Category: BMW

At the New York Motor Show BMW released the first real-world details of its new, more fuel efficient, four cylinder future by plonking a 2.0 litre turbo into the BMW Z4. The classic roadster look, with the long bonnet, but powered by a piddly four cylinder?

Fear not doubters, because the curiously named Z4 sDrive28i has 176kW (240hp) at its disposal and is sure to shift quite nicely. It also features “TwinPower Turbo technology”. Terminology equally designed to trick the mind, as the twin refers to high precision injection and a single twin-scroll turbocharger; not twin turbos.

Oh, remember that rumour of the road-going MINI Countryman WRC we told you about? Well, don’t be surprised if this engine, or one closely related to it, with perhaps more power, finds it way under the bonnet.

Ahead of the car’s official “concept” launch Autocar has revealed the performance specs of the forthcoming BMW M5.

As expected the F10 M5 will be powered by a 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 sourced from the X5 M. Upgrades to the induction and exhaust system improve throttle response and also boost power to 552bhp (410kW) and torque to 510lb ft (690Nm).

Apparently that’s enough to propel the F10 M5 to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds. A deed helped along by a smooth shifting 7-speed DCT gearbox.

In surprising news, perhaps, it would appear an all-wheel drive M5 is on the cards as well. It’s understood this will help BMW compete with its main German rivals in the cooler North American regions.

It’s a heavy blighter, though, at around 1830kg. Although, that’s very close to the V10 powered E92 E60 M5, thanks to the use of carbon fibre and aluminium body panels on the new car.

[Source: Autocar]

When details of a new car are leaked to the net you can be sure official material is soon to follow. And BMW has played to the script accordingly by publishing 19 images and a short video of its Concept M5.

It might be labelled a “concept” but this is the real deal. Some very minor details may change between now and the market launch in September, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to notice them.

We’ve still got a day or two to wait for the full technical specs on the new F10 M5, so for now, just enjoy these pics.

A press statement from BMW also gives a brief rundown of the other models to be shown at Auto Shanghai later this week.

The E92 M3 ute revealed on April Fool’s Day wasn’t the first M3 ute built by BMW. That honour belongs to the E30 M3 you see in the photo above.

That car and many more have been photographed deep inside BMW’s secret M garage by Bimmerporst. The secret stash is like a backup of M GmbH’s finest work, with an example of every single model created by M division locked away for safe keeping. Many of which you will never have known existed.

Follow the source link below for more photos. It’s an amazing sight.

[Source: Bimmerpost]

UPDATE: Bimmerpost has been kind enough to share a video of their tour, which you can now see after the break.

BMW has just given the new F10 M5 an invitation-only preview to a select group of motoring hacks. Of course, BMW imposed an embargo on any info and images from that preview. It goes without saying, then, that images of the concept model have now been leaked.

The origin of the images appears to be an obscure Russian website and given the limited audience that has seen this new M5 you have to wonder who really has leaked these pics.

For now, no engine specs or technical data has emerged. Fear not, BMW will release official details in the next few days anyway, when they launch the Concept M5 at Auto Shanghai.

Based on these images there’s few surprises as far as the look goes. It’s understated brawn, as is the German way. The gloss black wheels look good against the cool silver paintwork. Signature M quad-exhaust tips complete the usual teutonic look.

It’s understood the new M5 will feature a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 derived from the X5 M along with a 7-speed DCT. Performance is sure to be brisk and as soon as we hear more we will let you know.

[Source: World Car Fans via Jon Sibal]

More news from the recent BMW press event held in Munich. This time Autocar brings word of a new M3 CSL that will sit between the regular M3 and the more extreme M3 GTS.

It has not been confirmed that the model will be called a CSL, rather outgoing BMW M boss, Dr Kay Segler, said the car will be “special design model focusing on lightweight construction” with “”several other surprises.”

Full details will be revealed when the car is launched at the Nürburgring 24 hour race in June.

[Source: Autocar]

UPDATE: BimmerFile confirms this new “CSL” will be four-door only initially, with a coupé likely to follow in 2012.

Following on from our earlier post about the BMW M3 ute here is the full complement of 26 images released by BMW’s marketing department. Each can be viewed as wallpaper-friendly 2000px super images by clicking on the photos below.

Yes, it’s an elaborate April Fool’s Day stunt. But the car is real, BMW will register it and use it for internal purposes. Besides, an M3 ute is very, very cool. Who could possibly say no to that!

BMW has confirmed the E92 M3 ute spied at the Nürburgring last month is theirs. With 309kW/420hp, a 450kg payload and a top speed beyond 300km/h they reckon it’s the world’s fastest pickup. Honest!

There’s more pics and a presser from BMW after the break. Don’t forget to click on the pics to load 2000px super images.

UPDATE: AUSmotive’s full image gallery is available HERE.

New spy shots of the next-generation BMW 1 Series hatch have recently emerged from the latest round of manufacturer testing at the Nürburgring. The most noticeable change on the F20 shown here is the enlarged kidney grille. Indeed the whole car looks bigger than its predecessor, which seems to be the way cars evolve these days.

It’s hard to tell with BMW’s famous camouflage graphics, but this new model looks a slightly better design solution than the current 1er hatch.

The F20 five-door hatch is expected to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with the F22 coupé to follow around 12 months later.

If you want to read more, including checking out a few more pics shown in larger sizes, make sure you follow the source link below.

[Source: 1addicts]