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Find out the latest BMW news
The car industry has a very dynamic pace so you must keep up with it and stay very well informed. Using state of the art technology and being one of the world’s most innovative automakers, things at BMW move pretty fast. You can easily find out the latest BMW news thanks to our colleagues at Autoblog. The information is updated regularly so you will not miss any important BMW news.
Report: BMW working on new FWD model below 1 Series
Rumors of a front-wheel drive model to slot in below the 1 Series have been circulating for some time, with the most recent report coming last October. Now, Autocar has confirmed with BMW's chairman, Norbert Reithofe, that an all-new model is coming from the automaker, designed to compete with the recently introduced Audi A1 and built atop the next generation Mini's platform.
However, the unsurprising introduction of a new premium sub-compact won't just be limited to BMW - Reithofer told Autocar that, "We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small car segment with new models and variants." The exec also took pains to differentiate the new Bimmer from the upcoming Mega City EV, saying that this new model is being developed for both front- and all-wheel drive applications, and that the new urban runabout is a separate endeavor.
Combined with the next Mini, due out as early as 2013, the automaker wants to become more than a bit player in the compact class, and in order to keep volumes of scale in check, the new FWD BMW is likely to be built alongside its Mini counterpart in Oxford.
Plans for a revamped 1 Series are also in the works, but the automaker hasn't determined whether the next 1er will be rear- or front-wheel drive. Regardless, the introduction of BMW's first FWD model signals a significant shift, but as long as the brand's patented driving dynamics are present and accounted for, it's hardly the end of the world.
[Source: Autocar]
Ah yes, the good ol' pull-the-tablecloth-off-the-table-without-sending-dishes-flying routine. The oldest trick in the book? Possibly, but BMW has taken it upon themselves to update the classic demonstration in a major way. How 'bout upping the ante with 24 complete place settings around a giant rectangular table? Yeah, that'd do it.
Just how is BMW planning to remove said tablecloth? Using a new S 1000 RR superbike, that's how. Will it work? Well, it's really a question of physics, right? Take 193 horsepower and a 0 to 60 time that's just shy of 2.9 seconds. Add in one rider with a quick set of wrists and shake well. Garnish with celebratory wheelie.
We highly recommend that you click past the break to see it all go down on video. It's very much worth your time.
[Source: BMW via YouTube]
It seems that the 2011 BMW M5 is nearing production-ready status, and while the new supersedan may still be wearing a bit of swirly camouflage, it's easy to see what the more aggressive M5 will look like in its new F10 5 Series body.
As we've mentioned earlier, the 2011 M5 is expected to ditch the outgoing car's high-revving V10 in favor of a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 borrowed from the X5 M and X6 M. Currently, that engine kicks out 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, but if the rumormill is to be believed, BMW's M division has cranked out some extra punch for the M5, to the tune of 578 hp and 530 lb-ft. That means 0-60 mph runs should happen in under 4.5 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 155 mph. As for transmissions, we'll bet our last dollar that the M5 will use a dual-clutch setup, and we're still crossing our fingers that a proper manual transmission will find its way into the cards as well.
Expect the production-ready M5 to debut later this year (Paris Motor Show?) or in the very early months of 2011. In the meantime, click through the attached gallery to see all of the high-res spy shots.
[Source: CarPix]
The rumormill has been buzzing lately about a possible M-badged version of the lovely BMW 1 Series. (We still have a hard time calling it M1, since that name has long been reserved for a far more illustrious creation.) A new report from Inside Line, however, reveals that while a 1 Series-based M1 isn't in the cards, we can look forward to seeing a hotted-up 135is, similar to the Z4 sDrive35is and 335is that have just recently been introduced.
Expect the 135is to use the boosted version of BMW's N54 twin-turbo six found in the Z4 and 3 Series variants. This means we can expect total output numbers around the 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet mark, with an overboost mode that delivers up to 370 lb-ft for brief periods of time. Additionally, a more aggressively tuned suspension will be on hand, improving the coupe's overall dynamics. It might not be as exciting as what a full-bore M1 could be, but we aren't complaining, especially since we're such big fans of the current 135i as is.
