2013 BMW X6 - Now Even More Exceptional

When we Keeler BMW received it's first BMW X6 I remember thinking, "now that is one awesome car!"  Well the feeling hasn't changed with the new 2013 BMW X6.  It is sporty and, like mentioned in the below press release, it is unmatched in character.  Enjoy the press release after the jump and go ahead and ogle over the pic!!!

Video: BMW 1 Series M faces off against Audi TT RS on track

Source:  Autoblog.com via Motor Sport Magazine

The crew from Motor Sport Magazine took the time to pit the BMW 1 Series M Coupe against a fitting rival – the Audi TT RS. The two German sports coupes go fender-to-fender on track, and thanks to a few well-placed video cameras, we get to ride along for the action. There's plenty of tail-wiggling glory from the smallest of the M family, but the TT RS seems more than capable of keeping the pace. With 340 horsepower to the 335 ponies of the TT RS, the 1 Series M Coupe has a slight power edge, but with all four wheels pulling in the Audi, the two are fit rivals.

While the video doesn't actually capture any legitimate competition, it's still fun to watch – and hear – these two pint-sized bruisers frolic around in a semi-controlled, off-street venue. We just wish it was us behind the wheel. 

The 4th Annual Keeler Motor Car Block Party

At Keeler Motor Car Company we love to throw parties for our customers.  We want them to know just how important they are to us and honestly, who doesn't like a good party??  We also plan these events to show our potential customers all the benefits that come along with being a Keeler Motor Car customer.  Well, June 4th is no exception!!  It's the 4th Annual Keeler Motor Car Block Party. 

• Check out vintage Mercedes-Benz vehicles when the
  Mercedes-Benz Club rolls into town
• The Hudson Valley BMW Car Club will be here showing off their classic BMWs
• A host of shined-up MINIs will be on display courtesy of
  the MINI Car Club
• See a "brilliant" gathering of smart cars at our 4th Annual
  smarty Party at smart center Latham
• Live Entertainment from 12:00 - 3:00 by local band The Audiostars

Featuring Mercedes-Benz, BMW, MINI, Honda, smart and Keeler Quality Pre-Owned Center vehicles at Summer Event pricing!

All this and more in one day!
Saturday, June 4th, 10:00am - 5:00pm
Keeler Motor Car Company, Rt. 7, Latham

Keeler Motor Car President's Day Sale - going on NOW!

We are celebrating President's Day here at Keeler Motor Car by passing some unbelievable savings on to you.  Each of our stores, Keeler Mercedes-Benz, Keeler BMW, Keeler Honda, Keeler MINI and the smart Center Latham have amazing offers for you to choose from.  See our ads below or go to our website to view our complete new inventory or pre-owned inventory.

2012 BMW 6-Series Convertible Snapped Without Camouflage?

Those quick fingered camera jockeys over at Motor-Talk.de have got what appears to be an undisguised 2012 BMW 6-series convertible. This could be our first look at the new convertible, which is set to go on sale next year, au natural.


Soon after, the Photoshop magicians over at Autobild cleaned up the picture, taking out the cameraman and other foreground obstructions and removing some of the grainy-ness.


It has to be said, this picture looks very close to the artist's impression by e90post forum member 'Alpince325ci', even down to the shape of the bootlid. Well done, sir.


The 6-series Convertible will the most expensive drop top in BMW's lineup, slotting in above the cheaper 3-series convertible and Z4 roadseter. Oddly, it still retains its fabric top, something the current-gen 3-series and Z4 have done away with. Carscoop will have more details and pictures as they come through.
Source:  www.carscoop.blogspot.com

BMW Concept 6-Series Coupe Live Photos from the 2010 Paris Auto Show

Easily one of the most dramatic vehicle unveilings at this week’s 2010 Paris Auto Show, the all-new 2010 BMW Concept 6-Series Coupe has made its official world debut and gives us a near-perfect preview of the design that will eventually feature on the upcoming 2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe.

The latest concept, meanwhile, shows the classic features of all BMW coupes, with flowing lines giving rise to high aerodynamic levels. The design also fixes many of the problems with the previous model (the horrendous trunk treatment in particular) without looking derivative or taking the safe route. The front end is likely to stir some controversy, incorporating the new BMW corporate face with a unique flair.

