The All-New 2019 BMW Z4 Has A Production Start Date

But what about the new Toyota Supra?

We know it’s coming soon. In fact, BMW recently announced the official debut of the all-new 2019 Z4 roadster will happen this August at Pebble Beach in California. But when will production get underway, and where? Today we have both answers. Auto manufacturer Magna Steyr has confirmed Z4 production will get underway at its factory in Graz, Austria before the end of this year. Magna Steyr is a contract assembler, as it already builds the Jaguar I-Pace and E-Pace, Mercedes-Benz G-Class and BMW 5 Series at the same production facility.

The question that remains unanswered is where the new Z4’s cousin, the reborn Toyota Supra, will be assembled. Remember, the Supra and Z4 were co-developed by Toyota and BMW and share the same platform as well as many other mechanicals. BMW hasn’t been shy regarding the new Z4, recently releasing its own fairly detailed spy shots. The test mule shown, though camouflaged, was only lightly so, revealing styling awfully similar to the stunning Z4 Concept, itself having premiered at Pebble Beach last year. The closest we’ve seen, at least so far, to the production-ready Supra was the Gazoo Racing Concept that debuted at Geneva in March.

Toyota has yet to announce when exactly the new Supra will be unveiled, but we suspect it’ll happen at either Los Angeles in November or Detroit in January. Geneva in March also should not be ruled out. Because of their vast similarities, we predict both the Z4 and Supra will be built alongside each other in Austria. It just makes sense. Magna and BMW began working together back in 2001 with the X3 SUV.

All-New 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible Breaks Cover

Bentley's brand-new topless Continental GT is here, combining open-top driving thrills with supreme opulence.

It was back in September 2017 when Bentley presented the all-new third-generation Continental GT at the Frankfurt Auto Show, setting a new pinnacle for luxury grand tourers. Now, just over one year later, the covers have come off its convertible counterpart, combining open-top driving thrills with supreme opulence. The Coupe’s elegant, sculpted styling has been carried over to the all-new 2019 Bentley Continental GT Convertible, which looks just as exquisite without a fixed roof.

Speaking of which, the electric folding fabric roof can be deployed or stored in 19 seconds at up to 30 mph, transforming the Continental GT Convertible from a luxurious coupe into an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button. Seven fabric hood colors are available, including a swanky tweed finish for the first time. A newly designed neck warmer, which is both warmer and quieter than the previous model, is seamlessly integrated into the heated seats, optimizing efficiency and airflow around the electrically adjustable headrests.

Compared to its predecessor, the 2019 Continental GT Convertible is five percent stiffer and 20 percent lighter, but it still has a kerb weight of 5,322 pounds making it slightly heavier than the coupe version, which tips the scales at 4,947 pounds.

Powering the open-top grand-tourer is Bentley’s wonderfully powerful 6.0-liter W12. Like the coupe, the engine produces 626 horsepower and is connected to an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. The dash to 62 mph is completed in 3.7 seconds, which is just a tenth of a second slower than its fixed roof sibling. Top speed still sits at a scintillating 207 mph.

Inside, you’ll find the finest selection of high-quality leathers and rare wooden veneers, as well as a heated steering wheel, seat heaters and new heated armrests, ensuring passengers will travel in sumptuous comfort. According to Bentley, the new Continental GT Convertible is as quiet as the previous-generation Continental GT Coupe thanks to “combination of roof insulating materials and operating mechanism, combined with sealing system improvements and acoustic treatments.” Rear legroom is identical to the Coupe, too. Elsewhere, the cabin features a configurable digital instrument cluster and a rotating 12.3-inch infotainment display.

As standard, the all-new Continental GT Convertible rides on 21-inch Five Tri-Spoke wheels, with the option of 10-Spoke and 22-inch Five Open-Spoke wheels. Each design is offered in a selection of ten polished and painted finishes. Pricing for the 2019 Continental GT Convertible hasn’t been announced yet, but expect it to be even more expensive than the Coupe, which starts at a wallet-crunching $225,000.

The All-New BMW 8 Series' Interior Looks Absolutely Incredible

These leaked images reveal (almost) everything.

