08 BMW Concept X6, M3 Coupe, and 6 Series. By: ALAN GELL www.CarColumns.Net  One of the leading automobile shows in Europe was held in Frankfurt in September.  I was privileged to be present for the Media Day.    BMW led off the Media Press Conferences with the first unveiling and speech early in the morning.

They were nice enough to have orange juice available for us as well as earphones and transmitters that let you listen to the speech in up to 6 different languages.    Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of BMW, began by talking about how BMW  builds their cars to inspire and provide driving pleasure for the customer.  He noted that each year, customers demand more options.  They want a vehicle that offers as many options as possible.  He then unveiled the new BMW X6

The BMW X6 is a concept car, but will no doubt be on the market in short order.  BMW introduced their X5 model back in 1999, basically establishing a segment called Sports Activity Vehicles.    This X6 is designed to be an all-wheel-drive luxury car -- a Sports Activity Coupe.

The X6 is designed to have a new drivetrain and chassis system and, according to Dr. Reithofer, "be an absolute trendsetter."  They also rolled out the premiere of the X6 hybrid.  This is the first full-hybrid car by BMW.  During the presentation, they emphasized that this new BMW Hybrid can be driven efficiently on any kind of road, whether it's in the city or on the highway.  They explained that the BMW Hybrid technology is generally based on a modular system, helping them to choose specific components for each type of vehicle.  The Hybrid X6 is expected out as a 2009 model.

Next they rolled out a new M3 Coupe.  He said, "The M vehicle is engineered on the race track, but built for the road."  The M3 Coupe introduced is the fourth generation of the M3.

Then, they unveiled the new BMW 6 Series updated Coupe and Convertible.  Their emphasis on the 6 series was generally about BMW providing driving pleasure for the sheer enjoyment of it and that acceleration, fuel economy and emission control can all be had in a luxury vehicle.

After these vehicle unveilings, they expanded the talk with a lengthy explanation of how much BMW is doing to improve their vehicles to help the environment.    They call their approach "Climate Protection" and said they've been working on this for about seven years.  Most politicians certainly weren't too interested in protecting the environment to any great extent back then.  But that has certainly become the hot topic -- especially at the Frankfurt Auto Show.  And that's how the Media Day began with the unveiling and introduction of new models -- with BMW patting themselves on the back for all they have done and say they will be doing.

In summary, BMW, which, by-the-way, stands for Bavarian Motor Works, is working on optimizing their entire vehicle line-up to have less CO 2 emissions, better aerodynamics, more lightweight construction, reduced fuel consumption. And a lot more.  This is hardly much different from all the major manufacturers.