Autoblog

2011 Infiniti M wraps tons of tech in an attractive wrapper, hybrid coming in mid-2010

Damon Lavrinc — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Sedan, Infiniti, Luxury

2011 Infiniti M - Click above for high-res image gallery

Take a look over Infiniti's current line-up and two vehicles stand out: The M and the QX. Both vehicles have been soldiering on while the brand's volume models (G and FX) have undergone major redesigns, leaving Infiniti's flagship sedan and hulking SUV toiling away unchanged since 2003 and 2004, respectively.

Tonight, that changes.

We'll probably see a mildly tweaked G in So. Cal. while covering the LA Auto Show (an updated QX full-size SUV won't appear until later), but the star of the party is the 2011 Infiniti M. Due to go on sale next spring, the M will be available with two powerplants -- Infiniti's ubiquitous 3.7-liter V6 and a new 5.6-liter V8 -- each available with rear- or all-wheel drive and both packing enough electronic gizmos to make even the most hardened NASA engineer's head spin.

UPDATE: A hybrid version of the M will debut sometime in the middle of 2010. A live image gallery of the M56 has been added below, along with more high-res pics of both the Sport and Touring models. Also, scope out the sexiest door handles you'll see this week here.

Gallery: LA 2009: 2011 Infiniti M

Gallery: 2011 Infiniti M

Continue reading 2011 Infiniti M wraps tons of tech in an attractive wrapper, hybrid coming in mid-2010

2011 Infiniti M wraps tons of tech in an attractive wrapper, hybrid coming in mid-2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Redesigned 2010 Infiniti G and 2011 QX joining M in LA

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Spy Photos, Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Infiniti, Luxury

Although Nissan and Infiniti won't have an official presence at next week's LA Auto Show, the luxury marque will unveil its 2011 M sedan at an event the night before the show and plans to webcast the proceedings at 7:00 pm PST on December 1.

Joining the thoroughly redesigned M on stage will be the updated 2010 Infiniti G and the oft-spied the 2011 Infiniti QX. Although official details haven't been released for either model, a set of promo shots have already leaked out, showing a slightly reworked fascia equipped with a few organic creases, new foglamp surrounds and a tweaked grille. The QX receives a similar, although much more elaborate redesign, with a bulging hood, acres of chrome and a canted D-pillar.

Powertrain and equipment details haven't been released yet, but expect all the information to be revealed in one week's time.

Gallery: Spy Shots: Next-gen Infiniti QX

[Source: Infiniti, The Infiniti Source]

Redesigned 2010 Infiniti G and 2011 QX joining M in LA originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:30:00 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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Infiniti teases 2011 M ahead of 3D Pebble debut

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Sedan, Infiniti, Misc. Auto Shows, Luxury

2011 Infiniti M Teaser - Click above for a high-res image

On Friday, August 14th at 9:30 PM EST, Infiniti will take the virtual wraps off the next generation M at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, and if you can't make the trip out to California to see the new sedan in all its 3D glory, Infiniti will be broadcasting the reveal live on its Future Vehicles site.

Typical of recent Infiniti teasers, the sketch above doesn't divulge much, but we expect a more swooping, organic design compared to the current M, taking cues from the recently reshaped G and FX series, along with a few elements cribbed from Infiniti Design Director Shiro Nakamura's most recent masterwork, the Infiniti Essence concept.

We'll be on hand to provide live images of Infiniti's innovative "virtual M" reveal next week, and you can get a reminder about the streamed unveiling by signing up here.

Continue reading Infiniti teases 2011 M ahead of 3D Pebble debut

Infiniti teases 2011 M ahead of 3D Pebble debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 14:00:00 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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Episode VI reveals what lies beneath Bertone's Project M

Noah Joseph — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:28:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Videos, Supercars, Chevrolet, Misc. Auto Shows, Specialty

Click above to jump to episode six of the Project M web video series

After the first and subsequent four webisodes of Stile Bertone's Project M hit cyberspace, everyone's wanted to know just what the upcoming supercar would be based on. Talented young designer Jason Castriota has designed Ferraris, Maseratis, Rolls-Royces and more, but since leaving Pininfarina to head the reborn Stile Bertone, would his projects employ the same exotic underpinnings? Initial speculation was that the trickle-teased Project M was based on the Nissan GT-R, but those and other rumors can now be finally put to rest with the release of the sixth episode of the Brad Farrell/KineticFic-produced web series.

