Nowack releases BMW M5 Hans Nowack Edition

 
To celebrate the retirement (aka impending death) of the BMW M V10 engine, Nowack Motors has unveiled a specially modified M5. Dubbed the N635S 5.8 Hans Nowack Edition, the car features two bespoke intake air collectors, which are painted to match the exterior of the car, and a remapped ECU. More importantly, the company replaced all the internal engine components with specially designed high performance parts. This enables the 5.0-liter V10 to produce 718 PS (528 kW / 708 bhp). While no additional performance specifications were given, the "N635S 5.8 Hans Nowack Edition" will likely accelerate from 0-100 km/h faster than you can say its entire name. Since the HNE is just an engine makeover, all current M5s / M6s can be converted into a N635S 5.8 Hans Nowack Edition. Furthermore, since every engine is brand new after conversion, the company offers a 12 month warranty without a kilometer limitation.

BMW Performance carbon fiber aerodynamic accessories for M3

BMW has unveiled three new carbon fiber accessories for the M3 coupe, sedan, and convertible. Designed to match the carbon fiber roof on the M3 coupe, the rear deck lid spoiler, mirror caps, and front splitter are constructed of "ultra-rigid" carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP). Each piece has been specially designed to reduce lift, minimize drag, and reflect ultraviolet radiation (to prevent fading). All the parts come with a 2-year / unlimited mileage warranty, but if they are installed before a customer takes delivery of a new M3, they are covered under a 4-year / 50,000-mile warranty.

Vision ED Concept to give way to BMW M8 hybrid sports car - rumors

German website and newspaper Auto Zeitung is speculating on a potential new plug-in hybrid supercar based on last year's BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. The car, which the periodical calls the "M8", would combine a mid-mounted internal combustion engine with an electric drive resulting in over 600 horsepower (447 kW). [Read more...]

BMW sneaks 0-Series sketches into promo video?

A new promotional video for BMW has given fans more reason to believe that the company is advancing on development of a new car slotted below the 1-Series.  Dubbed by the media as the "0-Series", the car is seen in four different renderings (approx. 0:20 sec), including one shot on a designer's Wacom Cintiq pen tablet. [Read more...]

Illustrated: 2012 BMW 3-Series Sedan

In many ways the flagship of BMW’s lineup, the 3-Series sedan has never been a blank canvas for BMW design. Instead, it pursues a trickle-down approach that defines “evolutionary, not revolutionary.” Despite its conservative style, the 2012 3-Series is set to be the sportiest looking and driving 3-Series yet as BMW continues to hone its performance credentials as the competition draws ever nearer. Codenamed F30, the car has been in development since the E90-coded (BMW is out of EXX project codes) 3-Series debuted as a 2006 model. We expect the F30 to formally debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in under 9 months, although the automaker will probably release images and some details by the end of 2010. Convertibles, coupes, M3s, a traditional wagon and a 3-Series Gran Turismo will follow as BMW expands the 3-Series model lineup. [Read more...]

2012 BMW F12 M6 spied on the Nurburgring Nordschleife for first time

Our spies have caught the first pictures of the 2012 BMW M6 on the Nurburgring Nordschleife. While still heavily camouflaged, we can see the car will closely resemble the Gran Coupe Concept. Despite this, the M6 will feature a more aggressive front splitter, modified bumpers, and a larger air intake. Other goodies include a lowered sport suspension, cross-drilled brakes, massive wheels (which look like 19- or 20-inchers), and a four-tailpipe exhaust system. Power will likely be provided by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 with 555 hp (408 kW / 563 PS) to 570 hp (425 kW / 578 PS). This should enable the coupe to accelerate from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in under 4.2 seconds.

BMW Prepares M8 Supercar?

BMW is planning an extreme super sports car with a hybrid drive and 600 hp. The technical basis is available and the developers are waiting for the green light. The new supercar is expected to be revealed by the spring of 2013. The new model, believed to be called the M8, will be based on theVision EfficientDynamics unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Compared to the concept, the future car will be five inches longer, 1.24 meters high, 1.90 meters wide, and will feature a 2+2 configuration.

The future M8 will combine a V10 engine that develops 507 HP at 7750 rpm and a torque of 520 Nm with two electric motors, one on the front axle and the second one at the rear between the V10 and the six-speed M-Sport automatic transmission. The first electric motor will deliver 80-115 hp and the back one will deliver more than 50 hp. Thanks to an all-new aluminum chassis, carbon fiber bodywork, fine Kevlar bucket seats, and several magnesium and plastic parts, the M8 will weigh just under 1500 kilograms. All this will help the supercar sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

2011 5-Series sold out worldwide

Those of you looking to buy a 2011 BMW 5-Series may have to wait longer than expected. The sedan has already been a hit for the automaker, who now reports that they are sold out of the model. Fear not, 5er fans. The result is that the newest customers will have to wait an additional, but not agonizingly-long, three or four months for delivery. The popular car is expected to make up as much as 17 percent of BMW sales in the United States. Though the car shares 70 percent of its parts and technology with the decidedly more expensive 7-Series, the 5-Series costs $25,600 less than the company's flagship model. The new 5-Series has a starting retail price in the States of $44,550. We wonder if some dealerships will try to add a premium on top of this cost, because of the early sell-out. The 2011 BMW 5-Series went on sale in Europe this past March, with American sales beginning this week.

