SCOOP: 2012 BMW M6 Spied in Convertible Trim
The engineering teams over at the BMW Group have their hands full these days as they rush to complete testing of a number of future vehicles.
These include but are not limited to, MINI’s Roadster and BMW’s i3 hatch, i8 hybrid sports car, M6 Coupe, the next generation 3-Series sedan and GT liftback, the 7-Series facelift, the four-door 6-Series GT which we showed you earlier today, and case in point, the convertible version of the M6.As with the 2012 M6 Coupe, BMW is slowly stripping away the disguise from the rag-top model which will feature the same M Division-tuned drivetrain found in the latest M5 sports sedan.
That means both the M6 Coupe and Convertible will sport a 4.4-litre V8 with twin-turbochargers and direct-injection technology producing around 560 horses and 680Nm [501.5 lb-ft] of peak torque as well as a dual-clutch seven-speed gearbox.
Other upgrades will include an aerodynamic package with new bumpers and a rear diffuser, larger alloy wheels, massive cross drilled brake rotors, a sports suspension setup, a modified steering wheel system and the usual interior mods.
The two-door body styles of the M6 are expected to go on sale by next summer.
Kelleners Sport Tunes the BMW 1-Series M Coupe to 410HP
German aftermarket firm Kelleners Sport is one of the first official tuners to get its hands on the new BMW 1-Series M Coupe and offer a complete conversion. Named KS1-S, the modified 1 M Coupe’s turbocharged straight-six now delivers 410-horses, or a good 20% more than the standard car, and just 10HP short of the E92 M3, while torque is increased from 450 to 550 Nm or 405.7 lb-ft. As a result, the power to weight ratio drops from 4.4kg per HP in the stock model to 3.8 kg per hp in the KS-1 S.
Visually, the KS1-S differs from the standard 1 M Coupe thanks to new aerodynamic parts designed to minimize drag and increase downforce at high speeds, as well as the quad 83 mm exhaust pipes.
Kellener’s 1 M Coupe now rides on new 20-inch alloy wheels shod in tires size 245/30 at the front and 265/30 at the rear.
The company also worked on the suspension settings and added an adjustable coil-over system, which gives the driver the opportunity to adjust both rebound and compression independently.
Changes were also made also in the interior with two-tone black and white perforated leather and alcantara covering the dashboard, door panels and front and rear seats.
Lexus Loses Top Spot in US After a Decade, Says it Doesn't Care
Lexus has been the top-selling luxury brand in the US for the last 11 years. But in 2011 the luxury division of Toyota looks bound to lose the top spot to both BMW and Mercedes-Benz and be relegated to third place. The earthquake and Tsunami that hit Japan in March and disrupted production is one of the reasons, as Lexus manufactures all bar one of its models (the RX) in its homeland. However, the production problems aren’t the sole reason for Lexus’ declining sales.
Last year’s recalls and the publicity they received had a negative effect on the brand. Moreover, arch-rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW are expanding their US line-up and offering bigger incentives – plus let’s not forget, the Germans also manufacture some of their cars locally in the US.
In an interview with the Dallas Morning News, Mark Templin, general manager of Lexus, commented that the media is giving too much attention to market leaders:
“In the 11 years Lexus was number one, we ‘ve never once bragged about it. When we had to reduce production, it pretty much guaranteed that we would be challenged to remain number one in sales”.
He also dismissed all the talk about luxury car ranking: “All that doesn’t matter. All we care about us being number one in quality”.
BMW Boss Says Front-Wheel Drive Bimmers will be “The Ultimate Driving Machine”
The times, they are a-Changing sang Bob Dylan, and they did. And for the most part, it’s for the better –or we’d still be living in caves. But when one of the staples of the motoring world embraces a new philosophy, be prepared for the purists to cry “FAIL”. The news of BMW adopting front-wheel-drive for its future compact models is the perfect example. For decades Munich has bombarded us with its naturally aspirated in-line engines, be that with 4, 6, 8 or 10 cylinders along with 50/50 perfect weight distribution and the “ultimate driving machine” tag.
