Autoblog

Lumma Design shows bizarre black-and-white BMW M5 with 730 HP

Drew Phillips — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, BMW

Lumma Design CLR 730 RS - Click above for high-res image gallery

With its latest creation, the CLR 730 RS, it seems that Lumma Design is making a play for the title of Europe's most garish tuner. However, this two-tone widebody BMW M5 is actually subtle compared to previous Lumma Design models, and we think the title still firmly remains with Mansory.

So what's special about the CLR 730 RS? For starters, 730 horsepower. The 50% increase in chutzpah comes from a set of twin-superchargers courtesy of G-Power, and Lumma Design claims an impressive top speed of 228 mph. Additional performance upgrades come in the form of a sport suspension, six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes, and an upgraded exhaust system.

The candy cane interior of the CLR 730 RS is even more over-the-top than the outside, with a combination of carbon fiber, leather, and suede. It's not really our style, but we would probably be more accepting of it in a more subtle color. We have plenty of high-res photos in the gallery below, and Lumma Design's press release has full details after the jump.

Gallery: Lumma Design CLR 730 RS

[Source: Lumma Design]

Continue reading Lumma Design shows bizarre black-and-white BMW M5 with 730 HP

Lumma Design shows bizarre black-and-white BMW M5 with 730 HP originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Another One From the Vault: BMW E39 M5 Wagon

Jonny Lieberman — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, Wagon, Europe, BMW, Luxury

BMW E39 M5 Touring - Click above image for hi-res gallery

It seems to be raining apocryphal BMW M cars that have been sitting in cold storage. And in a way, it has! On Thursday, we saw the mind-boggling, hyper-cool E34 M5 Convertible that BMW stashed away for twenty long years. Today's car isn't nearly as crypto (meaning we've seen pictures of it before), but in a way it's much, much cooler.

We posited that perhaps the E34 M5 is in fact the best M car of all. Well, here's the truth -- the E39 M5 is the one we want, hands down, 100%. We were just waxing poetical. E39 M5, every time over here, boss. Why? With that big fat 400 horsepower V8 and those conservative duds, the E39 is still the ultimate M sleeper. Er, that is, it would be if not for the E39 M5 Wagon.

Yes that's right, an M Wagon. Many of you who bothered to click through the E34 M5 convertible gallery noticed the M5 Wagon (or "Touring" as BMW calls the 5-door in a lame attempt to mask its wagonness) just sitting there. We were going to say something, but, you know how it is -- pics or it didn't happen. Anyhoo, the story goes that BMW wanted to build the E39 M5 Wagon but some issue with the rear axle misbehaving led them to decide that the car just wouldn't be up to M Division snuff. And the plug was pulled.

So there you have it. And now we come to the part in the story where we come fully clean and admit that the M Coupe is our actual favorite ever M car. Unless that M8 shows its face...

Gallery: BMW E39 M5 Wagon

[Source: BMW Blog]

Another One From the Vault: BMW E39 M5 Wagon originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: BMW builds E34 M5 Convertible, keeps it secret for 20 long years

Jonny Lieberman — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:57:00 EST

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

BMW E34 M5 Convertible - Click above image for high-res gallery

Amongst M Division cognoscenti there rages an eternal debate concerning what's the best ever BMW M car. To the casual Bavarian-enthusiast the answer is quite simple: E39 M5. However, strong cases can be made for both the E30 M3 and the OG E28 M5, which featured the M1's race-bred 3.5-liter straight-six. In fact, there's a whole subculture of folks that feel a car's not really a BMW (let alone an M) without an inline-six. With that said, the E34 M5 is a pretty compelling candidate for best ever M car, as is the M1. Oddly, no one ever advocates in favor of the E60 M5. Moving on...

Think about it now -- the E34 M5 is the last of the totally hand built M cars. Sometimes one worker made an entire car, though usually the cars were built by specific teams. In fact, BMW test engineers could tell which person (or people) had built each individual car. That's pretty nifty. Only thing is, all those doors. And that roof! Who needs it? Sadly, it was only with the introduction of the E63 M6 that the big M cars got back to just two doors and a drop top. Or was it?

