Autoblog

BMW rolls out new M6 safety car for MotoGP

Noah Joseph — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Motorcycle, Racing

It takes a fast and agile car to keep pace with MotoGP racing bikes. Fortunately the BMW M division is up to the task, providing safety cars (or what we'd call pace cars on this side of the Atlantic) to the race organizers of the top-level motorcycle racing series.

The most recent vehicles to perform the duties have been the 1 Series M Coupe and the X6 M crossover, but now BMW is introducing a the new M6 coupe to the mix. It'll debut in safety car guise as pictured above at the Nürburgring this weekend.

While it's unclear whether any modifications have been made to the 552-horsepower twin-turbo V8, the M6 MotoGP safety car has been upgraded with new spoilers front and rear, special lighting equipment and BMW's traditional blue, blue and red striping on a white body. And if we were betting men, we'd put our money on some upgrades to the brakes, suspension and tires, too.

BMW rolls out new M6 safety car for MotoGP originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 19 May 2012 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #269 LIVE

Dan Roth — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:44:00 EST

Filed under: Chicago Auto Show, Etc., BMW, Toyota, Tesla, Electric

We record Episode #269 of the Autoblog Podcast tonight, and you can drop us your questions via our Q&A module below. We're joined by Sebastian Blanco tonight, so now's your chance to pepper us with those Green-focused questions and topics. Check out our discussion topics or chime in to help determine what else the crew chats about this evening. 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 #269

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Submit your questions for Autoblog Podcast #269 LIVE originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW debuts 560-hp twin-turbo M6, manual option under consideration

Damon Lavrinc — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

What's the new M6 made of? Just like the last generation, it takes all the best bits from the M5 and distills them into two door form. And this time, the convertible comes first.

At its heart, the M6 Coupe and Cabriolet are all about the engine, and as expected both models use the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 (ironically codenamed S63) to output 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, the latter of which peaks between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. Those figures should sound familiar, as they're almost exact duplicates of the M5's specs (the sedan makes an additional two lb-ft of torque), including the 7,200 rpm rev limiter and Valvetronic system.

Mated to the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox as the M5, BMW claims the M6 Coupe will run from a rest to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, with the cabrio taking an additional tenth of a second to hit the same mark. According to our sources, a six-speed manual option is under consideration, but it won't be available at launch. And again, just like the M5, fuel consumption has been reduced by 30 percent while power has increased by around 10 percent.

Also included is BMW's Active M Differential, an electronically controlled multi-plate limited slip diff that works in conjunction with the DSC and the new Dynamic Damper Controls that electro-hydraulically tweak damping force on-the-fly depending on the settings and the situation.

Inside the subtly blistered wheel arches are massive 16.1-inch carbon ceramic rotors in front, gripped by six piston blue calipers, with equally impressive 15.6-inch rotors out back held by a single-piston caliper. The standard wheels are M-specific 19-inch alloys with 265/40 R19 ultra-high performance summer tires in front and 295/35 R19 rubber in the rear, with 20-inch lightweight hoops available as an option.

BMW isn't citing exact curb weights for either the coupe or cabrio yet, but assures us that they're notably less than the previous E63/E64, and the double-bubble carbon fiber roof on the coupe is a visual testament to that.

Sales of the convertible will start this June, with the coupe arriving later this summer as a 2013 model. And we hear we'll get to see the drop top in person at the New York Auto Show, with the coupe debuting in Geneva. Hit the jump for all the tech-laden details.

Continue reading BMW debuts 560-hp twin-turbo M6, manual option under consideration

BMW debuts 560-hp twin-turbo M6, manual option under consideration originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M6 coupe shows off a little more skin

Noah Joseph — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST

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

BMW M6 Coupe spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's a new BMW 6 Series out there. The new M5 has been released. You know what that means, boys and girls: that's right, a new M6.

Now we've already seen spy shots of both the upcoming M6 coupe and convertible, but this is our best look at it yet, bearing even less camouflage than before. The overall shape, of course, is no big surprise, as it follows the more standard 6 Series, although these latest shots appear to display a new taillight treatment that moves the auxiliary light strip from the bumper up to the rear panel.

The powertrain, meanwhile, is expected to be lifted directly out of the new M5 - all 560 horsepower, eight cylinders and twin turbos of it. Couple that with more aggressive aero, upsized rolling stock and the requisite chassis mods and you've got a winning package.

