Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[REPORT: BMW M division pushing for hardcore version of next 1 Series]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-bmw-m-division-pushing-for-hardcore-version-of-next-1-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-bmw-m-division-pushing-for-hardcore-version-of-next-1-se/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/18/report-bmw-m-division-pushing-for-hardcore-version-of-next-1-se/#commentsFiled under: , ,


BMW Concept 1 Series tii - Click above for high-res image gallery

Successive generations of the BMW M3 have come a long way since the original, with a skyrocketing curb weight and an ever-climbing price tag. The new M3 GTS may have done a lot to counter the former, although sadly it only further escalated the latter. But enthusiasts take heart, because someone's on the case. Fortunately, that someone is Dr. Kay Segler, head of Munich's famous M division.

According to reports, Segler and his team are pushing the beancounters to give them the authorization to make an M-tuned 1 Series. While the twin-turbo 135i is touted by many as a closer successor to the original M3 than the current M3, he feels there's more that can be done.

Unfortunately, Segler is talking about the next-generation 1 Series, so even if approved, it'd be a while before any future M-tuned 1 hits the road. If and when it does, however, it could take aim at the Audi S3 with a 330-horsepower version of the Bavarian automaker's new TwinPower engine. As for naming schemes, they may have to get a little creative to avoid confusion with the original M1 supercar.


Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii


[Source: PistonHeads]

REPORT: BMW M division pushing for hardcore version of next 1 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwBMW 1 Seriesbmw 1 series mBMW 1 Series tiiBMW Concept 1 Series tiibmw mbmw m divisionbmw m1Bmw1SeriesBmw1SeriesMBmw1SeriesTiiBmwConcept1SeriesTiiBmwMBmwM1BmwMDivisiondr kay seglerDrKaySeglerkay seglerKaySeglermm divisionm1MDivisionseglerWed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: $170k BMW M3 GT/GT4 Street probably not coming to U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/rumormill-170k-bmw-m3-gt-gt4-street-probably-not-coming-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/rumormill-170k-bmw-m3-gt-gt4-street-probably-not-coming-to-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/03/rumormill-170k-bmw-m3-gt-gt4-street-probably-not-coming-to-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,


BMW M3 GT4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

No three letters get Bimmer fans as riled up as CSL. The initials have historically been applied to lightweight, performance-focused versions of BMW's most extreme machinery. But while BMW isn't currently offering any CSL models for public consumption, the emergence of an M5 CSL and spy shots of a potential M3 CSL have Munich's followers frothing at the mouth.

The former turned out to be a one-of-a-kind special. But details on the latter are beginning to circulate, and they look promising. Firstly, sources suggest that the model won't wear the CSL designation at all, and instead be labeled either M3 GT or M3 GT4 Street, in reference to the homologated racing version.

First, the good stuff: the engine is tipped to be tuned in the neighborhood of 450 horsepower, give or take, driven exclusively through the 7-speed dual clutch transmission with no manual expected to be on offer. Stopping power is anticipated to come from Brembo 6-piston calipers up front and 4-pots in the rear gripping slotted steel discs, and while carbon-ceramics may be on the options list, the jury's still out on when BMW will roll out the production version of its F1-derived Kinetic Energy Recovery System, a.k.a. regenerative braking. Recaro buckets and the removal of the rear seats should help the M3 GT (or whatever it will be called) shed some 220 lbs of weight, sitting 25mm lower on BBS alloys mounted to a Sachs suspension with standard roll bars.

The prototype is said to have already lapped the Nurburgring in 7:40, with testing still underway in France. Targeting the Porsche 911 GT3, the hard-core M3 will be extremely limited in production - possibly as few as 25 examples annually - available directly from BMW Motorsport but certified for road use - at a price point hovering around 110,000 euros ($172k). Unfortunately, the signs suggest that it won't be making the transatlantic voyage Stateside. Thanks to Tim for the tip!

