Tag: BMW

  • Alfa Romeo 4C Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2013 Says Internet Survey

    Alfa-Romeo-4C-shadowAlfa-Romeo-4C-mediumAnother design award. This time at the receiving end was the Alfa Romeo 4C. The title: “Most Beautiful Car of the Year 2013”. The award was handed at the 29thInternational Automobile Festival after an internet survey gathered the votes of people worldwide.

    With 40.70 percent of the votes in favor, the 4C ended up being the undisputed victor among the contestants. Runner-ups included the BMW 4 series (25.55), the Mercedes-Benz CLA (22.15) and the Mazda 3 (11.60).

    The International Automobile Festival – started in 1986 Charmonix – has been handing out the “Most Beautiful Car of the Year”award on an yearly basis ever since 1988; when, again, the Alfa 164 took the prize home. The Alfa Brera and the Alfa MiTo also won the hearts of the voters in 2005 and 2008 respectively.

    Today the Alfa Romeo 4C is an award favorite. Recently it was proclaimed as the “Car of the Year 2013” by…erhm… the UK edition of FHM magazine. It also won the “Coup de coeur 2013” title at given by the French Automobile Magazine. Even in Germany the 4C headed the Auto Trophy 2013 reader survey conducted by Auto Zeitung.

    Source: Alfa Romeo

  • G-Power BMW M3 E92 Hurricane 337 Edition [video]

    G-Power has published a video with their latest project based on BMW M3 E92.  The G-Power M3 SK II CS Hurricane 337 Edition managed to hit a top speed of 337.6 km/h (210 mph).

    The updated M3 by G-Power is powered by a 4.6 liter supercharged V8 – 651HP (452 kW) at 8,100RPM and 595Nm (441 lb-ft) of torque at 5,900RPM. 0-200 km/h in 12.2 seconds and a top speed of over 337 km/h (210 mph). The tuned sports car also comes with a full titanium exhaust system with racing catalytic converters.

    G-Power will produce only 30 units of 337 Edition model with pricing starting from €9,856. The titanium exhaust system is €4,542 and the coilover suspension is €2,445. The tuning company also offers braking system for €8,034 for the front and €5,634 for the rear axle and the price for the 20’’ G-POWER wheel set fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres is €4,474.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R8nQefEuwZY

    G-POWER M3 SK II CS „HURRICANE 337 Edition“:

    • 615 hp / 452 kW at 8.100 rpm (+ 195 hp / 143 kW)
    • 595 Nm at 5.900 rpm (+ 195 Nm)
    • V-max: > 337 km/h
    • 0-200 km/h: 12,2s
    • G-POWER Supercharger System M3 V8 SK II CS „HURRICANE 337 Edition”
    • G-POWER G3M CLUBSPORT coilover suspension
    • G-POWER Breaking System for front and rear axle
    • 20‘‘ G-POWER wheel set SILVERSTONE DIAMOND

    Source: G-Power

  • BMW 7 Series Long Wheel Base Joins xDrive Lineup

    2014-BMW-7-Series-Long-Wheel-Base-THUMBBMW 7 Series will be the latest model which will be equipped with brand’s Advanced Diesel technology in the form of BMW 740Ld xDrive Sedan. The long-wheelbase 7 Series will sports BMW’s 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel engine and xDrive.

    Precisely, the aforementioned engine generates 255 horsepower (188 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 560 Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque available from 1,500 to 3,000 rpm. The unit is coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which also aids the BMW 740Ld xDrive in its acceleration. In fact, the car sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds.

    The features that help the driver reduce fuel consumption and that also come as a standard here, are the Driving Dynamics Control with Eco Pro mode and Auto Start/Stop. Furthermore, the 3.0-liter inline-6 BMW Advanced Diesel powertrain includes a single turbocharger with variable vane turbine technology, which helps improve low-end torque while facilitating precise control of the boost pressure and eliminates the need for a wastegate.

    In addition to this, the unit also utilizes the latest generation of electronically controlled high-precision diesel injection system. The latter plays an important part in the reduction of fuel consumption and emissions.

