Autoblog

Video: BMW M3 Tiger Edition - The Movie

Zach Bowman — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, China, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW, Luxury

BMW M3 Tiger Edition - Click above to watch video after the jump

BMW has gotten back into the short-film business to promote the new Tiger Edition M3. The German automaker has a long history of turning out incredibly intricate promotions for its products, and we're still absolutely hooked on The Hire series starring Clive Owen and a bevy of other big-name actors. The company knows how to flip all the right cinematic switches, and it has applied that knowledge to the first advertisement for the feline-themed M3.

As we find out in the film, the Tiger Edition isn't made in honor of any old Bengal or Siberian tiger - oh no. BMW crafted its Great Pumpkin 3 Series after the meanest of all the big kitties; the Saber Tooth. Aside from having to endure a little cheesy computer-generated skeleton action, the ad is worth a minute or two of your day. Or... not. Hit the jump to take a look for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BMW M3 Tiger Edition - The Movie

Video: BMW M3 Tiger Edition - The Movie originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Turner Motorsports prepping one-of-30 BMW M3 Frozen Gray coupes for racing

Zach Bowman — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:26:00 EST

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

We tend to live by the mantra that no car is too rare to drive. Even the most unique pieces of automotive history were designed and built to be a mode of transportation first and a stationary object of desire second. The crew at Turner Motorsports has taken that philosophy to the next level - they believe there's no such thing as a vehicle that's too rare to race. Case in point? The company's new Frozen Gray BMW M3 built for serious track duty.

Just in case you need a reminder, BMW only turned out 30 examples of its M3 dipped in the super sexy flat gray paint. This is one of them. Turner Motorsports project has just gotten under way, beginning with a set of 18x10-inch Volk G2s and gooey Continental race rubber, but a more aggressive brake system and a sharper suspension is on the docket as well. All we know is that the M3 looks as fine as can be wearing its new shoes, and we can't wait to see what Turner comes up with in terms of a finished product. Click over to M3Post for closer look.

[Source: M3Post]

Turner Motorsports prepping one-of-30 BMW M3 Frozen Gray coupes for racing originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M3 Pure Edition comes from a Land Down Under

Noah Joseph — Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:31:00 EST

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

If there's another place on Earth where they love V8 sedans and coupes as much as Americans, surely it's Australia. It's the land of the V8 Supercars series, Holden Commodores, FPV Falcons, Eric Bana's beloved beast and the country that gave us back the Pontiac GTO and the underpinnings for the latest Chevy Camaro. And with the Germans leading the charge these days with the likes of the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, it's only fitting that the Land Down Under should get its own special edition.

Following the release of the Frozen Gray edition and word of the upcoming Tiger edition for China comes news of a special M3 just for Australia. Called the Pure Edition, it packs some unique touches, including glossy black 19-inch split-spoke alloys, dark chrome trim and an Anthracite cloth and black leather interior. That's about the extent of the special touches fitted to either the coupe or sedan - of which only 50 examples will be made. The Pure Edition comes standard in the metallic white pictured here, though a raft of optional metallic color choices are available, including - appropriately enough - Melbourne Red.

[Source: BMW Blog]

BMW M3 Pure Edition comes from a Land Down Under originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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More BMW M3 Tiger Edition photos surface

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:58:00 EST

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!

Gallery: BMW M3 Tiger

[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.

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Report: BMW M3 GTS posts somewhat lackluster 'Ring time

Chris Shunk — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:59:00 EST

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.

Gallery: BMW M3 GTS

[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.

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BMW to celebrate Year of the Tiger with special edition M3?

Zach Bowman — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:28:00 EST

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.

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BMW commits to Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with M3 GT2

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:32:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, BMW, Racing

BMW M3 GT2 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has decided to officially compete for the inaugural Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with the M3 GT2. This year's initial iteration will include three races at England's Silverstone, the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, and Zuhai in China. Peugeot has already committed to run the LMP1 class 908 and Audi is considering running the R15+ TDI.

