BMW Group Canada Announces Premieres for Canadian International Autoshow.

Whitby – BMW Group Canada will premiere three new vehicles at the 2010 Canadian International Autoshow on February 12th at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre: BMW ActiveHybrid 7, BMW Z4 sDrive35is and an exciting new concept car, the MINI Beachcomber.

Following BMW’s EfficientDynamics philosophy and commitment to environmental sustainability, BMW is proud to introduce the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 to the Canadian market.  Based on the newest BMW 7 Series, this unique car sets new standards for performance and efficiency in the premium luxury class.

This symbiosis of an upgraded twin-turbo, High Precision Direct Injection, V8 engine with a 3-phase synchronous elec­tric motor gives the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 a combined output of 455 hp and maximum torque of 516 lb-ft (preliminary figures). Power is transmitted via an 8-speed automatic transmission with the electric motor positioned between the engine and the torque converter. The electric motor receives its supply of energy from a lithium-ion battery developed specifically for use in this automobile.

Precisely controlled interaction of both power sources serves to maximize the efficiency and dynamic performance of the BMW ActiveHybrid 7. The result is a unique driving experience that demonstrates the performance capabilities of modern hybrid technology. The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 accelerates to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds (preliminary), while delivering fuel economy approximately 15% better than the 750i.

BMW’s first luxury sedan with ActiveHybrid technology will enter the Canadian market only as an extended version with the wheelbase increased by 5.5", all of which is devoted to the enhanced comfort of rear-seat passengers. The ActiveHybrid 7 will be available with a wide range of options from the portfolio of equipment and accessories offered on the BMW 7 Series, enabling custom tailoring of the ActiveHybrid 7 to individual tastes and requirements.

The BMW ActiveHybrid 7 will be available starting in Spring 2010, pricing to be set at a later date.

Continuing the legacy of performance roadsters,  BMW is proud to introduce a new variant of the Z4 to the Canadian market; one of BMW’s fastest and best-handling Roadsters ever!  The BMW Z4 sDrive35is will hit Canadian showrooms in Spring 2010. 

The Z4 sDrive35is offers an enhanced sporty flair to the roadster line.  As traditional BMW nomenclature dictates, the small ‘s’ signifies special performance and heightened dynamics.  The latest Z4 model is powered by a high-output version of the BMW Twin Power Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine featuring increased air intake flow and boost pressure, generating more power while maintaining the same standard of efficiency. These engine enhancements combine with twin low-mass turbochargers and High Precision direct injection for an increase in output to 335 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and peak torque of 332 lb-ft delivered from 1,500 –4,500 rpm.  The BMW Z4 sDrive35is will sprint from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds (preliminary figure).

The revised engine management system of the BMW Z4 sDrive35is includes an electronically-controlled overboost function that briefly increases torque under full load by another 37 lb-ft, for a temporary torque peak of 369 lb-ft, giving the Z4 sDrive35is a significant increase in acceleration at highway passing speeds. Additional BMW EfficientDynamics technologies employed on the Z4 sDrive 35is include Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, and on-demand operation of engine accessory units.

Based on the current Z4 body, the Z4 sDrive35is features the new M sports package with specific trim rods on the front and special dual exhaust feature at the rear.  Special 18-inch light-alloy wheels in five-spoke design further characterize the sporting nature of the Z4 sDrive35is, with19-inch light-alloy wheels available as an option. In addition to its unique wheels, the new model is further distinguished by a striking front bumper with a matte aluminum trim bar in each outer air intake, a rear bumper with accentuated surrounds on the tailpipes, and a rear diffuser finished at top in body color and black textured surface underneath.  Additional upholstery and paintwork colours are available for this new model. Regardless of the color chosen, the exterior mirror caps on the BMW Z4 sDrive35is are consistently Oxide Silver.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35is will be available in showrooms across Canada April 2010, pricing to be set.

The concept of a brand-new type of vehicle will be presented by MINI at the 2010 CIAS.  MINI is proud to unveil the new MINI Beachcomber Concept.  The MINI Beachcomber Concept is a four-seater concept car designed for maximum driving pleasure, taking up the enhanced options of the new MINI and combining these potentials with the vision of a radically open body concept.

The MINI Beachcomber Concept combines all-wheel drive with cutting-edge suspension technology, numerous body elements serving to make the car extra-strong and robust, as well as an elevated seating position. Generous spring  travel and extra-large light-alloy wheels raise the entire car to a higher level. Access to the front and rear seats is exceptionally convenient, facilitated by the omission of doors and the entry cutouts extending all the way down to the seat bottoms, allowing the driver and passengers to get in and out in one smooth and flowing process. 

The MINI Beachcomber Concept is clearly designed for drivers and passengers with active lifestyles. Through its robust and versatile character, the MINI Beachcomber Concept follows in the footsteps of the Mini Moke, which, back in the 1960s, quickly became the epitome of adventurous motoring in sunny coastal regions.  This year, the MINI Beachcomber Concept continues the tradition of MINI driving excitement as it joins the line of Canadian unveilings at the CIAS.

Joining these Canadian debuting vehicles, are the recently launched 550i Gran Turismo, ActiveHybrid X6 and 7 Series xDrive accompanied by the BMW X6 M, BMW X5 M and 50th birthday, special editions MINI 50 Mayfair and MINI 50 Camden.

The Canadian International Autoshow takes place from February 12 to February 21, 2010 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.  For more photos or further product information, please visit www.press.bmw.com.  Our broadcast quality video footage for broadcast media, as well as selected MP3 audio files, can be downloaded via The NewsMarket at www.thenewsmarket.com.

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 24 production facilities in 13 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

The BMW Group achieved a global sales volume of more than 1.43 million automobiles and over 101,000 motorcycles for the 2008 financial year. Revenues for 2008 totalled EUR 53.2 billion, with earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of EUR 921 million. The company employed a global workforce of approximately 98,000 associates on 30 September 2009.

The success of the BMW Group has always been built on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy. As a result of its efforts, the BMW Group has been ranked industry leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes for the last five years.

BMW Group Canada, based in Whitby, Ontario, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG and is responsible for the distribution of BMW luxury performance automobiles, Sports Activity Vehicles, Motorcycles, and MINI.  BMW Group Financial Services Canada is a division of BMW Group Canada and offers retail financing and leasing programs and protection products on new and pre-owned BMW and MINI automobiles, as well as retail financing for new and pre-owned BMW Motorcycles. A total network of 40 BMW automobile retail centres, 19 BMW motorcycle retailers, and 25 MINI retailers represents the BMW Group across the country.

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For more information, please contact:

Jochen Frey, Director, Corporate Communications

BMW Group Canada

Office: 905-428-5005/ Cell: 416-627-0436

Jochen.frey@bmwgroup.ca

Rob Dexter, Specialist – Product & Technology

BMW Group Canada

Office – 905-428-5447 / Cell – 416-258-9018

Robert.dexter@bmwgroup.ca