Now turbos are all the rage, even in the M-division and they are trickling down to the rest of the lineup in the name of fuel economy and CO2 emissions. But a FWD BMW? Where is this world coming to?
BMW Group board member Ian Robertson has a perfect counterargument: “In the last 10 years we have built nearly two million front-wheel-drive Minis and no one has ever told me the driving dynamics are questionable”, Robertson told Australia’s Drive magazine at this week’s 6 Series coupe launch in Germany.
And true enough, he does have a point there as the Mini is one of the most fun to drive hatchbacks on the market. Robertson is confident about the new direction his company is taking:
“I think we are very, very capable of developing a front-wheel-drive platform that has certain advantages in terms of design and the use of space, and at the same time will be a BMW as you always expected it to be,” said Robertson.
“Take the badge and the heritage out of it and put the capability into it. Capability is what is important. The whole essence of what you experience from a rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, customers expect it to be a BMW … and that is what is driving us,” he added.
The reasons behind the change of heart, at least for smaller models in the range, are the obvious advantages of FWD vs RWD in packaging, interior space and, of course, cost. Besides, even Mercedes-Benz and Audi, with their A-Class and A1 respectively, insist on the benefits of this layout.
Therefore, the recently launched second generation of the 1-Series may well be the last small BMW with RWD, as its successor will most likely adopt the firm’s new FWD platform architecture.
Lumma Design Unleashes BMW X6 xDrive40d
The German tuners over at Lumma Design are taking yet another stab on the BMW X6, this time, on the most powerful diesel model, the xDrive40d that is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six delivering 306-horses and 600Nm (442 lb-ft) of peak torque in factory tune. After Lumma Design’s people get their way with the diesel unit by updating the software and adding a custom exhaust system, output is increased to a more hearty 340-horses and 670Nm (494 lb-ft).
Other performance-related modifications include the lowered sports suspension (-40mm) and the 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels wrapped around in 295/30-22 tires up front and 335/25-22 at the rear.
Next up is the exterior styling package that includes a wide body kit with a new front bumper sporting additional LED lamps, a blacked out grille, wheel arch extensions, side skirts with air vents, and a restyled rear bumper that makes place for a diffuser and the quad tail pipes.
Numerous carbon fiber parts such as the rear boot lid spoiler, mirrors caps, and headlamp trim complete the BMW X6's exterior makeover.
The black and white color theme is continued inside with Lumma Design dressing the X6 in a mix of regular and carbon fiber-like leather, Alcantara and aluminum. In addition, there are independent front and rear sport seats with a backrest shells in structured carbon leather while the German tuner also added bespoke instruments and aluminum pedals.
BMW 357Ci: E46 Coupe gets Pontiac GTO 5.7-liter LS1 V8
Two observations: one, there’s nothing cooler than a LS1-engined BMW that is externally indistinguishable from its bread-and-butter cousins and two, the Apple iPhone is probably the worst thing for filming a movie ever. A little less of number two and a little more number one, if you please.
This BMW E46 3-Series coupe, or as its UK owner has appropriately named it, the 357Ci, started its life as a 2001 325Ci with an M Sport Package. In the hands of its current owner, it received the same 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine as the rather forlorn looking Porsche 911 we wrote about last week, making this the second American-powered German automobile we’ve featured in as many days.
The engine was sourced from a fourth generation Pontiac GTO (aka the Holden Monaro) complete with a six-speed manual gearbox. The tune also included the installation of the rear suspension and LSD from an M3 as well as upgraded brakes on all four corners.
Funnily enough, this doesn’t appear to be the first E46-to-LS1 conversion that’s been attempted either, as a quick search on Google will prove. There are at least three completed cars and two that are still in the shop having the conversion done. Who knew?
You can check out the pictures and videos of this particular project car having its engine revved, all captured in awkward iPhoney goodness. At least the sound quality is better than the picture. Oh, and don’t forget to leave a comment below.
