- Filed under: Aftermarket, Podcasts, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, GM, Honda, Lexus, Mazda
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Chris, Sam, Alex and Dan convene for Episode #193 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover the Ford Boss Mustang and Roush supercharger package, the latest Chevrolet Volt fuel economy dust-up, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, Mazda's apparent new design language and the Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS. We finish it off by talking about snow tires, that most summery of topics. It's an a quick 51 minutes, See you next week!
Autoblog Podcast #193 - Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras
In the Autoblog Garage:
Honda CRZ
Lexus RX450h
News:
BMW 1 Series M Coupe
Volt sub-30 mpg claim
Mazda Shinari concept
Roush Mustang supercharger
Lotus Evora S and IPS
Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez
Runtime: 50:59
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Autoblog Podcast #193 - Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, China, BMW, Luxury
BMW M3 Tiger Edition for the Chinese market - Click above for high-res image gallery
BMW's new Joy ad campaign looks to have made it to China with the M3 Tiger - or as one Autoblog commenter called it, "the M3 by Ed Hardy." Part of the continued celebration of a quarter century of M3s and the year of the tiger, the limited edition coupe took part in a photo shoot with a supporting cast so excited about the car they spend most of their time airborne.
On a more mundane note, the Fire Orange Metallic M3 will have black exterior accents and 19-inch wheels, while black Novilla leather will coat the inside and orange tiger heads are embroidered into the headrests. Only 250 M3 Tigers are set for production, and that may be 249 more than the world needs. Hat tip to Ragan!
[Source: Moko]More BMW M3 Tiger Edition photos surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Luxury
BMW 1 Series M Coupe - Click above to view the video after the jump
The achingly slow striptease of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe continues with a 47-second-long spot of the camo-clad coupe bearing just enough sheetmetal to keep us interested.
The multi-spoke wheels, drilled discs and quad-exhausts are the only elements not left to the imagination, but the extra vinyl aft of the front wheels is sure to hiding a set of M-style fender vents while a ducktail spoiler is fitted out back.
As for mechanicals, the smart money is still on an upgraded twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54), channeling over 335 horsepower through a manual gearbox and down to the rear wheels via a torque-vectoring M differential.
We're hearing rumblings that the Coupe could be unveiled at next week's Oktoberfest BMWCCA event in Wisconsin, but in the meantime, check out the latest teaser after the jump and scope the first vid in our previous post. Thanks to everyone for the tips!Continue reading Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser
Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, BMW
Jack Pitney, BMW's North American vice president of marketing was killed today in a tragic accident while vacationing on his farm.
Pitney, 47, had been with BMW since 1995, when he joined the German automaker to head its corporate communications operations. Influential in bringing the Mini brand to the U.S., he was its first boss in this market from 2001-2005. More recently, he was the point man for helping BMW secure a partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee (see photo above). Pitney was tipped to become VP of BMW's eastern region on September 1.
Our condolences go out to Pitney's family, friends and colleagues. Official press release from BMW after the jump.
Continue reading BREAKING: Jack Pitney, BMW North America marketing VP, dead at 47
BREAKING: Jack Pitney, BMW North America marketing VP, dead at 47 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW
BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you want a BMW M3 GTS, you'd better be ready to part with about $170,000 of your hard-earned greenbacks. That's nearly three times the cost of the base M3, but the extra $100,000 will net you a 4.4-liter V8 capable of 450 horsepower, tons of racing add-ons and, perhaps most importantly, 419 fewer pounds to lug around. And the M3 GTS manages to improve its stats while at the same time looking mighty fine, if you ask us.
Those are some impressive stats, but how do they translate into track time? If the September issue of Sport Auto (via the M3 Post forums) is to believed, the GTS 'Ring laptimes are less than earth shattering. The German rag reportedly claims that the GTS achieved a less than headline-grabbing 7:48 lap time on the Nürburgring. Okay, that's a pretty impressive time considering the Lamborgini Gallardo Superleggera was reported to hit 7:46 for twice the cost, but at the same time we're talking about an uber-upgraded M3 with a very fat price tag. Consider the fact that the Nissan GT-R can hit 7:29 for half the cost and the GTS appears to be a bit behind the (track) times.
