Autoblog

Pics Aplenty: BMW celebrates 40 years of M

Jeff Sabatini — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Performance, BMW, Luxury

When we think of the BMW M division, the 1978 M1 comes instantly to mind, followed by the E30 M3 and then the 2001-2002 M Coupe. But the company's in-house hot rod shop actually dates back to 1972, when it was formed as a subsidiary to manage the company's racing operations, dubbed BMW Motorsport.

It was this month 40 years ago that what is known today as BMW M GmbH was launched. So to celebrate its anniversary, BMW has offloaded some 50 lustworthy images celebrating that performance history. See them all in our gallery.

Pics Aplenty: BMW celebrates 40 years of M originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 May 2012 19:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 1 Series M Coupe is sold out

Jeff Sabatini — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:15:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW

We knew this was coming, but the BMW 1 Series M Coupe is now history. While BMW is still building out the model run, it has closed ordering and "all cars are spoken for," according to Car and Driver.

The report comes from the magazine's European correspondent, so we assume any remaining cars are destined to remain in Europe, meaning that our friends across the Atlantic are just now catching up to our situation here. Perhaps this news should come as no surprise, as the 1 Series M Coupe was sold in the U.S. for just a single model year, 2011.

Of course, if your heart is set on owning one of fewer than 1,000 1 Series M Coupes that were offered in the States, the only thing standing between you and your dream is money. We imagine values of these cars will not depreciate much (the only used example on eBay Motors at the moment has been essentially bid up to MSRP), though whether the 1 Series M Coupe will achieve the cult status of the 2001-2002 BMW M Coupe remains to be seen.

BMW 1 Series M Coupe is sold out originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dan Neil calls BMW 1M Coupe ugly... is he right? [w/poll]

Zach Bowman — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:59:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Celebrities, Design/Style, Luxury

Dan Neil, car critic at The Wall Street Journal and The Car Show presenter, is pretty smitten with the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, at least on most fronts. As a devotee of the E36 M3, Neil is happy to see that the fairly lightweight coupe comes with an honest inline six-cylinder engine under the hood, even with its forced-induction shenanigans. And the six-speed manual transmission with its excellent clutch and solid shifter apparently warranted spilling some ink over as well, but not all is right in the land of baby M models. According to Neil, the 1 Series M Coupe is "one of the ugliest, most disturbingly wrong car designs in modern history."

As the locals are fond of saying; them's some strong words. We won't be caught leaping to the defense of the vehicle's aesthetics, but we will say Neil comes down a bit hard on the smallest of the M clan. Sure the car isn't the prettiest belle at the heel-toe squaredance, but ugliest of them all? That's a big stretch. We would carefully point Neil's attention toward the likes of the the Dodge Caliber, just about any crossover from SsangYong or even the hideous of all hideousness, the Pontiac Aztek as contenders for that title. What do you think?

View Poll

Dan Neil calls BMW 1M Coupe ugly... is he right? [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 19:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, New Car Reviews

Life in the Key of M. Minor.

If you have read the breathless reviews and overwritten comparos, you would assume that the 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe is infused with the second coming of Senna. And for BMW to unabashedly draw a line between the M Coupe and the most holy of holies, the 1986-92 E30 M3, smacks of PRified nostalgia stoking. Call me a contrarian, but I refuse to believe the hype.

So as soon as the orange Bimmer landed on my fleet schedule, any and all reading, writing and discussion about the littlest M ceased. I would drive it for a week, live with it as if it were my own and deliver a critical, blatantly unbiased review of Life in the Key of M.

Five minutes into my first drive, I immediately pulled into a turnout, sat there for a second, took a deep breathe and realized - dammit - everyone was right. Brilliance is back in a small package.

Continue reading 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 1 Series M Coupe is off the wall(s)

Zach Bowman — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:32:00 EST

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

BMW 1 Series M Coupe ad - Click above to watch video after the jump

We have to wonder what it's like to be in automotive advertising. It can't all be fun and games, but the thought of sitting around, dreaming up a hair-brained stunt and then seeing said exercise come to life must be some kind of thrill. BMW has just released a new spot for the company's 1 Series M Coupe, and it involves plenty of rolling expanses of asphalt, heaping helpings of tire smoke and more than a little car control. The premise is pretty simple: a lone 1 M Coupe is left to slide around on an airfield until the driver feels comfortable enough to begin threading the vehicle through a set of concrete walls.

