BMW – Page 21 – Automobiles Review

BMW i8 Transformed by AC Schnitzer [VIDEO]

What happens when you combine hybrid power wit hybrid thinking? The result is simple and can be expressed via this amazing project by AC Schnitzer. This time the tuner has modified BMW’s i8 plug-in hybrid giving it special equipment that further emphasizes the unique qualities of the model.

Exterior

First to be mentioned is the lowering. This BMW sits very close to the ground in a standard form, but now it is even closer. Precisely, the tuners have lowered it by 25 mm at the front and 20 mm at the rear. This helps is also to develop optimum efficiency and better dynamics.

The in-house made carbon fiber front spoiler elements, side skirts and rear wing also contribute for the unforgettable performance. In addition, AC Schnitzer logos can be seen on both sides of the vehicle as well as on the center caps of the wheels. Speaking of which, they are the so called AC1 forged alloys in bicolor double-spoke design which have been fitted with low profile tires.

Another benefit from these wheels is the weight saving. Compared with the standard alloys on which the i8 runs, these save up to 30 percent weight, thus improving the driving dynamics. The AC1 are 21 inch of size and matched with 245/35 R 21 tires at the front 285/30 R 21 tires at the rear.

Interior

Unlike many tuners, AC Schnitzer specialists find the interior as important as the exterior. However, this time they haven’t given it a thorough make-over, but some small changes. Inside one will enjoy aluminium pedal set and root rest from the same material as well as velours floor mats.

There is also a video promoting this car, so don’t forget to check it out:

httpv://youtu.be/kW9oofEQrEA

Video Source: YouTube

Source: AC Schnitzer

May 12, 2015

BMW 3 Series Family Gets Minor Updates for 2016 Model Year

The updated BMW 3 Series cars are here. There are minor updates throughout the range, but still the emblematic car family look stunning. The 3 Series has been an icon for over 40 year and in its sixth generation it continues to set standards for design, dynamic excellence and efficiency. New for the 2016 model year are some changes in the design, the advanced technologies featured and some engine range. Available in sedan and touring forms, I must admit that the 3 Series are more attractive than ever before.

Exterior

In terms of exterior changes, the updated model range receives various improvements. At the front, we see new aprons with redesigned air intakes. As an option, the car gets the Active Cruise Control (ACC), which has sensors integrated into the central air intake. The most prominent features here are the refreshed headlights and the LED daytime driving lights, while the full-LED headlights come as an option.

At the back, the new thing is the design of the rear apron, which features Line-specific trim element. Just like at the front, the car gets standard LED rear lights, further highlighting the sporting nature of the 3 Series.

Interior

The interior is updated via chrome highlights for the controls, air vents and central control panel. In fact, the centre console is entirely new and features sliding cover for the cupholders. Of course, BMW is offering a wide range of options, which can make the car as individual as one wishes.

Engine Range

There are exactly four petrol and seven diesel units available. They develop range from 116 hp (85 kW) to 326 hp (240 kW) and can be coupled with a six-speed manual gearbox and an eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The latter comes as a standard on the BMW 330d, BMW 335d and BMW 340i Touring. In addition, the customer can choose whether to drive a rear-wheel drive or xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive BMW.

Precisely, the three-, four- and six-cylinder petrol engines are now sourced from the BMW EfficientDynamics engine family. The four-cylinder diesel engines include revised turbochargers, while the three-cylinder petrol engine is an entirely new option for the 3 Series.

The four-cylinder petrol engine makes a debut in the BMW 320i Sedan and 320i Touring, offering a combined fuel consumption starting at 5.3 liters per 100 km and emitting CO2 as little as 124 g/kg.

Another premiere is making the four-cylinder unit in the BMW 330i Sedan and 330i Touring with a fuel consumption of 5.5 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 129 g/km, as well as the six-cylinder petrol unit in the BMW 340i Sedan and 340i Touring. The latter has a combined fuel consumption rating, starting at 6.5 l/100 km and CO2 emissions beginning at 152 g/km.

Impressive are the figures of the 320d EfficientDynamics Edition Sedan, which has a fuel consumption of 3.8 l/100 km and CO2 emissions of 99 g/km, and which develops 163 hp (120 kW).

Technology

Navigation system Professional and LTE mobile technology are the features that are entirely new for the 3 Series. The full-color BMW Head-Up Display shows all information in the driver’s field of vision. In addition, the new BMW 3 Series is the first model to support the fastest current mobile technology standard (LTE). What is more, Parking Assistant feature will help drivers to make automatic parallel parking.

