BMW at the 2014 NAIAS Detroit.

The North American International Auto Show is among the world’s most important automobile exhibitions and traditionally regarded as the event marking the start of the model year with innovations from the global automotive industry. More than 200 exhibitors are participating in the 26th NAIAS at the Cobo Center in America’s Motor City with their latest models, products and technologies. Last year the show drew nearly 800,000 visitors from around the world. From January 18th to 26th, BMW is also unveiling the latest model refinements for the BMW X1 and the BMW Z4 Roadster in Pure Fusion Design. Detroit is also the scene for the market launch of the BMW M Performance automobiles in the United States. Other examples of groundbreaking innovations are the latest BMW ConnectedDrive features, as well as the developments that are enhancing BMW’s EfficientDynamics technology. The sheer pleasure of two-wheeled performance is also being demonstrated by BMW Motorcycles with the premiere of the new BMW R nineT.

BMW M3 and BMW M4: world premiere in pole position.

A new chapter in the fascinating history of high-performance sports cars from BMW M GmbH is beginning with the world premiere of the new BMW M3 Sedan and the new BMW M4 Coupé. The BMW M3 Sedan and the BMW M4 Coupé are sharing pole position. Their DNA is rooted in a combination of motorsports genes with full daily driving functionality. Compared with their predecessors, these models deliver superior performance with a newly developed high-revving, straight six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology delivering 317 kW/431 hp.

The suspension and drivetrain of each M automobile are precision tuned to harmonize with the performance characteristics of the engine. Optimized weight also enhances the overall performance characteristics of these vehicles. Lighter weight is achieved with a one-piece driveshaft made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), which reduces the rotating mass for better gas pedal response.

BMW 2 Series Coupé: increased dynamics in the premium compact segment.

The world premiere of the BMW 2 Series Coupé presented by the German premium carmaker is among the top highlights at the 2014 NAIAS. The new series makes quite an impression in the premium compact segment with its sporty and elegant coupé styling that is unmistakably BMW. Unlike any of its market competitors, the BMW 2 Series Coupé is based on a unique vehicle concept with a body in three-box design, and it offers a choice of engines built specifically for this series, not to mention proven rear-wheel drive technology. Spacious seating for four, innovative equipment and options, plus optimized efficiency distinguish this vehicle from its predecessor, the BMW 1 Series Coupé.

What’s more, the BMW M235i Coupé introduces a completely new dimension of driving dynamics to this vehicle class. The first BMW M Performance automobile offered in the US market is powered by a straight six-cylinder engine delivering 240 kW/326 hp. The 2 Series will also include the BMW 228i Coupé with 180 kW/245 hp when officially launched in the United States.

BMW i3 and BMW i8: sustainable concepts for more driving pleasure.

Extensive use of CFRP contributes to the innovative character of the first series models representing the new BMW i brand, with passenger cabins built with this light and torsionally rigid high-tech material. The BMW Group is a world leader when it comes to the production of CFRP in the automotive segment. Together with its joint venture partner, the SGL Group, BMW operates a carbon fiber manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, Washington, which is fully integrated in the production supply chain for BMW i automobiles.

The BMW i3 is the first premium vehicle designed exclusively for pure electromobility. The five-seater car, which boasts pathbreaking BMW i design language, offers a generous amount of interior space and four seats. It is powered by a 125 kW/170 hp electric motor and achieves a range of between 130 and 160 kilometers (approx. 80 and 99 miles) in everyday traffic conditions. For the first time, emission-free driving with the sporty BMW feel has been combined with amazing agility and comfort for mobility in urban environments. With the optional Range Extender, the BMW i3 can travel distances of up to 300 kilometers (approx. 186 miles).

The world’s most advanced sports car is unquestionably the BMW i8. It combines the dynamics of a high-performance sports car with the fuel consumption and emission levels of a small car. The 2+2 seater featuring a visionary design is suited for emission-free city driving and offers sporty performance for country roads and highways. The vehicle’s plug-in hybrid system comprises a supercharged three-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo Technology delivering 170 kW/231 hp and BMW eDrive technology in the form of a 96 kW/131 hp electric motor. With the power of both engines, the BMW i8 sprints from 0‒100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.4 seconds. Average fuel consumption according to the EU test cycle for plug-in hybrids is 2.5 litres/100 kilometers.

The BMW X1: superior driving experience, refined premium ambience.

With new exterior accents and the refinement of its premium interior, the BMW X1 continues to reaffirm its position as the paragon of sheer driving pleasure and premium characteristics in its segment. The selection of BMW ConnectedDrive features for the compact BMW X model will also be extended again in the spring of 2014.

The BMW Z4 in Pure Fusion Design: exclusive aesthetics.

The joy of open-air driving can now be combined with an elegant look and feel in the BMW Z4. The roadster is available with a new equipment package known as Pure Fusion Design, which harmonizes the choice of premium colors and materials to reflect sporty elegance. For example, the exclusive aesthetics and sophisticated premium ambience include sport seats with an enhanced version of the exclusive Nappa leather trim, special trim elements and the new exterior paint finish in Sparkling Brown metallic.