Category: BMW

When BMW Australia launches the new F31 3 Series Touring in February next year they will offer two models, the 318d ($58,900) and 320i ($62,600).

Like the 3 Series saloon, the Touring is available in Modern, Luxury and Sport lines, with equipment virtually a like for like match across the two platforms. For the 320i, at this stage, only an M Sport Package can also be optioned.

The 318d is powered by a a 105kW/320Nm four cylinder turbo diesel. While the 320i features a 135kW/270Nm four cylinder turbo petrol engine and comes standard with an 8-speed sports auto.

A pricing table can be viewed below, along with BMW Australia’s press release which details the standard equipment offered. Expect extra models to be added to the Australian 3 Series Touring portfolio later in 2013.

[Note: European-spec 330d Touring shown]

F30post has an awesome set of images showcasing a production-ready BMW 4 Series. Already, even in base model trim, the new F32 coupé looks very smart. It only heightens the anticipation for the M3 version, which will be badged as the M4 for the first time.

With its camouflage covering only front and rear body details it’s the best look yet of the new 4 Series. So far we quite like the vented guard, and we’re pleased to note that it looks as though it’s a functional vent and not just a glued on visual enhancement.

It’s understood the F32 4 Series will start to roll down the production line from July next year, with the F33 convertible to follow a few month later in November 2013. A concept model of the 4 Series will most likely be shown at the Detroit Auto Show next January.

[Source: F30post | Thanks to John for the tip]

After impressing the European motoring hacks, the BMW M135i has just hit Australian shores. If you’ve just picked one up, or hope to have a closer look before buying, we suggest you don’t try this on local roads. But it would be fun wouldn’t it!

From the YouTube clip we have for you below the M135i, with 8 speed auto, returns the following results:

• 0–100km/h: 5 seconds
• 0–150km/h: 9 seconds
• 0–200km/h: 16 seconds
• 0–250km/h: 27 seconds
• Standing kilometre: 23 seconds

These numbers won’t be completely accurate, of course, but as a rough guide, we’re impressed!

[Thanks to Tim for the tip]

Last week new details for the upcoming BMW M3 emerged predicting the F80 model could be up to 140kg less than the E92 model it replaces. Turns out BMW has gone back to the future by using the kerb weight of the two-generations-ago E46 as its target. So expect the F80 to weigh in somewhere around 1550kg, depending on options.

The F82 M4 coupé is also expected to benefit from a similar weight loss program.

Speculation on power from the new inline turbo six says not to hope for too much more than the 309kW found in the 4.0 litre V8 from the E92. Although, we’ve previously passed on reports suggesting 335kW as the magic number. What you can probably hope for, thanks to being force fed, is a much healthier peak torque figure. The rather impressive number of an extra 135Nm has been mooted.

Key stats of up to 335kW for peak power and 535Nm of torque; how does that grab you? Even better, you’ll even be able to get the next M3/M4 with a proper bloody gearbox!

[Source: F30post | Pic: Bimmerpost]

The 2014 BMW M4 coupé has been spied in action at the latest industry pool testing held at the Nürburgring. It’s just the second time the coupé has been spotted and aside from the new pics and video (below) there’s not much else to tell you. Inasmuch as there’s no new info relating to the F82 that we haven’t already told you.

So, that means you should be expecting the F80 M3 sedan to be released late next year or early 2014, with the M4 to follow before the end of 2014. Power will come from an inline six cylinder with at least two turbos; there may be three.

Of course, the new M3/M4 will be a little bit lighter, a little bit faster and a little bit more efficient than the models they replace.

[Source: F30post]