bmw Archives | Page 9 of 25

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe gets early unveiling ahead of Shanghai

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Shanghai Motor Show, Luxury

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe – Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has just given us an early preview of the 2012 6 Series Coupe in Munich ahead of its debut at the Shanghai Motor Show, and as you’d expect, the all-new hardtop 6er simply adds a fixed roof and a Hofmeister Kink to the cabrio we sampled earlier this year.

Head designer Karim Habib tells Autoblog that he drew most of his inspiration from BMW’s iconic 3.0 CS produced in the late 60s and early 70s – particularly the elongated wheelbase, endless hood and upright, sharknose grille that just so happens to conform to the EU’s pedestrian impact standards. The fascia benefits from full LED headlamps and triple-element foglamps (optional on both the coupe and cabrio), along with lower, wider kidney grilles that – when compared to the 7 Series’ vertical slats – come off as less pinstripe-like and more aggressive; toothy, even.

Underneath that expansive hood lies BMW’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8, producing 400 horsepower and 450 pound-feet of torque – identical to its drop-top sibling. An eight-speed automatic gearbox shuttles power to the rear wheels, allowing the coupe to hit 60 mph in 4.8 seconds before topping out at the electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

According to BMW officials, the cabrio was introduced before the coupe because it makes up 60 percent of 6 Series volume in the U.S., the 6er’s largest market. BMW hasn’t released an official curb weight for the coupe, but it has confirmed that it will be lighter than its 4,500-pound convertible brethren. Sales are set to begin this Fall and should command slightly less than the cab’s $90,000 point of entry.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe

Gallery: 2012 BMW 6 Series coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series coupe

2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe gets early unveiling ahead of Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “2012 BMW 6 Series Coupe gets early unveiling ahead of Shanghai”

BMW M projects that didn’t make it

Filed under: Classics, Performance, BMW, Design/Style

BMW M Projects – Click above for massive high-res image gallery

BMW’s M division comes up with some pretty crazy ideas – things like M3 pickups and M5 cabrios. Even the X6 M could be safely defined as ‘radical.’ And while some make it into production, there are plenty other awesome projects that never see the light of day.

While giving us a preview of the new M5 Concept, the Bavarian skunkworks division also showcased a few of those stillborn projects. One of them was a CSL version of the recently-departed M6 coupe, unburdened of 220 pounds of excess weight, given a power boost and fitted with active aerodynamics and an electronically deployed rear spoiler. But while the prototype was reportedly fully developed, the beancounters in Munich ultimately passed on its production.

The same fate reportedly befell an M8 prototype that would have slotted in above the 850 CSi. That particular coupe that was available packed with a 375-horsepower V12, but the never-was M8 was blessed with a lofty 550 hp from its 12-cylinder engine. After the M8 project was canceled, the engine was retasked for use in another supercar: the McLaren F1.

Another variant of that high-revving V12 – originally bound for Le Mans duty – was also placed in a first-gen X5 prototype with a six-speed manual, 700 horsepower and a 186-mile-per-hour top end. Another rear-drive X5 prototype developed by the M division was in attendance and, naturally, never reached production, along with an M-ified 318ti (hot), E46 M3 wagon (hotter), E39 M5 wagon (hottest) and one horribly overwrought red roadster (above) with a clear connection to the Z1 and Z3 convertible. And as for the E92-based M3 pickup; it was built as a replacement for beheaded and bedded E30 the M crew developed way-back-when to haul parts.

Finally, last year, BMW toyed with shoehorning the V12 engine into the outgoing M5 to replace its V10 and celebrate the model’s 25th anniversary (it was first introduced in 1985), but found the engine bay just a little too tight for the Le Mans-based engine. Sigh.

You can check out all the stillborn Ms in our galleries below.

Gallery: BMW M Projects

BMW M projects that didn’t make it originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “BMW M projects that didn’t make it”

Segler moves back to Mini in BMW management shift

Filed under: Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, BMW, Mini

Dr. Kay Segler

Over at BMW corporate headquarters in Munich, it’s time for another game of “reise nach Jerusalem” – German for “musical chairs” (don’t ask us why) – shifting senior management around various departments. Following the announcement of management installed at the automaker’s new i Division comes a shift in senior staff at the M Division and at Mini.