BMW M SPORT PACKAGE LEAKED VIA CATALOG

BMW has yet to reveal the details of its expected M Sport package for the 2011 5-Series models, but scanned images from a brochure have leaked onto the Web, showing details of the package both inside and out. The handful of images obtained by Bimmer Today show a much more aggressive front fascia, complete with fairly massive lower intake ducts which also contain the fog lights. In addition to the significantly more aggressive front fascia, the side skirts and rear fascia have also been upgraded to match. These changes alone make for an instantly noticeable change in the vehicle’s overall presence. [Read more...]

Toyota chief test driver killed on Nurburgring accident with BMW prototype

An accident, on local roads near the Nurburgring, has claimed the life of legedary Toyota chief test engineer / driver, Hiromu Naruse. While details are limited, the 67-year old was piloting a Lexus LFA Nurburgring Edition when it crashed into a BMW 3-Series. Both cars were traveling in an area with a speed limit of 100 km/h (62 mph), but the crash was violent enough that Naruse's body had be pulled from the wreckage with the 'Jaws of Life' (aka rescue scissors). Two test drivers, age 34 and 33 years old, in the BMW were also injured, with one in critical condition. Naruse started his career with Toyota in 1963, when he joined the Vehicle Evaluation and Engineering Division. Over the years, he played in important role in developing the Toyota 2000GT and the Lexus LFA.

2011 BMW Frozen Gray M3 Coupe sold out in 12 minutes

BMW has announced the limited edition -M3 Frozen Gray Coupe- was sold out in 12 minutes.

As you may remember, the FGC was built to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the M3. It features exclusive Frozen Gray matte paint, the Competition Package (which has 19-inch alloy wheels and a lowered ride height), Electronic Damping Control, and an M Double Clutch Transmission. Other goodies include Fox Red / Black Novillo leather upholstery, "carbon leather" trim, heated front seats, a premium sound system, GPS navigation, Comfort Access (passive entry), and a one-day enrollment at the BMW Performance Driving School in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Priced at $77,600, which is $19, 200 more than a standard M3 coupe, the FGC is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 with 414 hp (309 kW / 420 PS) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. It enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

According to Larry Koch, M Brand Manager for BMW North America, "I'm personally thrilled to see that our customers are as excited about it as we are. We filled the thirty reservation slots within twelve minutes and took the names of at least fifty alternates in the first hour. The 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe will be one of the most unique BMW vehicles ever imported to the US."

BMW reveals U.S.-only 2011 M3 Frozen Gray Coupe

This M3 coupe will only see 30 models produced, each carrying a base price of $77,600, and covered in a unique matte paint job with a Space Gray base coat, covered in a BMW ColorSystem silk matte clear coat finish. It is this unique paint scheme that makes up the exterior differences between this special edition model and a standard M3 Coupe. [Read more...]

BMW Alpina B5 F10 Bi-Turbo teaser released

Alpina has released a teaser of the new 2011 BMW Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo, slated for introduction at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.  The teaser sketch shows the new 5-Series F10 sedan with a new front fascia and side sills and of course the classic Alpina multispoke wheels. [Read more...]

BMW developing microNavigation for complex areas not yet covered

A new project is underway at BMW Group Research and Technology that could provide drivers with directions once inside large, complex structures. The system will be meant to work in addition to satellite navigation systems, letting drivers easily navigate factories, fairgrounds, and other such facilities. The project, Pathfinder from BMW, will not only provide micro-navigation inside a vehicle, but also outside. "The realistic visualisation of a building like a complex multi-storey car park by means of a micro-Navigation card in the Central Information Display of the research prototype gives the user a clear navigation and information advantage that goes significantly beyond the conventional scope of a road navigation solution," BMW Project Manager Carsten Isert said in a press release. [Read more...]

BMW X6 by Status Design

Status Design has unveiled a new styling and performance package for the BMW X6. Dubbed the SD F16, the crossover features an aggressive body kit with new bumpers and numerous carbon fiber components (rear diffuser, mirror casings, grille, rear spoiler, and window trim). Other goodies include LED daytime running lights, four fog lamps (which light up when the steering wheel is turned), a black roof, and 22-inch Hartge wheels. [Read more...]

The origin of the BMW logo

America's Hardest-To-Get Cars

May was a good month for BMW. The German automaker reported 22,092 units sold last month, with total sales up 5% over the same time last year. It was BMW's best result so far this year, despite a year-to-date decline of almost 4%. Executives are optimistic about summer sales--particularly the prospects for the new 5 Series sedans, which go on sale later this month. But it may be difficult to get your hands on one of these $49,600 sedans. BMW's 5-Series vehicles rank with the Subaru Legacy and Volkswagen GTI among the hardest-to-get cars in the U.S. [Read more...]