The M3 GTS performed a bit better at Hockenheim, as its reported lap time of 1:12.5 was faster than an Audi R8 V10 Spyder by .2 seconds. The base E92 M3 finished a lap in 1:14.3. So is the M3 ready to take on all comers at The Green Hell? Apparently not, but still, at seven minutes and 48 seconds, we're pretty sure the M3 GTS isn't exactly ready for the slow lane, either.
[Source: M3 Post]Report: BMW M3 GTS posts somewhat lackluster 'Ring time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Ford
2011 Ford Mustang vs 2010 BMW M3 - Click above to watch video after the jump
Ask and ye shall receive. Well, not always. We could probably ask to borrow a 2010 BMW M3, a 2011 Ford Mustang GT and private access to both a drag strip and a road course until our faces turned blue, but that doesn't mean we'd get any of the four anytime soon. Fortunately, that's not the case with the goons at Motor Trend. They've set about answering the question on everyone's mind once the specs for these two mighty coupes turned out to be so similar - who's top dog?
In classic MT fashion, the two cars were put through all of the necessary paces to drum up semi-official figures. Both the bad Bavarian and the muscle-bound Blue Oval were tested on 0-60, quarter mile, skid pad, figure eight and lap times, and the results are, well, they're surprising. We won't ruin the surprise by telling you who comes out ahead of the curve, but we will say that we know where we'd put our money if it were our name on the line. Hit the jump for the flicks. Thanks for the tips, everyone!
[Source: Motor Trend]Continue reading Video: MT pits Mustang GT 5.0 against BMW M3
Video: MT pits Mustang GT 5.0 against BMW M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW, Specialty
Wiesmann MF5 Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's not easy to build a car without an engine. Shocking news, we know, but it has major ramifications for small boutique automakers that don't have the resources to design and manufacture powerplants of their own. One such company is Wiesmann, which has historically relied on engines from German automaker BMW.
As you may know, Wiesmann's top-level MF5 borrows the same V10 engine that BMW uses in its M5 and M6. As good a choice as any other, no? Problem is, those models are currently being phased out and production has just come to an end... and that includes those V10 engines we were just talking about.
And without an engine... well, you know the rest. It's not entirely clear what Wiesmann is going to do moving forward - and our trusty Google Translator is having a hard time deciphering exactly what our German source is trying to say - but it seems the specialty car company may either cancel its MF5 entirely or attempt to switch over to BMW's new twin-turbo V8. We'll see.
*Update: Wiesmann reports back the following: Yes we stop producing the MF5 with the V10 engine but we will not stop the MF5 model. We are currently in discussion which engine we will take. It will surely be BMW but the details have not been decided yet.
[Source: Focus.de]Report: Wiesmann MF5 exiting production as BMW V10 supply dries up *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Safety, Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Hyundai, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has put a new crop of large luxury vehicles through its crash test gauntlet, and the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M joined some impressive company in scoring a Top Safety Pick designation. The CTS and M clinched the highly regarded award by receiving the top score of "Good" in roof strength testing. To achieve the top score in rollover safety, a vehicle's roof has to be able to support four times the weight of the entire vehicle.
The Top Safety Pick designation is handed out only to vehicles that received a "Good" score for all four IIHS crash tests while also featuring standard stability control to help avoid accidents altogether. The Cadillac and Infiniti join the BMW 5 Series, Lincoln MKS, Volvo S80, Hyundai Genesis and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as Top Safety Pick winners.
Since large luxury vehicles cost so much and contain so many safety features, it's not all that surprising that so many models aced IIHS testing. But not all vehicles passed the test with flying colors. The Lexus GS and Audi A6 managed only an "Acceptable" score in roof testing, while the aging Acura RL lagged behind the competition with a "Marginal" rating. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS presser.
[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]Continue reading Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS
Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, Luxury
G-Power M5 Hurricane RR - Click above for high-res image gallery
The mad scientists at G-Power have reworked the company's sinister M5 Hurricane into something even more impressive. Meet the M5 Hurricane RR - an 800 horsepower beast that G-Power claims is the fastest sedan in the world. The company started by plopping a new set of superchargers onto the M5 sedan's already potent BMW V10. With a theoretical capacity of 900 horsepower, each belt-driven supercharger delivers air to a single bank of the engine. According to the tuner, this configuration allows for 25 percent more air to enter the combustion chamber. The engine's internals have been completely reworked and balanced to handle all of that extra boost as well.