As for the production 6-Series Coupe, expect to see it bow into showrooms around this time next year.

Source: motorauthority.com

BMW - Just Don't Blog About It!

At Keeler Motor Car we are always looking for new and exciting ways to advertise our products and services. Well, while doing my daily research for interesting things to post on Facebook, our blog and Twitter today I came across this tweet from the @NYTimeswheels, "BMW Goes for Reverse Psychology" Brilliant! I liken it to telling my kids to do, well just about anything. They inherently want to do the exact opposite. Then I pull the ol' switcheroo on them, "I bet you can't finish those green beans" or "you probably don't know how to brush your teeth." It works (almost) every time!

Well, it seems to be working for BMW. It has piqued the curiosity of many Bimmer fanatics out there. The site is full of short videos and photos of what seems to me to look like a BMW 6-Series. But you be the judge. Here is the site, http://bit.ly/9DbLev Just don't blog about it!

BMW and BlackBerry Team Up to Deliver E-mail to the Dash

The lovefest between smartphones and cars continues, with BMW announcing a hook-up with Research in Motion's BlackBerry that will allow e-mail messages to be displayed on an in-dash screen and heard. Starting this fall, drivers who own both the BlackBerry Pearl 3G and a BMW with the company's ConnectedDrive feature will be able to access e-mail via a Bluetooth connection using the vehicle's iDrive interface.

A text version of the e-mail will appear on the BMW's dash-mounted Control Display and also will be read aloud if the vehicle has an optional voice-output function. The feature will be available on all BMWs with the Professional in-dash navigation system and mobile phone preparation Bluetooth interface.

This comes as no great surprise, since BMW tipped its hand at the CTIA Wireless event last April. Judging from this YouTube video from CTIA, the e-mail text won't be available while the car is in gear -- which is a good thing -- and there's no way to reply to an e-mail as of yet.

ConnectedDrive already allows transfer of calendars, contacts, text messages, tasks and memos from a smartphone to the car, as well as an Internet-connected Google search capability. According to a BMW, adding the e-mail function for other smartphones beyond the BlackBerry Pearl 3G is being planned, and the video below shows it working with the iPhone.

An Ode to Keeler Motor Car

We just received what could be one of the best letters we have ever seen come across our desks. It is too great of a letter to attempt to paraphrase so i'll just type as it was written...with a trusty #2 pencil! Thank you Steven! You made our day.

6/3/2010

Dear Staff of Keeler BMW,

My name is Steven Churchill and I am a 7th grader at Shaker Junior High School. Even though I cannot yet drive, I have loved cars since age two. My favorite make of car is BMW and the only place I would want to buy one is at Keeler BMW. My favorite BMW is the 850csi because of its styling.

Keeler is my favorite car dealership because it is very close to my house and because of the good selection. I have heard many people comment on your great service and dedication to your customers. With the help of bmw.keeler.com I will always know what cars are in your inventory. Enclosed is a poem I have written about Keeler BMW.

Sincerely,
Steven

"My Favorite Place of All"

Keeler BMW....
My favorite place of all
Everytime I go by, I am glued to the window...
just looking at the great selection
it's in a good location,
but it doesn't matter,
'cause if I was in any BMW, I know the
trip would never be a bummer.
BMW's, BMW's, so sporty and fun...
I could ride in one, even when the sun is no
longer hung.

Keeler BMW...
Filled with great cars....
I couldn't count on getting a great deal from...
well, anyone else.
Z's, 1's or even 3's
5's, 6's and some luxo 7's
I just love it when they are in your collection
Even with so many cars in this world....
I will always be loyal to my friend Keeler BMW
So....Keeler BMW....
You are definitely my favorite place of all.

The adventurous, facelifted X5 takes on Alligator Alley

The always stylish, facelifted BMW X5 looks great driving in the city but it's built to go out into the wilderness to explore. See it in action on Alligator Alley, Florida:

BMW Billboard Placed Above Audi Hong Kong Dealership

A huge BMW billboard has been placed above Audi of Hong Kong just recently. If you remember, BMW and Audi battled it out with a “billboard-war” about a year ago ending with a BMW M3 “checkmate” billboard and Audi’s “check your luxury badge” response. Now after a year, the games seem to have sparked again making it a Hong Kong Audi dealership.