We won't spoil the surprise for you, except to say that it's genuine Detroit steel which Castriota's playing with here. Follow the jump to view the video and find out for yourself.

Continue reading Episode VI reveals what lies beneath Bertone's Project M

Episode VI reveals what lies beneath Bertone's Project M originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Infiniti will not produce show car, but its Essence will live on

Noah Joseph — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Geneva Motor Show, Infiniti

Infiniti Essence Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

Some concept cars are design studies, while others closely preview production models. But as much as we may have hoped, the gorgeous Essence concept unveiled by Infiniti earlier this month at the Geneva Motor Show will remain firmly in the former, as company spokesmen have reportedly verified that the show-stopping show car will not be entering production.

Alright, so that may be no big surprise, but we're allowed to dream, aren't we? That doesn't mean elements previewed by the Essence won't be trickling down to production models. We certainly hope some of the breathtaking design will find its way into production sheetmetal, and reports suggest that the quirky kink in the C pillar could appear on future products from the premium Nissan division. The long-awaited successor to the flagship Q45, if produced, is tipped to borrow heavily from the Essence's design, while its concept drivetrain is expected to lead the way for a hybrid M as well. So while the show car itself will remain a glimmering memory, its bits and pieces will, in essence, resurface in future Infiniti products.

Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept

[Source: AutoWeek.nl]

Infiniti will not produce show car, but its Essence will live on originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Infiniti M hybrid coming in 2010

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:56:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Sedan, Green, Infiniti, Nissan

Nissan and Infiniti have been lagging when it comes to bringing gas-electric models to market, with the exception of the Altima Hybrid which relies on a system borrowed from Toyota. According to a report by the Nikkei business daily in Japan, that's set to change when Infiniti begins offering a hybrid version of the M sedan in 2010.

As previewed in August, the system differs from "conventional" hybrids on the market by using advanced lithium-ion batteries that boast more power and quicker recharge times. Additionally, the parallel hybrid system is equipped with one electric motor and two clutches to allow the gas engine and electric motor to drive the rear wheels simultaneously. Acceleration and response is expected to be more performance oriented - previewed in the Essence concept at the Geneva Motor Show - while a trio of driving modes will allow the M to run on electric power at low speeds, a combination of electric and gas propulsion when under load and gas-only when traveling at speed. Direct injection is also rumored for the next generation of models, bringing Infiniti on par - and beyond - its competitors.

[Source: Nikkei via BusinessWeek]

REPORT: Infiniti M hybrid coming in 2010 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 23 Mar 2009 08:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW says no to new Z4 M

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST

Filed under: Convertible, Coupe, BMW

2010 BMW Z4 - Click above for a high-res gallery

According to a report by iMotor, the financial downturn has claimed its latest victim: the BMW Z4 M. A BMW spokesperson told the pub that "Given the current economic crisis there is no business case for a full-on M version of the Z4." Although that's bad news for enthusiasts, there might be a silver lining. Coinciding with an earlier story, BMW may begin offering software upgrades for models fitted with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six. The remapped ECU would increase output by around 20 horsepower (for a net of 326 hp) and a slight bump in torque, and will almost certainly be offered on the new Z4.

There's also talk of a M Sport package for the 135i that would include a new body kit, larger wheels, a retuned suspension and an M-branded steering wheel.

While we're disappointed about the still-born Z4 M, the obvious question is why is BMW developing M models of the X5 and X6? According to the same source, both of the hotted-up CUVs were signed off before the auto market tanked.

Gallery: 2009 BMW Z4

[Source: IMotorMag]

BMW says no to new Z4 M originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Direct-injected VQ engines coming from Infiniti, Q45 successor on the ropes?

