AutoWersk BMW Nation

Turn Up Your Speakers and Enjoy!

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 04:39:00 +0000

I can't think of many things that sound better than this. Maybe the sound of a bag full of money landing in my lap, but it would be close . . .

For All You E30 Rally Fans

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 02:27:00 +0000

I love rally videos. I could watch them for hours on end. I think this is partially because the cars look more like street cars than vehicles from other racing series and partially because they are racing on public roads. But the biggest allure for me is the incredible car control that professional rally driver’s are able to display. I can vividly remember the first time I saw Colin McRae negotiate an uphill hairpin turn in his Subaru Impreza, quite an amazing feat.

This weekend a friend of mine sent me a great rally video featuring one of the coolest sport sedans in recent history, the E30 M3. Even if you don’t like BMW’s you have to admit the E30 is an awesome ride. The rear drive sedan has powerful naturally aspirated (in stock spec) four cylinder engine, aggressive but not overdone fender flares, and unlike the modern M3 is still small enough to be easily tossed about on a rally course. I really enjoyed this clip of Patrick Snijers hammering away in the BMW and hope you guys like it as well.

Stay tuned for some group B rally action later this week.

-Bill Mertz

New BMW M3 Videos: More than 6 min of sheer V8 pleasure for your eyes and ears

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 19:10:00 +0000

A couple of days ago we posted up the 25 sec long teaser video of BMW's 2008 E92 M3. Well, just forget about it. Here’s the real kinky stuff; all 6 min and 16 seconds of it to be exact. At first, we thought we’d mix the driving videos & still shots of the 2008 M3 into one clip adding some music to it. However, once we heard the screaming V8 letting out all 420Hp we rapidly changed our minds and let the engine sing for itself. As for the interior & exterior shots, check them out below accompanied by the sounds of Led Zeppelin.

BMW M3 EXTERIOR & INTERIOR SHOTS

BMW 335i blazed 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. Almost beat RS4

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 04:19:00 +0000

Edmund.com recently tested the new 2007 BMW 335i. Surprising fact was reveled when the performance numbers were released. They discovered that the stock 335i almost beat the all-powerful 2007 Audi RS4, despite a 120-horsepower advantage and all-wheel-drive launch superiority. RS 4 just nicked 335i's 0-60 and quarter-mile times by a paltry 0.1 second each. Which is very impressive considering the fact that Audi rocket sedan costs $66,000 or about twenty five thousand ($25200) dollars more then 335i.

Test car blazed from zero to 60 in 4.8 seconds. Similarly it scalded the quarter-mile in 13.3 seconds at 105.9 mph. For comparison, the 2005 M3 Competition Package used up 5.5 seconds getting to 60 and finished the quarter-mile in 13.7 seconds at 105.4 mph.

One can only imagine the performance of the new M3, which is the performance focused variant of 3 series platform.

More details of review on http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FullTests/articleId=117669

New BMW Commercial for M3

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Sun, 08 Apr 2007 04:15:00 +0000

BMW appears to have let fly with the first spot for its M3 coupe. The thematics run along the lines of "the M3 makes every road a racetrack." It's as obvious a sentiment as they come, but the spot's simple CGI conveys it effectively. We'll score it three Valvetronic V8s out of five. – Mike Spinelli

The Making of a BMW E46

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 19:52:00 +0000

Wild BMW Racing Game

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 18:36:00 +0000

Here’s a powerful bit of interactive marketing for BMW called PACE: Pursuit Across Europe. Set in actual, but monochromatic, highly stylized environments, the game has an almost illustrated look. Gameplay is a little limited, but its aesthetic feel and cut sequences grab you. It’s an extremely effective advertising vehicle.

Play the Game>>>

Over the Back Fence: A New BMW 8-Series?

