Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[<em>Playboy</em> reveals its 2013 Cars of the Year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/playboy-reveals-its-2013-cars-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/playboy-reveals-its-2013-cars-of-the-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/20/playboy-reveals-its-2013-cars-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Vaunted men's magazine Playboy knows that its readers are nearly as interested in cars as they are in the female anatomy... sorry, we thought we could write that with a straight face. Anyway, the buff-book does occasionally fill some of its spreads with sexy metal, to accent all the rest of the sexiness.

To wit, the magazine has unveiled its feature on the 2013 Cars of the Year. Without giving us much in the way of criteria for the awards, nor a clear framing of the categories ("Responsible Ride" is a particularly challenging concept, especially when you consider that the Mazdaspeed3 was the winner), Playboy has nevertheless highlighted what we assume to be it's favorite 12 or 13 (depending on how you count) cars from the 2013 model year.

Headlining the class is the Porsche 911, which Playboy writers single out for having "remarkable electronic voodoo." BMW M5 is named "Slickest Sports Sedan" though the Cadillac ATS then follows on because "we couldn't resist giving the new Caddy a shout-out." The rest of the picks are pretty conventional (save, perhaps, the Honda Fit EV as "Ace Electric"), even if the categories and methodology are fairly wonky. Cruise through or gallery for a taste or check out the full list, here. The site is safe for work, and you can legitimately (this time) say that you were reading it for the articles.

Playboy reveals its 2013 Cars of the Year originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 playboy cars of the year911atsawardsbmwcadillacm5mazdaspeed3playboyporscheThu, 20 Dec 2012 08:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20407343/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/20/playboy-reveals-its-2013-cars-of-the-year/20407343/article-detail.xml 20407343 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/porsche-911-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/12/porsche-911-628.jpg <![CDATA[2013 BMW M5 6MT [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/2013-bmw-m5-6mt-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/2013-bmw-m5-6mt-first-drive-review-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/09/2013-bmw-m5-6mt-first-drive-review-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When Truth Crushes Our Enthusiast Souls

2013 BMW M5 6MT

American automotive enthusiasts are a crazy bunch. While the rest of the world embraces quick, innovative and efficient dual-clutch automated gearboxes, a good portion of Yankee gearheads still scream for old-school manual transmissions. Despite all of the inadequacies with driver-directed gear changes, car nuts still enjoy rowing their own gears.

BMW tried to force enthusiasts into a single-clutch semi-automatic transmission when it launched the E60 M5 in 2005, but enthusiasts (and the automotive press) wailed so loudly that the Germans reversed course and delivered a six-speed option to the North American market. While performance actually dropped with the manual gearbox, its arrival quelled a rebellion.

The all-new fifth-generation 2013 F10 M5 debuted last fall with a standard - and much improved - lightning-quick dual-clutch transmission. But rather than send North American enthusiasts into yet another frenzy, BMW is adopting a conciliatory tone, offering buyers in the States the chance to opt for a manual gearbox at no additional cost.

We recently found ourselves on the starting grid at California's Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca sitting in a bright Sakhir Orange Metallic BMW M5. Nestled comfortably in the palm of our right hand, wrapped in soft leather with a bright aluminum collar, was a traditional manual gearshift knob.

Continue reading 2013 BMW M5 6MT [w/video]

2013 BMW M5 6MT [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m55 seriesbmwfeaturedfirst driveFirstDrivem5m5 6mtm5 manualm5+newsm5newsTue, 09 Oct 2012 11:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20344548/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/09/2013-bmw-m5-6mt-first-drive-review-video/20344548/article-detail.xml 20344548 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-bmw-m5-6mt-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/2013-bmw-m5-6mt-fd.jpg <![CDATA[BMW recalling 2013 M5, M6 models over potential catastrophic engine failures]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/bmw-recalling-2013-m5-m6-models-over-potential-catastrophic-eng/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/bmw-recalling-2013-m5-m6-models-over-potential-catastrophic-eng/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/bmw-recalling-2013-m5-m6-models-over-potential-catastrophic-eng/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

BMW M6 engine

Catastrophic engine failure... not exactly what you want to hear no matter what you're driving, but especially so when you've just purchased a brand-new 2013 BMW M5 or M6.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, "a manufacturing process error" could cause the oil pump's driveshaft to separate from its rotor, leading "to a sudden loss of oil pressure causing the possibility of complete engine failure, resulting in an engine stall-like condition, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash."