BMW 3 Series family includes the Sedan, M Sport Sedan, M3, 320d Touring and its EfficientDynamics Edition. The models will go on sale in July, while pricing will be announced at a later date.

Source: BMW

May 8, 2015

Vorsteiner with Minor Updates for the BMW 4-Series

This beautiful Estoril Blue BMW 4-Series has received a minor update. Despite the fact there aren’t many changes, the car looks so beautiful that we couldn’t just skip it and not show it to you. The tuner behind this project is the California-based company Vorsteiner. These guys are very clever for choosing a German name and working mainly with European cars, aren’t they?

So, the first thing to mention about this BMW is its exterior color. Although, the Estoril Blue paint scheme comes as a standard from the factory, this does not makes it less attractive. In fact, I have always thought that the color is more typical for the M-series, but one could always learn, right?

If you do expect that the American tuner has changed the engine, well I will disappoint you. What is promising however are the numbers produced as a standard by this BMW’s powerplant. It generates 300 untamed horses (223 kW) and a maximum torque of 406 Nm (300 lb-ft).

But if you ask about the changes featured here, well it’s not much, but it is still very inspiring, because of the new and more powerful stance it gives the car. All right then. It’s only the wheels.

They have been made with the help of a special flow forged technology and come in this exquisite Carbon Graphite color. The design scheme features double five spokes, and the dimensions are different at the front and at the back.

Up front, the wheels come in the size of 20×8.5 inches and are fitted with Pirelli P Zero tires in the size of 245/30/20. While at the rear, Vorsteiner has chosen 20×10 inches for the wheels and 275/30/20 for the Pirelli tires. Nice car to drive to the sunset with, isn’t’ it?

Source: Vorsteiner

May 5, 2015

BMW M6 Awaits its Owner From MotoGP Event!

BMW M Division presented the highlights in its MotoGP participation at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez de la Frontera: this is the car, which will be presented to the winner of the coveted BMW M Award. As you know, it is a kind of a traditions since 2003 for the racer with the best result to be given an exclusive and individually customized BMW M vehicle. This year is no exception: A BMW M6 with individual features expects its owner. In fact, the car was unveiled today at MotoGP in Circuito de Jerez

The latest BMW M6 line allows BMW M Division to maintain its leading position in the high-performance segment. The model has reached incredible balance between power, efficiency, dynamics and comfort. The power comes from the monstrous 560 hp (411 kW) M TwinPower V8 petrol engine, that gives incredible features. For example, the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is measured at 4.3 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h (138 mph). These definitely incredible stats are further boosted by the double-clutch transmission, Dynamic Damper Control and Active M Differential systems, that ensure perfect control and reaction time in every situation.

And not only the drivetrain system is impressive. The BMW M6 is visually incredible. No, it is just stunning. The vehicle comes in Frozen Blue Metallic and looks both elegant and aggressive. Further impact have the stylish 20-inch BMW alloy wheels. The interior keeps the sporty affair and comes with Merino leather in Opal White.

This is really a special car for a special event. We all wonder who the winner will be. Stay tuned for further information.

Source: BMW

May 5, 2015

BMW Series 1 In Details

There are more than a million sold units since the introduction of the first 1 Series, that was introduced nearly ten years ago. Now, in 2015 BMW recreates the successful formula and delivers a fully redesigned three- and five-door vehicle, that contains latest technology and engineer tweaks. There are tons of additional gadgets and additions in the latest 1 Series. Even the standard pack comes with incredible amount of gadgets!

The Design

The proportions and lines of the BMW 1 Series are still the same and loved classical hallmarks of BMW. The front meets us with larger air intakers, wonderfull grilles and special adaptive LED headlamps.

The interior is a cozy and comfortable place, that welcomes the driver to a spacious and sporty cabin. The overall design is changed and the inside of the 1 Series includes cloth fabric seats, BMW Radio, iDrive operating system, 6.5-inch Control Display. There is also an optional navigation system. In fact, the control panel is redesigned, refreshed and includes premium quality components and additions.

The Engines

The BMW 1 Series introduces a redesigned engine lineup, that includes and expansion: BMW EfficientDynamics technology. All the models bring impressive fuel efficiency and power.

