Tag Archive for BMW

BMW Pioneers Solar-Powered Charging Ports

Harsh competition in the automotive industry to produce the most efficient vehicles possible has BMW changing its focus.  The German automaker that made its reputation on performance, both on and off the track, is now revolutionizing the way drivers can charge their electric vehicles.

With BMW’s electric i3 hatchback and i8 electric vehicles soon to debut at Perillo BMW, the automaker has announced a partnership with fellow German company Solarwatt to create a solar-powered charging port.

“This is the next step in the BMW i 360-degree package for customer-friendly electric mobility,” said Marcus Krieg, head of BMW’s 360° ELECTRIC project. “With SOLARWATT, we are delighted to be working with a premium partner for customized solar solutions who will cater to our customers’ high standards of quality and style.”

It is unclear how quickly the new solar-charging ports will be able to charge one of BMW’s electric vehicles, as it will depend on light exposure.  What is clear is that the ports will save customers money on their monthly power bill.

Customers will have the option to purchase and have the charging port installed when they purchase their BMW i-vehicle.  The BMW i3 hatchback will be available later this year, with the i8 sports car arriving early in 2014.  Check out a photo of the i8 in the solar-charging port.

To learn more about BMW’s efficiency efforts, visit Perillo BMW in Chicago, IL.  We are also located online, at http://www.perillobmw.com/.

BMW Presents the Warhol Art Car

BMW has been a supporter of the art culture since its beginning.  This is evident in the design of there own cars and in the organizations they support.  This year marks the 10th anniversary of the partnership between BMW and Paris Photo.  The Paris Photo’s inaugural show at Paramount Pictures Studios, BMW presented the 1979 M1 Art Car designed by Andy Warhol.

The Art Car series has been a tradition of BMW since 1975, when famous artist Alexander Calder painted the exterior of a BMW 3.0 CSL.  Since then, every couple of years, a new artist has been honored with a BMW to design depicting their own artistic style.  These include works from a variety of famous artists such as Frank Stella, Jeff Koons, and Jenny Holzer.

Photo courtesy of BMW Drives

BMW’s New Electronaut Effect gives Insight into New ActiveE Technology

Often times, we like to get a consumer’s opinion before buying a car.  BMW is taking advantage of this philosophy with their new Electronaut Effect website.

This is a website created to give consumers access to information about their BMW ActiveE cars.  This information includes data about the range, cost savings, and other positive environmental impact information.  This includes data for 700 BMW ActiveE drivers from across the country since January, 2012.

Although the site is mainly for current ActiveE owners, it could also help potential customers figure out if it is really right for them.  So far, some of the data they have collected amounts to 6.1 million total miles driven, $740,000 combined saved in gas money, and conserving 275,000 gallons of gas.

If you are considering an ActiveE vehicle, check out the website and find out if you like what you see.  If you have any questions about the ActiveE technology, feel free to contact our friendly staff at Perillo BMW.

Photo courtesy of BMW Blog

BMW Unveils All-New X4 Concept

BMW has been a pioneer in the Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) since the German automaker premiered the BMW X5 back in 1999.  Now BMW has unveiled the newest addition to its SAV lineup; the BMW X4 Concept, and BMW hopes to continue its successful tradition of high-performing SAVs.

According the BMW’s press release, “the BMW Concept X4… offers a preview of the future of the BMW X family. It takes no more than a first glance to see how smoothly the qualities of a BMW SAV can blend with the genes of a BMW Coupe. The new Sports Activity Coupe concept from BMW is poised to continue the success story of the BMW X6 in a new vehicle class.”

Photos of the BMW X4 Concept have been released leading up to the SAV’s scheduled debut at the Shanghai Auto Show, and the styling is turning heads.  Flaunting the similar, distinct styling of its X6 sibling, the BMW X4 Concept goes a step further with 21-inch light-alloy wheels.

Although the X4 is a concept, BMW has promised that it will become a production model in the near future.  No exact date has been set by BMW, but Perillo BMW will offer availability information for the X4 online, at http://www.perillobmw.com/, when it is released.

Be sure to stop by Perillo BMW in Chicago, IL to check out and test drive any of BMW’s current offerings.

Photo courtesy of BMW

Take the Top Off of a New BMW Convertible this Spring

Now that spring has officially arrived, it’s time to let your hair down and take your top off- your convertible top of course! BMW has six new models ranging from a track-ready convertible to a cruising down-the-shoreline kind of convertible. Each one delivers BMW’s refined dynamics and state-of-the-art technology.

For those of you looking for a fun, cruising convertible, the 1 or 6 Series Convertible would be perfect.  They both deliver a sleek design with sharp creases and elegant details, and provide uncompromising dynamics for an exceptional driving experience.

If you don’t like to store your convertible during the winter months, BMW offers several options with retractable hardtops.  For instance, the Z4 Roadster and 3 Series both provide 365 days of driving pleasure.  In addition to that, their exquisite design, driving capabilities and comfort will make you not want to put it away for the winter.

The M3 and M6 Convertible models are made for those of you looking for that added power.  The M3 delivers 414 horsepower under the hood of an elegantly designed convertible.  It perfectly combines the best sports car qualities with the best convertible characteristics.  The M6 is another notch up from the M3, delivering 560 horsepower and better efficiency, all with the same exquisite styling.

If you are ready to feel the wind blow through your hair and the sun on your face, then stop into our dealership, Perillo BMW, and take a test drive in one of our beautiful BMW Convertibles.