    The exhaust gas system uses a combination of a Nox Storage Catalyst, Diesel Particulate Filter, and the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system with 9 specific sensors working together to keep exhaust emissions to an absolute minimum. In terms of weight savings as well as noise reduction, work the aluminum crankcase and hollow camshafts

    2014 BMW 740Ld xDrive Sedan will make a debut at the Chicago Auto Show in February and will be available in showrooms in the spring with a starting price of $83,425 USD.

    Source: BMW

  • BMW – New Engines and xDrive Models for 2014

    BMW will offer a number of new models this year including diesel variants for 2-Series Coupe as well as the 3-Series Gran Turismo. The German manufacturer will also offer xDrive AWD system for 335d Gran Turismo, 430d and 428i.

    The all-new 2-Series Coupe will be available as 218d – 143HP (105 kW) and 320Nm (236 lb-ft) of torque and 225d – 218HP (160 kW) and 450Nm (333 lb-ft). The 218d comes with 6-speed manual and can be paired with 8-speed automatic, while the 225d is only available with 8-speed automatic gearbox. BMW 218d Coupe accelerates 0-100 km/h in 8.9 seconds, while the 225d Coupe needs only 6.3 seconds. The small diesel consumes 4.2 liters / 100 km, while the powerful one needs 4.7 liters / 100 km.

    The 3-Series Gran Turismo gains a new 3.0 liter straight-six diesel engine – 258HP (190 kW) and 560Nm (413 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

    The 4-Series 425d Coupe also can be fitted with the four-cylinder diesel engine with 218HP (160 kW) and 450Nm (333 lb-ft). The coupe also gains a new 430d xDrive model and the convertible will be offered as a 428i xDrive for the first time.

    Last, but not least BMW is going to offer a range of Individual accessories including unique paint and special alloy wheels for all models in the range.

    Source: BMW

  • Duke Dynamics MD4 based on BMW M4

    Duke Dynamics has published several pictures of their tuning package for the recently announced 2014 BMW M4. The tuning company offers a number of styling upgrades for the sports coupe.The exterior boasts a new front bumper with a three-piece carbon fiber front lip spoiler. There is also a new vented front hood, a pair of carbon fiber side skirts and extended wheel arches. At the rear we can see a carbon fiber diffuser and a carbon fiber or fiberglass rear spoiler.Nothing is mentioned about performance upgrades, but the M4 can be easily tuned to 500HP and 650Nm with only an ECU re-map.The body kit will be unveiled at Bimmerfest 2014 and sales will begin in July.Stay tuned!

  • 2014 BMW Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo – 410HP and 600Nm

    Alpina has presented the all-new 2014 B4 Bi-Turbo based on the recently announced BMW 4-Series Coupe 335i.

    The sports coupe comes with a lot of unique features like an aerodynamics package from Alpina, new wheels and improved interior.

    The exterior boasts a new front apron and rear spoiler. There is also a set of 20” ALPINA Classic wheels fitted with ultra-low profile tires. At the rear we can see ALPINA lettering and signature twin tailpipes.

    The engine is the well-known 3.0 liter straight-six – 410HP (301 kW) at 5,500RPM and 600Nm (444 lb-ft) at 3,000RPM. The engine is connected to a ZF 8-Speed Sport-Automatic transmission. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h (188 mph). Furthermore, the new B4 Bi-Turbo Coupe achieves a class-leading combined fuel economy of just 7.6l/100km and 177g/km CO2.

    The suspension set-up of the new B4 Bi-Turbo provides great ride-quality and comfort while simultaneously offering sharp and dynamic handling. The adaptive ALPINA sport suspension solves this conflict of interest by means of electronically adjustable dampers in collaboration with performance springs, bump stops and stabilisers. The system allows the driver to use the Drive Performance Control (Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport, Sport+) to select the suspension setting and driving dynamics to match his mood.

    Last, but not least is the high-performance brake system – 370mm discs at the front and 345mm discs at the rear with 4- and 2-piston calipers, respectively.

