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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.
More BMW M3 Tiger Edition photos surface
BMW's new Joy ad campaign looks to have made it to China with the M3 Tiger - or as one Autoblog commenter called it, "the M3 by Ed Hardy." Part of the continued celebration of a quarter century of M3s and the year of the tiger, the limited edition coupe took part in a photo shoot with a supporting cast so excited about the car they spend most of their time airborne.
On a more mundane note, the Fire Orange Metallic M3 will have black exterior accents and 19-inch wheels, while black Novilla leather will coat the inside and orange tiger heads are embroidered into the headrests. Only 250 M3 Tigers are set for production, and that may be 249 more than the world needs. Hat tip to Ragan!
[Source: Moko]
The achingly slow striptease of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe continues with a 47-second-long spot of the camo-clad coupe bearing just enough sheetmetal to keep us interested.
The multi-spoke wheels, drilled discs and quad-exhausts are the only elements not left to the imagination, but the extra vinyl aft of the front wheels is sure to hiding a set of M-style fender vents while a ducktail spoiler is fitted out back.
As for mechanicals, the smart money is still on an upgraded twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54), channeling over 335 horsepower through a manual gearbox and down to the rear wheels via a torque-vectoring M differential.
We're hearing rumblings that the Coupe could be unveiled at next week's Oktoberfest BMWCCA event in Wisconsin, but in the meantime, check out the latest teaser after the jump and scope the first vid in our previous post. Thanks to everyone for the tips!
Jack Pitney, BMW's North American vice president of marketing was killed today in a tragic accident while vacationing on his farm.
Pitney, 47, had been with BMW since 1995, when he joined the German automaker to head its corporate communications operations. Influential in bringing the Mini brand to the U.S., he was its first boss in this market from 2001-2005. More recently, he was the point man for helping BMW secure a partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee (see photo above). Pitney was tipped to become VP of BMW's eastern region on September 1.
Our condolences go out to Pitney's family, friends and colleagues. Official press release from BMW after the jump.
If you want a BMW M3 GTS, you'd better be ready to part with about $170,000 of your hard-earned greenbacks. That's nearly three times the cost of the base M3, but the extra $100,000 will net you a 4.4-liter V8 capable of 450 horsepower, tons of racing add-ons and, perhaps most importantly, 419 fewer pounds to lug around. And the M3 GTS manages to improve its stats while at the same time looking mighty fine, if you ask us.
Those are some impressive stats, but how do they translate into track time? If the September issue of Sport Auto (via the M3 Post forums) is to believed, the GTS 'Ring laptimes are less than earth shattering. The German rag reportedly claims that the GTS achieved a less than headline-grabbing 7:48 lap time on the Nürburgring. Okay, that's a pretty impressive time considering the Lamborgini Gallardo Superleggera was reported to hit 7:46 for twice the cost, but at the same time we're talking about an uber-upgraded M3 with a very fat price tag. Consider the fact that the Nissan GT-R can hit 7:29 for half the cost and the GTS appears to be a bit behind the (track) times.
The M3 GTS performed a bit better at Hockenheim, as its reported lap time of 1:12.5 was faster than an Audi R8 V10 Spyder by .2 seconds. The base E92 M3 finished a lap in 1:14.3. So is the M3 ready to take on all comers at The Green Hell? Apparently not, but still, at seven minutes and 48 seconds, we're pretty sure the M3 GTS isn't exactly ready for the slow lane, either.
[Source: M3 Post]
Ask and ye shall receive. Well, not always. We could probably ask to borrow a 2010 BMW M3, a 2011 Ford Mustang GT and private access to both a drag strip and a road course until our faces turned blue, but that doesn't mean we'd get any of the four anytime soon. Fortunately, that's not the case with the goons at Motor Trend. They've set about answering the question on everyone's mind once the specs for these two mighty coupes turned out to be so similar - who's top dog?
In classic MT fashion, the two cars were put through all of the necessary paces to drum up semi-official figures. Both the bad Bavarian and the muscle-bound Blue Oval were tested on 0-60, quarter mile, skid pad, figure eight and lap times, and the results are, well, they're surprising. We won't ruin the surprise by telling you who comes out ahead of the curve, but we will say that we know where we'd put our money if it were our name on the line. Hit the jump for the flicks. Thanks for the tips, everyone!
[Source: Motor Trend]
It's not easy to build a car without an engine. Shocking news, we know, but it has major ramifications for small boutique automakers that don't have the resources to design and manufacture powerplants of their own. One such company is Wiesmann, which has historically relied on engines from German automaker BMW.