The M3 GT2 debuted in the American Le Mans Series in 2009 with Rahal Letterman Racing and BMW added Team Schnitzer in Europe for 2010. Schnitzer will campaign the cars in the cup runs at Silverstone and Zuhai, while Rahal will be responsible for the American race. In 2011, the Intercontinental cup will expand to six races, including Sebring and Le Mans.

Gallery: 2010 Rahal-Letterman Racing ALMS BMW M3

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW commits to Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with M3 GT2

BMW commits to Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with M3 GT2 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Frozen Gray M3 paint a pain, owners must sign agreement about its care?

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Performance, Etc., BMW, Luxury

2011 BMW M3 Frozen Gray Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you were one of the 30 Bimmerphiles to snag a 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe last month, expect to fill out another round of paperwork before you take delivery of your new matte gray baby.

BMW is apparently requiring all owners to sign a "maintenance agreement" that insists the M3 is never polished or waxed, ran through an automatic car wash or even strongly rubbed. Additionally, BMW politely asks that you immediately remove bugs, bird droppings, tree sap and fuel spills with a soft sponge, and naturally, dealers are more than willing to sell you appropriate products for maintaining the matte finish.

According to enthusiast site Bimmerfest, BMW explicitly states the M3's warranty won't cover any damage due to owner neglect and it notes that all exterior repairs must be performed by a BMW-authorized shop. What's more, if you don't sign the agreement, no Frozen Grey M3 for you. That's a lot of disclaimers. All of which could be easily solved for less if you simply went down to your local custom vinyl shop and wrapped your (decidedly less expensive) standard M3 in a 3M coating. But how do you put a price on exclusivity?

Gallery: 2011 BMW M3 Frozen Gray Coupe

[Source: Bimmerfest]

BMW Frozen Gray M3 paint a pain, owners must sign agreement about its care? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW M3 to get start-stop tech?

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:03:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury

BMW has outlined the changes to its model line that will commence during the production changeover in September. One of the most noteworthy among them is that every BMW M3 made will come standard with the company's Automatic/Start Stop feature. It will also come standard with an on/off switch, so you can leave your car running at stop lights should you choose.

Other M3 tweaks include the M Button on steering wheel, which will come standard with the ability to program your preferred driving modes, lighter Manual M Sport Seats, a Mineral White Metallic paint option, a Bi-color Novillo leather trim and a Convenience Package that replaces the Technology Package. Click the link for the details on BMW's entire lineup changes.

[Source: BMW Blog]

2011 BMW M3 to get start-stop tech? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW celebrates 25 years of M3

Zach Bowman — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:57:00 EST

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

1986 BMW M3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's been 25 years since the BMW M3 first hit the scene. During that time, the car has evolved from a bantamweight fighter capable of taking on heavy hitters of the sports car world to the yardstick that the rest of the segment is measured. In the process, it has shed its bulging, steroid-riddled fenders for smoother sheetmetal and abandoned its four-cylinder engine for an out of this world aluminum mill with twice the pots, but its essence as a well-balanced sports coupe remains.

The transformation wasn't easy. BMW sent the car through innumerable trials on the tracks and trails of the motorsports world, and the mean little 3 Series quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with on the grid.

BMW has commemorated its wicked child's birthday by recounting the tale of the car's conception. Don't worry: it's a lot less repulsive than listening to your parents yak on about how you came around. The tale is filled with the origins of the car's 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, including where the engineers managed to source parts and the like. It's well worth your time if you've got a second. Check past the jump for the full tale and the high-res gallery below for for the M3's stunning quarter-century as chronicled in photos.

Gallery: BMW M3 25th Anniversary

[Source: BMW]

BMW celebrates 25 years of M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: The Smoking Tire wrings out the 620 hp VF Engineering BMW M3

Zach Bowman — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Motorsports, Coupe, Performance, Videos, Celebrities, Luxury, Racing

The Smoking Tire gets to play with the VF Engineering toy box - Click above to watch video after the jump

When VF Engineering comes to party, they do so in the biggest way possible. The crew recently invited the guys from The Smoking Tire out to Spring Mountain Motorsports Ranch for a little taste of exactly what the tuner is all about. Instead of bringing a handful of reworked cars for an hour or so of track antics, the VF Engineering team rolled out every supercharged beast in their possession. That means that while the company's relatively mild mannered 510 horsepower Porsche 911 was in attendance, as was the equally sinister widebody BMW M3.