[Source: M3Post.com]

Rumormill: $170k BMW M3 GT/GT4 Street probably not coming to U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw cslbmw mbmw m3bmw m3 cslbmw m3 gtbmw m3 gt4bmw m3 gt4 streetbmw motorsportBmwCslBmwMBmwM3BmwM3CslBmwM3GtBmwM3Gt4BmwM3Gt4StreetBmwMotorsportcslm cslm3m3 cslm3 gtm3 gt4m3 gt4 streetM3CslM3GtM3Gt4M3Gt4StreetMCslTue, 03 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumormill: BMW looking at cheaper 5 Series Gran Turismo, rules out M model]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/rumormill-bmw-looking-at-cheaper-5-series-gran-turismo-rules-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/rumormill-bmw-looking-at-cheaper-5-series-gran-turismo-rules-o/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/27/rumormill-bmw-looking-at-cheaper-5-series-gran-turismo-rules-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


BMW 535i Gran Turismo - Click above for high-res image gallery

The famed automotive pot-stirrers at Autocar are at it again. According to two blurbs from the UK publication, BMW's new 5 Series Gran Turismo may spawn at least one less costly, less powerful variant, but a high-performance M version is apparently off the table.

On the fuel and financial economy front, Bimmer is reportedly considering adding four-cylinder powerplants to the controversial new five-door, including the 175 bhp diesel from the 320d. A twin-turbo diesel may also be in the cards. The fear here is that the premium-priced 5GT may in fact be priced too aggressively, as it stickers above a comparable 5 Series Touring model. In any case, we don't expect to see the less-powerful diesel Stateside, although we wouldn't be terribly suprised if the company chose to shoehorn in something like the twin-turbo 3.0-liter diesel already on offer in the 335d.

On the M side of the equation, Autocar says that the gasoline V8-powered 550i will remain the pinnacle of the range, as BMW has "ruled out" a M-Technik variant. Given that BMW has recently seen fit to move M beyond traditional cars (see: X5 and X6) and that these higher performance models often have thicker margins attached, this strikes us as somewhat curious decision - especially as the 5GT figures to be the most dynamically promising of the bunch. This source also doesn't jibe with what we heard from BMW officials just last month when we drove the car in Portugal. At that time, the official line was that no decision had been made, but knowing glances and meek smiles seemed to indicate that things looked good for the model.

In other words, we'll believe it when we (don't) see it.


Gallery: First Drive: BMW 535i Gran Turismo


[Source: Autocar]

Rumormill: BMW looking at cheaper 5 Series Gran Turismo, rules out M model originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 Series5 Series GT5-Series5-Series GT5-seriesGt535i535iGT550i550iGT5Series5SeriesGtBimmerBMWBMW dieselBMW Gran turismoBMW Grand TurismoBMW MBMW MotorsportsBMW wagonBmwDieselBmwGrandTurismoBmwGranTurismoBmwMBmwMotorsportsBmwWagondieselGran TurismoGrand TurismoGrandTurismoGranTurismoM-technikMotorsportTue, 27 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Luxury automakers could get partial exemption from CO<sub>2</sub> rules]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/02/luxury-automakers-could-get-partial-exemption-from-co-sub-2-sub/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/02/luxury-automakers-could-get-partial-exemption-from-co-sub-2-sub/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/02/luxury-automakers-could-get-partial-exemption-from-co-sub-2-sub/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2008 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG - Click above for high-res gallery

It looks as if some manufacturers could be getting at least a partial "Get Out Of Jail Free" card for the new national greenhouse gas regulations announced by the Obama administration back in May. The EPA and NHTSA won't issue final rules until later in the fall, but it seems as though automakers that sell fewer than 400,000 cars a year could get a break. Apparently, up to one-quarter of a qualifying automaker's fleet would receive a four-year exemption, which would allow companies such as BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz to sell high-powered M, RS and AMG models without those sales affecting their fleet CO2 emissions numbers.

If passed, this set of proposed rules would give the automakers less of a respite than the California regs that would have exempted their entire fleets for seven years. Nonetheless, these foreign automakers would still have an advantage over a company like General Motors, which competes directly against them with some cars such as the of the Corvette ZR1 and Cadillac CTS-V.


Gallery: Review: 2008 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: The Wall Street Journal]

Luxury automakers could get partial exemption from CO2 rules originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 7 Series M Sport - Click above for high-res image gallery

In an Automotive News interview given to coincide with the launches of the X5 M and X6 M, when asked about an M7 BMW's M division head Kay Segler replied, "We've looked at that and decided not to do it. The 760 with awd is a very strong offer. The M sales would be too small for our total investment." That means that the M Sport version (pictured) is the closest you'll get to a super 7. If you don't mind the lack of an "M" badge, the 507-hp Alpina B7 is an M in all but name.

For those of you at the other end, Segler says he needs a year to look into a M version of the 1-Series, but that an X1 won't be finding its way into the M house yet. Of course, there was a time when BMW said there would be no M versions of any of their so-called "Sports Activity Vehicles," saying they wouldn't fit the brand...