So, why not do an M1? Much like the problem Porsche faces with the Cayman and the 911, a too-good 1 Series could potentially overthrow the grandaddy M3, and BMW certainly wouldn't want that. Still, we're glad that BMW is committed to producing a more potent 1 Series and are eagerly awaiting our first drive.
[Source: Inside Line]
Late last year we told you that BMW would be creating a race-ready Z4 GT3 for customers who participate in motorsports, and we now have official images of the too-hot Z4 in all of its glory. We've always liked the styling of the Z4-based coupes, and this GT3 spec is certainly a looker.
BMW has shoehorned the M3's 4.0-liter V8 under the hood of the Z4 GT3, and when managed by a Type-408 ECU and Power400 control unit, the high-revving V8 cranks out a whopping 480 horsepower, and a six-speed sequential gearbox sends all of that power to the rear wheels. ABS and central-locking wheels are standard, and for consumers who want an extra touch of civilization, air conditioning is optional.
BMW will be offering the Z4 GT3 to consumers in the second half of this year, with an estimated price of around 298,000 Euro (that's over $405,000 based on current exchange rates). Hit the jump for the official words from BMW Motorsport.
[Source: BMW Motorsport]
The dispersion of BMW's ActiveHybrid - and conjoined word - initiative continues with the 5 Series ActiveHybrid Concept. Billed as a "future-oriented full-hybrid model in the upper midrange segment" it boils down to the turbocharged inline-six you love and along with a 53-horsepower electric motor you will learn to love working through an eight-speed auto 'box for the middle-management set. They'll get 10-percent more distance for the gallon, and a squirt of instant boost thanks to those hard working electrons. Follow the jump for the goss on the ActiveHybrid evolution, and have a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below.
The Schnitzer boys have waved wands over the BMW 530d GT, giving it a little more power and a lot more cosmetics. Under the hood is a modest power bump from 245 horsepower to 286, but torque numbers have been omitted so we're supposing there's no change there. If that is indeed the case, color us a wee bit surprised that no more twist was extracted from the torque-tastic oil-burner from Bavaria.
Outside and inside, though, changes abound: an AC Schnitzer engine cover and hood vents, skirts and spoilers everywhere, new rear silencer and chrome trim, aluminum pedals and footrest, plus AC-branded velours for the floor mats and trunk. And to keep you from ridin' dirty there's an AC Schnitzer spring kit and the firm's trademark wheels. Follow the jump for the complete specs, and take in the full view in the gallery of high-res photos below.
[Source: AC Schnitzer]
Good, we were hoping BMW would answer the latest challenge from Audi in the online battle of boast. Audi started up again the dormant war of words between these two German automakers a couple weeks ago by patting itself on the back for winning three Car and Driver comparisons in a row, and now BMW is striking back by bragging about its mixture of efficiency and vehicle dynamics sans compromises.
Hit the jump to watch the 1:25 video for yourself. Unfortunately, Team Motor Werks didn't get to throwing down with Audi until the very end of the spot, which takes place in an elementary school classroom. And even when the guys and gals at BMW took their swing, we're afraid it just grazes the four-ringed chin of its luxury car rival. Let us know which automaker you think scored the more direct blow by chiming in on the post-jump comments.
[Source: YouTube]
Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Luxury
Rumors of a front-wheel drive model to slot in below the 1 Series have been circulating for some time, with the most recent report coming last October. Now, Autocar has confirmed with BMW's chairman, Norbert Reithofe, that an all-new model is coming from the automaker, designed to compete with the recently introduced Audi A1 and built atop the next generation Mini's platform.
However, the unsurprising introduction of a new premium sub-compact won't just be limited to BMW - Reithofer told Autocar that, "We will be extending the BMW and Mini brands into the small car segment with new models and variants." The exec also took pains to differentiate the new Bimmer from the upcoming Mega City EV, saying that this new model is being developed for both front- and all-wheel drive applications, and that the new urban runabout is a separate endeavor.
Combined with the next Mini, due out as early as 2013, the automaker wants to become more than a bit player in the compact class, and in order to keep volumes of scale in check, the new FWD BMW is likely to be built alongside its Mini counterpart in Oxford.
