Category: BMW

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BMW

Future BMW M3 sedan to make way for M3 Gran Turismo?

BMW M3 GT rumour

Here’s a new rumour that’s likely to polarise opinions. The next generation M3 will no longer be made available in sedan form, but, assuming the rumour is correct, you will be able to buy an M3 version of a new 3 Series Gran Turismo. At least that’s the theory offered in Roundel, the official magazine of BMW Car Club of America.

An M3 GT would likely follow in the path of the current 5 Series GT, which is even more niche than an X6, if that’s possible. Here’s the deal, though. To AUSmotive, at least, if these half-arsed suburban warriors have to be made, then we’ll take a 5 Series GT over an X6 every time. Don’t tell anyone, but we actually quite like the 5er GT.

So, an M3 GT will most probably get a big thumbs up from us as well.

[Source: M3Post]

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BMW Motorsports

BMW getting the DTM band back together in 2012

BMW E30 M3

Think German Touring Car racing and you immediately think BMW v Mercedes. Such is BMW’s legacy on the sport, this is still the case, even though they have not competed in DTM since 1994. In 2012 BMW will finally put things right.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen has been twiddling his thumbs since BMW quit F1, but he’s excited about this new project, “The entire team at BMW Motorsport is approaching this exciting project with absolute commitment. We began making technical preparations following our declaration of intent in April, and established parameters for a high-performance vehicle concept for deployment in the DTM. The positive decision of the BMW Board of Management means we can now shift up a gear and give the green light for development.”

BMW will be using the E92 M3 as the base for its DTM entry. A car that has already proven its track capabilities with the M3 GT2 claiming victory in this year’s Nürburgring 24 hour race.

So, now we can look forward to a new era of Audi v BMW v Mercedes. It should make for great viewing. To help get you in the mood there’s a great clip after the break showing highlights of classic old skool DTM.

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BMW

Time for one more BMW 1M Coupé rendering

BMW 1M Coupé rendering

This is the most accurate rendering to date showing the rear of the BMW 1 Series M Coupé. It was created by resident 1addicts forum P-chop guru Alpine325ci and follows two previous efforts (all renderings are shown below). We got a hint of the rear valance just last week; there’s a lot of detailing there from the BMW designers and it’s almost starting to look a bit too fussy. Overall, though, it still gets the AUSmotive tick of approval.

A drive would be nice. But we’ll have to wait until 2011 for that, I’m afraid.

[Source: 1addicts]

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BMW Motor Shows

Australian International Motor Show ticket giveaway – Round 2

AIMS ticket giveaway

We had a great response to Round 1 of the AUSmotive AIMS ticket giveaway, thank you. There’s more on that after the jump. But now let’s move on to Round 2. We’d like to try something a bit different this time, too. It might come across as focusing on a negative in the lead up to the Australian International Motor Show, but think of it as a survey of sorts.

As the image above indicates, BMW will be missing from the motor show this year. At the Melbourne show early last year BMW provided one of the highlights with the M1 Hommage concept. So, we’d like to hear your response to BMW’s absence. Is it good, bad or indifferent for AIMS to be missing such a major manufacturer? Conversely, is the decision of BMW, and subsidiary MINI, to stay away their loss? Can they really afford to knock back such a high profile marketing opportunity?

There’s no right or wrong side to this debate, just tell us what you think. Send your responses in by email to info@AUSmotive.com before 5pm tomorrow (Wednesday 13 October). Keep your answers under 40 words or so and if you missed out on Round 1, have another crack, you never know your luck!

The two best entries as judged by the AUSmotive editor will each win a double pass to AIMS, which starts at 5pm this Friday and runs until 7pm on Sunday 24 October.

UPDATE 13 October: The competition has now closed, thank you to everyone who entered. Congratulations to Phil and Marcus for their winning entries they’ll be getting their double passes in the mail soon.

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BMW

Did they have goose pimples?

