Archive for April, 2012

NSFW Video: “BMW Head” – Commercial for Lane Departure Warning

Posted by http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/05/01/nsfw-video-bmw-head-commercial-for-lane-departure-warning/ in News on April 30, 2012

First and foremost, this is a video that is not safe for work. It involves a few shots of nudity from 6 to 10 seconds into the video. With that out of the way, the commercial was created by Bakery Films for BMW and revolves around the Lane Departur...

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First and foremost, this is a video that is not safe for work. It involves a few shots of nudity from 6 to 10 seconds into the video. With that out of the way, the commercial was created by Bakery Films for BMW and revolves around the Lane Departure Warning technology available in high-end bimmers. This feature helps with external distractions or slight lack of attention and warns the driver if an accident is likely to occur due to a lane change. This system monitors the area behind and next to the vehicle and warns the driver when a lane change would lead to a dangerous situation.

At the rear of the vehicle the Lane Change Warning uses radar sensors to inform the driver via a symbol on the wing mirror if there is a vehicle currently in their blind spot or if a vehicle is approaching quickly from the rear. As soon as the driver uses the indicator to change lanes, they are warned in potentially dangerous situations by a flashing LED signal and steering wheel vibrations. And no, no chance we will ever see this type of commercials on U.S. television.

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Spy Video: 2013 F80 BMW M3 Sedan

Posted by http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/05/01/spy-video-2013-f80-bmw-m3-sedan/ in News on April 30, 2012

Another M vehicle is spied during a testing session at the famous Nurburgring. The 2013 F80 BMW M3 Sedan goes around the track for a new trial before its release next year. Initially introduced in a sedan form, the F80 M3 will be followed by the Cou...

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Another M vehicle is spied during a testing session at the famous Nurburgring. The 2013 F80 BMW M3 Sedan goes around the track for a new trial before its release next year. Initially introduced in a sedan form, the F80 M3 will be followed by the Coupe and Convertible variants, all using the same engine. And this is where they mystery comes in plan. Previous reports were associating the new M3 with an inline-six engine while more recent ones point to a radical change in BMW M’s philosophy: a turbocharged V6. Some of our sources says that the V6 is a 3.3 liter BiTurbo engine with around 450 horsepower, an information that has been denied by others, so at this point, any news around the new M3 engine are to be taken with a big grain of salt. To add even more fuel to the fire, Car and Driver has recently published their own opinion on the V6:

Rendering by Car and Driver “The new V6 will be the first to mount its two twin-scroll turbochargers within the vee-angle, mirroring the company’s 4.4-liter V8 design. The This unique-to-BMW approach reduces the length of the inlet tract compared with a regular turbo-vee setup, helping to sharpen throttle response and minimizing heat buildup after air passes through the intercooler. A 60-degree V6 will also offer the best balance, but a 90-degree angle is needed to fit the two turbos.” In this week’s interview with BMWBLOG, Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, BMW M CEO, refrained from offering further details on the powerplant, but we were left with an important tidbit of information: the new M3 will be lighter and will make extended use of carbon fiber parts. With another year of production, the E90/E92 M3 might be the consumers’ last chance to grab a V8 naturally-aspirated engine. The test mules shown below reveals the wide track specific to M products, as well as M front bumper, square LED headlights, large brakes and the signature four exhaust pipes at the rear. [Source: MotorAuthority]

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2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Spy Video

Posted by http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/05/01/2014-bmw-m6-gran-coupe-spy-video/ in News on April 30, 2012

The 2013 BMW M6 Gran Coupe gets captured on camera. Courtesy of MotorAuthority we have the first video of the upcoming four-door M6 built atop the next year release of the 6 Series Gran Coupe, a four-dour coupe vehicle that will come to market to co...

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The 2013 BMW M6 Gran Coupe gets captured on camera. Courtesy of MotorAuthority we have the first video of the upcoming four-door M6 built atop the next year release of the 6 Series Gran Coupe, a four-dour coupe vehicle that will come to market to compete with similar offerings from Audi (A7) and Mercedes-Benz (CLS). We first reported about the M6 Gran Coupe in summer of 2011 when we mentioned that the greenlight has yet to be given to the four-door M6. In the mean time, BMW boards approved the M6 Gran Coupe and we expect it to launch in late 2013 or early 2014.

