BMW – Page 64 – Automobiles Review

2012 G-Power BMW M5 F10

2012 G-Power BMW M5 F10 has just arrived at the show room with all the enhancements and customizations delivered by the tuning company G-POWER. Although the new BMW is already very fast, the tuner from G-POWER made it even faster. The G-POWER Bi-Tronik III pushes the factory 560 hp (412 kW)/ 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) to 640 hp (471 kW)/ 777 Nm (573 lb-ft). In addition, to make the transformation of the vehicle complete, there were also included 21 inch G-POWER “SILVERSTONE RS” and “SILVERSTONE CLUBSPORT” alloy wheels with MICHELIN Pilot Super Sport tyres in the dimension 265/30 ZR 21 and 305/25 ZR 21, G-POWER coil-over suspension, stainless steel sport rear muffler featuring the legendary G-POWER “DEEPTONE” technology and the G-POWER Ceramic Braking System. All this makes the BMW M5 F10 even sportier and more adorable.

In order to make the car faster, the G-POWER engineers transferred its experience from the area of supercharging to the turbocharged BMW 4.4l V8 engine. The basis for the electronic output increase is the fact that G-POWER used individual solution for the engine. Among others, the parameters for the amount of fuel and the ignition timing are modified depending on the product variance of the engine. In addition, the boost level is moderately increased too. Based on the competence and knowledge coming from the up to 800 hp (588 kW) strong BMW M5 HURRICANE versions, G-POWER has limited the torque figures during the shifting process and thus – reduces the stress for the transmission.

Next, the G-POWER Bi-Tronik III pushed the BMW M5’s standard output of 560 hp (412 kW)/ 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) to 640 hp (471 kW)/ 777 Nm (573 lb-ft) of torque. Of course, this means that the acceleration time will be enhanced too. It takes only 3.9 seconds for the empowered BMW to cover 0 to 100 km/h with a top speed of 315 km/h. The sound of the BMW M5 F10 was improved too. The full stainless steel G-POWER 4-trim sport rear muffler with its 4 x 100 mm tailpipes gives the BMW M5 a deep, throaty sound that turns heads but is at now time annoying, thanks to the patented G-POWER “DEEPTONE” technology.

To go further, the vehicle is equipped with 21 inch G-POWER SILVERSTONE RS and SILVERSTONE CLUBSPORT forged wheels, wrapped with tyres from the G-POWER’s technology partner MICHELIN in the dimensions 265/30 ZR 21 and 305/25 ZR 21. The double spokes, highlight the elegant design of the new BMW M5. More importantly, the G-POWER SILVERSTONE CLUBSPORT wheel is with weight-optimized design that enables a low rim weight with the same stability. The continuously height-adjustable G-POWER coil-over suspension GM5-RS with nine selectable settings each for bound and rebound also improve the suspension. In the car is also featured the G-POWER Braking System, which includes up to six brake pistons and up to 420 mm brake disc diameter for the front axle and 380 mm for the rear axle. The system enables a substantially higher brake force than the standard braking system. The G-POWER brake package is completed by brake pads with a larger pad area, higher friction rate as well as metal-coated brake lines. The result is maximum brake force and precise braking point.

The cost for the 21 inch G-POWER SILVERSTONE DIAMOND and SILVERSTONE CLUBSPORT complete wheel set including MICHELIN Pilot Sport tyres in the dimension 265/30 ZR 21 and 305/25 ZR 21 is 8.325,00 €, the G-POWER coil-over suspension GM5-RS is 2.179,83,00 € and the G-POWER Ceramic braking system for the front axle is 14.460,50 Euro and 11.778,15 for the rear axle. The output increase with the help of the G-POWER BI-TRONIK III is 3.920,17,00 € including the individual adjustment of to the specific customer car.

Source: G-Power

March 6, 2012

Hamann BMW M5 at Geneva

Apart from the Hawk SLS AMG Roadster, Hamann have a BMW M5 ready for us at the Geneva Motor Show. That means more style, more dynamics and more fun in a package of quality and exclusiveness.

Hannman focused on expressing the M5 posture. A wide posture in this case – 25 mm over the standard front wings and 30 mm more at the back. Combine that with a lower center of gravity thanks to special springs provided, and you get a fully blown, wide, mean, lean sports saloon that can put to shame even touring cars. An additional down force comes from the custom front and rear aprons, side skirts and roof and trunk spoilers. So there wont be a need for grip we presume

But just to be sure, Hamann have provided some sticky and wide (325/25 ZR 21 at the back just to get an idea of how wide) Continental Sport Contact 5P tires that go on the 9.5Jx21-inch front and 12.0Jx21-inch rear wheels. And the wheels themselves have a sporting pedigree, being all light and “anodized”, fitted with titanium bolts.

