BMW
BMW to roll out 1-Series M?
If recent reports are anything to go by, then BMW is working on a new high-performance M variant that will be positioned below the BMW M3. Apparently an M version based on the 1-Series has received the green light for production. Although its nice to have a more affordable M car in the range, but isn’t the BMW 135i doing a fantastic job already? I remember testing one, just weeks after having a go in the awesome M3 and I must admit that the 135i packs a good punch. The twin-turbo 3.0 liter outputs 306 PS and and an M3 equalling 400Nm of torque. Probably the M version can crank out about 350 PS?
New F10 BMW 5-Series looking good for debut on November 23rd: Teaser video released!
BMW has officially announced that the next generation 5-Series mid-sized sedan will be unveiled on November 23rd later this month. Also called the F10, this highly-anticipated car was also teased via a 40 second-long video clip which uses the automaker’s kinetic sculpture (metal balls hanging from threads) from the BMW Museum in Munich to outline the F10’s silhouette.
Judging from recent spy images, the new 5 is expected to look better than the outgoing E60 model, which to me, is a little too ‘edgy’ for a BMW (especially with those outer top edges of the headlights). Look for the teaser video after the jump! Read the rest of this entry.
450hp BMW M3 GTS: 2 promo videos released
Following the unveiling of the hardcore M3 GTS, BMW has released two more promotional videos of the 1490kg coupe. Part one highlights the features on the GTS while the second video is mostly made up by some on track action. It is powered by a 4.4 liter V8 that is based on the 4.0 liter version found in the standard M3. The powerplant makes 30hp more bringing total output to 450hp. The M3 GTS costs about €115,000 and is made to order. Deliveries in Germany is expected to begin in May next year. Catch both videos after the jump. Meanwhile you can click here to learn more about the track ready M3 GTS. Read the rest of this entry.
BMW M3 GTS: Hardcore E92 M3 by BMW M
BMW has unveiled a new variant of the E92 M3 called the M3 GTS. The more hardcore M3 GTS which is like the CSL version of the E46 M3 is powered by a 4.4 liter V8 that is based on the 4.0 liter V8 found in the standard M3. Instead of 420hp, this tweaked engine can output 450hp. The powerplant is paired with a 7-speed M dual clutch transmission with adapted shift characteristics.
The lightweight treatment is evident with the use of lightweight parts in the interior such as lightweight seats (6-point seatbelt) and the use of Macrolon for the car’s windows in the back. The GTS also loses air conditioning, navigation and radio. Furthermore, the entire rear seat has been removed as well. Overall weight is figured at about 1490 kilograms instead of 1655 kilograms with the standard M3 Coupe.
The hardcore M3 features a new and lighter titanium rear silencer, mounts for a roll-over protective structure, a fire extinguisher as well as a battery master switch/emergency shut-off. To improve downforce, BMW’s M division has added a front splitter and a rear wing that are both adjustable. The coupe which comes with adjustable suspension is made to order and each costs around €115,000. Deliveries in Germany will start in May 2010 while other countries will receive it in summer. Continue reading to view a high-res image gallery. There is also a short video for your enjoyment. Read the rest of this entry.
BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo to make US debut at the South Florida Auto Show
Live in the US and can’t wait to park the 5 Series Gran Turismo on your driveway? You would be glad to know that the ‘practical’ Gran Turismo will make its US debut at the South Florida International Auto Show that will take place between October 23rd and November 1st. The 5-Series GT’s highlight feature is the two-mode tail gate that can allow the GT to offer up to 1,700 liters of space.
BMW also claims that the GT has legroom of a 7-Series and a headroom of an X5. The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo will hit showrooms in December and pricing information will be released closer to the on-sale date. To learn more about the 5-Series GT, please click here.
BMW M3 Coupe: Offers a great ride in new promo film
Bandito Garage has released a new promotional film of the BMW M3 Coupe. The production company used state of the art equipments like high-tech camera cars and gyro stabilized Pursuit Cranes to shoot up to 15 different angles for the footage that was filmed in Los Angeles. The video showcases the gorgeous coupe giving an equally gorgeous lady the ride of her life. She expected an awesome ride and she even paid for it! Continue reading to enjoy the video. Read the rest of this entry.
BMW bridges the gap between car and bike: Reveals Simple Concept and re-introduces the Clever Prototype
It was just a couple of days ago when Nissan announced the car cum bike concept called the Land Glider that will be shown at the Tokyo Motor Show. A couple of days later, German auto maker BMW announced a new concept that belongs to the same family. The concept, along with the Clever Prototype, is being exhibited at the auto maker’s museum in Munich.
First on the list is the Simple Concept (“A sustainable and innovative mobility product for low energy consumption”) that is powered by a 48HP combustion engine and an electric motor. It is a three-wheeler and has a seating capacity of two. Measuring 110 cm wide, it has a tilting technology that tilts the passenger cell automatically. All the driver has to do is determine a change in direction for the appropriate tilt to follow automatically.
BMW also revealed that the concept only activates the hydraulics in exceptional situations, for example if the vehicle threatens to become unstable during extremely slow driving, when righting the vehicle during standstill or in situations such as ‘drifting’. Apart from these conditions, the concept rides like a motorcycle and, beyond natural gravity and gyroscopic forces, requires no energy whatsoever to lean into a corner.
The 450 kilograms Simple Concept can accelerate to 100 km/h at under 10 seconds and it can achieve a respectable top speed in excess of 200 km/h. Drag coefficient is figured at 0.18 and according to the auto maker, the Simple Concept would need just 6 kWh (equivalent to 0.7 litres of petrol) or two liters to deliver 100 km.
Next is the Clever Prototype (“Compact Low Emission Vehicle for Urban Transport”) that was first presented back in 2006. The project was launched in 2002 as an initiative of Berlin’s Technical University, sponsored by the 5th Framework Programme of the EU Commission. It is also a three-wheeled vehicle that can carry two people. The prototype is driven by a single cylinder 230 cc CNG engine that is paired with a CVT transmission. CO2 emissions output is figured at 60 grams per 100 kilometers and it has a driving range of about 200 kilometers. BMW claims that it would cost two people 1 Euro to travel around 100 kilometers.
With a weight figure of under 400 kilograms, the Clever Prototype takes 7 seconds to reach 60 km/h and it will go on till it reaches a top speed of about 100 km/h. It measures 3 metres long, 1 metre wide and 1.4 metres tall and it features computer-controlled tilting. It also has a Formula 1 style main frame that weighs just over 60 kilometers. It acts like a survival cell while the front wheel and steering ensure a deformation path of some 35 centimetres to absorb sufficient energy in an the event of an impact. Continue reading to view high-res images. There is also a 2 minute 24 second-long video of the SImple Concept. Read the rest of this entry.
BMW Isetta is alive! Maybe not…
Ever wondered how a modern Isetta would look like if BMW decides to put it into production? Theophilus Chin ‘wondered’ about it and whipped one up with his excellent ‘photoshop’ skills. BMW may not produce such a mirco car, but rumor has is that the Isetta name will be resurrected and used to designate the auto maker’s upcoming sub-brand for electric cars. Continue reading to view another image. Cool huh?
Source. Read the rest of this entry.