Plans for a revamped 1 Series are also in the works, but the automaker hasn't determined whether the next 1er will be rear- or front-wheel drive. Regardless, the introduction of BMW's first FWD model signals a significant shift, but as long as the brand's patented driving dynamics are present and accounted for, it's hardly the end of the world.
[Source: Autocar]
Report: BMW working on new FWD model below 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments Video: BMW S 1000 RR pulls off the old tablecloth trickFiled under: Performance, Videos, BMW, Motorcycle, Humor
BMW S 1000 RR pulls off the old tablecloth trick - Click above to watch the video after the break
Ah yes, the good ol' pull-the-tablecloth-off-the-table-without-sending-dishes-flying routine. The oldest trick in the book? Possibly, but BMW has taken it upon themselves to update the classic demonstration in a major way. How 'bout upping the ante with 24 complete place settings around a giant rectangular table? Yeah, that'd do it.
Just how is BMW planning to remove said tablecloth? Using a new S 1000 RR superbike, that's how. Will it work? Well, it's really a question of physics, right? Take 193 horsepower and a 0 to 60 time that's just shy of 2.9 seconds. Add in one rider with a quick set of wrists and shake well. Garnish with celebratory wheelie.
We highly recommend that you click past the break to see it all go down on video. It's very much worth your time.
[Source: BMW via YouTube]
Continue reading Video: BMW S 1000 RR pulls off the old tablecloth trick
Video: BMW S 1000 RR pulls off the old tablecloth trick originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments Spy Shots: 2011 BMW M5 shows off more of its new skinFiled under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, BMW
BMW M5 spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery
It seems that the 2011 BMW M5 is nearing production-ready status, and while the new supersedan may still be wearing a bit of swirly camouflage, it's easy to see what the more aggressive M5 will look like in its new F10 5 Series body.
As we've mentioned earlier, the 2011 M5 is expected to ditch the outgoing car's high-revving V10 in favor of a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 borrowed from the X5 M and X6 M. Currently, that engine kicks out 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, but if the rumormill is to be believed, BMW's M division has cranked out some extra punch for the M5, to the tune of 578 hp and 530 lb-ft. That means 0-60 mph runs should happen in under 4.5 seconds on the way to a limited top speed of 155 mph. As for transmissions, we'll bet our last dollar that the M5 will use a dual-clutch setup, and we're still crossing our fingers that a proper manual transmission will find its way into the cards as well.
Expect the production-ready M5 to debut later this year (Paris Motor Show?) or in the very early months of 2011. In the meantime, click through the attached gallery to see all of the high-res spy shots.
[Source: CarPix]
Spy Shots: 2011 BMW M5 shows off more of its new skin originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments Report: BMW M1 not happening, look for 135is insteadFiled under: Coupe, Performance, BMW
2010 BMW 135i - Click above for high-res image gallery
The rumormill has been buzzing lately about a possible M-badged version of the lovely BMW 1 Series. (We still have a hard time calling it M1, since that name has long been reserved for a far more illustrious creation.) A new report from Inside Line, however, reveals that while a 1 Series-based M1 isn't in the cards, we can look forward to seeing a hotted-up 135is, similar to the Z4 sDrive35is and 335is that have just recently been introduced.
Expect the 135is to use the boosted version of BMW's N54 twin-turbo six found in the Z4 and 3 Series variants. This means we can expect total output numbers around the 320 horsepower and 332 pound-feet mark, with an overboost mode that delivers up to 370 lb-ft for brief periods of time. Additionally, a more aggressively tuned suspension will be on hand, improving the coupe's overall dynamics. It might not be as exciting as what a full-bore M1 could be, but we aren't complaining, especially since we're such big fans of the current 135i as is.
So, why not do an M1? Much like the problem Porsche faces with the Cayman and the 911, a too-good 1 Series could potentially overthrow the grandaddy M3, and BMW certainly wouldn't want that. Still, we're glad that BMW is committed to producing a more potent 1 Series and are eagerly awaiting our first drive.