All of that mojo is good for a top speed of 231 mph on track, which the company says makes their matte monster the fastest four-door extant. If lofty top-speed numbers aren't your bag of tricks, maybe acceleration figures are. G-Power says that 0-60 mph takes around 4.35 seconds and 0-120 mph clicks by in 9.5 seconds. Yep, that's pretty darn quick for a two-ton sedan. Even better, G-Power will be more than happy to convert any old BMW M5 into the beast you see above, all for the low, low price of $71,780 - plus donor M5. Hit the jump for the full press release.
[Source: G Power]Continue reading G-Power tuned BMW M5 World's Fastest Sedan with 231 mph top whack?
G-Power tuned BMW M5 World's Fastest Sedan with 231 mph top whack? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury
BMW Concept Gran Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery
Not to be outdone by the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide or Audi A7, BMW will reportedly be building a production version of the Gran Coupe concept that debuted at this year's Beijing Motor Show. It may be a late arrival to the growing segment of swoopy luxury sedans, but BMW will indeed poise the Gran Coupe to offer just as much in the way of technology and refinement as the lot of its competitors.
Based on the next-generation 6 Series, the Gran Coupe is set to launch sometime in 2012 and will share its powertrains with what we're seeing in the 5, 6, and 7 Series BMWs, including a possible hybrid variant. Naturally, the production Gran Coupe will slot between the 5 and 7 Series in terms of size and price, and if the overall design doesn't change too much, it'll certainly be an attractive addition to the BMW lineup.
[Source: AutoWeek]BMW Gran Coupe reportedly go for launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, China, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury
Another day, another morsel for the rumor machine. The Bavarian obsessed crew over at M3 Post have caught wind of a report on Bimmer Today that suggests BMW will crank out yet another special edition version of the M3. Supposedly the car has been penned just for the Chinese market and is being built in honor of the year of the tiger. From what we understand, the car will feature a Fire Orange Metallic paint scheme borrowed from the heavenly M3 GTS. Throw in a handful of black accents, including a set of 19-inch rollers, and you've got yourself one very feline-themed coupe.
But wait, there's more. The interior will get unique Tiger Edition logos stitched into the headrests and slathered on the door sills. If the Bimmer Today post is on the money, BMW will only crank out 250 examples of the car. We're guessing that the package is mostly a dress-up ordeal as no details have surfaced about performance enhancements.
If you find yourself living in the U.S. and pining for this particular color scheme, fear not. We hear there's a chance that BMW might repurpose the same combination for a Great Pumpkin edition here in the States, complete with Linus from the popular Peanuts comic strip embroidered on the seats. Okay, not really, but with the recent rash of special-edition M3 models we've seen recently, you never know...
[Source: Bimmer Today via M3 Post | Image: Mittelbayerische Newspaper]BMW to celebrate Year of the Tiger with special edition M3? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, BMW
2012 BMW 1 Series three-door - Click above for high-res image gallery
The next-generation BMW 1 Series three-door has been spotted again, this time on the streets of its hometown in Munich, Germany. Despite the swirlies covering all its details, it's clear that the basic shape, size and proportions of the new iteration aren't going to change much from the current model, which has never been offered in North America. We Yanks have only had the fortune of sampling the 1 Series in coupe and convertible form, though no one's complaining.
The headlamp clusters on this three-door 1 Series prototype appear to be sloped back and stretched along the top of the fender line like those on the new 5 Series. Similarly, the wider grille has been pushed forward to be flush with the bumper line below it. The profile shot also indicates that the hood now features the increasingly familiar clam-shell with side cut-lines and a higher arc to provide improved pedestrian protection.
Judging by the hood-to-cabin proportion of this prototype, it's also safe to say that the next 1 Series has not been converted to front-wheel drive (even though 80 percent of owners already think it is FWD) as BMW has indicated it might do with future smaller models. We expect the new 1 Series will debut sometime next year as a 2012 model, and until that time we have the high-performance 1 Series M Coupe to look forward to.
