Spied 2014 F80 M3 Sedan

Spied: 2014 F80 M3 Sedan Gets Power Dome (Hood Bulge)!

We've just spied this afternoon this F80 M3 sedan prototype showing a power dome / hood bulge for the first time. The M3 may have now entered the FEP (Final Evaluation Phase) stage of testing. Until now some M enthusiasts have been disappointed to see the lack of a power dome on previous prototypes, but this mule confirms that the F80 M3 and F82 M4 will feature an aggressively shaped hood.

The rest of the camouflage remains as concealing as on prior mules. As seen clearly, the M3 kidney grilles are sportier than the F30 3 Series, yet not as thin nor wide as the recently exposed F82 M4 coupe grilles (pictured below for comparison). The headlights underneath the camo may (unconfirmed) also be a sleeker version of the F30 headlights, although they will join the headlights like the F30.

The sideskirts are also different than on previous mules, now with an upswoop at its end.
The side shots of the prototype show that the headlights will appear to be more recessed as a result of the beefy front bumper extending out further than on the F30 (think of the 1M headlight-bumper compared to the standard 1 Series). The production side view mirrors (which also be sportier in shape) have not yet been installed on any prototypes.

All in all, the appearance of a power dome, together with the super flared wheel arches and still-covered M body styling, is shaping the F80 M3 to be an aggressive looking sports sedan!

The F80 M3 / F82 M4 will be powered by an inline 6 cylinder engine with multiple turbochargers, pushing approximately 450 horsepower. The engine has been rumored to be an extensively reworked and reinforced N55 6-cylinder engine with a strengthened aluminium block with a heavily modified cylinder head. The Induction technology is said to be completely new as will be the latest bi-vanos variable valve timing. But, we also think there may be a possibility that the engine turns out to be a reworked/enhanced version of a successor engine to the N55 (which has not yet been introduced). Both a DCT and manual transmission will be available. The blue brakes resemble the new 3 Series' M Sport brakes, paired with steel cross drilled rotors.

The following is a summary of the facts we can be certain of regarding the F80 M3 / F82 M4:

•Lighter than current M3

•Faster than current M3

•More powerful than current M3

•More efficient than current M3

•Powered by an inline 6 cylinder turbo engine

•Offered with optional or standard manual transmission

•Electric Power Steering (completely reworked for precision for M3/M4)

Source: BimmerPost

BMW X1, Almost here!!

BMW unwraps Lime Rock Park special Edition of the M3

The BMW M3 is preparing to make its way out while a new generation prepares to step in. The current model though has still some life in it and to prove this point, the Bavarian carmaker unveils a special edition that was specifically developed for its consumers in North America in tribute of the Lime Rock Park in the northwestern portion of Connecticut.

The race track is operated and owned by Skip Barber, and the special edition BMW M3 Lime Rock Park aims to honor its long-time relationship with the race track, race drivers, and the fans that attend the events throughout the years.

The Lime Rock Edition of the BMW M3 will come with several enhancements that has been selected based on the collaboration of the designers with Lime Rock Park and Skip Barber.

The special edition M3 is based on the 2013 model of the coupe and will come in a customized body finish in Fire Orange. The interior gets an all black trim and Napa leather treatment. The Competition Package for the BMW M3 is also installed plus other elements like an Alcantara steering wheel that is flat on the bottom, carbon fiber aerodynamics elements, and inconel-titanium muffler.

Each of the special edition M3 will be marked with a unique number plaque that can be found on the center console, a decal on the quarter window on the rear left side, and a certification to prove its authenticity. Only 200 units will be produced.

There will be no major changes to the drivetrain. The output of the four-liter V-8 is pegged at 414 horses and produces a torque of 295 lb-ft. The car manufacturer did not mention about any specific gearbox so most likely that this M3 will get the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox or a 6-speed manual transmission.

The M3 Lime Rock Park special edition can be in your garage starting at $70,995 plus destination charges. Delivery will start by September this year. With only 200 rolling out, we expect this M3 to go fast.

Source: BMW Talk

2013 BMW ActiveHybrid 3 Beauty Shots in HD

"The ActiveHybrid 3 maintains the rear-drive system, with power transferred via the standard 3-Series 8-speed automatic. An Eco Pro driving mode Superior takes advantage of a sufficticated energy management system with intelligent coasting to charge the battery. Coasting is achieved by fully uncoupling the drive system after it turns off, reducing friction, while taking advantage of available kinetic energy to keep rolling at speeds up to 100 mph."





Source bimmertimes.com

BMW bringing “On Demand” service in U.S.

By Horatiu Boeriu

 

BMW’s OnDemand car service is coming to United States. The program kicked off in 2010 and when BMW introduce it in its hometown Munich. To satisfy all demands and personal taste, BMW offered a wide range of vehicles, from the ultra-efficient four-cylinder models to the flagship M6.

