Bimmers Garage: 2013

2015 BMW M3 and M4

The BMW 3- and 4-Series are effectively the same car, only the 3-Series comes with four doors while the 4-Series uses two (replacing the outgoing 3-Series coupe). When it comes to the 2015 M3 and M4, same rules apply. They both shed weight compared to their predecessors, go faster, produce better fuel ratings, and ditch their V-8 motors in favor of a brand new twin-turbocharged inline 6.
PHOTOS

BMW i3 declassified: Why the Bavarian Motor Works' little EV has big potential

BMW is one of the most respected brands in the world of performance and luxury cars. With new players and innovations shaking up the industry, it needed a shot in the arm. Thus was born Project i.

When young, nimble companies displace established, stalwart ones, it forces everyone to keep on their toes. Disruption has pushed the consumer tech world to insane levels of churn, but even the humble automobile is not immune. Tesla is the poster child for vehicular disruption, a new brand launching a new luxury automobile that, within a few months, was outselling popular models from Lexus, Porsche, and even BMW. Others are coming, with their own alternative cars and motorcycles, all intent on knocking the now-familiar brands from their comfortable perches.

BMW has announced it is preparing a track-only variant of the all-new 2014 M235i designed for international racing events such as the grueling NÃƒÂ¼rburgring 24 Hours and the VLN Endurance Championship.

Appropriately called M235i Racing, the coupe is fitted with a wide array of M Performance-designed parts including a front splitter, a discreet trunk-mounted spoiler, flared fenders that accommodate wide rims, carbon fiber door mirrors and side skirts.

BMW has been on the forefront of research and development of Eco-friendly mobility for the future. The company has invested heavily in cleaner, more efficient propulsion technologies. The recently launched ’i’ sub-brand has been the result of years of development in order to provide futuristic, efficient and Eco-friendly products at affordable costs.
The "electric car " as we know it, has been evolving at a rapid pace, and with advancement in battery technology and "wonder materials," like carbon-fiber, we could be on the brink of a steady switch to electric mobility. BMW is convinced that electric cars are the future of motoring and will concentrate their efforts in this direction.

Toyota to offer BMW diesel in Verso compact

The Euro-spec Verso 1.6 D-4D compact MPV will be the first-ever Toyota vehicle to use a BMW-sourced powerplant, the Japanese automaker has announced. The engine sharing deal is part of a wider-reaching corporate tie-up between Toyota and BMW.
The Verso 1.6 D-4D will use a 1.6L diesel engine supplied by BMW. The oil burner is rated at 111 horsepower and 199 lb-ft of torque.

BMW has presented 20-year old MotoGP champion Marc Marquez with a brand new M6 Coupe.
The one-off model features a Frozen Black exterior with matching matte black 20-inch light alloy wheels.

2014 BMW 4-series GranCoupe spied on video at Nurburgring

The 2014 BMW 4-series GranCoupe has been caught testing on video during its latest round of testing at the Nurburgring. As we can see from the prototype in this video, the four-door

version of the range will source its design directly from its two-door 4-series Coupe sibling.

The entries for the 10th annual Los Angeles Auto

Show Design Challenge have been revealed.
Dubbed "Biomimicry & Mobility 2025 – Nature's Answer to Human Challenges," this year's challenge includes twelve entries which have been designed to address a variety of problems including congestion, pollution and sustainability.

2014 BMW M4 Convertible leaked?

The first purported picture of the 2014 BMW M4 Convertible has surfaced online.
While it's always a good idea to take these things with a healthy dose of salt, Autoblog.nl is claiming the picture is a screenshot taken from a German brochure. It shows the model will have a four-tailpipe exhaust system and a modified rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. We can also see aerodynamic side skirts and stylish alloy wheels.

2014 BMW M3 spied exiting parking garage [video]

A prototype of the 2014 BMW M3 (F80) was spied while exiting a parking garage.
Back in August we heard the new M3's engine courtesy of a teaser video released by BMW and now the engine's soundtrack has made a comeback via a spy clip showing a prototype while exiting a parking lot. The sound you are hearing comes from an all-new inline-six TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter "S55" engine rated at about 430 HP (316 kW) at 7,500 rpm and a peak torque of more than 500 Nm (369 lb-ft).

