Category: BMW

The recent release of the BMW 4 Series Concept Coupe has inspired pixel magicians WildSpeed to have a crack at rendering the forthcoming F82 M4. Already they’ve presented us with their interpretation for the M3. So, really, it was just a simple task of transferring one to the other. Well, we’re sure it would have been relatively simple for them.

We like what we’re seeing, as well. And we also expect the lighter, faster and greener M3/M4 to delight all those who drive it.

WildSpeed didn’t stop at just the one rendering, so make sure you follow the source link below to see the new M4 in your preferred colour scheme.

[Source: F30post]

Here, in full, are the details for the very stylish BMW Concept 4 Series Coupe. When it goes into production it will become the first BMW model to wear 4 Series badging, setting it aside from its 3 Series sibling.

The F32 4 Series will be both wider and longer than the old E92 Coupe. The base dimensions also differ from the F30 3 Series, so there is more than just marketing in the step to 4 Series nomenclature. A wider track, for example, should provide more assured handling and ride comfort.

Yet, it’s the introduction of new visual elements that we are most interested in with this concept model. The headlight design is very cool, and we reckon that should make it to production without too many alterations.

The dramatic lower front spoiler and rear valance, though, we’re not so sure about them. The look suits a concept model, we just wonder how close the production model will be.

BMW fans will be able to get their chance to get up close and personal with the Concept 4 Series Coupe when it debuts at the Detroit Auto Show next month.

There’s over 40 pics for you to admire after the break as well as a pair of press releases for those who want to appreciate the finer points.

After disappointing many motoring enthusiasts with the design direction of the unofficially revealed 3 Series GT, we’re pretty sure BMW will win plenty of admirers for this stylish new F32 4 Series Coupé concept. It looks hot!

And just imagine how good it could look when it’s wearing M4 badges.

We’ll update you soon with the full details and gallery of super images. For now enjoy this handful of pics.

BMW surprised itself, let alone everyone else, when it collected the drivers’ and constructors’ championship trophies in the 2012 DTM season. Of course, it was BMW’s return to the category after a 20 year lay off.

To celebrate their success BMW has announced this limited release M3 DTM Champion Edition. Only 54 will be made.

The matte black paint is a tribute to the livery of championship winning driver Bruno Spengler. BMW Motorsport decals have been applied to the roof and bootlid. Inside, alcantara trimmers have had their input, while Spengler is recognised on the dash with his signature appearing next to the edition number. The helmet design of Bruno Spengler has also been referenced on the door sills of the exclusive M3.

The best thing? The €99,000 purchase price also includes entry to a BMW driver training day at the Nürburgring where Bruno Spengler will give the 54 owners private tuition.

Mind, we’re still not sure if that makes it worth the €18,000 premium over a standard M3.

Spied during a video shoot, here’s your first undisguised look at the BMW 3 Series GT. We know most of you won’t like what you see, but we dig it. Sure it’s a bit daft looking around the hip area, beneath the Hofmeister kink—itself a bit awkward—but, overall, we think it works.

In a world of pointless SUVs the BMW GT range gives buyers what they actually want from a “4WD” without pretending to be one. It’s just a shame most people seem too scared to recognise that.

The model above is fitted with the M Sport package and as such features a more aggressive body kit. The surprisingly functional looking vent behind the front wheel also indicates the model line.

In the metallic brown, sorry, Havana/Mojave metallic F34 GT you see after the break you’ll notice a softer look as well as getting a better view of the car’s side profile. Go on, admit it, it looks pretty good doesn’t it.

Follow the source link below for more pics, just make sure nobody notices the admiring grin on your face.

[Source: F30post]

BMW plans to return serve to Audi’s RS3 and Mercedes’ CLA 45 AMG with it’s own compact saloon M missile. Autocar has produced this rendering and had a crack at what the 300hp 1 Series M sedan might look like. It looks half decent too, given the fugly face of the 1 Series hatch.

Increasing focus on the smaller end of the market is a response to consumer demand, according to one BMW insider. “There has been a wholesale shift in the market,” said the source. “Our traditional M models—the M3 and M5—have become a good deal larger, a lot more powerful, better equipped and naturally more expensive over the years. They still sell in solid numbers, but it is time to concentrate on the more affordable end of the performance range.”

The latest mini M is expected to be powered by a screaming version 2.0 litre four-pot complete with turbocharger(s) to generate the required power. Interestingly, the engine, based on the current N20 powerplant, is suitable for transverse and longitudinal applications. The latter will suit rear-wheel drive, of course. But the former, transverse option, means it can equally be applied to front-wheel drive models.

