Autoblog

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series M Coupe shows off its insides

Steven J. Ewing — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:29:00 EST

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

In true BMW new model roll-out fashion, the hype surrounding the hotter 1 Series M Coupe has been exceedingly well documented. We've spied the car out testing, BMW has shown us videos of the prototypes and now the folks at 1addicts.com have snapped some shots of the M-badged 1's interior, showing a host of upgrades that stand true to the car's beefed up dynamics.

Changes to the 1 Series interior include items like more supportive sport seats, a smaller-diameter steering wheel (from the M3) and two-tone instrument cluster gauges. What's more, we can see the integration of BMW's latest iDrive system in the 1 Coupe, but our favorite part is indeed the fact that a manual gearbox is in place. Dual-clutch setups are nice, but we love being able to shift for ourselves.

In addition to these spy shots, we've also come across the first in-car test video of the 1 Series M Coupe, showing what sort of prowess this little hottie has out on the track. Stop teasing us, BMW - we're ready to conduct our own evaluation. Looking for more shots of the interior? Visit our friends at 1addicts using the link below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW M1/1 Series M

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW M1 / 1M with quad pipes

[Source: 1addicts]

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series M Coupe shows off its insides originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 13:29:00 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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Review: 2010 BMW X5 M is illogically sound

Jonny Lieberman — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, SUV, Europe, BMW, New Car Reviews, Luxury

2010 BMW X5 M - Click above for high-res image gallery

No one ever said that evolution is pretty. Take the best-of-breed BMW M Division product: the E30 M3. Little more than a homologated race car, the first generation M3 was potent, nimble, and with its small displacement 2.3-liter inline-four fed by a retweaked M1 intake, it was light, too. Long story short, the OG M3 remains an ideal performance car.

Today, we have the X5 M. Looking at the bright blue truckish thing parked in the driveway, it's difficult - if not impossible - to see any sort of relation to BMW's vaunted and aforementioned M3 beyond its badges. You can't imagine what the missing link between the two might be. However, perhaps even mentioning the E30 M3 is being too puritanical. After all, very few vehicles could compare - let alone compete - with the street version of history's most winning road-race car. And you can bet your Roundel subscription that BMW will never competitively race an X5 M.

What then? It's not a newsflash, but the 2010 BMW X5 M doesn't remind you of sporty BMW products of yore. Of course, going back almost 25 years and looking at the first M3 through 1986-eyes, you would notice the hopped-up street car bears basically no resemblance whatsoever to BMW's hottie 1961 product, the Isetta 600. For those of you not up-to-date on your bubble car history, the Isetta 600 was a stretched, four-seat version of the 297cc, one-cylinder Iso-derived Isetta 300. The 600 featured a two-cylinder 0.6-liter moto engine and semi-trailing arm rear independent suspension. Actually come to think of it, the Isetta 600 and the E30 M3 at least shared a rear-suspension design. The X5 M then, in terms of BMW's history, is truly an alien from another world. A world where family haulers thrash muscle cars for pinks. But does any of that matter? Are companies not free to reinvent themselves, especially here in America, where the X5 M is built? Perhaps most importantly, is the X5 M any good, let alone worthy of the vaunted M badge? Make the jump to find out.

Gallery: Review: 2010 BMW X5 M

Continue reading Review: 2010 BMW X5 M is illogically sound

Review: 2010 BMW X5 M is illogically sound originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jun 2010 11:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW teases new U.S.-only model lurking in the shadows

Zach Bowman — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:56:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, BMW, Luxury

BMW teaser photos - Click above for high-res image gallery

If there's one thing the auto world loves, it's a good tease. BMW has been happy to oblige this afternoon by dropping three photos of a new model fit just for U.S. consumption. Details are fittingly scarce, though the company does say that it will drop full details on the world come Thursday. Since we've been left to our own devices, how about a little rampant speculation to get the ball rolling? Judging from the front fascia, we're guessing the new car is gussied up M3. The smattering of M logos throughout the cabin leads us to believe that the new kid on the block will likely boast a more sporting pedigree than its brethren, and since the America-only 335is is already down the pike, another pepped up 3 Series wouldn't make much sense.

From the looks of things, there's definitely a dual-clutch cog box at play, though it's unclear if that will be the only option. Now the only question is whether the company will tweak the V8 found in the M3 or whether it will leave it alone and instead make other upgrades, and there's also the question of which bodystyle(s) the car will be available with, as the M3 is currently available in coupe, sedan, and convertible form. Keep your ears pinned back for more information later in the week. Until then, let your imagination run wild.