We’re only a little over a month away from the official debut of the second generation BMW 8 Series. The big reveal will take place at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, beginning on June 16. While BMW has never been shy regarding the new 8 Series’ overall design language, evidenced by the concept as well as the automaker’s own spy shots, we have yet to get a clear picture of the interior. Until now, that is. Thanks to Bimmerpost, someone has snapped some high def images of the interior of the M850i (notice the M-badge under the gear shifter).

Though there’s still some plastic covering the two-tone red-black leather-covered seats, this is the final production spec interior. There are several familiar BMW design cues, but overall this interior is meant to inaugurate a new styling era for BMW. It has been aware for some time now that its interiors were lagging behind those of arch rivals Audi and Mercedes-Benz in terms of overall fit and finish and design. The new 8 Series will change all of that. From what we can clearly see here, there are still some buttons, located below the air vents, but one of BMW’s goals here was to make things less complicated, i.e. fewer buttons. This has clearly been done.

Above those vents is a large touchscreen which is probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 12 inches in length, give or take. Center console controls also appear to be simplified, all of which are located entirely in close proximity to the gear shifter and iDrive control rotary knob. A pair of cupholders is located directly in front of this. Also notice an abundance of aluminum trim, specifically surrounding the air vents and dashboard. The steering wheel is also very familiar in appearance. Behind is it is the fully digital driver’s gauge cluster, which looks pretty massive in size as well. Considering the official 8 Series debut is just around the corner, don’t be surprised to see additional leaked images of the production car, both inside and out.

Here's Your First Look At The All-New BMW 3 Series Wagon

Now we just have to pray it comes stateside.

We've seen numerous spy shots of the next generation BMW 3 Series, codenamed the G20. The G20 will look to pick up where the F30 left off, with a range of turbocharged engines as well as the expected addition of a plug-in and fully electric model. The 3 Series will obviously be sold as a sedan, but like previous generations it will have a number of spinoff models. BMW currently sells an estate version of the 3 Series called the Sport Wagon, and recent spy shots give us a hint of what the next generation model will look like.

From what we can tell on the camouflaged test mule, the 3 Series Sport Wagon will look a bit like a shrunken down version of the 5 Series Touring, which is not sold in the US. Engines will be shared with the sedan, which has yet to be revealed. Expect a handful of diesel engines in Europe, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, and possibly a sporty M340i version. Though it is highly unexpected, we'd love to see BMW build an M3 wagon this time around. Though many aftermarket attempts and factory prototypes exist, BMW has never sold a wagon version of the M3 to the public.

We are happy to see BMW continue to build a wagon version of the 3 Series, despite the popularity of SUV models like the X3 and X4. Hopefully this new 3 Series wagon will be brought to the US to replace the current model.

All-New BMW X7 Still Looks Massive In The Metal

BMW’s flagship SUV makes a big statement.

2018 has been the year of the SUV for BMW with practically every X model having been updated, replaced or in the case of the X7, introduced for the first time. With countless spy shots and latterly BMW’s own press images to keep us guessing, we finally got to see the final product revealed online in October. The BMW stand at the L.A. Auto Show gave us another opportunity to have a closer look at the largest production vehicle BMW has ever produced.

The front kidney grilles are still as imposing as ever but there is no doubting that this is the range-topper. There are similarities to the all-new X5 in certain areas but the interior, in particular, is a mixture of top-drawer materials and soft-touch plastics found in any expensive luxury sedan.

The X7 comes fitted with three rows as standard. The second can be configured as either two luxurious captain’s chairs or three smaller seats if you need the additional seating space. For the US market, we will be getting two engine options: the xDrive40i utilizes the company’s familiar inline-six turbocharged 3.0-liter with 335 hp.

In this heavy body, performance is somewhat more subdued than in the smaller X models but there is always the xDrive50i for those desiring a bit more oomph. Its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 456 hp launches the X7 to 60 mph in 5.2-seconds (0.6-sec quicker than the xDrive40i) and is more than a match for most other full-sized SUVs currently on offer.

Handling too will be far sharper than what you would expect in such a massive vehicle thanks to a complex air-suspension system with an adaptive option that reads the road ahead via built-in cameras and adjusts the settings to ensure a smooth ride.

Introducing a vehicle such as this may have BMW purists shaking their heads but there is no denying that it is a technically advanced machine that is sure to appeal to those wanting the ultimate in space and luxury. Prices start at $73,900 for the xDrive40i and deliveries to customers should begin early in 2019.

