2012 BMW 5-Series Hybrid Spied

If you understood the above sentence and you are an American or Canadian Bimmer fan, you are indeed "hard core." For the rest who don't remember their high school German, the phrase freude im fahren means "Joy in Driving" - a description of the BMW that few of its fans would argue with.

Of course, even the stock BMW 5 series audio system is head and shoulders above many custom automotive sound systems. Standard BMW 5 series stereos and BMW X5 audio systems have earned high praise from prestigious websites such as Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book and Cars.com as well as high-profile publications like Car and Driver and Motor Trend. Even the BMW Z3 audio system has scored high marks among members of the automotive community - no mean feat for an open convertible.

So - what does one do when the best isn't good enough?

If your standards as an audiophile are impossibly high, you'll be happy to know that there are many BMW 5 Series audio upgrades available, as well as for other BMW models. If you are fortunate enough to own a new vehicle with the one of the latest BMW 5 series stereos or a state-of-the-art BMW X5 audio system by Harman-Kardon, this may be less of an issue for you. However, if you own an older - but still serviceable - Z3 built prior to 2006, you'll still find numerous BMW Z3 audio system upgrades available.

The best part is that even the more expensive BMW 5 Series audio system upgrade still costs under $600 - and many can be had for substantially less. These include elaborate systems that you'd be well advised to have installed professionally as well as simple "plug-and-play" BMW 5 Series stereos with coaxial speakers that can be mounted anywhere in the vehicle.

It's no secret that BMW is preparing a hybrid version of its latest generation [F10] 5-Series sedan as the Bavarian automaker teased the model at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show with the Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid study. And even though the prototype model seen in our latest spy pictures carries the 535i badge, the "Hybrid Test Vehicle" label on the boot pretty much explains everything.

Being a test mule, the prototype doesn't feature any of the (few) unique styling cues of the concept model, such as the LED strips, different front apron and special alloy wheels, but we assume these details will make it into the production car.

Underneath the body work, we expect to see a similar setup to the concept vehicle, which made use of BMW's straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology (same as the one found in the 535i), an eight-speed automatic transmission, and an electric drive capable of delivering up to 54HP (40kW). Given that the 3.0-liter turbo is rated in the U.S. at 300 hp, the combined system output should be around the 340 hp mark.

According to BMW, the hybrid powertrain reduces both fuel consumption and emissions by more than 10 per cent over the conventional version, while it also allows all-electric, zero-emission motoring at low speeds.

The production version of the 5-Series Hybrid could be introduced at a major international car show as early as next year with sales most likely to follow in 2012.

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2012 BMW 5-Series Hybrid Spied

If you understood the above sentence and you are an American or Canadian Bimmer fan, you are indeed "hard core." For the rest who don't remember their high school German, the phrase freude im fahren means "Joy in Driving" - a description of the BMW that few of its fans would argue with.

Of course, even the stock BMW 5 series audio system is head and shoulders above many custom automotive sound systems. Standard BMW 5 series stereos and BMW X5 audio systems have earned high praise from prestigious websites such as Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book and Cars.com as well as high-profile publications like Car and Driver and Motor Trend. Even the BMW Z3 audio system has scored high marks among members of the automotive community - no mean feat for an open convertible.

So - what does one do when the best isn't good enough?

If your standards as an audiophile are impossibly high, you'll be happy to know that there are many BMW 5 Series audio upgrades available, as well as for other BMW models. If you are fortunate enough to own a new vehicle with the one of the latest BMW 5 series stereos or a state-of-the-art BMW X5 audio system by Harman-Kardon, this may be less of an issue for you. However, if you own an older - but still serviceable - Z3 built prior to 2006, you'll still find numerous BMW Z3 audio system upgrades available.

The best part is that even the more expensive BMW 5 Series audio system upgrade still costs under $600 - and many can be had for substantially less. These include elaborate systems that you'd be well advised to have installed professionally as well as simple "plug-and-play" BMW 5 Series stereos with coaxial speakers that can be mounted anywhere in the vehicle.

It's no secret that BMW is preparing a hybrid version of its latest generation [F10] 5-Series sedan as the Bavarian automaker teased the model at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show with the Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid study. And even though the prototype model seen in our latest spy pictures carries the 535i badge, the "Hybrid Test Vehicle" label on the boot pretty much explains everything.

Being a test mule, the prototype doesn't feature any of the (few) unique styling cues of the concept model, such as the LED strips, different front apron and special alloy wheels, but we assume these details will make it into the production car.

Underneath the body work, we expect to see a similar setup to the concept vehicle, which made use of BMW's straight-six gasoline engine with TwinPower Turbo technology (same as the one found in the 535i), an eight-speed automatic transmission, and an electric drive capable of delivering up to 54HP (40kW). Given that the 3.0-liter turbo is rated in the U.S. at 300 hp, the combined system output should be around the 340 hp mark.

According to BMW, the hybrid powertrain reduces both fuel consumption and emissions by more than 10 per cent over the conventional version, while it also allows all-electric, zero-emission motoring at low speeds.

The production version of the 5-Series Hybrid could be introduced at a major international car show as early as next year with sales most likely to follow in 2012.

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___________________________CONCEPT MODEL__________________________

2012 BMW 1-Series: Coupe SULEV Hatchback

The BMW 1 Series was first introduced in Europe and hit the US market in 2008. The BMW 135 and BMW 128 are very good cars from the factory but there are a variety of BMW modifications available to improve the performance, looks and handling of the BMW 1 Series.

1 Series Performance Parts

The 135 is a twin turbo inline six cylinder engine that produces 300 Horsepower from the factory. For the discerning BMW enthusiast, this is not nearly enough. The aFe Dual Cone Intake for the BMW 135 will improve flow and performance over the factory intake which is very restrictive. In addition, you can choose from the aFe Pro5R oiled filter or afe Pro Dry S dry filter depending on your preference. For the BMW 128, the aFe Intake is available for your BMW to do the same as above. It is also recommended to install the aFe scoops to go along with any intake or aFe filter upgrade.

The BMW Performance Exhaust is a great option if you are looking for a simple upgrade. However, there are many aftermarket BMW exhaust manufacturers including Remus Exhausts for the 135 and Eisenmann Exhausts. In addition, Active Autowerke, CP-E and Berk all offer 135 exhausts that will go well with an intake upgrade.

The Juice Box 3 Software for the BMW 135 is a popular upgrade over the factory software. This system is fully reversible and has several map settings depending on what BMW modifications you have on the car. For the BMW 128, you can do the Burger Motorsports Power Box for BMW.

1 Series Wheels

BMW Performance wheels are lightweight original BMW wheels available for the 135 and 128. In addition, Velocity Motoring and Avant Garde produce cast wheels available for the 1 Series that are a great aftermarket BMW wheels alternative.

If you are looking for maximum customization, you will want a set of BMW custom forged wheels such as the ADV, HRE, Vorsteiner and MINT line of custom forged wheels. These are all 100% made to order and provide custom widths and offsets as well as big brake clearance for the BMW Performance brake upgrade or the Brembo GT Big Brake Kit.

1 Series Bodykits

The BMW 1 Series is very well styled from the factory but a variety of BMW aftermarket parts manufacturers including Vorsteiner and 3D Design provide upgrades for the BMW 1 series. The Vorsteiner Vented Race Hood for the 135i is a perfect option to provide maximum cooling and reduce weight. This carbon fiber hood for BMW minimizes weight and is strong enough for track or daily use. 3D Design 135i parts include a rear spoiler, front add on and rear diffuser for the 1 series.

1 Series Lighting

Many BMW 1 Series come from the factory with xenon headlights so you can purchase D1S Bulbs to upgrade the color to a more white output. If your BMW 135 or BMW 128 has halogen headlights, you can do a set of BMW headlight upgrades like the Projector82 Headlights for the 1 Series. These are full headlight replacements with optional xenons and angel eyes preinstalled.

For the factory BMW angel eyes, you can do the WeissLicht LED Angel Eyes which are plug and play error free LED replacements that change the color to a xenon white.

Here are the latest spy shots of the forthcoming successor to the current 1-Series hatchback. Being that BMW has confirmed the launch of a smaller model with front-wheel drive, it remains to be seen if the Bavarian automaker will keep the 1-Series moniker or baptize its new C-segment hatch as the 2-Series.

Tipped for launch in late 2011, the next-generation 1-Series hatch, codenamed F20, will incorporate BMW's new and softer (as in more mainstream) design language with a more pronounced front grille. Our spy pictures also show the revamped interior with the center console slightly tilted towards the driver.

The big news, however, concerns the available powertrains. Just the other week, BMW revealed that the next 1-Series and 3-Series models as well as its upcoming FWD supermini, will all be offered with a hybrid engine.

In addition to the hybrid model(s), inside sources having been spreading the word that engine choices will include a new generation of four-cylinder and perhaps even three-cylinder turbocharged gasoline units. Chances are that the six-cylinder engines will be carried over more or less unchanged from the current model.

When it enters the market next year, the 1-Series' successor will be available in three-door (see the spy shots here) and five-door hatchback body-styles, with the Coupe and Convertible versions to follow later on.

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