Edo Competition’s Menacing BMW M5 Touring Dark Edition
Germany-based Edo Competition is more widely known for its exotic supercar transformations but this time, the tuning house set its eyes on one of the most practical high-performance vehicles in the market, the BMW M5 Touring. Called the M5 Dark Edition, the modified BMW wagon sports a tuned version of the 5.0-liter V10 that has been upgraded with a recalibrated ECU, high-flow air filters and catalytic converters as well as a newly developed high-performance exhaust system.
As a result, output has been lifted from 500HP and 521 Nm (384 lb-ft) to 555-horsepower and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft), with the M5 Dark Edition completing the 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint in 4.2 seconds (0.5 seconds faster than the stock model) and the 100km/h -200km/h acceleration in under 10 seconds. By removing the electronic speed nanny, the M5 Touring reaches a top speed of 305km/h (190mph).
The tune continues with a new aero kit comprising of a front apron with additional lights, a rear apron that makes way for bespoke exhaust tips and a roof wing. The high-performance station wagon now rides on new 20-inch alloy wheels painted in black with a sliver rim and shod in Dunlop tires size 255/35 R20 at the front and 285/30 R20 at the rear.
As for the interior upgrades, Edo Competition offers a variety of solutions ranging from leather upholsteries and carbon trim parts to a new speedometer with white dials with a backlit logo.
New Exclusive and M Sport Editions Join BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible Range
You didn’t think BMW would leave its bread-and-butter 3-Series untouched for the new model year just because it’s actively working on a replacement, did you? Of course not. The changes to the 3-Series range are of far less importance than on the 6-Series and 5-Series lineups, and are mostly limited to the presentation of new special edition models and packages. These include a Special Edition package for the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition Touring, M Sport and Exclusive Editions for the 3 Series Coupé and 3 Series Convertible plus an BMW Individual hardtop option for the cabrio.
The Exclusive iterations of the coupe and convertible are offered with bespoke exterior colors including a Mineral Grey shade combined with exterior mirror caps in Oxide Silver and 18-inch V-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in Space Grey. The interior is distinguished by the Dakota leather upholstery in Pearl Grey with darker grey contrast stitching, or in Black with white contrast stitching, plus Bamboo Grain Anthracite trim strips.
Moving on to the M Sport Editions, aside from the aerodynamic package with new front and rear bumpers, there’s a Silverstone paint finish familiar from the M3 and 18-inch Ferric Grey light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, black-painted exterior mirrors and in the case of the Coupe, an optionally available boot lid spoiler.
On the inside, there are sports seats with M detailing and blue contrast strips, an M Sport steering wheel, stainless steel pedals and an M aluminium driver’s footrest plus Model-specific interior strips in Aluminium Glacier Silver dark and floor mats with blue piping.
For the 3-Series Convertible, the company offers a new BMW Individual hardtop in contrasting in contrasting Black or Titanium Silver metallic that can be combined with a total of 15 different body colors.
BMW 5-Series Gains New 2.0-Liter Four-Cylinder Turbo Engines, 5-Series GT gets the M Sport Treatment
There’s a lot going on in Munich today as BMW has unleashed details on its new model year portfolio. Following the news on the 6-Series, more of which you can read in our previous post here, we bring you the updates to the 5-Series range that includes the four-door sedan, the Touring (station wagon) and the Gran Turismo liftback. We’ll begin with the changes to the engine lineup of the 5-Series saloon and Touring models. Starting from this fall, European buyers will be able to order the 5-Series with BMW’s brand-new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine, which is offered in two forms producing 184HP and 270Nm (199 lb-ft) in the 520i and 245HP and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) in the 528i.
The 184HP 520i Sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 7.9 seconds (automatic: 8.0 sec), while the Touring in 8.3 sec (automatic: 8.4 sec). Top speeds are 227km/h (141mph) (automatic: 226km/h / 140mph) for the Sedan and 220km/h (137mph) (manual and automatic) for the Touring model.