As you may know, Wiesmann's top-level MF5 borrows the same V10 engine that BMW uses in its M5 and M6. As good a choice as any other, no? Problem is, those models are currently being phased out and production has just come to an end... and that includes those V10 engines we were just talking about.
And without an engine... well, you know the rest. It's not entirely clear what Wiesmann is going to do moving forward - and our trusty Google Translator is having a hard time deciphering exactly what our German source is trying to say - but it seems the specialty car company may either cancel its MF5 entirely or attempt to switch over to BMW's new twin-turbo V8. We'll see.
*Update: Wiesmann reports back the following: Yes we stop producing the MF5 with the V10 engine but we will not stop the MF5 model. We are currently in discussion which engine we will take. It will surely be BMW but the details have not been decided yet.
[Source: Focus.de]
The mad scientists at G-Power have reworked the company's sinister M5 Hurricane into something even more impressive. Meet the M5 Hurricane RR - an 800 horsepower beast that G-Power claims is the fastest sedan in the world. The company started by plopping a new set of superchargers onto the M5 sedan's already potent BMW V10. With a theoretical capacity of 900 horsepower, each belt-driven supercharger delivers air to a single bank of the engine. According to the tuner, this configuration allows for 25 percent more air to enter the combustion chamber. The engine's internals have been completely reworked and balanced to handle all of that extra boost as well.
All of that mojo is good for a top speed of 231 mph on track, which the company says makes their matte monster the fastest four-door extant. If lofty top-speed numbers aren't your bag of tricks, maybe acceleration figures are. G-Power says that 0-60 mph takes around 4.35 seconds and 0-120 mph clicks by in 9.5 seconds. Yep, that's pretty darn quick for a two-ton sedan. Even better, G-Power will be more than happy to convert any old BMW M5 into the beast you see above, all for the low, low price of $71,780 - plus donor M5. Hit the jump for the full press release.
[Source: G Power]
Not to be outdone by the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide or Audi A7, BMW will reportedly be building a production version of the Gran Coupe concept that debuted at this year's Beijing Motor Show. It may be a late arrival to the growing segment of swoopy luxury sedans, but BMW will indeed poise the Gran Coupe to offer just as much in the way of technology and refinement as the lot of its competitors.
Based on the next-generation 6 Series, the Gran Coupe is set to launch sometime in 2012 and will share its powertrains with what we're seeing in the 5, 6, and 7 Series BMWs, including a possible hybrid variant. Naturally, the production Gran Coupe will slot between the 5 and 7 Series in terms of size and price, and if the overall design doesn't change too much, it'll certainly be an attractive addition to the BMW lineup.
[Source: AutoWeek]
Another day, another morsel for the rumor machine. The Bavarian obsessed crew over at M3 Post have caught wind of a report on Bimmer Today that suggests BMW will crank out yet another special edition version of the M3. Supposedly the car has been penned just for the Chinese market and is being built in honor of the year of the tiger. From what we understand, the car will feature a Fire Orange Metallic paint scheme borrowed from the heavenly M3 GTS. Throw in a handful of black accents, including a set of 19-inch rollers, and you've got yourself one very feline-themed coupe.
But wait, there's more. The interior will get unique Tiger Edition logos stitched into the headrests and slathered on the door sills. If the Bimmer Today post is on the money, BMW will only crank out 250 examples of the car. We're guessing that the package is mostly a dress-up ordeal as no details have surfaced about performance enhancements.
If you find yourself living in the U.S. and pining for this particular color scheme, fear not. We hear there's a chance that BMW might repurpose the same combination for a Great Pumpkin edition here in the States, complete with Linus from the popular Peanuts comic strip embroidered on the seats. Okay, not really, but with the recent rash of special-edition M3 models we've seen recently, you never know...
[Source: Bimmer Today via M3 Post | Image: Mittelbayerische Newspaper]
The next-generation BMW 1 Series three-door has been spotted again, this time on the streets of its hometown in Munich, Germany. Despite the swirlies covering all its details, it's clear that the basic shape, size and proportions of the new iteration aren't going to change much from the current model, which has never been offered in North America. We Yanks have only had the fortune of sampling the 1 Series in coupe and convertible form, though no one's complaining.
The headlamp clusters on this three-door 1 Series prototype appear to be sloped back and stretched along the top of the fender line like those on the new 5 Series. Similarly, the wider grille has been pushed forward to be flush with the bumper line below it. The profile shot also indicates that the hood now features the increasingly familiar clam-shell with side cut-lines and a higher arc to provide improved pedestrian protection.