The reshuffle revolves around Dr. Kay Segler (pictured), who was in charge of the Mini brand between 2004 and 2008. Over the past few years, Segler’s been running BMW M GmbH, but will now be moving back to his old job with the small car subsidiary. His role at M will be taken up by Dr. Friedrich Nitschke (not to be confused with the 19th-century existentialist philosopher Nietzsche), who was until now in charge of product development for Mini. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading Segler moves back to Mini in BMW management shift

Segler moves back to Mini in BMW management shift originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Segler moves back to Mini in BMW management shift”

Current generation BMW M3 to be last naturally aspirated M car

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Government/Legal, BMW

BMW M3 Competition Package

BMW M3 Competition Package – Click above for high-res image gallery

The writing’s been on the wall for some time, but the fate of naturally aspirated M cars from BMW is all but sealed: forced induction is the future and the next M3 will come equipped with a turbocharged engine.

With next year’s new emissions standards looming on the horizon, every automaker is looking to improve its fleet-wide fuel economy, and that means performance vehicles will be some of the first to undergo an EPA-mandated makeover.

For BMW, that means turbocharging and start-stop systems, two technologies that will boost the fuel economy of the all-new M5 by up to 25 percent when it goes on sale next spring.

Looking over BMW’s current crop of M products, one vehicle stands alone in the induction department, and a source within BMW has told us that the E90/E92 M3’s V8 will be the last naturally aspirated engine fitted to an M vehicle. While nearly every automaker has made tremendous strides to nearly eliminate turbo lag, the linear, low-end grunt of a turbo can’t compare to the high-revving thrills of an NA powerplant. But the future is here and the future is forced induction.

Gallery: BMW M3 Competition Package

Current generation BMW M3 to be last naturally aspirated M car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Current generation BMW M3 to be last naturally aspirated M car”

2012 BMW M5 Concept leaked ahead of Shanghai debut

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW, Shanghai Motor Show

BMW M5 Concept

BMW Concept M5 – Click above for image gallery

The 2012 BMW M5? Here it is in the “concept” form that will make its official debut later this month at the Shanghai Motor Show, courtesy of photos leaked from an embargoed preview event held this weekend in Germany.

As is BMW’s wont when it comes to these things, “concept” simply means, “This is exactly what the production car looks like, and we’ll reveal the rest of the juicy details at a future date. And maybe the production wheels won’t be black.”

Of course, some stuff related to the F10 M5 is pretty much set in stone already, courtesy of Chris Harris’ first drive for Evo magazine.

The twin-turbo V8 should out-power the one in the X6M, which makes 546 horsepower.
Shifts come via a seven-speed DCT.
Selectable driving programs include Comfort, Sport, and Sport-Plus, plus the let-it-all-hang-out M Driving Mode.

Snap judgement: this is the best-looking BMW M vehicle since the E39 M5, and whatever BMW’s cooked up underhood should have no problem backing up the looks. Stay tuned for more info on the BMW Concept M5 as we receive it.

Gallery: 2012 BMW Concept M5

[Source: Transmissia.net via M5Board via Motor Authority]

2012 BMW M5 Concept leaked ahead of Shanghai debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Apr 2011 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “2012 BMW M5 Concept leaked ahead of Shanghai debut”

Confirmed: BMW i3 to be RWD, mid-“engine”

Filed under: Technology, Hatchback, BMW, Electric

2013 BMW i3 prototype spy shot

2013 BMW i3 prototype – Click above for high-res image gallery

As if the spy video we featured previously wasn’t enough proof, today we’ve confirmed that the smallest BMW i family offering, the i3, will be coming to market in 2013 with a rear-wheel-drive powertrain, and the electric motor powering those wheels will be mounted amidships.

The platform, which is all-new and primarily comprised of carbon fiber, was developed to house the motor ahead of the rear wheels, with the battery pack mounted below the trunk. According to a BMW spokesperson, the drivetrain can be completely separated from the body, making service and replacement a cinch.

The first version of this all-electric drivetrain will be fitted to the ActiveE 1-Series, BMW’s second EV after the Mini E, which will make its North American debut at the New York Auto Show later this month. However, the primary difference between the i3’s system and the unit fitted to the ActiveE is the battery pack. On the i3, the cells will be grouped together, whereas the electrified 1 Series will have battery packs spanning the space between the passenger compartment and the trunk. Additionally, BMW will be using the NY show to announce the lease plan and pricing for the Active E, so for those looking to get in on the EV sports coupe action, start saving your pennies now.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW i3

[Images: CarPix]

Confirmed: BMW i3 to be RWD, mid-“engine” originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Confirmed: BMW i3 to be RWD, mid-“engine””

BMW bringing lightweight M3 sedan to Nurburgring M Festival

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, BMW

Lightweight BMW M3 Sedan

Lightweight BMW M3 Sedan – Click above for high-res image gallery

In addition to officially debuting the M3 pickup here in Munich, BMW trotted out a lightweight version of the M3 sedan before its debut at the M Festival at the 24 Hours of Nurburgring race later this year.