Hamann are still working on the power issues. With the addition of a new sports muffler and some crafty engine-management, the M5‘s V8 is expected to deliver 120 PS and 220 Nm of torque more than it normally does.

For the interior, the company has gone the extra mile. The cabin has the feel of a VIP lounge crossed with motorsport accents. Leather wraps around the seats, the wheel and the center console. Aluminum pedals peak at you from the foot well. Alcantra materials are also available as an option for the picky customers.

Source: Hamann

March 6, 2012

Alternative Fuels: Propane, Electricity, Ammonia and Liquid Nitrogen

Yesterday we discussed two of the most popular alternative fuels – biodiesel and alcohol fuel. As we already became familiar, both are efficient not only in ecological terms, but also in economical ones. Given that the concerns around the global warming are escalating, I presume that in the future, there will be a great necessity for vehicles which emit less CO2 or are with zero emissions. Hence, this leads to the though that even more alternative ways for propulsion are going to arise in the near future. As we all can see, even now on the market, there is a big expansion of electric vehicles and hybrid ones. In addition, the brands are competing in the development of vehicles which are both fuel efficient and ecologically preserving.

First, let’s review one popular alternative fuel: propane. It is a compressed natural gas which almost everybody has used in their homes. However, it is popular as an alternative fuel too. It is a by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum refining. The process is called cracking. What is commonly used as vehicle fuel is actually a mixture of propane and butane, or more familiar as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG or LP gas). It is not necessary to state the environmental benefits of its use and the fuel efficiency it delivers for they are already very well known. Take a look at some models, which are using this type of fuel:

Extremely utilized way of alternative vehicle propulsion is through the means of electricity. The good news is that although the EVs were very popular more than hundred years ago, their development now flourishes. Moreover, it seems that the automotive world is in a stage of competition. The different brands are investing nowadays more than ever in the development of technologies, using electricity as alternative fuel. The EVs use electricity which is stored in battery in the car and don’t emit CO2. Although, they aren’t as fast as their gasoline powered rivals, they are considered perfect for city driving. Some of the electric vehicles, already on the market:

Did you know that ammonia can be used as fuel? In fact, ammonia has been proposed as a practical alternative to fossil fuel for internal combustion engines back in the beginning of the last century. In addition, it can be successfully used in already existing vehicles, which engines need only slight modification. Ammonia is beneficial in terms of zero emissions and economical efficiency.

Liquid nitrogen is another type of emissionless alternative fuel. Liquid nitrogen vehicles are comparable in many ways to the electric vehicles. However, they use liquid nitrogen to store the energy instead of batteries as it is in the case of EVs. They have several advantages that should be mentioned. First of all, they can be powered through the electrical grid (which contributes to their eco-friendliness). Secondly, there wouldn’t be any transportation of the fuel, since the power is delivered from the electrical grid. This is also economically viable. Next, the maintenance is also at low costs. At last but not least, the liquid nitrogen vehicles don’t have the degradation problems of the battery systems.

To sum up there are many different types of alternative fuels and nowadays even more are developed and considered for commercial use. Of course the main reason for this expansion of research is the negative environmental impact which the gasoline powered vehicles are causing, due to their high levels of CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. Undoubtedly, in the near future the commercial use of electric cars or hybrid ones won’t be considered as extravagancy but as a high level of environmental awareness.

Vehicles with Zero Emissions - the future of the automotive world? — Vehicles with Zero Emissions – the future of the automotive world

March 4, 2012

Alternative Fuels: Biofuel, Alcohol and Hydrogen

This week’s fresh “eco” air is a small review of some of the alternative fuels available for use. A simple fact is that humanity sooner or later will experience the necessity of their utilization. Hence, the aim of the article is not only to raise the ecological awareness, but also to lift up the veil of ignorance around the alternative vehicle fuels that can be successfully utilized. (more…)

March 3, 2012

LSD Doors for the BMW Z4

Fancy a unique feature on your BMW Z4? Well, add some character with Lamborghini Countach style doors. Spread those wings and turn heads as you go – its the LSD-door hinges offered by LSD. That type of upgrade is a first among BMW Roadsters with a foldable hardtop.

