BMW
2011 BMW 5-Series M Sport: Leaked images!
This sportier F10 5-Series is shod with Munich’s M Sport package and as the title suggests, photos of it have been leaked ahead of its official unveiling. This comes as no surprise since a brochure of the 5-Series M Sport Touring found it’s way onto the Internet recently as well.
Typically this iteration of the 5er with the magic alphabet comes with aggressively-styled bumpers, side skirts and a boot lid spoiler. Just like previous times, there is also a dark rear diffuser, black window trim as well as chrome tail pipes.
The interior features a thick-rimmed three spoke steering wheel, an anthracite head liner, sport seats in fabric and alcantara as well as different trim (aluminum hexagon, standard for all models except for 550i). To all M fanatics out there, don’t worry there are plenty of M badging on the car too. The leaked images also contain an image of the wheel options available including an 18-inch multi spoke and a 19-inch double spoke. Continue reading to view an image gallery.
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2011 BMW 5-Series M Sport: Leaked catalogue!
The all-new 5-Series was recently launched and it was followed by the unveiling of the touring variant. Keeping true to BMW’s tradition, the auto maker will soon unveil M Sport variants as well as the high-performance M model. What we have here is a leaked catalogue that depicts an M Sport touring model which is likely to share all of its M upgrades with the sedan as well.
The most visible upgrade would be the front bumper, which seems chunkier now thanks to large air ducts. Definitely more menacing. The M Sport package also includes different side skirts and a rear bumper which integrates a diffuser. Also part of the list are the black window trims, instead of chrome ones.
We can also notice new wheels, both 18 and 19-inch versions. The former has a multi-spoke design and can house 245/45 R18 tires while the latter features a double-spoke design and they can be shod with 245/40 R19 tires.
Interior wise, a thick-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel with black roof lining and sport seats make up most of the upgrades. There should also be a sports-tuned suspension as well. Continue reading to view more images.
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BMW reveals US-specific 2011 M3 Frozen Gray
BMW has unveiled a limited edition 2011 M3 specifically for the US market called the M3 Frozen Gray. Only 30 units will be sold and each is painted in Frozen Gray with a Fox Red & Black interior featuring Novillo leather. Apart from the usual features made available with the conventional M3, this version comes standard with three packages including the Competition, Premium and Technology packages.
The Competition Package is made up by 19-inch alloy wheels, a lowered suspension (by 10mm) and a sportier mapping for the M3′s EDC (Electronic Damping Control) and DSC systems. Premium offers power folding mirrors, a universal garage door opener, a digital compass mirror, BMW Assist with Bluetooth connectivity as well as Carbon Leather trim.
The third Technology package has the Comfort Assist System, navigation, Voice Command and Real Time Traffic Information system. Things like heated front seats, Rear Park Distance Control, better sound, 1 year subscription of satellite radio and iPod plus USB adapters also make up the equipment list.
Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly there are no updates in the engine department. This model is offered with BMW’s M DCT twin clutch transmission meaning 0-100 km/h takes 4.5 seconds. The M3 Frozen Gray carries a US$77,600 price tag hence it has a US$19,200 premium over the standard M3.
As always an image gallery can be found after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
F10 BMW 5-Series: Special feature video!
We have whipped up a compilation video of the all-new F10 BMW 5-Series that recently hit our shores. This compilation video is quite special because unlike the B-roll footage that was released by BMW this one has been edited to feature music and it also includes a voiceover that explains certain features of the F10.
Three models are available in Singapore including the 523i, the 523i Highline and the range-topping 535i. Prices range between S$215,800 and S$294,800. Continue reading to enjoy the 7 minute 29 second-long footage, in high-res fashion. You can also click here to read our test drive report. Read the rest of this entry.
Will the new BMW 6-Series look like this? Very likely
When BMW showed the Gran Coupe concept at the Auto China 2010 event, it made many wonder what Munich had in mind with the gorgeous concept. Some even thought BMW was planning to revive the 8-Series. But once spy images of the next generation 6-Series surfaced, it was no doubt that the Gran Coupe would turn into the new 6er.