    Dimensions

    Length (mm) 4640
    Width (mm) 1825
    Height, unladen (mm) 1373
    Wheelbase (mm) 2810
    Track, front (mm) 1552
    Track, rear (mm) 1576
    Luggage capacity (l) 445
    Fuel tank capacity (l) ca. 60

    Weight

    Unladen (kg) 1615
    Max permissible (kg) 2135
    Permitted load (kg) 520
    Max axle load, front (kg) 1030
    Max axle load, rear (kg) 1150
    Max trailer load, braked (kg) 1700
    Max trailer load, unbraked (kg) 750

    Engine

    Cylinders 6 in line
    Capacity (cc) 2979
    Bore (mm) 84.0
    Stroke (mm) 89.6
    Compression ratio (:1) 10.2
    Max output (kW / hp / 1/min) 301 / 410 / 5500-6250
    Max torque (Nm / 1/min) 600 / 3000-4000
    Engine management BOSCH MEVD 17.2.6
    Fuel type Super Plus
    Emissions classification Euro 6

    Transmission

    Transmission 8-Speed Sport-Automatic ZF 8HP70 SWITCH-TRONIC
    1st 4.71
    2nd 3.14
    3rd 2.11
    4th 1.67
    5th 1.29
    6th 1.00
    7th 0.84
    8th 0.67
    Final drive ratio 2.81

    Performance

    Acceleration 0-100km/h (s) 4.2
    Top speed (km/h) 305

    Fuel consumption *

    Urban (l/100km) 10.2
    Extra-urban (l/100km) 6.1
    Combined (l/100km) 7.6
    CO² emissions (g/km) 177
    Efficiency category D

    Wheels and tyres

    Standard wheels and tyres ALPINA CLASSIC 20″
    Front 8 x 20 245/30 ZR20
    Rear 9 x 20 265/30 ZR20

    Standard Equipment

    Adaptive ALPINA Sport Suspension
    Air conditioning and radio control panel with Black High-gloss highlight
    Air conditioning, automatic with two-zone control with extended features
    Airbags – front, side and head airbags, for driver and passenger, fond Curtain system
    Auto Start-Stop
    Automatic seat belt extender
    Auxiliary input point for auxiliary playing devices (e.g. MP3 player)
    BMW Emergency Call
    Brake Energy Regeneration
    Brake system 18″ high-performance, callipers painted in blue with ALPINA lettering
    Centre armrest
    Cruise control with brake function
    Door sill finishers ALPINA
    Drive Performance Control with ECO PRO mode
    Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) comprising: Dynamic Brake Control (DBC), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC)
    Exhaust system ALPINA, made by Akrapovič, stainless steel, two double-ended tailpipes
    Extended lighting
    First aid kit and warning triangle
    Floor mats ALPINA
    Fog lights
    Front spoiler ALPINA
    Hands-free facility with USB interface
    Headlight wash
    Instruments ALPINA
    Interior trim: ALPINA luxury wood Burled Elm
    Kidney grille, Chrome with Black vertical slats, front air inlet with Chrome finisher
    Paintwork: non-metallic paintwork in standard BMW colours
    Production plaque
    Radio Professional
    Rain sensor with automatic headlight activation
    Rear spoiler ALPINA
    Rear valance ALPINA with two double-ended tailpipes
    Remote control, including integrated key – two. Separate button for opening of the luggage compartment
    Remote control, including integrated key, in Black with insert in Chrome
    Seat heating, front
    Side air inlets (Air Breather) in matt Black
    Sport Automatic Transmission (8-speed) with ALPINA SWITCH-TRONIC
    Sport seats, driver and front passenger, incl. electric seat adjustment with driver memory
    Steering wheel: SWITCH-TRONIC sport leather steering wheel with Multi-function
    Tyre Puncture Warning System (TPWS)
    Upholstery: Dakota leather, with ALPINA roundels in seatbacks
    Variable sport steering
    Wheels: ALPINA CLASSIC 20
    Windows well covers and frames in matt Black
    Windscreen with grey shade band
    Xenon headlights, with LED day running lights

