Archive for the ‘BMW’ Category
July 28th, 2010 | 
Author:
We have never seen anything like this before. If you want a coupe, you buy a coupe and if you want sedan, well, you buy a sedan. It was always that simple and nothing was ever on the market that would give drivers a choice between the two.
The Germans changed all that with the Mercedes-Benz CLS. It was a revolutionary design that allowed for four-doors, but also integrated a coupe style with a sloping rear. It was a bold step and it paid off better than we expected.
Soon, a wave of new sedan-coupes began to hit the market. Well, when we say a wave, we mean more like a small ripple. The market was rather slow on the uptake, but Volkswagen soon joined the party with the CC. While the CLS was an expensive piece of luxury for a very few, the CC was more mass market. Still, like the outcast lunch table in high school, others were reluctant to join.
Years later we have a few new models that have been welcomed to the sedan-coupe table. Audi has just [unveiled the A7 and BMW is working on the Gran Coupe. Porsche has created the Panamera, which is shockingly ugly, and Aston Martin has the Rapide. Even Hyundai is getting in on the mix.
So, now we must ask, will this trend catch on further, or are we looking at a select few examples of a new fade that will soon fade away?
Hit the jump to keep reading.
A New Generation Of Sedans – The Four-Door Coupe originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 28 July 2010 13:00 EST.
Posted in 
You’ve finally got that big time job and you want something that isn’t too cheap, but you don’t want to spend $80,000 quite yet. There is much to choose from in the middle luxury segment and each car has it’s own unique characteristics that make it better, or worse than the competition.
Just like the entry-level luxury segment, the Germans have always had the middle levels to themselves. The Japanese and the American automakers have never been able to catch up. Yet, 2010 is a new year and things might be changing in the automotive marketplace.
Let’s take a look back at our previous winners before we begin with this list. We rated the Mini Cooper as the best small car and the Hyundai Sonata as the best midsize sedan. Finally, we rated the Audi A4 as the best entry-level luxury car on the market.
Hit the jump to see who we chose as the top mid-level luxury car.
TopSpeed’s 10 Best Mid-Level Luxury Cars originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 26 July 2010 16:00 EST.
The first rumors of a BMW X4 started back in 2008, but this year the rumors have gotten even stronger. Now we get an almost official confirmation: BMW officials in Hamburg said that a smaller, more affordable X4 model has apparently been on the drawing board in Munich for some time now. The car will be built as BMW’s response to the new Range Rover Evoque.
The next BMW X4 will be built on the same platform as the second-generation X3 and will be powered by the same engines as the X3, but with a few power improvements. There will be a 2-liter diesel engine that will deliver 177 hp, a 3-liter diesel that will deliver 231 hp, and the turbo version that will deliver 300 hp. The petrol engine will start from a 2-liter four-cylinder engine that will deliver 163 hp and will go up to a 3-liter turbo engine that will deliver 306 hp.
Another version, most likely for an X4 M model is the engine from the upcoming 1-series M Coupe: a 350bhp twin-turbo 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder mated to an eight speed automatic.
A BMW X4 with an M version in the works originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 08:00 EST.
Every time we see Chris Harris inside a car, we can’t help but wonder how this dude managed to score a job like that. Not only does he get to drive some of the fastest and most beautiful cars on the planet, but he also gets paid to do it. Can’t say that he hates his job, can he?
This time, during the launch of the BMW M3 GTS at the Ascari race track in Spain, Harris, together with a number of other surprised auto journalists, was given a treat of a lifetime by being given a chance to ride shotgun with Frank Isenberg, BMW Driver Training’s top dog on board a prototype version of the new BMW 1M Coupe. This particular BMW is an off-shoot 1-Series that traces its direct lineage to the Bavarian automaker’s M line of sports cars.
During Harris’ turn in the passenger seat, he tried to coax Isenberg to divulge the specifications under the 1M’s hood to which Isenberg expertly deflected the question by saying, “Listen to it.” Nevermind that Harris and the rest of the auto scribes weren’t given the full lowdown on the car because most of them seem to think that the 1M Coupe is being powered by an N54 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six engine that produces about 340 horsepower.
