BMW
480hp-plus BMW Z4 GT3 race car revealed
This is BMW’s latest GT3 contender. It is based on the BMW Z4 and is powered by a 4.0 liter V8 powerplant which can output more than 480hp. This engine can also be found in the BMW M3 GT2 and it is mated to a 6-speed sequential transmission with “Quick Shift” function.
This track ready Z4 comes with an ECU408 engine management system, Power400 electronic control unit for controlling the all actuators, racing ABS and traction control, a modified front axle equipped with a tubular stabiliser bar with adjustable blades and more.
The Z4 GT3 also has its front and rear wings, bonnet, roof, fender and other components made out of carbon fibre reinforced plastics which allows the car to offer a 1,200 kilograms weight figure. For interested buyers, the BMW Z4 GT3 can be yours for 298,000 Euros plus VAT. An image gallery can be found after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
BMW to supply 3.0 liter diesel engines to Carbon Motors for the E7 police car
The world’s first manufacturer of a purpose-built law enforcement vehicle, Carbon Motors will use a BMW-sourced 3.0 liter 6-cylinder diesel to power the E7 police car which is expected to be launched in 2012. BMW will supply up to 240,000 diesel engines to Carbon Motors complete with cooling and exhaust gas systems as well as with automatic transmissions. This 3.0 liter oil burner is also used in the BMW X5 and is able to produce 265hp.
BMW M GmbH’s latest product: The M Bike!
When we started off this blog we never imagined that we will cover news about bicycles but as the title suggests, we are! This is BMW M GmbH’s latest product: the M Bike. Unlike M’s fuel thirsty super powerful cars this bike will use its rider’s ‘legpower’. The bike weighs 12.9 kilograms and it will be based on a limited production run. It can be a perfect match for a BMW owner who loves outdoor sports. There will be three different frame heights and each bike is constructed out of aluminum.
Future entry-level BMWs to get front wheel drive configuration
BMW’s CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed to the press that the company is working on a new front wheel drive platform that will be used for BMW’s future entry-level models. This same platform will also underpin next-generation MINI models and it will also carry an all wheel drive configuration.
This new platform is expected to debut in the third generation MINI in 2014 and it will enable the company to produce vehicles that are between 3800 mm and 4300 mm long. Apparently there can be up to 20 different BMW and MINI models based on this platform.
The company said that the new entry level BMWs will sit below the 1-Series and assured that the 1-Series will maintain its rear wheel drive setup which is good news. Its pretty weird to talk about a BMW and term “front wheel drive” in the same line. This new platform will feed BMW’s interest in producing smaller, more efficient vehicles.
All new BMW 5-Series Touring unveiled!
BMW has added a new variant to the all new F10 5-Series which we had a go in earlier. This is the new Touring which is codenamed the F11. As expected with such a wagon, the boot space is huge. With the rear backrests up the space is figured at 560 liters. This figure can go up to 1,670 liters just by folding down the 40:20:40 split rear seats. On top of that the rear seats are also individually inclinable by 11 degrees in 7 stages by the way, nice!
Features like the Electric Power Steering and the 8-speed automatic transmission have been carried over from the sedan variant. The Touring also comes with self-leveling rear air suspension. There are two petrol and two diesel engines two choose from. The diesel family is made up by a 520d model with a 181hp and 380Nm of torque 4-cylinder unit.
There is also the 530d that features a 6-cylinder units which can crank out 242hp and 540Nm of torque. A more powerful 535d version is expected to join the line-up later on as well. Petrol wise, there is the 523i that makes 201hp and 270Nm of torque while the top of the line spot is taken up by a 302hp force-inducted 535i that can also produce 400Nm of torque. These engines come standard with the a 6-speed manual transmission.
Optional equipment includes Dynamic Drive Control with Normal, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes, Integral Active Steering and more. The tail gate also opens up separately. With this who needs a 5-Series GT? As always more images can be found after the jump. There is also a video for your enjoyment. Read the rest of this entry.
BMW unveils the Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid
The all new 5 Series was launched late last year and more variants of the new mid-sized sedan will soon be introduced including a touring as well as a high-performance M5. There will also be an ActiveHybrid version which is previewed by this Concept 5 Series ActiveHybrid.
The concept will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show and it features an inline-6 gasoline engine with BMW’s TwinPower Turbo. There is also a 40kW electric motor and an 8-speed transmission. Just like the ActiveHybrid X6 and 7 models, the eventual ActiveHybrid based on the new 5er is expected to be a very powerful vehicle.
The concept also has an engine start stop system and brake energy regeneration. A production version of the concept is expected to be revealed in about one year. More images can be found after the jump! You can also read our test drive report of the new F10 5 Series here. Read the rest of this entry.
M Sport package for 2011 BMW X5 revealed
BMW has revealed the M Sport package for the 2011 X5 SUV. The package is made up by a retuned chassis, 19-inch alloy wheels in V-spoke design, different exhaust tailpipes, window frames finished in satin aluminum and roof rails in satin-finish chrome.
On the inside there is an M leather steering wheel, M driver’s footrest, interior trim with aluminum finish, electric sports seats for the driver and front passenger as well as an anthracite headliner.
The front and rear aprons have been modified as well and BMW revealed it worked around sensors and cameras used for the Park Distance Control and the Side View systems, which means both features can be added to the M Sport package as well. The package will be made available as soon as the updated X5 goes on sale in spring. Continue reading to view an image gallery. Read the rest of this entry.
Facelifted BMW M3 Coupe and Convertible revealed along with Auto Start-Stop and Competition Package
BMW has released details regarding the facelifted M3 Coupe and Convertible. According to the press release the only update in terms of design is the rear taillight where it looks similar to the design on the facelifted 3-Series Coupe and Convertible. Now on to some more interesting news. BMW has added the Auto Start-Stop technology to this high-performance vehicle. The technology is available with all three variants of the M3 including the coupe, convertible and the sedan.
It is also available with both the manual and the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission options. According to BMW, this system which shuts down the engine when the car comes to a stop enables the M3 to save by about 8% of CO2 emissions. Fuel consumption is also reduced to 11.2 liters per 100 kilometers (M3 Coupe with DCT). It will be quite weird whenever you stop the M3. Instead of hearing a rumbly V8 note you will hear, nothing!
BMW has also announced a Competition Package which is available for the M3 Coupe and Sedan models. The package includes a revised suspension configuration that lowers the ride height by 10mm (along with updates for the Electronic Damper Control and DSC stability control systems to suit the new lowered suspension).
The are also new items in the Original BMW Accessories program including a rear spoiler and front apron flaps in carbon that help reduce lift force. More images of the updated M3 Coupe can be found after the jump. Read the rest of this entry.