Turns out that back in the late '80s BMW built a convertible E34 M5 and they've kept it under lock and key for the past 20 years until showing it to a select group of journalists during a 25 years of M5 celebration. Based of the E34 chassis, the convertible version featured lengthened doors and was actually all set to go into production.

But then, just one week before its introduction at Geneva (they'd booked space for the car and everything), BMW pulled the plug and canceled the M5 convertible, fearing demand for non-M5 convertibles would cut into the highly profitable 3 Series convertible sales. Too bad, as this thing looks sweet. Also, if BMW pulls the long-rumored-though-(maybe)-never-built M8 out from some dark corner of the storage bin, well, we'll be pretty upset. Yet thrilled at the same time.

Gallery: BMW E34 M5 Convertible

[Source: Autocar]

REPORT: BMW builds E34 M5 Convertible, keeps it secret for 20 long years originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

SPY VIDEO: 2011 BMW M5 prototype whines its way 'round the Nordschleife

Noah Joseph — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST

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

Click above to view video after the jump

If you were disappointed by reports that BMW was planning to retire the award-winning, high-revving V10 engine from the current M5 in favor of a twin-turbo V8, well...we can't really blame you. It's one heck of an engine, and we'll all miss it dearly. But all is not lost. The Bavarian automaker is hard at work on the next 5 Series, and with it the next-gen M5. And now spy video footage of the uber-sedan lapping the Nurburgring has surfaced.

With all the swirly camouflage, it's hard to tell much about the car's styling. You can expect it to follow the lead set by the new 5 Series Gran Turismo, though. But the engine - well, just follow the jump, watch the video and tell us if you're not hearing that telltale turbo whine. Thanks for the tip, Paul!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading SPY VIDEO: 2011 BMW M5 prototype whines its way 'round the Nordschleife

SPY VIDEO: 2011 BMW M5 prototype whines its way 'round the Nordschleife originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Autoblog Podcast #147

Dan Roth — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: Podcasts, Etc., Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Hyundai, Toyota, Rumormill

Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!

Episode #147 of the Autoblog Podcast is ready for your consumption. Chris calls in to Sam and Dan, and the trio bites into a few timely topics. BMW's move to put its turbo 4.4 liter V8 into the M5 is our first subject of conversation, before moving on to more powertrain news with the rumors that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata will be a four-cylinder-only affair. Audi's fuel mileage achievement with its A3 TDI is up next, before we go all power crazy and touch on Rhys Millen's mid-engined Genesis Coupe. Wrapping it up, we head to truckville, thinking about what it would mean for Chrysler to make Ram its own nameplate, ponder the new Toyota 4Runner, and finally chat about the new Ford SuperDuty before moving on to some of your excellent questions.

Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback with our survey and in iTunes, as always, drop us a line at Podcast at Autoblog dot com. See you again next week, and if you start to miss your Weblogs Inc. podcasts, there's our friends at Engadget and Joystiq to help get you through the pain.

Continue reading Autoblog Podcast #147

Autoblog Podcast #147 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

REPORT: BMW M5 dropping V10 for turbo V8

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST

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

BMW M5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The straight six in the first BMW M5 supersedans was silky smooth and plenty powerful, but it was getting a bit long-in-the-tooth, so it had to go. It was replaced by the 400 hp V8 in the E39, then later with the fire-breathing V10 in the current M5 (above) that pushed horsepower into the stratosphere, particularly when you activated the 'M' button. That engine remains powerful, but with CO2 concerns, fuel economy standards and the fact that the V10 isn't available in much of anything else in BMW's lineup, it seems like the next-gen M5 will probably find its motive power supplied by a V8 instead. If a V8 is good enough for the Audi RS6 and Cadillac CTS-V, perhaps it's good enough for the BMW M5, too.

