Official: Volvo joins Australia’s V8 Supercars series [w/video]

Filed under: Motorsports, Sedan, Videos, Volvo, Australia, Racing

Volvo S60 Polestar V8 Supercars teaser - video screencap

It was just a rumor, but now it’s official, mates: Volvo will be joining the V8 Supercars series in Australia with an official team for 2014. Volvo is partnering with Garry Rogers Motorsport and its own Polestar tuning firm to create Volvo Polestar Racing.

A V8 engine will be produced by the Swedish arm of the racing effort, and will be supplied to the Garry Rogers team, which will get the whole shebang ready for the track. The outfit will be running two V8 Supercars “based on the production S60 road car.” Considering that the S60 uses a range of transversely mounted engines with four, five or six cylinders (powering either the front or all four wheels) while the new race car will employ a V8 sending about 650 horsepower to the rear wheels, make that very loosely based on the production S60…

Volvo claims this is the first factory-backed entry in the V8 Supercars series from a luxury brand. We should note, though, that Mercedes-Benz is represented in the series with an E-Class sedan, but that outfit isn’t quite an official entry from the car’s German parents. In any case, you’re encouraged to watch the teaser video and read the press release below for all the details.

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Volvo joins Australia’s V8 Supercars series [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Official: 2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe officially debuts, priced from $41,425*

Filed under: Coupe, BMW, Luxury

2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe

Well, that didn’t take long. Less than two hours after the first images of the 2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe leaked onto the Internet, we’ve been given the go-ahead to publish the whole kit and caboodle. And while we won’t say we told you so, it looks as though the car’s official details are standing true to our earlier predictions.

In other words, BMW will offer the 4 Series in 428i and 435i models, both of which can be had with xDrive all-wheel drive. Just like in the 3 Series, the 428i is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, good for 240 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque, and the 435i gets BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six making 300 hp and 300 lb-ft. In three of the four models, both a six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmission are available; the 428i xDrive can only be had with the auto ‘box. The 428i (with rear-wheel drive, we assume) can hit 60 miles per hour in 5.7 seconds (though BMW doesn’t specify with which transmission), and the 435i will do that same sprint in 5.3 seconds with the manual and five seconds flat with the eight-speed auto.

2014 BMW 4 Series InteriorWe’ve already dissected the 4 Series’ visuals, but the numbers show just how different it is from the 3 Series sedan. The 4 Coupe is one-tenth of an inch longer overall, while riding on the same 110.6-inch wheelbase, is 0.6 inches wider, and has a roofline that’s a full 2.7 inches closer to the ground. It looks sleek, incorporating BMW’s new design language from the 3 Series with an overall profile that’s similar to the larger 6 Series coupe.

BMW will offer the 4 Series Coupe in three different trim lines – Luxury, Sport and M Sport. Much like the 3 Series range, the Luxury line focuses more on overall amenities and upscale appearance, while the Sport and M Sport models are meant to offer the most driver-focused set of equipment with slightly more aggression outside. 18- and 19-inch wheels are available on all models, and M Sport models get a whole raft of equipment including better suspension tuning and upgraded brakes to make the whole package more exciting on the road. The cabin doesn’t look all that different from the 3 Series, incorporating the same suite of technological goodies and creature comforts, and is offered in a variety of hues.

The new 4 Series goes on sale later this summer, and BMW has already confirmed that pricing will start at $41,425 (*including destination) for the 428i Coupe – an increase of $1,650 versus a 328i sedan. From there, the 428i xDrive rolls in at $46,925, the 435i starts at $43,425, and the range-topping 435i xDrive will set you back $48,925. Have a look through our huge gallery above to see the new 4 Series from all angles, and scroll down for BMW’s lengthy press release with all the nitty-gritty details.

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2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe officially debuts, priced from $41,425* originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Breaking: 2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe images leak out

Filed under: Coupe, BMW, Luxury

2014 BMW 4 Series

Because embargoes were apparently made to be broken, images of the 2014 BMW 4 Series coupe have leaked onto the Internet ahead of the car’s official debut thanks to Car Design News’ Facebook page. As you’ll recall, the 4 Series is the replacement for the outgoing 3 Series coupe, its nomenclature falling in line with the rest of BMW’s lineup, where coupes and convertibles will be set apart from their sedan counterparts by one number.