Damon Lavrinc — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:26:00 EST

Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, SUV, Infiniti

Infiniti Essence Concept - Click above for a high-res gallery

According to Car and Driver, Infiniti is readying a direct-injection system for its 3.7-liter V6 and plans to implement it on the refreshed G37 coupe and sedan before the redesigned G arrives in the next three years. A variant of the twin-turbocharged, 3.7-liter direct-injected V6 originally shown in the Essence concept will likely appear in the redesigned M - due in 2010 - and will reportedly put out between 340 and 350 horsepower, but it will not be fitted with the duo of turbos.

While Infiniti recognizes that it could use a successor to the Q45 (the company's slow-selling full-size sedan last roamed U.S. showrooms in 2006) to compete with the likes of Audi, BMW, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, the project may be stifled by the floundering economy. Infiniti dealers were evidently shown a concept in Japan earlier this year, assumed to be the next Q, which was essentially a four-door version of the Essence concept that debuted at the Geneva Motor Show. At this point, its future is uncertain.

Larry Dominique, Infiniti's veep of product planning in the U.S., wants to make sure that the automaker's resources are focused on its core products - namely the G and M series - but admitted that a QX56 replacement is in the works and will likely debut after 2010 once the redesigned Armada is released.

Gallery: Infiniti Essence Concept

[Source: Car and Driver]

Direct-injected VQ engines coming from Infiniti, Q45 successor on the ropes? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 19:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: 2009 Infiniti M35

Dan Roth — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Sedan, Infiniti, Reviews, Luxury

2009 Infiniti M35 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The traditional definition of a Q-ship is a vessel that appears harmless, yet harbors deadly weaponry. Infiniti's M-series fits that description rather well. Around since 2006, the M35 isn't new to the scene, but for 2009, the M has emerged from dry-dock with a series of upgrades to help lure buyers away from its Germanic competition. Previous battles have proven that The New doesn't always emerge victorious when undertaking sneak attacks, and the M35 ambushed us straightaway.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Infiniti M35

Continue reading Review: 2009 Infiniti M35

Review: 2009 Infiniti M35 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:03:00 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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VIDEO: BMW drives the X5 M

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:28:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, SUV, Videos, Crossover, BMW

Click above to view the teaser video of the BMW X5 M after the jump

After countless spy shots and rumors, BMW has finally admitted that an M version of its X5 SAV is on the way. The proof of concept comes in the form of a video released on the automaker's bmw-web.tv site, and not surprisingly, the clip doesn't divulge much about the M-modified 'ute. Bernd Limmer, an exec at BMW M GmbH, discusses the essence of "M-ness" that BMW infuses into all of its Motorsports models, goes into detail about how the different systems interact with each other and then hits the Nurburgring to show off the X5 M's prowess on the Nordschleife. There's still no word on when the BMW X5 M will make it's debut, but considering that the original X5 debuted at the Detroit Auto Show almost a decade ago, the Bimmer boys could have something up their sleeve for the festivities in Motown. Hit the jump to see the video.

Gallery: BMW X5 M and X6 M - spy shots

Continue reading VIDEO: BMW drives the X5 M

VIDEO: BMW drives the X5 M originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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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.

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Now hear this! There will be no M version of the BMW X5

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: SUV, BMW

Since July of last year, we've seen several spy photos of a BMW X5 mule making an appearance all over Europe. The quad-tipped, camouflaged prototype has always been assumed to be an upcoming M version of BMW's SUV, but according to the crew at BimmerFile, it isn't going to happen. The mule that's undergoing testing will be a "sport edition" of the X5, similar to the 4.8is, but it won't be equipped with the M5/M6's V10. Instead, it'll be packing the twin-turbocharged V8 currently found in the new X6, producing 407 hp and 443 lb.-ft. of torque. Expect some tweaked bodywork and a revised suspension to convey the new 'ute's sporting intentions when it debuts later this year.

[Source: BimmerFile]

Now hear this! There will be no M version of the BMW X5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Updated 2008 Infiniti M heads to Pebble, M45x AWD version to debut

Alex Nunez — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:26:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Infiniti, Misc. Auto Shows

You'd think it's the traditional show season and not August, based on the number of vehicle introductions going on at Pebble Beach. Infiniti has announced that an updated M sedan will join the EX35 crossover at the swanky weekend car porn festival in Monterey. The M is said to receive "extensive exterior and interior enhancements" and a V8 all-wheel-drive M45x will join the lineup for '08. Infiniti also states that the previous M Sport models will be replaced by an optional Sport Package (19" wheels, Rear Active Steer, visual tweaks, etc). Check back Saturday, when we should have full details and photos from Infiniti.

