New BMW Z4 Roadster and New BMW 7 Series Make World Debut in Detroit - COMPLETE VIDEO

SEE ALSO: Complete 2009 Detroit Auto Show Coverage

Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 10, 2009: Poised to lead its market segment once again, the 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster will make its world debut at the North American International Auto Show on January 11. The world's most successful purveyor of premium automobiles will exhibit the new Z4 alongside an array of models that are beginning to arrive at BMW Centers, from the refreshed 3 Series to Advanced Diesels to the new fifth-generation 7 Series.

Joining them on the show floor will be the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid and BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid, which preview the potential of hybrid technology in luxury performance vehicles.

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As the first BMW Roadster with a retractable hardtop, the two-seat Z4 will succeed both the BMW Z4 Roadster and the BMW Z4 Coupe. Setting a new standard in its segment, the Z4's hardtop opens or closes at the touch of a button within 20 seconds, and a moveable partition preserves luggage space when the top is down. With the compact two-piece aluminum roof stowed, the Z4 maintains the classic proportions of a BMW Roadster.

When the hardtop is overhead, driving is enhanced by a larger heated glass rear window, 40 percent larger side windows, increased headroom and elbowroom, as well as the performance provided by either of two inline-6 engines, each displacing 3.0 liters.

The BMW Z4 sDrive35i delivers 300 horsepower and impressive fuel efficiency from the world's first inline-6 engine to feature twin turbochargers, High Precision direct fuel injection and an all-aluminum crankcase. The 255 hp normally aspirated engine in the BMW Z4 sDrive30i model also delivers excellent refinement, performance and fuel efficiency thanks in great part to the magnesium and aluminum used to produce the exceptionally light engine, which weighs only 355 pounds.

Flagship 7 Series Reinterprets Driving Pleasure

The fifth generation of the BMW 7 Series, which will arrive as a 2009 model in the United States this spring, completely reinterprets style, luxury and driving pleasure. BMW will offer two versions: the 750i and the 750Li, with its wheelbase extended by 5.5 inches. Their design radiates a natural presence, inherent sportiness and an elegance born of precision in concept and execution.

A new generation V-8 engine with High Precision direct injection and twin turbochargers expresses BMW EfficientDynamics at the highest level of performance. Weight-efficient construction and innovative chassis technology contribute to dynamic driving qualities that are unique in the world of luxury automobiles. New, exclusive BMW driver-assistance systems such as Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection further add to the exceptional driving experience.

Inside the new 7, the driver-oriented control center features a console-mounted E-Shift transmission control, new to the 7 Series, positioned closely to a new generation of the BMW iDrive controller, which presents features in a larger, high-resolution color display. The new iDrive provides more intuitive operation, a new controller, direct-select keys and eight programmable keys. The standard GPS navigation system features an 80GB hard drive and displays 3D topography with cityscapes.

The 4.4-liter, twin-turbocharged V-8 delivers 400 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque over an amazingly broad rpm range for optimal responsiveness. A 6-speed automatic transmission with optimized shifting smoothness also enhances fuel efficiency. Also new: Integral Active Steering, which adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering to BMW's proven front Active Steering system. This is included in U.S. models' Sport Package.

The base price for the 2009 750i is $81,125, and the 2009 750Li is 85,025 (including $825 for destination and handling). Both models began production in November and will arrive at BMW Centers in March.

New Paths to Efficiency: Advanced Diesels and Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid

Rather than focusing on just a few models or technologies, BMW is committed to reducing harmful emissions and protecting the environment throughout its lineup. In Detroit, BMW will showcase the 335d Sedan and the X5 xDrive35d Sports Activity VehicleR, featuring BluePerformance diesel technology, as well as two hybrid concepts, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid and BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid.

The new BMW Advanced Diesel models, the 335d and X5 xDrive35d, display yet another BMW approach to fuel efficiency. Both models feature a 50-state emission compliant version of BMW's award winning sequential twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel engine - the first performance-oriented and efficient Advanced Diesel engine in BMW's U.S. line. Both went on sale in December.

The sequential twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel engine powering both models employs both a very small and a larger turbocharger as well as an innovative intake system that enable the engine to develop 265 hp. Even more impressive are the torque characteristics for acceleration: Fully 80% of the torque is available from 1100 rpm to 4200 rpm, providing optimal performance across an exceptional range. The peak torque is 425 lbs-ft at 1750 rpm - almost as much as BMW's 6.0-liter V12. The 335d is capable of sprinting from 0 - 60 mph in six seconds flat. The X5 xDrive35d will do it in 6.9 seconds. No other diesels in the US perform like this pair of BMW Advanced Diesel models.

Coupled with this performance potential is impressive fuel efficiency. The EPA mileage estimates for the 335d are 23 city and 36 highway. The X5 xDrive35d is rated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Both offer the convenience of travelling approximately 580 miles between fill-ups.

The BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is a concept vehicle that showcases innovative BMW ActiveHybrid technology in the world's first Sports Activity Coupe. On the road, the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is as agile and dynamic as it is efficient, leaving conventional hybrids far behind in the driving pleasure department.

A key component of the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is its two-mode active transmission. This innovative technology enables the interplay between the electric motors and the engine to be varied according to the driving situation. It features two different transmission modes: one that ensures maximum torque when pulling away and in low-speed driving. The other is optimized for higher speeds and bursts of acceleration - for example when overtaking. The two-mode active transmission allows the BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid to get maximum performance and efficiency from its drivetrain at all speeds. The aim of BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid is a twenty percent reduction in fuel consumption and emissions. The production X6 ActiveHybrid will come to market in 2009.

The BMW Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid previews the potential of mating BMW's new twin-turbo V8 engine with electric drive as a mild hybrid concept appropriate to luxury automobiles. A compact electric motor replaces the conventional alternator as well as the starter. Brake energy regeneration powers all electrics. The electric motor adds an additional 20 horsepower and up to 155 lb-ft of torque as needed. The drivetrain technology featured in the concept car enhances driving dynamics and reduces fuel consumption as well as emissions by 15 percent in the EU test cycle. Energy is stored in a compact lithium-ion battery housed in the luggage compartment. An auto start-stop function optimizes efficiency.

2009 3 Series: Quintessential Sports Sedan and Wagon raise the bar

The 2009 3 Series Sedan and Sports Wagon are poised to maintain market leadership with updated exterior and interior styling, new technologies, enhanced ergonomics and the introduction of BMW Advanced Diesel with BluePerformance in the 335d Sedan.

A subtle freshening of exterior design features a new front end, more dynamic profile and wider rear stance. Headlights and taillights are new yet present a typically BMW look, innovative lighting technology and 3-dimensional effects. The refinement of the interior design complements the distinctive exterior design. Among functional updates are ergonomically enhanced placement of power-window controls for the driver and new, expanded storage possibilities.

The optional onboard navigation system features the all-new iDrive control concept and high-resolution display. Subscribers to the optional BMW Assist Convenience Plan can access "BMW Search" to quickly find a desired business or other point of interest with just a key word search, using Google Maps search technology and intelligence, even from the convenience of home or office. Once a destination has been found, route guidance or a hands-free call from a BluetoothR -linked phone is available at just a simple push of a button.