We saw speculation about a V8 M5 as far back as May, 2008, and more recent speculation that it was going to be a twin-turbo V10 instead, but now Inside Line is reporting that BMW reps have confirmed that a V8 will indeed be in the next M5's engine bay - although they didn't confirm which one. Most likely, it will be the 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 that first appeared in the X5M and X6M. With 555 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, it falls right in the ballpark with other supersedan outputs. That new powerplant will sit in a new cradle as well, with the all-new 5-Series just months away. Around these parts, we're starting to refer to this next generation M5 as the Goldilocks Edition. Six wasn't enough, ten was too much and eight is just right. Thanks for the tip, Derick!

Gallery: Review: BMW M5

[Source: Inside Line]

REPORT: BMW M5 dropping V10 for turbo V8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Top Gear pits Jaguar XFR against BMW M5

Chris Shunk — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, Videos, BMW, Jaguar, Luxury

Click the image above to watch the video after the jump

While the BMW M5 has topped Top Gear's list of four door sports sedans for what seems like forever, the Bavarian bombshell suddenly has plenty of competition, the newest of which is the Jaguar XFR. TG wanted to see which vehicle was better on the track and around town, and naturally, Jeremy Clarkson volunteered to work as judge and jury.

Clarkson spent all of his time behind the wheel of a right hand drive XFR, and he seemed surprised and delighted at the Leaping Cat's power and handling. Clarkson calls the cushy ride of the XFR "so soft and it's so absorbent, it's like sitting on a fat dog." But this plump puppy has 503 hp, and "80 more torques" than the BMW, while both vehicles' weight is about the same. Hit the jump to check out the comparo, and try to guess which sedan finished the Top Gear lap faster.

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear pits Jaguar XFR against BMW M5

VIDEO: Top Gear pits Jaguar XFR against BMW M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VIDEO: Audi Q7 V12 TDI versus BMW M5

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:24:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, SUV, Etc., Videos, Audi, BMW, UK

Click above to watch the Audi Q7 V12 TDI take on the BMW M5

Autocar decided to find out which was faster among two unlikely bedfellows sharing one common trait: 500 horsepower. In one lane you've got the BMW M5, with ten petrol-powered cylinders. In the adjacent lane there's the Q7 V12 TDI, with twelve oil-burning cylinders. The M5 is much lighter. The Q7 has Quattro. And being England, of course it's wet. Follow the jump to see who won and by how much.

Continue reading VIDEO: Audi Q7 V12 TDI versus BMW M5

VIDEO: Audi Q7 V12 TDI versus BMW M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Apr 2009 12:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

G-Power takes 4-door sedan top speed record with M5 Hurricane RS

Drew Phillips — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Sedan, BMW

Click above for a high-res gallery of the G-Power BMW M5 Hurricane RS

For all the hype about supercars' top speeds, the statistic is generally good for nothing more than bragging rights. The likelihood that your Bugatti Veyron will ever meet up with an SSC Ultimate Aero on the street is next to none, and even if you did, good luck trying to find a place to safely exceed 250 mph. Peak velocity seems even less important when it comes to sedans, but that doesn't stop various tuners from chasing the title of world's fastest four-door. Brabus has long held the title, first with E V12 that hit 206 mph in 1996 and most recently upping that mark to later upping the mark to 227.23 mph with the CLS "Rocket". With that number set in their sights, BMW tuner G-Power took an upgraded version of their M5 Hurricane to the ATP High-Seed test track in Papenburg, Germany last month hoping to set a new record. That they did, eclipsing the Rocket's top speed with a best run of 228.4 mph. Lest Brabus seek to take back the title, G-Power claims that they can improve on the number by increasing the boost from the twin superchargers mounted to the BMW's V10. More info on G-Power's new record following the jump.

Gallery: G-Power M5 Hurricane RS

Continue reading G-Power takes 4-door sedan top speed record with M5 Hurricane RS

G-Power takes 4-door sedan top speed record with M5 Hurricane RS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2008 BMW M5

Dan Roth — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:28:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, BMW

2008 BMW M5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

BMW's M5 is understated enough to fly under the radar of the general public, but those in the know, familiar with its capabilities and the legacy it carries, grow silent with reverence if you pull up to them at the gas pump. Who can resist a vehicle that can stop conversations mid-sentence, and accelerates strongly enough to extinguish candles on the next block? We certainly couldn't, and thus began our week with the mighty M5.