    Source: Alpina

  • 2014 BMW M3 F80 and M4 F82 – US Price $62,000 and $64,200

    BMW North America has officially announced the pricing of the 2014 BMW M3 F80 and M4 F82. The sedan starts from just $62,000, while the Coupe is $64,200 (excluding $925 destination and handling tax).Both cars will be available in: Mineral White, Black Sapphire, Alpine White, Mineral Grey, Yas Marina, Austin Yellow, Sakhir Orange and Silverstone.2014 BMW M3 and M4 are powered by a 3.0 liter TwinPower Turbo Inline six-cylinder – 431HP (317 kW) at 5,500RPM and 550Nm (406 lb-ft) at 1,850RPM. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard. 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) or an optional 280 km/h (174 mph). The acceleration is even better, when fitted with the optional 7-speed ///M DCT – 4.1 seconds to 100 km/h. The new M3 and M4 are able to cover 100 km with just 8.8 liters of fuel in the combined cycle with the manual transmission and 8.3 liter with the DCT.Other performance modifications include a modified MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension by using lightweight components. Both cars ride 18” alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 R18 front and 275/40 R18 rear tires, while there is a set of 19” rims available as an option.The manufacturer will also offer ///M carbon ceramic brake system.

  • Vorsteiner And An Orange BMW E82 1M Coupe

    Vorsteiner-BMW-E82-1M-Coupe-shadowVorsteiner-BMW-E82-1M-Coupe-mediumRemember that Vorsteiner kit for the BMW 1M Coupe? Well, now we get to see it in its full glory in this latest photo shoot. Mmm…sweet orange bliss.

    All additional body parts are made with Vorsteiner’s trademark autoclave pre-preg carbon fiber. The front is a bit of a handful with all its distortions and whatnot, but apparently all is in the name of aerodynamics. The fins on both of the side extremities are supposed to channel cooling air to the front brakes. The trunk lid has been replaced entirely to save a few pounds (it now adds only 11.5 lbs to the overall curb weight). It also has a barely noticeable integrated lip spoiler at its very end.

    The custom-made exhaust system comes in either stainless steel or titanium and gives a small jolt of additional power so that the 1M now has 350 hp and 337 lb-ft of torque.

    And what about the wheels? They seem to be the same VS-400s that were quoted in the program, but the tires on this one read 245/35ZR19. That means they must have downsized a bit from the initial measures. That is, ether 20 or 21 inches.

    Still, we can’t complain. It all looks pretty appealing.

    Source: Vorsteiner

  • Vilner Transforms BMW 750 V12

    BMW 750 V12 is undoubtedly emblematic! With its V12 engine it was introduced back in 1987 when it changed the conception of how things in the automotive industry should be. Now, this BMW model is ready to be introduced for the second time thanks to Art Studio Vilner’s exceptional work.

    Although the exterior has been kept almost intact, Vilner BMW 750 V12 is a car we must review! The goal of the tuners was to keep the original and classic view of the car, but at the same time to revive it.

    The elements added in terms of exterior modification are the following: daylight-running lights incorporated in the halogens, rear wing mounted over the boot and the most striking addition of all – the massive 19 inch Z-Performance Wheels.

    We are familiar that regarding the interior there are not so many tuning companies which can do it as good as Vilner. Inside, the BMW 750 V12 has been covered with leather and Alcantara. Precisely, the grey Alcantara was used for the ceiling, sunshades and rearview mirror. In fact, all of the plastic elements were wrapped in this material.

    The dashboard has been dressed in grey leather as well as the mechanisms of the belts. There can also be seen a contrast decorative stitching in white on the doors and the seats. Black piano varnish was applied on the elements on the dashboard, door strips, center console, gear-shift lever, on the steering wheel as well as on the back of the seats. As a matter of fact, the steering wheel was entirely reworked and now sports more ergonomically enhanced and sporty design.