UPDATE: All the official info and pics are now posted here.

[Source: Infiniti]

Updated 2008 Infiniti M heads to Pebble, M45x AWD version to debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 16:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spy Shots: high-performance BMW X5

Noah Joseph — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Spy Photos, SUV, BMW

Fresh from the paparazzi comes a batch of spy shots showing what appears to be a tuned-up BMW X5 test mule wearing bigger exhaust pipes and a revised front bumper with bigger air intakes that extends farther down to the tarmac.

Could this be an M version of the X5? Anything's possible, but don't count on it. According to M Division chief Gerhard Richter, the X5 is too big and heavy to be turned into a genuine M product. The first-generation X5 had a high-performance version called the 4.7iS, which was, for all intents and purposes, the M-tuned X5, but it wasn't labeled as such. The current top-end engine in the X5 is already larger than that at 4.8 liters, but a BMW sport-ute with the M5's V10 would prove devastatingly fast and pose quite a challenge to the likes of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo and Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG.

Whatever BMW decides to call it, you can bet it'll be fast.

[Source: WorldCarFans]

Spy Shots: high-performance BMW X5 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW introduces 1-Series 3-door Limited Sports Edition

John Neff — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 14:24:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Hatchback, BMW

The 1-Series is getting some major attention from BMW these days. Not only has the new 3-door just been unveiled for 2007, but it's also finally been announced that the 1-Series will cross the pond and be sold in the U.S. soon (as a coupe and convertible with the hot 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six initially, but no hatches). Today BMW heaped some more 1-Series love on the pile and revealed the 1-Series 3-door Limited Sports Edition. Our German sucks worse than our English, so it's tough to glean the details, but Carscoop claims it's basically like an M Sports package that upgrades the rims to 18-inchers, adds an M body kit, tighter suspension, and some more M accoutrement on the inside like seats and whatnot. It definitely adds some gloss to the polarizing design of the 1. Though only 2,000 units will be produced, the Limited Sports Edition package will be available across the 1-Series lineup adding €4,660 to the cost of the 118i and 118 D, €4,560 to the 120i and 120d, and €3,360 to the 130i.

[Source: BMW, Carscoop]

click on image above for high-res version

BMW introduces 1-Series 3-door Limited Sports Edition originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Detroit Auto Show: BMW's full M range

Noah Joseph — Tue, 16 Jan 2007 10:52:00 EST

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW

Click on the image above to get to our gallery of 22 high-resolution images

It seems every automaker is lining up these days to snag their letter in the alphabet for their high-performance divisions. Audi's claimed S, while Chevy has SS; Honda has the Type-R and Volkswagen launched the R-line; Mercedes acquired AMG and Ford still has SVT. Now Lexus has laid claim to the letter F, but BMW has always had M.

Unfortunately BMW's stoic performance division didn't have anything special in store for us at this year's Detroit show, but they did have their full M range lined up all pretty like in sparkling white at the back of their booth. The whole gang was there, including the Z4-based M Roadster and M Coupe, the M5 sedan and the M6 coupe and convertible. It was a wet dream come true for fans of the ultimate driving machines, so for all you BMW enthusiasts out there we went by to snap a few photos. Click here to check 'em out or on any of the thumbnails below.

Detroit Auto Show: BMW's full M range originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 16 Jan 2007 10:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BMW officially acquires the John Cooper Works brand

Scott Davis — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, BMW, Mini

BMW has been working on this deal for some time now, and with the level of involvement in design, engineering and testing steadily increasing, the inevitable has become reality. In a deal set to become effective in January 2007, BMW has acquired the rights to the John Cooper Works name to further strengthen the MINI brand.

In what could easily become MINI's equivalent of the BMW "M' brand, JCW now has the engineering and development resources of BWM at their disposal, ensuring the John Cooper Works models a pivotal role in the overall MINI brand strategy well into the future.

[Source: Forbes.com via MotoringFile]

BMW officially acquires the John Cooper Works brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Dec 2006 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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