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[VIDEO: BMW M3 GTS takes to the track]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/video-bmw-m3-gts-takes-to-the-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/video-bmw-m3-gts-takes-to-the-track/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/09/video-bmw-m3-gts-takes-to-the-track/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to watch the videos after the jump

For a company that earned its reputation years ago as "the Ultimate Driving Machine," BMW's more recent efforts seem to have been based around inherently less sporty vehicle formats - SUVs and wonky looking crossovers, namely. Further, like most everyone else, the automaker's roadsters and sports coupes have been getting bigger and heavier with each passing generation. But now, fans of lighter weight and higher performance have something to look forward to once again.

Last week, the Bavarian automaker released details and photos (and even a short teaser video) of the new M3 GTS. The track-bred, street-legal super-coupe packs an engorged 4.4-liter V8 in a lightweight frame with all the trimmings for serious tail-sliding and hardcore curb-pouncing. And now they've released a pair of videos showing the asphalt-munching street monster doing its thing. Follow the jump to check 'em out.


Gallery: BMW M3 GTS


[Source: BMW]

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW M3 GTS takes to the track

VIDEO: BMW M3 GTS takes to the track originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m3bmw m3 cslbmw m3 gtbmw m3 gt4 streetbmw m3 gtsBmwM3BmwM3CslBmwM3GtBmwM3Gt4StreetBmwM3Gtsm3m3 gtsM3GtsMon, 09 Nov 2009 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW M3 GTS unveiled!]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/bmw-m3-gts-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/bmw-m3-gts-unveiled/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/04/bmw-m3-gts-unveiled/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

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

Well that was fast. As well it should be. Because what you're looking at is the most hardcore roadgoing M3 to date. It's called the GTS - not, as had been previously speculated, the CSL, GT or GT4 Street - and after seeing a few spy shots and some speculated details, BMW has just released its first official information on the most extreme machine in its stable.

The eye-catching orange paintjob is a throwback to extreme Bimmers of yore. But after you look past the timely Halloween color scheme, you'll notice a set of exclusive 19-inch competition alloys - coated with 225/35 rubber up front and 285/30 in the rear - protruding out of the bulging bodywork, housing six-piston calipers up front and four in the rear and mounted to yellow springs and an adjustable suspension. You can hardly miss the giant front splitter and rear wing protruding from either end, and the interior's been stripped down with contoured racing buckets, an emergency cut-off switch and a fire extinguisher taking the place of the air-con, nav and radio, along with mounting points for a roll cage and six-point harnesses and a Macrolon rear windscreen to replace the stock glass, helping the M3 GTS tip the scales at just 1490 kg (3285 lbs), some 419 lbs less than the stock M3 coupe's 3704-lb curb weight.

First deliveries are scheduled to begin in Germany next May, carrying a sticker price of 115,000 euros (about $170k) before taxes. Official engine specs haven't been released, but we're still looking at somewhere in the neighborhood of 450 horsepower from an enlarged 4.4-liter V8, driving through the Bavarian automaker's 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. That's about all Munich has given us so far, but we've got a gallery of photos and a video after the jump for your viewing pleasure.


Gallery: BMW M3 GTS



[Source: BMW M division]

Continue reading BMW M3 GTS unveiled!

BMW M3 GTS unveiled! originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m3bmw m3 cslbmw m3 gtbmw m3 gt4bmw m3 gt4 streetbmw m3 gtsBmwM3BmwM3CslBmwM3GtBmwM3Gt4BmwM3Gt4StreetBmwM3Gtsbreakingm3m3 cslm3 gtm3 gt4m3 gt4 streetm3 gtsM3CslM3GtM3Gt4M3Gt4StreetM3GtsvideoWed, 04 Nov 2009 13:55:00 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[Spy Shots: BMW resurrecting the M3 CSL?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/bmw-m3-csl-spy-shots-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/bmw-m3-csl-spy-shots-1/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/bmw-m3-csl-spy-shots-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

We're not sure what to believe anymore. A bit over a year ago, reports surfaced that BMW was planning a successor to the E90-generation M3 CSL, a highly coveted, track-focused version of its legendary sports coupe. Within a month, the Bavarian automaker had announced that it was canceling the program. And then these photos show up.

