BMW at the 2007 Melbourne International Motor Show 1. All-new BMW X5 heads new-model fest at Melbourne International Motor Show New BMW X5 is bigger, stronger, more fuel-efficient First Melbourne viewing of new 3 Series convertible More zest, more appeal for BMW 1 Series Unique new features and styling updates for 5 Series BMW Individual is the exclusive choice The all-new BMW X5 makes a stunning debut at the 2007 Melbourne International Motor Show with a host of features appearing for the first time in a Sports Activity Vehicle. With more performance combined with even better fuel efficiency, more interior space augmented by a new seven-seat option, as well as unique options to this market segment including Active Steering, AdaptiveDrive and Head-Up Display, the new BMW X5 is set to continue as the number one choice in the luxury SAV market. Refined, new from the ground up suspension, further improvements to the sophisticated xDrive permanent all-wheel drive system and added functions for the BMW Dynamic Stability Control system raise the dynamic levels of the new X5 over its brilliant predecessor. With a larger, yet stronger and weight-optimised body, the new BMW X5 offers the choice of three engines, from the smooth fire aluminium-magnesium 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder 3.0si through to the muscular and thrifty 3.0d to the 4.8i V8 powerhouse. All are mated to faster-thinking, quicker-shifting six-speed Steptronic automatic transmissions using new torque converter technology and efficient software to reduce reaction and gearshift times by as much as 50 per cent. Electronic gear selection with a built-in push-button park brake selector also debuts on the new X5 to further improve convenience and functionality. The spacious and luxurious interior of the new X5 allows passengers to ride in superlative comfort, yet also provides generous luggage space ranging from 620 to 1,750 litres depending on how the seating is configured. Also appearing on the new X5 is an enhanced iDrive control system with eight favourite buttons allowing direct operation of the navigation system as well as easy access to telephone numbers and audio functions. 2007 BMW X5 Pricing Model RRP Automatic X5 3.0si $85,000 (available from June) X5 3.0d $86,800 X5 3.0si Executive $94,500 (available from June) X5 3.0d Executive $96,300 X5 4.8i $118,300
More zest, refinement and fuel efficiency for BMW 1 Series. The BMW 1 Series bucked the trend in the premium small car market when it arrived in Australia in 2004. More than 4,600 BMW 1 Series have been sold in Australia since that time, making it the most successful selling vehicle in the $40,000-plus premium small car market, with more than 2,090 sold last year alone. With the dynamic superiority of rear-wheel drive in its segment and the choice of petrol or diesel four-cylinder engines, plus a high-performance, sophisticated inline six-cylinder, the 1 Series set the benchmark. Now, a new-look BMW 1 Series adds to the already superlative levels of refinement and dynamics with a bolder appearance, improved performance and economy, and even more refinement. Running changes to the successful 1 Series range include a refined turbo diesel engine with a second-generation aluminium powerplant that increases power output in the 120d by 10 kW and peak torque by a further 10 Nm, lowering acceleration times while adding to the already outstanding fuel economy. With no less than 340 Nm of torque and a maximum power output of 125 kW, the 120d accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds (previously 8.5 seconds) yet returns a combined fuel consumption figure of a mere 6.1 litres/100 kilometres. The new BMW 1 Series is identified by a more dominant BMW kidney grille flanked by clear-glass headlights that are integrated into the bumpers and a wider intake in the newly designed front air dam. A daytime running lights option, utilising corona rings surrounding the headlights, is incorporated into a new bi-xenon headlight package, while BMW adaptive headlights, which provide optimum illumination on winding roads, are also an option unique in the segment. From the rear, the new 1 Series is identified by modifications to the design of the fog lights, tail lights with new two-stage brake lights and the bumper. Inside, the BMW 1 Series gains new, higher-quality materials and colour choices as well as additional storage spaces. 1 Series owners also benefit from the availability of a new USB interface option to supplement the standard AUX plug and allow the integration of an external MP3 player. New colours - Montego Blue and Patagonia Green are also available in the new 1 Series, while dashing new-look alloy wheels are available for 118i, 120i and 120d models. 2007 BMW 1 Series Pricing Model RRP (Manual) RRP (Automatic) 116i $34,900 N/A 118i $38,900 $41,100 120i $43,300 $45,500 120d N/A $48,000 130i $63,700 $66,300