Gallery: BMW 7 Series M Sport


[Source: Automotive News, - sub. req'd]

REPORT: BMW M boss Segler says no M7 model is forthcoming originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw 7 seriesbmw 7-seriesbmw 760ibmw 760libmw mbmw m divisionBMW MotorsportsBmw7-seriesBmw760iBmw760liBmw7SeriesBmwMBmwMDivisionBmwMotorsportskay seglerKaySeglerm divisionMDivisionsaloonsedanMon, 13 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Style and Substance: BMW X6 with M Sport Package to get power upgrades?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/style-and-substance-bmw-m-sport-package-for-x6-to-include-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/style-and-substance-bmw-m-sport-package-for-x6-to-include-power/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/style-and-substance-bmw-m-sport-package-for-x6-to-include-power/#commentsFiled under: ,


BMW X6 M - Click above for high-res image gallery

Enthusiasts who had hoped for an M-worthy performance upgrade may be disappointed by the largely cosmetic M Sport Package recently announced for the flagship 7 Series. But while purists have balked at the idea of a full-on X6 M (pictured above), buyers looking for a little extra oomph from their sports-activity-whatsit were undoubtedly satisfied. So it may come as a little surprise that BMW is reportedly preparing to launch an M Sport package for the X6 that also includes some power upgrades.

According to reports, the oil-burning X6 xDrive35d with the M Sport package will get a boost of 20 horsepower to 306 courtesy of the recently launched 740d's powerplant, while the twin-turbo xDrive50i will increase output by 42 horsepower over stock. Of course, there will also be a special body kit and bigger 20-inch wheels along with the requisite badging of the X6 M Sport package, all of which gives those who want a little extra sport in their ute but aren't interested in the full-on X6 M a solid choice in between. Expect the package to hit the market later this year.

[Source: Motor Authority]

Style and Substance: BMW X6 with M Sport Package to get power upgrades? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW X6 M MotoGP safety car - Click to view in high resolution
Coupes, sedans, convertibles, even sport-wagons... BMW's venerated Motorsport division - known to all the world by the letter M - has tuned all sorts of vehicles from the Bavarian automaker's lineup, but with the launch of the new X5 M and X6 M, this is the first time the tuning division has been tasked with tweaking a crossover or SUV... or anything with four-wheel-drive, for that matter. Purists might view it as a bridge too far for the garage that has turned out such precision driving tools as the original 3.0 CSL, the exotic M1 and the spectacular M3, but Munich's marketing department has evidently wasted no time in assuaging those doubts by putting the new X6 M on the track as quickly as possible, and in one of the most speed-crazed, testosterone-infused forms of motorsport on the planet: MotoGP.

Fresh off the floor of Manhattan's Javitz Center, where it debuted at the ongoing New York Auto Show, the X6 M debuts this weekend Qatar as the official safety car of the MotoGP race at Losail. The new M-tuned "sports activity coupe" joins a paddock full of vehicles provided by BMW to serve as safety cars and trackside VIP transports, including the M6, M5 Touring and M3. This marks the eleventh season in which BMW has partnered with MotoGP. Follow the jump to read more in the full press release, and check out the pair of images of the X6 M safety car by clicking the thumbnails below.


Gallery: BMW X6 M MotoGP safety car



[Source: BMW via MotoGP]

Continue reading Setting the Pace: BMW X6 M debuts as MotoGP safety car

Setting the Pace: BMW X6 M debuts as MotoGP safety car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw mbmw motorsportbmw x6bmw x6 mBmwMBmwMotorsportBmwX6BmwX6Mmoto gpmoto gp safety carMotoGpMotoGpSafetyCarsafetysafety carSafetyCarSun, 12 Apr 2009 11:33:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Preview: BMW X6 and X5 get the M treatment]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/04/new-york-preview-bmw-x6-and-x5-get-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/04/new-york-preview-bmw-x6-and-x5-get-the/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/04/new-york-preview-bmw-x6-and-x5-get-the/#commentsFiled under: , ,


BMW X6 M and X5 M - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW has done the inexplicable inevitable, expanding its M treatment from cars to SUVs (or Sports Activity Vehicles in BMW parlance). The New York Auto Show marks the world debut of the X5 M and X6 M, and in typical M fashion, the high riders get substantially more power than their more pedestrian variants. Both vehicles get uprated versions of the 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that debuted in the X6 last year. Power goes from a mere 400 hp up to 555 hp in M form with torque swelling from 450 to 500 lb-ft. While the increase in twist doesn't seem like all that much, BMW is claiming it's produced from 1,500 all the way to 5,650 rpm.

