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BMW

BMW “M2” speculation increases following trademark application

BMW 1M Coupe

1additcs brings word building the case which suggests the next-gen 1 Series Coupé and Convertible will be badged as a 2 Series. In both Germany and the US, BMW has filed a trademark application for the “M2” wordmark.

That doesn’t confirm plans for such a model will exist, of course, but it does at least tell us that BMW is thinking about it. Oddly, though, you’d expect BMW to have already filed away any number of M-related wordmarks, if only to protect their hard-earned brand awareness.

[Source: 1addicts]

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Accessories & Tech BMW

Pimp my dash display

BMW LCD dash display

Autoblog brings word that BMW is the latest manufacturer to turn to LCD technology for its dash display. The benefits of such technology allow users to customise what they see, rather than being locked into a standard gauge layout.

Mercedes-Benz is already using an LCD system in its S Class and Jaguar/Land Rover have introduced LCD displays to their higher end models as well.

Adding extra navigation information to the main display, or making the rev counter more prominent; these are just a couple of examples of what can be done.

It’s understood BMW will first employ the LCD tech in their updated 5 Series and 7 Series models over the next couple of years. The trickle down effect means we’ll be seeing more of these displays in future and it will be interesting to see just how far manufacturers push this technology. There’s almost limitless potential.

[Source: Autoblog]

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BMW

One, two, BMW

BMW 135i Coupe

Continuing our current run of BMW stories is the latest rumour suggesting the next-gen 1 Series Coupé and Convertible (F22 and F23) will be re-badged as a 2 Series.

It makes sense in some respects, especially with a front-wheel drive 1 Series on the way. The introduction of a 2 Series will allow BMW to position those models slightly higher than the 1 Series and, of course, set prices accordingly.

So, will we see the coupé and convertible badged as the Z2, or will BMW stick with current nomenclature and run with 235i and so on?

[Source: BimmerFile]

Categories
BMW

BMW 1 Series M Coupé refresher

BMW 1M Coupe

Now that the BMW 1M Coupé is just weeks away from hitting Australian roads we thought it might be a nice idea to remind you of the key 1M-related content that has previously appeared on AUSmotive.

BMW 1M Coupé – Australian dealer bulletin
Includes a preview of the car’s local specifications.

BMW Australia confirms 1M Coupé pricing
Includes Australian pricing and first local press release.

OFFICIAL: BMW 1 Series M Coupé
The first round of photos and press material from AMW AG; includes access to over 75 2000px images and links to download BMW’s full press kit and specs.

For those who still want more 1M content, head on over to M-Power.com and read the Q&A interview with BMW M engineer Juergen Schwenker.

Categories
BMW

BMW 1M Coupé fever about to hit Australia

BMW 1M Coupe

Good news for local fans of the BMW 1 Series M Coupé with confirmation the first few customer cars have arrived in the country. Deliveries should commence in the next couple of weeks.

Limited production and build spots mean the ongoing delivery of the 100 or so models coming to Australia will be more of a trickle, rather than an avalanche. That said, it’s great to see the 1M finally on local soil.

The bad news is, after this initial run of 1M models has been delivered, that’s it. There will be no more. At least, with production of the 1M ending in December, it’s unlikely the Australian market will be able to secure any more cars due to high overseas demand.

There is growing speculation that BMW might make a 1M convertible, but it remains to be seen if that does go ahead, and if so, whether BMW Australia could get their hands on some.

[Thanks to John for the pics]

Categories
BMW

Lightweight BMW M3 EVO continues testing

BMW M3 EVO prototype

The lightweight BMW M3 “EVO” is less than a month from its official launch, so it’s no surprise to see a development mule being sent to the Nürburgring finishing school to undergo last minute testing.

Understood to fill the hitherto unknown gap between the regular M3 and the limited-run M3 GTS, the EVO is expected to use a variant of the 4.0 litre S65 V8 with power likely to sit—you guessed it—somewhere in between 309kW of the M3 and 331kW of the 4.4 litre GTS.

We’ll have all the official details of M3 EVO and its CFRP body panels, lightweight interior bits and more some time on 23 June 23, or perhaps a shortly after, allowing for time differences.

[Source: M3Post]

Categories
BMW

Is BMW considering new “M-One” supercar?