The average fuel consumption for the sedan is 6.8 – 7.0 l/100 km (40.3 – 41.5 UK mpg) (automatic: 6.5 – 6.7 lt / 42.2 – 43.5 mpg UK) with CO2 emissions of 157 – 163 g/km (149 – 155 g/km).
The 245HP 528i sedan completes the 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) sprint in 6.2 seconds (automatic: 6.3 seconds), and the Touring in 6.4 seconds (automatic: 6.6 seconds). Top speeds are 250 km/h (155 mph) for the Sedan and 244 km/h (152mph) for the Touring model (in both cases the figures are the same for both manual and automatic versions).
In terms of fuel consumption, the 528i Sedan returns 6.8 – 7.1 lt/100 km (39.8 – 41.5 mpg UK) (automatic: 6.5 – 6.8 lt / 41.5 – 43.5 mpg UK), with CO2 emissions of 159 – 165 g/km.
Also new is the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition featuring a 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel with 184HP and 380Nm (280 lb-ft) that returns a combined fuel economy of 4.5 lt/100 km (62.8 mpg UK or 52.3mpg US) and CO2 emissions of 119g/km.
For the new model year, the 525d offers a 13HP increase over the previous model with its four-cylinder diesel engine now developing 218HP at 4 ,400 rpm and a peak torque of 450Nm (332 lb-ft). The same goes for the six-cylinder 530d that also gains a 13HP boost for a total output of 258HP at 4,000 rpm and peak torque of 540Nm (398 lb-ft) or 560Nm / 413 lb-ft with the automatic transmission. The 535d’s straight-six diesel was also tweaked and now produced 313HP and 630NM (465 lb-ft) at between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm.
Other changes to the 5-Series range include the expansion of the firm’s all-wheel drive system to more models, namely the 528i xDrive, 535i xDrive, 550i xDrive, 525d xDrive, 530d xDrive and 535d xDrive, plus the introduction of the 407HP V8-powered 550i Touring.
BMW is also offering as standard its start and stop system, as well as a Driving Experience Control switch that allows the driver to customize accelerator and, engine response, the power steering characteristics, the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) thresholds and, on automatic models, the shift characteristics of the transmission through four modes - “COMFORT”, “SPORT”, “SPORT+” and ECO PRO.
Finally, autumn 2011 will see the launch of an M Sport package for the 5 Series Gran Turismo, which includes an aero kit with new bumpers, dark chrome tailpipes, 19-inch or optionally, 20-inch M alloy wheels with mixed tires, sport seats, steering wheel and trim, plus a lowered M suspension.
BMW Updates New 6-Series with M Sport, Diesel and xDrive Variants
BMW is wasting no time in enhancing the range of its recently launched 6-Series Coupé and Convertible models. To sum up the changes, from this autumn (and depending on the market, of course) both body styles will be available with an M Sport package, a new diesel engine and for the first time in the 6-Series model’s history, the Bavarian firm’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Starting with the M Sport option, the package includes an M aerodynamics kit with bespoke front and rear bumpers, LED foglamps, 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design, sports seats with Alcantara/leather upholstery and an M leather steering wheel. In addition, buyers can further customize their cars through the BMW Individual range, which comprises, bespoke paint finishes, light-alloy wheels and numerous other options.
This fall will see BMW adding the 640d Coupe and Convertible models to the lineup. Both are powered by a 3.0-liter straight-six delivering 313-horses at just 4,400 rpm and a monstrous peak torque of 630Nm (464 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 2,500.
BMW says the diesel engine enables acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.5 seconds for the Coupé and 5.6 seconds for the Convertible. The fuel consumption and CO2 values of the two diesel models are: 5.4 – 5.5 l/100 km (51.4 – 52.3mpg UK or 42.8 -43.6mpg US) for the Coupe, and 5.6 – 5.7 l/100 km (49.6 – 50.4 mpg UK) with 147 – 149 g/km for the Convertible.
The 650i Coupe and Convertible models powered by the 407HP turbocharged V8 will be optionally available with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel drive system. According to the Bavarian automaker, the 650i xDrive Coupé powers from rest to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds, while the 650i xDrive Convertible requires 0.1 seconds longer to complete the same acceleration.