The spy images didn’t say much but they revealed enough for us to safely conclude that the Gran Coupe is the new 6. We even think that that it will look really similar, but it will of course lose the rear doors. Our friend Theophilus Chin put this talent into good use and whipped up an impression of the new 6-Series. He even worked on a 6-Series Cabriolet.
The next 6-Series would be the third generation model. The first 6er was the E24 that was launched in 1976. It looks really good even till today. The large coupe returned in 2003 as the E63 but didn’t do well in the looks department if you ask me. The third generation model which is expected to be called the F12 (F13 for cabriolet) will definitely do justice to the original E24, if its being based on the Gran Coupe that is. The M6 version would look awesome!
Anyway we have yet to look at the whole car hence the statement about the new 6 being based on the Gran Coupe is just speculation, for now at least. Continue reading to check out another image. Read the rest of this entry.
BMW Gran Coupe likely to become new 6-Series
This was pretty much expected. Rumors are circulating that BMW will produce the recently unveiled Gran Coupe concept as the next generation 6-Series. The gorgeous-looking concept which was unveiled at the Auto China 2010 event features a 4-door architecture which it will lose if it becomes the 6.
If this is true, which to me is very likely, you can expect to see the Gran Coupe under the 6-Series guise in 2011 during the Frankfurt Motor Show with production scheduled to start in 2012. The reason why I said that this piece of news was expected was because spy shots of the new 6-Series reveal hints of the Gran Coupe.
While we wait for a confirmation from Munich regarding this, you can salivate over a super high-res image gallery of the BMW Gran Coupe after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
BMW M GmbH boss confirms 1-Series M, new M5 to appear in late 2011
BMW, via M GmbH’s managing director Dr. Kay Segler has confirmed that it is building an M version based on the 135i. The high-performance vehicle would not carry the M1 designation but its actually name is still unknown. Some say that it will be called the 1-Series Tii.
It is expected to feature a 322 horsepower figure with its reworked 3.0 liter turbocharged unit. In stock the 135i makes 302hp and 400Nm of torque in comparison. Apparently only limited numbers will be produced and it will be introduced by the end of 2011.
Joining that introduction date would be the all new M5, based on the F10 5-Series. The M5 is likely to feature 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 that can produce 547hp. This engine sounds familiar because its the same one found in the X5 M and X6 M. However many are expecting the M5 to offer slightly more horsepower. You can also read our previous story on the 1-Series M here. There is also a video of a prototype being tested at the Nurburgring proving grounds.
BMW 320d EfficientDynamics achieves 1,630 km on a single tank
The very fuel-efficient BMW 320d EfficientDynamics was put in a real life test and it managed to deliver 1,630 kilometers on a full tank, “before needing to be refueled”! The man behind the wheel was one of Fifth Gear’s presenters Tom Ford and he drove from the UK to Munich and back. He achieved 75.9mpg overall with an average speed of 95 km/h.
Ford said that he did drive carefully and was feathering the accelerator pedal but he cruised at about 105km/h on the highways. “Think about it in the context of everyday motoring: comfortably more than 1,000 miles on one tank of diesel means just 12 fills a year for the average motorist – and even driven normally I still think you’re looking at 750-800 miles per fill. BMW’s EfficientDynamics: it does what it says on the tin,” said Ford.
“It’s difficult to tell the difference between this model and a standard 320d in terms of driving performance which is brilliant. It means that as well as the obvious financial advantages, this special 320d is a car for the environmentally conscious who still want a car that drives superbly,” the motoring journalist who also contributes to Top Gear magazine added.
Unlike the conventional 320d, this EfficientDynamics variant houses technologies such as Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and Electric Power Steering. It also has lowered suspension and it uses specially designed aerodynamic alloy wheels shod with Michelin EnergySaver tires. It makes 163hp and 360Nm of torque from its turbo diesel engine. Its official fuel consumption and emissions figures are 68.9mpg and 109g/km respectively.
What else you can ask for? Commendable performance with a good load of torque and save fuel at the same time?
