Autoblog

Autoblog Podcast #303

Dan Roth — Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:20:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, BMW, Jaguar, Scion, Toyota, Volkswagen

Jaguar sedan and SUV, Volkswagen design, 2014 BMW M3, Scion courts metal fans

Episode #303 of the Autoblog Podcast is here, and this week, Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff Ross talk about Jaguar possibly adding a small sedan and utility vehicle, Volkswagen talking up the virtues of its careful design, the next BMW M3 and Scion looking to sell its wares to fans of Heavy Metal. Your questions and comments power the end of the 'cast, and for those of you who hung with us live on our UStream channel, thanks for taking the time. Keep reading for our Q&A module for you to scroll through and follow along, too. Thanks for listening!

Autoblog Podcast #303:

Topics:

In the Autoblog Garage:
2013 Jeep Patriot Latitude
2013 Cadillac XTS Premium
2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK350

Hosts: Dan Roth, Zach Bowman, Jeff Ross

Runtime: 01:19:19

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Autoblog Podcast #303 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #303 LIVE!

Dan Roth — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: BMW, Jaguar, Scion, Toyota, Volkswagen, Rumormill, Design/Style

We record Episode #302 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions and comments via our Q&A module below. Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes if you haven't already done so, and if you want to take it all in live, tune in to our UStream (audio only) channel at 10:00 PM Eastern tonight.

Discussion Topics for Autoblog Podcast Episode #303

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #303 LIVE! originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next M3 may be lighter than expected, with lots more torque

George Kennedy — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:44:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

Few cars stir up the rumormill quite like the next BMW M3. To that end, BMW fan-site BimmerPost was able to track down a source, apparently tied to the development of the next M3 (and M4), who divulged a few juicy bits on power, weight and timing.

Horsepower in the F80 M3 and F82 M4 is said to be close to that of the E90/E92, which was rated at 414 hp. This contrasts with previous reports that had horsepower pegged closer to 450. It should also be noted that BMW has been known to underrate the horsepower values for its engines. That said, the new turbocharged straight-six will supposedly develop 100 more pound-feet of torque over the current generation, too. The 4.0-liter S65 V8 found in the E90/E92 M3 developed 295 lb-ft, putting the new engine's torque in the 395 lb-ft neighborhood. We can live with that.

An equally interesting development regards the proposed weight of the new Ultimate Driving Machine. Apparently BMW is targeting the curb weight of the E46 M3. That older-generation Bimmer clocked in at about 3,400 pounds, while the E90/E92 M3 had grown to over 3,700 pounds. The 300-pound weight savings should come as welcome news to M3 purists, critical of the progressive weight gains from generation to generation.

For those interested in the aesthetic of the next performance-Bimmer, the F80/F82 update of the M3 is claimed to feature a more aggressive look, highlighted by a power bulge hood and larger fenders. That styling direction should not come as much of a surprise, as the more aggressive appearance is customary to the M3 by now and matches what we've seen in spy shots.

According to source, the F80 M3 sedan will debut first and come to market in early 2014. It will be followed by the M4 coupe, though exact timing was not revealed.

Next M3 may be lighter than expected, with lots more torque originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 BMW M3 engine revealed [w/video]

Seyth Miersma — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Videos, BMW

We've just received a set of spy photography that, for once, is focused on what is inside the car rather than what is visible on the exterior. That's exciting stuff, as the car in question is the next-generation BMW M3, and the engine in question is the stuff of great import where enthusiast drivers and Bimmerphiles are concerned.

The most important fact revealed from these shots, is that the 2014 M3 will be rocking an inline-six engine in place of the high-revving V8 from the current car. That news is welcome on two fronts: it represents a return to the engine configuration that we most associate with BMW performance, and it suggests a further development of the six-pot we've come to love in so many of the brand's current models.

The photos confirm that the engine is likely two have turbochargers at least (there are two pipes feeding the intercooler), and they do not contravene rumors that a third, electric turbo lies just out of sight.

Displacement figures for the engine still remain a bit of a mystery. It has been reported that the next M3 could be as voluminous as 3.3 liters, though it's more likely, based on a BMW tech report claiming use of optimized, 500cc-cylinders, that the total size is 3.0 liters. In any event, everyone's best guess about power output hovers around the 450-horsepower mark.

Please also note the very sturdy strut tower bracing that is visible under the hood (as if you could miss it). Forego any worries that the new hot 3 Series will be anything less than rock-solid mid-corner.

When you're finished browsing our photo gallery, please to continue on below, where we've posted some video footage of the 2014 M3 testing in Germany. Engine pics go better with engine sounds, no? Scroll down to check 'em out.

Continue reading 2014 BMW M3 engine revealed [w/video]

2014 BMW M3 engine revealed [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next BMW M3 sheds more camo, runs the 'Ring

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

Hey, look, more spy shots of the 2014 BMW M3! Our shooters caught this one lapping the Nürburgring, but alas, there isn't much more to see here than in our last set.