If you've spent any time perusing the VF Engineering site, odds are you know a little about that diabolical Bavarian. The car uses a custom-fabricated intake manifold that spends its off time on display in the Met. It's just that gorgeous. But as pretty as all of the custom metal work is, it pales in comparison to how impressive the power figures are. Running just six pounds of boost, the VF Engineering team has managed to wring 620 horsepower from the Bimmer. How's that for tire-shredding glory? Go ahead and hit the jump to see Matt Farah tear it up in both cars. But be warned, there's some slight NSFW language.

[Source: YouTube via The Smoking Tire]

Continue reading Video: The Smoking Tire wrings out the 620 hp VF Engineering BMW M3

Video: The Smoking Tire wrings out the 620 hp VF Engineering BMW M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW offering carbon fiber components for M3

Steven J. Ewing — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:28:00 EST

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

BMW M3 with carbon fiber components - Click above for high-res image gallery

Ah, the BMW M3. In coupe, convertible or sedan form (the latter of which may be making its exit in the near future), we've always been quite fond of this track day stunner. Now, owners have the chance to add some tasteful upgrades to the full range of M3 models by way of BMW Performance carbon fiber aerodynamic accessories.

Made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, the mirror caps and front splitters can be fitted to any current M3, and a rear deck lid spoiler is available for coupe and sedan models. (Sorry, droptop lovers.) Naturally, these upgrades are covered under the BMW Performance two-year warranty, and can be purchased from authorized BMW dealers. Official pricing hasn't been dished out just yet, but if these accessories are like the rest of BMW's options list, don't expect any bargains. Hit the jump for the full details in BMW's press release.

Gallery: BMW M3 Carbon Fiber Parts

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW offering carbon fiber components for M3

BMW offering carbon fiber components for M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW releases 2011 M3 Frozen Gray Coupe for the U.S.

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Specialty

2011 BMW M3 Frozen Gray Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

With all the limited-edition love available across the pond, it's nice to see BMW is willing to share the wealth in the States. To that end, 30 lucky Bimmerphiles can get their mitts on one of the 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupes when orders begin this Monday, June 21st.

What's so special about the unimaginatively named Frozen Gray M3? To begin with, the exterior is an exclusive matte finish combining a Space Gray base and BMW's ColorSystem silk matte clear coat. If that's not enough to get you interested in plunking down $77,600 (including destination and gas guzzler tax), the red Novillo leather and Competition Package - comprised of a 10mm lower ride height, unique 19-inch wheels, a revised M Dynamic Mode and Electronic Damping Control - make this limited-edition M3 more compelling.

Output from the 4.0-liter V8 remains unchanged at 414 horsepower, with grunt being sent to BMW's M Double Clutch Transmission to net a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. If you're interested in rowing your own, a six-speed manual is available, but you'll sacrifice two-tenths of a second in the sprint to 60.

There's plenty of other kit included in the package, so make the jump for all the details and get ready to dial BMW's dedicated 800-number at 11:30 AM EST on Monday to place your order.

Gallery: 2011 BMW M3 Frozen Gray Coupe

Continue reading BMW releases 2011 M3 Frozen Gray Coupe for the U.S.

BMW releases 2011 M3 Frozen Gray Coupe for the U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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StopTech builds trackday BMW M3, takes pretty pictures

Zach Bowman — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, Europe, BMW

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

The boys and girls at StopTech have taken the knife to the new BMW M3 - cutting unsprung weight and upping the horsepower to improve on the car's strong points. The company started by ditching the stock brake system and replacing it with - you guessed it - StopTech components. Up front, the car now wears forged aluminum six-piston calipers that clamp down on two-piece 15-inch rotors, while the rear has been treated to four-piston pieces that squeeze 14-inch discs. The company claims that the new hardware saves a total of 17.6 pounds of unsprung mass spread between the four corners.