Presenting The All-New 2019 BMW 3 Series

Bigger, lighter, more powerful, and better handling than ever.

Few models are as important for BMW as its universally acclaimed 3 Series sedan, of which over 15 million units have been sold worldwide since 1976. Failure is not an option when it comes time for a complete redesign. The all-new 2019 BMW 3 Series has finally arrived, making its official public debut at the 2018 Paris Motor Show.

Picking up where the previous F80 generation 3 Series left off, the new G20 3 Series is a bit bigger, more powerful, lighter, packed with impressive technologies, and more dynamic to drive than ever. The new 330i and 330i xDrive are powered by a new twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four with 255 hp between 5,000 and 6,500 rpm, while 295 lb-ft of peak torque will kick in from 1,550 to 4,400 rpm.

Compared to the outgoing 330i, the new model has an extra 7 hp and 37 lb-ft. BMW says this is attributed to focused optimization of the TwinPower Turbo system. Zero to 60 mph takes 5.6 seconds. Next spring, the new M340i and M340i xDrive M Performance will arrive with a new version of the straight-six with 382 hp and peak torque of 369 lb-ft. BMW believes it’ll make the sprint from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. In early 2020, the new 330e will go on sale, details of which are not yet available.

Power for the turbo four and straight-six engines is sent to the rear or all four wheels through an eight-speed sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters. BMW says this updated gearbox features a wider gear spread and an optimized hydraulic control system. The also updated and now lighter xDrive all-wheel-drive system, which remains rear biased, has an improved torque split between the front and rear wheels.

Where the 3 Series has always shined is its chassis. The 2019 3 Series once again has a 50:50 perfect front/rear weight distribution and an increased front and rear track. BMW points out overall body rigidity is up by 25 percent and goes as high as 50 percent in some areas. This improved body and suspension rigidity enables both the M Sport and Adaptive M suspension to be better than ever. The latter combines the M Sport suspension with electronically controlled dampers.

BMW also managed to shave off a total of 121 pounds thanks to increased use of high-strength steels and aluminum. M Sport brakes are also optional, as is the M Sport differential at the rear axle.

The exterior design remains familiar with the long hood, short rear deck, and short front overhangs. However, this 3 Series is 2.9 inches longer, 0.6 inches wider, and 0.5 inches taller than its predecessor. The wheelbase has also been stretched by 1.6 inches and there’s increased track widths of 1.7 inches up front and 0.8 inches at the rear. It rides on standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

Up front is the ever-present BMW twin kidney grill, which has a sleeker design than before, especially as it leads into the standard full-LED headlights. Adaptive LED headlights with BMW’s Laserlight are optional. Notice how the hood is shaped by four contour lines that all flow towards the grill. We particularly like the character lines running through the door handles and extend all the way to the rear. The additional contour line around the side skirts highlights the more sculpted rear wheel arches.

The newly enlarged interior is unlike any other found in previous 3 Series. As part of BMW’s new interior design language, the 2019 3 Series’ larger interior is still very much driver focused, but has a more premium overall look. Past 3 Series models were sometimes noted for not being quite premium enough in an increasingly competitive segment. Not this time.

LED interior lighting is standard and adjustable ambient lighting, with a total of six colors and eleven combinations of brightness and light distribution, is optional.

Higher quality materials are in abundance, such as the optional Vernasca leather upholstery. You’ll notice the instrument panel in general looks more advanced thanks to the instrument cluster and Control Display now forming a single large surfaced screen grouping. Called BMW Live Cockpit, it features an 8.8-inch digital touchscreen and 5.7-inch digital instrument display. The optional BMW Live Cockpit Professional has a massive 12.3-inch display and 10.25-inch touch screen control display as well as iDrive 7.0 (iDrive 6.0 is standard).

Controls not included are now located into more structured panels. One notable change is that the start/stop button is now located in a panel in the center console near the gear shift and iDrive controller knob. A larger head-up display is also new. Buyers will be able to select from a larger selection of optional interior trims, such as aluminum and open-pore wood, and there's more individualization options inside and out.