3. New BMW 3 Series Convertible revealed to Melbourne International Motor Show visitors Fresh from its introduction to Australia at the Brisbane International Motor Show and its world debut at the Detroit North American International Motor Show in January, the new BMW 3 Series Convertible will make its first appearance down south at the Melbourne International Motor Show. With stunning good looks and retractable steel hard-top that means it can play dual roles as either a secure coupé or an open-to-the-elements convertible, it takes just 22 seconds for the three-piece retractable hard-top to be lowered the fastest in its market segment. The new BMWs sleek, low-boot profile is unique among hard-top convertibles in that no styling compromises were made at the design stage when providing space for storing the folding three-piece roof, while even in the open configuration it provides an impressive 210-litre boot capacity. The practicality of the new 3 Series Convertible is further underlined by the inclusion of a fold-flat rear seat for additional luggage carrying capabilities, which also incorporates a through-loading system from the boot enabling safe storage of longer, bulkier items. When the roof is up, the new 3 Series Convertible makes a distinct styling statement through the incorporation of BMWs signature Hofmeister kick at the C-pillar for the first time in a BMW Convertible. With its large rear window and minimised C-Pillar, the new 3 Series Convertible also offers an improvement of 38 per cent in rear visibility, adding not just to the light and spacious feeling, but also contributing significantly to safety. When the roof is lowered, the new 3 Series also benefits from BMWs SunReflective technology that ushers in a new era for convertibles where the heat build-up normally experienced when the cars interior is exposed to direct sunlight is reduced by as much as 20 per cent. With the highest torsional stiffness of any BMW convertible, the new 3 Series offers unbeatable driving dynamics and an engine choice that includes the smooth and refined aluminium-magnesium 160 kW inline 325i six-cylinder, and the stirring Twin Turbo 335i with 225 kW and a massive 400 Nm of torque. Both engines are available with the choice of BMWs slick-shifting and sporty six-speed manual or an upgraded six-speed Steptronic automatic that provides up to 40 per cent better throttle response and reduces shift times by up to 50 per cent. The new 3 Series combines the stylish elegance and snug security of a coupé with all the benefits of open-top motoring, while offering the leading-edge technology and driving enjoyment that are an essential part of any BMW. In addition to the SunReflective Dakota leather seating, the new 325i Convertible comes as standard with Bi-Xenon headlamps, Brake Force Display two-stage brake lights, 17-inch light alloy wheels, BMW Business navigation system with colour monitor, six-stacker CD player, rear Park Distance Control, automatic climate control, an extended lights package for interior illumination, cruise control with brake function, and Bluetooth mobile phone preparation. Above the 325i Convertible, the 335i version adds as standard equipment larger front and rear brakes, sports seats for driver and front passenger, 18-inch light alloy wheels, PDC Park Distance Control front and rear, front seat lumbar adjustment, BMW Professional Navigation with 8.8-inch colour monitor along with TV and Voice Recognition functions, Hi-Fi loudspeaker system, High Beam Assist and Adaptive Headlights. The 3 Series Convertible offers the highest levels of safety with dual front airbags, front seat integrated side airbags with combined head airbags, and active safety systems that include DTC Dynamic Traction Control, CBC Cornering Brake Control and DBC Dynamic Brake Control. 2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible Pricing Model RRP (Manual) RRP (Automatic) 325i $94,900 $97,500 335i $121,500 $124,100
4. New BMW 5 Series on show in Melbourne. Already the best-selling car in its segment of the luxury market, BMWs 5 Series moves further ahead of the field with an update that brings new styling features inside and out, along with a host of innovations that add to driving pleasure, comfort and safety. Among a number of new, first-in-segment features, the new BMW 5 Series continues with the unique technology it brought to market with its Australian introduction in 2003. Foremost among these technologies is the standard-equipment variable-ratio Active Steering system, which introduced new levels of driving finesse with its ideal combination of sports-car low-speed response and unparalleled high-speed stability. Coupled to the advanced BMW electronic control systems employed in the 5 Series, such as ABS antilock brakes, DBC Dynamic Brake Control, DSC Dynamic Stability Control and ASC+T Automatic Stability Control plus Traction, has helped set the 5 Series apart as the pre-eminent luxury drivers car. Now, the 5 Series takes another big leap forward with refinements of existing systems, even sharper styling and first-in-category innovations that reinforce its position as the top-selling car in its category. Exclusive new features to the segment include Active cruise control incorporating a Stop and Go function, Lane Change Warning, High-Beam Assist, Night Vision and Head-Up Display, underpinning BMWs role as a leader in bringing high technology to the car market. The new 5 Series models include the 523i, 525i, 530i, 530i Touring, 530d, 540i and 550i, with power outputs ranging from 140 kW in the 523i to a thundering 270 kW for the 4.8-litre V8 550i. All models benefit from an updated six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission that almost halves gearshift times and brings improvements not just to performance across the range, but also adds to fuel efficiency. The volume-selling 530i sedan and Touring models also gain 10 kW of power and 15 Nm of torque, with 200 kW and 315 Nm produced by the high-efficiency aluminium-magnesium 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine. The dynamic, sculpted styling of the BMW 5 Series has also been embellished inside and out, with refinements to the double kidney grille bringing the surrounds flush with the air dam surfaces and an upward-sweeping air intake with a horizontal trim bar continuing the dynamic line of the headlight contours. Headlights of the 5 Series now come with new clear glass technology, transparent