The petrol lineup comes with four and six cylinders. The BMW 118i and the BMW 120i are powered by a 1.6-Liter four-cylinder engine. It delivers 136 hp (100 kW) and 170 hp (125 kW) respectively. The top of the range is the M135i with the impressive turbocharged engine. The power is increased to 326 hp (238 kW) and peak torque of 450 Nm.

The diesels are based on the same efficiency concept and come with turbocharged technology and further upgraded performance. The upgrades bring even better response time, thermodynamics, efficiency and power development.

The 1.5-Liter three-cylinder engine generates 116 hp (85 kW) and 270 Nm of torque. This model goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in 10.3 seconds. The good news is, that emission efficiency could be even further upgraded with the special EfficientDynamics Plus model, that provides emissions, measured at 89g/km. The latest four-cylinder diesel engine also comes in two variations: 118d brings 150 hp (110 kW) and 330 Nm of torque, while the 120d offers 190hp (150 kW) and 450 Nm of torque.

Almost all BMW 1 Series are geared with a six-speed manual gearbox, that offers speed, control and highest level of smoothness. There is also a special 120d xDrive Steptronic gearbox, available as an upgrade. The automatic transmission is especially designed to deliver longer gear ratios, efficiency and accuracy.

The EfficienDynamics technology

The BMW 1 Series includes the EfficientDynamic technologies. There is Brake Energy Regeneration, Electric Power Steering, Optimum Gearshift Indicatr and Auto Start Stop function. The standard equipment also comes with the ECO PRO mode. In addition, the BMW 116d EfficientDynamics Plus features active air flap system.

Available Packages

The BMW 1 Series features great range of standard equipment, while also offers incredible amount of options. The 1 Series is offered with three trims: SE, Sport and M Sport. The 1 Series include navigation, remote control central lock system, electric window controls, Driving Experience Control switch. Additional goodies are the BMW Radio, CD player, six loudspeakers, 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lights and many more.

The optional extras include 17-inch alloy wheels, ambient lightning, black-gloss trim, Sporty exterior design, Sport steering wheel and Sports seats. Other options are the electricity adjustable heated seats, air conditioner, heated steering wheel and other.

And, as a vehicle from the modern age, BMW Series 1 comes with numerous connectivity options.

Source: BMW

April 29, 2015

KW automotive with new tweaks for BMW M4 Cabrio

KW BMW M4 Cabrio Front and Side View This blue BMW M4 F83 Convertible just received some tweaks from KW automotive. The car was unveiled last year in September and this literally has urged the tuning specialists to play with it. BMW M4 Convertible is powered by the new six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The unit produces 431 hp (317 kW) from its 3.0-litre displacement and a peak torque of 550 Nm (406 lb-ft). All of this makes it possible for the 2015 M4 Convertible to reach the 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds when equipped with the optional seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission.

What wasn’t right for the team at KW automotive? They were obviously missing the additional lowering and therefore have created continuously variable lowering one that ranges between 15 and 40mm.

This kit not only allows one to lower the car but also offers the benefit of separately adjusting the rebound and compression damping forces. The rebound can be changed in sixteen clicks and this allows more comfort at low speeds.

The change in the compression damping happens in twelve steps and this significantly influences the body roll movements. In addition, the steering behavior can be further adapted.

The coilover kit is made entirely of stainless steel and as mentioned allows adjusting according to the individual preferences.

Source: KW automotive

April 23, 2015

What does G-Power Have in mind for this BMW M550d?

G-Power BMW M550d Side View Speaking about BMW is a tough task, since every car in the range has great characteristics. But when it comes to a G-Power modification on an M model, things get pretty serious. This is the case with this M550d, which has received a significant engine upgrade and some (minor) styling modifications. This BMW M550d is driven by a standard 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder diesel unit. Via a three-stage, variable geometry turbocharging, the engine is capable of producing 381 hp (280 kW) and 740 Nm (347 lb-ft) of torque. Impressive, isn’t it?

But … what we have here is the exclusive upgrade that endows the car with even more horses. Thanks to an advanced D-Tronik 5 V1 control module, the M550d stuns us with 435 hp (320 kW) and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque.

Furthermore, G-Power has ensured to keep all standard diagnostics and engine protection functions intact. What does this mean? In particular, when the coolant water reaches the ideal temperature, the D-Tronik 5 V1 module engages, and then disengages when the limit of engine oil temperature is reached.

