M3 – Page 7 – Automobiles Review

Manhart BMW MH3 V8RS Clubsport

Manhart Racing has revealed the most brutal E92 3-Series, which you can imagine. After the previous project – MH3 V8R with 655PS (482 kW), the tuning company is ready with the new one – the MH3 V8 RS Clubsport.

Firstly, the exterior is entirely modified in order to get maximum downforce. The aerodynamics package includes a front spoiler, modified hood, a pair of side skirts, wheel arch extensions, trunk li, an enormous adjustable rear wing and a rear diffuser. All parts are made from carbon fiber for maximum strength and lightness.

The look is completed by enormous the ultra-light Concave One “Black Edition” forged wheels 9J x 20” with 255/30 ZR20 Continental Sport Contact 5 high performance tires on the front and 12J x 20” with 325/25 ZR20 tires on the rear. The stance is further improved by adjustable coilover suspension.

The interior boasts new seats from carbon fiber and a Wiechers roll cage. There is also a Manhart Racing display showing all data that the pilot needs.

The E92 M3 received the brutal engine from BMW X5 M – a 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged petrol with 555PS (408 kW). Still, the tuners decided that this is not enough power for a small 3-Series car and boosted the monster to whopping 750PS (551 kW) and 910Nm (671 lb-ft) of torque. So , they made the car really hard to drive. The engine is mated to a 6-speed M Sport automatic transmission sending all that power to a LSD from E60 M5. The weight of the car is 1590 kg (3505 lbs) meaning that it has power to weight ratio of 2.25 kg/hp.

Performance – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of more than 350 km/h (217 mph).

Manhart Racing also took care about the brakes. They have installed MOVIT brake system with 6-piston calipers on the front with 396×34 mm discs and 4-piston calipers with 380×32 mm discs on the rear.

Undeniably, Manhart Racing have built a unique sports car.

Source: Manhart Racing

December 22, 2011

BMW ///M at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show

BMW will exhibit several legendary ///M models at the 42nd Tokyo Motor Show held from 3^rd to 11^th December, this year.

The Motor Show is hosted by the Japanese capital’s International Exhibition Center, where BMW will showcase the latest F10 M5, E90 M3 as well as X6 M.

The fifth-generation of BMW M5 is powered by a hi-revving 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 with 560PS (412 kW) at 5750RPM and 680Nm(502 lb-ft) at just 1500RPM. The most powerful ///M engine boasts twin-scroll turbochargers, high-precision direct fuel injection, VALVETRONIC variable valve control and a cross-bank exhaust manifold.

The performance is overwhelming – 4.4 seconds to 100 km/h and just 13 seconds to 200 km/h. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Despite the brutal performance, the engine needs just 9.9 liters per 100 km on combined cycle (28.5 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.

The engine is mated to a new 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic and Efficient Dynamics technology, including engine Auto Start-Stop and Brake Energy Regeneration.

The E92 M3 has also hi-revving V8, but it is naturally aspirated developing 420PS (309 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). It is mated to a 7-speed M-DCT (M Double Clutch Transmission). The acceleration to 60 mph is in 4.5 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Finally, BMW will exhibit the X6 M, which also features the same hi-revving 4.4 liter twin-turbo V8 as the F10 M5, but it is slightly underpowered – 555PS (408 kW) at 6000RPM and 680Nm (500 lb-ft) between 1500RPM and 5650RPM.

The power is put on the road through 6-speed M Sports Automatic transmission with aluminum paddleshifters on steering wheel. 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.

X6 M also comes with 10 mm lower Adaptive Drive suspension, 4-piston calipers at the front with huge 396mm brake discs.

The vehicle stands on 20” alloy wheels with fitted with 275/40 R20 at the front and 315/35 R20 at the rear run-on-flat tires.

Source: BMW

November 24, 2011

2012 BMW E92 M3 Competition Edition

BMW of North America has announced the 2012 M3 Competition Edition with Frozen Silver exterior paint and other nice upgrades. The vehicles is specially created to celebrate 40 years of the M division. As you may suggest, only 40 units of the special E92 M3 will be created and sold to U.S. customers.

The unique exterior treatment also includes black hood intakes and dark chrome exterior trim, including the kidney grills, the M side gills and the exhaust tips. Black 19” M3 GTS wheels complete the striking exterior.

The interior comes with black Extended Novillo Leather with unique palladium silver accents and palladium silver-contrast stitching on front seats, headrests, door trim panels / handles, center console, and center armrest. There is also an Alcantara-covered multi-function M steering wheel with M3 Checkered Flag logo inlay. Finally, genuine Carbon Fiber trims the dash and center console are added.