With this much of the car revealed to our prying eyes, we can expect the new M6 to drop in short order - which is also what we expect it to make of any road you can throw at it.

BMW M6 coupe shows off a little more skin originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M6 coupe looks production-ready

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:59:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, BMW

Spy Shots: BMW M6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The sporty German two-door may be wearing camo in these photos, but it certainly looks like we're going to see the naked BMW M6 in the very near future.

The convertible has already been subjected to the spy photographer's lens, but now its time for the cam-clad coupe to jump into the spotlight. We expect both the drop-top and hardtop to pack the same 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that's found under the hood of the newest M5. Output for that hi-po sedan is rated at 560 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque.

It's going to be tough, but we'll just have to sit tight for BMW to ditch the psychedelic paint job before we can see the coupe and its engine up close and personal. For now, these exterior spy shots will have to do.

BMW M6 coupe looks production-ready originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW M6 convertible caught on snowshoeing shakedown

Jeff Glucker — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, BMW

Spy Shots: BMW M6 convertible caught frolicking in the snow - Click above for high-res image gallery

Our own Chris Paukert recently spent some time getting to know the 2012 BMW 6 Series Convertible, and he did so under the hot South African sun. BMW engineers are busy testing their upcoming hi-po M6 droptop, but they're doing so in a place where the top is definitely going to stay up.

Spy photographers have caught the powerful two-door out playing in the snow during winter testing. Last time we saw the camouflaged convertible, it was out running on a track and making good use of its rumored 560 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque. This time around we imagine that whoever's behind the wheel is going to be a bit more conservative with the throttle. Check out the cold-weather testing of the BMW M6 convertible in the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW M6 convertible

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW M6 convertible caught on snowshoeing shakedown originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Man caught driving 200 km/h on public roads gets $235,000 Ferrari taken away

Jeff Glucker — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:01:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., BMW, Ferrari, Canada

Two speed-loving Canadians have had the keys to their hoon machines taken away. A 2008 Ferrari 430 Scuderia and a 2008 BMW M6 were caught speeding up Mount Seymour in British Columbia, hitting speeds of up to 200 km/h (about 126 miles per hour) in a 60 km/h zone, as well as narrowly missing a mother who was walking with her two children. As you'd expect, the cars were impounded, but the provincial government is taking things a step further. Both vehicles are going to be sold. In fact, the Ferrari has already moved on to a new home and the M6 is set to hit the auction block in the very near future.

The Ferrari is owned in part by a relative of the person driving at the time. That relative will receive 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale, while the other owner receives 30 percent. The government is going to hold on to the rest. The owner of the M6 also receives 30 percent but the government keeps the other 70. The reason for the payouts? To clear notes on each car with the owners respective banks.

[Source: CNews]

Man caught driving 200 km/h on public roads gets $235,000 Ferrari taken away originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Wiesmann coupe prototype looking sinister

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, MISC

Spy Shots: Wiesmann Coupe prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wiesmann, builder of exotic sport coupes that boast BMW power, has been working out a problem. The issue is that its sporty two-door MF5 and GT MF5 both featured V10 Teutonic muscle, but that engine has since been put to sleep. Apparently, they've now figured out what mill they want to place under their cars' long snouts. Spy photographers in Germany managed to capture a blacked-out Wiesmann GT MF5 taking a cruise and stopping for fuel.

Wiesmann have stated that even though the V10 has gone away, the MF5 will not. New versions will be produced utilizing an as-yet unannounced BMW engine. Our guess? The new 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that will be found in the next-generation BMW M5/M6. That would be a nice jump in power for the Wiesmann MF5, since the V10 was rated at 500 horsepower and the new twin-turbo V8 is rated closer to 560 hp.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Wiesmann Coupe

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: Wiesmann coupe prototype looking sinister originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: BMW M6 convertible takes to the track

Steven J. Ewing — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:26:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Convertible, Performance, BMW

BMW M6 Convertible spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW unveiled its 6 Series Coupe concept at this year's Paris Motor Show, giving us a preview at what the next-generation Sixer will look like when it debuts sometime next year. Fear not, M6 fans - this latest set of spy shots clearly shows that BMW has every intention of giving its latest grand tourer the high-power treatment.

