2013 BMW 1-Series M

The rumors of an upcoming performance version of BMW’s 1-Series have been rampant for well over a year, with “sources” saying BMW would make an “M1,” while others have said they wouldn’t.

Early spy shots showed a lack of quad tailpipes, suggesting that any type of M designation wouldn’t be possible. Eventually, our spies caught up with a properly quad-piped 1-Series M Coupe – which is what BMW announced today is what this vehicle will be officially known as.

BMW BREAKS GROUND ON CARBON FIBER PLANT

BMW and SGL Group have broken ground on a factory in Washington state that will eventually produce carbon fiber panels for the automaker’s electric vehicles, including its upcoming, highly-vaunted Megacity EV.

2010 BMW X6 Performance Unlimited

BMW has announced a new special edition for the Japanese market, the X6Performance Unlimited. It will be limited to only 20 units and will go on sale today. Customers will get their cars at the end of July.

The new special edition comes with the new BMW Valvetronic system that combines high-precision direct injection and twin turbo power into a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, with hybrid technology and an 8-speed automatic transmission.

BMW M5 E60 production comes to an end

BMW has officially ended production of the E60 BMW M5 after five years of production.  20,548 units of the fourth-generation M5 were assembled during this time, the majority of which were saloons.

Only 1,025 BMW M5 Touring units were built since the five-door's release in 2007.

The E60 M5 featured a 5.0-liter V10 petrol engine that delivers 509 horsepower (380 kW / 516 PS), and up to 520 Nm (380 ft-lb) of torque.  Mated to either a seven-speed SMG or six-speed manual transmission, the car was capable of a 0-100 km/h time of 4.2 seconds.  Though the car was theoretically able to hit 337 km/h (209 mph), its speed was electronically-limited to 249 km/h (155 mph).

BMW will likely begin modifying their Dingolfing, Germany, factory to prepare for the F10 M5 production.  The fifth-generation M5 is expected to get the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 found in the X5 M and X6 M.  It will potentially be tuned to deliver 570 hp (425 kW / 578 PS), and up to 680Nm (502 ft-lb) of torque. Source

BMW 6 Series Convertible spied with the top down

BMW once again showing spy photographers their soft top format for its next-generation 6 Series Convertible. During testing it seems rain started coming down, prompting a roof cover up. Our pictures show the camouflaged car both covered and uncovered. We can see some of the lines on the door for the first time. The rear end features two single tailpipes on either side, a telltale sign that this particular model is powered by a straight-six turbo engine. Other details revealed by previous spy shots include a centrally-mounted brake light and a larger BMW emblem at the rear. The 6 Series Convertible will share most engines with the 5 Series and even feature the 4.4-litre twin turbo V8 making 300kW (402 bhp/ 408 PS) when it launches some time in 2011. Source

Secret BMW X5 protoype made of carbon fiber uncovered

BMW recently showcased this lightweight X5 prototype who's body weight is about half that of a first-generation X5.

The material employed here is called CFRP - short for carbon-fiber reinforced plastic - and it provides great weight-saving potential for future vehicles without compromising safety. CFRP is 50 percent lighter than steel but just as strong. It is stable under varied climate conditions and is damage-tolerant and able to absorb energy in a crash.

The lightweight X5 comes with a CFRP unibody structure as well as the hood, roof and rear hatch. Only the doors are made of steel on the body. The overall weight savings for the X5 is about 200 kg or 440 pounds.

The CFRP X5 was shown at the Innovation Days Mobility event in Asia, which is a tour BMW has put on in the region to showcase its latest technologies. LINK

MWDesign Project Slingshot for BMW Z4 (E89)

Engineers at Meister Werke Design + Technik, also known as MWDesign, have developed a new Z car based on their experience in luxury automotive tuning and love for all types of design work.  The MWDesign Project E89 Z4 3.5, which company founders Lewis Fan and Michael Wong call the "Slingshot", has an upgraded engine control unit that allows for 400 horsepower (298 kW, 406 PS) and up to 569 Nm (420 ft-lb) of torque.

BMW Alpina B5 F10 Bi-Turbo photos break out early

Official pictures of the Alpina B5have slipped out earlier than anticipated. A first public sighting with pictures was expected at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. The B5 is based on the new BMW 5 Series (F10) but offers the performance and exclusivity of an M5.

Power comes from BMW's 4.4-litre V8 engine and is set at 500 bhp (378 kW / 507 PS). Peak torque is 700Nm (516 ft-lb). Thrust is sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission which is modified for sportier settings. Alpina says the car will run from 0 - 100km/h in 4.7 seconds and stop accelerating at 307 km/h (191 mph). A combined fuel economy figure of 26.1mpg (UK) is being claimed alongside equivalent C02 emissions of 252g/km.

2011 BMW 5-Series with M Sport package first photos surface

The Bimmer lovers at 5post.comhave managed to get their hands on images of the M Sport Package for the 2011 BMW 5-Series (F10).

As expected, the sedan is outfitted with M sports suspension, M aerodynamics package which include revised bumpers, new wheels (available in 18- or 19-inches), modified side skirts, and chrome exhaust tips. Inside, the cabin has a M leather sport steering wheel, M gear lever, M footrest, sports seats with Alcantara/ fabric, anthracite BMW Individual roof lining and 'aluminum hexagon' trim.

As we have previously reported, the M Sport Package will also be offered on the 2011 5-Series Touring (F11). It will feature all the aforementioned equipment as well as 560 liters (19.8 cubic foot) of cargo capacity.

Market launch for both sedan and wagon begin in September.

BMW considering Mexican parts suppliers - may invest $1 billion

Your German-designed, American-made BMW may get a Spanish accent courtesy of Mexico.

According to a recent report, the company is considering investing $1 billion (€798,912,800) into Mexican suppliers who would build parts for the X5, X6, andnext-generation X3. BMW sees this as a logical move because all three models are produced (or going to be produced) at the company's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.

BMW's gorgeous 'Megacity' electric vehicle gets real

You know all those awesome concept cars we're always showing you? BMW's "Megacity" electric vehicle feels a lot like one of those, but the company actually has plans to bring this sleek, weird-wheeled-wonder out as early as 2013. Details are a little scarce at the moment (especially when you consider that we're potentially only two years out), but the Megacity is expected to draw from a rear-mounted electric motor. What we really want to know about, though, are those wheels. What's up with those? We're willing to put some money down that the Megacity will look quite a bit more tame once we get some photography instead of a teaser image, but what an image it is.