glass panels covering the direction indicators along with chrome surrounds that highlight the sophisticated character of the round headlights. The side profile is made even sleeker with an additional light contour on the sills while clear-glass taillights with LED direction indicators combine with a more defined trim bar around the numberplate to give sharper definition to the rear. Inside the new BMW 5 Series, careful attention to detail has been given to improving functionality, raising even further the high standards of quality and elevating the luxury ambience. This is achieved through the use of Pearl Gloss Chrome finish on the controls, comfortable padding on the door armrests and striking twin-tone panels, as well as the centre console, black trim bars at the top of the doors and elegantly sweeping decal bars. New, integrated power window and mirror-adjustment buttons, ergonomically optimised door handles and larger capacity integrated door pockets add to convenience and functionality. The iDrive vehicle management system in the new 5 Series also now gains enhanced menu guidance and eight favourite buttons to allow even faster, easier access to important functions. The new 5 Series also lifts active safety with the latest version of DSC Dynamic Stability Control adding new functions to the braking system such as Fading Compensation, Start-Off Assistant, Regular Dry Braking - which helps to ensure optimum stopping power in wet weather - and pre-loading of the brake pads to enhance the brake standby function when the driver requires a particularly short stopping distance. Cruise control with brake function, which allows the set speed to be maintained even when driving on long downhill gradients, is standard on the new 5 Series, while Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go, which maintains a set distance from the vehicle travelling in front, right down to standstill, is optional. Also optional is the BMW Lane Change Warning assistance system that advises the driver via a tactile signal on the steering wheel of any deviation from the chosen lane. High-Beam Assist is another option unique to the segment, automatically switching between high-beam and low-beam depending of on-coming traffic or the illumination level of the road ahead. BMW Night Vision is also available in the new 5 Series, using a thermal imaging camera to display on the navigation systems Control Display objects that may not be visible in the normal lights up to a distance of 300 metres away. 2007 BMW 5 Series Pricing Model RRP 523i $84,900 525i $94,700 530i $113,500 530d $115,000 530i Touring $119,500 540i $136,700 550i $163,900 M5 $231,500
5. Exclusivity is a given with BMW Individual. A BMW owner is already somebody who demands uncompromising standards of quality, style, driving dynamics and safety. BMW Individual is an exclusive program that allows even further expression of personal taste with a breathtaking range of options available in 3 Series, 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series and the Z4 range that include everything from external paint finishes to alloy wheels and interior furnishings. BMW Individual depending on the model - is available in up to three levels that can combine everything from the paint finish to the upholstery, interior trim and technical functionality or stand-alone offers. BMW Individual is responsible for special models such as the Girard-Perregaux and Maritime Edition 7 Series, as well as limited-edition cars such as the 7 Series Luminance. Although it can be used to express the owners taste in just the interior, it is the exclusive paint finishes that clearly identify a BMW Individual car. Applied in five layers, the special BMW Individual paint stands apart from conventional finishes with rare, deep brilliance and a range of exclusive colours. Examples include the Xirallic paint used for the BMW Individual Ruby Black and Azurite Black metallic finishes that offer extraordinary colour brilliance. Ruby Black changes colour depending on the viewing angle, while Azurite Black has a unique iridescent glitter effect. And the Titanium Dioxide used in BMW Individual Moonstone metallic generates a colour that varies between blue and white depending on the light. Equally as definitive in a BMW Individual vehicle is the Merino leather. Sourced solely from South German cattle, its flawless surface is used for the seats and, depending on the model, the doors, centre console and dashboard. The Merino hide is coloured all the way through and presents a natural grain that is not stamped onto the surface. Open pores and a soft, velvet feel ensure luxury and comfort, especially in hot weather. Like the external paint finish, BMW Individual leather is available in a range of exclusive colours that provide the interior with an indulgent ambience. Colours available include Leather Marino Amarone, capturing the character of the Italian red wine of the same name, Leather Merino Ecru Light, reminiscent of the shimmer in the natural hue of white gold ecru silk, and Leather Merino Platinum, a velvet-like finish which captures the essence of the rare precious metal. BMW Individual trim is made up of hand-sorted woods derived from one large trunk to ensure consistency throughout the interior and is available in Walnut Amarone, Birch Anthracite and Figured Ash, Eucalyptus Red Brown, Quilted Maple Anthracite, Poplar Natural and Mahogany, as well as Piano Black, which uses the same traditional finishing methods as employed on the musical instrument. The good thing about BMW Individual is that the buyer can specify a mix of interior trims and exterior colours to suit personal taste, or perhaps even specify a colour that may be outside the normal range of choices a discontinued BMW shade, for example. BMW Individual covers more than just colours and trim materials too, with a bespoke alloy-wheel design exclusive to the Individual range, as well as a leather steering wheel with a full-circumference ring insert that can be specified in a number of wood finishes. According to Paul Ferrari, BMW National Special Vehicles Sales Manager, Australians have always loved to personalise their vehicles. Through the Individual programme customers can create a BMW that reflects their personality. BMW Individual strengthens the brand by creating yet another tier of BMW ownership not actively offered by the competition. Individual BMW sales have grown steadily since the programmes inception and we are expecting to retail well over 600 cars during 2007.