2012 BMW E92 M3 Competition Edition Interior

The E92 M3 Competition Edition is powered by a 4.0 liter naturally aspirated hi-revving V8 with 420PS (309 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). It is mated to a M-DCT (M Double Clutch Transmission). The acceleration to 60 mph is in 4.5 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

The included Competition Package consists of lowered suspension -by 10mm, M3 GTS 19″ wheels in black with wider offset for enhanced stability, standard Electronic Damping Control with enhanced programming, and higher-threshold programming for the M Dynamic Mode.

The 2012 BMW M3 Competition Edition is priced at $81 060 including destination and handling.

Check out the full specs, below!

2012 BMW M3 Competition Edition

Exterior

• Frozen Silver exterior paint
• Black hood intakes
• Dark Chrome exterior trim
o Kidney Grills
o M side gill elements
o Exhaust tips
• Black M3 GTS 19-inch wheels

Interior

• Extended Black Novillo leather upholstery with Palladium Silver accents
• Palladium Silver stitching on front seats, headrests, door trim panels / handles, center console, and center armrest
• Alcantara multi-function M steering wheel with M3 Checkered Flag logo inlay
• Carbon Fiber interior trim, including dashboard and center console.
• Door sill finishers with M3 Checkered Flag logo.
• Handbrake lever with embroidered M Power logo.

Packages

• Competition Package
o Dynamic Damper Control
o M3 GTS 19-inch light alloy Y-spoke wheels (black)
o Competition package suspension with 10mm lower ride height
o Modified programming for the M Dynamic Mode
• Cold Weather Package
o Ski-bag
o Heated front seats
o Retractable headlight washers
• Premium Package
o Power folding auto-dimming mirrors
o Universal garage-door opener
o Comfort Access keyless entry
o Power rear sunshade
o Power front seats with driver seat memory
o Interior rearview mirror with compass
o Rear Park Distance Control

Options

• M Dual-Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic
• Navigation System with Real-time Traffic Info.
• Bluetooth connectivity
• iPod and USB Adapter
• BMW Apps iPhone integration

Source: BMW

November 8, 2011

G-Power BMW M3 Tornado RS

G-Power has unveiled the fastest road legal BMW M3. The M3 Tornado RS now is equipped with SK III “Sporty Drive” supercharger system and the results are really mind blowing.

G-Power BMW M3 Tornado RS produces 720PS (529 kW) at 8100RPM, which is exactly 300PS more than the original E92 M3. The torque is 700Nm (519 lb-ft), which is also 300Nm increase over stock.

The performance as you may suggest is brutal – 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds and to 200 km/h in just 9.5 seconds. The top speed is somewhere over 330 km/h (205mph+).

All this is achieved thanks to a new crankshaft increasing the displacement of SK III-equipped M3s by 15%, from 4.0 to 4.6 litres. The powerful ASA T1-723 supercharger makes just 0.5 bar pressure. There is also an optional carbon fiber airbox weighing just 4 kg.

Finally, the specialists from G-Power fitted the tuned M3 with a titanium exhaust system featuring free-flowing 100 cpsi metallic catalytic converters.
The price for this pleasure is € 35 000 including installation.

This is The Devil itself.

Source: G-Power

September 29, 2011

Manhart MH1 Biturbo

M3, M5, M6 … What was really lacking in this sequence was a smaller M1, which – with due respect to its famous predecessor of the same name – has now been officially called “1 Series M Coupe” by BMW. The engineers at BMW M GmbH are mighty proud of their smallest M-Racer, which thanks to an in-line six cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo-charging and direct fuel injection, sends out a whopping 340 hp on the crankshaft. Alongside so much power, even a Porsche Cayman R must back off.

As one of the foremost engine tuners in Germany, the Manhart Racing Company, led by the engine tuning icon, Günter Manhart, will offer from now on a completely remodelled 1 Series M Coupe. The Manhart MH1 Biturbo stands out with its standard consistent increase in power to 415 hp, which catapults it directly into the same league as the M3 Coupe and the Porsche 997 Carrera GTS. The in-house sports exhaust system, including down pipes and stainless steel silencers, ensures not only a few extra horsepower, but also an aggressive sound.