Gallery: BMW Teaser Photos

[Source: BMW]

BMW teases new U.S.-only model lurking in the shadows originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Twin-turbo V8 confirmed for 2012 BMW M5

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 07:57:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Performance, BMW

2012 BMW M5 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Dr. Kay Sigler, head of BMW's M division has confirmed to no one's surprise that the next generation M5 would indeed use a twin-turbocharged V8 in place of the current model's V10. In fact, after last year's debut of the X5 M and X6 M we would have been quite shocked to see anything but the V8. While the 500 horsepower V10 in today's M5 is indeed powerful, in the years since its debut a number of even more powerful and, perhaps more importantly, torquier competitors have arrived.

The supercharged 6.2-liter V8 in the Cadillac CTS-V and the turbocharged V10 in the Audi RS6 easily thrash the output of the Munich V10. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 cranks out 555 hp and 500 pound-feet in the two SUVs, but we're betting BMW will find a way to squeeze out even more for the sedan.

Gallery: Spy Shots: 2011 BMW M5

[Source: Auto Bild via BMW Blog]

Report: Twin-turbo V8 confirmed for 2012 BMW M5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 07:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW 1 Series M prototype makes an appearance at the 'Ring

Sam Abuelsamid — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW

BMW 1 Series M prototype on the 'Ring - Click above to watch the video after the break

The BMW 1 Series M is getting ever closer to production, and what appears to be a real production prototype has made its first appearance at the "Green Hell." The previously seen tacked-on rear fender flares of the previous mules have been discarded in favor of enhanced sheet metal. All of the metal from the side character line is covered in the standard-issue BMW swirly prototype wrap. Based on the new nose, this car has some serious air ingestion requirements as evidenced by the large openings below the bumper.

Within the wheels, the BMW engineers have wasted none of the available space, filling the fronts with as much brake hardware as could be squeezed in with only slightly less going into the back corners.

If the production car sounds like what we hear in the video after the jump, driving this 1 M/M1/135is/whatever will be a glorious audio experience. Tip of the hat to Luis!

[Source: 1addicts.com]

Continue reading Video: BMW 1 Series M prototype makes an appearance at the 'Ring

Video: BMW 1 Series M prototype makes an appearance at the 'Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 13:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M looking to be more youthful, get more affordable?

Michael Harley — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:39:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Performance, BMW

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

There was a time, not too long ago, when a BMW M-badged vehicle was feared. In the late 1990s, the E36 M3 Coupe was often regarded as the best-handling two-door on the planet and its sibling, the E36 M3 Sedan, was the fastest four-door in showrooms. The droptop M Roadster offered a viable alternative to a Porsche 911 Cabriolet, while the bad-to-the bone E39 M5 ran without peers thanks to its 400-horsepower V8 .

Today's M models offer excellent performance, but the bar has been raised so high that cheaper upstarts like Mitsubishi and Subaru can give them a run for the money on tracks, not to mention surging premium competitors like Audi and arch rival, Mercedes-Benz and their AMG offerings. Kay Segler, the new chief of BMW's performance-oriented M brand, has taken notice. However, instead of pushing the well-respected division to the head of the pack with even greater levels of performance, Segler says it is time to rethink what his division stands for - meaning BMW M may no longer offer the fastest or most powerful cars possible.

"The measurement of 0 to 100 (km/h) isn't as much a thrill anymore," Segler tells TheDetroitBureau.com. He goes on to explain that it's how a car feels via the driver's "butt-o-meter" matters more. Furthermore, he says the performance M brand needs to shift directions. "We want to make M young again." Segler's goal "is to go towards affordability and freshness." Those are big changes considering the current M lineup represents the flagship of each model range - priced accordingly - along with gigantic SUVs like the 5,368-pound X5 M. Undeterred by the news, we are still holding our breath for a production version of the Concept 1 Series Tii.

Gallery: BMW Concept 1 Series tii

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]

BMW M looking to be more youthful, get more affordable? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW M division cranks out a human-powered bike

Noah Joseph — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:31:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., BMW

BMW M Bike - Click above for high-res image

There aren't a lot of automakers also making motorcycles. Honda, Suzuki, Peugeot, BMW... along with Triumph once upon a time and Yamaha dabbling in the automotive consultancy business. That just about covers it. But there are plenty churning out branded bicycles, and Bimmer's M division is the latest.