The BMW Gran Coupe Concept

BMW presents the concept of a new 4-door coupe. The BMW Concept Gran Coupé underscores the outstanding design expertise of the German premium automobile manufacturer.

With an exclusive Design Night on the evening of the first press day at Auto China in Beijing (April 23rd to May 2nd 2010), BMW provides an in-depth insight into its design philosophy and development strategy. The program of the BMW Design Night is modular in structure and presents extensive background information on the premium automobile manufacturer’s innovative design culture. In addition to highlighting the long versions of the BMW 5 Series developed specially for the Chinese market, the main focus is on an elegant 4-door vehicle with striking dynamic proportions: the BMW Concept Gran Coupé.

The concept study on display symbolises the outstanding design expertise of BMW. The BMW Concept Gran Coupé concentrates the fundamental values of the brand. Its body design authentically captures a sense of superior dynamic performance and high-quality elegance. The shaping style, which follows a coherent pattern down to the last detail, convincingly visualises BMW’s philosophy as an automobile manufacturer. As with the Concept CS 2007, BMW once again sets new benchmarks in the design of 4-door coupes with a distinctive sporty character.

Based on a powerful tradition in this segment, the BMW Concept Gran Coupé carries the essence of brand values and the genes of BMW design into the future. The concept shows the classic features of all BMW coupes: the long wheelbase, the vaulted bonnet with forward-pointing lines, the set-back greenhouse, the flat silhouette, the coupe-style roof line and the short front overhang reflect the dynamic potential of the vehicle. The surface structures and the fact that the design quality is geared towards perfection illustrate the aspiration of the brand BMW to build 4-door high-performance coupes with the sportiest proportions and the most elegant design.

Read the entire story here.

Source: BMWBlog

BMW to go front-drive

Not sure if we'll ever see these at Keeler BMW but BMW announced that they will be producing front-wheel drive. Read the article below:

BMW is set to introduce a new front-wheel-drive entry-level model, positioned and priced beneath the existing 1-series and using shared Mini hardware, according to the firm's chairman Norbert Reithofe.

The new model is being developed as part of plans to help increase parts sharing and bolster the potential for production savings between the BMW and Mini brands, thus bringing an end to the era of rear and four-wheel drive-only BMW models.

Speaking to Autocar at the last week's Geneva motor show, Reithofer said internal BMW studies revealed that, despite the downturn in the world’s economy, there is continued demand for what he described as "premium vehicles" in the small car class. He then officially acknowledged plans that will see BMW producing a rival to the recently unveiled Audi A1 and a new Smart Forfour presently under development at rival Mercedes-Benz.

"We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small car segment with new models and variants," said Reithofer.

Being careful to separate the new price-leading front-wheel-drive model from BMW's upcoming city car - a totally different project as part of its Mega City Vehicle electric car initiative - Reithofer added, "For these new vehicles [the new BMW and Mini] we are developing a common architecture for both front and four-wheel drive."

While exact details remain shrouded in secrecy, Autocar can confirm the new entry-level BMW has been conceived to run the same front-wheel-drive underpinnings as the next-generation Mini Cooper.

The new Mini Cooper is not due out until 2014, but the small BMW could be on UK roads as early as 2013 as part of a major thrust by the company to become the undisputed sales leader in the premium small car class.

Plans to base the new entry-level BMW on the same platform as the Mini Cooper also raise the question of where the new car would be built. Although BMW is being vague, Autocar understands the new car could be built alongside the Mini Cooper in Oxford, using a new generation of petrol and diesel engines sourced from BMW's engine plant in Hams Hall.
Studies are also under way that could result in the new platform structure referred to by Reithofer being used for future generations of the 1-series - although BMW is still undecided on whether the third-generation model, due in 2018, will be front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive.
"We are looking at alternatives," a Munich insider told Autocar. "With the new platform set to support four-wheel drive, it wouldn't be that hard to use the transmission tunnel for a rear-wheel-drive application."

Source: Autocar.co.uk

Keeler BMW Wins The Center of Excellence Award

Keeler BMW is proud to announce that they have received the prestigious Center of Excellence award for its strong performance in 2009.

This year, there were 21 BMW Centers awarded this honor - an elite group that outperformed their peers in "the three core competencies of operational excellence, outstanding brand representation and the consistent delivery of a premium customer experience."

