We like the new F30 3 Series. And we’re pretty sure we’ll like the F31 Touring version that goes with. To that end here’s a couple of stylish soccer mums thrashing their test chariots around the Nordschleife.
The final reveal of the new 3 Series Touring should take place around the middle of the year. July perhaps.
Oh, the clip brings the startling revelation that the Bimmer wagon is no match for a Nissan GT-R!
[Source: F30post]
Many of our readers are very happy that BMW Motorsport brought the M3 back to its roots—DTM racing. So we figured, in addition to our picture gallery from Round 1 of the 2012 series at Hockenheim, you’ll enjoy this series of pics and a couple of videos show the BMW M3 DTM during pitstop practice.
All of the pics can be viewed as 2000px super images, and if you like what you see then follow the Flickr link below for more.
[Source: Castrol Edge | Pics: Flickr]
Chris Harris has just filed a video that must remind him, and certainly us, what a lucky sod he is sometimes. Never mind he has awoken his own Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 from its winter slumber to take part in this three-piece fantasy; the other two cars are just as fine and just as desirable. Well, almost.
The BMW M3 GTS indulges in some ultra violence with its bright clockwork orange paintwork, while the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series is not backing away from the dark side of the force with a matt black exterior.
Look, like us, you could probably save yourself from the bother and take the RS 4.0, leave the other two behind, and just be done with it. After all, it will be the one genuinely true icon from the three cars assembled. But, life is about the journey, not the destination, and so of course we’d grab the opportunity to test all three on road and empty race track.
We doubt you’ll have your opinions altered with this video, but we think you’ll enjoy the ride. We’re just jealous we weren’t there to experience it too!
The friendly folk from D2FORGED have been in touch to share with us some wallpapers of a BMW 750Li rolling on some pretty damn nice 22″ FMS-09 wheels. The wheels are three-piece and feature brushed aluminium centres with polished chrome lips.
There’s nine more pics after the break and all you need to do to get your 1920x1280px versions is to click on each image as you go.
UPDATE: Our mistake, these wheels are three-piece, not two-piece as first stated.
Mercedes-Benz got off to a flying start at the opening race of the revamped DTM series in Hockenheim on the weekend, seeing their cars cross the line in first and second place.
Gary Paffett, McLaren F1 team reserve driver, won the first race of the year ahead of teammate and fellow Brit Jamie Green. Mattias Ekström claimed the final podium step for Audi. Andy Priaulx was the highest placed BMW in their return to DTM racing. He was in sixth place.
After the break we have assembled a nice gallery of photos from all three manufacturers; click each pic to load a 2000px super image.
There’s also a couple of videos from the first few laps of the race. The commentary is in German, but if you persist you will be rewarded for some choice comments on Ralf Schumacher’s driving skillz (language warning).
Back in 2010 rumours of a BMW X4 started to gain momentum. Then, in January this year BMW confirmed those rumours when they announced the X4 will be built at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.
However, BMW isn’t rushing into things and we won’t see the X4 until 2014. So we have to make do with renderings for now. We’re not sure if we’re just becoming used to the basic X6 shape—something we have abhorred since it was launched—or if we’re just going a bit barmy, but this X4 rendering almost look okay to us.
Help!
[Source: WCF]
Of the many electronic marvels that car manufacturers bestow on their modern day creations, amplifying engine sounds through the audio system is, perhaps, not one of their proudest moments.
The BMW M5 is one of the higher profile examples to feature “Active Sound Design”—as BMW calls it—and the general consensus seems to the world is the poorer for its existence.
Here, then, is a practical example to illustrate what a difference the audio enhancement actually makes. After the break is the relevant extract from BMW’s press folk to justify their use of amplified engine sounds.
[Source: M5Post]
Dr Friedrich Nitschke, president of BMW’s M division, has confirmed the production version of the Concept M135i will be offered with all-wheel drive.
Speaking to Car and Driver Dr Nitschke revealed: “The real car will be virtually identical to the concept. It will be powered by the N55 engine, and you will be able to buy it with a manual or automatic transmission. We will also offer optional all-wheel drive.”
So there you go. He also had some interesting things to say about turbocharging and manual transmissions.
Friedrich Nitschke on turbocharging: “Turbos were never a taboo; that was always a question of the best option. Back then, the naturally aspirated engine was the best option. But today you can have much more efficient engines with the turbo, and we will continue to follow this approach. We always choose the best technology.”
Friedrich Nitschke on manual transmissions: “Sporty drivers always chose a manual over the automatic transmissions, which used to be inefficient and have just three or four gears. But technology has moved forward… Our new M5 and M6 have so much power that a mismatched shift can easily destroy the transmission. It’s not easy. Therefore, for the first time, we have advanced our software to cut spikes and protect the transmission electronically.”
[Source: Car and Driver]
The 2012 DTM season begins in a couple of weeks. Bringing us a bit closer to the action is this series of videos showing the BMW M3 DTM in action and behind the scenes. It will be joined by equally new and spectacular looking Audi A5 and Mercedes-Benz C Coupé models.
[Source: BimmerPost & BimmerFile]
New footage of the BMW F80 M3 sedan has emerged from the Nürburgring. When asked about the new M3 in a recent interview Dr Friedrich Nitschke, BMW M head honcho, promised, “We will surprise you with this new car.”
Hmm, the surprise so far seems to be that it sounds a bit rubbish. Still, there’s lots of time left yet for M’s engineers to develop the car so let’s hope the turbocharged six cylinder engine we’re expecting sounds better once it finds its way into BMW showrooms.
After all, as Dr Nitschke says, “The M3 is an icon and it’s very important for us to make it a perfect fit for our customer. It has to be a perfect in its whole—not only in its engine and suspension, it must be a perfect concept.”
[Source: F30post | Thanks to Justin for the tip]
Can you hear that humming sound? That’s the sound of the BMW i8 Concept Spyder driving around an empty car park. Perhaps not the best context to show what is really a rather attractive car, but that’s what BMW has thought best. Bring yourself closer to Munich’s latest i-creation by watching the four videos we have for you after the break (hosted by BimmerFile).
BMW has today revealed photos and information for the i8 Concept Spyder. This, we’re fairly certain, is not an April Fool’s Day gag. The i8 Concept Spyder is based on the i8 hardtop (aka Vision Efficient Dynamics).
Like its sibling the i8 Concept Spyder features an ‘eDrive’ hybrid drivetrain, combining a 164kW three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (at the rear wheels) and 96kW of electric power (powering the front wheels) to offer a total of 260kW. And with 550Nm of torque on tap there’s enough to get up and go to take the 1630kg eco-sportscar to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds.
Zero-emissions travel is limited to a modest 30km or so, but is offset by a reasonably quick recharge time of less than two hours. On the plus side you can use a domestic plug to recharge. So, if you do insist on all-electric power you’ll be limited to city commuting. But you have to start somewhere.
We reckon the electronic instrument cluster and central info display look pretty nifty, too, and expect it won’t be too long before we’re seeing technology like this in more mainstream BMW models.
The i8 Coupé is due for release in 2014 so it’ll probably be some time before the i8 Spyder makes the transition from concept to reality.