Bimmerpost user E92Alpine328i brings us another rendering of the forthcoming F80 M3. We don’t have much else to add after we showed you last Friday’s rendering, other than to say the lower spoiler and air curtain treatment on this one is ever so slightly less aggressive than before. Likewiese with the bonnet’s power bulge. Oh, and we reckon both renderings look pretty good, we’d be happy if either solution became reality.
[Source: Bimmerpost]
The BMW M2, the replacement for the 1 Series M Coupé, appears certain to feature a 2.0 litre four cylinder turbo engine, instead of an inline six as found in the current 1M.
The move is likely to have as much to do with marketing and model positioning as anything else. Now that it has been confirmed the next M3 will lose its V8 in favour of an inline six, it makes sense for the junior M2 model to have a smaller engine configuration than the M3.
BMW’s N20 four cylinder appears the most likely candidate to adapt for use in an M2; currently the N20 has a maximum spec of 180kW/350Nm. It begs the question, where will the M2 engine performance sit given it is replacing a model with 250kW/450Nm?
It’s quite possible the M2 will have less power than the 1M, if BMW’s unofficial insider is to be believed. Quoted on the 1Addicts forum Scott26 said the M2, “is known as the ‘Downsized’ M because BMW M are investigating the concept of a completely reworked N20 based four cylinder in terms of the successor to the 1M offering the same recipe as before but with lower weight but still offering the entry to M ownership with the key of precision rather than outright power.”
Assuming the M2 does follow expectations and employ a four-cylinder engine; we wonder, what is the long-term future of the six cylinder M135i?
[Source: 1Addicts]
WildSpeed has had a crack at a new rendering for the F80 BMW M3. It looks pretty good, too, although we’re not too sure about the ‘power bulge’ in the bonnet. This image follows the latest spy pics, which hinted at the air curtain design of the front spoiler. The treatment here is very much a cross between M6 and 1M.
Also note the M3 badge mounted on the double-slats of the kidney grille. That’s an approach BMW took with the M6 and it would make sense if we saw that look carried across all future M models.
[Source: Bimmerpost | Pic: WildSpeed]
Word around the traps that the front-wheel drive BMW 1 Series GT will make its show debut in Paris next month is getting louder. When asked directly if this would be the case, Dr Klaus Draeger, BMW board member and head of supply and purchasing, replied to Auto Express: “I am not going to contradict you!”
As well as being the first BMW to be powered by the front wheels only, the 1er GT will also be the first to platform share with the MINI brand. Part of that sharing regime will include the use of three and four cylinder engines for both brands. In order to protect BMW’s hierarchy their engines will be tuned to ensure they offer a power advantage over their MINI equivalents.
Given platform sharing is generally designed to save a bit of cash, it’s a surprise to read the suggestion that BMW may use different transmissions to the MINI. That means a derivative of BMW’s 8-speed auto should find its way into the 1 Series GT, but not in the MINI, which will have to make do with a 6-speed auto. Both are expected to provide the option of 6-speed manual gearboxes, but these too, may not be identical units.
We hope the rendering above is a little off in its finer details, but we expect the general Mercedes B Class-like shape is on the mark.
[Source: Auto Express]
Our tip for the pricing of the BMW M135i was $68,900. Turns out we were $500 too expensive!
So, with an officially confirmed list price of $68,400 we think it will only be the M135i’s cumbersome looks that will prevent it from being an overwhelming sales success when it lands down under in October.
Although, BMW Australia boss, Phil Horton, says he’s already sold quite a few: “Since being unveiled the M135i has drawn huge interest both here and overseas and eager Australian customers have already snapped up almost a quarter of our first production allocation.”
Looks aside, who can blame those who have already expressed an interest to buy? The M135i gets pulses racing thanks to its N55-based turbocharged 3.0 litre straight six engine. With 235kW, the M135i has only 15kW less than the now iconic 1 Series M Coupé, yet matches its 450Nm of torque. Coupled to an 8-speed auto transmission, it’s enough to equal the 1M’s 4.9 second 0–100km/h time.
While an official spec sheet is yet to be published by BMW Australia their press release below states the M135i will come with the following standard equipment (and more):
Hmm, are you about to put in a call to your local BMW dealer too?
If you look closely at the black veil on this next-gen F80 BMW M3 prototype you’ll soon form an idea of what the car’s front-end will look like. We can tell that by referring to the air curtain on the 1M and also the front-end of the M6. Indeed, we expect the M6 (pictured below) will provide much of the inspiration for the new M3’s front apron.
BMW’s air curtain is an aerodynamic aid designed to help improve the air flow around the front wheels. They first employed the concept on the 1M and described it as such:
The in-flowing air is routed into two ducts by means of openings in the outer section of the front apron. These openings are designed so that the air flows along the inside of the front apron in a closed duct to the wheel arches, where it is discharged through a very narrow opening at high speed, just passing the outer wheel flanks. The escaping air stream covers the side of the front wheels like a curtain, thereby reducing aerodynamically unfavourable turbulence around the wheel arches.
Thanks to the series of images posted to Bimmerpost we can also see the ‘power bulge’ in the bonnet will carry over from the previous-gen M3.
The new M3, to be powered by a turbocharged inline six based on the N55 engine, is still around 12 months away, so expect to see a few more images of camouflaged prototypes before seeing anything official from BMW.
[Source: Bimmerpost]
Here’s a spy shot of the BMW Z4 LCI. In case you don’t know LCI stands for life cycle impulse and, no, we’re not kidding. It’s a fancy name for facelift or refresh, which most manufacturers do to help extend the lifespan of their models.