Rendering by AutoZeitung The new M6 Gran Coupe will eventually replace the M5 and M6 at the top of the M family. We expect power to come from the same engine as the new M5 and M6, a high revving 560 hp M TwinPower Turbo V-8 mated to a high torque 7-speed M-Double Clutch transmission (M-DCT). A source close to the brand described the new M6 Gran Coupe as one of the best looking cars to ever come out of the ///M gates in Garching. Here is a close-up video of the M6 Gran Coupe at the M Testing Facility near Nurburgring and also from a testing session around the famous race track. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW4gbdkcqg0

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S1000RR Racing RRound-Up

Posted by http://bmwmcmag.com/2012/04/s1000rr-racing-rround-up/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=s1000rr-racing-rround-up in Motorcycle on April 30, 2012

With several podiums already in 2012 and having both led World Superbike races at the last round in Assen, Netherlands, that elusive first victory for either Marco Melandri or Leon Haslam is getting ever closer in this highly-competitive WSBK series....

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With several podiums already in 2012 and having both led World Superbike races at the last round in Assen, Netherlands, that elusive first victory for either Marco Melandri or Leon Haslam is getting ever closer in this highly-competitive WSBK series. However, in other championships around the world, S1000RR riders are already reaping the rewards with…

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We Imagine the BMW F80 M3

Posted by http://www.f30post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=684529 in News on April 30, 2012

Now that the new M6 coupe/convertible and M5 have all debuted, our thoughts often turn to the next M3 – the F80. And although we’ve previously rendered the F80, here is our take on what the next generation M3 may resemble now that the M6...

Now that the new M6 coupe/convertible and M5 have all debuted, our thoughts often turn to the next M3 – the F80. And although we’ve previously rendered the F80, here is our take on what the next generation M3 may resemble now that the M6 has been revealed. So far, the multitude of F80 M3 spy photos / videos we’ve posted have not been very telling in terms of the lower front bumper design, but we’ve used our imagination based on the new M6 and M5 to take a stab at what the F80 M3’s front fascia may resemble The prototypes have also yet to show what the fender gills will look like, so we’ve adapted a version somewhat similar to that seen on the new M6. As the F80 prototypes show, the F80 M3’s front grille will be sportier and sleeker than the standard F30 3 series. The F80 prototype’s hood so far appear to be a standard F30 hood – without power hump or vents, but we’ve photoshopped a slight hump and vents in the hopes either appear on the production version for a more aggressive look. And although the F80 prototype’s mirrors are currently those from the F30, the F80 M3 will receive sportier mirrors with integrated turn signals for the production model. The fenders are of course widened, as seen very clearly in the spied prototypes. Powered by an inline 6 or V6 ( we put our money on an I6) displacing more than 3 liters good for roughly 450hp and featuring up to 3 turbos (with possible electric turbo), the new M3 is set to be better than its predecessor in any and every regard, as usual. The F80 will not only be more powerful than the current M3, but it will also be lighter. BMW will again offer both a 6-speed manual and an (optional) 7-speed double clutch transmission for the M3. The new 2014 F80 M3 may be the only M3 model BMW will offer for the next generation as rumors suggest that the F82 Coupe and F83 Convertible versions may be renamed to M4. Expect the F80 M3 to hit the European market sometime in late 2013 with U.S. launch to follow in early 2014. We’ve also included some of our recent F80 spy videos below so you can put a moving image (and sounds) to the 2D renders. Follow all our F80 M3 coverage at http://www.bimmerpost.com/m3/f30m3/

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BMW DTM Results: Round 1, The Hockenheimring

Posted by http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bimmerfile/~3/hUZRB50ed3E/ in News on April 30, 2012

It was a tough day for the BMW teams in the first race of the DTM. Crashes, contact and more crashes helped to undermine some promising starts and, in the end, BMW had to settle for no better than 6th. But for an entirely new team,… [Please vis...

It was a tough day for the BMW teams in the first race of the DTM. Crashes, contact and more crashes helped to undermine some promising starts and, in the end, BMW had to settle for no better than 6th. But for an entirely new team,… [Please visit BimmerFile for the entire story]

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BMW’s Return to the DTM: Hockenheim Live Blog

Posted by http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Bimmerfile/~3/cdrLPFwAOIs/ in News on April 30, 2012

We’re live at the Hockenheim Ring today for BMW’s return the touring car racing that made the M3 famous. Above you can see a few of the M3s on their morning warm-up laps making final preparations. Update (Half-way through the… [Plea...

We’re live at the Hockenheim Ring today for BMW’s return the touring car racing that made the M3 famous. Above you can see a few of the M3s on their morning warm-up laps making final preparations. Update (Half-way through the… [Please visit BimmerFile for the entire story]

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BMW Super Bild Of The Day: M3 DTM

Posted by http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/04/30/bmw-super-bild-of-the-day-m3-dtm/ in News on April 30, 2012

Today’s Super Bild kicks of a new week with a tribute to BMW Motorsport’s return to DTM after a 20 year absence. The opening of the 2012 season took place at Hockenheim and was wrought in turbulence from the moment the lights went out. Here is a...