  • Vorsteiner Shows Its Version Of BMW Gran Coupe M6

    Vorsteiner-BMW-Gran-Coupe-M6-THUMBVorsteiner BMW Gran Coupe M6 is the last refined vehicle of the specialists at the tuning brand. They have made for it an exceptional photoshoot and through it we see how this M6 turns out to be more attractive than before. Of course, the transformations in this BMW are only regarding the exterior.

    All of the new elements were made of carbon fiber. In fact this is Vorsteiner‘s Autoclaved Pre-Preg Carbon Fiber which gives the parts superior stiffness, aerospace strength and durability compared to traditional hand laid carbon fiber composites. In addition, the carbon element gives the car more aggressive and sportier appearance.

    To be more precise, the tuners at Vorsteiner have added exactly the following elements: aero front spoiler, rear diffuser, aero side blades and rear deck lid spoiler. All of the parts are available with 1×1 carbon fiber pre-preg with 4 Stage UV inhibiting clear lacquer coating.

    There is also the option of the unique wheels in sizes ranging from 19” to 22” as well as a new exhaust system which will give more power to the sound of BMW’s masterful V8 engine.

    Source: Vorsteiner

  • Manhart Show Off The MH6 700 BMW M6

    Manhart-MH6-700-BMW-M6-shadowManhart-MH6-700-BMW-M6-mediumManhart have finally unveiled their MH6 700 BMW M6. It has been out, actually, ever since the 46th Essen Motor Show opened its doors earlier this month. Funny how some manage to slip under the radar.

    The M6’s original 4.4-liter V8 with its 560 hp is in no way a slouch, but Manhart have gone the extra… several miles and amped the power up to 734 hp (because who cares about consistent naming, MH6 700?) and 953 Nm. Essentially, that means ECU tweaking, a carbon-air-intake-system and a completely new exhaust system with downpipes, sports catalytic converters and rear silencers with 100-millimeter end-pipes. Manhart say that the end result is a BMW so powerful that it is actually hard to estimate a 0 to 60 time since there’s little to no grip off the line. We don’t know how that’s a plus. Acceleration from 60 to 120 gets done in 6.3 seconds though. The top speed stands at 199 mph.

    In an attempt to tame all that power, Manhart have provided a compression- and rebound-adjustable KW coilover kit. The massive Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires – measuring 265/30ZR21 at the front and 305/25ZR21 at the back – should be of help as well.

    The visual treat that is the MH6 700 M6 is courtesy to the company’s Concave ONE wheels. You may have noticed that there’s also a front spoiler, a new engine hood with big vents on it, a diffusor at the back and a trunk-lid spoiler. Every bit of that kit is carbon fiber. This specific vehicle has a very subtle Manhart “seal of approval” so to speak on each of its sides. It’s an embossing effect on the full-body aluminum metallic wrap.

    Source: Manhart Racing

  • Prior-Design Present The Widebody BMW X5

    Prior-Design-PD5X-Widebody-BMW-X5-E70-shadowPrior-Design-PD5X-Widebody-BMW-X5-E70-mediumAnother purely visual upgrade this time from Prior-Design. The German-based company has been focusing on SUVs lately. There was the Mercedes G-Class, the Porsche Cayenne II, the Range Rover Evoque, and now this: the Prior-Design PD5X Widebody BMW X5.

    It’s a pretty serious overhaul, albeit, we are talking about an exterior job. The kit’s called the PD5X Widebody, and alongside the usual suspects – that is, the new front bumper with a spoiler lip, side skirts and rear bumper with a diffuser attached – there are other, more ostentations bits and pieces. Notice the flaring front fenders or the rear widenings with their ridiculously big air vents. Or how about that artistically carved hood with ducts that make no sense.

    You can bolt on all of the said parts on any BMX5 E70, so imagine the rattle of a diesel engine contrasting the otherwise aggressive vista. Comedy gold?

    The whole kit will set you back with around $12,345. There better be a lot of carbon fibers inside those plastics. How does the finished product stand up to the other Prior spawns? We’ll let you be the judge of that.

    Source: Prior-Design