Aside from the revised styling of the next-gen 6 Series, we can clearly see a set of large wheels wrapped in fat tires, not to mention the M-signature quad-exhaust pipes out back. Expect the M6 to use the same twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 setup that will debut in the new M5 sedan, meaning power numbers should be somewhere around 560 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque. It all sounds delicious, and we can't wait to see how the M treatment looks on the even sleeker coupe.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW M6 Convertible

[Source: CarPix]

Spy Shots: BMW M6 convertible takes to the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW registers dontblogaboutthis.com, we can't help it

Jeff Glucker — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Rumormill, Specialty

Sorry, we just did - Click above to watch the video after the jump

A new website called DontBlogAboutThis.com has surfaced, currently populated with two photos and two videos. The photos show an odd looking BMW 6 Series wearing skinny tires, a matte paint job and a don't-look-at-me-no-please-look-at-me bumper sticker. Is it the new BMW Hipster Series? The site also notes that these photos are not spy shots - which we know is true since we looked up the domain registration information. The site is owned by BMW.

The two videos, which you can watch after the jump, reveal only a little more than the photos. Whatever is under the hood of this BMW is running very quietly. In fact, it seems to be mostly road noise that we hear before the slightly creepy Heroes-esque music comes in.

What does it all mean? Honestly... we have no clue. We know that the BMW M6 has ceased production so maybe the engineers are deciding to head in a different direction. Could this be powered by hydrogen, Bangle Blood or is an electric boogaloo 6 Series is on the horizon?

Continue reading Video: BMW registers dontblogaboutthis.com, we can't help it

Video: BMW registers dontblogaboutthis.com, we can't help it originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW announces end of M6 production

Zach Bowman — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, Performance, Europe, BMW, Luxury

2010 BMW M6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Like it or not, it's officially time to say auf wiedersehen to the potent M6. BMW has just announced that it has ceased production of both the M6 coupe and convertible. The uniquely styled GT cars primarily found favor here in the U.S., with a total of 3,528 of the hardtops and 3,247 convertibles sold on American soil. In total, the company managed to sell 14,152 of the cars since production of the M6 started in 2005. As you may recall, the drophead version didn't hit the assembly line until 2006.

We're sure the loss of the M6 is a heartbreak to some out there, but we know that there's a replacement model on the horizon, and we're more morose over the news that BMW is also sending the muscular V10 at the heart of the car to pasture at the same time. That's right, kids. BMW is no longer planning to shoehorn a 10-pot into any vehicle it makes, opting instead for forced induction and eight cylinders. The 5.0-liter engine with its astronomical 8,250 rpm redline is the stuff of mechanical daydreams. Or at least it was. Hit the jump for the full press blast.

Gallery: 2010 BMW M6

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW announces end of M6 production

BMW announces end of M6 production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Wiesmann MF5 exiting production as BMW V10 supply dries up *UPDATE

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST

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.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: Wiesmann MF5 Roadster

[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.

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Nowack tweaks BMW M5's V10 to 708 horsepower

Noah Joseph — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

BMW M5 N635S 5.8 Hans Nowack Edition - Click above for high-res image gallery

With its award-winning V10, BMW's M division hasn't left us with much not to love. Save, of course, for the fact that it's not long for this world, pushed out as it will be in the next M5 by the company's growing environmental conscience. But before the twin-turbo V8 spells its demise, Nowack Motors is giving it a suitable farewell in the form of the N635S 5.8 Hans Nowack Edition.

Having ruled out forced induction, the BMW tuning house has fitted the 5.0-liter V10 with a pair of new intake air collectors, a remapped ECU and retooled engine components. The result boosts the stock 507-horsepower motor up to a mind-boggling 708, dedicated by Oliver Nowack to his father Hans. The modifications are warrantied for a full year and can be retrofitted to any existing M5, and since the upgrades have been carried out principally on the engine itself, can also be fitted to its two-door counterpart, the M6. Details in the press release after the jump and photos in the gallery below.

Gallery: BMW M5 N635S 5.8 Hans Nowack Edition

[Source: Nowack Motors via World Car Fans]

Continue reading Nowack tweaks BMW M5's V10 to 708 horsepower

Nowack tweaks BMW M5's V10 to 708 horsepower originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: 2012 BMW M6 ready to tackle the 'Ring

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:58:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Coupe, Performance, Paris Motor Show, BMW, Luxury

2012 BMW M6 - Click above for high-res image gallery

For the last few months, there's been a barrage of BMW 6 Series spy shots. But with the coupe and convertible performing a slow striptease in Germany, one model has been noticeably absent: the next-generation M6.