As is always the case with such recalls, BMW will be contacting owners and dealerships with plans to fix the problem free of charge. On the plus side, we'd imagine some owners already know of the problem, considering the brand issued a stop sale notice on the M5 and M6 on September 21.

In kinda-sorta related news (hey, Mini is owned by BMW after all), a recall notice has also been issued for certain 2011 Mini Clubman and Clubman S models regarding a glitch that may cause owners to miss an in-dash warning for malfunctioning ABS brakes. Not exactly catastrophic engine failure, and it only affects 75 cars, says NHTSA, but you can find both recalls in their entirety below.

Continue reading BMW recalling 2013 M5, M6 models over potential catastrophic engine failures

BMW recalling 2013 M5, M6 models over potential catastrophic engine failures originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 mini clubman2011 mini clubman s2013 bmw m52013 bmw m6bmwbmw recallclubmanclubman sm5m5 recallm6m6 recallminirecallFri, 05 Oct 2012 13:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20342869/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/05/bmw-recalling-2013-m5-m6-models-over-potential-catastrophic-eng/20342869/article-detail.xml 20342869 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bmw-m6-engine_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/bmw-m6-engine.jpg <![CDATA[BMW issues stop sale on M5 and M6 models over faulty oil pump]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/bmw-issues-stop-sale-on-m5-and-m6-models-over-fauly-fuel-pump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/bmw-issues-stop-sale-on-m5-and-m6-models-over-fauly-fuel-pump/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/21/bmw-issues-stop-sale-on-m5-and-m6-models-over-fauly-fuel-pump/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

BMW M5 and M6 stop sale

According to the M-obsessed boys and girls at M5Post.com, BMW has issued an immediate stop sale on new M5 and M6 (both coupe and convertible) models. The problem stems from the engine oil pump; if the pump doesn't supply the correct amount of oil to the engine's moving parts, "severe engine damage" is the likely result. That's not good at all.

BMW is also "contacting customers that have already taken delivery and recommending customers not drive their cars." Sad news for M5 and M6 owners, to be sure, but we think it beats a bunch of blown engines. Check out the official bulletin above and be sure to contact your local dealer if you happen to be lucky enough to own one of the possibly affected machines.

BMW issues stop sale on M5 and M6 models over faulty oil pump originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m52013 bmw m6bmwm5m5 oil pumpm5 stop salem6m6 oil pumpm6 stop saleFri, 21 Sep 2012 18:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20330430/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/21/bmw-issues-stop-sale-on-m5-and-m6-models-over-fauly-fuel-pump/20330430/article-detail.xml 20330430 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/bmw-stop-sale-bulletin_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/bmw-stop-sale-bulletin.jpg <![CDATA[<i>Motor Trend</i> pits BMW M5 against Porsche Panamera GTS]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/motor-trend-pits-bmw-m5-against-porsche-panamera-gts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/motor-trend-pits-bmw-m5-against-porsche-panamera-gts/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/13/motor-trend-pits-bmw-m5-against-porsche-panamera-gts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,



It's not like we needed it, but the latest episode of Motor Trend's "Head 2 Head" is more proof that those who spend six-figures buy whatever they want (or more likely, they buy three or four of them), not necessarily what wins the spec war or a drag race.

Jonny Lieberman took two German thunder chariots, the BMW M5 and Porsche Panamera GTS, to the desert for a quarter-mile blast and then up to altitude for duty in the high mountain esses.

In black and white, the M5 has it all over the GTS. Although the properly trunked sedan weighs 39 pounds more, its 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V8 harnesses 130 more horsepower and 196 more pound-feet than the naturally-aspirated 4.8-liter V8 in the GTS. The BMW starts at nearly $20,000 less than the Porsche, a savings which skyrockets to $42,000 when as-tested prices for these particular cars are compared. For those wondering, an even greater price disparity is the reason MT didn't use the Panamera Turbo, which might have seemed a fairer car to use for comparison from a performance standpoint.

But we don't live black-and-white lives, do we? There are reasons for Porsche reverence, one of them that it has always done more with what might, at first, seem like less. You should allow Lieberman the chance to explain further by checking out the video below.