[Source: Inside Line]
Report: BMW M1 not happening, look for 135is instead originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW Z4 GT3 is the V8-powered Z4 M you can raceFiled under: Motorsports, Coupe, BMW, Racing
BMW Motorsport Z4 GT3 - Click above for high-res image gallery
Late last year we told you that BMW would be creating a race-ready Z4 GT3 for customers who participate in motorsports, and we now have official images of the too-hot Z4 in all of its glory. We've always liked the styling of the Z4-based coupes, and this GT3 spec is certainly a looker.
BMW has shoehorned the M3's 4.0-liter V8 under the hood of the Z4 GT3, and when managed by a Type-408 ECU and Power400 control unit, the high-revving V8 cranks out a whopping 480 horsepower, and a six-speed sequential gearbox sends all of that power to the rear wheels. ABS and central-locking wheels are standard, and for consumers who want an extra touch of civilization, air conditioning is optional.
BMW will be offering the Z4 GT3 to consumers in the second half of this year, with an estimated price of around 298,000 Euro (that's over $405,000 based on current exchange rates). Hit the jump for the official words from BMW Motorsport.
[Source: BMW Motorsport]
Continue reading BMW Z4 GT3 is the V8-powered Z4 M you can race
BMW Z4 GT3 is the V8-powered Z4 M you can race originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments Geneva 2010: BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid ConceptFiled under: Concept Cars, Hybrid, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, BMW
BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
The dispersion of BMW's ActiveHybrid - and conjoined word - initiative continues with the 5 Series ActiveHybrid Concept. Billed as a "future-oriented full-hybrid model in the upper midrange segment" it boils down to the turbocharged inline-six you love and along with a 53-horsepower electric motor you will learn to love working through an eight-speed auto 'box for the middle-management set. They'll get 10-percent more distance for the gallon, and a squirt of instant boost thanks to those hard working electrons. Follow the jump for the goss on the ActiveHybrid evolution, and have a look at it in the gallery of high-res photos below.
Continue reading Geneva 2010: BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid Concept
Geneva 2010: BMW 5 Series ActiveHybrid Concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments AC Schnitzer decks out the BMW 5 Series GTFiled under: Aftermarket, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Diesel, Luxury
BMW 5 Series GT by AC Schnitzer - Click above for high-res image gallery
The Schnitzer boys have waved wands over the BMW 530d GT, giving it a little more power and a lot more cosmetics. Under the hood is a modest power bump from 245 horsepower to 286, but torque numbers have been omitted so we're supposing there's no change there. If that is indeed the case, color us a wee bit surprised that no more twist was extracted from the torque-tastic oil-burner from Bavaria.
Outside and inside, though, changes abound: an AC Schnitzer engine cover and hood vents, skirts and spoilers everywhere, new rear silencer and chrome trim, aluminum pedals and footrest, plus AC-branded velours for the floor mats and trunk. And to keep you from ridin' dirty there's an AC Schnitzer spring kit and the firm's trademark wheels. Follow the jump for the complete specs, and take in the full view in the gallery of high-res photos below.
[Source: AC Schnitzer]
Continue reading AC Schnitzer decks out the BMW 5 Series GT
AC Schnitzer decks out the BMW 5 Series GT originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments Video: BMW gets cute, takes dig at Audi in the classroomFiled under: Videos, Audi, BMW
Click above to watch the video after the jump
Good, we were hoping BMW would answer the latest challenge from Audi in the online battle of boast. Audi started up again the dormant war of words between these two German automakers a couple weeks ago by patting itself on the back for winning three Car and Driver comparisons in a row, and now BMW is striking back by bragging about its mixture of efficiency and vehicle dynamics sans compromises.
Hit the jump to watch the 1:25 video for yourself. Unfortunately, Team Motor Werks didn't get to throwing down with Audi until the very end of the spot, which takes place in an elementary school classroom. And even when the guys and gals at BMW took their swing, we're afraid it just grazes the four-ringed chin of its luxury car rival. Let us know which automaker you think scored the more direct blow by chiming in on the post-jump comments.
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading Video: BMW gets cute, takes dig at Audi in the classroom
Video: BMW gets cute, takes dig at Audi in the classroom originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Unique 1937 BMW 328 Mille Miglia to highlight RM's Monaco auction
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