The 28-pound cycle is based on a sleek aluminum frame, available in three sizes and coated in matte anthracite paint. It's topped by a leather fi'zi:k saddle with a red inlay and fitted with a Manitou Match front suspension fork, Shimano SLX gear system - what, no dual-clutch transmission? - and disc brakes front and rear.

The BMW M Bike will only be made in limited quantities starting in June from select dealership and www.bmw-shop.com. Just don't expect dealers to begin giving them away free with the purchase of a new X3 like Volkswagen did with Trek. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW M division cranks out a human-powered bike

BMW M division cranks out a human-powered bike originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 08:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Active Autowerke BMW M3 headed for an Autobahn near you *UPDATE

Steven J. Ewing — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:29:00 EST

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

Active Autowerke BMW M3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The BMW M3 is already one of Germany's best Autobahn burners, but U.S.-based tuning company Active Autowerke has taken BMW's pride-and-joy M car to the next level.

Active Autowerke has made a few minor tweaks to the engine by way of a performance software upgrade. We're told that the M3 is now producing around 470 horsepower versus the stock car's 414 (which still isn't anything to raise your nose at). Autowerke's Signature Series Performance Package also includes things like a modified rear exhaust, short shift kit, and performance brake pads. Additionally, the folks at KW have fitted an upgraded coilover system for better suspension dynamics, meaning the coupe should be a bit more lively than the stock car we're used to.

Visually, Autowerke has partnered with Vorsteiner to add a new carbon fiber front bumper, upgraded rear diffuser, and a carbon fiber boot lid, giving the custom M3 a much more aggressive road presence. The wheels, made by ADV.1 and distributed by Avus Performance, can be built to many different size specifications, as well as being offered in either matte bronze and matte gunmetal. We'll take those hot 14-spokes, please.

*UPDATE: While the original information about this hotted-up M3 was sent to us by a spokesperson for Avus Performance, we have now learned that the car was, in fact, tuned by U.S.-based Active Autowerke using additional parts from the Vorsteiner and KW companies. Avus Performance is simply the distributor of the ADV.1 wheels pictured on the M3.

Gallery: Active Autowerke BMW M3

[Source: Active Autowerke, GT Spirit]

Active Autowerke BMW M3 headed for an Autobahn near you *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: Next BMW M5 spotted braving the cold

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST

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

The phrase "new BMW M5" has always found the words "immense anticipation" lurking somewhere close by, and this latest version maintains that union. An HGH-injected iteration of the 5 Series was spotted apparently testing its traction control in some northern land of frosted flakes, wearing a very subtle look.

As outlined by CAR recently, the M-fünf is expected to pump out 570 horsepower through a direct-injected, twin-turbo V8. Auto Express suggests that the changes to the car will be less extensive than in previous editions. Still, this prototype is probably still missing a few of the burly bits we can expect to see on the final car, which should show its face at the Paris Motor Show later this year.

[Source: Auto Express]

Spy Shots: Next BMW M5 spotted braving the cold originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: BMW M division pushing for hardcore version of next 1 Series

Noah Joseph — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Hatchback, BMW

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.

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Rumormill: $170k BMW M3 GT/GT4 Street probably not coming to U.S.

Noah Joseph — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:20:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW

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.

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Rumormill: BMW looking at cheaper 5 Series Gran Turismo, rules out M model

Chris Paukert — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 15:29:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Wagon, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, BMW, Rumormill, Diesel

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: Auto car]

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.

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Luxury automakers could get partial exemption from CO₂ rules

Sam Abuelsamid — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 17:06:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Government/Legal, Luxury

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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REPORT: BMW M boss Segler says no M7 model is forthcoming

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, BMW

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.

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Style and Substance: BMW X6 with M Sport Package to get power upgrades?

Noah Joseph — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, BMW

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

Noah Joseph — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 11:33:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Crossover, BMW

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.

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

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: New York Auto Show, Crossover, BMW

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.

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Spy Shots: Is BMW working on an M7?

Noah Joseph — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, BMW

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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BMW to start offering M-Sport packs in the U.S., look faster without the go-fast bits!

Sam Abuelsamid — Sat, 27 Dec 2008 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: BMW

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.

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