2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe rendered with M Performance goodies

Looks like an official image from BMW

Khalil.B from Virtuel-Car has envisioned the fresh 2014 BMW 2-Series Coupe with an M Performance kit which will likely be introduced in the following months.

M3 keeps up GT-R's pace

A BMW M3 confronted a Nissan GT-R on a crowded Nürburgring bridge to gantry lap.

The race took place earlier this month and involved a BMW M3 (E92) which managed to keep up the pace with a Nissan GT-R (R35). The M3 had several modifications installed as it featured an Akrapovic titanium exhaust, Schirmer three-way suspension, AP Racing brakes, Recaro sport seats and roll cage.

BMW X4 confirmed for March 14 debut at Geneva Motor Show

M version unlikely

A BMW representative told Inautonews the X4 will be showcased on March 14 at the 84thGeneva International Motor Show.

The announcement was made by the company's spokesperson Christophe Koenig who said the car

will be presented during the first half of 2014, with more details to be disclosed on March 14. In other words, the X4 will be introduced at the Geneva Motor Show and will probably go on sale several months later.

BMW 4-Series GranCoupe on sale next June, M version slated for 2015 - report

o make public debut at 2014 Geneva Motor Show

A new report concerning the BMW 4-Series GranCoupe says the model will reach dealerships next June.

Essentially a four-door

coupe version of the 3-Series, the new 4-Series GranCoupe will be shown to the public in March at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show before going on sale in June. The car will be offered in 420i, 420d, 428i and 435i versions, but U.S. buyers will only get to choose between the 428i and the 435i models.

2016 BMW 5-Series to receive three-cylinder engine, M5 to get optional AWD - report

A 150 HP turbodiesel

German media is reporting the next generation of the BMW 5-Series will be offered with a three-cylinder engine.

BMW fans are in for a huge surprise as it seems the next-gen 5-Series due in 2016 will be offered with a small 3-cylinder turbodiesel producing 150 HP (110 kW). In this configuration the new 5-Series will have a fuel consumption of just 3.9 liters / 100 km (60 mpg US or 72 mpg UK).

G-Power tunes the BMW 550i, 650i, 750i and M5 / M6

Produces up to 740 HP (544 kW) and 910 Nm (671 lb-ft) of torque

G-Power has introduced a variety of tuning packages for BMWs equipped with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine.

BMW M235i Coupe leaked from dealer presentation

Live pictures of the upcoming BMW M235i Coupe have surfaced online after being shot at a recent dealership presentation. It shows the model in its full glory from the front, front three-quarter and side positions.

A rotund glasses-wearing man, proudly employed by the new i division of BMW, stood on a platform in front of a large photograph of some indeterminate European skyline. He looked quite self-satisfied, if a little nervous. For 15 minutes, he’d been moving around the room from one platform to another, like an actor in an awkward college staging of a Bertolt Brecht play.

“BMW i,” the man said, “heralds the dawn of a new age of electromobility.”

If history has taught us anything, it’s to be wary of Germans proclaiming “the dawn of a new age.” That said, the BMW i3, which enjoyed its international cotillion last week in Amsterdam, represents a substantial reimagining of how a car should drive, how we interact with our vehicles, and what, in general, a car should be. It’s a significant development in automotive history, and a remarkably nimble one given the size and pedigree of the company.

Next-gen BMW X6 spied for the first time

The second generation of the BMW X6 has been grabbed on camera for the first time by our spy photographers.

These images were taken at BMW's Nürburgring test base where several prototypes of the X6 were covered in camo hiding what we assume will be a design influenced by the recently unveiled 2014 X5but with a more coupe-like silhouette as seen on the current model. The headlights will be connected to the front grille and the daytime running lights will be positioned underneath them just like on the X5.

BMW M3 Pickup goes drifting [video]

There was a of interest back in 2011 when BMW released details of the new M3 Pickup truck, which was of course nothing more than an April fools joke. But this pickup is no joke.

Youtube user Marchettino has posted this awesome video of a BMW M3 E46 pickup performing some truly sensational drifting round a race track.