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 18:30:00 +0000

Is BMW joining the coupeish sedan game? That's the word from Auto~~gesundheit~~Zeitung, in a sense. Word is BMW is working on a Mercedes CLS / Aston Martin Rapide / Audi A7 fighter that will fill the void of a proper full-sized flagship with sporting intentions. The idea would be to leave the 7-Series as a luxo barge and add a performance-oriented, slope-roof model that would likely get the M-Power treatment. No word on timeline, or whether or not it would wear the 8-Class badging. – Mike Spinelli

Another Performance Flagship on the BMW Roster

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 15:23:00 +0000

The German automaker, BMW, has recently announced that it will uncover its curtains off a new high-end sportscar concept in Shanghai. Some auto analysts have claimed that the aforementioned sports car could reach production which will be dubbed as the Z9. Do not get confused about the previous Z9 which BMW used on a gull-winged concept at the 1999 Frankfurt Auto Show with a convertible version making the show circuit in 2000.

The sportscar gives off a singular look with the Z4, making it its big brother. It’s a canvas-topped two-seater with a long nozzle and a rear-wheel drive. European publications sources have reported that BMW still haven’t decided to whether equip the vehicle with a 5.0-liter V10 from the M5/M6 or a new 6.3-liter V12 driving a seven-speed sequential gearbox.

Yes, the Z9 is supposed to replace the failed retro-look of the Z8. BMW’s last limited-edition performance roadster, the Z8 sold fewer than 6,000 units between the 2000 and 2003. The company’s sales target for the Z9 is 15,000 units a year. We could all assume that the BMW studio is being asked to come with a more aggressive style than the hapless and plain Z8.

Also, the Z9 is BMW’s latest entry into the supercar market segment. The car’s BMW parts will be built primarily of carbon-fiber and aluminum superframe chassis on which the combination yields a power-to-weight ratio of 458 hp per ton beating the heck out of Porsche Carrera GT and the Ferrari F430. BMW focuses on pitting the two-seater against the Audi R8 and Mercedes-Benz SL particularly.

Open-topped, the carbon-fiber folding roof allows keeping weight and the center of gravity down. It will include tech-heavy innovations together with active spoilers and a venturi underbody to suck onto the tarmac.

We’ll just wait and see for the production model to come out. In the meantime, log onto BMW’s official site for more details.

BMW creates 2007 Limited Edition Individual M6 Convertible and ultimate driving expirience for 2006 Neiman Marcus

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 02:12:00 +0000

Christmas is coming early this year, as BMW and Neiman Marcus partner to create the ultimate driving fantasy. BMW is offering, exclusively through the legendary Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, the 2007 Limited Edition Individual M6 Convertible.

The luxury convertible comes with a custom Ruby Black exterior finish accented with an interior with Piano Black trim elements, power sports seats wrapped in our custom Gold Brown shade of supple BMW Individual Merino leather, and M-radial spoke alloy wheel. The car also comes fully equipped with an incredible 11-speaker Surround Sound stereo and six-disc CD changer. Only 50 of these custom-made automobiles, including the once-in-a-lifetime driving experience, will be available for purchase in this year's Christmas Book for $139,000.

As if the car itself wasn't enough, BMW is offering these fortunate fifty Neiman Marcus customers the pinnacle of the "ultimate driving experience." Each gift opportunity features an exclusive European adventure in which the purchaser takes delivery of their new M6 Convertible directly from the factory and drives on to tour the Bavarian countryside. And for the serious BMW-enthusiast, each customer will have the opportunity to meet with the automaker's famous car designers, and be given a private tour of the BMW factory in Munich. Also included in the package are two round-trip business class tickets on Lufthansa® to Munich, Germany, gourmet meals, and luxurious accommodations for four nights. Upon completion of the trip, their new vehicle will be shipped back to the States for immediate delivery. The trip is scheduled for Spring 2007.