One thing we do know after watching this video: Chris Harris is a lot more talkative when he’s behind the wheel of a car than when he was riding shotgun. But the man still knows his cars and most of his observations while Isenberg was driving the camouflaged 1M Coupe were spot-on.
Chris Harris rides shotgun in a BMW 1M Coupe with BMW’s Frank Isenberg originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 20 July 2010 20:00 EST.
It’s been a long time now since we first heard of BMW preparing a new supercar with an exterior design inspired by the Vision EfficientDynamics unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Today we bring you a new rendering of the future supercar courtesy of Road and Track. The new supercar will make its world debut in 2015.
Previous rumors suggest the next BMW Vision Supercar will use a hybrid powertrain that will combine a V10 engine that develops 507 HP at 7750 rpm and a torque of 520 Nm with two electric motors, one on the front axle and the second one at the rear between the V10 and the six-speed M-Sport automatic transmission. The first electric motor will deliver 80-115 hp and the back one will deliver more than 50 hp. Thanks to an all-new aluminum chassis, carbon fiber bodywork, fine Kevlar bucket seats, and several magnesium and plastic parts, the M8 will weigh just under 1500 kilograms. All this will help the supercar sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.
2015 BMW Vision Supercar rendered originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 20 July 2010 18:00 EST.
Last week BMW announced that the current generation M5 would go out of production, today it’s time for another round of pop goes the weasel. This time, it’s the BMW M6 sports coupe and convertible that will vanish.
With the current generation M6, BMW will also kill the V10 engine. The next generation BMW M6 will get the turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that currently develops a total of 555 hp at 6,000 rpm and 500 lb-ft of torque from 1500 to 5,650 rpm. This engine can currently be found on the X5 M and the X6 M. However, while we do know the next M5 will be unveiled in 2011, an official date for the M6 is not known yet.
The next generation 6-Series will be unveiled in September at the Paris Auto Show. It will feature a new front bumper with a massive air dam, reshaped headlights, a more prominent double kidney grille, and a redesigned rear-end. Under the hood BMW is rumored to keep the same engine as the current model. The only change will be the 4.8 Liter V8 that will replace the smaller 400 HP 4.4 Liter turbocharged V8 from the BMW 750i.
BMW M6 out of production originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 19 July 2010 19:00 EST.
What’s better than a small, fast, and fun to drive car? Maybe riding in the space shuttle, but that’s about it. When one thinks of fast performance cars that are small and fun around the bends, one thinks of Germany, and when you think of Germany, you think of BMW and Audi.
BMW’s M-Division is one of the best, if not the best performance tuning company in the world. They have created so many masterpieces, such as the M3, M5, and M6. Each one of those cars are a thrill to take for a drive and they have the ability to make the most dull daily commute exciting.
Now, the M-Division is at it again with the 1-Series. We have never been huge fans of the 1-Series, as it has never looked that great to us and it’s very cramped inside. Not to mention the car is pretty pricey. Yet, slap an M badge on it and it doesn’t matter how ugly it is, it’s going to be a great little vehicle.
The same can be said with the Audi A3. It’s better looking than the 1-Series, but it’s still not a car that we would recommend. That being said, the RS3 is something that we would go out and buy tomorrow.
Nether one of these has been released to the public yet, but that won’t stop us from doing a small comparison test now will it.
Hit the jump to read one.
Preview Comparison: Audi RS3 vs. BMW M1 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Saturday, 17 July 2010 12:00 EST.
BMW will unveil the first details on the second generation X3 tomorrow, but until then the first official images of the car have already surfaced on the Internet. The public debut will be made in September at the Paris Auto Show.
The new BMW X3 will ride on an adapted four-wheel drive system from the all-new European 3-Series and will feature an additional 15 millimeters added to the wheelbase. On the exterior it will feature a more prominent grille plus new wraparound headlights. On the interior the materials will be of good quality and the instruments and switchgear will be comparable to those found on the 5-Series. The added size helps interior space and rear seat legroom by 20mm.