Congratulations to our outstanding staff of sales and service professionals at Keeler BMW! Everyone on our staff does a terrific job, and it's great to see them recognized for those efforts!

Keeler Motor Car is proud to represent 5 of the 20 Finalists for the 2010 World Car and Performance Car of the Year!

The countdown has begun in preparation for the 2010 World Car of the Year (WCOTY) and Performance Car of the Year (PCOTY) awards ceremony that will be taking place on April 1 at the 2010 New York Auto Show.

A total of 31 cars made up the original list of candidates for the 2010 World Car category, while 15 cars made up the list for the 2010 Performance Car category, but now these lists have been whittled down to just ten finalists.

Now in their seventh year, the World and Performance Car of the Year awards are an independent global accreditation to name the best new car on the market, as selected by a voter group made up of established automotive journalists from around the globe.

To be eligible, a car has to be in production and sold in at least five countries and on two continents, which meant many American manufactured cars didn’t make the list. The final winners will be picked by a team of 59 judges and announced during April’s New York event, however, the list will be whittled down even further to just three finalists in both categories at next month’s 2010 Geneva Motor Show.

2010 World Car of the Year top ten finalists:
Audi Q5
BMW X1
Chevrolet Cruze
Kia Soul
Mazda3
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Opel/Vauxhall Insignia / Buick Regal
Porsche Panamera
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Polo

2010 Performance Car of the Year top ten finalists:
Aston Martin V12 Vantage
Audi R8 V10
Audi TT RS Coupé / Roadster
BMW Z4
Ferrari California
Jaguar XFR
Lotus Evora
Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG
Nissan 370 Z
Porsche 911 GT3
Porsche Boxster / Cayman

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo - Short Take Road Test

This may be hard to accept, but what you see here is a BMW that’s not really conceived to please Bimmer loyalists in the U.S. That’s because this inflated version of the 5-series sedan is aimed at expanding markets where vehicle priorities differ from our own. China, for one.

If that seems peculiar, remember that the booming Chinese market is the main reason Buick survives while other GM brands have perished: We’re talking about people more interested in comfort, space, and prestige than ultimate driving.

Not that this swollen five-door is deficient in basic BMW dynamic virtues. Yes, its, uh, generous dimensions—3.9 inches longer than the 2011 5-series sedan on which it’s based, 1.6 inches wider, 3.8 inches taller—make the regular 5s look svelte. Our test car weighed almost 2.5 tons (4939 pounds), which is a staggering 891 pounds more than the last 550i we tested [November 2006].

Nevertheless, the 550i GT prances right along with its tidier stablemates, sprinting to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and covering the quarter in 13.6 at 105 mph. That’s a wink quicker than the sedan in that 2006 test. The GT’s 400-hp, 4.4-liter direct-injection twin-turbo V-8 churns up 40 more horses than the naturally aspirated 4.8-liter in the 2006 test, but the real key to the GT’s performance is the turbo V-8’s massive torque—450 pound-feet, a gain of 90—plus instant throttle response and a very slick ZF eight-speed automatic transmission.

If the GT’s acceleration is surprising, its agility is not. BMW’s chassis engineers have already shown us remarkable skill in mass management with the M versions of the even heavier X6 and X5, and the GT is another example, albeit not as extreme. Body motions are limited, with noticeable roll-stiffness distinctions through the three suspension presets; grip is respectable, at 0.86 g; and if the optional ($1750) four-wheel active steering lacks on-center feel, it’s a welcome feature in high-speed cornering and also makes the GT surprisingly handy at parking-lot speeds.
True to BMW’s dynamic standards, ride quality is supple and braking performance is excellent (160 feet from 70 mph to standstill). Plus, the GT has specific advantages: presidential-limo head- and legroom in the aft cabin, replete with adjustable seats (part of a $3650 option package); nifty configurability to the cargo compartment and rear hatch; and exceptionally low noise levels.

On the debit side, there’s fuel economy (if that’s the right word): 15 mpg city and 21 highway per the EPA, 16 mpg in our test. The price is $65,775 for the base model (including a grand for the guzzler penalty), $4500 more than a standard 550i. And options add up at a frightening rate: Two GTs came to us for evaluation—the first was loaded to the tune of $90,925; the second not quite so loaded, at $80,425. Whew.