Bold and uncompromising, the BMW Individual M6 Convertible stands alone. The unmistakable roar of its 5.0-liter, V-10 engine delivering 500 horsepower at your command and the precision handling, M Variable Differential Lock, and Electronic Damping Control make every trip extraordinary. Its on-board computer, GPS navigation, and Voice Command System merge driver and auto into one intelligent entity. At the heart of this incredible machine is a Formula 1 inspired, V-10 engine with 10 individual throttle butterflies capable of revving up to 8,250 rpm thanks to its sophisticated design and knock control systems. Coupled to a seven-speed Sequential Manual Transmission with Drivelogic®, it can launch you from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 exhilarating seconds.

A photo and description of the Limited Edition M6 Convertible appears on page 97 of the 2006 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book. The opportunity to learn more and order this magnificent machine and experience begins at 12 noon EDT on Wednesday, October 18th when you call 1-866-303-2696. Interested buyers are encouraged to program their speed dial now. After all, who wouldn't want to be first in line for this year's hottest Christmas gift?

Official Production M3 Pictures Released!

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 00:07:00 +0000

It's still more than a year until the next-gen BMW M3 will go on sale as a 2009 model. But AutoWeek's profiling the latest in M-Power. We're still buzzing from the sharp kack! of the M3 Concept's high-revving, 4.0-liter V8, as the prototype was rolled into the Geneva show's kleig lights. Now, AW consolidates the details of BMW's new V10 on the half-shell. It produces 420 hp and a relatively light 295 lb-ft of torque at 3900 rpm. Redline is 8400 rpm, which can be goosed by a six-speed manual. Is it all just overkill, or will the M3 be a fitting downline to BMW's touring-car racers? We'll know next year. – Mike Spinelli

2008 BMW 335i Convertible

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 00:05:00 +0000

The 2008 BMW 335i convertible comes equipped with a twin-turbocharged V6 engine that produces 300hp @ 5800rpm and 300 lb-ft torque @ 1400-1500rpm, rocketing it to 60mph in just 5.5-seconds. Continue reading for a video.

Stowed or raised in approximately 22 seconds, the new roof has been introduced, not only for added security, but also for better visibility and a greater feeling of space and light for occupants. Because the roof features a larger rear glass windscreen and side windows, visibility has improved by 38 per cent compared to the outgoing 3 Series Convertible.

Inside M-Division HQ

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 18:50:00 +0000

BMW has opened a new cutting-edge M-Division engine test facility, where the engines of many future Motorsport BMWs will be developed, and last week it gave Autocar the full guided tour.

The company says that the new facility will enable it to dramatically reduce development costs and the time it takes to bring an engine to market. This should allow the company to expand the number of M-Division models it offers, and to bring them to market more quickly, and more cheaply.

The new engine test building is revealed in Autocar's exclusive photographs of the site (see gallery). It covers the same area as a football pitch (around 10,000 square metres) and is mounted on a 60cm-thick concrete
base. It took just 286 days to build, from starting construction to the first test bed being run.

Aside from three engine test beds, the facility hand-builds pilot-production engines and is also involved in
writing the immensely complex engine management programmes that run the engines.

The test facility that runs on unleaded

BMW's brand new engine test beds can handle up to 738bhp, 516 lb ft of torque, and 12,000rpm. Being able to use the engine's full production exhaust system on them is also a big step forward, the company says.

One of the test rigs is configured to take drive from the prototype engine – via a rear differential – and use it to power a pair of electrical generators. This allows power created when test-running an engine to be fed back into the power supply for the building.

The facility can be run 24 hours a day (or up to 5000 hours per year) and BMW engineers say that while a conventional on-road engine test programme might take six to eight weeks, the same cycle can be completed in just nine days on the test bed.

BMW claims cost savings of 75 per cent over the testing phase of a three-year engine development project because the need for expensive prototype vehicles is much reduced.