[Source: Carpix]Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series three-door caught in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW
BMW 1 Series M Coupe prototype on track - Click above to watch video after the jump
It's cool. We know you've already clicked past the jump and are well into watching one very lucky soul flog the snot out of a prototype of the oft-hyped BMW 1 Series M Coupe around the Ascari race track in Spain. We're not offended. For those of you who are unfortunate enough to have YouTube blocked at your place of employment, allow us to share what you're missing out on. The good people at M-Power somehow managed to secure a spot in the passenger seat of the second-coming of M during a hot lap. We're not talking some pansy parade through the chicanes, either. It's more of a kick the tail out, plop your foot onto the throttle and aim for the next curb sort of shindig.
If you're looking for any details on the car other than just how well it can rivet a smile to you face, odds are you're out of luck. Still, watching the little M blister around the course, we can't wait to get our grubby journo paws on the pint-size coupe. The biggest question in our minds? How is BMW going to keep the M3 sharp enough to stay ahead of its meaner younger sibling?
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: Riding shotgun in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe
Video: Riding shotgun in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury
It's been almost three whole months since we last saw M5 spy shots, but someone from BMW decided to change that by leaving the slightly camo'ed M-powered sedan unattended in a parking lot. There isn't much more to note on the exterior, save for catching what could be the production wheels and their whopping Pirelli tires. But now there are shots of the interior and new items like the seats, shift knob and tachometer with the greatly reduced redline. Click the link for more photos, and get ready to see it in person soon.
[Source: 5Post]Spy Shots: BMW M5 and its bulging hood snapped again originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, BMW
BMW 5 Series by Hamann - Click above for high-res image gallery
The waiting game. A new round ensues for enthusiasts every time an automaker like BMW unveils a new product, a four-door sedan, especially. In the case of the 5 Series, what we're eagerly anticipating is the new M5. In the meantime, BMW has released its own line of M-Sport accessories and Alpina has joined the party with the new B5 Bi-Turbo. Now German tuning house Hamann has entered the fold with its own equipment list for the mid-size Bimmer.
The package consists of a new body kit, complete with a new front bumper incorporating an adjustable front lip spoiler and daytime running LEDs, side skirts, rear apron and diffuser and a pair of spoilers, along with 21-inch matte black alloys with contrasting polished rims, a 35-milimeter dropped suspension and a four-tip exhaust system. Carbon fiber and aluminum accessories are available for the interior, though details on Hamann's engine upgrade program have yet to be revealed. In the meantime you can check it out in the high-resolution image gallery below.
[Source: Hamann via CarScoop]Hamann fills the gap to the next M5 with custom BMW 5 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Archive for the 'BMW' Category
Wednesday, June 6th, 2007
Introducing the BMW Concept CS, Germany's leading manufacturer of premium automobiles is presenting the vision of a unique four-door car which combines the exclusivity of a genuine luxury Gran Turismo with the fascinating thrill of a high-performance sports car.
Character:
• Concept study of a four-door Gran Turismo for the luxury segment.
• Modern, sophisticated surface design bearing testimony to a supreme standard of craftsmanship and experience in moulding convex-concave surfaces.
• The very essence of brand values so typical of BMW in a new segment ensuring a perfect combination of superior dynamics and stylish exclusivity.
• Modern interpretation of the premium concept ensured by extreme precision in every design detail, choice of the most refined materials, and perfect craftsmanship.
• Previously unseen combination of vehicle dimensions and weight ensured by consistent implementation of lightweight strategies.
• European-style aesthetics, clear emphasis on the car’s stretched look, low-slung roof-line, low centre of gravity, extremely long wheelbase (see “Exterior and Interior Dimensions”).
• Innovative interior design with layered surfaces, clearly defined joints serving a functional purpose.
• Clearly defined, sporting seat position for four occupants.
Exterior design:
• Sporting, sleek and low-slung all-round look as an expression of a four-door Gran Turismo.
• Highly expressive, dynamic front-end design with the striking BMW kidney grille as the central highlight.
• Prominently positioned BMW kidney grille to ensure a good supply of cooling air to the engine.
• Re-interpretation of BMW’s classic contour line at the side, door handlers fitted flush in position as a consistent testimony to the car’s attractive sculpture.
• Powerfully flared wheel arches, 21-inch light-alloy wheels, body width increasing towards the rear and thus emphasising the sporting, wide track of the car.