Under the hood, the UK market will be getting four different engine types. Don’t expect the U.S market to receive the same treatment, as the two turbo-diesels will most likely stay in Europe. The gas-powered motors will be a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that will produce 268 horsepower, while a 302 horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter will also be available.
First images of the 2011 BMW X3 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 14 July 2010 16:00 EST.
So are you one of the lucky 30 owners of the ultra limited edition BMW M3 Frozen Gray Special Edition?
Needless to say, we envy you for scooping up such an awesome car. On the other hand, we just learned that maintenance for that sick paint job is a little more complicated than any of us expected.
According to Bimmerfile, owners of the limited run M3 will be required to sign a ‘paint agreement’ that explicitly states that the warranty for the Frozen Gray M3 does not cover the paint in the event that it’s damaged by extenuating circumstances like environmental damage, negligence, lack of maintenance or proper care, or improper repairs. BMW even went as far as bullet-pointing the number of ways that you can keep the exclusive paint job looking brand-spankin’ new.
Check out the maintenance specifications after the jump.
BMW has some important reminders for owners of the Frozen Gray BMW M3 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 14 July 2010 10:00 EST.
The only thing we like better than a video of a beautiful sports car circling the track is five videos of that same sports car doing what it was created to do. BMW has just unveiled five new videos of the M3 GTS and if you like the purring sounds of a car as it burns rubber then we suggest you take a seat and enjoy the ride!
The BMW M3 GTS is powered by a 4.4 liters V8 engine that delivers a total of 450 HP. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph is made in 4,4 seconds, and top speed will go up to 189 mph.
The M3 GTS sits on 19-inch wheels with ample 225/35 tires at the front and 285/30 at the rear. The car only weighs 1490 kilos thanks to the use of lightweight parts in the interior, the use of Macrolon for the car’s windows in the back, and the lack of air conditioning, navigation and radio. Of course the missing rear seat also helps get the scales down.
Four more videos after the jump.
Video: New video of the BMW M3 GTS originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 13 July 2010 17:00 EST.
There is something wrong with the current generation BMW Z4: there is no coupe or M version. And considering BMW has offered these other two versions for the first generation Z4, we really hope the roadster will be joined by a few other variations. How does a Shooting Brake designed by Jasper van der Heiden sound to you?
The Shooting brake version will combine design elements from the Z4 Roadster with the usual M sports elements. Of course this is just a design exercise, but we wouldn’t mind seeing this in production anytime soon.
The new BMW Z4 Roadster comes in two models for North America, both using the same 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine. The sDrive30i has 255 hp, and the sDrive35i uses twin-turbos (one turbo designated for three cylinders each) to upgrade to 300 hp. All variants of the new BMW Z4 come as standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox. As an option, the BMW Z4 sDrive35i is available with BMW’s newly developed double-clutch sport automatic gearbox.
BMW works on Z4 Shooting Brake? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 13 July 2010 17:00 EST.
Although the new BMW X6 Sport Activity Coupe has turned out to be a very successful model, it may be considered too large for the current market demands. For that reason, BMW has decided to bring a new, smaller model that will be built on the new generation F25 X3 platform. This vehicle will be the new X4 model (pictured here) and will be a coupe version of the future X3 SUV.
The car is internally known as “X-Style” and will be based on the future X3, but will feature the same coupe roof line at the rear-end and a muscular body as seen in the X6. However, BMW will drop the conventional tailgate of the X6 and will offer a two-way hatch similar to the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo.
The future model will feature the platform, drivetrains, and engines of the X3. BMW will show a concept version in the near future, with a production version to follow after it, but not before 2015.
BMW works on new X-Style model? originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 13 July 2010 10:00 EST.
BMW has unveiled the first video of the future 1-Series M Coupe. Of course, the video does not show much of the vehicle as it is heavily camouflaged, but BMW has promised that the final product would be worth waiting for.