Judging by the hood-to-cabin proportion of this prototype, it's also safe to say that the next 1 Series has not been converted to front-wheel drive (even though 80 percent of owners already think it is FWD) as BMW has indicated it might do with future smaller models. We expect the new 1 Series will debut sometime next year as a 2012 model, and until that time we have the high-performance 1 Series M Coupe to look forward to.
[Source: Carpix]
It's cool. We know you've already clicked past the jump and are well into watching one very lucky soul flog the snot out of a prototype of the oft-hyped BMW 1 Series M Coupe around the Ascari race track in Spain. We're not offended. For those of you who are unfortunate enough to have YouTube blocked at your place of employment, allow us to share what you're missing out on. The good people at M-Power somehow managed to secure a spot in the passenger seat of the second-coming of M during a hot lap. We're not talking some pansy parade through the chicanes, either. It's more of a kick the tail out, plop your foot onto the throttle and aim for the next curb sort of shindig.
If you're looking for any details on the car other than just how well it can rivet a smile to you face, odds are you're out of luck. Still, watching the little M blister around the course, we can't wait to get our grubby journo paws on the pint-size coupe. The biggest question in our minds? How is BMW going to keep the M3 sharp enough to stay ahead of its meaner younger sibling?
[Source: YouTube]
It's been almost three whole months since we last saw M5 spy shots, but someone from BMW decided to change that by leaving the slightly camo'ed M-powered sedan unattended in a parking lot. There isn't much more to note on the exterior, save for catching what could be the production wheels and their whopping Pirelli tires. But now there are shots of the interior and new items like the seats, shift knob and tachometer with the greatly reduced redline. Click the link for more photos, and get ready to see it in person soon.
[Source: 5Post]
The waiting game. A new round ensues for enthusiasts every time an automaker like BMW unveils a new product, a four-door sedan, especially. In the case of the 5 Series, what we're eagerly anticipating is the new M5. In the meantime, BMW has released its own line of M-Sport accessories and Alpina has joined the party with the new B5 Bi-Turbo. Now German tuning house Hamann has entered the fold with its own equipment list for the mid-size Bimmer.
The package consists of a new body kit, complete with a new front bumper incorporating an adjustable front lip spoiler and daytime running LEDs, side skirts, rear apron and diffuser and a pair of spoilers, along with 21-inch matte black alloys with contrasting polished rims, a 35-milimeter dropped suspension and a four-tip exhaust system. Carbon fiber and aluminum accessories are available for the interior, though details on Hamann's engine upgrade program have yet to be revealed. In the meantime you can check it out in the high-resolution image gallery below.
[Source: Hamann via CarScoop]
A production sports car based on last year's BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept will reportedly debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and come to market by 2013. According to Germany's AutoBild, the car which they refer to as the I100 (as part of BMW's project I which is also spawning the MegaCity EV) will be powered by a hybrid powertrain much like the one in the concept.
A 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (possibly a diesel) paired with an electric motor based on the architecture of BMW's mild hybrid 7 Series would drive the rear wheels, while a second motor would drive the front wheels. A lithium ion battery pack is earmarked to provide electrical energy storage, although it's not clear if the plug-in capability of the concept would be retained.
According to Autobild, it's also possible that we'll see an M variant of this car using the 450 horsepower twin-turbo inline-six from the next generation M3 along with set of supercapacitors instead of a lithium battery pack.
[Source: AutoBild]
Typically, JDM-only models are made by Japanese automakers. Someone apparently forgot to tell BMW, however, as the German automaker has just launched the third in a recent line of Nippon-specific special editions.
Following in the footsteps of the X6 Performance Unlimited and the Mini Savile Row comes the new 120i Performance Unlimited. The special 1-Series comes equipped with the 170-horsepower 2.0-liter four with a six-speed automatic and a variety of M-Sport components, from bumper caps and and a blacked-out grille to a set of 18-inch split-five-spoke alloys and carbon fiber spoiler and mirror housings.
The cabin is similarly decked out in M-Sport extras, like sport seats, leather-covered steering wheel and shift lever and aluminum pedals. Exterior colors are limited to blue or white, and only 30 examples will be built. If you want to get your hands on one, first of all, you'll have to relocate to Japan and then stand in line with ¥4,350,000 (about $50,300).
[Source: BMW]
BMW has decided to officially compete for the inaugural Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with the M3 GT2. This year's initial iteration will include three races at England's Silverstone, the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, and Zuhai in China. Peugeot has already committed to run the LMP1 class 908 and Audi is considering running the R15+ TDI.