Continue reading Motor Trend pits BMW M5 against Porsche Panamera GTS

Motor Trend pits BMW M5 against Porsche Panamera GTS originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m52013 porsche panamera gtsbmwhead 2 headjonny liebermanm5motor trendpanamerapanamera gtsporschevideovideosyoutubeThu, 13 Sep 2012 12:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20322191/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/13/motor-trend-pits-bmw-m5-against-porsche-panamera-gts/20322191/article-detail.xml 20322191 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mth2hm5gts_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/mth2hm5gts.jpg <![CDATA[2013 BMW M5 may have more horsepower than reported]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/2013-bmw-m5-may-have-more-horsepower-than-reported/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/2013-bmw-m5-may-have-more-horsepower-than-reported/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/07/2013-bmw-m5-may-have-more-horsepower-than-reported/#commentsFiled under: , ,



With the 2013 BMW M5 finally going on sale in the U.S., we definitely saw this coming. BimmerBoost recently got a hold of engine dyno run for the new M5, and is reporting that the car's twin-turbo V8 is "severely" underrated.

Officially, the M5's 4.4-liter V8 is rated at 560 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque, but the dyno graph reveals numbers at the rear wheels to be 527 hp and 476 lb-ft in completely stock form. While the idea of the engine being underrated is just an assumption, the general rule of thumb is a 15-percent drivetrain loss - if accurate, the new M5's losses would be just six percent. Using the 15-percent rule, the 2013 M5 would lay down 476 hp at the wheels.

The idea of BMW underrating its engine outputs is nothing new. Earlier this year, the new 328i show some impressive numbers of its own.

2013 BMW M5 may have more horsepower than reported originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 07 Sep 2012 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m5bmwdynom5m5 dynom5 horsepowerm5 torquem5 underratedFri, 07 Sep 2012 14:15:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20318521/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/07/2013-bmw-m5-may-have-more-horsepower-than-reported/20318521/article-detail.xml 20318521 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-bmw-m5-fd_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/09/2012-bmw-m5-fd.jpg <![CDATA[BMW says M5 sedan, M6 Coupe finally in U.S. showrooms]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/bmw-says-m5-and-m6-coupe-finally-in-u-s-showrooms/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/bmw-says-m5-and-m6-coupe-finally-in-u-s-showrooms/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/02/bmw-says-m5-and-m6-coupe-finally-in-u-s-showrooms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


2012 BMW M5 - blue - front three-quarter view

For those of you looking to snag a brand-new BMW M5 or M6, good news has arrived. The German super sedan and two-door have finally rolled in to U.S. dealerships. (Given how long we've been talking about these cars, you could be forgiven for thinking they've been on sale in the States for ages.)

The M6 coupe and M5 sedan join the M6 convertible, which has been on sale since July. Regardless of which model you choose, the new M cars share the same twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. According to BMW, 560 horsepower is the peak output, and it's sent to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Oh, and the M5 offers a six-speed stick as a no-cost option in the States. Tempting, no?

Continue reading BMW says M5 sedan, M6 Coupe finally in U.S. showrooms

BMW says M5 sedan, M6 Coupe finally in U.S. showrooms originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m52013 bmw m65 series6 seriesbmwm5m6performance sedanSun, 02 Sep 2012 18:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20314565/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/02/bmw-says-m5-and-m6-coupe-finally-in-u-s-showrooms/20314565/article-detail.xml 20314565 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2012-bmw-m5-628_thumbnail.jpeg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/2012-bmw-m5-628.jpeg <![CDATA[BMW outlines plans at Pebble, teases new Zagato concept]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/bmw-outlines-plans-at-pebble-teases-new-zagato-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/bmw-outlines-plans-at-pebble-teases-new-zagato-concept/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/16/bmw-outlines-plans-at-pebble-teases-new-zagato-concept/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The pageant of global automotive finery that is Pebble Beach weekend is under way, and among the many automakers with big plans is BMW. Its prize pony will be the unveiling of the BMW Zagato concept (click the photo above to enlarge) - a different BMW-Zagato collaboration than what was revealed at Villa d'Este earlier this year (see gallery below). This one to be debuted at Pebble Beach has familiar lines, but is a roadster.

