2023 Bmw X1 Xdrive28i Msport 20s Msrp$51k on 2040-cars

Auto blog

BMW X1 testing is underway

It was just a few weeks ago that we got our first glimpse of the next-generation BMW X1, riding around on a flatbed. Now, we have the first batch of images of the small crossover moving under its own steam.
Like the previous round of photos, BMW's psychedelic camouflage is on hand to obscure sheetmetal details, but our intrepid spies still managed to discover a bit about the new X1. It's internal code-name will be F48, and it will sit on the same platform as the next-generation Mini and the BMW 1 Series GT. And for those keeping track at home, those are both front-drive platforms.
The reasoning for the X1's new layout, though, is understandable. Front-wheel drive is more space efficient and affordable, which are kind of big deals to customers. The next X1 won't be limited to its front wheels, though, as BMW's xDrive system is almost a certainty on higher-end trims.

More details emerge on hotter BMW i8S coming next year

The BMW i8 recently won the Autoblog Technology of the Year award, and it's going to get even better. In October, Automobile magazine reported that BMW's i brand is working on an i8S that would be stiffer and more powerful, and celebrate the marque's centenary in 2016. At the time, one of two power unit combinations was suggested, either one of them good for more than 500 horsepower. Car magazine has added more info on the coupe said to be called Project M100, saying that in addition to being a birthday gift for BMW, it will also be a going-away statement to current chairman Norbert Reithofer, who is expected to retire in 2016 or 2017. It will also be so thoroughly reworked that there will be plenty of daylight between it and the standard i8: a more integrated carbon fiber and aluminum chassis, a wider range of materials used in the build, a larger luggage bay due to the omission of rear seats, a more aggressive suspension supporting heartier brakes and wider tires, and - perhaps - a different aero and ground-effects package to be visually different and make the most of the alterations. As for that power unit, Car says that the two options mentioned by Automobile are still under consideration, being either a 2.0-liter twin-turbo four-cylinder with 320 horsepower and a 204-hp electric motor, or a 3.0-liter straight six with 480 hp and an electric motor with 109 hp. Either choice gets an integrated starter motor good for another 27 hp, and a total torque number of roughly 520 pound-feet, 100 additional lb-ft than the current car. Word is that it will be shown for the centenary in 2016 then go on sale by the end of 2017.

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.