2009 Bmw 6 Series 650i Convertible on 2040-cars

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Next-gen BMW 7 Series options include 'Sky Lounge' roof, leather engine cover

When it comes to luxury and technology, the theme of the next-generation BMW 7 Series appears to be 'everything, everywhere.' Two of the new options joining what will be an extensive list are the Sky Lounge panoramic glass roof, said to be a nod going all the way back to the Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo showed off at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. That is clearly about the light, but what about the leather? That's going to cover everything it seems, should the buyer choose. Auto Evolution says it's been told about a 3CM option code, which equates to a Leather Engine Cover. If it's offered, though, it won't be the first time BMW has done it, of a sort: the $10,800 Pure Impulse package on the BMW i8 wraps the engine cover in leather, but in the i8 the engine is in the rear, under the trunk floor, so we're really talking about a leather-floored cargo bay. No one knows yet what it would look like atop a conventional engine, and no one appears to have any clue, frankly, as to why it's even an option. The 7 Series will pack a bunch more besides within its new aluminum and carbon fibre platform and redrawn bodywork, the sedan is reportedly targeting a curb weight that's less than the current 5 Series. There'll be four sculpted seats in the cabin, with rear seats apparently offering the range of options available on the front seats, a redesigned iDrive system with a touchscreen LCD that reads gestures, wireless smartphone charging, Bowers & Wilkins audio instead of Harman Kardon, heads-up data sharing between passenger and driver via swipes, laser headlights and an i8-like key fob with limited self-parking functions. That's a serious goody bag of tech, which we expect to get our hands in at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Featured Gallery BMW 7 Series: Spy Shots View 9 Photos News Source: Auto EvolutionImage Credit: CarPix BMW Technology Luxury Sedan

BMW C 650 scooters refreshed with Side View Assist

Beyond just building a full lineup of automobiles and a plethora of motorcycles, BMW is a player in the scooter market, too. As part of a refresh to the company's C650 GT and Sport models, the GT is now available with an optional Side View Assist blind-spot monitoring system. This marks a first for the two-wheeled segment. As the demonstration video above shows, Side View Assist is quite similar to what's found in many modern automobiles. The tech uses sensors positioned at each corner to monitor over 16 feet around the scooter. If the system detects a vehicle hanging out in the blind spot, then the rider sees a triangle as warning on the mirror stalk. Both the C650 GT and Sport fall into the niche known as maxi-scooters that offer much of the capability of a more traditional motorcycle. They're quicker than the little models you might see puttering around city streets, but maintain the foot-forward riding position of that classic design. For this refresh, the BMWs get an updated CVT with a revised ratio spread, and the 647cc inline two-cylinder engine is offered in 59- and 47-horsepower forms. Both scooters are quite rider-friendly, too. With this new update, stability control joins anti-lock brakes on the list of standard safety features. There's an automatic daytime riding light, and suspension setup is tweaked for a more comfortable ride. BMW leaves absolutely no detail unexplored in the company's announcement, below. 1. The new BMW C 650 Sport. The new BMW C 650 GT. (Short version) With the new BMW C 650 Sport and C 650 GT, BMW Motorrad continues its series of premium vehicles in the maxi scooter segment. Perfect for the city and urban environment, they combine practicality and cost-efficiency with maximum riding fun and touring comfort. In addition to this, they also provide enjoyment for riders with sporty ambitions on winding country roads as well as riding fun on lengthier tours, too. The new C 650 Sport and C 650 GT – dynamic maxi scooters for sports, touring and urban cruising. The differing conceptual emphasis of each of the two BMW maxi scooters enables a broader target group to be addressed than previously: the C 650 Sport is geared towards riders with a sporty bent while the C 650 GT sets its sights on those who attach greater importance to comfort and touring capability. The new C 650 Sport and the new C 650 GT now go further towards addressing these aspirations.

Next-gen BMW X3 caught in the cold

The BMW X3 might be getting a bit long in the tooth, but fans of the sporty CUV can rest easy knowing that Munich hasn't forgotten about it. The third-generation crossover was caught squeezing in some end-of-season winter testing by our trusty spy photographers. According to our spies, the 2017 X3, code-named G01, will be underpinned by a new modular platform that promises more space in the cabin and better visibility out. Beyond that, the next X3 will get a range of B-series engines; expect four- and six-cylinder options, as well as a plug-in-hybrid option (eventually). Our spies also report that BMW will finally offer some more performance-oriented options, starting with an X3 M40i and eventually expanding into a X3 M. Beyond the oily bits, it looks like the X3's looks are set to evolve, growing slightly compared to its predecessor. BMW's trippy camouflage, though, prevents a closer analysis of the next-gen CUV's styling. Check out our full gallery of spy shots to see what's coming for the X3.