• Flowing roof area with aerodynamically optimised contours.
• Innovative headlights with LED reverse projection technology and extremely slender rear lights behind clear glass. Night design with homogeneous light bodies.
Interior design:
• Uncompromising, highly aesthetic interior design with layered surfaces (layer design concept) and clearly defined functional joints.
• Driver-oriented cockpit with clear ergonomic structuring of functions relevant to the driver and oriented towards superior comfort in the controls and displays.
• Layer design concept also applied to the design of the double circular dials to provide clearly structured information on several visual levels.
• Focus on the joints and seams around the body panels serving to consciously use air venting and ambient interior illumination options.
• Supreme exclusivity and perfect craftsmanship in the finish of the interior highlighted by contrasting colours and surfaces in different kinds of leather.
• Introduction of particularly sophisticated, powerful-looking ceramics as the material for the controls and instruments.
• Innovative sports seats with a fold-up collar element.
This unique combination never seen before offers the perspective to enjoy sheer driving pleasure in a dimension quite unprecedented in the world of motoring. Indeed, the BMW Concept CS is a new definition of design culture. Concentrating on powerful, expressive design, materials of the highest quality, and quality of finish in perfection, this unique new model offers a completely new understanding of premium quality. And within its interior, the BMW Concept CS combines stylish luxury with the most uncompromising ambience full of class and value.
Through its design alone, the BMW Concept CS underlines the supreme skill and competence of the BMW brand in developing the most sporting and dynamic cars offering ample space for more than two occupants. The most spectacular rendition of this heritage at BMW is the BMW M5, which established a brand-new segment in the world of motoring more than two decades ago and is acknowledged to this day as the benchmark in high-performance saloon motoring.
Now the know-how BMW has acquired over the years and decades comes together with the worldwide fame of the company as a manufacturer of premium automobiles, the BMW Concept CS thus offering the best of both worlds.
BMW is using the skills and competence established over such a long time to combine the most fascinating highlights of sporting performance and sophisticated luxury in an unprecedented new concept. Hence, the BMW Concept CS impressively proves how the successful strategy of the sporting four-door may be carried over consistently into the luxury performance segment.
Unparalleled and typical of BMW: the BMW Concept CS.
The unique flair pampering both the driver and his passengers within the BMW Concept CS is an equally clear expression of both a new culture in body design. Both outside and inside, the BMW Concept CS therefore conveys the same message, telling the world that the experience of driving a saloon now comes in an entirely new rendition. So in presenting this new Concept Car, BMW is not only entering a brand-new segment of the market never occupied before, but is also setting the milestone with a brand-new type of car: The four-door luxury Gran Turismo enters a new dimension of motoring in new style and with new features.
A new experience of dynamics and the ambience around us, exemplary quality in design and finish, extreme precision in the dimensions of the car, and concentrated luxury within the interior – these are the features that characterise the BMW Concept CS. And at the same time all this bears clear testimony to the superior know-how and competence of BMW’s engineers and designers in creating such truly emotional automobiles. The sum total of such qualities in the BMW Concept CS can be created only on a sound foundation of firmly defined values: innovative power, sporting performance, aesthetic design, an open frame of mind, and full awareness of quality. Precisely these are the values BMW has been applying consistently for decades in the development of particularly outstanding saloons and fascinating, truly dynamic sports cars. And now these values are concentrated even more than before in an unprecedented manner in the BMW Concept CS.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Automotive News, BMW | No Comments »
Sunday, May 20th, 2007
One of the most successful cars of its class is the BMW X5. BMW only recently introduced its latest successor and HAMANN has already put together a complete program for the new X5.
• Aerodynamic parts for sportier debut
• Increase in performance for 3.0si, 3.0d and 4.8i
• Agile road handling through sport springs
• four wheel designs available in three sizes
Hardly any area has been left untouched. Whether it’s suspension, wheels, performance, interior or aerodynamics, the Laupheim German specialists provide clear individualisation launching far above the norm.
New aerodynamic components are mandatory hence HAMANN begins with a new front spoiler that lends the SAV X5 a significant powerful feature. It?s mounted on the series-produced front apron. In back HAMANN added a rear apron seizing the design of the front spoiler to match. This component is also affixed to the series-produced parts. A further sporty accent shines through with the HAMANN roof spoiler, providing a stabilizing effect.
