Section: //M3\\

Rumor: F80 2014 M3 Gets Inline Six

Sections: //M3\\, F80 M3, Rumor Jan 27th, 2012 11 Comments

According to one of our sources the next generation M3 sedan will not be powered by the feared V6 engine. BMW M has been experimenting with various engine configurations for the new generation M3, ranging from a naturally aspirated V8, twin turbo V8 and V6 setups to the much rumored tri-turbo inline 6.

What’s the Fastest M Car? Autobild Finds Out

Sections: //1M\\, //M3 CRT, //M3\\, //M5\\, //X5 M\\, //X6 M\\ Dec 29th, 2011 10 Comments

German publication Autobild took the entire current M range (including the ultra rare M3 CRT) to the Sachsenring. The winner? Perhaps unsurprisingly it was the über M3, the new CRT. But what of the standard production models? The F10 M5 bested the lot with a time of 1:38.90. Not bad for a heavy-weight. But it was the race for second that caught out attention.

BimmerCast #57: BMW’s Year in Review

Sections: //M3\\, //M5\\, //M6\\, ALMS, BimmerCast, DTM, F1X 6 Series Gran Coupe, Motorsport Dec 24th, 2011 4 Comments

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After a very long break we’re back with another big show. First up we recap the last two months of BMW news starting of course with the 6er Gran Coupe and then quickly moving onto the F30 and next generation M3. We round out the news with some thought on DTM and the future of BMW’s racing programs. But this show is all about our personal highs and lows of the year with Michael and I dishing a few surprises.

Here’s the full list of news recapped (after the break).

BMW Releases Limited Edition M3 GT2 Art Car Miniature

Sections: //M3\\, Official News Dec 8th, 2011 5 Comments

Official Release: Power, motion, and light inspired American artist Jeff Koons as he worked on the legendary BMW M3 GT2. Bearing his unmistakable style, the entire body of the artwork is adorned with vivid, streamlined colors against a black background, giving the viewer an impression of motion and speed from every angle. But the BMW M3 GT2 Art Car Jeff Koons doesn’t just dazzle on the racetrack, it also exudes dynamism at a scale of 1:18 in its limited-edition miniature version. The metal model is a full-detail reproduction of the original vehicle, for which the artist intentionally selected a contrasting silver interior. The removable hood allows you to see the engine inside, the trunk can also be opened, and the air ducts are easily visible. The cockpit and the lettering on the wheels look just like those of its big brother, and the steerable front axle and plastic sports seatbelts will delight fans of exclusive automobiles. A clear varnish protects the special, brilliantly colored transfers and will keep this designer piece shining for years to come. The edition is limited to 5,000 miniatures, each of which is supplied in its own display case, appealing to automotive enthusiasts and art lovers alike.

BMW Commits to ALMS 2012 & Prepares for DTM

Sections: //M3\\, ALMS, DTM, Motorsport Nov 27th, 2011 No Comments

BMW Motorsport used the 50th BMW Sports Trophy Award Ceremony to announce further details of next year’s programme. The focus is firmly on the return to the DTM after an absence of almost 20 years. However, perhaps more important for the US market, BMW has firmly committed to campaigning it’s RLL ALMS team for 2012.

At the ceremony in the Double Cone building at Munich’s BMW Welt, BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt presented the latest addition to the team of DTM drivers, the newly crowned DTM champion Martin Tomczyk (DE). Tomczyk will join Andy Priaulx (GB), Augusto Farfus (BR) and Bruno Spengler (CA), who have already been confirmed as BMW drivers, behind the wheel of a BMW M3 DTM in the coming season. The BMW Sports Trophy will be even more important next year: The winner of the annual BMW privateer competition will be rewarded with a test day in the BMW M3 DTM from 2012.

2013 BMW M3 Videos

Sections: //M3\\, F80 M3, Video Nov 9th, 2011 4 Comments

Today we bring you two videos (via Insideline and Bimmerpost respectively) of the next generation M3 as it gets some late season testing in at the ‘Ring. We expect the four door M3 to be the first out of the gate in the spring of 2013 with the two door (still likely named the M3 and not the M4) a year later.

(other video after the break)

BMW NA Releases 2012 M3 Competition Edition

Sections: //M3\\, Official News Nov 4th, 2011 6 Comments

Today BMW of North America takes the wraps off it’s latest limited edition M3. The concept is similar than the previous two other editions but the Competition Edition, with its Carbon trim and black details, is a bit more motorsport influenced. It’s also a way for BMW to signify the launch of Certified M Centers in the US. Instead of a phone bank opening up to sell the cars, BMW is giving one Competition Edition to the first 40 dealerships that sign on to become M Certified.

Official Release: BMW of North America today announced the 2012 M3 Competition Edition featuring Frozen Silver exterior paint and other enhancements. To honor the 40 years since the founding of BMW M in 1972, production for the United States of these very special M3 Coupes will be limited to 40 identically-equipped cars. Each features BMW Individual Frozen Silver Metallic exterior paint with a deep metallic luster to accentuate the athletic lines of the legendary M3. The unique exterior treatment also includes black hood intakes and dark chrome exterior trim, including the kidney grills, the M side gills and the exhaust tips. Black M3 GTS wheels complete the striking exterior. The interior features black Extended Novillo Leather with unique palladium silver accents and palladium silver-contrast stitching on front seats, headrests, door trim panels / handles, center console, and center armrest. The interior is further distinguished with an Alcantara-covered multi-function M steering wheel with M3 Checkered Flag logo inlay. The door sill finishers also feature the M3 Checkered Flag logo while the handbrake lever sports an embroidered M Power logo. As a final touch, genuineCarbon Fiber trims the dash and center console. The 2012 BMW M3 Competition Edition will be offered for an MSRP of $81,060 including destination and handling.

(Full specs and gallery after the break)

BimmerCast #56: M5, F30 3 Series, F20 1 Series & Full Recap of the Last Four Months of BMW

Sections: //1M\\, //M2\\, //M3\\, //M5\\, BimmerCast, F20 1 Series, F30 3 Series, F80 M3 Oct 31st, 2011 5 Comments

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After a very long break we’re back with our biggest and longest show ever. We start with the M5 and new 3 Series and Michael’s first-hand experiences with both cars. And as much as that could be a show in itself, we move on to tackle pretty much every other major BMW topic from the last three months. The show runs a little over an hour and weighs in at 45 mb but it’s one you won’t want to miss.

Here’s the full list (after the break).