This is of course still by no means the end, for, so that high performance can also be efficiently reached without large losses in traction propulsion, Manhart Racing built an in-house specially tuned coilover suspension and a magnificent Concave One wheel-set. The exclusive MHR forged wheels rotates with 9×20 inch turn forward, on the drive axle in 10.5 x20 inch turns, in combination with a 245 and 295 Continental Sport contact 5 set of tyres. For more down-force on the front axle, there is also a fine, handmade carbon-fibre front splitter, including a central bar. In the rear section, Manhart has built in a diffuser on the 1M Coupe, made also of course from high-quality carbon fibre fabrics. A set of quality carbon mirror covers completes perfectly the changes to the exterior.

For the interior of the MH1 Coupe, the experts form Geilenkirchen offer sports performance seats in the front and an Alcantara rear seat at the back, both enhanced with red stitching.

Prices:

MHR full carbon fibre front splitter	1,990 Euro
MHR full carbon rear diffuser	1,820 Euro
MHR coilover suspension	2,580 Euro
MHR Concave One forged wheels in 9×20 and 10.5×20 with 245 and 295 tyres
Complete set	7,499 Euro
Performance improvement up to 415 hp	3,900 Euro
MHR stainless steel silencers	1,890 Euro
Down pipes	799 Euro
MHR complete exhaust system	3,799 Euro
MHR performance seats	2,522 Euro
Decoration panel	399 Euro

All prices include 19% VAT

Source: Manhart Racing

September 20, 2011

CLP BMW M3 GT

BMW M3, designed at the Bavarian engine works, a sports car of high power, in the road traffic or on the race circuit, currently convinces in its fourth generation. The high level of perfection and attention to the parts from the supplier plant make the M3 a Brocken powerful mountain in relation to the modification topic.

CLP Automotive, the company specializing in the body kits, from the city of Georgensgmünd, Germany, responds to this challenge and is proud to provide BMW M3 GT, the top-class car.The long set of CLP, called, the “Interceptor”, which transmits its name to the BMW M3 GT, and which should be paid 8880 euro for, is responsible for the optics.

In a set you will receive:

the forebody section carbon facing
the motor hood
the front wing
the side channel bar
the sidewall jet
the rear apron
the rear spoiler

CLP BMW M3 GT - Front Angle

The solid 9 and 12×19 inch sports disks shine not only because of its white color, adapted to the rest of the car, but also due to the optical adapter plugs of the delayed firing, which gives the wheel a central attachment optics.

The power increase, based on the compressor, the responsibility for which lies on the 600 hp, can be found under the bonnet along with the optimized Bilstein-thread of the running gear, which monitors the binding driving pleasure. The Akrapovic titanium exhaust system – naturally with the suitable modified exhaust pipe – completes the set and contributes to the acoustic link.
There are the Recaro bucket seats and the modified fixture in the CLP-M3 GT saloon for the overtaking from Wiechers for the binding security. Naturally, the weight optimization is taken into consideration and is persistently carried out.

The total cost of the reconstruction is 69.000 euro.

Source: CLP Automotive

September 7, 2011

BMW M3 DTM Concept Car

BMW has introduced the new M3 DTM race car, which will be on show to motorsport fans and visitors to BMW Welt at the weekend. The car offers an initial impression of what the BMW M3 DTM will look like when it lines up at the start of the 2012 season.

BMW M3 DTM race car is powered by the powerful V8 engine equipped with the air restrictor as detailed in the technical regulations. It develops 480BHP (353 kW), which is enough to catapult the car to 100 km/h in about 3 seconds and to hit a top speed of 300 km/h.

“It is good to see how our DTM project is picking up speed,” said Dr. Draeger.

“Next year, BMW returns to the DTM after two decades. We will be facing our main competitors in the premium sector – and are already looking forward to this challenge. The DTM comeback sees BMW return to its roots. We have enjoyed great success in production car racing in the past, and I am convinced we will follow on in 2012 where we left off. Everyone at BMW Motorsport is working hard to ensure we get off to a successful start next season.”, he added.

Priaulx and Farfus have been confirmed as the first drivers to take to the track with the BMW M3 DTM in the 2012 season and during the intense test phase. Both drivers arrive in the DTM with impressive wins and titles to their names. Priaulx won the 2004 European Touring Car Championship for BMW, and followed that up with three World Championship titles between 2005 and 2007. The racing driver from the Channel Island of Guernsey (GB) has also proven his class in GT racing, with victory at the 2005 Nurburgring 24 Hours (DE) and first in the GT class at this year’s 12-hour race at Sebring (US).

Source: BMW

July 19, 2011

Vorsteiner BMW M3 GTRS3 Widebody

Vorsteiner has finally realeased M3 GTRS3, which is just staggering. The car is based on BMW M3 E92, but it is completely rebuilt.