Each wall has a cut out just large enough to fit the coupe. Drama ensues.

Now, we hate to go all internet on the fine folks at BMW and drop a fake bomb here, but those walls look to be tinged with more than just a little CG. Still, we'll be the first to apologize if BMW actually trusted a driver to thread the needle over and over again with the company's newest creation. Hit the jump to check out the clip for yourself.

Continue reading BMW 1 Series M Coupe is off the wall(s)

BMW 1 Series M Coupe is off the wall(s) originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

Michael Harley — Fri, 13 May 2011 11:57:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, First Drives

The E30 M3 Reincarnated, But Where Does That Leave The M3?

2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

Enthusiasts, BMW has your car.

After painfully watching for years as the automaker's beloved M lineup ballooned in both size and weight - even adding sport utility vehicles - the German's have delivered us a new little jewel. It's not another derivative of the race-bred M3, the highly anticipated next-generation M5 or a sneak preview of the future M6. Instead, this little shot of driving ecstasy comes in the guise of the lowly 1 Series - the entry-level BMW.

BMW invited us to its headquarters in New Jersey for our first driving impressions. Instead of death-by-PowerPoint, the traditional manner of new vehicle introduction, they immediately handed us the key fob to a brand-new 1 Series M Coupe along with a paper map. Our assignment was to drive the back roads for the next two hours to Monticello Motorsports Park, the private racing circuit outside New York City. After extended hot laps followed by lunch, we'd polish the marbles off the tire treads with a drive back to Montvale before a six-hour flight back home. Continue reading...

Continue reading 2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

2011 BMW 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 May 2011 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 1 Series M Coupe steps up to the scales

Zach Bowman — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:25:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., BMW

The crowd at Axis of Oversteer managed to get their paws on the first BMW 1 Series M Coupes to be let loose on American soil. What did they do with the car? While we can imagine the vehicle has already suffered through a pile of hole-shot launches and some serious flinging, the AoO gang also took a spell to load the car onto a set of scales to find out what exactly the baby M weights with a full tank. In a world where manufacturers are increasingly pressed to get their vehicles under the 4,000 pound mark, the 1 Series M Coupe managed to slide in at 3,351 pounds.

That's mighty skinny considering that the car packs a 340 horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six under hood. This particular car has a full dance card at the moment. It's headed from New Jersey to Daytona, Florida to serve as the pace car for this weekend's 24 Hours of Daytona. We're guessing that the machine will be right at home among the muscle-bound bruisers going the distance down south.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

[Source: Axis of Oversteer]

BMW 1 Series M Coupe steps up to the scales originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe the "most affordable" M product ever offered

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 16 Jan 2011 11:17:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, BMW

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

At $47,010 (including destination), the 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe isn't exactly cheap. Still, Matthew Russell, BMW product and technology PR rep, says it's "the most affordable M BMW has ever sold, adjusting for inflation, including the original E30 M3." That car cost around $34,000 when it was introduced in 1988. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Russell is more than right: $34,000 in 1988 had the same buying power as $62,885 in 2010.

With rumors of BMW getting into front-wheel-drive cars, we asked Dr. Kay Segler, president of BMW M GmbH, if M could do a FWD car. Segler said, "I haven't thought about that," and went on to remark that he couldn't see doing a sub-1-Series M car. Russell elaborated with, "There are rumors about what is coming, but those aren't from us." As to other rumors about whether the coupes will be limited or capped in number, we were told categorically, "No." But that was amended with, "But they will be hard to get."

Gallery: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe: Detroit 2011

Continue reading 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe the "most affordable" M product ever offered

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe the "most affordable" M product ever offered originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jon Sibal's BMW 1 M Coupe rendering to become real car

Jeff Glucker — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 18:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Etc., BMW, Design/Style

Jon Sibal is a very talented artist, and he recently turned his virtual pen on the all-new 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe. This rendering is going to be more than just a desktop wallpaper and a dream, however, because a BMW tuning company in Chicago is going to build it.