BMW 1M Coupe

Recently, a select few motoring scribes fro around the globe got some one-on-one time with the BMW 1 Series M Coupé test mule. When the car was first announced Dr Kay Segler guaranteed goose pimples for us all. So, how did the chaps from Autocar, Inside Line and Motor Trend fare?

Autocar said: “There was sufficient evidence to suggest it will be stiff competition for the current crop of performance coupés. Changes to the suspension provide a noticeably more fluid feel than the standard 1-series, with more enthusiastic turn-in and added levels of grip. The electro-mechanical steering, for all its accuracy, delivers little feedback on centre but it is quite direct, at 2.4 turns lock to lock.”

Inside Line said: “First impressions once you’ve slotted the key into the ignition and hit the starter button are more than encouraging. The reworked engine is extraordinarily strong within the lower end of the rev range thanks to its solid reserves of torque.

But while its part-throttle properties are truly impressive, it is under boost, when its two turbochargers are spooling up, where the 1 Series M Coupe really comes alive. Planting your right foot at middling revs unleashes a heady rush of acceleration fully befitting its billing as the spiritual successor to BMW M division’s original M3. The reworked engine doesn’t mind being worked hard, either; the delivery remains strong all the way to the 7,000-rpm cutout point.”

Motor Trend said: “The 1M moves out smartly indeed with zero turbo lag and a healthy snarl that’s dominated by mechanical and induction noise. Servotronic steering retuned for the 1 Series M Coupe relays plenty of road feel with ideal levels of effort. The chassis’ broad stance and high level of control permit cornering that seems impossible outside the virtual world of Sony’s Gran Turismo. Those oversized brakes erase big speeds just as smoothly and effortlessly as the twin-turbos produce it. BMW claims its Nurburgring Nordschleife lap time falls just a bit shy of the M3’s, and that seems plausible.”

So, the general vibe is quite positive, but I wouldn’t say the goose-pimple-meter is in any real danger of blowing a fuse just yet. The teasing from BMW will continue until January next year when the proper 1M will make its public debut at Detroit.

[via BimmerFile | Pic: Inside Line]

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BMW

BMW continues 1M Coupé tease

BMW 1M Coupé

BMW has continued its treacle slow release of details for the new 1 Series M Coupé with a new image from the Paris Motor Show. Revealed in the closed section of the M-Power.com website the new pic shows the lower corner of the rear valance. As is the norm, not a lot is given away, but it does show that the superb amateur renderings released a while back were not quite on the money.

A few people are also asking “where are the cooling fins for the M3 slippery diff”, which is expected to be fitted to the 1M Coupé. Just out of frame, or completely out of the picture?

UPDATE: A camouflaged prototype BMW, believed to be a 1M Coupé has been spotted in Munich. In true 1M fashion you can’t really see anything we don’t already know about!

[Source: 1addicts]

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BMW

Another BMW 1M Coupé rendering

BMW 1M Coupé rendering

Despite looking like the real thing, this image is, apparently, a rendering prepared by forum user Alpine325ci. You may remember he also created the earlier renderings of the 1M Coupé. There’s still no official date for release, so you’ll just have make do with goose pimples for now.

[Source: 1addicts]

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BMW Saab

SAABMW

Saab - BMW

Recent media gossip suggesting Saab is set to announce a technology and parts sourcing arrangement with BMW has forced parent company Spyker to release the following statement:

“Zeewolde, The Netherlands, 27 September 2010. Spyker Cars N.V. (“the Group”), a holding company that owns subsidiaries which produce and sell premium automobiles under the Saab and Spyker brands, has noted recent press speculation about the possible supply relationship with BMW. The Group confirms that talks are ongoing and will give further details once a final agreement has been reached.”

A BMW spokesman has said they often talk to other manufacturers from time to time, but did not confirm or deny discussions are in place with Saab.

Reports have speculated that Saab could source engines from BMW as well as building the new 9-2 platform using MINI architecture. The Swedish car-maker has a press-release scheduled for Wednesday, so it’s a fair bet we’ll have more info on this story then.