2008 BMW 5-Series: New York Auto Show Preview

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 00:56:00 +0000

BMW has performed a number of updates for the interior and subtle facelifts outside to freshen the appearance for 2008 of its new 5-series, to be unveiled at the New York auto show. Here’s what to look for in both the sedan and wagon models:

For clean air flow, the kidney grille is now flush with the new front fascia;
Headlamps offer clear glass lenses surrounded by chrome rings;
The air intake sweeps up at the sides and carries a horizontal bar to emphasize its width;
Rocker panels are molded to add a sleeker appearance from the side view;
Taillights have clear lenses, too, with LED turn signals.

Interiors have a new look as well, with features like “Pearl Gloss Chrome” brightwork and two-tone door panels that mimic instrument panel hues. Larger pockets in the doors and an open tray on the console expand the list of convenience features.

Technical surprises start with a new inline six-cylinder engine that’s teamed with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, or a Sport Automatic with shift paddles—your choice. Six-cylinder versions of the 5-series are available with BMW’s iDrive system, and all-wheel-drive. —Jim Dunne

Photo Rendering: The back of the BMW X6

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 05:03:00 +0000

Last week we brought you the X6, but only showed the front. Today we bring you a rendering of the back of the X6. AutoBild reports that the BMW X6 will come four different engine variants including a 3.0d that produces 235 , a 3.0sd that produces 286 horsepower, a 3.0si that produces 305 horsepower and a 4.4si that produces an outstanding 408 horsepower.

The BMW X6 is already confirmed to go into production at BMW’s Spartanburg plant in South Carolina. The SUV is expected to hit dealerships by early 2008.

What new option on the 2008 BMW 5-Series trumps all the competitors offerings?

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 04:12:00 +0000

The Spies have reliable information that this new system significantly outperforms the new S550's Distronic Plus and the Audi Q7's active cruise control implementation.

Active Cruise Control complete with Stop & Go.

Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go offers the driver greater support and ease of motoring. This innovative system, available as an option on automatic transmission versions of the new BMW 5 Series, comes with automatic distance control enabling the driver to cruise along smoothly and conveniently on highways or country roads. The system keeps a consistent following distance from the vehicle ahead even in stop-and-go traffic at very low speeds and applying the brakes where necessary until the car reaches a standstill.

The system uses radar sensors of the latest generation with an enlarged area of vision, offering the driver a choice of four distance settings. Once the distance the driver has chosen to the vehicle ahead is no longer maintained, the system will intervene, building up brake pressure to control the car accordingly. Then, once the road ahead is free again, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go will accelerate the car to the set speed.

This sophisticated control system is also able to reduce speed automatically to a standstill as a function of traffic conditions. In this case, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go slows the car to a standstill and holds it in position. The maximum brake force applied by Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go is 4 meters/sec2. Should the driver be required to intervene be¬cause the vehicle ahead is being decelerated very hard, the driver is warned to intervene by visual and acous¬tic signals.

In stop-and-go traffic, the system helps the driver by automatically maintaining the appropriate distance from the vehicle ahead, relieving the driver constantly having to apply the brakes in slow and unsmooth traffic. However, the driver still retains his responsibility, since after, for example, a short stop of more than three seconds, he is required to briefly press down the accelerator pedal or press the Resume button in order to re-accelerate the car. And even when Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go is activated, the driver is able to control the speed of his car at any time simply by giving gas or applying the brakes. Depressing the brake pedal while driving deactivates the system.

How do you make a small fortune in racing?

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 04:28:00 +0000

You start with a big fortune and do some of this stuff.
This is a great video from the Dutch Supercar Series featuring some unfortunate"bloopers". And yes, a few BMWs get bent.

One sexy M6 video.

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 04:25:00 +0000

M6. Hans Stuck. Autobahn. Need we say more?

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 04:22:00 +0000

The coolest BMW commercial I have ever seen that didn't have a BMW in it.

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 04:12:00 +0000

NEW M3 V8: LISTEN TO IT HERE

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 20:56:00 +0000

The web is alive at the moment with technical details of the new M3 V8 engine, and we know many of you already have much of the details. To hear the engine being worked hard, click on the links below to hear what our man came back from BMW with...