IND Distribution is teaming up with Patrick BMW, Jon Sibal and a handful of other companies to make this 1M and its classic M livery a reality. The car will get the exterior upgrades and paintwork as well as a host of performance modifications to dial up the fun-meter. We can't wait to see the completed project.
Thanks for the tip, Andy!

[Source: Jon Sibal via MotorWorldHype]

Jon Sibal's BMW 1 M Coupe rendering to become real car originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: BMW 1 Series M Coupe to pack 451 hp?!

Zach Bowman — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:31:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

The rumor furnaces are cooking at full tilt when it comes to what will be lurking under the hood of the upcoming BMW 1 Series M Coupe. The sleuths at 1addicts.com have managed to lay their hands on a clandestine manifest that supposedly outlines all of the new models set to flow forth the Bavarian automaker. Nestled among the more common 1 Series metal is a vehicle that appears to be code named "1 M Pyrat" that will supposedly pack a 340 horsepower N54 engine in European trim. That'll send your eyebrows to your hairline, sure, but it's not nearly as shocking as the U.S.-spec model just a bit further down the list.

According to the enthusiast site, BMW is planning a 451 horsepower version of the 1 Series M Coupe just for American consumption. Now, we hate to the little black rain cloud that rains on everyone's parade, but this seems more than a little unlikely. After all, the big daddy M3 rolls with 414 horsepower right now, and even if BMW is planning a substantial bump in power in the near future, it seems unlikely that the baby 1 would be given the chops to pass its bigger brother.

Still, it doesn't hurt us one bit to dream this little dream until BMW says otherwise. Head over to 1addicts to have a closer look at the manifest.

Gallery: BMW 1M Coupe teasers

[Source: 1addicts]

Rumormill: BMW 1 Series M Coupe to pack 451 hp?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW 1 Series M Coupe to physically debut in Detroit, already emotionally debuted in our hearts

Jeff Glucker — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Etc., BMW

Spy Shots: BMW 1 Series M Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery

The highly-anticipated BMW 1 Series M Coupe can't arrive fast enough. Roundel fans are calling it a return to BMW's driver-focused roots, and the lightened 1 Series with more power and a manual gearbox is aimed squarely at people who want a focused experience behind the wheel. So when's it arriving? According to the first round of prototype driving reports, the newest M car will debut at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show in January.

After it's big reveal, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe will be brought to market in May and according to previous reports just 2,700 examples will be produced with the largest allocation coming to the U.S. If you plan on buying one, you won't have trouble choosing a color since there are just three options; Alpine White, Jet Black and Valencia Orange Metallic.

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

[Source: The Auto Channel]

Continue reading BMW 1 Series M Coupe to physically debut in Detroit, already emotionally debuted in our hearts

BMW 1 Series M Coupe to physically debut in Detroit, already emotionally debuted in our hearts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 11 Oct 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:57:00 EST

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

BMW 1 Series M Coupe - Click above to view the video after the jump

The achingly slow striptease of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe continues with a 47-second-long spot of the camo-clad coupe bearing just enough sheetmetal to keep us interested.

The multi-spoke wheels, drilled discs and quad-exhausts are the only elements not left to the imagination, but the extra vinyl aft of the front wheels is sure to hiding a set of M-style fender vents while a ducktail spoiler is fitted out back.

As for mechanicals, the smart money is still on an upgraded twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54), channeling over 335 horsepower through a manual gearbox and down to the rear wheels via a torque-vectoring M differential.

We're hearing rumblings that the Coupe could be unveiled at next week's Oktoberfest BMWCCA event in Wisconsin, but in the meantime, check out the latest teaser after the jump and scope the first vid in our previous post. Thanks to everyone for the tips!

Continue reading Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser

Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Riding shotgun in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe

Zach Bowman — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST

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

BMW 1 Series M Coupe prototype on track - Click above to watch video after the jump

It's cool. We know you've already clicked past the jump and are well into watching one very lucky soul flog the snot out of a prototype of the oft-hyped BMW 1 Series M Coupe around the Ascari race track in Spain. We're not offended. For those of you who are unfortunate enough to have YouTube blocked at your place of employment, allow us to share what you're missing out on. The good people at M-Power somehow managed to secure a spot in the passenger seat of the second-coming of M during a hot lap. We're not talking some pansy parade through the chicanes, either. It's more of a kick the tail out, plop your foot onto the throttle and aim for the next curb sort of shindig.