Elsewhere on the lawns of Pebble, the 2013 7 Series and Alpina B7 will plant their tires on American soil for the first time and get the 650i Gran Coupe, M5 and M6 for a cheering section. Beyond the grass, a 1986 BMW-March GTP, 1980 BMW M1 Procar and 1975 BMW 3.5 CSL will be heating up the asphalt at the Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and the 40th anniversary of the M division will be one of the subplots at Legends of the Autobahn.

Have a read of the press release below for the official details, and stay tuned for our live coverage from these hallowed links.

Continue reading BMW outlines plans at Pebble, teases new Zagato concept

BMW outlines plans at Pebble, teases new Zagato concept originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6 series6 series gran coupe7 seriesbmwm5m6pebble beachpebble beach 2012zagatozagato conceptzagato roadsterThu, 16 Aug 2012 09:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20302201/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/08/16/bmw-outlines-plans-at-pebble-teases-new-zagato-concept/20302201/article-detail.xml 20302201 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/teaserzagato-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/teaserzagato-opt.jpg <![CDATA[The BMW M5 "Bullet" commercial that's too good to miss]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/the-bmw-m5-bullet-commercial-thats-too-good-to-miss/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/the-bmw-m5-bullet-commercial-thats-too-good-to-miss/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/22/the-bmw-m5-bullet-commercial-thats-too-good-to-miss/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

BMW M5 bullet video

Want to watch something strangely beautiful? We suggest the BMW M5 footage crafted by BMW of Canada in the video below. No scantily clad women, no overtly gratuitous tire smoke - just a 560-horsepower super sedan doing its best impression of a bullet.

Shortly after getting "shot" out of a makeshift barrel, the M5 hurdles its way at something we approximate to be its artificially limited top speed of 155 miles per hour at a series of targets, taking them out one by one in slow motion.

It's two minutes of your life that we don't think you'll regret spending. See for yourself by scrolling down below.

Continue reading The BMW M5 "Bullet" commercial that's too good to miss

The BMW M5 "Bullet" commercial that's too good to miss originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m52013 bmw m5bmwbmw m5 bulletbw m5 videom5m5 videovideoFri, 22 Jun 2012 19:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20264571/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/22/the-bmw-m5-bullet-commercial-thats-too-good-to-miss/20264571/article-detail.xml 20264571 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/bmw-m5-bullet_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/bmw-m5-bullet.jpg <![CDATA[Next BMW M5 to drop manual transmission option]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/next-bmw-m5-to-drop-manual-transmission-option/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/next-bmw-m5-to-drop-manual-transmission-option/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/next-bmw-m5-to-drop-manual-transmission-option/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



There is something very right about a rear-wheel-drive sports sedan with over 500 horsepower and a manual transmission, and yet few vehicles check those boxes quite like the BMW M5. Unfortunately, most M5 buyers prefer to leave their left foot out of the gear-shifting equation, which is leading BMW to lose the manual tranny option altogether in favor of a dual-clutch-only approach.

Inside Line reports that the next M5, and the M6 for that matter, will not feature a manual transmission option. BMW M-brand Engineering chief Albert Biermann reportedly told IL that manual-equipped M5 models are topping out at 15 percent of total sales, making the MT a money-loser for the brand. Biermann claims that the volume of manual transmission buyers makes it all but impossible to make another three-pedal M5, adding "nobody wants it in Europe or anywhere else, so this will be the last time we do it."

This is most definitely not good news for stick shift-loving enthusiasts, but at the same time we can hardly argue against Biermann's point. There's no sense in offering a no-charge manual option if the vast majority of buyers don't want it. Fortunately, the M3 doesn't suffer from the same problem, so the M5's baby brother will continue to offer a row-your-own option.

Next BMW M5 to drop manual transmission option originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwclutchdual-clutchm5m6manual transmissionThu, 21 Jun 2012 13:58:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20263002/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/21/next-bmw-m5-to-drop-manual-transmission-option/20263002/article-detail.xml 20263002 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/bmw-m5-manual_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/bmw-m5-manual.jpg <![CDATA[<em>Robb Report</em> releases 24th annual Best of the Best list]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/robb-report-releases-24th-annual-best-of-the-best-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/robb-report-releases-24th-annual-best-of-the-best-list/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/01/robb-report-releases-24th-annual-best-of-the-best-list/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Robb Report Best of the Best 2012Robb Report has released its annual Best of the Best issue, and the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 has been awarded top honors in the automotive category. No surprise there - the Italian supercar was chosen as the magazine's Car of the Year earlier in 2012.