The package of BMW M3 GTRS3 Widebody includes carbon fiber front bumper, carbon fiber wide arch front fenders, carbon fiber extended side skirts, carbon fiber wide arch rear quarter panels, carbon fiber wide arch rear bumper.

There are also clubsport carbon fiber vented hood, VRS aero carbon fiber boot lid, VTS type II Titanium sport exhaust system.

BMW M3 GTRS3 Widebody stands on V-309 three-piece Concave forged wheels fitted with Michelin PS2 ultra-performance tires.

GTRS3

GTRS3 Carbon Fiber Front Bumper with replacement splitter
GTRS3 Carbon Fiber Wide Arch Front Fenders
GTRS3 Carbon Fiber Extended Side skirts
GTRS3 Carbon Fiber Wide Arch Rear Quarter Panels
GTRS3 Carbon Fiber Wide Arch Rear Bumper
GTS3 Clubsport Carbon Fiber Vented Hood
VRS Aero Carbon Fiber Boot Lid
VTS Type II Titanium Sport Exhaust System
V-309 3-Piece Concave Forged Wheels
Michelin PS2 Performance Tires

Source: Vorsteiner

July 4, 2011

2011 BMW Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe

BMW has introduced a special 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupes for the US. The car boasts a matte black exterior with gloss black accents, red calipers and huge 19” GTS alloy wheels. Practically, the car is a successor to the last year’s BMW M3 Frozen Gray Coupe.

The interior comes with Novillo leather upholstery, red contrast stitching and carbon fiber trim with leather accents. Frozen Black Edition M3 also comes with heated front seats and premium audio system and GPS SAT NAV.

The engine remains untouched – 4.0 liter naturally aspirated hi-revving V8 with 420PS (309 kW) and 400Nm (295 lb-ft). It is mated to a M-DCT (M Double Clutch Transmission). The acceleration to 60 mph takes 4.5 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).

The price for this pleasure is $79 650. There will be produced just 20 units.

2011 BMW Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe:

BMW Individual Frozen Black Exterior Paint
Black Extended Novillo leather with Red Contrast Stitching on seats, headrests, door inserts, armrests, middle console, and door pulls.
Black M3 GTS wheels, 19” diameter with high-performance summer tires
Red brake calipers
Gloss black kidney grills
Gloss black side-gill elements
Gloss black exhaust pipe tips

Additional specified equipment from M3 catalog:

M-DCT Transmission with Drivelogic
Competition Package

Lowered suspension
Sport mapping for EDC/DSC

Premium Package 2

Power folding auto-dimming mirrors
Universal garage-door opener
Power front seats
Carbon Leather interior trim
Interior mirror with compass
BMW Assist with Bluetooth

Convenience Package

Anti-theft alarm system
Comfort Access keyless entry system
Park Distance Control (rear)
Navigation System
Voice-command
iPod and USB adapter
Real-time Traffic Information

Heated Front Seats
Satellite Radio with 1-year subscription
BMW Individual Enhanced Premium Sound System

*Excluding $875 Destination & Handling and excluding $1,300 federal gas guzzler tax.

Source: BMW

June 13, 2011

2011 BMW M3 Carbon Edition

BMW has announced a new special edition M3, which will be available only in China.2011 BMW M3 Carbon Edition will be limited to just 111 units, which will be sold at the biggest car market. The sports car features carbon fiber roof, BMW performance front GT splitters, hood inlets and a trunk mounted lip spoiler. Of course, all elements come in carbon fiber.The special edition M3 is finished in white pearl metallic paint with black stripes. A Carbon Edition logo and huge 19” Style 220 M3 wheels in matt black fitted with high performance tires complete the exterior look.The interior received carbon fiber element, too. The “Carbon Edition” logo is present as well as white leather for the arm rest, door panels and center console. The final touch is the carbon fiber patterned material for the headrests.The engine didn’t get any power boost, because it already has a lot of it – a 4.0 liter naturally aspirated hi revving V8 with 420PS and 400Nm of torque. It is mated to a Drivelogic 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited.2011 BMW M3 Carbon Edition is priced at 1.23 million yuan, which is around $189 000.

June 2, 2011

The evolution of BMW M3 series

The ultimate driving machine. This is how they call BMW M3 series. And it is for a reason. The MOTORSPORT division of BMW did their best to deliver the best possible experience from a BMW .