Hamann Details Tuning Program for New BMW 6-Series Convertible, More to Come in Frankfurt
Earlier this year, BMW tuning specialist Hamann Motorsport teased its tuning program for the freshly launched 6-Series Convertible with the release of the first photos of the car. Today, the German company gave out information on its initial offerings for the soft-top 6-Series and announced that it will unveil a more aggressive tune at the upcoming 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show this September.
In its first effort to enhance the looks and performance of the 6-Series Convertible, Hamann Motorsport offers owners a comprehensive choice of alloy wheel designs in black, silver or a combination of both finishes and in sizes 20- or 21-inches.
For a more athletic stance, Hamann proposes a sports suspension that lowers the car’s ride height by around 30 mm at the front and 25 mm at the rear using new springs.
Owners of the 650i Convertible can also opt for a sports exhaust system that includes four round 90 mm tailpipes.
Interior upgrades come in the way of aluminium pedals and a footrest, plus bespoke foot mats with a silver ‘HAMANN’ logo.
AC Schnitzer Unwraps New BMW X3 Tuning Package
Available since autumn 2010, the second iteration of the BMW X3 continues to draw the attention of European tuners. Seen here in AC Schnitzer guise, the F25 X3 has been upgraded with a styling package and go-fast modifications. For starters, AC Schnitzer has upped the performance on the 2.0-liter diesel-powered xDrive20d from 184-horses to 218HP, while the company is also working on a kit for the xDrive30d as well as the 6-cylinder 2.8i and 3.5i petrol models, which will be released later this year.
All X3’s can benefit from the German tuning firm’s body kit, which bundles a front skirt and lip spoiler, chrome trim for the side skirts, a rear apron and a roof spoiler plus new exhaust tailpipe trims.
AC Schnitzer offers a variety of alloy wheel designs in sizes 18-, 19-,20- or 22-inches wrapped around performance tires. Additional hardware modifications include a lowered sports suspension.
As for the interior and aside from a new sports steering wheel currently in development, the tuner’s offerings include aluminium accents, a sports pedal set, and velour floor mats.
Rumors: BMW to Bring Six-Cylinder 6-Series to the States and Possibly Introduce an AWD Version
The crew over at Autoblog.com is reporting that BMW plants to sell a six-cylinder version of its new 6-Series Coupe in America after all. When the Bavarian automaker introduced the latest 6-Series Coupe and Convertible models, it had stated that the U.S. would only get the 650i with its 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 that delivers 400-horses in NA-trim and 407HP in the EU. The six-cylinder version, which will be sold as the 640i, is powered by BMW’s latest 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with direct injection. In European guise, it pumps out 320HP at 5,800 rpm and 450Nm (332 lb-ft) of peak torque between 1,300 and 4,500 rpm, for a 0-62mph (100km/h) in 5.4 second and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).
In Europe, the 640i returns a combined fuel economy of 7.7lt / 100km (equal to 30.6 mpg US) with 179 g/km of CO2, compared to the 650i’s 10.4 lt/100km (equal to 23.1 mpg US) and 243g/km.
We suspect that the American version of the 640i will deliver the same output figures as the U.S.-spec 740i at 315HP and 330 lb-ft.
The 640i Coupe will reportedly arrive in U.S. showrooms about a month after the 650i at the end of October.
In addition to the news on the North American 640i, Autoblog also reported that BMW is preparing an all-wheel drive version of the 650i fitted with the firm’s xDrive system.
2012 BMW M5 Touring Artistically Imagined
Now that we’ve seen what the new 2012 BMW M5 sports sedan looks like, it’s time for some talented hands to shape the Touring version that may or may not follow in the future as the Bavarian company has not yet revealed any plans for a high-performance station wagon model. The renderings you see pictured below are the work of photoshop artist Wild Speed who combined the bodies of the F10 5-Series Touring and the new M5 sedan.
If it were to produced, the estate variant would be powered by the same 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 560-horses found under the hood of the saloon model.
