2006 Bmw Z4 Convertible 3.0l Automatic on 2040-cars

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BMW sees shortage of crossovers in the United States

BMW of North America CEO Ludwig Willisch is anxious to get the Bavarian brand's $1-billion upgrade at the Spartanburg, SC, factory done because the automaker can't keep up with demand for its crossovers. The expansion should boost total capacity there to 450,000 units a year and support production of the upcoming X7. Still, Willisch would love to have more crossovers as soon as possible. "That is a constant battle now, to get more X3s and X5s," he said in an interview about the company's future in North America to Automotive News. If they the supply were available, Willisch predicts he could sell at least another 10,000 of the CUVs. Willisch sees getting the X7 on the market as a big win for the brand, too. "We were able to convince the company that this is exactly what we need in the United States," he said to Automotive News. However, there is a bit of a wait. The model rides on BMW's next-gen platform, and is at least two years away from challenging the Land Rover Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz's renamed GLS-Class (previously the GL-Class). The fullsize CUV reportedly shares development with Rolls-Royce and might offer the best interior of any model bearing the blue and white roundel. The boss also talked about other future product plans for this continent. For example, Willisch reiterated BMW will not bring the 2 Series hatchbacks here, citing a lack of a market for them. There will be plenty more plug-in hybrids available at dealers, though. Due to "legal requirements" and popularity, Willlisch says PHEV versions will be offered throughout the lineup by 2017. Although, the i sub-brand will stick with the i3 and i8 through that time.

EVO "2012 Car of the Year: The Track Battles" is a sports car salmagundi

EVO has come out with another gotta-watch-it video, throwing its 2012 Car of the Year contestants around the UK's 1.5-mile Blyton Park track. It's actually a 15-minute teaser for the full-length DVD detailing the magazine's Car of the Year selection, but the tease is worth every penny free second.
Tiff Needell and sports car racer Richard Meaden handle the wheel duties, the two driving five pairs of sports cars: Lotus Exige S vs. Porsche Boxster S, Morgan Three-Wheeler vs. Toyota GT86, BMW M135i vs. Porsche 911, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series vs. Alpina B3 GT3, the marquee event pits the McLaren MP4-12C vs. the Pagani Huayra. After a head-to-head lap with commentary during drifts, Meaden takes each car out to set a representative lap time.
You'll find the verdicts, lots of tire smoke, and lines like "Anything you can do sideways I can do sideways" in the video below.

Elvis Presley's BMW 507 has never looked better

After two grueling years of work, BMW Classic is finally finished restoring the 507 roadster that once belonged to Elvis Presley. Now that it is restored to original condition, the vehicle will be on display at this year's Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach, CA, on August 18. The 507 will be in the exact same shape as when the King of Rock 'n' Roll took delivery of it on December 20, 1958. Not only did BMW Group Classic bring the 507 back from the scrapyard, it also went to great measures to ensure that the classic was restored in an authentic manner. The vehicle was painted once again in Feather White. But the primer coat, filler, and top coat were applied using methods that were used roughly 60 years ago, giving the 507 a truly original shine. The 150-horsepower 3.2-liter V8 was restored to its original spec, but utilizes a variety of old and new components. Other notable features include a black-and-white interior, center-lock rims, and a Becker Mexico radio. The 507 will be on display alongside numerous vintage BMWs as the company celebrates its centennial. Related Video: Featured Gallery Elvis Presley's Restored 1957 BMW 507 View 20 Photos Related Gallery Elvis Presley's 1957 BMW 507 View 59 Photos News Source: BMWImage Credit: BMW Auto News Celebrities BMW Convertible Classics Pebble Beach bmw 507