Production ready BMW i8 officially revealed

0-100 km/h in 4.4s

BMW has revealed the i8 in production guise at IAA in Frankfurt, following last week's leaked official photos.

The 1,490 kg (3,284 lbs) plug-in hybrid adopts a 2+2 configuration and boasts a carbon fiber reinforced plastic passenger cell. It borrows many of the concept’s styling cues but slightly toned down and with standard LED headlights, with laser ones being optionally available. The see-through doors of the concept were not carried over but they still open upwards, while the alloys have been modified to be more suitable for a production model.

Could be a sedan or a crossover

A senior source within BMW has told What Car? the Bavarian marque is already analyzing the prospects of launching an i5 model.

The third member in the recently introduced "i" family after the i3 and i8 could be an i5 model which will either be a sedan or a crossover. The car

hasn't been green-lighted for production yet and its body style hasn't been decided but we assume it will remain true to the BMW "i" principles such as a rear-wheel drive layout and the use of CFRP and carbon fiber in its construction.

Could be introduced on the next-generation M5 / M6

BMW M Gmbh's Friedrich Nitschke recently dismissed the possibility of an all-wheel drive M car but recent events have him changing his tune.

Rumors have been circulating for many years that BMW will produce their M5 and M6 in all-wheel-drive (AWD) but so far they have not become reality. However, the likelihood looks set to change after BMW's M division chief Dr. Friedrich Nitschke has confirmed the company is working on plans for an M5 and M6 all-wheel-drive future.

Could compete in the 2014 TUDOR United SportsCar Championship

BMW recently announced the M3 DTM will be replaced by a new M4 DTM and a tipster has just informed us that another race car is in the works.

Toyota beats German rivals as most valuable auto brand

Toyota has managed to maintain its position as the world's most valuable automotive brand. They beat off stiff competition from BMW and Mercedes to take the top spot. German brands dominate the top 10 with half of them coming from the European country.
According to the report, Toyota's brand is worth $35.3 billion which also makes it the 10th most valuable of all brands.
In the overall list, Coca-Cola has slipped from top spot down to third after being overtaken by Apple and Google respectively after the tech giants achieved massive brand growth in the past 10 months.
Top 10 automotive brands (value)

Toyota ($35.3 billion)
Mercedes ($31.9 billion)
BMW ($31.8 billion)

Could weigh less than 1400 kg (3086 lbs)

According to a recent report, BMW is preparing to celebrate their 100th anniversary by introducing a hardcore M4 Coupe in 2016.

BMW has revealed plans to launch a production version of the X5 eDrive concept plug-in hybrid.
The company's head of production line for large vehicles

, Peter Wolf, told Motoring.com.au the X5 eDrive will receive a production version but he didn't provide an exact timetable. He did say it won't happen in 2014 so chances are this could occur sometime in 2015 or 2016.

A prototype of the 2014 BMW M3 Sedan crashed during testing procedures on the Nürburgring in Germany.

BMW is still continuing the testing procedures for the X4 as the crossover

was seen recently on the Nürburgring in Germany.

Being developed under the New Entry-level Sedan (NES) codename

According to a recent report, BMW is developing a 1-Series sedan

under the New Entry-level Sedan (NES) codename.

Company feels it might steal sales from the X6 M

The BMW X4 is inching closer to production and a new report is indicating the automaker has ruled out the possibility of an M variant.

More details are now available about the2014 Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo which will be showcased starting next week at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

2014 BMW i8 first official photos emerge

These are the first two official photos of the production-ready 2014 BMW i8 which will be publicly unveiled on September 10 at IAA in Frankfurt.

2014 BMW 4-Series GranCoupe loses some of its camouflage in latest spy pics

The 2014 BMW 4-Series GranCoupe has returned in an additional batch of spy photos, this time showing additional details as BMW has decided to remove some of the camo.

2014 BMW 1-Series facelift spied hiding modest changes

Our spy photographers recently snatched a few photos of the 2014 BMW 1-Series facelift undergoing testing.

2014 BMW 4-Series Convertible spied with the top down wearing minimal camo

A lightly disguised BMW 4-Series Convertible has been spied with the top down, ahead of next week's reveal at the Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany.