Prefer to go topless? In that case, Robb Report suggests you have a look at the Ferrari 458 Spider. The BMW M5 took top honors in the sedan category and the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque was the winning SUV. We approve of the nods given to the Morgan 3 Wheeler and Icon Bronco, too.

If all those options are still too tame for your tastes, perhaps the Ducati 1199 Panigale, the mag's motorcycle of choice, is more up to speed. Have a gander at the full list of winners in the press release below.

Continue reading Robb Report releases 24th annual Best of the Best list

Robb Report releases 24th annual Best of the Best list originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1199 panigaleaventadorbest of the bestbmwducatievoquelamborghiniland roverm5robb reportrobb report best of the bestFri, 01 Jun 2012 07:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248843/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/06/01/robb-report-releases-24th-annual-best-of-the-best-list/20248843/article-detail.xml 20248843 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/robb-report-bob-2012_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/robb-report-bob-2012.jpg <![CDATA[BMW launching M Performance Editions in the UK with three new Frozen matte colors]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/bmw-launching-m-performance-editions-in-the-uk-with-three-new-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/bmw-launching-m-performance-editions-in-the-uk-with-three-new-fr/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/31/bmw-launching-m-performance-editions-in-the-uk-with-three-new-fr/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BMW M3 M Performance Edition in Frozen Red - studio shot

If you're tired of the usual shiny paint job that appears on 99-percent of the cars on the road, a matte finish could be just what the proverbial doctor ordered. But while matte black is the common choice among the anti-gloss set, to our eyes, it can often look like someone simply forgot to apply the primer. That's why many of us around the virtual Autoblog watercooler like matte color wraps - such as those displayed by Alfa Romeo with the red 4C Concept and Ferrari with the green 599 HY-KERS prototype.

Once the strict purview of aftermarket mod-jobs, matte finishes are growing more maintstream as select manufacturers have begun offering them direct from the factory. Notable examples include Mercedes-Benz (which we checked out in Detroit this year), Hyundai (which is launching the Veloster Turbo in matte gray) and Maserati (which launched the GranTurismo S Limited Edition in flat blue). But few have embraced the anti-glare approach like BMW has with its recent succession of special edition M3s. The Bavarian automaker dubs them "Frozen," and is now coming back with an array of special editions of both the M3 coupe and its newer, bigger brother, the M5 sedan.

BMW is launching the M Performance Editions of both the M3 and M5 in Frozen Red, Frozen White and Frozen Blue. Black leather interiors with accent stitching color-keyed to match the exterior - along with Alcantara-wrapped steering wheels and piano black trim - come as part of the package, as do matte black alloys. Both models also come packaged with buckets full of additional equipment to make the specials even more so.

Only 30 such M3s and another 30 M5s will be made, and made available, unfortunately, exclusively in the UK. But if past Frozen editions are anything to go by, BMW is likely to find more than enough demand to make the matte red, white and blue editions available in the USA soon enough. In the meantime, you can scope 'em out in the high-res image gallery above and the press release by scrolling below.

Continue reading BMW launching M Performance Editions in the UK with three new Frozen matte colors

BMW launching M Performance Editions in the UK with three new Frozen matte colors originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 31 May 2012 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3 series5 seriesbmwbmw frozenbmw m performance editionbmw m performance editionsbmw m3bmw m5m performance editionm3m5mattewrapThu, 31 May 2012 19:01:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20248614/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/31/bmw-launching-m-performance-editions-in-the-uk-with-three-new-fr/20248614/article-detail.xml 20248614 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmw-m3-frozen-red_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmw-m3-frozen-red.jpg <![CDATA[Chris Harris explains what makes his own 1986 BMW M5 so special]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/chris-harris-explains-what-makes-his-own-1986-bmw-m5-so-special/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/chris-harris-explains-what-makes-his-own-1986-bmw-m5-so-special/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/25/chris-harris-explains-what-makes-his-own-1986-bmw-m5-so-special/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



The 70s were a definitive decade for music and movies. Fashion and cars, not so much. The 80s corrected one of those oversights, an era of ethereal supercars like the Porsche 959, game-changing exotics like the Ferrari Testarossa, and, best of all, everday cannons that offered mortals a generous portion of lairy thrills, such as Chris Harris' 1986 e28 BMW M5.

