’s official website for the car:
http://www.bmwusa.com/activee

Larry Bell

Luxury Cars for Sale: How to Sell Your High-End Ride

Larry Bell — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 13:03:10 +0000

Cadillac ELR hybrid-electric luxury car

When selling a luxury car online, experts recommend using several photos along with detailed descriptions. As with any higher-priced item, potential buyers want to know exactly what they are getting for their money. That’s why it is an absolute necessity to post high quality pictures in the listing. When you place an ad under the “Luxury Cars for Sale” section, take a bit more time with the description than you would with a lower-priced model. In this case, details are very important.

How to Prep Luxury Cars for Sale: Video

For one of the better instructional videos about how to prep a car for private sale, see the clip above. Though most of the advice could apply to any car, the film tends toward luxury vehicles specifically. In fact, you might recognize the sample car if you are a luxury vehicle enthusiast.
Note: Because the video was made for a UK audience, ignore the end section about legal paperwork. There is much less red tape involved when selling a used car in the U.S.

Top 10 Luxury Cars for Sale in U.S.

The car you are trying to buy or sell need not be in the top-10 listing of 2012 luxury cars for sale, but it is good to know what shoppers are looking for. Six through ten on the list, in order, are the Infiniti G, Acura MDX, Cadillac CTS, Cadillac SRX, and the Hyundai Genesis. Number five is the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, while BMW vehicles hold third and fourth places. Fourth is the BMW 5-Series. Third place is BMW’s 3-Series. The number two best-selling luxury car is the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Taking the top spot on the list is the elegant Lexus RS. For those keeping track, that makes four Asian brands, four German brands, and two U.S. cars (both Cadillacs!) in the top ten.

If you are preparing to sell or buy a luxury vehicle, use the following information site to acquaint yourself with the history of the segment, learn about the different types of luxury cars (compact, entry-level, mid-level, and high-end, for example), and become conversant with common jargon that goes with the territory.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Luxury_vehicle

To shop for or sell a car of any kind, begin at one of the highest-volume vehicle transaction sites on the Internet (link below). In less than five minutes you can have your vehicle listed, or locate the ideal car to suit your needs.
http://myperfectautomobile.com/classified/

Larry Bell

BMW Plug-In Ready for NY Show

Larry Bell — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:35:07 +0000

BMW Plug-In Concept Active Tourer

BMW will pull the curtain on its Concept Active Tourer hybrid plug-in at the upcoming New York Auto Show. The 3-cylinder hybrid joins two other BMW vehicles that will be front and center at the New York event, namely the GT and the 328d diesel, which will be making its world debut at the show. The automaker’s 3 Series family includes several compact cars in its lineup. The 328d joins two other fresh faces, a hatchback and a wagon, in the 3 Series category. The New York International Auto Show runs from Mar. 29 through April 7.

BMW: Video

See the short video clip above for some up-close photos of the BMW Concept Active Tourer, from its recent display duties at the Paris Auto Show. Looking somewhat similar to the automaker’s SUVs in design, the entire look is more akin to the BMW 3 Series cars. The front-wheel-drive Active Tourer reaches 62 mph in less than eight seconds and features a 190-horsepower engine system with a top speed of 124 mph. Early reports indicate that the hybrid Tourer will achieve a 94 mpg rating.

BMW

Since 2004, the 1 Series has been BMW’s smallest vehicle, while the company’s largest cars are the 7 Series models. According to a long-standing BMW engineering tradition, the automaker uses the 7 Series to introduce new features and technological components. Hydrogen power and the iDrive system found their way into the BMW family via the 7 Series lineup.
BMW began producing motorcycles in the early 1920s. It wasn’t until the end of that decade, in 1929, that the company ventured into the automotive manufacturing business, offering its first car, the Dixi, a reworked British Austin that BMW had licensed.
For more about BMW automobiles see the company’s official website:
http://www.bmw.com

Larry Bell

BMW i3 Electric: Update

Larry Bell — Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:20:59 +0000

BMW i3 electric concept car

For the first time ever, BMW is showing its i3 electric coupe in Europe, at the ongoing Geneva Motor Show. Unlike other EV displays, the German automaker is emphasizing the car’s eDrive technology, which includes a very smart GPS system that considers traffic patterns and hill grades. BMW has not released official range numbers except to say the car travels about 100 miles on a charge, depending upon traffic, terrain, and driving mode.