If you're looking for any details on the car other than just how well it can rivet a smile to you face, odds are you're out of luck. Still, watching the little M blister around the course, we can't wait to get our grubby journo paws on the pint-size coupe. The biggest question in our minds? How is BMW going to keep the M3 sharp enough to stay ahead of its meaner younger sibling?

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Riding shotgun in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe

Video: Riding shotgun in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: BMW teases 1 Series M Coupe [*UPDATED]

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:36:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW

BMW 1 Series M Coupe - Click above to view the video after the jump

We've waited a long time for this. And not just for the official name. BMW has released the first teaser video of its upcoming 1 Series M Coupe and "excited" doesn't begin to describe how we're feeling.

The video after the jump is devoid of hard details, but it confirms what we've seen in countless spy shots and the rumors that have made the rounds for nearly a year.

Early reports indicate that the twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54) in the standard 135i will be upgraded to 335 horsepower, with the M Coupe's newfound grunt channeled through a six-speed ~~dual-clutch~~ manual gearbox and down to the rear wheels via a torque-vectoring M rear differential. The results are a 0-60 time of around 4.5 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.

Naturally, firmer springs, dampers and bushings are part of the package, along with lightweight 18-inch wheels and a full body kit consisting of a new fascia, flared wheel arches, larger side sills, rear diffuser and a small spoiler. Being an M-fettled product, expect a quad-tipped exhaust to reside out back and - judging by previous spy shots and the official video - BMW's trademark fender vents.

BMW kindly requests you to register at M-Power.com for more details and to sign up for an exclusive test drive. The rub: it's only open to "German and Austrian" drivers. Here's hoping that unjust regionalism doesn't extend to sales when the 1 Series M Coupe hit dealers in the second quarter of 2011.

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

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

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW M1 / 1 M / 135is / 135 tii

Continue reading Video: BMW teases 1 Series M Coupe [*UPDATED]

Video: BMW teases 1 Series M Coupe [*UPDATED] originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti bringing two new M-based G-based models to Pebble Beach

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 19 May 2010 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Infiniti, Luxury

Infiniti G Coupe Sketches - Click above for high-res image

For the past two years, Infiniti has been growing its presence in Pebble Beach. The week-long auto extravaganza in August plays host to a number of automaker events, but recently, Infiniti has been taking center stage. For 2010, Nissan's premium channel isn't letting up, bringing two M-based models to the party in Pebble, both of which are slated for production.

We don't have specifics on either model, but in addition to the image above, our sources within Infiniti tell us that the new coupe variants will be extensions of its current lineup, ~~lending credence~~ ~~to recent rumors of an M coupe~~ likely to be based off Infiniti's current line of G vehicles.

More interestingly, we've been told that both models will "extend Infiniti into an area we haven't been before" and that one of those models will be more "performance oriented." If that means we can expect some kind of powertrain similar to the Essence Concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show last year - a twin-turbo, direct injected V6 putting out over 450 horsepower - consider our interest incredibly piqued.

Both models are set to go on sale in October or November of this year, with the M35 Hybrid arriving sometime toward the end of 2011.

Infiniti bringing two new ~~M-based~~ G-based models to Pebble Beach originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shot? Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake revealed?

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, Performance, Europe, Hatchback, Porsche

Yes, well, wouldn't this be something. We've heard rumors and innuendo concerning the supposed Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake. In many ways, a shooting brake (also properly spelled with a hyphen -- shooting-brake) is the perfect vehicle. Small and light like a sports car, but capable and practical like a station wagon. Combine chocolate with peanut butter and voila! A most excellent product.

Is this for real? Probably not. The first one spotted, the black Cayman Shooting Brake, was most likely a cardboard and tape job hacked together to allow engineers easy access to the engine bay. Maybe Porsche broke down and shoved a much needed turbo (or two) into the Cayman's rump. But hey, maybe, this really is a leaked photo of Porsche's first ever shooting brake (or something from Rinspeed?), and not just an ambitious but ultimately fake Photoshop. Wouldn't that be sweet?