2014 Alpina D3 Bi-Turbo coming to IAA with 350 HP - report

All-wheel drive will be available

A recent report indicates Alpina will bring to IAA the diesel D3 Bi-Turbo, following the gasoline B3 shown back in March at Geneva Motor Show.

What's most stunning about the BMW i8 Concept Spyder isn't the 350-hp plug-in hybrid technology, the laser-powered headlights or the auto-show touches such as folding electric kickboards. It's that BMW plans to build something with most of these features, in a car looking much like this, within a few years. This is not a dream.

Stay tuned'

BMW is teasing the 2014 M3 / M4 Coupe by offering a glimpse of the all-new straight-six soundtrack.

BMW highlights the development of the i8

BMW has released a series of videos that highlight the development of the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car.

Could be revealed in January 2014

A prototype of the 2014 BMW X4 has been spied undergoing testing in Munich, Germany, ahead of an expected January 2014 reveal at NAIAS.

BMW planning next-gen front-wheel drive 1-Series frugal versions - report

Including a plug-in hybrid

A new report indicates BMW is planning several economical versions of the next-gen front-wheel drive 1-Series.

These models will be offered by the Bavarian marque under the EfficientDynamics (ED) moniker and will include a plug-in hybrid version which will make use of a three-cylinder gasoline or diesel engine which will enable the car

to have CO2 emissions of less than 50 g/km.

BMW drivers really are jerks, studies find

Drivers of BMWs frequently come in for anecdotal criticism for habits on the road that are perceived as aggressive.

: Shutterstock.com

Now, a couple of studies, one in the U.S. and another from the U.K., appear to provide statistical evidence that BMW drivers are, to be polite about it, complete jerks.

In the older study, by researchers at the University of California, BMW drivers were far less likely to stop for a pedestrian who had just entered a crosswalk, the New York Times notes. ”Fancy cars were less likely to stop,” researcher Paul K. Piff told the paper, adding, “BMW drivers were the worst.”

2014 BMW i3 electric car attempts a revolution from within.

t looks like a prop from a science fiction movie. It’s the oddest vehicle built with a BMW badge since the company stopped making Isetta bubble cars in 1962. But the 2014 BMW i3 electric car revealed today rolls out as the most technically advanced effort by an automaker to make electric cars viable.

Like all major automakers, BMW has to build electric vehicles to meet regulations around the world, especially in California, which requires automakers to either sell their own EVs or pay their competitors who do so. BMW had experimented with an electric version of its 3-Series sedan, but chose to build a custom-designed EV meant to serve as an urban commuter in the world’s increasingly crowded cities — one meant to maximize its environmental credentials.

roduction limited to 10 units

BMW has introduced the limited edition BMW M5 Nighthawk in Japan.

Dressed in Frozen Black, thehigh-performance sedan

is distinguished by a dark chrome grille, adaptive LED headlights and matte black 20-inch alloy wheels.

2013 BMW Concept Active Tourer Outdoor unveiled

Following an announcement made last month, BMW has revealed the Concept Active Tourer Outdoor which will be showcased at the OutDoor Friedrichshafen fair in Germany. It has the same size and powertrain as last year's Concept Active Tourer which made its appearance at the Paris Motor Show.

2014 BMW M4 Coupe spied in action [video]

The 2014 BMW M4 has been spied stretching its legs on the Nürburgring.

Caught wearing heavy camouflage, the high-performance coupe

has an aggressive front fascia with a prominent grille that is flanked by angel-eye headlights. We can also see a bludging hood, a tailgate-mounted spoiler and a four-tailpipe exhaust system.

2014 BMW M3 spied with a carbon fiber roof

Car would weigh 100 kg (220 lbs) less than its predecessor

The 2014 BMW M3 has been spied with camouflage on its roof.

This doesn't sound terribly exciting but it likely means the prototype is equipped with a carbon fiber roof that will reduce weight and lower the car's center of gravity. The roof is just one of several carbon fiber components that are expected to debut on the model and help to it weigh 100 kg (220 lbs) less than its predecessor.