The standard door structure pretty much stays the same. It’s the hinges that make the difference. The package includes them and all the necessary wiring and mounting materials and accessories. The LSD door fittings are attached to the original mounting points of the dismantled original hinges. Adjustable, mechanical stops prevent the doors from opening too far or, when open, prevent the door from falling inwards or downwards. Thanks to the Guided Roller System (GRS), all of the processes can be executed precisely and safely.

All parts provided come with TUV certificates and, on the car, the doors fare just as good in crash tests. So the LSD solution for the Z4 turns out as a very clever and seamless way to add some spice to this iconic roadster. All and all, one has to pay $2.308 for that privilege.

Source: LSD

March 2, 2012

2012 BMW M3 Coupé and Convertible Limited Edition 500

The exceptional new BMW M3 Coupé and Convertible Limited Edition 500 are going to be launched in the UK market this month. These special editions are strictly limited, and feature a colour palette of Imola Red, Mineral White or Santorini Blue. Only 500 of these models will be manufactured, and this number is combined for Coupe and Convertible variants. Each model includes an edition designation laser cut into the trim inlay on the dashboard. Mechanically, the vehicle is unchanged over the M3 in terms of technical specifications. It uses the astonishing 420hp (309 kW) V8 engine, M-specific chassis with either six-speed manual or seven-speed M DCT transmission.

The BMW’s are going to be available in three exterior colours, which are complemented by the characteristic M-car signature details of the kidney grille surround. The side gills and twin double exhaust pipes are finished in dark chrome. Both Coupé and Convertible models are equipped with BMW’s high-gloss Shadowline exterior trim and are further improved by the 19-inch high-gloss black light-alloy wheels. Each BMW M3 Limited Edition 500 will be trimmed with BMW’s extended Novillo leather. There also will be included a contrast stitching on the sports seats and door panels. This of course will complements the exterior: Imola Red cars feature Black leather with Mugello Red stitching, Mineral White cars feature Fox Red leather with Black Stitching, and those cars finished in Santorini Blue feature Black leather with Tobago Blue stitching. Furthermore, the interior of the new Limited Edition 500 features BMW’s Piano Black interior trim, with the edition designation – “One of 500” – laser cut into the left-hand side of the inlay on the dashboard.

To be even more precise the BMW M3 is powered by the 420hp (309 kW) V8 engine that revs to 8,300rpm with 400Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque developed at 3,900rpm. The BMW comes with M’s six-speed manual gearbox as standard, complete with the variable M differential. BMW’s M DCT (M Double Clutch Transmission) is optional and it serves in terms of fuel efficiency, decrease of CO2 emissions and faster acceleration. The exceptional BMW M3 is capable of accelerating from 0 to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds (Coupé with M DCT).It has a limited top speed of 155mph. Nevertheless, despite these performance figures the car still delivers up to 25.2mpg on the combined cycle, due to the comprehensive suite of BMW EfficientDynamics technologies including Brake Energy Regeneration.

The price for the 2012 BMW M3 Limited Edition 500 starts at £55 690 for the Coupe and £59 785 for the Convertible model.

Source: BMW

March 1, 2012

2012 BMW M550d xDrive [new pics]

BMW has released 98 new high resolution pictures of the 2012 M550d xDrive Saloon. The M-performance vehicle is expected to hit the European market in May. It is powered by the new updated tri-turbocharged diesel with staggering 127PS per liter.

The new N57D30 features three turbocharges, high pressure piezo injectors and a lot of aluminum elements. The result is 381PS (280 kW) and 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of torque. 0-100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a Vmax of 250 km/h (155 mph). The fuel economy is 6.3 l/100km with 165 g/km of CO2. The power is put on the road through a ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox and the world’s most intelligent AWD system – BMW xDrive.

The 2012 F10 M550d xDrive is priced from €80 800.

You can check the HD pictures in the gallery. Almost all details of the vehicle are revealed including different gauge illumination, engine bay images, different angel eye lighting and some nice interior images.

Source: BMW

February 28, 2012

2012 BMW 640d xDrive Coupe

BMW has added two interesting models to the new 6-Series line-up. The 2012 640d xDrive Coupe and Convertible will arrive in the showrooms this spring. The world’s most intelligent AWD system – xDrive teams up with a six-cylinder in-line diesel engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology to take driving pleasure to another new level.

The performance is insane – 0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. Furthermore, this performance comes with 5.7 liters per 100 km (49.6 mpg on combined cycle) with 149 g/km CO2.