In addition to this, the module is also programmed to respond to driver’s right foot and only engages when full power is demanded. And this is when the tuned motor performs at its full potential. Covering the 0-100 km/h sprint, this BMW needs only 4.5 seconds. And believe it or not, its top speed exceeds 270km/h.

These additional horses are taken onto the road with the help of new in-house made double five-spoke Hurricane wheels that come in the size of 9.0×21 and 10.5×21-inches at the front and rear, respectively. They are coupled with Michelin rubbers of the dimensions of 255/30ZR21 and 295/25ZR 21.

What do you think of this cool project? In our opinion G-Power has done a pretty good job!

Source: G-Power

April 6, 2015

Two Alpina Edition 50s are Coming Our Way

ALPINA B5 Bi-Turbo Edition 50 Front View For it’s 50th anniversary the one and only Alpina manufactury will be making 50 fresh and shiny saloons and coupes under the B5 and B6 Bi-Turbo designation. This woud be the point of making some of the most anticipated hi-end luxorious road and race cars to rule over European streets. All the vehicles will be heavily modified to bring you the pleasure of driving a beauty, geared with revised V8, that will take you from 0 to 100km (62mph) in 4.2 seconds, so you can try reaching top speed of 204 mph.

Brand manager Matthew Stripling ensures us, that Edition 50 will bring highest levels of comfort, blended with supreme engine performance. We tend to believe him. Anyone who is brave enough to try this Bi-turbo will be dealing with 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) and 600 hp (441 kW). That monstrous power is combined with even further imroved fuel economy: 29.7 mpg and the best so far CO2 emissions of 221 g/km.

Talking about the engine, heavy modifications include water cooling system, weight and power upgrades. In addition the crew behind the project has done an air flow optimizations for better engine response. All of this, of corse, comes fresh from the factory, that is well known for it’s high quality and durability components. As usual 2-year warranty is also included.

Not only the engine recieved improvements, but the transmission, aerodynamics, overall weight, interior have been also revised. The wheels and exhaust system are redesigned for further weight loss upgrades and better performance, that together reduce a total of 31.6 kg of the overall car weight. The interior includes hand-crafted sport seats, ceramic finish controls, leather panel, redesigned panels and the unique car number will be included on the centre console.

The Turbo Edition 50 vehicles will come in ALPINA Blue or ALPINA Green, or the special Edition 50 Sepia. Additional decal sets can be ordered in colors blue or green, so it is up to you to choose the apperance of the Alpina Edition 50. What is your choice?

Source: BMW

March 27, 2015

Vorsteiner Celebrates 10 Years with Yas Marina Blue GTRS4 Project

Vorsteiner BMW Yas Marina Blue GTRS4 Anniversary Edition Front View Does this BMW look familiar to you? Yes, because it was introduced two weeks ago as a special Vorsteiner project based on the F82 M4. It turns out that this Yas Marina Blue is actually a GTRS4 Anniversary Edition that celebrates tuning company’s 10 years presence on the automotive scene. The intriguing wide body custom kit beautifies the car in such terms that it literally makes in one-off.

The first thing to mention here is the unique exterior paint finish which as you can guess is Yas Marina Blue. It is perfectly contrasted by the wheels in Sakhir Orange that measure 20 inches and are fitted with 275 and 345 width tires at the front and back, respectively.

The most important work done on this BMW however, involves the GTRS4 package that comprises of transformative elements that give it entirely new presence. Every component is made of carbon fiber, starting with the front bumper that comes with integrated front splitter.

Next, the front fenders have been replaced with 2 inch wider ones at each side. They include ventilation and are accompanied by the carbon aero side blades. At the rear we have even bigger fenders that add 3.5 inches to each side.

Continuing with the rear, we see a new rear diffuser with integrated elements as well as 90mm quad exhaust tip finishers. The tuning of the exterior is rounded out by the chrome trunk badging. Embroidered colored floor and trunk mat set are the only change in the interior, but this is pretty much enough given the expressive outer look of the car.

Source: Vorsteiner

March 21, 2015

Alpha-N Performance Gives BMW M4 Output and Aero Tweaks

Alpha-N Performance is not a tuner we hear of every day. But when they release a project it is definitely worth it to spread the word. The specialists have released some images and detailed information on what they have done to the BMW M4 coupe. The first thing to mention is the aero package that not only lightens the vehicle but also highlights its sporting characteristics.

To be more precise, up front the car has been upgraded with carbon-fibre front spoiler and front bumper. There are also GT4 dive planes available and of course, they have been made from the same material.