Anyway, as you can see from the image above, BMW is only making minor adjustments to the Z4, focusing on lighting details. But when we saw that shot we didn’t concern ourselves too much with the changes to the Z4, we just admired its basic shape and reflected on what a nice design the BMW roadster actually is. Okay, it’s not the prettiest ragtop we’ve ever seen, but we do like it.
Unfortunately, it also made us ask: How can the same company that gave us the stylish Z4 also be responsible for this?!
[Source: Autoblog | Pic: CarPix]
It might still be a couple of years away, but here’s a pretty good look at the new BMW M4, formerly known as the M3 coupé. Based on the F32 4 Series platform, the M4 will follow suit from the M3 sedan and use a turbocharged inline six cylinder engine.
Spied at the Nürburgring recently, it’s one of the first times an M4 mule has been seen out and about. The M brakes, M6 steering wheel and quad-tipped exhausts help to give the game away.
There’s also a video below and you can hear the unmistakable sound of a double clutch transmission on upshifts, but fear not, the M3 and M4 are still expected to offer the choice of a manual ‘box as well.
The front end of the F32 coupés will be sleeker and sportier than their F30 sedan counterparts. The M4 will also receive exclusive M treatment to its styling including the front grille and wider wheel arches.
It’s expected the production M4 will have a carbon fibre roof panel and will be more and less better than the E92 M3. That is, it should have more power, be more efficient, while weighing less than the old coupé.
The latest word on release dates says the M3 sedan could hit showrooms overseas late next year, otherwise early 2014. While the more traditional coupé layout, the M4, should arrive before the end of 2014.
[Source: F30post]
The E64 BMW M6, in our eyes it’s one of BMW’s greatest cock-ups. A glorious V10 engine wrapped up in styling you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. But, as these pics show, there’s nothing a lowered ride and choice rims can’t fix.
D2FORGED are responsible for the wheels, they’re 21″ CV11 Deep Concave running a staggered set up, with 9″ width up front and 10.5″ wide at the rears. The slender spokes, all 11 of them, are set-off nicely by the colour coded Interlagos Blue stripe on the lip.
There’s a few more pics after the break and simply click on each photo to be rewarded with 1600px sizing.
We’ve never really been fans of recent BMW 6 Series models, but this we like. It’s the 6 Series Gran Coupé and it’s just landed on Australian shores. Locally it’s only available as a 640i and if we had the $184,800 BMW is asking for this sleek four-door we reckon we’d be keen to make a swap.
Proving the breadth of talent available from BMW’s modern engines, the 640i Gran Coupé is powered by the same 3.0 litre TwinPower Turbo pushing the M135i into the hearts and minds of the world’s motoring media. That means there’s 235kW/450Nm to play with and in this chassis it will send you to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds.
Standard Adaptive LED headlamps, featuring LED ‘corona rings’ will let you know the Gran Coupé is coming and a full colour head up display will help you get where you’re going.
They’re just a couple of the standard features found inside the 5m long four-door coupé. For the full details check out the press release below from BMW Australia, or download the PDFs at the end of the article for future reference.
If you only read the spec sheet of the BMW M135i there’s a fair chance you’d want one. A hot hatch featuring an N55 turbocharged straight-six, sending 235kW/450Nm directly to the rear wheels, is a compelling package. Indeed, with a new slick 8-speed auto you can see off 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds. But there’s a catch. Of course, there’s a catch.
The elephant in the room with the M135i is the way it looks. Being polite, it’s just bloody ugly. To be fair, BMW has slightly improved the troublesome front end with a new styling package compared to the regular F20 1 Series.
But a question only you can answer: if the M135i was head and shoulders the best car in its class, could you do it? Because, as it turns out, there’s a fair chance the M135i is the best car in its class. Here’s what the early reviews are saying:
Autocar (Richard Bremner): “While some may desire the more uncompromising character of the 1M Coupé, the fact is that this M135i’s ride is less maskingly firm, its steering more delicate and its character easier to live with. And it’s also a whole lot cheaper, being almost £10k less.”
Car (Chris Chilton): “It might not look as sexy as a Scirroco, or feel quite so single-minded as a Megane RS, but the BMW is faster, better built and just feels more special than any of them. We can’t think of a more desirable, more exciting top-drawer hot hatch on the planet than this M135i.”
Evo (David Vivian): “The best thing about the M135i, though, is the grin it puts on your face on a twisty road… But I can’t help thinking the real achievement is the focus on something I’d feared the M people had lost sight of: the bloke behind the wheel. Three hearty cheers for that.”
So when can you get your hands on one? BMW Australia is bringing the M135i here in a five-door layout only and hope to have it in showrooms before the end of the year. And we hear BMW is hoping to have M135i on sale with a list price of around $68,900. Assuming it’s relatively well equipped, and doesn’t require too many ticks on BMW’s expensive options list, that pricing is quite good.
So, we ask again, could you do it? We’ve got a couple of videos for you after the break that may or may not seal the deal.
Not content with May’s sales figures—an all-time record for that month—Australian car buyers have now set a new record for any month, registering 112,566 vehicle sales in June. That’s a staggering increase of 16,409 sales compared to June 2011.
Year-to-date sales total 547,854 vehicles and you’d suggest that means Australia will once again top one million annual sales.
The Toyota HiLux was the country’s highest selling model in June with 4,308 sales, ahead of the Mazda3 (3,924) and Toyota Corolla (3,804).
It’s no surprise, then, to see Toyota continue their stranglehold as the best selling manufacturer. They sold 21,649 vehicles last month, compared to 10,632 by Holden and 9,672 for Hyundai.