2010 BMW Z4 By 3D Design

When does anyone get to see a German model tuned by a Japanese tuner? Apparently, the answer is today. 3D Design is offering a pretty impressive package for the new BMW Z4 Roadster, even if their only focus is on improving the exterior. The exterior package includes a new front lip spoiler and a trunk spoiler both made of urethane and a rear diffuser made of carbon fiber. The Z4 is audibly improved with the use of 4-tip exhaust. The package is finished by that impressive black exterior color making this vehicle look as if it was made for a man’s man. Although the BMW Z4 does look the part of a mean road racer, unfortunately the lack of turbo boost leaves it a little on the weaker side of the roadster warrior spectrum. For any of the gladiators out there that need a little power along with the vision, try taking a look at the Hamann package for the Z4.

BMW Z Spyder Stradale, Z8 successor rumored for 2014

Posting to bulletin board e90post, BMW inside source Scott26 says the German automaker is developing a new "high end luxury" concept car said to be a pet project of company CEO Dr. Norbert Reithofer. The BMW Z Spyder Stradale was first pitched five years ago before being quickly pushed into research & development. Then the economy collapsed, and the new premium roadster was shelved. However, with the economy slowly starting to get its grip, BMW looks poised to bring out a car that harkens back to the BMW 328 Mille Miglia. [Read more...]

Superchips optimizes BMW 135i for 360hp

If you feel the need to make your own M1 out of a BMW 1-Series, Brit tuner Superchips has an offer to help you out. BMW has ruled out an M1 version of the 1-Series, believing that packing its 3.0 liter twin-turbo straight-six (N54) pumping out more than 300 hp into the tiny hatch should suffice for most. Now the Buckingham-based tuner is dialing that number up to 268 kW (360 bhp), by means of an ECU remapping, that also provides additional torque up to 456 Nm that will considerably improve acceleration and drive. Superchips hasn't track-tested the model yet, so there's no number on how much the 135i's 5.3 seconds 0-60 mph (96 km/h) time improves. But peak torque does come 1000 rpm earlier with the new set-up which should definitely make the small 135i less unwieldy. Top speed remains at 155 mph (250 km/h) for reasons of safety. The price: £445.00 including VAT (€515) and Superchips offers a very relieving 12-month/30,000 mile guarantee, lest you're worried about your BMW dealer getting upset at you messing with their work of art.

2011 BMW X3 teased in The Netherlands

The all-new 2011 BMW X3 can be expected within a few months if the company's marketing machine is to be used as a yardstick. An official public reveal is expected at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. These teaser photos revealing the compact SAV's bonnet, rear lights and some rear details have appeared on BMW's Dutch website. Over the past couple of years we've spied the new-shape vehicle in various places and guises. Just recently a good deal of its camouflage came off and our spies were able to capture the front bumper, grille, headlights and greenhouse. Engines will of course be shared with other cars at BMW, including the 2.0-litre twin turbo diesel making 400Nm and the 3.0-litre straight six with various power configurations.

BMW 5 Series orders exceed expectations

The all-new BMW 5 Series has exceeded its maker's own sales forecasts by a mile, according to a report by Bloomberg. Unveiled in November last year, the F10 5-Series was launched in Europe this past March and is apparently selling like the proverbial hot cakes. After losing money in 2009 the world's biggest maker of premium cars aims to improve its lot considerably in 2010. Cars like the X1 and 5-Series will help it achieve its target operating margin in the "lower one-digit percentage range." CEO Norbert Reithofer said his team is pushing for at least 1.3 million unit sales this year. However, challenges such as the lingering recession as well as Greece's financial problems and its effect on the euro currency could affect these plans. BMW took the top premium automaker crown from the Mercedes-Benz brand in 2005 and has not looked back since.

Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo with 400hp set for UK launch

Alpina will start selling the B3 S Bi-Turbo in the United Kingdom. Originally introduced at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show, the B3 S is available as a sedan, coupe, estate, and convertible (with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive). All models feature an aerodynamic body kit, 19-inch alloy wheels, an Alpina instrument cluster, and a sports steering wheel. Under the hood, the 3.0-liter engine is outfitted with an optimized air intake, a high flow air filter, a new exhaust system, MAHLE pistons, and a high-performance cooling system. Thanks to these modifications, the engine produces 294 kW (400 PS / 395 hp) and 540 Nm (397 lb-ft) of torque. This allows the coupe to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 4.7 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph).

BMW 5-Series hybrid confirmed for 2011

BMW executives have given the go-ahead to a hybrid version of the BMW 5-Series. Regular production and sales of the vehicle could begin in 2011, according to BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer. At the automaker's 90th Annual General Meeting of stakeholders, Reithofer said, “As early as next year, the new BMW 5-Series will also be available as a full hybrid." If successful, this car could also pave the way for more hybrids from the automaker, including the 3er, as BMW pushes to reduce 2008 fleet carbon emissions by 25 percent before 2020.

BMW to consolidate design language, make more harmonious for global tastes

BMW is looking to consolidate its design language and make its various model stylings "more harmonious," according to the brand's new design director Adrian Van Hooydonk.
Van Hooydonk took over the design reigns at BMW last year when legendary designer Christopher Bangle quit in what was a shocking move. Bangle's designs were known for causing stirs and criticisms, although BMW enjoyed a successful series of new model launches under his tenure.
At the recent Beijing auto show, Van Hooydonk said that, "[c]onsolidation is good for the brand because it gives a clearer image of what BMW is." He pointed to the new 5-Series sedan and the Gran Coupe concept as examples, saying they exhibited a "more subtle use of the concave and convex," whatever that means.
Well, we think it means that the designs don't curve and bulge as much. Some may say that's an improvement. But German automakers in general have often been accused of being too conservative in design and inviting that worst of critiques - being called boring.

Hamann BMW 5-Series GT

Hamann has unveiled several new accessories for the BMW 5-Series GT.
In terms of styling, the car features a subtle body kit with front and rear spoilers, revised side skirts, and a new rear apron. Other goodies include 22-inch 'ANNIVERSARY EVO' wheels, an air suspension lowering module (for the 530d, 535i and 550i), and a stainless steel exhaust system.
Inside, the 5-Series GT boasts aluminum pedals and black floor mats with a silver Hamann inscription. Should that fail to impress you, the company also offers individual interior tailoring.
Under the hood, the 530d GT is outfitted with a modified ECU. It enables the engine to produce 275 PS (202 kW / 271 hp) and 620 Nm (457 lb-ft) of torque - an increase of 30 PS (22 kW / 30 hp) and 80 Nm (59 lb-ft).

2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

The 2010 edition of the Mille Miglia is particularly important because BMW is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the historic victory of the House at the Brescia Mille Miglia. And what better way to celebrate than launching a special edition Z4? Called the Z4 sDrive35is Limited Edition Mille Miglia (yes, it is an annoyingly long name), this special edition will be limited to only 99 units. The BMW Z4 sDrive35is Limited Edition Mille Miglia will be painted in a Polaris Metallic matte finish with a black front grill. It will be offered with an M aerodynamic kit, ‘Mille Miglia’ badges, and 19-inch wheels finished in Dark Chrome. The interior will get leather and Alcantara with red stitching and M sports steering wheel with the same red stitching. Under the hood the same engine will be utilized as in the sDrive35is: 3.0-liter 6-cylinder twin turbo engine that delivers a total of 340 hp and 450 Nm of torque. The top speed is still limited to 155 mph.

Banned Pre-Owned BMW Ad

This controversial ad for preowned BMW’s (which states: “You know you’re not the first”) teases us with the idea of sliding into a de-virginized luxury German Automobile. German…hmm, maybe we don’t want to know what she was doing with her last owner. Hey, why’s there a chicken in the backseat?