The stock wheels were also sacrificed in favor of new rollers from APP. Even at 19 inches, they manage to be 3.3 pounds lighter per wheel than what came from the factory. StopTech then turned to Collaction AG Widnau to give the car's horsepower a mild bump. Final figures now sit at 450 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, though neither company is saying exactly what went into making that happen. We're guessing a slight ECU reflash was part of the recipe.

The whole kit and caboodle was then wrapped in a special silver vinyl by CFC - a company that specializes in unique vehicle wraps. Tasty.

Gallery: StopTech BMW M3

[Source: StopTech]

StopTech builds trackday BMW M3, takes pretty pictures originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW Art Car and all-female Ford GT out of Le Mans

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, BMW, Ford

BMW Art Car and all-female Ford GT out of Le Mans - Click above for image gallery

Artist Jeff Koons' special paint scheme is now the only thing that makes the #79 BMW M3 GT2 Art Car look like it's moving. Just after starting the sixth hour of the 24 hours of Le Mans, the BMW was crawling around the track for the third time. Andy Priaulx pulled off the course onto the grass and began swerving back and forth as though he was out of fuel. Unfortunately, it was to no avail as the M3 rolled to a stop for good. The marshals pushed the car behind the guardrail and Priaulx set off on foot for the pits.

Meanwhile in GT1, the all-female team of Natacha Gachnang, Cyndie Allemann and Rahel Frey have finished their race in the #61 Ford GT as well. At about the same time the BMW Art Car gave up the ghost, Gachnang pulled over right in front of the marshal's stand at the Mulsanne corner with thick smoke pouring out of the Ford. Gachnang, who has been limping on crutches all week, was able to crawl out of the car just as the marshals arrived with fire extinguishers. At this point, we haven't heard the cause of the fire.

Gallery: BMW Art Car and all-female Ford GT out of Le Mans

[Source: Speed]

BMW Art Car and all-female Ford GT out of Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes the 2011 BMW M3

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Celebrities, Luxury

Jay Leno tests out the 2011 BMW M3 - Click above to watch the video after the break

Jay Leno has a new car in his garage today. Yes, we know... shocking, right? But, unlike many of the funny man's cars, this one is brand new and it comes from the other side of the Atlantic. We'll end the suspense - it's a bright red 2011 BMW M3. As always, the late-night comedian takes a good look at the M3 in his garage before taking it for a spin, but then something a bit different happens.

The keys to the 2011 BMW M3 are handed to race car driver Justin Bell, and he takes it and meets up with BMW Motorsport Manager Martin Birkmann and driver Bill Auberlen to compare the road-going M3 with the machines the German automaker campaigns in the American LeMans Series. We're not exactly convinced, but the crew does its best to explain why the racers and the road cars aren't as different as you might think.

Finally, Jay gets his turn behind the wheel, and... he likes its turn signals - better even than those of a Chrysler Sebring. Of course, that's not all he has to say about the M3, so why not just go ahead and click past the break to watch the video for yourself.

[Source: Jay Leno's Garage]

Continue reading Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes the 2011 BMW M3

Video: Jay Leno's Garage welcomes the 2011 BMW M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Jun 2010 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW art car by Jeff Koons unveiled for 24 Hours of Le Mans [w/video]

Sam Abuelsamid — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, BMW, Racing

Jeff Koons BMW M3 GT2 art car - Click above for high-res image gallery

The latest in a 35-year-long run of BMW art cars was unveiled in Paris today ahead of its participation in next week's 24 hours of Le Mans. The M3 GT2 was painted by American artist Jeff Koons with a multicolored theme that should look pretty wild when photographed running down the Mulsanne straight after dark.

Koons first approached BMW about creating an art car in 2003, but the project finally came to fruition earlier this year. Over the last four months Koons has worked closely with the BMW Motorsports squad on the application of the graphics to ensure they didn't have any negative affect on the car's aerodynamics.