To recap: The next-gen M3 will debut in concept form at next spring's Geneva show. BMW will initially offer it just as a sedan, but additional variants will be headed our way in subsequent model years. Power is expected to come from a turbocharged inline six with upwards of 400 horses, though BMW may try and get away with nixing the manual tranny in favor of a seven-speed dual-clutch unit.

We expect the new M3 to go on sale late next year as a 2014 model.

Next BMW M3 sheds more camo, runs the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW bringing M3 'concept' to Geneva

Jeff Sabatini — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:14:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, BMW, Luxury

Six months, 26 days. That's the countdown until we get our first live, in-person look at the next iteration of the BMW M3, according to AutoWeek.

The F80 M3 will be appear on the BMW stand at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show in "lightly veiled concept" form, according to the report, with the production car bowing at the Frankfurt show next fall. The performance sedan won't go on sale until the end of 2013 here in the U.S., with coupe and convertible versions and one of BMW's odd Gran Coupe models following in later years.

AutoWeek says the M3 will be a mix of steel with some aluminum body panels, powered by a turbocharged inline-six making about 450 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque. Although rumors of a 3.3-liter V6 based on BMW's larger V8 engine persist, the more shocking speculation involves the gearbox, which is said to be a dual-clutch with seven speeds. That's right, no manual transmission will be offered, according to the report.

Of course, BMW has attempted to make that move before with the M5. Fortunately, enough complaints from American customers caused the company to change its mind. So, car guy purists, start your grousing now, as the clock is already ticking.

BMW bringing M3 'concept' to Geneva originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Face of next BMW M3 caught while testing

Zach Bowman — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury

Behold our first clear glimpse at the 2014 BMW M3. Photographers spotted the high performance sedan undergoing hot-weather testing in Death Valley. Engineers peeled back a slab of heavy nose cladding for the first time, revealing the machine's menacing lower valance and headlamps. The design features sizable air intakes down low, and it looks as if a new hood is part of the recipe as well. If these photos are any indication, the M3 will continue to boast a prominent power bulge for the next model year.

Massive drilled rotors and similarly potent-looking calipers are part of the song and dance, which is a good thing. BMW has made it clear the 2014 M3 will bow with a forced induction inline six in place of the current model's fire-breathing high-rev V8. Even so, we don't expect to see a reduction in power or performance.

Face of next BMW M3 caught while testing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next BMW M3 returning to inline six-cylinder engine

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 22 May 2012 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW

BMW M3 purists, rejoice. According to F30Post.com, BMW's North American boss, Ludwig Willisch, has confirmed that the next-generation M3 will be powered by an inline six-cylinder engine. That's right, the V8 is dead and the rumors of a possible V6 have officially been squashed.

To wit, Willisch told F30Post.com that a V6 was under consideration for quite some time, and the original thought was to use a chopped version of the S65 4.0-liter V8 found in the current car. But plans for a V-configuration have indeed been ruled out, and all that's left to speculate on is exactly how much help the new inline-six will get from forced induction.

In order to be more powerful than the current M3, no less than two turbochargers will likely be bolted to the new six-cylinder powerplant. In fact, we've even heard rumors of a tri-turbo setup being engineered for use in the M3. In any case, expect about 450 horsepower to be on tap.

Next BMW M3 returning to inline six-cylinder engine originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 May 2012 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Here's what the 2014 BMW M3 could look like

Jeff Sabatini — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW

It's been less than a week since BMW dropped the first images of its redesigned 3 Series sedan on us, but already the imaginations are running wild about what the next M3 might look like. Automotive manipulator Theophilus Chin has given us his take on the F30-based M3, and it's about what you might expect.

With enlarged air ducts in the front fascia to feed the intercoolers for a rumored twin-turbo V6 setup, Chin's M3 is more aggressive, but retains the marque's penchant for subtlety. Around the back, Chin's M3 sedan has just a bit of a lip on the decklid and the telling quad exhaust pipes, but is thankfully devoid of boy-racer cues.

With the sixth-generation 3 Series sedan styling serving mostly to clean up the E90's lines, the next M3 will likely be treated similarly when it finally reaches our shores in 2014. While there will be plenty of M3 news to come, if the end product turned out much like these images, we wouldn't be surprised.

Here's what the 2014 BMW M3 could look like originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next M3 will get new twin-turbo six-cylinder

Chris Shunk — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

We've heard for a while that the next-generation BMW M3 will lose its 4.0-liter V8. In fact, back in July, AutoExpress claimed that the next M3 would feature three turbochargers. Not so, says Autocar. Instead, the Brits claim that "insiders" tell them that the high-performance 3 Series will feature a twin-turbo inline-six. This mill reportedly will be all-new, and not based off the N54 twin-turbo or the N55 twin-scroll engine.