Shoulder room, headroom, and rear legroom have all been increased. Buyers can also opt for a 16-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system. Standard safety items include Collision and Pedestrian Warning and the optional Driving Assistance Package offers Lane Departure Warning and Lane Change Warning systems.

The 2019 BMW 3 Series 330i and 330i xDrive will go on sale this March with prices starting at $41,195 including destination. The M340i and M340i xDrive will go on sale in Spring 2019.

All-New 2019 BMW Z4 Enters Production

But you'll have to wait until next Spring to take it for a spin.

Not long after the first 8 Series Convertible rolled off the assembly line at BMW’s factory in Dingolfing, Germany, the brand new Z4 has now entered series production. Unlike the 8 Series Convertible, however, the Z4 isn’t being built by BMW. Instead, it’s being assembled by engineering firm Magna Steyr at its factory in Graz, Austria.

While production of the new Z4 is now underway, customers won’t have the pleasure of driving the beautiful roadster until next spring when it officially launches in March 2019.

As well as the body, both of the Z4’s engines are sourced from Austria. These include a 3.0-liter turbocharged B58 inline-six that produces 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft in the range-topping Z4 M40i and a 2.0-liter turbocharged B46 four-cylinder that delivers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque in the base sDrive30i trim. Magna Steyr will also be assembling the highly anticipated reborn Toyota Supra, which will make its world debut at the 2019 Detroit Auto Show in January so we don’t have too long to wait.

As well as manufacturing the new Z4 and Supra, Magna Steyr has built the Mercedes G-Class at the Graz plant since the SUV's inception in 1979. It also produces the Jaguar I-Pace and E-Pace, as well as the new BMW 5 Series.

According to Automotive News, the company is considering building a new assembly plant either in North America or China. The company estimates it will assemble 200,000 cars by the end of this year, meaning the factory’s available production output will be nearly maxed out.

Is This The All-New 2019 BMW 3 Series Hiding Under A Sheet?

BMW will lift the covers off the new 3 Series at the 2018 Paris Auto Show next month.

After copious amounts of official teasers and spy shots of prototypes, BMW will soon lift the covers off the brand new 3 Series at the Paris Auto Show. Ahead of its official reveal next month, a new photo has surfaced on French forum Worldscoop showing what appears to be the production version of the G20 BMW 3 Series hiding under a sheet.

Like other recently introduced BMW models such as the new 8 series, the kidney grille is noticeably larger than its predecessor’s. Unlike other recent BMW models, however, the grille is still connected to the LED headlights. BMW Blog speculates the model depicted in the photo is the M340i M Performance model due to the enhanced outer edges specific to BMW M models.

Under the hood, the new BMW M340i is expected to use a variant of the new B58 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine delivering around 360 hp and 370 lb-ft of torque. Rear-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox are expected to be offered as standard, while BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system is likely to be on the options list. It isn’t known if a manual transmission will be available, however.

The M340i will also have BMW's limited-slip M Sport Differential as standard, which will be optional on other trims. While the next-generation 3 Series will be larger than the previous model, it will ride on BMW’s CLAR architecture, resulting in a 121-pound weight reduction thanks to extensive use of aluminium, magnesium and high-strength steel. The sedan’s rigidity has also been improved while still maintaining a perfect 50:50 weight distribution. Following its world debut at the Paris Auto Show next month, the new BMW 3 Series is expected to launch later this year.

10 Things To Know About The All-New BMW 8 Series

Including the revival of a 30-year old nameplate.

It’s officially here! After a lengthy teaser campaign comprising two concepts and a range of teaser shots, the new BMW 8 Series has been unveiled at the 2018 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, to celebrate the M8 GTE taking part in the historic race. The new 8 Series Coupe forms a new halo for the BMW brand, hoping to re-inject dynamism into the German marque once famed for producing the finest driver’s cars in the world. Ahead of its showroom debut later this year, here are ten things to know about the new luxury coupe from BMW.

1 – BMW M8 On The Way

BMW hasn’t kept this one a secret, confirming along with the original 8 Series Concept that there would be an M version. As to what’s going to be powering it, expect similar running gear to the new M5, with at least 600 hp being developed by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, channeling power to all 4 wheels through BMW’s M-xDrive system. Expect the M8 in its various forms to do battle with the Mercedes-AMG GT four-door and AMG S63 Coupe.