As we can see in the photos, the 4 Series takes a lot of its design cues from the 3 Series on which it is based, but there’s a lot more in the way of attractive body sculpting, and this production model stays true to the original 4 Series Coupe Concept that we saw at the Detroit Auto Show earlier this year.

We don’t have official details to divulge just yet, but we can discern from the photos that the range-topping coupe will be the 435i model, likely powered by BMW’s turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six from the 335i. There will no doubt be a 428i model with a 2.0-liter turbo-four underhood, and we expect BMW to offer its xDrive all-wheel-drive system on both models. Much like the 3 Series, a variety of trim levels will be on offer, including a top-spec M Sport trim that you can see painted in Estoril Blue here.

Stay tuned for the official 4 Series details later today, but for now, have a glance through our gallery of leaked photos, above.

2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe images leak out originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: BMW 3 Series production to end in October, next-gen model coming in spring 2012

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW 335is

2011 BMW 335is – Click above for high-res image gallery

Production of the current E90 and E92 BMW 3 Series will come to an end for good in October, in preparation for next spring’s launch of the all-new F30 3 Series. Before the gas models bow out, the oil-burning 335d will cease production in August.

The death of the current 3er makes room for a sleeker, less cluttered version of the car which clings closely to the more aggressive new BMW design language. Among the changes will be flatter kidney grilles as well as shorter overhangs, as well as a more muscular stance.

The new 3s will also get a bump in efficiency, with a range of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder mills, with the outside chance of a three-banger joining the lineup later on. The next M3 will ditch V8 power in favor of a twin-turbo inline-six sporting about 450 horsepower.

BMW 3 Series production to end in October, next-gen model coming in spring 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 May 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Autocar pits BMW 1 Series M Coupe against Porsche Cayman R

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW, Porsche

2011 BMW 1M Coupe vs. 2011 Porsche Cayman R

2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe vs. 2011 Porsche Cayman R – Click above to view video after the jump

The 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe has been setting hearts on fire across the automotive press since Munich started teasing the car a couple years ago. Now that it has finally arrived, Autocar decided to see if it lived up to its own hype when faced with the lithe 2011 Porsche Cayman R.

We’ll save giving away the outcome of the comparison in the video, but suffice it to say the 1M Coupe satisfies expectations. It brings back the raw, visceral driving experience characteristic of the old M cars and is relatively affordable. All things we dig. With that knowledge safely in hand, click past the jump to see how the little M rocket stacks up to the competition.

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Autocar pits BMW 1 Series M Coupe against Porsche Cayman R originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 May 2011 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Raikkonen moves up the NASCAR ladder with respectable Nationwide Series debut

Filed under: Motorsports

Kimi Raikkonen

Between the Indy 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix – both packed with nail-biting action right to the finish line – there was no lack of excitement for racing fans this Memorial Day weekend. But open wheels weren’t the only ones turning yesterday as NASCAR headed back to its heartland at the Charlotte Motor Speedway. And while the top-tier Sprint Cup was the headline event, our eyes were on the second-step Nationwide Series as Kimi Raikkonen made his next step up the stock-car racing ladder in the Top Gear 300.

Following his solid debut last week in the Camping World truck series, the former F1 champion turned rally driver took the next step up, driving the #87 Toyota Camry fielded by NEMCO Motorsports and prepared by the same Kyle Busch Motorsports with the same Perky Jerky sponsorship from his truck debut.

So how’d he do? Not bad. Not amazing, but not bad, considering this was only his second oval-track race, his second outing in a stock car and the first in the Nationwide Series. Kimi was up to fifteenth for much of the race, running on the lead lap and taking advantage of green-flag restarts to gain position. He struggled, however, with the car’s front-end handling, as well as heat burning his feet inside the cockpit, and dropped down several laps after a series of disadvantageous trips to the pit lane – one for fresh fuel and rubber, one to remove debris from a crash and another to serve a drive-through penalty.

In the end Raikkonen finished 27th out of 43, running but four laps down on the race leaders. Sprint Cup drivers ended up dominating the race, with Matt Kenseth taking the checkered flag. So what’s next for Kimi? Well he’s back in the WRC next month for the Acropolis rally in Greece, but there’s no telling when he might be back Stateside for more NASCAR action. The Sprint Cup road-course race at Infineon Raceway in Sonoma, California, could give Raikkonen a chance to shine, but his team fears there’s precious little time to put it together with less than a month to go.