The 4.4-liter V8 is direct injected and like other such engines with turbos, torque aplenty is the result. Like the standard version of the V8, the M variant has the intakes on the outside of the cylinder heads with the exhaust and twin turbos planted in the valley between the banks. This new version sports a revised exhaust manifold that combines the flow from both banks into the duo of twin scroll turbochargers. Learn more about the new Ms after the jump.


Gallery: BMW X6 M


Gallery: BMW X5 M

Continue reading New York Preview: BMW X6 and X5 get the M treatment

New York Preview: BMW X6 and X5 get the M treatment originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw mbmw x5bmw x5 mbmw x6bmw x6 mBmwMBmwX5BmwX5MBmwX6BmwX6Mnew yorknew york auto showNewYorkNewYorkAutoShowNYAutoShowSat, 04 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Is BMW working on an M7?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/spy-shots-is-bmw-working-on-an-m7/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/spy-shots-is-bmw-working-on-an-m7/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/13/spy-shots-is-bmw-working-on-an-m7/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Don't get us wrong; we've got no beef with enormously powerful luxury vehicles. In fact, we love 'em. But while Mercedes' AMG division has shoehorned their bestial power plants into all manner of vehicles big and small, BMW's Motorsport division has always drawn a line in the Bavarian sand. They'd tune the 3 Series and the 5 Series along with a handful of coupes and convertibles, but that's where it ended. But that line seems to be eroding, as spy shots of what could be an M7 sedan have been snapped soon after the news of M-tuned X5 and X6 crossovers.

It's hard to tell from the shots exactly what we're looking at, but it appears to be a sportified version of the latest-generation 7 Series (codename F01), complete with quad exhaust tips and lightweight painted wheels. Of course, it could be a tuner special, a simple M-Sport appearance package or an Alpina version, but then why would the BMW badges be covered? If it is an M7, it would be a first for BMW, and could, according to speculation, derive its power from a twin-turbo V12 with over 600 horsepower. Coupled with some weight reduction, the BMW M7 could give the the Mercedes S63 AMG and Audi S8 a run for their money, of which there is plenty at stake in this stratospheric sub-segment. And as with the reported emergence of an xDrive 7 Series, the Bavarians might be growing tired of seeing their customers leave town for Stuttgart or Ingolstadt. Props to RJ for the tip!

[Source: MotorTips]

Spy Shots: Is BMW working on an M7? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Frankly, its never been all that difficult to turn a run of the mill BMW into a reasonable facsimile of an M model like an M3, M5 or M6. All you had to do was order the appropriate body kit from your friendly neighborhood BMW dealer and slap it on your car. In spite of this, Europeans have generally had an even easier time thanks to M-Sport packages on virtually every model in the lineup including those that didn't offer M equivalents. The M-Sport packages generally consist of assorted aero bits, wheels, upgraded seats and interior bits emblazoned with the "M" badge.

BMW is reportedly getting ready to offer M-Sport packages in the U.S. for the first time beginning in early 2009. The 1 and 5 series will apparently be the first models to get blessed. Given the slow down in sales and BMW's recent profit warnings, this should come as no surprise as the packages will surely be priced with a generous profit margin built in. Thanks to Gabe and Michael for the tips!

Related:

Gallery: Review: BMW M5


Gallery: Review: 2008 BMW M3


[Source: Bimmerfile]

BMW to start offering M-Sport packs in the U.S., look faster without the go-fast bits! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw mbmw m sportBmwMBmwMSportm-sportSat, 27 Dec 2008 11:57:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW M division asks "What downturn?"]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/bmw-m-division-asks-what-downturn/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/bmw-m-division-asks-what-downturn/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/bmw-m-division-asks-what-downturn/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw mbmw m3bmw m5bmw m6BmwMBmwM3BmwM5BmwM6car salesCarSalesearningsfinancialsm divisionMDivisionSat, 13 Dec 2008 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Stillborn: 1989 BMW M5 convertible]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/stillborn-1989-bmw-m5-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/stillborn-1989-bmw-m5-convertible/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/21/stillborn-1989-bmw-m5-convertible/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above for hi-res gallery of the '89 BMW M5 cabrio

These days BMW's M division is pretty busy, cranking out all manner of sport-tuned models in every form. You can get an M3 as a coupe, convertible or sedan, the M5 in sedan or wagon form, and the M6 as either a coupe or a convertible, in addition to M versions of the Z4. But back in the late '80s, the selection of M cars was much more limited. Not that the engineers in the sporting division weren't trying, though. Case in point is this M5 cabrio prototype that almost made it into production, but was canceled at the last minute.