At the rear of the car there is a new carbon diffuser which sports short or long fins, depending on customer’s wish. This is where we also see an adjustable rear wing fitted with a spoiler. If one does not like wings, then there is this option of boot lid rear spoiler lip.

Next on spot comes the performance package that has been made possible via the well-known EVOX multi-channel chip tuning box. The result is more power coming out from the TwinPower Turbo engine which is measured at 520 hp (382 kW). In comparison, the standard output was 431 hp (317 kW) and this means almost 100 hp in addition.

The torque is lifted up to 685 Nm (506 lb-ft) and for this has also helped the new stainless steel exhaust system. These new numbers are put on the road via uprated wheel and tyre combination. The wheels are multispoke ones and come from OZ Racing or mbDESIGN. They were fitted with low profile tyres for maximum sporting credentials and appearance.

Source: Alpha-N Performance

March 19, 2015

BMW Advertises the X5 xDrive40e [VIDEO]

BMW X5 xDrive40e Promotional Clip This week we’ve seen the birth of the BMW X5 xDrive40e and now the Bavarian company released the first promotional advertising short video. There was also the announcement that the vehicle will be launched in November, so this is definitely something we didn’t know and that gets us pretty excited. The clip comes to display that literally every inch of this X5 is powered by the BMW eDrive hybrid technology.

There are some really nice things about this SAV that are worth mentioning. Being eco-minded, I really like the fact that the car needs only 3.4 liters per 100 km and emits 78 g/km of CO2. It is a quite surprise to see these numbers since the vehicle weighs more than 2 tons, 2,230 kg that equals 4,916 lbs.

Another interesting fact about this hybrid vehicle is that it is equipped with technologies taken directly from the famous BMW i cars. To achieve its performance capabilities of 313 horsepower (230 kW) and 450 Newton meters (332 lb-ft) as well its impressive economy, this vehicle utilizes a mix of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor. All this is linked to an eight-speed Steptronic transmission and a 9 kWh lithium-ion battery.

These facts allow the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 6.8 seconds. On the other hand, it can run up to 31 kilometers in pure electric mode and releasing zero emissions. At last, worth mentioning is that a lot of technologies are featured in this SAV. They will help the driver forget that this is a hybrid and enjoy it like it’s a pure-bred BMW.

httpv://youtu.be/IWG1jhRCvvc

Source: BMW via YouTube

March 19, 2015

Meet the Fastest Diesel on the Sachsenring!

2015 AC Schnitzer BMW Z4 Diesel Side View It is not a production model, but a tuning company product based on the BMW Z4. The modifier behind this project is AC Schnitzer that was capable of extracting the pure sports capabilities from the powerful diesel engine under the bonnet of the Z4. Since this is only a one-off example of the car, then it is probably better to name it a concept.

So, the most important thing about this tuning concept is the engine conversion. It is actually M5’s M50d unit under the hood of the car, which now produces 430 hp (316 kW) and 840 Nm (620 lb-ft) of maximum torque. This additional power should be attributed to the engine conversion and its weight reduction due to the utilization of lightweight elements.

On the other hand, taken from the M3 series are the new limited slip differential and the rear axle gear. Another replacement affects the transmission. AC Schnitzer team did not like the original manual gearbox, and therefore it has been substituted with an eight-speed automatic with pedal sports shift.

These changes help the BMW perform fantastic. It can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 4.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 300 km/h. As a matter of fact, according to Auto Bild sportscars this is the fastest diesel on the Sachsenring with a lap time of 1:37.22 minutes.

19 inch AC Schnitzer forged alloys Type VIII fitted with dramatically huge rubbers, is on what this car runs. In addition, on the front axle there is a new lightweight high performance braking system that helps during deceleration.

Left to mention about the external changes are the 30 mm body lowering and the aero package that comprises of front spoiler, sports fenders, bonnet vents, a two-piece rear spoiler and the carbon rear skirt insert all made of carbon fiber.

The interior of the car was also improved with the addition of orange highlights, carbon racing bucket seats, aluminium pedals and foot rests as well as velours floor mats. And although this concept is a pure one-off, it has a price which is around 113,965 euro.

Source: AC Schnitzer

March 17, 2015

Tag: BMW

Exterior

Interior

Exterior

Interior

Engine Range

Technology

The Design

The Engines

The EfficienDynamics technology

Available Packages