Sound file 1 (MP3) Test bed 0-200km/H

Sound file 2 (MP3) Nurburgring

New Specs on the M3 Engine

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 18:11:00 +0000

Only weeks after BMW revealed their M3 Concept car in Geneva, they have released detailed information about the new V8 engine that will go into the production model. We are currently waiting for an English translation of the entire kit, and as soon as we receive it, we will publish. However, in the mean time here are the main facts:

[Update= Full details here]

22% more power
8% less fuel consumption
Displacement 3,999 cm³
Power 309 kW/420 HP
Torque 400 Nm/295 ft-lb @ 8,300 rpm
Double VANOS with 8 individual throttle butterflies for more spontaneous reaction time
Fulfills EU4 and LEV 2 emission requirements in Europe and US respectively
Brake Energy regeneration with intelligent regeneration
Weight 202 Kg (15kg lighter than S54 Inline 6 cylinder)

Despite an additional two cylinders, BMW has reduced the weight of the engine to be 15kg lighter than the cast steel S54 inline 6 cylinder in the previous generation E46 M3. Through advanced construction techniques and the use of aluminum block and composite materials the engine weighs a mere 202 Kg.

Although the torque figure is uninspiring, 85 percent of the maximum torque (340 Nm/250 ft-lb) is available from 2000 rpm up to 6,500 rpm creating an almost flat torque curve across this wide rev range. This translates into a whole lot of power readily available during most driving conditions. Now that inspires.

The M3 Coupe is expected to go on sale in Germany September of this year, with the sedan, touring and convertible following later. This is the first time in BMW's history that the M3 will be made available in all 3 Series variants.

Stay tuned for more details and photos. Big hat tip to M3post.com for the radical CGI's

M3 Video II

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 02:33:00 +0000

This is a video showing the new M3 Coupe. Not a fast paced video but it does show the car from just about every angle you could want.

M3 Convertible and Sedan Renderings

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 02:28:00 +0000

While BMW is getting ready to put the finishing touches on the M3 Coupe version that’ll debut in Frankfurt this autumn, Bimmer fans are already sharpening their “pencils” to give us a preview of the M3 Sedan & Cabriolet (coupe-cabrio) versions that are expected to be introduced in late 2008 – early 2009. Both renderings are the work of BMW fanatic, Gerald Alvarez (aka Alpine325ci) from NJ U.S.A. For those of you who don’t remember, Gerald is the same guy who gave us the excellent M3 Coupe renderings a couple of months ago. As with the M3 Coupe, the sedan and cabriolet versions will be fitted with a BMW M5 V10 derived, 4.0-liter V8 engine delivering more than 400Hp. Via:M3post Renderings: Gerald Alvarez

SPY PHOTOS: BMW Z4 with Roof Down

noreply@blogger.com (AutoWerks) — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 20:29:00 +0000

Text by Andreas Conradt
Copyright AUTOMEDIA
March 16, 2007

Z9, Z6 or Z4?

Earlier photos of another camouflaged prototype of a new BMW roadster have sparked quite a debate on the spy-community as to whether the model we’re seeing here is the next generation Z4 or a totally new roadster dubbed, by most, as the Z9 – though it could be called Z6. Fortunately, we’re here not directly confronted with the question whether the car will get a canvas soft-top or a retractable hardtop as these are the best shots yet of the new roadster with the roof laid down!

Both sides have strong talking points even though the camouflaged roadster that we’re seeing is obviously larger than the Z4. But then again, according to earlier reports, the next-generation Z4 would be doing a bit of growing up so as to make room for an entry-level roadster dubbed Z2 which will be based on the 1-series hatch. That would very well justify its larger dimensions.

On the other hand, noticing the side window covers and the folding metal roof, we’re probably talking about the Z9 as we highly doubt that the next-gen Z4 will be fitted with an electric hard-top. Whatever it may be – we’re here facing another exciting machine from the guys in Munich! Let’s look forward to it.