The M3 GT2 debuted in the American Le Mans Series in 2009 with Rahal Letterman Racing and BMW added Team Schnitzer in Europe for 2010. Schnitzer will campaign the cars in the cup runs at Silverstone and Zuhai, while Rahal will be responsible for the American race. In 2011, the Intercontinental cup will expand to six races, including Sebring and Le Mans.
[Source: BMW]
The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe has some serious performance chops. The potent angular coupe is loaded with a blown 6.2-liter V8 capable of 556-horsepower, 15-inch front and 14.7-inch rear Brembo brakes and a Magnetic Ride Control suspension setup. Impressive stats to be sure, but does Cadillac's sleek two-seater have the goods to take on the BMW M3 coupe and Audi RS5?
Both Motor Trend and Car and Driver have obviously been pondering the same question, as the competing buff mags dusted off their camcorders and cut up a pair of comparison videos featuring the three super coupes doing a ménage à trois of the automotive kind.
Make the jump to experience both videos. In the first video, MT goes all-out with its comparison, bringing both Editor-in-Chief Angus McKenzie and the spanking new CTS-V Coupe to Germany to take on the pair of well-established Bavarian competitors. The second video shows the unique C/D approach, with no first, second or third place finishers and not a single word is uttered. C/D just let the hot coupes speak for themselves with beautiful pictures and heavenly exhaust notes.
[Sources: Car and Driver, Motor Trend]
The good people at AutoExpress are doing their best to fan the flames of the BMW X4 rumors. The site claims to have snagged a bevy of information on the Bavarian brand's product plans, including a more detailed account of what we can expect out of the much-rumored X4. Supposedly the new high-rider will borrow a heaping helping of design cues from the X6, so if you aren't a fan of that brute, odds are you won't like the new model, either. Unlike the big boy, the site claims that the X4 will make use of a double-gated hatch in the rear similar to what's found in the 5 Series Gran Turismo - a smart choice to help load and unload parcels.
AutoExpress also lays out drivetrain possibilities, including the likelihood of one very thrifty 2.0-liter turbo diesel mill that promises around 50 mpg. The site says that in that configuration, 0-60 is likely to click off in a somewhat loping 8.6 seconds, though there will be more potent variations available, including one powered by a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with north of 300 horsepower.
It all sounds good, but BMW itself hasn't said word one about seriously mulling a new 'ute.
Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: AutoExpress]
Filed under: Coupe, Performance, China, BMW, Luxury
BMW M3 Tiger Edition for the Chinese market - Click above for high-res image gallery
BMW's new Joy ad campaign looks to have made it to China with the M3 Tiger - or as one Autoblog commenter called it, "the M3 by Ed Hardy." Part of the continued celebration of a quarter century of M3s and the year of the tiger, the limited edition coupe took part in a photo shoot with a supporting cast so excited about the car they spend most of their time airborne.
On a more mundane note, the Fire Orange Metallic M3 will have black exterior accents and 19-inch wheels, while black Novilla leather will coat the inside and orange tiger heads are embroidered into the headrests. Only 250 M3 Tigers are set for production, and that may be 249 more than the world needs. Hat tip to Ragan!
[Source: Moko]
More BMW M3 Tiger Edition photos surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaserFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Luxury
BMW 1 Series M Coupe - Click above to view the video after the jump
The achingly slow striptease of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe continues with a 47-second-long spot of the camo-clad coupe bearing just enough sheetmetal to keep us interested.
The multi-spoke wheels, drilled discs and quad-exhausts are the only elements not left to the imagination, but the extra vinyl aft of the front wheels is sure to hiding a set of M-style fender vents while a ducktail spoiler is fitted out back.
As for mechanicals, the smart money is still on an upgraded twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54), channeling over 335 horsepower through a manual gearbox and down to the rear wheels via a torque-vectoring M differential.
We're hearing rumblings that the Coupe could be unveiled at next week's Oktoberfest BMWCCA event in Wisconsin, but in the meantime, check out the latest teaser after the jump and scope the first vid in our previous post. Thanks to everyone for the tips!
Continue reading Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser
Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BREAKING: Jack Pitney, BMW North America marketing VP, dead at 47Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, BMW
Jack Pitney, BMW's North American vice president of marketing was killed today in a tragic accident while vacationing on his farm.