Gallery: Review: BMW M5

Continue reading Review: 2008 BMW M5

Review: 2008 BMW M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW switching to turbocharged M cars

Michael Harley — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:43:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Europe, BMW

After two decades of normally-aspirated high-revving engines shoehorned under the hoods of its M cars, BMW is changing direction and will begin to offer direct-injection turbocharged powerplants in its future high-performance flagships. The German automaker is blaming tough environmental emission standards and the soaring manufacturing costs of the specialty-built V8 and V10 engines found in today's M3, M5, and M6 models for its decision. We also suspect the fact that both Audi and Mercedes-Benz have successfully offered torque-laden forced-induction powerplants for years on their performance models may have something to do with it (also keep in mind that an aftermarket-tuned version of BMW's own twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 can easily match the power output of the M3's normally-aspirated 4.0-liter V8). The first new M model to carry the turbocharged honor will be the X6 xDrive M, with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 reportedly making 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. That same engine is reportedly going into the next F10-chassis M5 due in late 2010.

[Source: Autoweek]

BMW switching to turbocharged M cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Age Soft Chairman shows off Manga Lambo, M5 and Stratos

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Japan, Videos, Supercars, BMW, Lamborghini

Click above for gallery of Itasha supercars

In Japan, Otaku are the rabid fans of anime who often take their passion to extremes. One way they show their affection is to pull their favorite characters out of the imaginary world and plant them on vehicles in the real world. The pain caused by leaving their fantasy lives to join mainstream life lends its name to the show vehicles on which these characters land, itasha. Itasha has become a huge fad in Japan, with shows around the country almost every weekend. Fans decorate their cars with custom paint jobs or vinyls that act as a tribute to their favorite movies, games and characters.

One such Otaku happens to be a chairman of Age Soft software, creators of the game Total Eclipse, among others. At a recent Itasha show he brought along three of his favorite rides, all decked out with manga. That in itself might not seem so newsworthy, but when you hear what three cars he had done up in anime glory, you might be a bit shocked. Yoshida San showed up with his personal BMW M5, Lamborghini Gallardo and Lancia Stratos. Check out the gallery to see the madness for yourself. Click any image for a gallery of itasha, and follow the jump for an AOL video that explains itasha. Grazie per il tip, Francesco!

Gallery: Manga supercars

[Source: HobbyMedia.it]

Continue reading Age Soft Chairman shows off Manga Lambo, M5 and Stratos

Age Soft Chairman shows off Manga Lambo, M5 and Stratos originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Stillborn: 1989 BMW M5 convertible

Noah Joseph — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 19:58:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Classics, Convertible, Geneva Motor Show, BMW

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.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

The future of M: BMW X5, X6 and less

Michael Harley — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, Europe, BMW, Specialty

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

BMW M division celebrates 30 years and 300,000 vehicles

Dan Roth — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:29:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Classics, Europe, BMW

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

2012 Lexus GS-F to use 500-HP V10

Frank Filipponio — Sat, 01 Sep 2007 12:03:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Lexus

Well, the Lexus IS-F is really being seen as an M3 fighter in many camps, so something one size up makes sense as well. Its rumored M5-battling GS-F will need some serious hardware underhood to take on its just-right-sized Bavarian rival. Something like a 500 HP V10 would seem a good start. And that's what it will get apparently.

Of course this is still early guesswork, and by the time the car debuts as a 2012 model the benchmark may have made a move of its own, so we'll just trust Motor Trend's predictions for now. They forecast the GS-F will get the LF-A's "500-plus-horsepower, Formula 1-inspired sub-five-liter V-10." That racy mill will find its way into the all-new 2011 GS sedan, backed by a modified eight-speed automatic from the LS 460, which allows "ultrafast" manual shifting via paddles. It should be an interesting challenger to not only the M5, but to the Audi RS6, Mercedes E63 and Cadillac CTS-V as well. We'll keep you posted.