A front-wheel drive M; will the sky really fall on our heads like that?

We’re not sure, but, yes, it could. That’s to say M GmbH is considering the benefits of front-wheel drive, namely cheaper production costs and improved interior space; as opposed to the inherent chassis balance and driving dynamics offered by rear-wheel drive.

More simply, it could just be that the engine might find its way into hi-po MINI in future. There’s also the chance a cooking version of the front-wheel drive Compact Active Tourer might benefit from M’s loving touch.

Specialist BMW website BimmerFile has had a good look at this story, too, and it’s worth checking out their take. The idea of M GmbH sub-contracting some of the development processes out to a third party, to make up for a lack of engineering capacity, is certainly a bit of an eyebrow raiser.

[Source: Autocar]

You’re looking at one of the first spy shots of BMW’s new F23 2 Series convertible, which has just been captured on the streets of Munich. The F22 coupé will actually be the first to go into production, but as with the former E82/E88 1 Series coupé/convertible it was the ragtop that was spied first.

The best news is that BMW looks to be addressing the ghastly headlight styling of the current F20 1 Series hatch. Although, it is hard to tell with that heavy camouflage, it appears as though the new convertible will have a more rakish/sporty front end compared with its predecessor.

The 2 Series is scheduled for production in the latter half of next year, so expect to see spy shots in future with more bodywork gradually being revealed.

According to BimmerPost this is what we’ll see from the 2 Series platform:

Confirmed models

• 2 Series Coupé (F22)
• 2 Series Convertible (F23)
• M235i M Performance Automobile (based on current M135i)
• M2 Coupe—1M coupe replacement (with a 2.0 litre turbo four cylinder)

Speculative models

• 2 Series Gran Coupé (four door coupé)
• 2 Series Gran Sports Tourer
• M2 Gran Coupe—M version of 2 Series Gran Coupé

[Source: BimmerPost]

BMW has announced it will be making a special personalised polo shirt for the owners of the 1 Series M Coupé. It’s the first time they’ve done anything like this. More importantly, in making the announcement BMW has also declared the final production count of the feisty 1M, confirming 6,309 were made. Of which some 300+ were sold  in Australia.

If you’re one of the lucky owners you’ll need to confirm your 17-digit VIN with BMW and give them €89 (AU$110), then wait around six weeks for your polo shirt to be delivered.

Watch the video after the break to find out more.

[Source: m-power.com]

We’ve had three BMW Z2 is coming stories on AUSmotive, but none since early 2010. So it’s no surprise then to learn a rear-drive Z2 idea has been archived by BMW’s product planners. Word is there’s just not the business case for it anymore, despite the 1 Series convertible doing reasonably well.

If we do see another small BMW ragtop, expect to be a front driver on the UKL platform. Which will be used by MINI as well.

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

Ever since BMW released the quite spectacular M1 Hommage a few years back speculation has been rife that the Munich maestros would return to the supercar category. It’s been a bit of an on-again, off-again saga to be honest and the latest word has the BMW supercar firmly back on the agenda.

Interestingly, it is said the car will wear an M8 badge, rather than the iconic M1 name. Which begs the question, why then didn’t they call the 1 Series M Coupé the M1?

Never mind that, let’s focus on the M8. It’s likely to be based on the lean and green i8 platform, but will shed the green focus for a fair dinkum V8 engine. We suggest you start your peak power nominations at 600hp. Oh yes!

[Source: Automobile Magazine]

In just 13 years from now this is the police car that BMW’s DesignworksUSA thinks will be patrolling the streets. The BMW ePatrol is their entry into the LA Auto Show design challenge; this year’s brief is to create highway patrol vehicle for the year 2025.

We understand it’s a competition and we understand it’s all about being creative and pushing accepted current day thinking. But 13 years is just one more 3 Series model away. Perhaps if the brief was for the year 2050 we might be getting close to the right page. But what do we know?

Here’s how Laurenz Schaffer, DesignworksUSA President, explains their creation: “DesignworksUSA’s role as a think tank is to challenge the status quo of existing product solutions. We wanted to present a visionary impulse to the theme of highway patrol.

“Hence our contribution to the L.A. Design Challenge is a vision concept with no links to BMW’s future design strategy. We took the liberty to think out of the box. To emphasize the conceptual approach our design is independent from BMW design elements and known visual cues but looks at new product typologies and fresh ideas on shapes.”

Regardless of how rooted in reality the ePatrol may or may not be, it does look pretty cool!