Starting with an E34-generation M5 sedan, engineers in Munich chopped off the roof, strengthened the chassis and replaced the four doors with two longer ones. (If you think the idea is entirely absurd, just look at the Audi A4 cabrio and its quattro GmbH-tuned versions.) The resulting M5 convertible prototype was actually scheduled to debut at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show and even priced at £50k for the British market, but fearing that its addition to the BMW line-up would create demand for a conventional 5-series convertible and subsequently harm sales of the existing 3-series cabrio, BMW executives decided to kill the project. Only one prototype of the M5 convertible was made bearing ZS license plates from the BMW Individual program, as you can see in the gallery below.

Gallery: 1989 BMW M5 convertible prototype


[Source: BMWBlog.com]

Stillborn: 1989 BMW M5 convertible originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click to view a hi-res gallery of the BMW M3

Ever meet one of those parents who are never satisfied no matter how well their kids do? The child comes home with a 98% on a school exam and the parent asks "How'd you lose two percent?" Dinan is one of those parents. But instead of overstressed children, Dinan produces overachieving performance automobiles.

Take, for example, the latest M3, which BMW unveiled with a V8 derived from the award-winning 5-liter V10 found in the M5 and M6. The eight replaced the inline-six on the previous model, but instead of remaining content to say "good job on the extra two cylinders", Dinan asks what happened to the extra two from the V10. Not that they would have been happy with the V10, either. On that, Dinan pushed and pushed, boring and stroking out the engine's ten cylinders until they got it up to 5.7 liters and 628 horsepower. Pretty sick, but saddled with the heft of a BMW 5 or 6 Series, Dinan couldn't help but ask what would happen to its pride and joy in a more suitable setting. Word has it now that Dinan is preparing to shoehorn in its 628-hp concoction into the M3's engine bay. Thankfully they'll be lightening it up a little after that, removing some of the bulk from the front end in order to keep the weight balance in check. We can't wait to see what it can achieve.

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3


[Source: Modified Luxury & Exotics]

Never Enough: Dinan to shoehorn 628-hp V10 into BMW M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Click above for high-res gallery of 2009 MY changes

BMW's lineup of M-fortified vehicles now numbers nine, which is the largest it's ever been in the sub-brand's 30-year history. Munich has tweaked the lineup for 2009, and while nothing groundbreaking has been added, the additions and changes are worth noting. For instance, the BMW M3 Sedan gets a new rear end that sports updated taillights with two LED light clusters, and the entire M3 line gets some minor interior tweaks, new colors and crash-active headrests. The M5 and M6 soldier on with larger sideview mirrors, though BMW mentions that regenerative braking and an uncoupling air conditioner compressor - both fuel saving technologies - are right around the corner.

Of course, all M models are now offered with the latest generation of the automaker's much maligned iDrive control system. We haven't had the opportunity to sample the new version yet, so we'll refrain from making fun of its user interface for now. A new, impressively large 8.8-inch nav screen is, however, available with the optional Professional navigation system package and each system has moved from being DVD-based to storing all the info on an in-dash 80GB hard drive. This fall, BMW will also be offering ConnectedDrive, the first application of unrestricted internet access in a car, across the M lineup and iPhone integration has now been worked out, as well.

Perhaps the most significant addition is the arrival of a Competition Package for the M6 Coupe. The Competition Package includes a newly tuned performance suspension that lowers the car 12 mm up front and 10 mm in the rear, an adaptable suspension control system and double-spoke forged alloy wheels. BMW claims this will be the most athletic M6 you can buy and that there will be visual distinctions to set it apart from a standard M6. Unfortunately, BMW refrained from showing us what those visual distinctions will be. You can view what they did show us, however, in the gallery below.

Gallery: 2009 BMW M model changes


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW updates M models for 2009

BMW updates M models for 2009 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 Jul 2008 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMW MBMW M3 SedanBMW M6BmwMBmwM3SedanBmwM6M 2009 BMWM2009BmwThu, 31 Jul 2008 11:32:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW tightens up the M6 with new Competition Package]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/bmw-tightens-up-the-m6-with-new-competition-package/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/bmw-tightens-up-the-m6-with-new-competition-package/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/29/bmw-tightens-up-the-m6-with-new-competition-package/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The BMW 6-Series is a lot of car, and while the 5.0-liter V10 in the M6 does a remarkable job of moving it around, critics have said it could use some help. Reports now indicate that the M division is giving it some help in the form of a new Competition Package.