In 1986, a 3,100-pound, 286-horsepower luxury sedan straight from the factory that could also handle was as rare as a goose with lips. Sure, there was a more powerful AMG Mercedes-Benz E-Class but it didn't want to get into a lengthy conversation about handling, and there was the AMG Hammer, but that was a terrifically expensive tuner special. The M5 weighed the same as the 1986 Chevrolet Corvette and had 225-section rear tires just like the 'Vette, but the M5 had 36 more horsepower. And it had four, leather-covered seats. And it could corner.

All of which has to do with why Drive's Chris Harris spends eight minutes explaining, and showing, why he loves his personal M5 so much. Scroll down to learn about the sedan that compels him to say "it's the best money I've ever spent on a car."

Continue reading Chris Harris explains what makes his own 1986 BMW M5 so special

Chris Harris explains what makes his own 1986 BMW M5 so special originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1986 bmw m55 seriesbmwbmw m5chris harrisdrivee28m5videoFri, 25 May 2012 13:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20243975/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/25/chris-harris-explains-what-makes-his-own-1986-bmw-m5-so-special/20243975/article-detail.xml 20243975 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/harrise28m53_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/harrise28m53.jpg <![CDATA[2013 BMW M5 configurator revs up]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/2013-bmw-m5-configurator-revs-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/2013-bmw-m5-configurator-revs-up/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/21/2013-bmw-m5-configurator-revs-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

2013 BMW M5 configurator

With a starting MSRP of $90,695, the 2013 BMW M5 is spendy to begin with. But loading it up with all the trimmings, you'll see a sticker price north of $116,000. And we know this because we just spent a few minutes playing with the M5 configurator, which is now live on the BMW consumer website.

While we're not really that shocked by the price, we are kind of confused by the M5's color palette. While mainstays like Monte Carlo Blue Metallic and Alpine White are there, you cannot have an M5 in red - Sakhir Orange Metallic will have to do if you're the flamboyant type. If you're into earth tones, however, BMW has you covered, with five silver and gray tones, three shades of black, and two browns.

When it comes to options and packages, there's all kinds of way to drop several thousand dollars at the tick of a box, including an Executive Package that bundles together a bunch of stuff you probably don't need - active front seats, heated rear seats, sunshades, soft-close automatic doors, yada, yada, yada - and charges you $5,500 for it. It makes the Driver Assistance Package with lane departure warning and blind spot detection seem like a steal at just $1,900. A night vision system with pedestrian detection ($2,600), a head-up display ($1,300), and a rear-seat entertainment system ($2,200) are also offered, though the best piece of optional kit is one BMW isn't charging for: a manual transmission.

Check out all 14 exterior M5 colors in our gallery.

2013 BMW M5 configurator revs up originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 May 2012 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013 bmw m5bmwm5m5 configuratorMon, 21 May 2012 16:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20241720/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/21/2013-bmw-m5-configurator-revs-up/20241720/article-detail.xml 20241720 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/m5-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/m5-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Pics Aplenty: BMW celebrates 40 years of M]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/pics-aplenty-bmw-celebrates-40-years-of-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/pics-aplenty-bmw-celebrates-40-years-of-m/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/16/pics-aplenty-bmw-celebrates-40-years-of-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

1978 BMW M1 - dead-on view, red

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1 m coupe1 series m coupebmwbmw mBMW Motorsportmm coupem roadsterm1m3m3 cslm5m6pics aplentyWed, 16 May 2012 19:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20239585/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/16/pics-aplenty-bmw-celebrates-40-years-of-m/20239585/article-detail.xml 20239585 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/40-years-of-bmw-m-001-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/40-years-of-bmw-m-001-opt.jpg <![CDATA[BMW teases new M3 and M5 M Performance Editions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/bmw-teases-new-m3-and-m5-m-performance-editions/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/bmw-teases-new-m3-and-m5-m-performance-editions/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/11/bmw-teases-new-m3-and-m5-m-performance-editions/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

BMW M3 M Performance Edition

BMW has posted two teasers to YouTube, previewing M Performance versions of both the M3 and M5. These look to be specially produced for the UK market, and limited to just 30 units of each model in either red, white or blue.