With such a large vehicle, every miniscule of power counts. For this reason, HAMANN reprogrammed the series-produced Motronic. The X5 3.0si received subsequently a power boost to about 14 PS/10kW and 25 Nm more torque. The X5 3.0d (with it?s basic 235 PS/173 kW) is raised by the tuners to 265 PS/ 195 kW and 600 Nm and 8-cylinder model 4.8i jumps by 18 PS/ 13 kW for more power and torque increase as well.
Not an easy choice!
Pondering over wheel choices will require the majority of customers? time. Here are four designs of choice including PG3, Anniversary I and II as well as Edition Race.
The noble tuners from Laupheim present a multi-pieced wheel PG3 available in silver finish with high-polished flange. It?s characterized through the sporty five-spoke design.
The one-pieced wheel Anniversary I portrays a light footing with its? multi-spoke design. HAMANN supplies these in silver finish with INOX stainless steel lip flange. The multi-pieced light alloy wheel Anniversary II exhibits a multi-spoke design as well projecting a feeling of pure motor sports. The silver rims with high-polished flange reflects both nobility and luxury simultaneously.
The appearance of the three-piece, ultra light forged wheels Edition Race in crossing spoke design and black wheel spider is identified through its? nine main spokes double-attached, branching and continually double-crossing towards the outside rim. Its? stirring design becomes particularly noticeable through Titan studs. The high-polished flange is icing on the cake to complete this luxurious look.
PG3 and Anniversary I are available through HAMANN for the X5 in 20 and 22-inch, Anniversary II in 22-inch and the wheel Edition Race comes in an impressive 23-inch.
Naturally HAMANN offers the wheels in form of complete wheel sets.
Typical wheel / tire combinations:
Edition Race : FA/RA 10,5 Jx23 315/25R23 102Y XL
PG3: FA /RA 10,5 J x 22 295/30 ZR 22
PG3: FA/RA 9,5 J x 20 295/40 ZR 20
Anniversary II: FA/RA 10,5 J x 22 295/30 ZR 22
Anniversary I: FA/RA 10,5 J x 22 295/30 ZR 22
Anniversary I: FA/RA 10,5 J x 20 295/40 ZR 20
Anniversary I: FA/RA 10,5 J x 20 FA 275/40 ZR20 / RA 315/35 ZR 20
By using a set of progressive suspension springs, HAMANN reduces the center of gravity for the X5 . For those vehicles that have level regulation, it is lowered to about 40 mm in front, and for vehicles without level regulation or air suspension to about 40 mm in front and about 30 mm in back. Through this, the X5 receives a bit of agility back which, in contrast to its? predecessor model, had suffered somewhat due to its bigger size.
Interior modifications per request
Large vehicles such as the BMW X5 are tailor-made for travel. Due to this, HAMANN also modified the interior. Travellers should have the drive be as comfortable as possible and additionally should provide a feast for the eyes. HAMANNs? accessories such as an exclusive foot mat flooring in black, a foot pedal of aluminium or even an aluminium foot rest enhance the cockpit of the X5. Naturally HAMANN also modifies each BMW X5 for personalized customer requests. For example, extravagant leather decor is available in a variety of colours or an elaborate multimedia alterations including DVD, TV and Play station.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, BMW | No Comments »
Friday, March 9th, 2007
The new BMW M5 Touring
Powered by the back-to-back International Engine of the Year-winning engine driving through BMW’s unique seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox, the new M5 Touring offers up to 1,650 litres of boot space for owners needing to move sizeable loads…… quickly.
Performance
With the previous M5 Touring (E34) only available in left-hand drive, the arrival of the new M5 Touring marks the first time the high-performance estate has been offered to British customers. Powered by the same normally aspirated 5.0-litre V-10 cylinder engine as its Saloon counterpart, the new M5 Touring redlines at 8,250rpm. 507hp and 520Nm of torque propel the car from zero to 62mph in 4.8 seconds (only 0.1 seconds slower than the Saloon). Without the 155mph electronic limiter the new M5 Touring would be capable of achieving 200mph while still transporting the largest of loads.