This M3 test mule was seen lapping the Nürburgring with a host of modifications and little in the way of camouflage. Knowing full well that the Nordschleife is swarming with more papparazi than Lindsay Lohan's front lawn, the Bavarians had to know we'd start asking questions. The car in question appears to be sporting a big front splitter, giant rear wing, a wider track housing bigger wheels and semi-slick tires. Underneath, reports suggest the 4.0-liter V8 benefits from new valves and a carbon-fiber airbox to deliver some 470 horsepower.

Call it an M3 CSL or a roadgoing M3 GT4, but with Audi's upcoming RS5 just around the corner, the smart money's on BMW putting up a fight of some kind.

[Source: NextAutos]

Spy Shots: BMW resurrecting the M3 CSL? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw cslbmw m3bmw m3 cslbmw m3 gt4bmw m3 gt4 streetBmwCslBmwM3BmwM3CslBmwM3Gt4BmwM3Gt4Streetcslm3m3 cslm3 gt4m3 gt4 streetM3CslM3Gt4M3Gt4StreetNordschleifeNurburgringNurburgring nordschleifeNurburgringNordschleifespiedspyspy picsspy shotsSpyPicsSpyShotsTue, 20 Oct 2009 10:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: BMW cancels development of E92 M3 CSL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/report-bmw-cancels-development-of-e92-m3-csl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/report-bmw-cancels-development-of-e92-m3-csl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/27/report-bmw-cancels-development-of-e92-m3-csl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There were around 1,400 examples of the BMW e46 M3 CSL built, and by all accounts they were exceptionally well received. However, according to Ludwig Willisch, the boss of the automaker's M division, the current e92 M3 won't get the same treatment. He - or perhaps the accountants - feel that "based on current numbers, there is most likely insufficient demand for the M3 CSL."

If a current scorching version of the e92 were to exist, it would have been bumped by anywhere from 36 to 56 horsepower, shed 200 pounds or more, worn some different tires and a set of bigger lungs. In light of the possible volume, though, which would be small, BMW - or again, its accountants - would rather focus on the X6 and X5 for now. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: Car]

REPORT: BMW cancels development of E92 M3 CSL originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The CEO of BMW M GmbH, Ludwig Willisch, spilled his guts to Auto-Motor-und-Sport in a recent interview about the future of BMW's high-performance M division. The news was good, bad, and downright dumbfounding. For the good, Willish mentioned that future M-models will include high-revving turbocharged engines, and offer ceramic brakes. The bad news is that there will be no E91 M3 Touring, E92 M3 CSL, or M1 Concept. Apparently, BMW doesn't feel there is enough of a market to support those vehicles. The perplexing news is that BMW is currently working on M-versions of the X5 and X6 (apparently to answer a question that enthusiasts have yet to ask). While we cannot control the electrochemical signals being sent between neurons within BMW's think tank, we can continue to hope that BMW doesn't dilute the M-brand the way Mercedes-Benz has with AMG.

[Source: Auto-motor-und-sport via BMWblog]

The future of M: BMW X5, X6 and less originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWbmw m3bmw m3 cabrioletbmw m3 convertiblebmw m3 coupebmw m3 cslbmw m3 sedanbmw m5bmw m5 touringbmw x5 mbmw x6 mBmwM3BmwM3CabrioletBmwM3ConvertibleBmwM3CoupeBmwM3CslBmwM3SedanBmwM5BmwM5TouringBmwX5MBmwX6MTue, 29 Jul 2008 14:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: BMW M3 CSL]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/rendered-speculation-bmw-m3-csl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/rendered-speculation-bmw-m3-csl/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/06/30/rendered-speculation-bmw-m3-csl/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lighter means faster. If you have yet to grasp that concept, have a look at the Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera or Porsche 911 GT3 RS - each capable of leaving the heavier versions of each lightning-quick sportscar on which they're based in the dust. The performance gap is widened not by more power, but by a higher power-to-weight ratio resulting from an aggressive kilo-trimming program. Another in their ranks: the gone-but-not-forgotten, previous-generation BMW M3 CSL. By removing a bit of excess weight, the CSL was capable of outgunning its heavier counterpart by a considerable margin (how does a 7:22.8 'Ring lap sound?).