BMW is mum on the exact details on this stripped-out sedan, only saying that it’s designed to slot in between the standard model and the race-ready GTS coupe. Output should remain close to the standard 420 horsepower, but the brakes, suspension and exhaust will be tweaked for maximum performance. There’s no word on how many pounds the M division stripped from the sedan, but we should have all the details when the big ‘Ring race happens this June.

Gallery: Lightweight BMW M3 Sedan

BMW bringing lightweight M3 sedan to Nurburgring M Festival originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “BMW bringing lightweight M3 sedan to Nurburgring M Festival”

Officially Official: 420-hp BMW M3 Pickup hauls ass, nearly 1,000 pounds

Filed under: Performance, Truck, BMW

BMW M3 Pickup

BMW M3 Pickup – Click above for high-res image gallery

It’s the First of April and the fun has officially begun here in Munich. BMW has officially taken the wraps off the M3 pickup after our spy shooters caught it running the ‘Ring late last month. And as we exclusively revealed, it’s the Bavarian’s idea of an April Fools prank.

However, that doesn’t mean that the uteified M3 isn’t a full-fledged performer. It’s packing the same 420-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 as its sedan, coupe and convertible brethren, but despite lopping off the back, BMW discovered during wind-tunnel testing that it’s coefficient of drag is close to that of the M3 coupe. It comes complete with a with a removable targa top, weighs some 110 pounds less than its drop-top sibling and topped out at the Nurburgring at 186 mph. Pop the removal roof and the M3 pickup sheds another 44 pounds, and in keeping with every automaker’s standard measurement of trunk capacity – the golf bag – the pickup can tote 20 bags of irons. Oh, and there’s a trailer hitch to boot.

Naturally, serial production isn’t going to happen, but the M3 pickup will serve as the workshop transport vehicle for BMW’s M division. Full details in the press blast after the break.

Gallery: BMW M3 Pickup – Live

Gallery: BMW M3 Pickup

Continue reading Officially Official: 420-hp BMW M3 Pickup hauls ass, nearly 1,000 pounds

Officially Official: 420-hp BMW M3 Pickup hauls ass, nearly 1,000 pounds originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Officially Official: 420-hp BMW M3 Pickup hauls ass, nearly 1,000 pounds”

Video: 30 minutes of raw 2012 BMW M5 footage

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW, Luxury

2012 BMW M5

2012 BMW M5 – Click above to watch the video after the jump

As of now, we’ve seen plenty of photos and footage of the upcoming 2012 BMW M5, and now the grandaddy of videos has just been released. This time, BMW has leaked nearly 30 minutes of the M5 undergoing cold weather testing in the Alps. There’s plenty of everything here, from nice stills to rolling footage of the upcoming M car bounding through the snow.

The F10 M5 is rapidly approaching its debut, first at a private BMW press conference at the end of this week, then at the Shanghai Motor Show in mid-April. We already know that the car will have a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 replacing the outgoing car’s V10, and Americans will still be able to get a traditional stick shift. We’re ready, BMW. Hop the jump for the video.

Gallery: 2012 BMW M5 Spy Shots

[Source: YouTube via World Car Fans]

Continue reading Video: 30 minutes of raw 2012 BMW M5 footage

Video: 30 minutes of raw 2012 BMW M5 footage originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “Video: 30 minutes of raw 2012 BMW M5 footage”

BMW cuts the glare with M3 Matte Edition for China

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, China, BMW

BMW M3 Matte Edition

BMW M3 Matte Edition – Click above for high-res images

Automakers have all sorts of different ways of celebrating milestone anniversaries. In the case of the M3, which turns 25 years old this year, BMW opted to roll out a series of special editions for individual markets. Japan, for example, got the Competition Fire Orange Edition. Here in the United States, we got the Frozen Gray edition. Australia got the Pure edition, and in China they got the Tiger edition. The latter proved so popular that BMW has opted to roll out a second special edition for the People’s Republic.

Called the Matte Edition, its defining feature, as you might have guessed, is the matte black paint job, complimented by black chrome trim, high-gloss 19-inch alloys to contrast with the low-gloss body, red brake calipers and an interior decked out with carbon fiber trim and red stitching. Mechanically, the Matte Edition is exactly the same as a stock M3, but the color scheme is one of the most attractive we’ve seen yet. Follow the jump for the official press release (translated into English).

Gallery: BMW M3 Matte Edition

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW cuts the glare with M3 Matte Edition for China

BMW cuts the glare with M3 Matte Edition for China originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Continue reading “BMW cuts the glare with M3 Matte Edition for China”