BMW Z5 rendering

The illustration above is not an official rendering from BMW, rather a concept dreamed up by a coupe of talented Turkish designers named İsmet Çevik and Fatih Tezel. Their work was seen on Carscoop in January and at the time it was little more than fantasy. Now, it seems, the young Turks were actually onto something.

Word from regular forum poster and BMW insider Scott27 suggests BMW are indeed considering a new supercar to compete with the Audi R8, Ferrari 458 Italia, McLaren MP4-12C and their ilk. Internally known as the “M-One” the new creation would be built on a unique chassis.

The M-One is currently at sketch stage only, so technical details and visual styling cues remain up in the air. However, it would make sense if BMW referenced the M1 Hommage.

Assuming the project is approved beyond its current stage, we should expect to see the M-One in 2015.

[Source: German Car Forum & BimmerPost]

Categories
BMW

BMW 328 Hommage

BMW 328 Hommage

This striking creation is called the BMW 328 Hommage, a concept vehicle made to honour the 75th anniversary of the original BMW 328. It was revealed at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este last weekend. We think it looks fantastic.

Pleasingly, it has been built following the lightweight principles of its forebear and power comes via a 3.0 litre inline six cylinder. Classic BMW in all senses.

There’s an initial press release after the break along with a few pics. We’ll be back later to add more images for you to admire.

UPDATE 4 June: 34 new pics added below.

Categories
Audi BMW Ferrari Fiat Volkswagen

International Engine of the Year Awards 2011

Fiat TwinAir Engine of the Year

The winners of the International Engine of the Year Awards have been announced and its a little engine that could from Fiat that has taken out the top prize. Punching well above its weight the 875cc TwinAir motor has modest power outputs, ranging from 65–105hp. It’s currently not available in Australia, but can be found in the Fiat 500 in overseas markets.

A jury of 76 judges from across the globe voted on the awards and here’s what John Carey, from Wheels magazine, had to say about the TwinAir donk, “This is proof that aggressive downsizing need not spell timid performance. Surprisingly torquey, impressively and affordably efficient, this tiny twin also has plenty of character.”

Not content with overall honours, the Fiat TwinAir also won the Sub 1-litre, Best New Engine and Green Engine categories.

International Engine of the Year Awards 2011

Categories
BMW

BMW 1M CSL rumour ignites

BMW 1M Coupe

At the recent UK launch of the BMW 1M Coupé the seed for a new and possibly very exciting rumour was sewn. We’re told James Morrison, BMW UK product manager, is the man responsible after he said, “There is scope for a CSL version.”

Adding context to that comment is the fact 300 of the 450 1M Coupe models alloctaed to the UK market were sold prior to its official release. Demand that BMW wasn’t expecting, and on a worldwide scale too, could have them thinking there is some more 1M cash to milk.

Morrison explains, “This car [1M Coupé] has certainly generated a buzz. When we planned for this car we were cautious, but now there’s some hype surrounding the 1M so there’s clearly going to be some people looking at what we can do next.

“M is the pinnacle of engineering so if there’s a CSL proposition or something really different that we could consider then we would. If there’s something special and unique we can do with it then absolutely we would.”

We’re doubtful a 1M CSL could happen so late in the 1 Series model cycle, but we remain hopeful. Then there’s the cost to consider; would you pay M3 money for a slightly lighter and quicker 1M?

[Source: Car Dealer Magazine]

UPDATE: A reminder that a 1M CSL was hinted at last December. How does 332kW (445hp) sound?!

Categories
BMW

M5 watch: Heart of gold

BMW M5 engine bay

Back when the BMW X6 M was launched we said its only saving grace was the 4.4 litre heart of gold stored beneath the bonnet. Thanks to M5 board we can now get a quick look at the closely related heart of gold powering the F10-based Concept M5.

Still with a 4.4 litre capacity and a couple of turbos, the M5 engine is expected to produce a rather tasty 560hp (approx 420kW) while being more fuel efficient to boot.

[Source: M5 board via BimmerFile]

Categories
BMW

BMW 1M Coupé gets slow-mo drift

More promo guff as the BMW 1M Coupé continues its worldwide roll out. This time it’s BMW UK providing the entertainment in this well produced clip where the undoubted highlight is the slow motion drift around one minute in. Mind, the higher-speed follow up shortly afterwards is pretty cool too. Shame a promo like this would be banned in Australia.

[via BimmerFile | Thanks to John for the tip]