BMW Financial Services will launch the OnDemand service next month and customers will be able to rent a BMW by the hour, day or week, directly from dealerships. The pilot kicks off in Manhattan at the factory’s dealership with a hundred 328i sedans. BMW says that the fleet will change over time with the addition of 7 Series, X3, X5, and high performance vehicles like M3 and M5.

The program could expand to Chicago, Los Angels, Washington D.C., Boston and Miami, as well as to other smaller cities.

BMW sees the car service as an opportunity to attract new customers to the brand that would fall in love with the driving experience after renting.

Rental prices and conditions will be announced in August. Official site can be found at http://www.bmwondemandusa.com/.

[Source: Autoblog]

INSIDETRACK AUGUST 2012: CERTIFIED QUALITY: THE BMW CPO DIFFERENCE

BMW CPO: THE BMW OF PRE-OWNED COVERAGE PLANS

BMW’s rigorous Certified Pre-Owned vetting process is your assurance that any BMW earning a CPO rating is


a quality Ultimate Driving Machine.® You’ll also find major differences between the value of BMW CPO coverage

and that of other, used-car-coverage plans.

Inspection. BMW vehicles must pass a long list of stringent inspection points by BMW-trained technicians

before they become Certified Pre-Owned. Third-party

inspections, if there are any, are not nearly as rigorous.

Warranty. BMW’s CPO Protection Plan extends 2 years

or 50,000 miles beyond the original New Vehicle/SAV Limited Warranty.1 Any problem on a covered item is fixed by BMW-trained technicians using Original BMW Parts,

with just a $50 deductible. With other coverage plans, extended service contracts require careful reading, since many items are not covered. Deductibles can vary from

$50 to $400 or more, and contracts may require the owner to pay up-front for repairs, then wait lengthy periods of time for reimbursement.

Additional BMW CPO benefits. BMW offers 2-year, unlimited-miles Roadside Assistance; no-cost BMW Maintenance Program for the remainder of the original 4 years or 50,000 miles warranty; a BMW loaner vehicle or alternate transportation during service; and a vehicle history report before you purchase a BMW CPO vehicle.2

Bottom line, the benefits you get with a Certified Pre-Owned BMW are vastly superior to those of any

third-party coverage plan. To learn more about the

BMW CPO program, visit bmwusa.com/cpo.

1 Whichever comes first.

2 For details, visit your BMW center or bmwusa.com/cpo.

BMW CPO: THE BMW OF PRE-OWNED COVERAGE PLANS
 
Source: BMWUSA.com

Speculative Rendering: BMW M2

[Rendering: Roger Lighterness

 

By Horatiu Boeriu

 

Building atop the successful 1 Series M Coupe, BMW may be looking to build a new entry-level M model. We have learned in the past via several sources that the Bavarians are planing (and have already filed for a trademark) an M2 model built on the next generation F21 2 Series Coupe.

The M2 will continue to be a rear-wheel drive that is set to launch sometimes in 2015. BMW calls it a direct descendent of the 1M and will be instantly recognizable from the entry-level car with its bold look and M-specific design cues.

The rendering below takes a stab at how the M2 might look like, but we are inclined to believe that BMW will offer different front-end styling compared to the 1 Series Hatchback. The rear-end will feature a dynamic and sporty slope, and a wide, bold trunk design.

The “heart” of the BMW M2 could come from a 3.0 liter six-cylinder turbo engine developing 350 horsepower, but instead of tuning up an existing power unit, we hope to see a brand-new M-developed engine.

Power will be fed through BMW’s all-new DCT semi-automatic transmission, while the brakes will be taken from the current M3. To keep the newcomer’s weight to a minimum, the firm is expected to make extensive use of the advanced carbon fibre-reinforced plastics it has developed for its Project i cars.

Last year, BMW M CEO Dr. Nitschke told AutoExpress that “In the 1M Coupe, we have a starter car for the M Division, and we are continuing to develop this project. Such models must be sporty, and offer extraordinarily low fuel consumption. This is something we could achieve with the M2. I think the 1M Coupe proves there is room for an M2, a coupe.”

Source: BMWBlog

BMW M6 vs M5 Desert Race and Drift (Desert of USA)

More BMW diesels headed for US market

source: BMWCoop

America’s lack of interest in the fuel saving solution that is the diesel engine has been long discussed and over-debated for several years now.

There have been plenty of attempts, at the forefront of which BMW have been of major importance, to showcase the capabilities and performance diesel is capable.

Diesel powered BMW X5
 
Two of their cherries are headed stateside now. It’s the 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine and the more interesting 3.0 liter straight six unit.
 
The first one will likely develop around 180 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque whereas the bigger engine will provide around 255 horsepower and some 413 lb-ft of torque.

Figures may be altered slightly by the time they hit the road in America as the emissions legislation there plays on different fields to the ones BMW is used to.

Diesel powered BMW X5
 
Even so, the economy minded motorist is in for a treat, even if he lives in the United States. Their highway system should make for quite a difference when it comes to settling into the cruise.
 
The new engines should be available in the 3 series, 5 series and X5/X6 models to begin with and there’s a chance at expanding its options later on.