[Source: autocar]

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BMW

BMW Concept 6 Series Coupé

BMW Concept 6 Series Coupé

Earlier today BMW sent out a press release titled “BMW at the 2010 Paris Motor Show”. The sneaky devils thought they could sneak in these pics of their new Concept 6 Series Coupé without anyone noticing. Which is odd, really, because unlike the old 6 Series, which was truly an affront to good taste, this one is actually quite attractive.

Gone is that horrid rear end, replaced by a new, stylish and coherent design solution that no longer has you screaming about the huge manatee. The styling clearly references the F10 5 Series, which is no bad thing.

BMW, though, really are a bit shy about this car. They’ve only given us a few lines of text with barely a semblance of any meaningful detail. Best look at the pretty pictures then and wait for the pages of information that will no doubt be sent out in a couple of weeks from now.

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BMW

BMW M5 prototype filmed during Nürburgring testing

BMW F10 M5 prototype

Fresh video of an F10-based BMW M5 being thrashed around the Nürburgring has emerged. The new M5 will ditch the delightful old V10 in favour of a twin turbo 4.4 litre bent eight. A V8 from Munich should sound good, right? Well, not yet it doesn’t. Not in this test mule anyway.

It’s expected we’ll get to see an M5 concept at the Geneva Motor Show in March next year, before the production-ready version makes its first public appearance at the Frankfurt show about 12 months from now.

There’s two clips after the jump, the first released in the last day or so, the second from back in April, which also features an M3 GTS. Now that’s what a German V8 should sound like!

[Source: 5post | Thanks to Richard & John for the tips]

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BMW

BMW 1M Coupé renderings

BMW 1M Coupé rendering

Over at the 1addicts forum resident Photoshop guru Alpine325ci has created these superb renderings of the upcoming BMW 1M Coupé. Based on the information we have to hand at the moment the renderings appear to be bang on for detail. Of course, there are sure to be a few subtle differences, but in the absence of anything official from BMW, these renderings are the best guide yet as to what the 1M Coupé will look like. Getting goose pimples yet?

More after the break, follow the source link to view larger versions.

[Source: 1addicts]

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BMW

BMW Australia announces limited-run M3 Pure Edition

BMW M3

BMW Australia brings some great news to M3 fans. They’ve been able to secure a limited-run of 100 unique models which will be called the M3 Pure Edition.

The Pure Edition is available in coupé and sedan form—50 models of each—and has been designed specifically for the Australian market. There’s no changes to the engine at all, so the 309kW free-revving V8 remains the peach it has always been. Perhaps giving a nod to the “pure” nomenclature the limited edition model will only be available with a manual transmission. In addition, there are a number of cosmetic enhancements to help you stand out from the M3 crowd.

Big, black and glossy 19″ wheels are standard trim, fitted with 245/35/19 tyres at the front and 265/35/19 at the rear. High-gloss black trim has been added to air intakes on the bonnet. While subtle dark chrome adorns the front grille, side gills and exhaust tips. On an Alpine White car, especially, these highlights look superb.

The M3 Pure Edition is available standard in Alpine White or Black. However, the following optional colours can also be specified; Le Mans Blue, Silverstone, Space Grey, Melbourne Red, Jerez Black, Mineral White and Interlagos Blue. Quite the choice, really.

Inside a special anthracite cloth complements the standard leather trim. The Novillo leather headreasts have been embossed with the M symbol.

This is all sounding pretty good, right. Well, here comes the best part. The price; yep, these cars, in relative terms are a bargain, with list prices starting at $135,000 for the sedan and $148,300 for the coupé. Sure, that’s still a lot of money, but it represents a very healthy list price saving of around $17K for the sedan, with a more modest, but still very welcome $10K over the regular models.

What’s not to like! The official press release from BMW Australia is available below. Also included is a press release from May last year in which Munich announced the M3 Edition. It’s important to note there are quite a few specification differences, but it would appear the Australia-only Pure Edition has been loosely based on this previous model.

[Thanks to John for the tip]

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