For those of you that missed our previous coverage on the BMW M3 GTS, here is the summary. M3 GTS is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 based on the 4.0-liter engine found in the standard M3. Maximum power is 450 horsepower, 36 ponies more than than the regular model, and the transmission is the 7-speed M dual clutch transmission (M-DCT) with adapted shift characteristics.

Suspension upgrades include the utilisation of yellow springs for a threaded suspension while the rear axle support is said to be bolted in place. The big rear wing and front splitter are both adjustable for increased cornering precision, handling and performance. BMW M3 GTS is all about weight reduction and features several design elements made out of carbon fiber, starting with the roof. M3 GTS weights 1490 kg (3285 lbs), 419 lbs less than the stock M3 coupe’s 3704-lb curb weight.

The GTS sits on exclusive 19-inch aluminum wheels wrapped by 255/35 front and 285/30 rear tires. First deliveries are scheduled to begin in Germany next May, carrying a sticker price of 115,000 euros (about $170k).

Pretty impressive, isn’t it?

[Source: m-power ]

On the outside, the BMW 5 Series GT by Hartge receives some minor body kit upgrades, along with new suspensions, wheels and interior modifications. The 5 GT Hartge also gets a new sport spring set that lowers the ride by 30 mm. Hartge set of emblems can be spotted on the bonnet and boot lid.

The 22″ inch custom wheels, in four different designs and finishes, enhance the already sporty looking exterior look. Hartge also offer a tire repairing kit for the 5 Series GT.

Inside, the 5 GT gets a new set of Hartge branded aluminum pedals, footrest and and steering wheel.

At the moment, there are no engine upgrades, but as always, we’re probably looking at a Stage 1 tuning, so we expect to see some power increase in the future.

BMW Group’s success in reducing CO2 is thanks to its EfficientDynamics programme which incorporates a wide variety of fuel-saving and emissions-reducing measures across the whole vehicle range as standard. Many of its competitors sell fuel efficiency packages as options.

EfficientDynamics technology includes Auto Start-Stop, Brake Energy Regeneration and Active Aerodynamics, amongst a wide range of other features. This technology gives BMW and MINI owners outstanding fuel economy and low emissions without forsaking driving enjoyment. The result is the reduction of BMW Group’s average vehicle emissions in 2008 to 154g/km, down 10.2 per cent from 172g/km in 2007. With the introduction of further efficient BMWs in 2009 this figure is expected to drop again.

GreenFleet Awards success for BMW
As further recognition of the class-leading position BMW Group vehicles command courtesy of EfficientDynamics technologies, the marque has scooped two more prestigious awards. The UK fleet industry presented the BMW Group with Fleet Car Manufacturer of the Year and the Industry Innovation Award.

The former award was bestowed in recognition of the car manufacturer that had shown the greatest improvement in CO2 emissions, had expanded its range of low emission vehicles or offered alternative fuel vehicles. It is the second year in a row that the BMW Group has been award top honours in this category. The Industry Innovation Award was presented to the BMW Group because it had introduced new technologies that had such a significant impact on fuel consumption and emissions.

Most sustainable car company in the world
BMW has also been named the “Most sustainable car company in the world” in the latest Dow Jones Sustainability Index for the fifth year in a row. Since its inception in 1999 BMW is the only automotive organisation to have featured every year on the index.

This is the latest accolade in a string of environmental awards, most recently including Green Sports car and Executive car of the year awards at the What Car? Green Awards, Green Initiative and Manufacturer of the year at the BusinessCar Awards 2009 and the Special Editor’s Award for EfficientDynamics technologies at the Auto Express New Car Honours.

[Source: BMW]

Also, at one point in the video, an E46 BMW M3 takes on the electric Datsun at a race track…..the result? See for yourself!

“Watch as John Whelen’s electric car, the White Zombie leaves high powered gas cars in the dust as Portland makes a home for the National Electric Drag Racing Association. John claims that his car is the world’s fastest accelerating street legal electric car. See this 1972 Datsun time and time again take advantage of the electric motor’s full torque in the first instant and continue to break world records.”

Here are all the details:

2,000 LEGO® blocks. Four days. One construction plan. From November 6th to 9th 2009, the BMW Welt will be transformed into an assembly hall. And you can be involved! All families and children from age 5 are invited to build a full-scale BMW X1 – out of LEGO® bricks.

Whether individually or in groups, everyone will be working together for a good cause: for every LEGO® block used, BMW will donate a sum of money to the Munich children’s foundation “Die Arche”.