Pitney, 47, had been with BMW since 1995, when he joined the German automaker to head its corporate communications operations. Influential in bringing the Mini brand to the U.S., he was its first boss in this market from 2001-2005. More recently, he was the point man for helping BMW secure a partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee (see photo above). Pitney was tipped to become VP of BMW's eastern region on September 1.
Our condolences go out to Pitney's family, friends and colleagues. Official press release from BMW after the jump.
Continue reading BREAKING: Jack Pitney, BMW North America marketing VP, dead at 47
BREAKING: Jack Pitney, BMW North America marketing VP, dead at 47 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments Report: BMW M3 GTS posts somewhat lackluster 'Ring timeFiled under: Coupe, Performance, BMW
BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you want a BMW M3 GTS, you'd better be ready to part with about $170,000 of your hard-earned greenbacks. That's nearly three times the cost of the base M3, but the extra $100,000 will net you a 4.4-liter V8 capable of 450 horsepower, tons of racing add-ons and, perhaps most importantly, 419 fewer pounds to lug around. And the M3 GTS manages to improve its stats while at the same time looking mighty fine, if you ask us.
Those are some impressive stats, but how do they translate into track time? If the September issue of Sport Auto (via the M3 Post forums) is to believed, the GTS 'Ring laptimes are less than earth shattering. The German rag reportedly claims that the GTS achieved a less than headline-grabbing 7:48 lap time on the Nürburgring. Okay, that's a pretty impressive time considering the Lamborgini Gallardo Superleggera was reported to hit 7:46 for twice the cost, but at the same time we're talking about an uber-upgraded M3 with a very fat price tag. Consider the fact that the Nissan GT-R can hit 7:29 for half the cost and the GTS appears to be a bit behind the (track) times.
The M3 GTS performed a bit better at Hockenheim, as its reported lap time of 1:12.5 was faster than an Audi R8 V10 Spyder by .2 seconds. The base E92 M3 finished a lap in 1:14.3. So is the M3 ready to take on all comers at The Green Hell? Apparently not, but still, at seven minutes and 48 seconds, we're pretty sure the M3 GTS isn't exactly ready for the slow lane, either.
[Source: M3 Post]
Report: BMW M3 GTS posts somewhat lackluster 'Ring time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Video: MT pits Mustang GT 5.0 against BMW M3Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Ford
2011 Ford Mustang vs 2010 BMW M3 - Click above to watch video after the jump
Ask and ye shall receive. Well, not always. We could probably ask to borrow a 2010 BMW M3, a 2011 Ford Mustang GT and private access to both a drag strip and a road course until our faces turned blue, but that doesn't mean we'd get any of the four anytime soon. Fortunately, that's not the case with the goons at Motor Trend. They've set about answering the question on everyone's mind once the specs for these two mighty coupes turned out to be so similar - who's top dog?
In classic MT fashion, the two cars were put through all of the necessary paces to drum up semi-official figures. Both the bad Bavarian and the muscle-bound Blue Oval were tested on 0-60, quarter mile, skid pad, figure eight and lap times, and the results are, well, they're surprising. We won't ruin the surprise by telling you who comes out ahead of the curve, but we will say that we know where we'd put our money if it were our name on the line. Hit the jump for the flicks. Thanks for the tips, everyone!
[Source: Motor Trend]
Continue reading Video: MT pits Mustang GT 5.0 against BMW M3
Video: MT pits Mustang GT 5.0 against BMW M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments Report: Wiesmann MF5 exiting production as BMW V10 supply dries up *UPDATEFiled under: Convertible, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW, Specialty
Wiesmann MF5 Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's not easy to build a car without an engine. Shocking news, we know, but it has major ramifications for small boutique automakers that don't have the resources to design and manufacture powerplants of their own. One such company is Wiesmann, which has historically relied on engines from German automaker BMW.
As you may know, Wiesmann's top-level MF5 borrows the same V10 engine that BMW uses in its M5 and M6. As good a choice as any other, no? Problem is, those models are currently being phased out and production has just come to an end... and that includes those V10 engines we were just talking about.
And without an engine... well, you know the rest. It's not entirely clear what Wiesmann is going to do moving forward - and our trusty Google Translator is having a hard time deciphering exactly what our German source is trying to say - but it seems the specialty car company may either cancel its MF5 entirely or attempt to switch over to BMW's new twin-turbo V8. We'll see.
*Update: Wiesmann reports back the following: Yes we stop producing the MF5 with the V10 engine but we will not stop the MF5 model. We are currently in discussion which engine we will take. It will surely be BMW but the details have not been decided yet.