The brilliant 3.0 liter six-cylinder twin-turbocharged diesel delivers 313PS (230 kW) at 4400RPM and 630Nm (465 lb-ft) at 1500RPM. The engine is mated to a 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox, which is tuned precisely to the performance characteristics of the power unit. In ECO PRO mode, the power reserves of the sporty diesel engine play a prominent role in ensuring a relaxed and extremely efficient driving style at low engine speeds.

The latest generation of the most powerful diesel engine boasts a low-weight all-aluminium crankcase and the latest development of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology. This package of technology comprises multi-stage turbocharging and common-rail direct injection whose piezo injectors work with maximum pressure of 2 000 bar. The car’s two-stage turbocharging generates instantaneous and forceful power delivery, while the injection system sprays the fuel into the cylinders in precisely measured quantities to ensure clean and efficient combustion.

The Driving Experience Control switch can also be used to call up SPORT, SPORT+ and COMFORT modes, and – if the optional Dynamic Damper Control or Adaptive Drive are selected – COMFORT+. As well as the accelerator progression, engine responses, power steering characteristics, intervention thresholds of the DSC stability control system and shift dynamics of the automatic transmission, this also allows the driver to adjust the damper settings and anti-roll control.

The new BMW 6 Series Coupe can also be equipped with a specially developed M Sport package. The aerodynamic, exterior and interior components designed in familiar M style clearly showcase the sports car character of the 6 Series Coupe. Equipment includes an M aerodynamics package with bespoke body components for the front end, side sills and rear apron, exhaust tailpipe embellishers in Chrome Dark, LED front fog lamps and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design. 20” light-alloy wheels in M double-spoke design can also be ordered as an option. Inside, features such as M-specific Alcantara/leather sports seats in Anthracite with Blue contrast stitching, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and gearshift paddles, and Aluminium Hexagon interior trim strips all play their part in creating a full-blooded driving experience. The M Sport package also includes door sills bearing the M logo, as well as an M driver’s footrest.

The BMW 6 Series Coupe offers seating for four immersed in a luxurious ambience, while its 460-litre boot can accommodate three 46-inch golfbags or two medium-sized hard-shell suitcases plus a flight case. The comfort-enhancing equipment fitted as standard in the new BMW 6 Series Coupe includes 2-zone automatic climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, electric steering column adjustment, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, Cruise Control with braking function, a rain sensor with automatic headlight range control, a HiFi audio system and the control system iDrive with

Source: BMW

February 27, 2012

Where it All Started – BMW M1

BMW-M1-thumb Throughout the years, besides being utterly magnificent, M BMW cars have always been a statement. “I am the kind of person which has a an impressive annual income, a family, clout and an insatiable thirst for sideway buffoonery”. Whichever M car one might choose, the perks are always going to be the same – practicality and sensibility get you trough the mazes of society while sheer power and playfulness make for a great time at the countryside. Small wonder then, that today many well dressed men consider the M batch of BMW’s as a really, really good investment. But few people ask themselves, how and when did it all begin? Let’s just say, that the whole practical performance, 5-door saloonishness was definitely not the case at the beginning of the M odyssey. Enter the 1978 M1 – BMW’s first and only mid-engined road car.

Its birth hadn’t been easy. The company had to act quickly as, at the time, the Porsche 911 was becoming increasingly dominant in the field of motor sports. Believe it or not, BMW needed help. And that help came from Lamborghini. Sort of. The Italian company was assigned to do the design, engineering and production work. Without a doubt, that sounds like a recipe for success – BMW overseering the company that brought to the world the Lamborghini Miura and the Countasch. Probably one of the most talented designers ever, Giorgetto Giugiaro, sketched the lines of the M1 with a particular signature that can be seen in other works of his, such as the Lotus Esprit. Sadly, the times were tough, an oil crisis swept the world and Lamborghini went bust. That meant that BMW had to turn to someone else to finish the job. It was a painstaking process that consumed both time and money. The end result was an overpriced, plastic car of a thing that spawned only 455 times. On top of that, by the time everything was sorted out, most of the motor sport regulations moved on and the Bavarian was left trailing behind.

The real tragedy however, is that, for its time, the M1 was a really decent car. It had the looks, it had the quintessential supercar setup (2 seats, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive), it weighed like a super car (1400 kg) and it had a wonderful 3.5 liter straight six engine that developed 273 bhp. And it wasn’t some sort of an experiment power plant, but a proper one with a Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system and DOHC operating 24 valves in total. Later on the M635Csi and the first-generation M5 would get pretty much the same engine.