Caught testing this morning outside the Nurburgring, BMW's high-po coupe differs from its staid siblings with upgraded wheels, drilled brake rotors and the standard M-style quad exhausts. The front bumper also benefits from a slight reworking when compared to the standard 6 Series, with an enlarged lower air dam and something we haven't seen on previous prototypes: a strip of LED turn signal indicators just below the restyled headlamps.

If the 2012 M6 is anything like its predecessors, it's safe to assume that the all-new M5's powerplant will carry over to the coupe and convertible models. If that's the case, the next M6 will be packing a modified version of the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 currently fitted to the X5 M and X6 M, with output somewhere north of 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. All signs point to a Paris Motor Show debut for the revised 6 Series, so we'd expect the M6 to debut early next year and go on sale as a 2012 model.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2012 BMW M6

Spy Shots: 2012 BMW M6 ready to tackle the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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eBay Find of the Day: 2008 Fisker Latigo CS

Noah Joseph — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Auctions, BMW, Fisker, Design/Style, Luxury

2008 Fisker Latigo CS on eBay - Click above for image gallery

Are you not a fan of the current BMW 6 Series? Can you not wait for the next-generation model? Are you looking for something a little more exclusive? Has Fisker caught your attention with the Karma, but not so much for its hybrid drivetrain? If your answer to any of these questions was an emphatic "yes," then you may want to have a look at this eBay Motors listing.

Before kicking off his ambitious luxury hybrid project and after having penned such gorgeous sportscars as the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and BMW Z8 roadster, the noted Danish designer Henrik Fisker started his own coachbuilding operation. The California-based operation had two products: the Mercedes SL-based Tramonto and this, the BMW M6-based Latigo CS. Only 150 examples of each were made, and one of the latter - a post-revision 2008 model - has now popped up for grabs on eBay.

Mechanically, the Latigo is essentially the same as the M6 up which it is based, but Fisker managed to cut out some excess weight and enlisted the services of tuning house RDSport to tune the high-revving 5.0-liter V10 engine up to 648 horsepower. Stiffer springs and custom rolling stock are also part of the package, to say nothing of the exquisitely-crafted interior. This particular example has a Buy It Now sticker of $90,000; check it out in the extensive image gallery below or follow the link to the auction page.

Gallery: 2008 Fisker Latigo CS on eBay

Gallery: 2008 Fisker Latigo CS

[Source: eBay Motors]

eBay Find of the Day: 2008 Fisker Latigo CS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 16:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Next BMW M6 to take cues from Vision concept, targets Audi R8

Zach Bowman — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Performance, Europe, Technology, BMW, Rumormill

BMW Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

We were all wondering how BMW was going to manage to bring its Vision Efficient Dynamics Concept to the road, and now it looks like we may have our answer. According to Autocar, elements of the wild diesel-electric sports car will crop up in the next-generation M6. The report claims that the company will send the efficient drivetrain packing in favor of a more robust twin-turbo V8 powerplant sourced from the current M3.

Why would BMW be interested in crafting the M6 into a mid-engine, V8 terror? It might just have something to do with the rabid success of the Audi R8, but Autocar thinks a similar model would allow BMW to do battle with Porsche 911 and the oft-rumored baby Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. It all sounds good floating around the interweb, but color us skeptical.

Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: BMW Vision EfficientDynamics

[Source: Autocar]

Report: Next BMW M6 to take cues from Vision concept, targets Audi R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends

Jonny Lieberman — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Japan, Videos, Nissan

Supercar parade - Click above to watch the videos after the jump

It's Godzillapalooza time boys and girls! More precisely, the day before the 2010 Nissan GT-R had to go back, my buddy Steve asked if I could give him a ride in the Skyline. Well, he'd actually been calling since two weeks before the car showed up, but anyhow, Steve is a filmmaker and he showed up camera in hand. Our plan, quite honestly, was just a quick blast across some empty freeways and nothing more. But then we saw the exit for Angeles Crest Highway and even though it was amateur day (Sundays = dozens of motorcycles riding off sheer cliffs in front of cops) we figured Steve should see Godzilla eat a canyon. Plus, after you get a few miles up you can turn left off Angeles Crest onto Angeles Highway, a much less congested (and some would argue better) road.

