Category: BMW

You may recall BMW took us on an extraordinary tease with its 1 Series M Coupé, drip feeding info at a rate that would impress a Chinese water torturer. Now they have followed up with this short teaser of the new M5.

The good thing for us is that it’s expected the new M5 will debut in Shanghai this coming April. If that’s the case they don’t have the time to drag out the promos.

As far as power, and lots of it, is concerned the M5 will start with the 4.4 litre twin turbo V8 found in the X5M and mess around with it a bit. Most likely improving efficiency and power before stuffing it under the F10 bonnet. BimmerFile predict the M5 will break the 4.0 second barrier on its way to 100km/h.

According to BMW specialist website BimmerFile the new M5 won’t be fitted with a conventional automatic transmission. It’s only a bit over a week ago that fears emerged the F10-based M5 might be fitted exclusively with an 8-speed slushbox.

Thankfully, the rumour has since been put to bed with BimmerFile quoting a BMW exec flatly denying the M5 will be fitted with an automatic box.

So, what transmission will the M5 have? It’s quite likely that BMW will adapt one of its DCT transmissions and the possibility of a trad manual self-shifter also remains. Bravo!

[Source: BimmerFile]

Some great spy shots of the next-generation BMW F20 1 Series five-door hatch have been posted on the 1addicts forum. There’s some good detail shots to be seen, including the interior and the headlight cluster (follow the source link for more).

The model spied is a 2.0 litre diesel and is most likely an FEP vehicle (final evaluation phase). Also to be featured in the F20 is an 8-speed auto box and, for the first time on a BMW, integrated indicators in the wing mirrors.

It’s expected the new 1 Series hatch will debut later this year at the Frankfurt Auto Show, while the F22 coupé version is likely to follow around 12 months later and due for sale in 2013.

[Source: 1addicts]

MotorTrend brings word that the new F10-based BMW M5 (due for reveal in April) is likely to be fitted with conventional automatic transmission only. No manual. No dual clutch-transmission. So, the once hero über-slaoon from Munich will be fitted with a ZF-sourced 8 speed slush box. Disappointing news, it must be said.

It’s understood the reasons for this are due to the twin-turbo V8 engine in the new M5, which produces so much torque that a torque converter box is the only way ahead. It’s a similar combo to what we’ve seen in the X5 M and X6 M, so at least BMW has some solid reference points here.

Apparently M division did try and adapt the Getrag built DCT for the M5 only to discover they would need to uprate the transmission’s actuators. While this could be done, the affect on shift times made the move unsatisfactory.

[Source: MotorTrend]

BMW has jumped the gun ahead of the Geneva Motor Show by releasing images of their star concept model, the Vision ConnectedDrive. While over 30 images of the concept have been made available, the finer detail is being saved for its full reveal next month.

For now, though, just look at that side profile. A finer looking 21st century roadster you’re unlikely to see. As for what this ConnectedDrive study is all about, this grab from BMW’s brief press release captures it best:

The BMW Vision ConnectedDrive study demonstrates current and future methods of mobile networking in a particularly focused way. The design and technology of this spectacular roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world. Comfort, safety and the infotainment experience in the vehicle can be precisely optimised by the innovative functionality, individually tailored to suit the requirements of both the driver and passenger.

UPDATE: A video from BMW’s YouTube channel has been added below.

Word on the e-street says the new F10 BMW M5, complete with a 600hp twin-turbo V8, will make its public debut in concept form at Auto Shanghai in April. A full premiere in production trim is then expected to follow in September at the Frankfurt show.

While some may think it’s a shame that the M5 is going down a forced induction path, advancements in turbo technology should ensure the new engine retains at least some character of the car’s normally aspirated past.

Today BMW Australia has confirmed the manufacturer’s list pricing for the 1 Series M Coupé will be $99,900. This confirms our exclusive information brought to you back in mid January.

The level of specification has also been released by BMW Australia, and it also confirms the details previously posted on AUSmotive (see press release after the break).

BMW has also used terms like “strictly limited production” and “around 100 units” to further describe the 250kW 1M. It’s expected the 1M Coupé will be in local showrooms by June.

The image above is understood to be a rendering of a proposed BMW 1 Series Gran Turismo. This is an evolution of the 5 Series and 3 Series GT models. However, the crucial difference with the 1er GT is that it is expected to lead BMW’s charge into the world of front-wheel drive vehicles.

The benefits of FWD are immediately apparent from a packaging point of view, as well, with suggestions the 1 Series GT will have as much rear legroom as a 5 Series saloon. We should see the 1 Series GT on the roads in 2013 or 2014.

Following the 1er GT in BMW’s FWD assault will be a Z2 coupé model, kind of like an MX-5 sent from Munich. Another concept being spoken about is the FAST, which would compete with the Mercedes-Benz B Class. The next-gen X1 is also expected to send its power back-to-front and become FWD. And rounding out the front-wheel drive arsenal for BMW is a subcompact model known as “Joy”.

So, BMW is really prepared to break-free of its rear-wheel drive stranglehold and when you consider the plans to expand the MINI range to as many as nine models there’ll be a fair degree of platform and component sharing going on too.

[Source: InsideLine]