As previously reported, the future car will not be called the M1. That name will remain reserved in history by the original M1 that debuted thirty years ago. What will the name of the car be? Well, as Dr. Kay Segler, CEO BMW M GmbH, narrates the video he leaves out that piece of information. However, he did say it would be built in limited numbers.
The 1-series M will probably follow along the engine lines of the 135i producing 306hp. It will feature a central duct, brake air ducts, an additional two ducts on the bonnet, two air intakes on the front wings for a typical M look, and the bar that incorporates the side indicator light. It will also have widened fenders, integrated duckbill trunk spoiler, upgraded M wheels, and large brakes with cross-drilled rotors.
Video: BMW 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 9 July 2010 11:00 EST.
With the James Bond series on a bit of a long break, we thought it would be an appropriate time to take a look at the past films and find the best cars used by the English spy.
It won’t be easy, as there were plenty of top-notch automobiles throughout the years. The current Aston Martin DBS is a stunning machine and the one we would own if it were our choice, but it doesn’t have the history and gadgets to be ranked in this article.
From Sean Connery to Roger Moore to Pierce Brosnan, every Bond actor has had a chance to drive these fabulous machines. Some longer than others.
We don’t have any James Bond experts, but that’s all right. Sometimes experts over-think things. We are just going to look at every movie as a die hard fan and pick our favorite 007 cars of all time.
Hit the jump for the list.
Top Five James Bond Cars originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 8 July 2010 17:00 EST.
After five years of successful production, the current generation BMW M5 E60 sedan and touring is about to end its life. During this period BMW sold a total of 20,548 units with USA being the most successful market. The States sold a total of 8,800 vehicles. They were ahead of the German market (1,647 units), Great Britain, and Ireland who developed the greatest demand on the European continent with 1,776 vehicles sold. Japan (1,357 units) takes fourth place among the most significant markets for the BMW M5 Saloon, followed by Italy (512).
The next BMW M5 is powered by a 5.5 liter V10 engine with a maximum power of 500 hp achieved at 7750 rpm and a maximum torque of 383 lb-ft. realized at 6100 rpm. This will be the new vehicle that will begin production on the same lines the M5 E60 used. In fact, the new M5 is the reason the E60 is being shoved out of the door.
The next generation BMW M5 will be unveiled in 2011. It will be powered by the same V8 engine used in the X5 and X6 M, but tweaked to deliver between 585-600HP. Since this is the same engine we thought the BMW M5 would have, we can estimate that it will sprint from 0 to 62mph in just 4.4 seconds and hit a limited top speed of 155mph or 188 mph with the optional M Drivers Package.
Press release after the jump.
BMW M5 E60 production ends originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 7 July 2010 16:00 EST.
The next time you make a purchase of a BMW X5, X6, and the soon-to-be-released X3, don’t act the least bit surprised when you find out that some of the parts that make up your beloved new SUV are made in Mexico.
According to Autonews, BMW is looking into making a sizable investment, somewhere around $1 billion, into Mexican suppliers to build a number of parts for the German manufacturer’s new line of sports utility vehicles. A number of reasons have been traced as to why BMW is close to deciding on tapping into a new market, foremost of which is the fact that labor rates are relatively cheaper compared to both the US and German markets. Another reason that can be attributed to this move is that, by producing these parts in Mexico, it becomes geographically near to the company’s production facility in South Carolina where the SUVs are being produced.
Add both of these factors to the fact that BMW is looking at lowering its expenses to about $5 billion in two years time and it becomes increasingly clear as to why the German manufacturer is close to infusing about $1 billion into Mexico. Sound move, if you ask us.
BMW looking into making $1 billion investment in Mexico originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 6 July 2010 17:00 EST.
We’re not the type to be easily surprised by anything that happens in the auto industry, but this one really caught us off-guard - in a good way, of course.