What happened next is one of the many reasons I'm never leaving Southern California. Stuck behind a pickup truck is a veritable supercar parade. From front to back: Ferrari F355 Spyder, Ferrari F430 Spyder, ~~Mothra~~ BMW M6, Dodge Viper SRT10, Ferrari F430 Spyder. I can't say for certain, but I think Godzilla was smiling. Eventually the truck pulled over and it was on. Well, OK, we got stuck behind the slow Ferrari, but it was still quite fun.

We all stopped for lunch where we asked the drivers if the matching Ferrari shirts add 5 horsepower. Then we hopped back in the cars, but not before I announced that the Nissan would be running mid-pack. The Viper driver yelled, "Try to keep up!" Little did he know I was wearing my high performance flip-flops. Thanks to Steve for filming and cutting the video: follow the jump to watch it.

Continue reading VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends

VIDEO: 2010 Nissan GT-R makes supercar friends originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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VIDEO: German man takes delivery of his 135th BMW

Noah Joseph — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:50:00 EST

Filed under: BMW

Klaus Hammerschmidt picks up his new BMW M6 - Click above to watch video after the jump

How many cars have you owned over the course of your life? Three? Five? Ten? How about 135, and all from the same company? It may seem like unfathomable customer loyalty, but that's just what one Herr Klaus Hammerschmidt has done in taking delivery of his latest Bavarian motor work. You might think he'd mark the occasion with a new 135i, but instead the 73-year-old retiree picked up a brand-new M6 coupe, complete with the Competition Package, from the flagship BMW Welt showroom in Munich.

Hammerschmidt says he began driving when he was just 12, taking the wheel of his dad's car while papa worked the pedals. His first car was a 1800ti in 1963, and since then he's had 26 M cars, 29 Alpinas and another 80 standard BMWs. Before you go pulling out the calculator, that works out to an average of nearly 3 new cars every year. Not a bad way to spend a lifetime's earnings if you have the means. And at just 73, he's likely to go through a few more before his days are up. Follow the jump for the video.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading VIDEO: German man takes delivery of his 135th BMW

VIDEO: German man takes delivery of his 135th BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Jul 2009 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rendering Homage: Racer X Design BMW RZ-M6

Noah Joseph — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Classics, Tuners, BMW

Click above to view the Racer X Design BMW RZ-M6 in high resolution

When BMW rolled out the new 6 Series coupe in 2003, it reconnected with a nameplate that had laid dormant for some 14 years. The original 6-Series, produced between 1976 and 1989, earned itself a cult following and iconic status, epitomized by the 635CSi. Some apparently feel that the current 6 doesn't pay enough homage to the original. The people at Racer X Design count themselves in that camp, and are evidently hoping there are more like-minded enthusiasts... with cash.

Racer X Design has caught our attention before with some arresting concepts, including the KC-427 and the RZ Formula. The RZ-M6, however, takes the existing 6 Series and retros it up a bit, in turn paying a bit of homage to BMW's own M1 Hommage concept. The modified body panels would also widen the coupe by an extra 50 mm, giving it a more aggressive stance to go along with the tribute styling. Of course, Racer X Design needs to attract some potential customers to bring the RZ-M6 to life, but it's already a few steps closer to reality than the studio's previous projects. Check it out in the gallery below and read the full press release after the jump.

Gallery: Racer X Design BMW RZ-M6

[Source: Racer X Design via SeriousWheels.com]

Continue reading Rendering Homage: Racer X Design BMW RZ-M6

Rendering Homage: Racer X Design BMW RZ-M6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 15 Jan 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M division asks "What downturn?"

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:05:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, BMW, Earnings/Financials

So in case you haven't heard, a few economies are having a few hiccups, money isn't easy to get as it used to be, and consumer belt-tightening is turning into fastening the rope more securely around sackcloth robes. That is, unless you're looking for a BMW M-car. BMW's M division sold more cars worldwide through the end of August of this year than it had in all of 2007. But the economic world didn't end until September, you say? Well, that didn't stop the moneyed from showing up at the M division's door: it sold another 6,000 cars through the end of November, which already puts the branch up fifty-percent over last year's total sales. You can check out the press release after the jump, and walk away knowing that no matter what, there is always enough sun somewhere for people to make hay.

[Source: Driver's Republic]

Continue reading BMW M division asks "What downturn?"

BMW M division asks "What downturn?" originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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