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Today’s Super Bild kicks of a new week with a tribute to BMW Motorsport’s return to DTM after a 20 year absence. The opening of the 2012 season took place at Hockenheim and was wrought in turbulence from the moment the lights went out. Here is a list of BMW teams and results. The car in today’s Super Bild belongs to Dirk Werner and the E Post Team. Since all DTM cars follow a specific Formula of engine displacement and aerodynamic add ons, most DTM cars have very little to do with their street going counter parts, but they sure are awesome to look at. Here is a list comprising the technical details that regulate the DTM cars.

Keep sending me your recommendations for Super Bild to manny@bmwblog.com

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M Specialist Training at BMW Performance Center with First F10 M5 Hotlaps (Video)

Posted by http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=684334 in News on April 30, 2012

An M5POST member shares with us his experience from BMW’s M Specialist Training at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC. This is the program where BMW Client Advisors receive their certification as M Certified Sales Consultants. The...

An M5POST member shares with us his experience from BMW’s M Specialist Training at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC. This is the program where BMW Client Advisors receive their certification as M Certified Sales Consultants. The biggest surprise of the experience came when the class got the first hotlap rides in the just delivered F10 M5. Here’s his account: This past Monday and Tuesday, I went down to the Performance Center for the first time. I have been working for BMW for 9 years and I can certainly say it was worth the wait. As of Tuesday, I am officially a BMW M Certified Sales Consultant! I know Ryan and Jimmy (Golffer) had their trip in January. I was suppose to attend the same time they did but I came down with the flu the night before. The day consisted off class room training but the most important thing was…track time! The morning started off by the drivers giving us some hot laps in the X6 M and….. (I will let you wait until the end for the other vehicle) hehe We then proceed to the wet track where we took E92/E90 M3’s and took the DSC off and raced around to see who could not spin the tires and win. I think I want to wet down the street and practice! HAHA The most fun was the 1M Rat Race. Cones were set up around the track and it was timed to see how fast this could get done. My best time was 24.90. The 1M is the most enjoyable car I have ever driven. The day wrapped up with the drivers having us “drive the cars as hard and fast as we can” around the track. The cars were X5M/X6M, M3 Coupe/Sedan, CTS V, and MB C63 Coupe. Now where are my thoughts on the cars: M3 Sedan/Coupe – I have a new appreciation for the cars I own and sell. This was by FAR the best car out of the bunch to drive. The car felt normal and controllable around the track. No matter how hard I pushed it; the car knew where it wanted to go. X5M – Amazingly impressed with this. The X5 took turns extremely well and was well balanced. I prefer this over the X6. X6M – I liked the cockpit of the this because it felt like a space ship however I liked the X5M better. CTS-V – This car is something I would like to call a SLV – Straight Line Vehicle!!!! As soon as you take the car into a corner; she’s all over the place. Also the brakes did not seem strong enough for the car. I felt as if I had to put my foot to the floor to get the most “bite” out of the brakes. C63 AMG – Sounds AWESOME for a car with a stock exhaust and the reason is one word…Eisenmann. Some of you may not know but Eisenmann makes the exhaust for AMG cars. Andrew@IND can help make your M3 sound like that! LOL The car has a very nice interior and the CF was a nice touch. The MSRP of the car was around $76,500!!!! Here are my qualms with the car. First the seats! These seats are designed for someone that weighs 150 pounds, not 200 +. They are tight and on a long drive are uncomfortable. I thought the ride was firmer then my ZCP M3. I didn’t like the look of the AMG simply because it looked much like a C Coupe. A rear diff was a $2,250 option and the same price for CF Interior trim, ouch! I am very partial to BMW but I do respect and admire the competition. I like to say, what they do well BMW does brilliantly. I recommend the BMW M Driving School to everyone. This is something that I will be looking into. I will post up a video of a “hot lap” in an E60 M5 I went up for a ride in. Now for the suprise. My class was the first class to get driven in the new 2012 F10 M5!!!!!!!! We did a few laps around the test track and of course; I have some video!!!!!!!!!! I will let you watch to see the speed/gear we were in. This car is something that is not to mess with. The power, sound, balance, shifting, all show what massive improvements have been made!

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Exclusive Interview with Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, BMW M CEO

Posted by http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/04/30/exclusive-interview-with-dr-friedrich-nitschke-bmw-m-ceo/ in News on April 30, 2012

Back in March, BMWBLOG attended the annual M Sales Awards event which took place this year in the sunny Miami, Florida. Hosting nearly 100 people from 23 continents, were the BMW M CEO, Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, and Brian Watts, Head of M Global Sales...

