Jul 25th, 2008
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.
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Jun 19th, 2008
BMW Group Press Release: 30 years, 300 000 vehicles and a BMW M3 Coupe - these are the most significant earmarks of a remarkable anniversary. Three decades after commencing with the assembly of their first series production model, the BMW M GmbH has now delivered its 300 000th vehicle. The alpine white BMW M3 Coupe was handed over to a customer in Regensburg. This East Bavarian town is also the location of the BMW plant in which the high-performance sports car is produced. continued →
Apr 29th, 2008
First it was 460 hp AMG. Then there was the 500 hp M5. Then Ingolstadt rolled out it’s 600+ hp RS6 Wagon. Okay that may be simplifying it a bit but there has been an escalation in power out of the Germany manufacturers (and the Americans to some degree) over the last five years that has raised a few eyebrows. And now, it seems to be coming to an end. Car Magazine interviewed Wolf Zimmerman, R&D boss of Mercedes AMG and he had these comments:
“We’re almost a the top in terms of power now. There’s something in the pipeline, but we’re nearly at the top. Then cars will become less powerful.”
Those are (excuse the pun) powerful words. The quote is followed up by a description of how AMG will be going green, presumably along with the other German makes as well. continued →
Apr 9th, 2008
The Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) was the predecessor to the recently released DCT for performance oriented BMW models.
There were original plans to introduce the SMG in the E90 3 series sedan after 10/2005 as an option that required the then N52 330i engine and the Sport Package (ZSP). All of the training materials and press releases at the time stated the SMG would eventually be offered. BMW even completed a product comparison between it and the VW/Audi DSG of the time.
This all changed weeks before these cars were to be built, BMW had made the decision to forego the SMG in non-//M cars until further notice. There were many unhappy soon-to-be SMG owners.
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Apr 2nd, 2008
A number of blogs and forums have been discussing a recent interview with BMW AG CEO Norbert Reithofer and the German magazine Auto Mund Und Sport. The interview that took place was in regards to BMW cutting the production of the V8 diesel which is currently only utilized in the 7 series for the European market (and it is not a big seller to begin with). In this interview Reithofer indicated that BMW made this decision because they are able to achieve similar results and greater efficiency with current and future six-cylinder engines all while producing less emissions. He also stated that BMW will be exploring more ways to “cut” cylinders and utilize smaller engines (six-cylinder) to achieve the levels of the larger naturally aspirated engines.
That being said, somehow someone interpreted (we assume from this interview that we have seen and translated, and re-translated) that this meant the //M division and it has been widely reported over the net. We are still waiting for confirmation or acknowledgment from our sources that this is a valid concept but from our translations there was no indication this was meant for //M or even cars meant for the US. continued →
Mar 6th, 2008
Inside Line has a fascinating interview with Gerhard Richter, vice president of BMW M Gmbh. While quite a few subjects are brought up, perhaps the most interesting to BF readers was the mention of a potential M1. Here’s the full excerpt:
Q: The M3 has grown up, both in terms of size and price. Is there room for a smaller, entry-level M car, based around the new 1 Series coupe available in Europe?
Theoretically, yes. A 1 Series coupe would be a good base for such a car, but there has been no decision yet.
A: It is true that the M3 has grown over several generations and the latest car is a similar length to an old 5 Series. But we also have the M Coupe for those who want a small car that concentrates on driving fun.
A few weeks back at the M3 US Press launch, I had dinner with the lead engineer on the M3. One of the questions that came up was, what car does the M division not yet make that they should. The first thing I brought up was the 1 Series. He seemed to waiver a bit and then said something to the effect, ’sometimes an AG car is already fully optimized and it’s not possible for us to do anything within the appropriate price bracket.’ Maybe it was a cop-out so he didn’t have to answer any further M1 questions. But I can tell you based on his body language and on his tone it was a statement made with some reluctance. continued →
Jan 25th, 2008
For those that don’t know much about the car, the Z4 M Coupe is the relatively rare M Brand version of the Z4 Coupe. The Z4 Coupe (the basis of the Z4M Coupe) is the newly released coupe version of the Z4. The Z4 Coupe features a huge increase in rigidity, the addition of a hatchback, and gorgeous looks that (in these eyes) transforms the already good looking Z4 into something of an instant classic. The M version tested here features, in a word, more.
On paper the M Coupe (as it’s referred to by many) has it all. The E46 M3’s sensuous inline six churning out 330 high-revving horsepower. M3 CSL brakes - a healthy improvement over the stock M3 stoppers. Less weight (3230lbs) and more nimble than the M3. And finally a driver focused cabin and steering wheel that puts the M3’s to shame.
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