Several of the 16 previous art cars have also run at Le Mans including the very first one created by Alexander Calder in 1975 and the 1999 V12 LMR painted by Jenny Holzer. This year the #79 art car will be driven by Andy Priaulx (GB), Dirk Müller (DE) and Dirk Werner (DE) while the standard white "Joy"-liveried #78 will be piloted by Jörg Müller (DE), Augusto Farfus (BR), Uwe Alzen (DE). Video of the unveiling is after the jump.

Gallery: Jeff Koons BMW M3 GT2 art car

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW art car by Jeff Koons unveiled for 24 Hours of Le Mans [w/video]

BMW art car by Jeff Koons unveiled for 24 Hours of Le Mans [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW preparing even hotter M3 GTS-R

Noah Joseph — Tue, 18 May 2010 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

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

Hot on the trails of BMW's victorious return to the 24 Hours of Nürburgring this year, rumors have surfaced that an even hotter version of the M3 GTS is on the way. The orange wündermobile was unveiled barely six months ago, complete with 450-horsepower V8, upgraded brakes, rolling stock, suspension and aero package and a stripped interior. But if that's not enough to tickle your fancy, a few supposedly informed fanboys say that Munich is preparing to celebrate - and bid farewell to - the E92 M3 with an even fiercer derivative.

Tentatively dubbed the M3 GTS-R, the ultimate 3 Series is expected to benefit from yet another power upgrade, plus more carbon fiber body panels - all decked in matte black - to further reduce weight and pack even wider wheel arches packing Y-shaped five-spoke rims and blending into fat side sills. There's even word of a streetable implementation of the company's F1-derived KERS regenerative braking system for push-to-pass boost. Sounds tasty; stay tuned for more. Thanks for the tip, Barry!

Gallery: BMW M3 GTS

[Source: M3Post]

Rumormill: BMW preparing even hotter M3 GTS-R originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 May 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unexpected winner crowned at Nürburgring 24 Hours [SPOILER]

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 17 May 2010 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Europe, Audi, BMW, Porsche, Ferrari, Racing

24 Hours of Nurburging - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 24 Hours of Nürburgring took place this weekend with an enormous starting field of over 200 cars. The enduro features a huge array of classes, including GT2, GT3 and touring cars, with everything from Honda Civics to Aston Martin Vantages and even a Porsche 911 GT3 hybrid battling through the Green Hell through the day and night. The race is run over a combined course of the legendary Nordschliefe and the modern Grand Prix circuit for a total of 15.8 miles, and with only 36 pits available, up to eight cars must share each pit, so plenty of coordination is needed. Read on after the jump to read what happened after the green flag fell.

Gallery: 2010 24 Hours of Nurburgring

Gallery: 24 Hours of Nurburgring: Porsche 911 GT3 R hybrid

Continue reading Unexpected winner crowned at Nürburgring 24 Hours [SPOILER]

Unexpected winner crowned at Nürburgring 24 Hours [SPOILER] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 May 2010 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW M3 GTS gets wrung out on the 'Ring

Chris Shunk — Thu, 13 May 2010 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Videos, BMW

Click above to watch the video after the jump

The BMW M3 GTS is expected to carry some serious track cred. The extremely limited edition Bimmer packs 450 horsepower from a 4.4-liter V8 engine, while weight is cut by 419 lbs compared to a typical M3. Sounds like a dream come true. But if you planned on picking up one of the 90 M3 GTS models costing 115,000 Euro ($145,000 in U.S. funds), you're too late. The most capable E92 M3 is already sold out, but you can at least hit the jump to see video of a bright orange GTS as its takes on the famed Nürburgring.

In the BMW-produced video, M3 test engineer Günter Sillinger takes the GTS for a spin around the 'Ring, then tells us just how great the high-strung coupe handles. Sillinger may be biased, but since we may never get behind the wheel of one of the select GTS coupes, we'll have to take his word for it when he says, "It's the most uncompromising, fastest and thrilling M3 ever." Follow the jump to watch the 2:19 video for yourself.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: BMW M3 GTS gets wrung out on the 'Ring

Video: BMW M3 GTS gets wrung out on the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 May 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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