How it all began

In 1986 the first M3(1986-1992) was introduced. It was on the basis of E30 and had a 2,3 4 cylinder engine with 195 hp. The reason why the first M3 was actually produced was to homologate the car for the tourist car championship where it would compete with the Mercedes 190 EVO. Two more engines were used for the first M3. A 2 litre, 4 cylinder engine and also a 2,5 delivering the massive 250 hp, still naturally aspirated. The 2,0 version could be easily recognized, it lacked the curves of the wide arches. It seems like the M3 version does not have much in common with the regular e30. Besides the hood, roof panel, and sunroof it did not have much in common. These 4 cylinder engines were only reserved for the M3, and so was the firm suspension.

The 6 cylinders(E36)

Although nowadays 6 cylinders in a row is almost dead as conception, when the E36 M3 showed on the market, things seemed a little different. 1992 – the new M3 was introduced. With a 3 litre engine, 6 cylinders and output of 286hp. At first all M3s were based on coupe, but later the sedan and convertible models could also carry the M3 badge. Later in the production a more powerful engine was to be used – a 3,2 with 321hp . What is interesting, models sold in North America had 240 hp, regardless 3,0 or 3,2. Also, the 6 speed gearbox was never available in North America.

A special version – the M3 CSL is definitely worth mentioning. This model was sold with a trunk full of goodies to improve the performance of the car. Why they were not put directly into the car? Very simple, buying this version, the customer would sign a legal paper that they were aware installation of the latter would void the warranty of the car.

The production of E36 M3 seized in December 1999 with the convertibles being produced last.

The E46 M3

The next M3 came in October 2000. The engine is a 3,2 liter with code S54 – 343 hp available. What is new is the SMG II drivelogic transmission. It is basically the standard 6 speed manual but with electrohydraulically actuated clutch pedal. The E46 also had a CSL version, which is a real sports car that one could drive home. This version is cut off in terms of all unnecessary gadgets you do not need for the track, it does not even come with AC, stereo or navigation system.

What’s on the market now?

Well, it is the E90/92/93. First introduced in 2007 it did have a thing or two to show. The new M3 was a totally different car compared to its predecessors. First of all it has two more cylinders. Despite the return of the turbo mania, the new M3 is naturally aspirated. To be more precise it is a 4,0 litre v8 engine with 420 hp available at 8300 rpm. The latest M3 comes with a 6 speed manual or the optional M-DKG transmission which reduces the 0-100 time with 2 tenths of a second. The E92 M3 also has a light weight carbon-fiber roof to reduce the weight and lower the centre of gravity. At first the new M3 was supposed to be called… M4, but BMW realized this might not be well perceived by the customers and people who liked the traditions created more than 20 years ago. Many people say that market researchers and accountants are more and more involved in the build of cars. It seems like this has had some impact on the ultimate driving machine. The convertible suffers from the heavy mechanics that take care of the roof and the result is 1880 kg curb weight – not a good prerequisite for agility and speed.

A special model is also available(A special M3, ironic right). It is called the GTS. The 4,0 litre engine has been further developed to become 4,4 and to provide 450hp. What is more, it weighs about 150 kg less than the regular M3 making it a true beast on the road… or track. The production of GTS started in May 2010. Today all 250 GTS M3s have been sold.

To be continued…

May 27, 2011

G-Power BMW M3 GTS SK II

G-Power has released another staggering car with BMW badge. This time the platform is the latest E92 M3 in GTS variant. This is a stripped version of the regular E92 M3 with a little bigger engine. However, the naturally aspirated hi-revving V8 has a huge potential, so G-Power added SK II “Sporty Drive” supercharger kit.

The result is simply brutal – 635PS (467 kW) and 630Nm (465 lb-ft) of torque, instead of the factory’s 450 PS (331 kW) and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft).

The performance date is staggering, too. 0 to 100 km/h takes 4.2 seconds, to 200 km/h in 11.9 seconds and a top speed of 323 km/h – a little over 200 miles per hour.

The suspension of M3 GTS is already on of the best in the world, so G-Power didn’t touched it. The body kit stays untouched, too.

The price for the pleasure is €23 500 including installation.

G-Power BMW M3 GTS SK II

G-Power BMW M3 GTS SK II:

635 hp / 467 kW @ 7,800 r/min (+ 185 hp / 136 kW)
630 Nm 3,900 r/min (+ 190 Nm)
Top speed: 323 km/h
0-100 km/h: 4.2s
0-200 km/h: 11.9s
G-POWER SK II “Sporty Drive” supercharger system: € 23,500.00 (excl. tax) plus installation

Source: G-Power

May 20, 2011

Tag: M3