But while the two British mags disagree about the number of turbos under the M3's bonnet, the consensus is that power will be increased to 450 horsepower. What's more, the next M3 mill will boast significantly more torque, up from 295 pound-feet in the current generation to somewhere in the vicinity of 400 lb-ft.

We don't know about you, but 450 hp and 400 lb-ft sounds mighty fine to us. We're trying to table that enthusiasm for now, though, so we'll keep this information in the rumormill category for now. After all, the next M3 probably won't hit newsstands until the 2014 model year.

Next M3 will get new twin-turbo six-cylinder originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2014 BMW M3 caught packing new turbocharged inline six

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

As we reported earlier this year, the current E90/E92 BMW M3 will be the last of the naturally aspirated M cars, and if recent rumors are to be believed, BMW will adapt the single-turbo N55 inline-six for duty in our favorite 3 Series. But how many turbos?

Some reports indicate two, while others say three (two traditional snails and an electric turbo). But no matter the configuration, expect output to be up over 450 horsepower and torque to swell to nearly 400 pound-feet.

Regardless of what's under the hood, development of the next M3 is well underway in Germany as BMW gears up for the release of the standard 3 Series successor.

This first batch of M3 spy shots don't show much aside from blacked-out 19-inch wheels, a widened body sans hood bulge and quartet of exhaust pipes. Stylistically, the next 3er is set to take cues from the recently revealed i brand, including new "angle eye" LED daytime running lamps that are flat on the top and bottom, and fitted to a more upright, angular fascia.

The fully redesigned 3 is set to debut later this year, with sales beginning in early 2012. As for the M3, don't expect it to hit until 2013 as a 2014 model.

2014 BMW M3 caught packing new turbocharged inline six originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Next BMW M3 to get triple-turbo six

Noah Joseph — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

BMW M3 CRT - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW M3 has grown cylinders over the years like a pubescent pre-teen grows in height. What started out with an inline-four then grew into a straight-six for two generations before packing a V8 into the current model. The next one is expected to set to drop a couple of combustion chambers and go back to a single bank, but don't think for one minute that'll mean a drop in performance.

According to the rumormongers at AutoExpress, the next-generation M3, due sometime around 2014 after the new 3 Series comes along, will pack - wait for it - a triple-turbo straight-six. The innovative arrangement will reportedly include two conventional spools powered off exhaust gases and a third electric turbocharger. Total output could be around 450 horsepower - a bump over the current V8 model's 414 hp - with even more carbon fiber bits than the CRT edition pictured above to help keep weight down.

Not exciting enough? BMW's M division has plenty more in the cards, potentially including an oft-rumored new M1 supercar and, once the 1 Series M Coupe is done its production run, a lightweight CSL version. An M version of the Z4 is also under consideration, but of course nothing final until the cars make their debuts.

Next BMW M3 to get triple-turbo six originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turbo'd fours and sixes could power future BMW M machines

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Hatchback, BMW

With new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards looming on the horizon, automakers are in the process of developing engines that strike a balance between ultra-efficiency and high-performance. Aware of the challenges ahead, BMW has begun development of the next generation 3 Series and 1 Series, both due for a redesign in 2013, and according to Ludwig Willisch, BMW's M division CEO, new turbocharged engines are on the horizon for the next M3 and 1 Series M (not, we repeat not, to be dubbed the M1).

A turbo'd six-cylinder will likely replace the 4.0-liter V8 currently fitted to the M3, although BMW hasn't decided if it will use a straight-six or a V6 powerplant. Willisch told Motor Trend that the new engine won't be based on the current 3.0-liter inline six currently employed on the 335i and 135i, and it's still too early in the development process to say which configuration will be used. BMW recognizes the inline-six's light weight is a plus, but packaging constraints may required the use of a V6. Either way, the next M3 will be wider, but Willisch insists, "Engines don't need to be more powerful for the next car. As long as you have lighter weight, you have better performance." Although the idea of a V6-powered Bimmer will surely send the marque's faithful into bouts of rage, weight reduction is the future, and to us, it's music to our ears.

As for the 1 series, there won't be an M version per se, but BMW's in-house tuning division wants to recapture the magic of the original E30 M3 by developing a smaller, lighter coupe to slot in below the next M3. As reported previously, a twin-turbocharged four-cylinder will likely power the new coupe, and according to Willisch, the automaker is aiming for something that puts out around 300 hp and weighs around 2,860 pounds (think RWD VW GTI).

Traditionally, the M variants arrive about a year after the new models are introduced, so expect the next M3 and 1 Series M to debut sometime in 2014.

[Source: Motor Trend]

Turbo'd fours and sixes could power future BMW M machines originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Mar 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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