Source: Car & Driver

BMW Releases Free M Power App for iPhone

The Apple iPhone has a built-in accelerometer that rather accurately detects even the slightest motions. Developers have been quick to create applications that capitalize on the iPhone's hardware, including software that helps enthusiasts obtain g-force and 0-60 times from their phone. We've tested a few ourselves and they work pretty well, although most of these apps come at a cost, ranging from $4.99 to $10 or more. If you like the idea of timing your vehicle with the aid of an iPhone but don't want to pay for an app, BMW has a free solution for you.

It's called the M Power Meter and does most things those paid apps can do, but it's free and also very easy to use. Simply download the software from the app store [iTunes link], place your phone upright in a cup holder or flat in the direction you intend to drive, hit start, accept the terms and go. The M Power Meter defaults to timing a jaunt from 0-50 km/h, but you can change that by clicking on settings and choosing from several acceleration options up to 200 km/h or distances ranging from 100 meters to 2,000 meters. We downloaded the M Power Meter app and found it worked fairly well for being free and nearly as good as those apps we spent a few bucks on in the past.

If you have an iPhone and a car, test it out for yourself (without breaking the law or doing anything that could endanger yourself or others, natch) and tell us how well it worked by heading over to the Comments section. It's free, so it couldn't hurt to give it a whirl.

Source:[Autoblog]

Detroit Preview: BMW Concept ActiveE set to amp up 1 Series

Six months into its Mini E field test program, BMW is getting ready for phase two of its electric vehicle development. At the Detroit Auto Show next month, the Bavarian automaker will introduce its Concept ActiveE which brings electric drive to the Roundel. This time, instead of the diminutive Mini, these new teaser images suggest that a 1 Series coupe is set to go the plug-in route.

With the Mini E, BMW rushed to get the cars out into the field, recruiting AC Propulsion to produce the powertrains and battery packs comprised of laptop cells – a setup not unlike the Tesla Roadster. This time around, the car is much closer to what might be expected of a mass-produced electric car. BMW plans to build another fleet of EVs based on this concept, and once again, it will again put cars into the hands of ordinary drivers and fleets for more field testing. Read on here for more details and the official press release.

Source: BMW

Will the Recession Change BMW for the Better? Perhaps.

Article by Car and Driver

BMW recently held a “One-Day University” program at its home base in New Jersey, intended, according to our hosts, “to begin a discussion” about the role of high-end automakers in the future of personal transportation. The six-session curriculum covered a range of hairy topics, not the least of which was the evident movement of well-heeled Americans away from conspicuous consumption to more restrained, reward-based purchasing habits.

The hour I found most interesting was entitled “What Consumers are Learning from the Recession and Consequences for Premium Products” (which I’m sure could be combined into one word in German), presented by Madelyn Hochstein, owner and president of the research firm DYG, Inc. Citing numerous social and consumer trend studies, Hochstein suggested that people are starting to take ownership of their circumstances (however bleak those may be), that they’re starting to cut back on superfluous financial expenditures, and that more and more rich people see themselves as—get this—“humble.” Also in the research was an alleged shift in the standard of success from “excess” to “ethics.” In other words, according to Hochstein, there is a “responsibility revolution” trending away from seeking “a life of riches” to “a richer life.”

So how might this responsibility revolution change the Ultimate Driving Machine? It’s tough to say definitively, since BMW people were not giving the seminar (they were actually among us in the audience). All I can infer is that we’ll see a whole lot more of this Efficient Dynamics stuff from the BMW brand, that Mini will keep kicking ass, and that the new $250K Rolls-Royce Ghost will far outsell the big, “phat” Phantom.

Source:[CarandDriver]

2011 BMW 5 Series: Most Esoteric Teaser Ever?

BMW released this "teaser shot" of the 2011 BMW 5 Series, which is getting a full redesign. To create this, uh, true to life silhouette, BMW designers made use of the kinetic sculpture exhibit at the BMW Museum in Munich. You can watch a short video of the "construction" phase after the jump.
Needless to say, earlier spy shots of the next-gen 5 Series give you a much better idea of how it will look -- pretty much like a scaled down BMW 7 Series. And the next M5 was spotted even before that.
BMW will officially unveil the 2011 5 Series on November 23 at 8 p.m. Central European time -- in other words, 2 p.m. if you're on the east coast, 11 a.m. if you're in California.