BMW i3: Video

The video clip below is an official BMW production, featuring the i3 Coupe running through a variety of typical daily activities. From trip -planning to finding a parking spot, the techno bells and whistles of the i3 are as functional as they are trendy. BMW refers to this concept as “reinventing mobility,” and the i3 as a “mega city vehicle,” which is advertising shorthand for “small electric car designed for urban driving.” Either way, the i3 looks sporty for an EV, shows off an ultra-modern exterior design, and carries the prestigious BMW badge. That’s quite a package.

BMW i3 EV

According to the company’s press release, there could be an extended-range modification to the i3 coming up soon. That development would mean that BMW essentially goes the way of Chevrolet’s Volt and Cadillac’s ELR, which would be a new direction for the German manufacturer. Interestingly, BMW did not build the i3, or the i8 for that matter, onto an existing platform, instead choosing to create entirely new designs for each car.

BMW has also hinted at an extended-range “package,” which would include the offer of a standard vehicle for long trips. Apparently, an i3 owner could reserve a non-electric BMW vehicle from the dealership for a specified number of days per year. This provision would take care of the “long trip” anxiety that many prospective EV owners mention in surveys.

For more about the new BMW i3 electric car, see the automaker’s dedicated page for the vehicle:
http://www.bmw-i.com/en_ww/bmw-i3/

Larry Bell

Wireless Charging Could Beat Range Anxiety

Larry Bell — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 20:50:22 +0000

Wireless charging system diagram

A new study from Pike Research suggests that wireless charging systems could go a long way toward alleviating consumer range anxiety associated with electric vehicles. Pike’s data estimates that there will be more than 280,000 wireless charging points by the end of this decade. Because the units can be embedded in roadways and public parking spaces, some look at inductive charging as a way to top-off a car battery while it idles at a stoplight or sits in rush hour traffic.

Wireless Charging: Video

There is a valid reason why car owners want wireless charging. It’s convenient. In the video clip that follows, Plugless Power walks us through their standard inductive unit for passenger cars. The system is installed in the garage and merely requires that the driver position the vehicle over a small floor device. As the narrator explains, there is actually an on-screen guiding system to make the whole thing goof-proof. Whenever the owner of an inductive unit wants to physically plug in, for whatever reason, there is no need to use the wireless method. The freedom of choice to switch between plug and plug-less is perhaps the most attractive feature of the Plugless Power inductive charging device.

Wireless Charging

Since the beginning of 2011, every major carmaker has investigated wireless charging, and most have created partnerships with firms who build the devices. Nissan and BMW, to name just two companies, have already found partners that will help them produce the inductive technology for the new wave of electric vehicles that will hit the roads, and showrooms, by 2015. In Italy, electric buses use wireless charging units that are embedded at each stop, allowing the vehicles to drive their entire route without having to plug in.

For more information about one company that makes inductive charging systems for cars, see the following corporate website for Plugless Power:
http://www.pluglesspower.com/
For a look at Pike Research, see their company’s website:
http://www.pikeresearch.com

Larry Bell

These Cars Park Themselves

Larry Bell — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 20:55:27 +0000

Cars that park themselves: Prius V

In the world of hybrid-electric cars, many concepts have now become commonplace, especially those related to so-called “mild hybrid” systems. Several automakers now offer hybrid and non-hybrid vehicles that feature start-stop technology, regenerative braking, and collision-avoidance systems. One of the most talked about new features on modern cars has to do with assisted parking. Sometimes referred to as auto-park, parking assist, or a similar term, the system uses cameras and sensors to do what most drivers consider an unpleasant job.