2013 BMW 3 Series 335i

 

2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo

If the idea of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo excited you, but you were disappointed by some of its features, take a look at the upcoming 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo. It has been released for press test drives and is already getting great reviews.

Matt Davis from Autoblog calls it “flexible” and a “premium people hauler with a sure dose of driving competence.”

The 3 GT offers the versatility of a 5-door hatchback with the look of a sedan. It offers a spacious interior giving both driver and passengers lots of headroom and legroom. It has a longer wheelbase than the 3 Series sedan by 4.3 inches and has a higher seating position by 2 inches.

With the hatchback trunk, the 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo offers tons of storage space.

The rear spoiler and sleek lines give it a sporty look. Going 0-60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, the 3 GT is powered by a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine that packs 302 ponies under the hood.

If you’ve ever wanted a sporty rear-wheel drive hatchback, the 2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo is for you. It will be available later this year in September. Contact Perillo BMW for ordering information.

2014 BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo- Perillo BMW

Photo courtesy of BMW

Tips on Sharing the Road with Cyclists

Spring is finally approaching! It will be here before we know it, despite the late winter weather we received this past week. While the sun begins to warm the air and leaves start growing back on trees, we can all get ready to ride our bikes again! While many of us will be mostly driving during or taking public transit for our daily commute, several people will hop on their bikes as the weather warms up. Here are some things every driver should keep in mind when sharing the road with cyclists this spring.

  • Keep an eye out for cyclists when making turns. Cyclists have the right away just like pedestrians.
  • Bike lanes are not for drivers. Even if you are stopped in one for a few seconds, cyclists have to swerve into traffic lanes which defeat the purpose of bike lanes in the first place.
  • Although it is illegal, many cyclists ignore stop signs or simply slow down and keep going. Sometime bikes mechanically attach shoes to pedals which make it difficult to brake. Keep this in mind when approaching stop signs.
  • Cyclists won’t always hear a car coming, so they may not automatically move if a car is approaching them. Be cautious and go around.
  • Take a look before getting out of your car. If a cyclist doesn’t know someone is in the car and about to get out, the door may swing open and hit them resulting in a dented door and a bruised cyclist.

Keep these tips in mind when driving around Chicago this spring. If you aren’t in a hurry, don’t be afraid to ride a bike to your destination!  A little exercise may do you and the world a little good. More tips on cyclist safety can be found online at http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-09-15/local/35497493_1_bike-rider-bike-lane-cyclist as well.

Cyclist Riding in Traffic

BMW Set to Introduce Diesel Variant at New York Auto Show

BMW is creating a lot of buzz for the New York Auto Show; one of the highlights will be the debut of the 2014 328d.  This will be the first diesel variant in the 3 Series line up and in its class.  Diesel cars are growing even more popular in the U.S. due to the rising cost of fuel and the new eco-friendly diesel engine offerings.

This particular diesel engine us a 2.0 liter four cylinder turbodiesel.  It delivers 180 horsepower and impressive 280 pound feet of torque.  It can go from zero to 60 in about 7.2 seconds.  Official EPA estimates have not been announced yet, but BMW has suggested the 2014 328d will get more than 40 mpg highway!

2014 BMW 328d

Photo courtesy of BMW

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 328d will make its world debut at the New York International Auto Show alongside the new 3 Series Gran Turismo and the plug in hybrid, Concept Active Tourer.  The show will open on March 29th and run through April 7th.  Check out their website for show and ticket information.

Our staff, here at Perillo BMW, can’t wait for the huge debut!

Production Plans for the BMW 4-Series Models have been Leaked

We know the anticipation of the 4-Series production date is killing some of you.  The good news is we now have a leaked chart for the production start and end dates of the 4-Series coupe and convertible!  The bad news is they still won’t be here for another couple of months.

The 2014 4-Series coupe models will begin production this July and will run almost a full year, through June of 2014.  The coupe models will have either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.  For the 428i models, they will get a 2.0 liter four cylinder turbocharged engine that gets 240 horsepower and 255 pound feet of torque.  A 3.0 liter V6 turbocharged engine getting 300 horsepower and 300 pound feet of torque will be available in each of the 435i variants.

November is the start date for the 4-Series convertible production; it will run until July 2014.  Rear-wheel drive will be offered on three of the convertible models.  The performance ranges from the 428i to the 428i S and the top performer being the 435i Convertible.  The engine types are just rumors right now, but guesses are a four and six cylinder engine ranging from 240 on the low end to 306 horsepower on the high end.

With production dates starting this summer and fall, you should be seeing the 4-Series coupe and convertible later this fall and early next year.  Keep checking in with our dealership, Perillo BMW, for more information on the new 4-Series models.

Perillo BMW Earns 2013 Center of Excellence Award

Every year, BMW of North America LLC chooses a select few BMW dealerships from around the country to earn the title of a “Center of Excellence”. We are proud to announce that Perillo BMW is a recipient of this prestigious award this year and has been named a 2013 Center of Excellence.

BMW of North America examines all 338 BMW across the country and chooses the most successful in terms of customer satisfaction and overall sales. Perillo BMW was one of just 33 dealerships to win the competitive award this year. This puts us in the top 10% of all BMW dealerships nationwide.

Ludwig Willisch, BMW of North America president and CEO said, “We recognize not only these outstanding owners and operators but also their teams who continuously demonstrate the ability to perform in a highly competitive market. It takes commitment, adaptability and consistency to reach the ranks of a COE dealership.”

We are so proud and honored to have won this award and would like to thank our loyal customers. Without you all, none of this would be possible.

For more information about the award, visit our award page.