It's been just under a year since M-guru Gerhard Richter promised us a new M3 CSL based on the new V8 model, but aside from a few spy shots here and there, we've yet to see one materialize so far. To keep our appetites whet, German car mag Autozeitung put out this rendering of what the new CSL could look like, complete with carbon-fiber hood, a more aggressive front bumper and some new vents. Close enough to the mark? We'll just have to wait and see.

[Source: Autozeitung via CarScoop]

Rendered Speculation: BMW M3 CSL originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmw cslbmw m3bmw m3 cslBmwCslBmwM3BmwM3Cslm3 cslM3CslMon, 30 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA[New 'Ring record: BMW M3 CSL laps in 7:22.8 seconds]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/new-ring-record-bmw-m3-csl-laps-in-7-22-8-seconds/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/new-ring-record-bmw-m3-csl-laps-in-7-22-8-seconds/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/20/new-ring-record-bmw-m3-csl-laps-in-7-22-8-seconds/#commentsFiled under: ,



The era of 'Ring attacks has begun. Next atop the heap of Nord-lappers is a lightweight, supercharged BMW M3 CSL that took a full five seconds off the Pagani Zonda F's best run. The car has, of course, been modified, but the changes aren't outrageous -- you might see more extreme mods at your local M3 gathering.

The incredible thing is that the car puts out 532.7 rear-wheel horsepower and weighs 3,139 pounds with thirty liters of fuel. That means it has 70 fewer HP and weighs 400 pounds more than the Pagani Zonda F it dethroned. The car can't be faster down the straights, so this must be all in the corners. We wouldn't mind seeing videos of the two laps side-by-side to find out where the BMW leaves its Italian competition behind.

And get this: you can win this car in an auction. The Loaded.se team is putting the car up via bid2aid.com, and to win you have to place the lowest unique bid. That means that whatever you bid needs to be the only bid of that amount. Crazy concept for an auction, so good luck with your bid of $.02. Check out the video after the jump and see what you think.

Thanks for the tip, Maestro1!

[Source: Carscoop]

Continue reading New 'Ring record: BMW M3 CSL laps in 7:22.8 seconds

New 'Ring record: BMW M3 CSL laps in 7:22.8 seconds originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Nov 2007 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The expansion of BMW's M3 lineup is expected to take place sooner than we anticipated, and a new version of the Bavarian bomber will finally put the oft-maligned sequential gearbox to rest. According to Auto Telegraaf, BMW will be debuting the M3 sedan at a major Stateside auto show, likely L.A. or Detroit, and along with an extra set of doors, it'll be sporting the automaker's new dual-clutch gearbox. Rumored to be dubbed "M DCT," the new 'box will get seven forward gears that can be controlled by either a new shift lever, much like the one found in the new X5, or steering-wheel mounted paddles shifters. BMW also plans to offer a traditional six-speed manual for those who prefer to row their own gears.

The regularly spied convertible version of the M3 is also on its way, which is proving to be an engineering challenge for the M-division due to the extra tonnage the retractable hardtop tacks onto the curb weight. We've heard that a track-bred CSL is also under development, and that its debut is likely to take place some time in 2009.

[Source: Auto Telegraaf via Motor Authority]

BMW debuting dual-clutch gearbox in M3 sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Sep 2007 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwbmw m3bmw m3 convertiblebmw m3 cslbmw m3 saloonbmw m3 sedanBmwM3BmwM3ConvertibleBmwM3CslBmwM3SaloonBmwM3Sedanconvertiblecsldetroit auto showDetroitAutoShowe92la auto showLaAutoShowm3saloonsedanTue, 18 Sep 2007 14:03:00 EST