Parallel Parking World Record: Video

No need to speak German to understand what is going on in the following video clip. The situation is self-explanatory. In fact, this is official Guinness World Record footage of a human doing what most humans hate to do, namely parallel parking. Forget about cars that can park themselves, this guy can do it faster, better, and in reverse. Just don’t try this at home. Seriously. Note that they do not show us how many times he had to practice in order to get this little move down. Regardless, when it comes to parallel parking, quickly, Ronny C. Rock is your guy.

Cars That Park Themselves

Toyota offers an auto-parking system on its Prius V as an option, as does Ford Focus Titanium. Ford also has an Escape SUV with the feature. Land Rover’s Range Rover Evoque SUV and the Mercedes-Benz GL350 both feature automatic parallel parking technology, the centerpiece of which is a surround-view camera component. BMW says that about ten percent of buyers go for the “Park Assistant” feature, which is available as an option on many of its models. As the luxury cars slowly introduce auto-park systems, watch for the technology to become standard on more cars in the near future. Historically, parking has been one of the least liked parts of the driving experience.

For more about Toyota Motor Co., see the Japanese automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.toyota.com

Larry Bell

BMW i3 Concept EV: New Video

Larry Bell — Mon, 17 Dec 2012 14:51:44 +0000

BMW i3 Concept

BMW this week released the first video of it i3 Coupe in action. With full narration that indicates key specs for the car, the BMW concept EV looks light, airy, and sleek. Boasting a quick-charge time of only 30 minutes (up to 80 percent of charge), the car’s horsepower is reported at 170. Scroll down for the entire video clip. Weight reduction and sustainability are high on the list of pluses for the first electric car from BMW, while all driving controls are on the steering column, which makes for a condensed, efficient feel on the inside.

BMW i3 Coupe

The video footage that everyone has been talking about is below. It is a BMW in-house production, long-form advertisement for the i3 electric car, which is expected to arrive in showrooms toward the end of 2013. BMW calls the car a “study for sustainable premium-class motoring.” The open design, featuring lots of glass and light, has been enhanced by aerodynamic body panels for a sleek, modern look. The use of lightweight materials causes an efficient, ergonomic ride. Company literature says the i3 will travel 100 miles on a single charge. This first-ever all-electric car from BMW’s i brand will face plenty of competition for style and price from other large automakers. In any case, from the looks of the latest video, the i3 will be a formidable competitor in the marketplace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBORWBmzpHc

BMW i3 Coupe EV

In order to enhance visibility for passengers and driver, BMW has loaded the i3 with glass, which creates an interior space that evokes a lightweight, open-air ambiance. Even with a motor that delivers 184 foot-pounds of torque, the i3’s carbon components result in a vehicle that is lighter than most all-electrics, at approximately 2,640 pounds.

For more about all of BMW’s vehicles, see the automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.bmw.com

Larry Bell

LA Auto Show Wrap Up: Top 3 Electric Cars

Larry Bell — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 00:09:39 +0000

BMW i3 concept electric car

Amid the hoopla of the LA Auto Show, it is easy to forget that this is one of the greenest shows in history. As the big event winds down to its final weekend, three electric cars stand out as having made their mark on California’s largest vehicular gala. The BMW i3 Coupe, Chevrolet’s Spark EV, and the Fiat 500e were all hits with the public and media. Chevy and Fiat will begin selling their new EV models sometime after the middle of 2013. Spark’s sticker after rebates and tax incentives will be about $25,000. Fiat has not yet revealed the pricing for its eye-catching 500e.

