German website Auto Zeitung seems to be the ones who have jumped the gun by publishing official images of the new F10-based BMW M5. Here’s a selection of smaller sized pics for you. Once BMW releases the full sized versions we’ll be back with a 2000px wallpaper-friendly gallery.
[Source: Auto Zeitung via BimmerFile]
BMW has just released a new video promoting its internship programs. Contained inside that clip is this clay model of a two-sided MINI. The left side appears pretty much as we expect a MINI to look, but the right side shows an aggressive new headlight treatment and overtly pumped wheelguard.
Whether this is just more tomfoolery from the clowns trying to bust a rhyme or a genuine internal study for a new design direction is anyone’s guess. We’re not so sure about that headlight styling. The higher bonnet line could be introduced to improve pedestrian safety.
There’s a couple of extra still from the video after the break and, if you dare, you can watch the promo clip too. It’s probably a good thing it’s in German because we suspect the lyrics are probably as bad as the visuals.
[Source: World Car Fans]
We’ve already brought you up to speed on the likely plans BMW has to call the next 1 Series coupé/convertible the 2 Series; including new M2 badging. Now it seems the 3 Series two-doors are in for the same plus one treatment with word filtering around the internets they will be called the 4 Series.
It’s a move that loosely follows their German rivals, in particular Audi, who have introduced the A5 Coupé and Sportback to complement its volume selling A4 range.
BMW’s marketing gurus will love it, as they will be able to position the new 2 and 4 Series models slightly above their more mundane four-door siblings and, of course, that means they can charge more too.
The new naming regime should begin in 2013 with the 2 Series (replacing the 1 Series coupé) closely followed by the 4 Series (replacing the 3 Series coupé).
BMW Canada has produced this spectacular clip to promote the 1 Series M Coupé. According to the title of the video on YouTube it is only Part 1 as well, so we’ll keep an eye out for more.
Yes, those concrete walls are probably fake, either some sort of foam or added in later with fancy computers, but you can’t deny this clip is great to watch; over and over again.
Check it out for yourself after the break.
BMW will be taking two M3 GT cars to Le Mans this year. They’ll be hoping for better luck in 2011 after heading to La Sarthe last year full of confidence following the team’s outright success in the Nürburgring 24 Hour race.
In 2010 just one car finished—sixth in class—while the well promoted Jeff Koons Art Car was forced into retirement due to mechanical issues, only to be involved in a bit of kerfuffle with one of the lead Audis on its way back to the pits.
That’s all behind them now and at the official scrutineering team driver Augusto Farfus said, “This scrutineering is a great public event. We do this for the people, for the fans. And it’s definitely one of the reasons why the fans love Le Mans so much. This is one of the biggest races in the world, and public scrutineering is the perfect way to start proceedings.”
Reactions to the new BMW 1 Series hatch have been luke warm, at best. Sadly, we can’t see this promo video changing anything soon. The clip is part of the One Origin, Two Originals campaign, which in itself is not such a bad idea. But are we totally misreading the target audience, or do you think BMW onto a winner here?
The new BMW 1 Series seems to be getting mixed reviews from punters around the globe. There are a few that reckon it looks pretty good, but mostly, it seems, the styling of the F20 hatch is not winning many fans. Maybe this walkaround tour of the new 1er from UK mag What Car might help win some people over; or not?
[Source: YouTube]
Thanks to BimmerPost who have lined up the new BMW 1 Series hatch against the current Audi A3 and Volkswgaen Golf. It’s worth noting the current 8P A3 was first released in way back in 2003, although, it has been freshened up by a couple of modest facelifts, most recently a couple of years ago. Similarly, the Mk6 Golf was released almost three years ago. Itself a mild development on the Mk5 model first seen in 2003.
The Golf does look the cheaper of the three, as it should. Under the circumstances it must be said the Audi A3 has aged quite gracefully, still holding its place alongside the new generation from Munich.
Audi is due to launch its third generation A3 later this year and the Mk7 Golf is likely to be seen within the next two years. On that basis, should BMW be concerned that their newest model doesn’t seem to be a clear step forward on cars that had their roots laid almost a full decade ago?
[Source: BimmerPost]
Here are the official words and images for BMW’s new world order 1 Series. For now, we’re still in rear-wheel drive mode, but don’t forget there is a front-wheel drive 1er is on the way, too.
The slightly bloated F20 1 Series is 85mm longer and 17mm wider than the E87 model it replaces. Overall height remains the same. Other measurements of note to change include the wheelbase, 30mm longer, and, significantly, the front track is now 51mm wider and the rear track has had 72mm added. All that means there’s now an extra 21mm legroom for rear seat passengers and the rear cargo area now offers 360 litres of space, up from 330 litres.
Five four-cylinder engines are offered in this initial release and, for the first time in the compact class, an 8-speed auto is available. The 135kW 120d is the quickest model announced to date and can reach 100km/h in 7.2 seconds. You can thank a generous 380Nm of torque for that.
There are two other diesel engines provided, as well. The 118d has 105kW/320Nm and reaches 100km/h in 8.9 seconds. The entry-level 116d offers 85kW/260Nm and requires 10.3 seconds to reach the speed limit. All feature common rail injection, TwinPower Turbo technology and use around 4.5 litres of diesel per 100km.
Completing the engine range is a 125kW/250Nm 118i (7.4s 0-100) and a 100kW/220Nm 116i (8.5s 0-100). Like the diesels, the petrol engines rely on forced induction and boast fuel consumption in the high 5s per 100km.
So far it looks like the new 1 Series isn’t winning many fans for its looks. We’re still convinced feelings will soften once we start seeing the 1er on the road, but tend to agree it’s certainly not the prettiest car BMW has ever made.
After the break there’s a concise press release and a massive image gallery of 85 pics to help you get used to the new look.
UPDATE: The press material released by BMW Australia only lists info on the 118i, 116i and 118d; surely giving a hint to their model plans for the F20. They’ve also offered a far more detailed press release, which has now been added below.
UPDATE 6 June: BMW Australia is expected to launch the new 1 Series some time after October this year.
The BMW 328 Hommage is a beautiful thing. So, why not start your Sunday with this short video. After you’ve seen that you can check out 34 new pics below. Is the red scarf overkill?
Is the Porsche Cayman R really a suitable rival for the cheaper BMW 1 Series M Coupé? Well, BMW themselves have compared the 1M to the Cayman S, so on pure stats it’s not too far from reality. Okay, in Australia, the Cayman R might cost a Golf GTI more than the 1M, but it is widely acknowledged as being a class-leader in the can’t-quite-afford-a-supercar sportscar market.
On that basis, then, it’s well worth seeing just how well BMW’s latest press darling matches up against a lighter and sharper Cayman. Thanks to Autocar, who have filed a video review, we can see how the baby M gets on.
[Thanks to James for the tip]
The latest teaser from BMW reminding us they have a new M5 on the way shows the car in action on the high speed bowl at Nardo in Italy. As you will see the M5 is good at turning right, really, really fast.