This balance of ultimate practicality and performance is summed up by Lee Connolly, BMW UK’s Product Manager for the new M5 Touring “The M5 Touring will be the perfect car for delivering supercar owners’ luggage to their holiday homes in France or Spain. Usefully, their luggage will arrive before they do!”
Transmission
These levels of performance are in part made possible by the world’s first seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox with Drivelogic in a production car. The gearbox features eleven different change patterns to offer the driver a personally-tuned driving experience - six settings vary speed and response of gear change in a manual mode and there are five automatic modes. A Launch Control function delivers the fastest possible acceleration from standstill.
Traction
Like the Saloon, the new M5 Touring features a three-stage DSC+ traction control system. The default mode offers drivers high levels of performance and stability. M Dynamic Mode allows an enthusiastic driver the ability to push the M5 Touring to, and beyond, the absolute limits of traction, permitting some sideslip and countersteering before the system cuts in and is selected in the M Drive Manager (see below). If the DSC button is pressed, DSC+ is completely disengaged.
BMW M’s variable M differential also offers the highest levels of driving stability and traction, especially when accelerating out of high-speed corners, with up to 100 per cent of drive being transferred to the rear wheel with most traction. Finally, the Electronic Damper Control (EDC) system offers three suspension settings to complement the prevailing driving conditions.
MDrive Manager packages these programmable settings, so that the touch of a single button sets the car up as required. Like a boy visiting his favourite sweet shop, the M5 driver can select his preferred settings for power, gearbox, EDC and DSC modes, Head-up Display and the degree of Active Seat bolster support, via the iDrive menu. One-touch of the M Drive button on the steering wheel then selects the desired combination and instantly changes the character of the car. One moment the M5 Touring is a placid and practical family car, the next it’s more akin to a track day special.
Exterior design
Visually, the new M5 Touring follows BMW M’s philosophy of high performance shrouded in the body of a standard car with discreet styling enhancements that highlight the potential under the skin. The larger front air dam, side sills, monikered side gills and a rear valance with BMW M’s quad tailpipes protruding all hint at the performance of the world’s most dynamic estate car.
Interior
Internally the new M5 Touring features the same enhancements as the ‘standard’ 5 Series (see below) as well as offering the Active Seat bolsters from the M5 Saloon. In addition, the Touring variant comes with BMW’s innovative iDrive control system with new short cuts - eight freely programmable buttons for instant porgramme selection. Finally, music aficionados can now specify the BMW Individual High End Audio system that uses 16 loud speakers to generate an ear-ringing 825 watts.
The new BMW M5 Touring starts production in March 2007 and will be priced at £67,075 on the road in UK.
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Tuning Cars, Automotive News, BMW | No Comments »
Saturday, June 10th, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
BMW 1-series (E81) Hatchback 5d
Sales Company:
Available version:
116i - 1.6 16v
118d - 2.0 16v CRD
118i - 2.0 16v aut.
118i - 2.0 16v
120d - 2.0 16v CRD aut.
120d - 2.0 16v CRD
120i - 2.0 16v aut.
120i - 2.0 16v
130i - 3.0 24v
Previous version:
Variation:
Info:
Donors:
Posted in BMW | No Comments »
Saturday, June 10th, 2006
Details info: Alternative names:
BMW 3-series (E46) Coupé 2d
3-series (E46)
(1998 - )
Sales Company:
Available version:
M3 - 3.2 24v SMG
M3 - 3.2 24v
Previous version:
318Ci - 2.0 16v Steptronic
318Ci - 2.0 16v
320Ci - 2.2 24v Steptronic
320Ci - 2.2 24v
325Ci - 2.5 24v Steptronic
325Ci - 2.5 24v
330Ci - 3.0 24v Steptronic
330Ci - 3.0 24v
M3 CSL - 3.2 24v
M3 GTR - 4.0 V8 32v
Variation:
Alpina (Germany) B3 (E46)
Hamann (Germany) BMW 3er tuning
BMW (Germany) 3-series (E46 Facelift)
Hamann (Germany) Laguna Seca II
Hamann (Germany) Las Vegas Wings
Hamann (Germany) GT-R
Info:
Description:
318Ci-330Ci Coupé 03.1999-2003,
M3 Coupé 07.2000-
Posted in BMW | No Comments »
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