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Back in March, BMWBLOG attended the annual M Sales Awards event which took place this year in the sunny Miami, Florida. Hosting nearly 100 people from 23 continents, were the BMW M CEO, Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, and Brian Watts, Head of M Global Sales and Marketing. This was a great opportunity for us to sit down with the M boss and find out more about the new M Performance Automobiles line, future of M, supercars and other interesting things happening at M. BMWBLOG: Please describe for us the M Performance Automobiles and why has BMW M decided to introduce this new line? Dr. Nitschke: It was a decision made many months ago. For us to build an M car with a diesel engine wasn’t the right way because we don’t have the right technology to bring such an engine in a BMW M. With the new M Performance Automobiles, this new 3.0 liter turbocharged diesel engine gave us the opportunity to bring it in an M Performance automobile because this is a small engine and not an eight-cylinder engine that our competitors have in this class. It’s a very light engine, powerful, has more than 380 horsepower and more than 740Nm of torque. We thought this engine is now good for M and for the new lineup that we have just launched.

BMWBLOG: What’s the difference between the M135i and 1M Coupe? Dr. Nitschke: The M135i will be launched in the summer of 2012 and it’s a car not made for the race track but rather a car that you can also buy with all-wheel-drive. This is a special M Performance car, very sporty and fast, made for everyday driving. The 1M Coupe is oriented towards the race track and it’s made in the typical M, like the M3 or M5, and as you know, it’s not available with the all-wheel-drive. In a nutshell, it’s your typical M car. BMWBLOG: Will we see other variants of the M135i? Dr. Nitschke: Let’s see, nothing to communicate at this time. (Editor Note: The response was accompanied by a large smile)

BMWBLOG: Are there M Performance Automobiles that you would like to see being sold in the US? Dr. Nitschke: The problem at the moment is that we started with diesel engines and as you know, they are not very popular with the American consumers. We will also bring a petrol engine and just like the M135i is made specifically for the U.S. In the near future, perhaps we will have the technology and market adoption to bring the diesel engine worldwide and implicitly to the United States. BMWBLOG: Will M cars become even more track focused now that you have launched the M Performance Automobiles line? Dr. Nitschke: That is our intention. The core M cars, like M3, M5 or M6, are specifically made for the race track where you can drive fast, the MPA (M Performance Automobiles) are for customers that want more powerful cars and more comfort orientated that what you can find in the normal BMW lineup. BMWBLOG: M Performance Automobiles vs. a BMW with Performance Parts: Why would a customer choose one over the other one? Dr. Nitschke: For us, M parts, like wheels, steering wheel, carbon fiber parts, are high selling items to customers that want to have a car with an M feeling and look. There are additional parts that enhance the sportiness as well. The M Performance Automobiles are cars made from BMW M, but these are well defined cars and a complete package, from suspension to engine.

BMWBLOG:How does BMW use R&D and road testing to have ample cooling? We have heard reports of “limp mode” occurrences with the 1M for example. Our special track is at Nurburgring and to our engineers is very important how fast is this car going over the 21 km of track. And if the car doesn’t have the perfect parts in it, you can’t drive very fast. This is our proof that we test the M cars to the maximum. BMWBLOG: Will the next M3 be offered with a manual transmission? Dr. Nitschke: At the moment, the DCT is a perfect fitting for such a car but we have a lot of customers in the U.S. that want a manual, and this is why we offer the new M5 with manual also. Same as the new M6. BMWBLOG: The million dollar question: What’s an M supercar in your opinion? Dr. Nitschke: In the special class of four-door sedans, the M5 is without a doubt a supercar. Same applies to the M6 Coupe and Convertible in their respective segments. But to have a supercar for the high-end market, it has to be different. At this level you have cars from Ferrari, Lamborghini and the new McLaren. If BMW would bring a car in this category, it must be the best.

BMWBLOG: What are some of the things that M does to keep a lower weight of future cars? Dr. Nitschke: This is one of the most important things for us: reducing weight. In the new M5 and M6, we reduced the weight quite a bit, but dramatically weight savings will be seen in the new M3. We are using not only parts made out of aluminum, but we are also at the the front of our industry to use carbon fiber across many models. We will bring additional parts made out of carbon fiber. BMWBLOG: What is the fastest growing market for M? Dr. Nitschke: China is the fourth in the world and the fastest growing. U.S. is still leading, followed by Germany and United Kingdom. It’s an interesting market that teaches us a lot about the diversification of Chinese customers. BMWBLOG: What is your favorite M car? Dr. Nitschke: I currently drive an M5, but for the past few months I’ve been driving the new M6 Coupe. These cars fit my lifestyle perfectly. But if I were to choose one then….the classic M1. BMWBLOG: Tell us more about the M Sales Award we’re attending here in Miami. Dr. Nitschke: I think it’s very important for us to bring together M-oriented client advisors from around the world to exchange opinions, ideas and also share information. The top performers from their respective countries are selected and brought together at this annual event.

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