2 – The 8 Series Will Be Available As Coupe and Gran Coupe

Even though it’s debuted in coupe form, the 8 Series will get a 4-door coupe version too in the form of the 8 Series Gran Coupe. We already know this will get an M version too, as confirmed by the M8 Gran Coupe concept. The 8 Series will also spawn a convertible. Though BMW has yet to confirm this through official channels, test mules have been spotted showing the convertible with a retractable soft-top.

3 – Production car Was Developed Alongside Racecar

It’s no Ford GT, with a built-in FIA-spec roll cage, but the 8 Series in road-going specification was developed alongside the M8 GTE racecar. It wasn’t just the forthcoming M8 either, but the chassis of the standard 8 Series too, so expect it to be one of the most engaging chassis BMW has produced in quite some time. It also means the 8 Series benefits from lightweight construction thanks to aluminum, magnesium, and carbon fiber reinforced plastic in its construction.

4 – The 8 Series Revives A Nearly 30-Year-Old Name

Nearly three decades ago, in 1989, the very first BMW 8 Series debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The high end coupe remained in production for 10 years, and was one of the most iconic BMWs ever produced – slotting in higher than the 6 Series and offering greater refinement, luxury, and importantly, performance.

5 – No More 6 Series Coupes

In much the same way as the E31 8 Series signaled the end of the 6 Series, so too does the G15 8 Series. Though it isn’t actually a replacement for the 6 Series Coupe, once again targeting higher levels of luxury and performance, it has however heralded the end of the 6 Series Coupe, Gran Coupe, and Convertibles, with the only 6 remaining being the 6 Series GT – which isn’t anything like the 6 Coupe.

6 – No 4 Cylinders Here

The original 8 Series was the first road-going vehicle to mate a V12 engine to a 6-speed manual gearbox, and it also offered no fewer than 8 cylinders under the hood. The new one doesn’t have a V12, or at least not yet, but you won’t find fewer than 6 here. In a world full of downsizing, the smallest engine the 8 Series will feature is a 3.0-liter straight 6 diesel engine. We’re unlikely to get that in the USA, but the 4.4-liter V8 gasoline motor is definitely coming, meaning the 8 Series is exclusive and uniquely anti-downsizing.

7 – All Wheel Drive Standard

Though BMW is famed for its rear-wheel drive vehicles providing exceptional driving dynamics, the 8 Series doesn’t offer rear-wheel drive at all. Both the 840d and M850i are solely available with xDrive all-wheel drive, meaning the 8 Series isn’t designed with smoky hoonery in mind, but rather control and precision. However, it remains rear-biased to ensure the hallowed dynamics of BMW remain in tact despite the extra layer of control.

8 – Latest generation of N63 Engine Built For 8 Series

BMW’s N63 engine has been a staple for the brand’s high-end machinery for some time, featuring in the 5, 6, and 7 Series as well as the X5 and X6. Tuned by BMW M, the N63 has been used now in two generations of M5. But the latest Technical Update (N63B44T3) for the 8 Series takes a 68 horsepower bump in power (now at 523 hp), while emission performance has been optimized to comply with Euro 6d-TEMP emissions standards. Torque is an impressive 553 lb-ft, enabling a 0-62 mph sprint of just 3.7 seconds.

9 – Smaller Than It Looks, Handles Smaller Still

If you’ve been on the internet at all lately, you’ll likely have seen the M8 GTE being compared to all manner of cruise ships owing to its seemingly large dimensions. But the 8 Series is actually fairly compact. Measuring in at 190.9 inches in length, the 8 Series is shorter than several other vehicles on the market, including the Volvo S90 (195.4 inches), the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan (193.8 inches), and only 8.3 inches longer than the 4 Series Coupe (182.6 inches). There’s also active all wheel steering to help it handle better and maneuver easier at any speed.

10 – Slimmest Headlights Of Any BMW, With Lasers!

This isn’t going to really be a game-changing fact, but one to impress your friends with at the bar. The 8 Series features the slimmest headlights of any BMW produced yet. LED headlights are standard, but available as an option are Adaptive LED headlights and BMW Laserlight with Selective Beam, providing a high beam range of up to nearly 2000 feet.