6. BMW Motorrad makes a clean start with high performance dirt bike. Serious trail bike a first for BMW Light-weight, fast, with agile handling Delivers BMW technology and innovation to a new market BMW dishes the dirt with an all-new hard-core off-road bike, its very first single focus machine of this type in more than 80 years of two-wheel action. The new G 650 Xchallenge (pronounced cross challenge) is aimed at drawing yet more young riders to the BMW Motorrad family. It makes its Australian debut at the Melbourne International Motor Show on 2 March 2007. Following on from the massive success of the new F 800 parallel twins as well as the sporty K 1200 S and K 1200 R machines launched in the past two years, BMW now has an off-road machine capable of giving Australian riders a real thrill. Equipped in line with the BMW philosophy of industry-leading innovation, technical expertise and striking good looks, the G 650 Xchallenge also delivers typically sporty BMW riding. Weighing in at a mere 144 kg dry or 156 kg ready to ride, the G 650 Xchallenge will be easy to ride through the many thousands of twisting and undulating tracks that criss-cross Australia. While the new G 650 is an exciting point for young riders to enter the BMW world, the machine is not an entry-level dirt bike in the conventional sense, since many mass-market dirt machines are available with much smaller and (less powerful) engines. The new BMW G 650 Xchallenge delivers a new era in sheer riding pleasure for those who enjoy the thrill of trail riding in the great outdoors. Of course the G 650 is a dream to ride on bitumen as well. Power comes from the proven and much admired four-valve, single-cylinder engine previously seen in the F 650 models. In the G 650, the engine has been further revised and refined to deliver maximum output of 39 kW at 7,000 rpm and 60 Nm of torque at 5,250 rpm. Superior reliability, riding refinement, economy, and environmental friendliness have been enhanced to an even higher standard than ever before. The dynamic power delivery from the four-valve engine is possible thanks to the lighter crankdrive and many detail modifications. The rear wheel is driven by an O-ring chain. Using a bridge-type tubular frame made of steel with cast aluminium side sections, and a bolted-on aluminium rear subframe, the G 650 also features a rear swing arm made of cast light alloy. At the front there are sturdy upside down forks while the rear suspension does without a conventional steel spring and in place has an air shock similar in concept to that fitted to the BMW HP2 Enduro. This particularly elaborate air damping system ensures perfect positioning on the machine as well as delivering impressive control even in the worst possible conditions. The front wheel is a 21- inch item while the rear uses an 18-incher. Stopping on dirt from high speed is no laughing matter so the G 650 Xchallenge has a double piston front calliper on a single disc measuring 300 mm. Unique to the single-cylinder dirt bike market is the optional availability of BMWs light and compact two-channel ABS for greater braking safety. BMW has engineered the ABS to suit the Xchallenge, allowing it to be deactivated when the rider is enjoying some particularly adventurous off-road riding. As with all BMW motorcycles, there is a high level of standard equipment offered, as well as a wide choice of factory or dealer fit options, as befits a premium product. Key features of the new G 650 Xchallenge at a glance include: Sporty and exciting design, lightweight features. Fast-revving single-cylinder power, producing 39 kW at 7,000 rpm, 60 Nm at 5,250 rpm. Anti-friction bearings for crankshaft, lighter alternator. DOHC valve drive with cup tappets and four valves. Liquid cooling with an alloy radiator. Electronic BMS-C II engine management with intake manifold injection and dual ignitions Stainless-steel exhaust system with three-way catalytic converter and oxygen sensor Dry sump lubrication with the oil tank positioned appropriately for an ideal centre of gravity. Close-ratio five-speed gearbox with secondary chain drive. High-quality running gear components, aluminium attachments. Torsionally-rigid tubular bridge frame with bolted-on aluminium sub frame. Stable upside-down telescopic fork, fixed-position tube of 45 mm diameter. Light and highly stable two-unit cast-aluminium swing arm. Low unladen weight. Oversize aluminium handlebar. Foot brake and gearshift levers made of forged aluminium. Fuel tank positioned beneath the seat for an ideal centre of gravity, with good access to the filler pipe. High-performance brake system with on-demand ABS as an option. Large range of accessories and optional features. The BMW G 650 Xchallenge will go on sale in Australia in March, priced at $14,350. All models will be delivered in Aura White with a Blue seat.