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[Source: Focus.de]
Report: Wiesmann MF5 exiting production as BMW V10 supply dries up *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments G-Power tuned BMW M5 World's Fastest Sedan with 231 mph top whack?Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, Luxury
G-Power M5 Hurricane RR - Click above for high-res image gallery
The mad scientists at G-Power have reworked the company's sinister M5 Hurricane into something even more impressive. Meet the M5 Hurricane RR - an 800 horsepower beast that G-Power claims is the fastest sedan in the world. The company started by plopping a new set of superchargers onto the M5 sedan's already potent BMW V10. With a theoretical capacity of 900 horsepower, each belt-driven supercharger delivers air to a single bank of the engine. According to the tuner, this configuration allows for 25 percent more air to enter the combustion chamber. The engine's internals have been completely reworked and balanced to handle all of that extra boost as well.
All of that mojo is good for a top speed of 231 mph on track, which the company says makes their matte monster the fastest four-door extant. If lofty top-speed numbers aren't your bag of tricks, maybe acceleration figures are. G-Power says that 0-60 mph takes around 4.35 seconds and 0-120 mph clicks by in 9.5 seconds. Yep, that's pretty darn quick for a two-ton sedan. Even better, G-Power will be more than happy to convert any old BMW M5 into the beast you see above, all for the low, low price of $71,780 - plus donor M5. Hit the jump for the full press release.
[Source: G Power]
Continue reading G-Power tuned BMW M5 World's Fastest Sedan with 231 mph top whack?
G-Power tuned BMW M5 World's Fastest Sedan with 231 mph top whack? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW Gran Coupe reportedly go for launchFiled under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury
BMW Concept Gran Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery
Not to be outdone by the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide or Audi A7, BMW will reportedly be building a production version of the Gran Coupe concept that debuted at this year's Beijing Motor Show. It may be a late arrival to the growing segment of swoopy luxury sedans, but BMW will indeed poise the Gran Coupe to offer just as much in the way of technology and refinement as the lot of its competitors.
Based on the next-generation 6 Series, the Gran Coupe is set to launch sometime in 2012 and will share its powertrains with what we're seeing in the 5, 6, and 7 Series BMWs, including a possible hybrid variant. Naturally, the production Gran Coupe will slot between the 5 and 7 Series in terms of size and price, and if the overall design doesn't change too much, it'll certainly be an attractive addition to the BMW lineup.
[Source: AutoWeek]
BMW Gran Coupe reportedly go for launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW to celebrate Year of the Tiger with special edition M3?Filed under: Coupe, Performance, China, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury
Another day, another morsel for the rumor machine. The Bavarian obsessed crew over at M3 Post have caught wind of a report on Bimmer Today that suggests BMW will crank out yet another special edition version of the M3. Supposedly the car has been penned just for the Chinese market and is being built in honor of the year of the tiger. From what we understand, the car will feature a Fire Orange Metallic paint scheme borrowed from the heavenly M3 GTS. Throw in a handful of black accents, including a set of 19-inch rollers, and you've got yourself one very feline-themed coupe.
But wait, there's more. The interior will get unique Tiger Edition logos stitched into the headrests and slathered on the door sills. If the Bimmer Today post is on the money, BMW will only crank out 250 examples of the car. We're guessing that the package is mostly a dress-up ordeal as no details have surfaced about performance enhancements.
If you find yourself living in the U.S. and pining for this particular color scheme, fear not. We hear there's a chance that BMW might repurpose the same combination for a Great Pumpkin edition here in the States, complete with Linus from the popular Peanuts comic strip embroidered on the seats. Okay, not really, but with the recent rash of special-edition M3 models we've seen recently, you never know...
[Source: Bimmer Today via M3 Post | Image: Mittelbayerische Newspaper]
BMW to celebrate Year of the Tiger with special edition M3? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series three-door caught in MunichFiled under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, BMW
2012 BMW 1 Series three-door - Click above for high-res image gallery
The next-generation BMW 1 Series three-door has been spotted again, this time on the streets of its hometown in Munich, Germany. Despite the swirlies covering all its details, it's clear that the basic shape, size and proportions of the new iteration aren't going to change much from the current model, which has never been offered in North America. We Yanks have only had the fortune of sampling the 1 Series in coupe and convertible form, though no one's complaining.
The headlamp clusters on this three-door 1 Series prototype appear to be sloped back and stretched along the top of the fender line like those on the new 5 Series. Similarly, the wider grille has been pushed forward to be flush with the bumper line below it. The profile shot also indicates that the hood now features the increasingly familiar clam-shell with side cut-lines and a higher arc to provide improved pedestrian protection.