This here is a new lightweight BMW X5 prototype that, according to BMW, is about 50% lighter than the weight of the first ever X5 to be released to the public some years ago. The material in use for this prototype is something that’s called carbon fiber reinforced plastic, a material that supposedly cuts the overall bulk of cars without compromising any of the safety standards set on these vehicles.
That potential alone should make the hairs on the back of our heads rise without provocation.
In addition to its lightweight nature – and the fact that nothing is taken away as far as safety is concerned, the CFRP can also provide stability to a vehicle in inclement conditions while providing the necessary sturdiness to absorb any potential hits without debilitating damage.
All in all, this X5 prototype, by using the CFRP material, saves as much as 400 pounds from other X5s that use steel on the body. It may not look a lot to the casual observer, but 400 pounds less means less weight to pull around. And you don’t need to tell us how that affects the power and speed of a car.
New BMW X5 prototype comes with a carbon fiber body originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 6 July 2010 16:00 EST.
MWDesign unveiled a new tuning package for the BMW Z4 Roadster inspired by, well, golf. The package is called Slingshot and comes with an updated ECU that adds an extra 78 HP and 116 lbs-ft of torque. And if this is not enough for you, the new Z4 can be also offered with STETT’s FMIC intercooler rated at 620 HP.
Next to this impressive engine upgrade, the Z4 Slingshot also gets 20" H1 three-piece wheels finished in a gloss black, the exhaust system painted in matte black, green, grey and carbon fiber inserts, a polyurethane front lip spoiler by AC Schnitzer with a custom made carbon fiber splitter, a new rear spoiler in carbon fiber, a matte carbon fiber fin and lime green accents strategically added to the front bumper air ducts, underneath the rear diffuser, wheel lip striping and to the roll bar backs.
Press release after the jump.
MWDesign Project E89 Z4 3.5 Slingshot originally appeared on topspeed.com on Monday, 5 July 2010 17:00 EST.
BMW of America has announced that the M3 coupe, sedan, and convertible will receive new performance carbon fiber aerodynamic components. The list of aerodynamic components will include a new rear deck lid spoiler, mirror caps, and front splitters. All components are made in ultra-rigid carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) composite material, matching the standard CFRP roof panel of the M3 Coupe. Each component is shaped based on advanced research conducted in one of BMW’s Munich-based wind tunnels.
The new components are used to reduce the M3’s lift and minimize drag, but also they are appropriate to enhance the vehicle’s high-speed stability. In addition to that, they also work to improve the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. BMW Performance components made of carbon fiber have been climate and durability tested just like the CFRP roof panels on the M3 and M6 coupe, to ensure long-term quality. Each component is finished in a special clear coat laminate to reflect ultraviolet radiation.
Press release after the jump.
BMW M3 Performance Carbon Fiber Aerodynamic Components originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 29 June 2010 13:00 EST.
Khalfi Oussama is an 18-year old designer from Tunisia. By all accounts, Oussama’s a heck of a designer with a seemingly bright future at his disposal. But as is the case with young hotshots, Oussama’s imagination sometimes goes into overdrive and when that happens, you get something like this.
Looking less like a car BMW would actually produce and more like a machine you’d mistake for a world-mongering Decepticon, Oussama’s BMW X9 Concept certainly doesn’t lack in attention-grabbing details. It’s futuristic and stylistically aggressive design is, well, a little too much for us to handle. And excuse us if we find this X9 Concept a little too similar to that mountaneous four-wheeled monstrosity Batman used in the Dark Knight - this concept even makes a little referential nudge to the Caped Crusader with that Batmobile-esque set of corner rear lights.
It’s not that we don’t like it - we actually do - but Oussama’s concept could use a little toning down. The kid’s definitely got a world of potential, it’s just a matter of refining his skills and learning that too much of something doesn’t always equate to something positive.
We’d love to know what you guys think, though. So have at it and give us your thoughts.
18-year old's BMW X9 Concept looks about as angry as any concept you'll see originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 29 June 2010 11:00 EST.
SuperTuning.be
SuperTune.be
SuperTunes.be