[Source: World Car Fans]

Spy Shot? Porsche Cayman Shooting Brake revealed? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Z4-based AC Schnitzer PROFILE concept should keep a lower one

Alex Nunez — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Performance, BMW

Click image for gallery

When we first saw the AC Schnitzer PROFILE, we thought, "Man, that's a slick-looking ambulance." Then we looked more closely and realized it was a BMW Z4. The PROFILE is AC Schnitzer's latest concept creation, based on the current M Coupe, and while it has the guts of a performer, it looks pretty weird.

By the numbers, all's well. 350 horses are paddocked in the engine compartment thanks to a new airbox and remapped ECU. AC Schnitzer also fitted its Short Shift kit and changed the rear axle ratio to 3.91:1. Great.

Not-so-great is the orange-and-white two-tone paint job, which is distracting and pulls attention away from the body kit that is mostly good, actually. However, Schnitzer points to those fender ports and says, "BMW 507!" We see them and think, "Buick!" They call the diminutive roof wing "fascinatingly styled." We think "very ugly" is more apt. The wheels are cool, though. As are the hood vents and exhaust. Nix the portholes, throw the dopey roof wing in the dumpster, paint it one color, and we're in. As currently presented, however, we'll pass, thanks.

[Source: AC Schnitzer]

Gallery: AC Schnitzer PROFILE Concept

Continue reading Z4-based AC Schnitzer PROFILE concept should keep a lower one

Z4-based AC Schnitzer PROFILE concept should keep a lower one originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Faster 4: the Hamann Z4 M Coupe Renn Taxi

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 13:52:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, BMW

Click above image for high-res gallery

Hamann, the same German aftermarket house that created a 673-hp Ferrari 599, has turned its tuning attentions to a milder coupe, BMW's Z4 M. The result is the Hamann Z4 M Coupe Renn Taxi.

They haven't posted the specs, but it looks like a car made for people who wear helmets. Changes include aluminum accessories inside, along with Recaro racing buckets with 6-point harnesses. Outside, larger, slotted discs -- the rears perhaps fed by intakes behind the sills -- a roll cage, and some serious engine bay stiffening complement the aero add-ons. Hamann's last Z4 M workover only upped the horsepower by a paltry fifteen. We would hope they haven't made the same mistake this time.

[Source: Hamann]

Gallery: HAMANN Renntaxi Z4 M Coupe

Faster 4: the Hamann Z4 M Coupe Renn Taxi originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Apr 2007 13:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RR of the Day: 2001 BMW M Coup�

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:56:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, BMW, RR of the Day

Everyone has a list of vehicles that they want to drive before they die, for me, today's RR of the Day is a vehicle that I've vowed to own. The first time I saw an M coupé in person at a strip mall in my hometown, I waited 20 minutes for the owner to come out, interrogated him for a half an hour and then talked him in to giving me a ride. Unlike today's example, his black 2000 model housed a 240 HP, S52 engine that provided ample motivation for the three-door oddity. CT57's, however, is equipped with an S54, the same 330 HP mill found within the E46 M3 that we know and love.

The rest of the details are after the jump, along with instructions on how to get your own ride featured here.

Continue reading RR of the Day: 2001 BMW M Coup�

RR of the Day: 2001 BMW M Coup� originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hamann does the Z4 M Coupe

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 08:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Coupe, Europe, BMW

When Hamann gets their mitts on any manner of BMW, it's safe to assume that a thorough redesign will take place. In the case of the new Z4-based M Coupe, Hamann gave their signature treatment to almost every aspect of the vehicle.

The exterior loses its stock body kit and gains an aggressive new front spoiler, side-skirts and rear diffuser. Two separate spoilers are mounted on the rear of the vehicle, with one sitting on top of the boot lid and the other protruding from the top of the rear window. A new suspension setup drops the body over a set of 19- or 20-inch wheels.

Hamann wanted to provide a bit more propulsion to match the coupe's aero-enhanced styling, so a new exhaust was fitted that increases power output to 358 BHP, 15 over stock.

The interior benefits from a few mild aesthetic tweaks in the form of a new hand brake grip and shifter knob, aluminum pedal set and Hamann emblazoned floor mats.

As with any aftermarket tuner, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and with the M Coupe, it's a love it or hate it proposition.

[Source: Hamann and Fast-Autos.net]

Hamann does the Z4 M Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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