Ferrari is celebrating its 60th Anniversary at the Melbourne International Motor Show with a line-up of cars that is led out by the 599 GTB Fiorano, a new sports car that has already seen its Australian allocation sold out until 2009. Although Australian deliveries of the latest Ferrari supercar have now started, this is the first chance most people have had to see this unique car. In fact it's been a very busy weekend for the Maranello-based sports car manufacturer in Australia as the Ferrari 60 Relay is currently on its Australian leg and the special baton passed through Melbourne on Saturday and Sydney yesterday, both occasions being marked with high profile events. Ferrari's line-up at the Melbourne show is completed by the F430 Coup�, F430 Spider and 612 Scaglietti, but it is the 599 GTB Fiorano that is the centre of attention. �Even by Ferrari�s unique standards, the 599 GTB Fiorano has had a rapturous reception as it has been launched around the world,� says Kevin Wall, the General Manager for European Automotive Imports, the Australian and New Zealand Ferrari distributor. �Time and time again, the 599 GTB has been described as the best car in world, the greatest super car of all time, the ultimate useable supercar. It is a car that is faster than Ferrari F40, only fractionally slow than the road-racing car that is the Ferrari Enzo, yet it is full equipped with every luxury feature, it is docile and easy to drive, but when called on, can deliver shattering performance. It is no wonder, therefore, that the demand for the 599 GTB Fiorano has been unprecedented,� says Mr Wall. The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is the latest in a long line classic V12 supercars on which the legendary Italian car maker has built its unique reputation, from the 1953 250MM, through the 1968 365 GTB4 �Daytona� to the 575M Maranello. Drawing on technology from both its road and Formula One cars, Ferrari has produced the ultimate sports car that combines shattering performance � 0-100 kmh in 3.7 seconds and a top speed in excess of 330 km/h � with comfort, luxury and exclusivity. It is a car that is equally capable of easing its way through the toughest urban traffic conditions, cocooning its occupants in comfort, as it is hammering around the Ferrari test track, after which it is named, at speeds that place it on a par with dedicated racing cars. The styling of the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is an effortless blend of beauty that lingers in the mind long after the 599 has disappeared over the horizon and the aerodynamic expertise that would be expected of the most successful company ever to participate in Formula One. For example, there is no crude wing across the back of the 599 GTB Fiorano to provide downforce, rather two graceful �flying buttresses� parallel the C-pillar. These don�t just provide a visual lightness to the rear three quarter of the car; they also provide more than 100 kg of downforce and add to the excellent directional stability of the sports car. Power though is nothing without control and the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano has an exceptional chassis that is absolutely at the cutting edge of technology, from the F1-Trac electronic chassis control system to the SCM Magnetorheological Suspension that can instantly change the response of the suspension to meet different road and driving conditions. The standard brakes offer exceptional stopping ability, the optional Carbon Ceramic brakes offer epic performance that is usually only available on racing cars. The Australian recommended retail prices for the new Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano are AUS$574,000 for the manual version and AUS$600,000 for the 599 GTB Fiorano equipped with the F1 Superfast gearbox. >>> www.italiaspeed.com/2007/motor_shows/melbourne/ferrari/gallery/gallery.html