Little information accompanies the low-res videos, saving that each of the cars is being fitted with "an impressively high specification of standard equipment" and that the 30 cars will be split up into 10 of each color. All three hues will feature BMW's "frozen" paint, the matte finish we're familiar with from the 2011 M3 Frozen Gray Coupe.

Scroll down to watch both videos and their accompanying dubstep soundtracks.

Continue reading BMW teases new M3 and M5 M Performance Editions

BMW teases new M3 and M5 M Performance Editions originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2012 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwfrozen paintm performancem performance editionm3m3 m performance editionm5m5 m performance editionmatte finishvideoFri, 11 May 2012 12:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20235493/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/11/bmw-teases-new-m3-and-m5-m-performance-editions/20235493/article-detail.xml 20235493 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmw-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/bmw-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Listen to BMW's new M5 with its Active Sound system enabled vs. disabled [w/poll]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/listen-to-bmws-new-m5-with-its-active-sound-system-enabled-vs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/listen-to-bmws-new-m5-with-its-active-sound-system-enabled-vs/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/24/listen-to-bmws-new-m5-with-its-active-sound-system-enabled-vs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

BMW M5 Active Sound fuse

Pushrods and overhead valves or dual overhead cams; naturally aspirated, turbocharged or supercharged; it simply doesn't matter - there's nothing quite like the sound of a powerful V8 engine. Or is there?

The engineers from BMW have been known to make some beautifully melodic powerplants over the years, but the Bavarian automaker has more recently taken a decidedly different approach to tingling the eardrums of Ultimate Driving Enthusiasts: pumping engine sounds through the internal stereo system of its latest M5 sedan.

This technique, not surprisingly, has proven controversial. We can't grant you the opportunity to drive one yourself so that you can hear it with your own ears, but, thanks to the boys and girls from Bimmerpost, we can offer the next best thing. Listen to one member's 2012 M5 with BMW's Active Sound system turned on, followed by a run of the same car with the system disabled via a pulled fuse in the video below.

Spot the difference? Let us know what you think about BMW's artificial engine notes in the Comments, but not before taking part in our completely unscientific poll below.

View Poll

Continue reading Listen to BMW's new M5 with its Active Sound system enabled vs. disabled [w/poll]

Listen to BMW's new M5 with its Active Sound system enabled vs. disabled [w/poll] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m5acrive sound disabledactive soundbmwbmw active sounddisable active soundm5m5 active soundTue, 24 Apr 2012 19:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20223381/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/24/listen-to-bmws-new-m5-with-its-active-sound-system-enabled-vs/20223381/article-detail.xml 20223381 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/bmw-m5-fuses_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/bmw-m5-fuses.jpg <![CDATA[BMW M5 called in to service as new Ring Taxi]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/bmw-m5-called-in-to-service-as-new-ring-taxi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/bmw-m5-called-in-to-service-as-new-ring-taxi/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/18/bmw-m5-called-in-to-service-as-new-ring-taxi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

2012 BMW M5 Ring Taxi

There's any number of cars that can be used for taxis. The Ford Crown Vic, Nissan NV, Toyota Sienna... pretty much anything with a useable back seat, a cargo area and a roof on which to put a dome light. But a BMW M5? Surely that has to be overkill, right?

Maybe for most taxis, but this is no ordinary cab. This is the Ring Taxi. Operated by BMW and OK-Speed-Marketing at the Nürburgring, the Ring Taxi allows passengers to book a high-speed ride around the harrowing Nordschleife, chauffeured by a professional driver who knows the track's every twist and bump like the back of his (or in the case of Sabine Schmitz, her) capable hands.

For a few years the service was run in the previous-generation M5, with its high-revving V10 engine, but when that model was phased out of production, so was it retired from Ring Taxi duty. The M3 was said to have taken its place for a while, but now the M5 is back at it in its new iteration: all 560 twin-turbocharged horsepower of it.

Tickets for what will undoubtedly prove the ride of any enthusiast's life go for 216 euros ($282 by today's rates), with rides taking place once a week: on Mondays at 10 am. But BMW warns that if past experience (of which it has plenty) is any indication, hopefuls had better reserve well in advance as they tend to book up as fast as the new M5 will sling you around the Karousel.

BMW M5 called in to service as new Ring Taxi originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m5 ring taxibmwbmw m5 ring taxim5nürburgingnürburging nordschleifenordschleifenurburgingnurburging nordschleifering taxiWed, 18 Apr 2012 08:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20216182/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/18/bmw-m5-called-in-to-service-as-new-ring-taxi/20216182/article-detail.xml 20216182 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/f10-m5-ringtaxiweb_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/f10-m5-ringtaxiweb.jpg <![CDATA[BMW prices 6 Series Gran Coupe, M5 and M6 for U.S.]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/bmw-prices-6-series-gran-coupe-m5-and-m6-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/bmw-prices-6-series-gran-coupe-m5-and-m6-for-u-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/04/bmw-prices-6-series-gran-coupe-m5-and-m6-for-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2013 BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe live at reveal

If you've been saving your spare change to pick up one of these new BMW models later this year, well, now you can more accurately estimate how many wheelbarrows full of nickels you'll need to dump into the Coinstar machine at your local grocery store.

We'll start with the 2013 6 Series Gran Coupe. While we already knew the six-cylinder 640i Gran Coupe would start at $76,895 including destination charges, prices on the V8 models have now been set. The 650i will sell for $87,395, while the 650i xDrive model will command $90,395. Both are powered by a twin-turbo, 445-horsepower, 4.4-liter V8, which BMW says can propel the all-wheel-drive version from 0-62 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds. (The rear-wheel-drive model is a tick slower at 4.6 seconds.) The 640i goes on sale in late June, with the V8 models coming towards the end of summer.

The M series cars will command substantially more, with the 2012 M6 Convertible commanding all of $113,995 when it goes on sale in June. The M6 Coupe and M5 will go on sale in late summer as 2013 models, with the M6 carrying a $106,995 MSRP and the M5 listing at $90,695. All three models will share a twin-turbo, 560-horsepower, 4.4-liter V8.

The price of a fourth M vehicle, the revised 2013 BMW X6 M, has also been announced. It will sell for $93,795, a $2,600 increase from this year's model. For more details, scroll down to check out the official release.

BMW prices 6 Series Gran Coupe, M5 and M6 for U.S. originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5 series6 series6 series gran coupe6 series gran coupe pricingbmwbmw pricinggran coupem5m5 pricingm6m6 pricingnew yorknew york 2012new york auto showx6x6 mx6mWed, 04 Apr 2012 11:10:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20207644/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/04/bmw-prices-6-series-gran-coupe-m5-and-m6-for-u-s/20207644/article-detail.xml 20207644 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/03-bmw-6-series-gran-coupe-geneva-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/03-bmw-6-series-gran-coupe-geneva-opt.jpg <![CDATA[BMW to field 2013 M5 in One Lap Of America]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/25/bmw-to-field-2012-m5-in-one-lap-of-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/25/bmw-to-field-2012-m5-in-one-lap-of-america/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/25/bmw-to-field-2012-m5-in-one-lap-of-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



The new BMW M5 is taking a one-week, 3,300-mile U.S. road trip, and not only will it tour the skeevy diners, restless rest areas and truck-stop toilets of this fine land, it'll eat up its tires on nine of our nation's finest tracks. If you think that sounds like the Tire Rack One Lap of America, you'd be correct.

In addition to providing the official vehicles for the event, the Munich firm is sending a team of drivers from its BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina to compete in the newly created 'Showroom Stock' category. This year's week-long race begins May 4 in South Bend, Indiana, and as with all the other entries, the M5 will get just one set of tires to test its gumption in various motorsports disciplines and thousands of highway miles. Follow the jump for a press release with more info and be sure to check out One Lap Of America's website for updates when the event kicks off in May.

Continue reading BMW to field 2013 M5 in One Lap Of America

BMW to field 2013 M5 in One Lap Of America originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 bmw m55 series5-seriesbmwbmw mbmw m5bmw performance centerm5one lapone lap of americaSun, 25 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20200268/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/03/25/bmw-to-field-2012-m5-in-one-lap-of-america/20200268/article-detail.xml 20200268 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bmwm5oloa_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bmwm5oloa.jpg -1 2