Raikkonen moves up the NASCAR ladder with respectable Nationwide Series debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 May 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Are you the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe?

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Sedan, BMW

BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe

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

BMW has previously confirmed that it plans to build a production version of the 6 Series Gran Coupe Concept that it unveiled at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show, and these plausible-looking patent filings appear to give a glimpse at the car’s final design. Much like BMW’s latest batch of concept cars – the M5 and 6 Series Coupe, notably – the “finished” product doesn’t stray too much from the original concept car, save, of course, the traditional dumbing-down of air intakes and wheel sizes.

The 6 Series Gran Coupe is expected to slot in between the BMW 5 Series and 7 Series in terms of both size and price, and will likely use the same range of turbocharged six- and eight-cylinder engines that we see in those models. While not as overly swoopy as its competitors, the 6 Series Gran Coupe will be poised to do battle with the Audi A7 and Mercedes-Benz CLS for four-door coupe luxury supremacy.

Are you the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 May 2011 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW 1 Series M faces off against Audi TT RS on track

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, Audi, BMW

BMW 1 Series M Coupe and Audi TT RS

BMW 1 Series M Coupe vs Audi TT RS – Click above to watch video after the jump

Here’s a matchup made in heaven. The crew from Motor Sport Magazine took the time to pit the BMW 1 Series M Coupe against a fitting rival – the Audi TT RS. The two German sports coupes go fender-to-fender on track, and thanks to a few well-placed video cameras, we get to ride along for the action. There’s plenty of tail-wiggling glory from the smallest of the M family, but the TT RS seems more than capable of keeping the pace. With 340 horsepower to the 335 ponies of the TT RS, the 1 Series M Coupe has a slight power edge, but with all four wheels pulling in the Audi, the two are fit rivals.

While the video doesn’t actually capture any legitimate competition, it’s still fun to watch – and hear – these two pint-sized bruisers frolic around in a semi-controlled, off-street venue. We just wish it was us behind the wheel. Click past the break to check out the clip for yourself.

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BMW 1 Series M faces off against Audi TT RS on track originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Exclusive: BMW developing customizable LCD gauges for refreshed 5 and 7 Series models

Filed under: Sedan, Technology, BMW, Luxury

BMW digital LCD gauge cluster

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has had one for a few years, and Jaguar-Land Rover recently fitted units to its all-new XJ and updated Range Rover. Now BMW is getting ready to offer its own fully configurable LCD gauge cluster on the next-generation 5 Series and 7 Series models.

Co-developed in Munich and BMW’s Technology Office in Mountain View, CA, the new gauge cluster will display the standard dials for speed, revs, fuel and temp, but can be configured to show additional navigation, telematics and infotainment data depending on the driving mode. Comfort and Sport settings will tailor the display to suit conditions, possibly placing the tachometer front-and-center in Sport mode, along with providing shift lights and other more driver-centric information.

A BMW engineer we spoke with made it clear that BMW doesn’t want to rely on digital representations of analog gauges. Instead, the automaker is looking at the display as a blank canvas with which it can display a variety of information in an innovative way. However, while consumer customization will be available, BMW believes that keeping the user-tweakability to a minimum is key for ease-of-use and general readability.

Expect the new dash to appear on the refreshed 5 and 7 Series within the next two years.

BMW developing customizable LCD gauges for refreshed 5 and 7 Series models originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 May 2011 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 1 Series M to be one year and done?

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, BMW

bmw 1 series m

2011 BMW 1 Series M – Click above for high-res image gallery

Did you pick up your 2011 BMW 1 Series M? If not, you may be paying a lot more for one down the road. The $46,135 German sports coupe will be produced through the end of this year… and then it’s done. According to TheDetroitBureau.com, BMW admits that its latest sex toy pumped-up two-door will have a very limited run of one model year.

That’s not to say we won’t see another version on the future. However, it could be several years before that happens, which should make the current (and only) crop of BMW 1 Series M cars quite collectible.

After reading TDB’s report, we pressed BMW for some more insight into the matter, and received confirmation that the current 1 Series M is only sticking around for the 2011 model year. The next generation 1 Series is at least two-and-a-half to three years away, which is too much time to speculate on a future 1 Series M. Curious as to how many 2011 1 Series M coupes will be produced? So are we, and BMW can only share that “less than 1,000 units” will be produced in 2011.

Said another way… get in line. Now.

BMW 1 Series M to be one year and done? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 May 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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