The pseudo-CSL gets a new active suspension and a ride height lowered by 12mm up front and 10mm in the back, along with new wheels and a new front hood to set it apart from the standard model. With or without the Competition Package, however, the entire M6 range (coupe and convertible) gets new side mirrors, a new electronics package controlled by the revised iDrive system and a new shade of black for the exterior. While we're not sure the new option pack would prompt us to take the M6 Competition Package racing as its name suggests, it does make the big sports-coupe that much more tempting.

[Source: Motor Authority]

BMW tightens up the M6 with new Competition Package originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw mbmw m6bmw m6 competitionBmwMBmwM6BmwM6Competitionm6 competition packageM6CompetitionPackageTue, 29 Jul 2008 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW M division celebrates 30 years and 300,000 vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/19/bmw-m-division-celebrates-30-years-and-300-000-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/19/bmw-m-division-celebrates-30-years-and-300-000-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/19/bmw-m-division-celebrates-30-years-and-300-000-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of BMW's latest M3

It's been 30 years since the first BMW wearing a trademark tri-color marking was introduced in a homologation effort as the M1. Since then 300,000 vehicles have been graced with that coveted "M" telltale, and still countless others have had the logo applied in the hopes the letter would add some magic to a plebian 318 or 528. Fully one percent of BMWs sold in 2007 were M models, and the milestone 300,000th car, an alpine white M3 Coupe, will live with its owner in the town of its birth, the East Bavarian hamlet of Regensburg. The M3 is likely the most legendary M car, with the original E30 version also existing for homologation purposes and morphing into the current V8-powered technical tour de force that can now be had in Coupe, Sedan or Convertible guise - a true triple threat. There appears no end in sight for BMW's M division's masterful application of the art and science of high performance engineering. Now, if BMW would just return our calls, we can permanently add the 300,001st M-model to the Autoblog Garage, though we're certain it's already built and sold. Press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2008 BMW M3


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW M division celebrates 30 years and 300,000 vehicles

BMW M division celebrates 30 years and 300,000 vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>30 years of bmw m30 years of m30YearsOfBmwM30YearsOfMBMW Mbmw m1bmw m3bmw m3 sedanbmw m5bmw m6BmwMBmwM1BmwM3BmwM3SedanBmwM5BmwM6m3m5Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi has fun at speed camera's expense]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/audi-has-fun-at-speed-cameras-expense/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/audi-has-fun-at-speed-cameras-expense/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/07/audi-has-fun-at-speed-cameras-expense/#commentsFiled under: ,



Audi's advertising agency, Ogilvy, decided to have a little fun with a speed camera in South Africa by placing in front of it an ad for the Audi RS6 with the line, "say cheese!"

One might find need for such a warning/laugh in an RS6, which at the time of this pic boasted 450 hp from a twin-turbo version of the 4.2L V8 in the A6. That makes for one very photogenic sedan.

[Source: German Car Blog]

Audi has fun at speed camera's expense originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Aug 2006 19:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiBMW MBmwMM-seriesMercedes AMGMercedesAmgRS6speed cameraSpeedCameraMon, 07 Aug 2006 19:33:00 EST<![CDATA[The poor man's Bugatti?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/the-poor-mans-bugatti/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/the-poor-mans-bugatti/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/04/27/the-poor-mans-bugatti/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A cool million and change for a Bugatti Veyron a little too rich for your blood? Autobild ran a story on the vehicle that will put the likes of the BMW M coupe and roadster, Audi TT and Porsche Boxter/Cayman squarely in its sights -- a Bugatti coupe and roadster that will cost a measly $62,300. The little Bugatti may have only a four-cylinder engine, but at just 2450 lbs. the little car will have the power-to-weight ratio to blow the 0-60 times of its competition right out of the water -- thanks to the aluminum body, the vehicle should make the trip to highway speed in four to five seconds.

Thanks to Noah for the tip.

[Source: Autobild and translated version]

The poor man's Bugatti? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Apr 2006 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi ttAudiTtbmw mBmwMbugattiporscheporsche boxterporsche caymanPorscheBoxterPorscheCaymanveyronThu, 27 Apr 2006 09:03:00 EST