And that’s the thing about the M1. It died off quickly for a novel cause. Mercifully, the M badge stuck on, but now the BMW people were caught thinking – “Why don’t we shove such an engine in one of our own pefectly good saloons, beef up the brakes and suspensions and see what happens?” Today the results are evident. Almost every BMW car in the conteporary line up has an M counterpart which is hugely successful on the market and almost always highly valued by critics and automotive journalists.

February 27, 2012

BMW Concept M135i

BMW will exhibit the Concept M135i at the Geneva Motor Show, next month.

The new BMW performance car features a twin-turbocharged straight six-cylinder petrol engine. It will produce more than 300PS (220 kW), which will be sent to the rear wheels. This makes the M135i a unique vehicle in its class ensuring unsurpassed driving pleasure so typical of a BMW.

But the M135i will also benefit from a new sports suspension technology that includes an M sports braking system and is perfectly adapted to match the supreme road performance. A set of 18” M light alloys with a double spoke design are fitted with low profile performance tires.

The exterior features new front apron, large air intakes, new rear apron and double tailpipe sports exhaust system in dark chrome.

Thanks to a distinctively sports-oriented appearance, the BMW Concept M135i offers attractive prospects for the further development of the BMW 1 Series model range. At the same time, a clear signal has been given for the expansion of the new product category of BMW M Performance automobiles. The BMW M Performance automobiles being presented at the Geneva Motor Show and shortly to be launched are powered by the world’s most high-performing six-cylinder diesel engine available for series production vehicles. The petrol-fuelled models in this product category will also assume a similar unique position.

The pre-series concept car BMW Concept M135i offers a fascinating outlook on a corresponding offer in the premium compact segment.

Source: BMW

February 24, 2012

AC Schnitzer BMW 3-Series F30

The official tuning company of BMW – AC Schnitzer has revealed some small pictures of the new updated 3-Series F30. The AC Schnitzer F30 will make its official debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, next month. Until then, you can check the images below to get some information about it.

The exterior is slightly touched with adding new front and rear skirts and sets of different wheels in dimensions from 18” to 20” fitted with proper tires. There is no information about the interior, but the owners won’t be disappointed. A set of aluminum ACS pedals are planned as well as ACS floor mats and sports steering wheel and knob.

Performance packages will be available for the new turbocharged petrol and diesel engines. The new 28i is expected to develop more than 300PS with just an ECU re-map and sports exhaust system. The twin-turbocharged 2.0 liter four-cylinder petrol now delivers 245PS (180 kW) and 350Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque.

Stay tuned for more pictures and information about the ACS F30.

Source: AC Schnitzer

February 23, 2012

G-Power BMW M5

The latest M5 (F10) may be a downsized successor of its previous generation but it still packs a punch, and that is an understatement. It is actually more powerful with less cylinders and less drama. The people from G-Power respect that but, because tuning is what they do, they have added more power to the M performance monster.

What they have done to the “standard” 4.4l V8 engine is to replace the turbo with an ASA supercharging turbine and tune the engine management system in a way so that the power is now up to 640 hp instead of 560 hp and torque has gone from 680 Nm to 777. That setup is not malignant in any way to the engine, say G-Power. That translates into a time of 3.9 seconds for the 100 km/h sprint. For 11,9 the BMW will get to 200 km/h.

Further improvements focus on the acoustics – a G-Power sports rear muffler with 4 x 100 mm tailpipes gives the BMW M5 a deep, throaty sound partly due to the “DEEPTONE” technology patented by the company.

The whole car sits on four 21 inch G-Power Silverstone RS forged wheels, wrapped in Michelin tires. The rear tires are wide enough land a plane on them – 305/25 ZR 21. The front pair is equally impressive with a sizes of 265/30 ZR 21. A big plus for the wheels is the light alloy from which they are made that does not compromise stability. Add that to a highly adjustable G-Power coil-over suspension GM5-RS with numerous settings and you get the perfect street/road car. The thing is, even as a standard car, the M is bound to fade its own brakes overtime. That is why, as a roundup, we have a G-Power Braking System complete with 396 mm brake discs, six-piston calipers. Heat is dissipated more efficiently and the stopping force is stronger than usual because of the larger pads and metal-coated brake lines. And because the system is mainly ceramic, it also saves weight. (up to 50% percent lighter than the standard braking kit)

Source: G-Power

February 20, 2012

Tag: BMW