Judging by the hood-to-cabin proportion of this prototype, it's also safe to say that the next 1 Series has not been converted to front-wheel drive (even though 80 percent of owners already think it is FWD) as BMW has indicated it might do with future smaller models. We expect the new 1 Series will debut sometime next year as a 2012 model, and until that time we have the high-performance 1 Series M Coupe to look forward to.
[Source: Carpix]
Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series three-door caught in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments Video: Riding shotgun in the BMW 1 Series M CoupeFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW
BMW 1 Series M Coupe prototype on track - Click above to watch video after the jump
It's cool. We know you've already clicked past the jump and are well into watching one very lucky soul flog the snot out of a prototype of the oft-hyped BMW 1 Series M Coupe around the Ascari race track in Spain. We're not offended. For those of you who are unfortunate enough to have YouTube blocked at your place of employment, allow us to share what you're missing out on. The good people at M-Power somehow managed to secure a spot in the passenger seat of the second-coming of M during a hot lap. We're not talking some pansy parade through the chicanes, either. It's more of a kick the tail out, plop your foot onto the throttle and aim for the next curb sort of shindig.
If you're looking for any details on the car other than just how well it can rivet a smile to you face, odds are you're out of luck. Still, watching the little M blister around the course, we can't wait to get our grubby journo paws on the pint-size coupe. The biggest question in our minds? How is BMW going to keep the M3 sharp enough to stay ahead of its meaner younger sibling?
[Source: YouTube]
Continue reading Video: Riding shotgun in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe
Video: Riding shotgun in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments Spy Shots: BMW M5 and its bulging hood snapped againFiled under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury
It's been almost three whole months since we last saw M5 spy shots, but someone from BMW decided to change that by leaving the slightly camo'ed M-powered sedan unattended in a parking lot. There isn't much more to note on the exterior, save for catching what could be the production wheels and their whopping Pirelli tires. But now there are shots of the interior and new items like the seats, shift knob and tachometer with the greatly reduced redline. Click the link for more photos, and get ready to see it in person soon.
[Source: 5Post]
Spy Shots: BMW M5 and its bulging hood snapped again originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Hamann fills the gap to the next M5 with custom BMW 5 SeriesFiled under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, BMW
BMW 5 Series by Hamann - Click above for high-res image gallery
The waiting game. A new round ensues for enthusiasts every time an automaker like BMW unveils a new product, a four-door sedan, especially. In the case of the 5 Series, what we're eagerly anticipating is the new M5. In the meantime, BMW has released its own line of M-Sport accessories and Alpina has joined the party with the new B5 Bi-Turbo. Now German tuning house Hamann has entered the fold with its own equipment list for the mid-size Bimmer.
The package consists of a new body kit, complete with a new front bumper incorporating an adjustable front lip spoiler and daytime running LEDs, side skirts, rear apron and diffuser and a pair of spoilers, along with 21-inch matte black alloys with contrasting polished rims, a 35-milimeter dropped suspension and a four-tip exhaust system. Carbon fiber and aluminum accessories are available for the interior, though details on Hamann's engine upgrade program have yet to be revealed. In the meantime you can check it out in the high-resolution image gallery below.
[Source: Hamann via CarScoop]
Hamann fills the gap to the next M5 with custom BMW 5 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments Rumormill: Production BMW Efficient Dynamics sports car in 2013, M version too!Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance, BMW, Diesel
2009 BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery
A production sports car based on last year's BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept will reportedly debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show and come to market by 2013. According to Germany's AutoBild, the car which they refer to as the I100 (as part of BMW's project I which is also spawning the MegaCity EV) will be powered by a hybrid powertrain much like the one in the concept.A 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine (possibly a diesel) paired with an electric motor based on the architecture of BMW's mild hybrid 7 Series would drive the rear wheels, while a second motor would drive the front wheels. A lithium ion battery pack is earmarked to provide electrical energy storage, although it's not clear if the plug-in capability of the concept would be retained.
According to Autobild, it's also possible that we'll see an M variant of this car using the 450 horsepower twin-turbo inline-six from the next generation M3 along with set of supercapacitors instead of a lithium battery pack.
[Source: AutoBild]
Rumormill: Production BMW Efficient Dynamics sports car in 2013, M version too! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW releases Japan-only 120i Performance UnlimitedFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, BMW
2011 BMW 120i Performance Unlimited - Click above for high-res image
Typically, JDM-only models are made by Japanese automakers. Someone apparently forgot to tell BMW, however, as the German automaker has just launched the third in a recent line of Nippon-specific special editions.