Thanks for the tip, Patrick!

[Source: Motor Trend]

2012 Lexus GS-F to use 500-HP V10 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Sep 2007 12:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Nissan beats BMW in battle over "M"

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 17:28:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, BMW, Infiniti, Nissan

Click over and get your Sesame Street fix. You know you want to.

A Canadian court just ruled that the letter "M" does not belong to BMW, so it has decided to change its name to "BW." Just kidding. BMW Canada had sued Nissan Canada in a bid to stop the Infiniti brand from using the "M" model designation on its mid-level vehicles. BMW has been using the letter "M" to signify its top-performing models for decades and felt its use on Infinitis was confusing to customers.

Actually, BMW called Infiniti vehicles "inferior and more modestly priced." That should have put Nissan in its place, but no, Nissan fought back. And the Canadian Federal Court of Appeal is siding with Nissan, ruling that it's free to use the letter "M", as well.

This recent judgment in Nissan's favor overturns a previous one that went BMW's way and blocked Nissan from using the letter. Nissan was this close to changing its name to Missan. There we go, cracking wise again. Seriously though, BMW has the Supreme Court available if it still wants to fight.

Today's post was brought to you by the letter "M" and the numbers 3, 5, 6 and sometimes 4.

[Source: Canada National Post]

Nissan beats BMW in battle over "M" originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 08 Aug 2007 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

BMW may bring Z8 successor to Shanghai auto show

Frank Filipponio — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 13:29:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Convertible, Performance, BMW

Automotive News is reporting that BMW will be unveiling a concept version of the successor to its Z8 sports car at the Shanghai motor show next month.The new Z9 (Z10 seems to fit current naming practices better, but we'll stick with Z9 here because it's what Auto News is reporting) will likely one-up its predecessor with a folding hardtop and possibly a coupe version, as well. The Z9 is likely to get a version of the 500-hp, 5.0-liter V10 from the M5/M6.

The new top-of-the-line sports car will go head-to-head with the Mercedes SL and Audi R8, among others, when it debuts sometime in 2009 or 2010. BMW hopes to find as many as 15,000 buyers a year for the new sports car even though it only managed to move 5,702 Z8s during the whole run from 2000 to 2003. There are plenty of pics of an SLR-like gullwing Z9 concept that has a 6-series butt and a long tapered nose, but we are praying for something better. We hope it can match the beauty of the neo-507 Z8 pictured above when it debuts.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req]

BMW may bring Z8 successor to Shanghai auto show originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Apr 2007 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Mark Phelan reviews BMW's M5... and isn't pleased

Erin Mays — Fri, 05 May 2006 17:04:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW

Sure it's got great handling and massive amounts of horsepower, but when you've got a clunky 7-speed sequential manual gearbox and an overly-complicated i-Drive, you just paid too much for your $81,000 super sedan. So says Mark Phelan, who tested out the BMW and can't wait for the manual version to come out this fall.

While the i-Drive is tolerable (because it's largely avoidable), Phelan maintains that the SMG is not. Slow and jerky, the gearbox can be controlled by the driver tapping the stick up or down, or via 11 different electronic programs that enables the car shift to on its own. The only good thing about the getup is that drivers who can't drive stick get to experience something an awful lot like it, though Phelan argues that that probably wasn't what BMW was going for.

The interior appointments and exterior design are stellar, Phelan says, and giving the vehicle a traditional manual will likely put it at the top of Phelan's list.

In fact, Phelan's criticism of BMW's SMG gearbox and i-Drive aren't new, but a growing chorus of voices have expressed discontent with both. For support, look no further than reviewer Robert Farago of TheTruthAboutCars.com.

[Sources: Detroit Free Press; BMW; TheTruthAboutCars.com]

Mark Phelan reviews BMW's M5... and isn't pleased originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 May 2006 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments