We have seen several sets of spy photos of what can be interpreted as a BMW X6 ///M over the last month. Originally it was thought that it would feature an over boosted version of the Twin Turbo V8 in the xDrive50i as the source of wheel spinning power.

Indications now are that these test mules could be featuring a advanced hybrid system designed under BMW’s F1 program, a Kinetic Energy Recovery System (KERS). This is an different system to the previous hybrid X6 (non-///M) we had featured which will utilize the system jointly developed with MB, GM and Chrysler.

From Car Central:

The KERS system, represents a system developed specifically for F1 based on a combination of existing and proprietary technologies by Torotrak, Xtrac and Flybrid. The result is a package that weighs in at under 24kg, requires only 13L of space and generates the maximum allowed boost of 60kW, with a total of 400kJ than can be delivered over the course of a single lap, meaning maximum power can be delivered for a total of 6.67 seconds. The purely mechanical KERS system uses a highly sophisticated steel and carbon fibre flywheel encased in a vacuum to store energy taken from the car’s motion as kinetic energy. A continuously variable transmission links through a secondary clutch to the primary driveline, which is linked to the standard V8 combustion engine. When the driver pushes the button, the clutch engages the always-spinning flywheel, which seamlessly adds its power to the standard engine’s. Aadvantages of the KERS system are clear: small size, potent power output and no hassles with bulky, heavy and dangerous batteries. The downsides include limited ability to transfer the system into road cars because of potential licensing issues with the underlying elements of the system.

This form of system would make sense for the ///M division to be testing as it would allow the necessary performance of the marquee unlike other current forms of hybrid technology. Think of it as a shot of nitrous but in a mechanical form. Though this will not improve the MPG of the ///M cars it will provided an extra punch in performance without further diminishing efficiency numbers.

If this information is true the system will not be ready for the mainstream public for several years so we will be seeing many more of these mules testing this alternate technology. This could also mean we will still not see an ///M SAV.

Source: Car Central

The new ///M3 is off the rack and finally out on the track for 2009! How can we get some lap time in this well engineered machine?

The BMW M3 Race Car

From: Letterman/Rahal Racing

BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.

BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen says: “With the sporting genes of the production BMW M3 being clearly evident, developing a racing version of the car was the next logical step. The fact that the road-going vehicle is fitted with a V8 engine as standard provided us with an ideal base. However, the BMW M3 is more than a race car, it has achieved legendary status amongst race fans across the globe. I am convinced that this unique story of the BMW M3 racing cars will now be expanded upon by the addition of further chapters.”

The BMW M3 Race Version: Sportiness personified. In the course of developing the race version of the BMW M3, BMW’s engineers were faced with an ambitious task: to improve upon the sportiness of an already sporting car. A better base would, though, be difficult to find. In standard form the vehicle delivers powerful dynamics and sporting aesthetics. Thanks to an eight cylinder engine producing 414 bhp, BMW’s customers are provided with a unique driving experience.

Those engine blocks, cast in BMW’s light alloy foundry in Landshut – the very source of BMW’s Formula One castings – selected for race duty need to withstand even more power: the BMW P65 race engine delivers 485 bhp.

In order to enable the BMW M3 to make full use of this performance on the race circuit, the experts in Munich have not concentrated solely on the engine, but have race-tuned the chassis as well. The race version of the BMW M3 is wider and significantly lighter than its production equivalent, enabling it to perfectly transmit the power of its V8 to the track. Widespread use of carbon-reinforced plastic (CRP) provides proof of substantial weight reduction. As with the production version, the race car’s roof is manufactured from this high-tech material. The race version of the BMW M3 is clearly aimed at the top echelon of motorsport. As such, it is no surprise to discover that in the course of its development, begun in mid-2007, numerous Formula One techniques were applied. These include computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel analyses, both of which have ensured the best possible aerodynamic package for the BMW M3.

Intelligent control systems have been incorporated throughout the BMW M3. The POWER400 control unit actuates all the accessories fitted to the car, such as lights, wipers, etc., via two bus systems. Traditional relays and fuses are thus eliminated, ensuring considerable weight saving, improved reliability and ease of application. The functions of the BMW P65 engine are managed by an ECU 408 electronic control unit, developed in-house by BMW Motorsport. The software and applications, too, have been developed by the experts in Munich.

Technical Specifications of the M3 Race Version.

Weight: 2,535 lbs./1150 kg

Tank capacity: 29 gallons/110 Liters

Chassis/body: Unitary construction steel body with welded safety cell made of extremely rigid precision steel tubing; safety fuel tank in CRP sandwich tray; pneumatic four-stamp jack system

Aerodynamics: Front fenders, rear apron, hood, roof, trunk lid, rear wing, front wings, and flared rear wheel arches in CRP

Transmission: Carbon fiber clutch with hydraulic central slave cylinder; 6-speed sequential racing transmission with straight-cut, unsynchronized gears; additional oil/air cooler; quick shift system with ignition cut-out controlled by shifting force; mechanical limited slip differential with additional oil/air cooler

Front axle: Based on production version, with increased wheel caster angle, enlarged track width and enhanced wheel camber; five-way adjustable shock absorbers; tubular stabilizer bar

Rear axle: Based on production version, with enlarged track width and enhanced wheel camber; five-way adjustable shock absorbers, tubular stabilizer bar

Front brake system: Six-piston aluminum brake calipers, inner-vented grey-cast iron brake disks 15.0 in./380mm in diameter

Rear brake system: Four-piston aluminum brake calipers, grey-cast iron brake disk, 13.1 in./332mm in diameter

Steering: Rack and pinion steering with electro-hydraulic power

Wheels: Aluminum wheels, 18 inches

BMW P65 Engine.

Type: Eight cylinder, V-configuration

Capacity: 3999 cc

Bore x stroke: 92 x 75.2 mm/3.62 x 2.96 in.

Max. output: approx. 485 bhp

Max. torque: approx. 368 lb-ft/500 Nm

Cylinder block: Aluminum cylinder block construction with bed plate lower section

Crankshaft: Steel crankshaft

Pistons: Forged skirt pistons

Conrods: High-performance steel

Cylinder head: Aluminum DOHC (Double Over Head Camshaft); four valves per cylinder

Valve train: Four overhead chain-driven camshafts, valve actuation via rocker arms

Intake system: Eight throttle valves, made of CRP with load-charge optimized ram tubes

Exhaust system: Headers, mufflers

Fuel system: Single cylinder multi-point injection

Lubrication: Dry sump lubrication

Cooling: Water/air cooler and oil/water heat exchanger

Electrics/Electronics.

Engine management: BMW Motorsport ECU 408 with two high-performance micro-processors; Individual cylinder injection and ignition; BMW Motorsport Lambda Controller Pit speed limiter, Quick Shift function; Engine data memory system

Energy management: Electric energy management and monitoring with BMW Motorsport POWER400 control unit, networking of all sensors and actuators through bus system

Wiring harness: Weight optimized

Ignition coil: Eight high-performance pencil coils with integrated ignition drivers

Spark plugs: High-performance spark plugs

Cockpit: Free programmable LCD Display with integrated shift indicators

Steering wheel: Quick release multi-function steering wheel w/ integrated display unit

This rendering once again shows us how the rear of the forthcoming Z4 may appear. It has the reversed shoulder line as we had discussed in the past as well has the hard lines from the front. BMW’s use of design cues from the CS and also the GINA concept are apparent in the overall style of this car.

Sources have indicated that the DCT transmission will undoubtedly appear in this car (as can be seen in some spy shots) as well as advanced suspension technologies. The name of this car is still up for debate and there has been some indication that not unlike the “X” models the “Z” will now have a longer badge and name; “sDrive” being one such possibility.

BMW will be putting a lot of effort into making this version of the Z4 return to a sportier more performance driven car. We are excited to see some of these renderings and like the overall look of the car. If the performance comes close to the look, BMW will once again have a winner in the “Z”. We hope to see the “concept” version this fall.

Rendering: Scoopy/MotorDN

This new Professional navigation system will allow for a full-screen map display and additional features such as travel and route planners.

These changes have been confirmed for most markets outside the US. Click on the “link” tab to view at a higher resolution. (I apologize for the slow load times as I did not resize them appropriately)

Photos: Scoopy/MotorDN

+ 2009 1 Series iDrive / 1addicts.com

No sooner do we question why BMW is keeping us in the USA in the dark and they go release the requested information! We now know the reason for the delay; there is no mention of the DCT in this piece BUT there is very little mention of the coupe (E92) or convertible (E93) so there is still some hope. There is also no mention of the internet via Connected Drive or the newer Efficient Dynamics technologies.

The only change engine wise is the Advanced Diesel in the 335d. There will not be a 335 wagon or a direct injection 330.

The iDrive will be updated as we have known for sometime and the remainder of the changes in appearance and packaging (including a heated steering wheel) will occur.

All in all it is very similar to the UK just we are not worthy of the other engines, DCT (yet?) or Connected Drive.

Update It appears that the “XI” badging may be history:

BMW’s acclaimed xDrive all-wheel drive is featured in the newly named 328i and 335i xDrive Sedans and 328i xDrive Sports Wagon

Those are going to be some LONG badges!

The full .PDF can be found here

Today BMWUSA.com now has a link to the 2009 3 series sedan. Instead of telling us what the US version will have and what to expect this fall they link to the European press release.

The new 3 Series Sedan Breaks Cover The epitome of sporty style, the new 3 Series Sedan remains, as it has for years, one of the most widely sold premium vehicles in the world. The latest model includes a redesigned interior, restyled exterior and new safety and comfort technology. The new 3 Series Sedan will be available at BMW centers in fall 2008. Until then, explore the International Press Kit. Note: the European models includes slight variations from those that will be available in the U.S. The U.S. press release is coming soon.

If they would like some of us enthusiasts to write the press release I think we would be more than happy to help! It is troublesome to think that they are keeping everyone in the dark and speculating on what will be in order to possibly move a few more 2008 cars by leaving the possibility of something not being available in the US. The current lease programs and finance rates should be more than enough to move the current stock or is there something else holding them back from making things official?

What do you think?

Image: BMWUSA.com

The following from the BMWUSA website discussing Navigation for European delivery, BMW will now be loading all cars available for Euro pickup with the new maps (they will be on the hard disk prior to Welt pickup).

Navigation If you have ordered Navigation on your new BMW, beginning with 2009 models, all Europe maps will be automatically loaded when you pick up your car in Munich. The only exception is X3 models, the process of ordering the DVD in advance of travel is still a requirement.

The X3 exclusion makes sense since the X3 system is the only model that will not have iDrive in the lineup for 2009, with iDrive being on its third rendition this really shows how antiquated the X3 is becoming and why it will not complete a full life cycle.