Following in the footsteps of the X6 Performance Unlimited and the Mini Savile Row comes the new 120i Performance Unlimited. The special 1-Series comes equipped with the 170-horsepower 2.0-liter four with a six-speed automatic and a variety of M-Sport components, from bumper caps and and a blacked-out grille to a set of 18-inch split-five-spoke alloys and carbon fiber spoiler and mirror housings.
The cabin is similarly decked out in M-Sport extras, like sport seats, leather-covered steering wheel and shift lever and aluminum pedals. Exterior colors are limited to blue or white, and only 30 examples will be built. If you want to get your hands on one, first of all, you'll have to relocate to Japan and then stand in line with ¥4,350,000 (about $50,300).
[Source: BMW]
BMW releases Japan-only 120i Performance Unlimited originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments BMW commits to Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with M3 GT2Filed under: Motorsports, BMW, Racing
BMW M3 GT2 - Click above for high-res image gallery
BMW has decided to officially compete for the inaugural Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with the M3 GT2. This year's initial iteration will include three races at England's Silverstone, the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, and Zuhai in China. Peugeot has already committed to run the LMP1 class 908 and Audi is considering running the R15+ TDI.
The M3 GT2 debuted in the American Le Mans Series in 2009 with Rahal Letterman Racing and BMW added Team Schnitzer in Europe for 2010. Schnitzer will campaign the cars in the cup runs at Silverstone and Zuhai, while Rahal will be responsible for the American race. In 2011, the Intercontinental cup will expand to six races, including Sebring and Le Mans.
[Source: BMW]
Continue reading BMW commits to Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with M3 GT2
BMW commits to Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with M3 GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments Video: Double Bill - C/D and MT pit Cadillac CTS-V Coupe vs. Audi RS5 vs. BMW M3Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Luxury
Click above to watch the video after the jump
The Cadillac CTS-V Coupe has some serious performance chops. The potent angular coupe is loaded with a blown 6.2-liter V8 capable of 556-horsepower, 15-inch front and 14.7-inch rear Brembo brakes and a Magnetic Ride Control suspension setup. Impressive stats to be sure, but does Cadillac's sleek two-seater have the goods to take on the BMW M3 coupe and Audi RS5?
Both Motor Trend and Car and Driver have obviously been pondering the same question, as the competing buff mags dusted off their camcorders and cut up a pair of comparison videos featuring the three super coupes doing a ménage à trois of the automotive kind.
Make the jump to experience both videos. In the first video, MT goes all-out with its comparison, bringing both Editor-in-Chief Angus McKenzie and the spanking new CTS-V Coupe to Germany to take on the pair of well-established Bavarian competitors. The second video shows the unique C/D approach, with no first, second or third place finishers and not a single word is uttered. C/D just let the hot coupes speak for themselves with beautiful pictures and heavenly exhaust notes.
[Sources: Car and Driver, Motor Trend]
Continue reading Video: Double Bill - C/D and MT pit Cadillac CTS-V Coupe vs. Audi RS5 vs. BMW M3
Video: Double Bill - C/D and MT pit Cadillac CTS-V Coupe vs. Audi RS5 vs. BMW M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments More details on BMW's rumored X4 swirling aboutFiled under: SUV, Europe, BMW, Rumormill, Luxury
2010 BMW X6M - Click above for high-res image gallery
The good people at AutoExpress are doing their best to fan the flames of the BMW X4 rumors. The site claims to have snagged a bevy of information on the Bavarian brand's product plans, including a more detailed account of what we can expect out of the much-rumored X4. Supposedly the new high-rider will borrow a heaping helping of design cues from the X6, so if you aren't a fan of that brute, odds are you won't like the new model, either. Unlike the big boy, the site claims that the X4 will make use of a double-gated hatch in the rear similar to what's found in the 5 Series Gran Turismo - a smart choice to help load and unload parcels.
AutoExpress also lays out drivetrain possibilities, including the likelihood of one very thrifty 2.0-liter turbo diesel mill that promises around 50 mpg. The site says that in that configuration, 0-60 is likely to click off in a somewhat loping 8.6 seconds, though there will be more potent variations available, including one powered by a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with north of 300 horsepower.
It all sounds good, but BMW itself hasn't said word one about seriously mulling a new 'ute.
Photos by Damon Lavrinc / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: AutoExpress]
More details on BMW's rumored X4 swirling about originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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