LA Auto Show: Video

For a brief review of the BMW i3 Coupe concept electric car, fresh from its debut at the LA Auto Show, watch the following clip and see if you agree with the reviewer. He says the car’s strong point is its design and range, which can be boosted from 100 miles-per-charge up to 120 miles with utilization of the Eco Pro mode. There is even a more miserly driving mode (Eco Pro Plus) that turns off all unnecessary functions to save energy and boost electric range by a few more miles. The rear-wheel drive EV does not look like a sports car. It looks like a really snazzy EV that came from the mind of BMW’s design and engineering team. One of the stars of this year’s LA Auto Show, watch for the BMW i3 electric coupe to be a hit once it lands in showrooms sometime next year. Sticker price is expected to be in the $48,000 range.

For anything and everything about the LA Auto Show, whether you want to attend on the final weekend of 2012 or need info about next year’s event, see the official website below:
http://www.laautoshow.com

Larry Bell

BMW i8 Hybrid Headed to LA

Larry Bell — Thu, 22 Nov 2012 10:18:36 +0000

BMW i8: Ready for LA Auto Show

The BMW i8 Concept Roadster made its initial appearance as part of the Born Electric Tour, but this year it will be on display at the LA Auto Show, along with some other members of the automaker’s elite fleet. The i8 Concept Roadster reaches 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and boasts a total power output of 354 horsepower. The sports car features lightweight construction consisting primarily of carbon fiber, and cutting-edge hybrid technology. Though not an official statistic, most experts think the i8 will achieve 78 mpg.

BMW i8: Video

The following video clip provides an excellent close-up look at the BMW i8, featuring a short discussion with Henrik Wenders, BMW’s i8 Concept product management chief. Wenders knows the i8 inside and out. Listening to him describe what it feels like to drive it gives a unique glimpse into the incredible vehicle that looks, and from what we hear, feels like no other car ever made. As Wenders points out, the creation of the i8 was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the engineers because major carmakers very rarely allow a team to design a car from scratch. Fortunately, BMW had the foresight to let this talented group loose, and the result is the i8. Were they successful? You be the judge.

BMW i8

The i8 is a plug-in hybrid-drive vehicle that is loaded with futuristic components and design flourishes that include swivel-up doors and electric kickboards that hide under the body. Part of BMW’s LifeDrive design series, the i8 Concept Roadster holds both an electric motor and a combustion engine. Since its debut, the car has been a crowd magnet at every auto show where it goes on display, and Los Angeles will be no exception. The car has a top speed of 155 mph, a combined range of 300 miles, and a pure-electric range of 20 miles.

For more about BMW, see the automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.bmw.com

Larry Bell

BMW i4 EV Concept Ready for Show

Larry Bell — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 23:21:51 +0000

BMW i3 concept electric car

Unconfirmed media sources are reporting that BMW will bring its i4 concept car to the 2012 LA Auto Show next month. Apparently, the new concept is based on the BMW i3, which made its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Virtually no specs for the i4 are known, but if the car indeed turns out to be a sportier version of its predecessor, then it could include the i3’s ultra-lightweight chassis, 170-hp motor, and a range-extender engine as well. Because the LA Auto Show is known for its technical emphasis, if BMW were to bring out a fresh concept car like the i4, this final show of 2012 would be an ideal venue.

BMW: Video

The video clip below provides a basic interior and exterior look, as well as a ‘virtual test drive’ in a BMW i3 concept car, the vehicle upon which the upcoming i4 is to be based. A high-tech extravaganza, the i3, as we see in the clip, is outfitted with every connectivity feature imaginable. It is intended mainly for city travel, as will likely be the case with its offspring, the i4. Both cars are part of the company’s ‘Project i,’ which eventually will be its own brand, BMW i. The i3, which will offer a range-extender option, made its debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, while a prototype was on display at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

BMW i

BMW created the i brand to promote environmental cars. After ‘Project i’ was begun in early 2011, BMW introduced the i3 and the i8, a battery-electric car and a plug-in hybrid, respectively. Concept models of each car were unveiled in 2011.

For the entire BMW lineup of vehicles, both production and concept, see the automaker’s official corporate website:
http://www.bmw.com

Larry Bell