And if things start to get too complicated, educationally trained staff will help you with the construction – which will carried out according to an exact plan. The finished BMW X1 made of LEGO® bricks will then stand proudly as a real eye-catcher among the BMW automobiles on the BMW Welt Plaza.

Would you like to become a construction engineer too? Why not join us? We look forward to seeing you!

Please register groups and school classes by telephone: daily from 8 am to 10 pm on the telephone number 0180 2 118822 (0.06 EUR per call on a Deutsche Telekom AG landline).

More details here

The price increase affects only certain models. BMW X1, X5, X6, 5 GT, 3 Series Coupe and Convertible pricing will not increase.

The cheapest entry into BMW’s lineup continues to be the BMW 116i which now sells at a base price of €22,100, only €100 more than the 2009 model. For all other models in the 1 Series lineup, the price increase is around €250. The super fuel efficient 116d will now sell for € 24,200.

The 3 Series family also sees a slight increase in pricing across the board – €300. The most affordable petrol powered model will be the 318i sedan which will sell for €28,700. The entry level diesel, 316d is priced now at €29,500.

With the new BMW 5 Series Sedan just around the corner, current generation E60 5er sedan is not available for order and therefore not longer listed in the pricing catalog. The Touring model continues to be built in 2010 and the entry level model will be the 520i, priced at €39,700. Its counterpart, the 520d Touring sells for €41,600.

Starting in January, the BMW 6 Series will get the Dakota leather upholstery as a standard item. The 630i Coupe base price goes up €2,250. The 650i Coupe remains priced at €81,000. 635d diesel will now cost €76,750 and the convertible €85,150.

The Dakota Leather upholstery becomes now standard on all the 7 Series models
The BMW 730d has the base price increased by €2,800 to € 73,300 while the BMW 740i will carry a base price of €79,300.

The BMW Z4 roadster models will now cost €300 more. Thus, the Z4 sDrive23i has a price tag of €36,200, the sDrive30i at €43,200 and the top model, sDrive35i, €47,750.

[Source: BimmerToday ]

Before we jump into the video, allow us to give you some background information on these two models. The BMW E9 3.0 CSL was produced from 1968 to 1975. The 3.0 CSL is considered the first project by the BMW M division. The car was a lightweight, 3003cc sports model of the 3.0 coupe. Special racing models with 3.2-liter (340 hp/253 kW) and 3.5-liter (430 PS) engines and aerodynamic trimmings helped establish BMW as a premier racing team.

At the time Clarkson review the car, he believe the 3.0 CSL would have been priced at 160,000 british pounds…in our money, of course.

BMW E46 M3 CSL was a low production, one-off model based on the E46 M3 using it’s wonderful, screaming 333HP S54 engine as a basis. The CSL (Coupe Sport Light) was truly a car in which less is more. Less in terms of things like weight, less in options, the CSL came with a lighter carbon fiber roof(now seen as standard on the E9X M3’s), only optional radio and air conditioning and only in two colors: SIlver Gray and Sapphire Black. The CSL did buy you paper-thin seats, carbon fiber interior paneling, SMG II Drive logic transmission.

The E46 M3 CSL featured 360 horsepower out of the 3.2L S54 block and a much louder engine note. At the time, the E46 CSL was priced at 60,000 british pounds.

Seeing these two cars in action again, we come to appreciate even more the E46 M3 CSL, a true enthusiasts car and a “rare specie” in the automobile world.

Well, the four-seater car is powered by the award winning BMW 3.0 liter twin-turbo diesel engine. The high performance clean diesel delivers 265 hp and 425 pound-feet (576 Nm) of torque at only 1750rpm that are transferred to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Putting together the lightweight of the Rally Fighter (3,200 pound/1,450 kg) and the EfficientDynamics 3.0 liter diesel, the fuel consumption is stellar on this prototype: at 30-36mpg (12.8-15.3 km/l) , the Rally Fighter is competing for most efficient in its desert off-road class.

The cost of the Rally Fighter is estimated to be around $50,000 USD, with Local Motors claiming that it has already secured 22 orders for the vehicle. The truth is that we’re happy to see the powerful and efficient BMW engines featured in all sort of prototypes or production cars.

Press Release

November 3, 2009 — The Off-Road Racer designed for car enthusiasts, by car enthusiasts is debuted at the biggest industry event of the year at SEMA, in the ‘Making Green Cool Zone’

It’s one of the most exciting cars to hit the road in ages. Aggressive, sleek and inspired by old War Birds, the Local Motors Rally Fighter has the heritage of legacy with fresh appeal.

The story of this vehicle is in its revolutionary yet simple development process – it was designed and developed by a community of car enthusiasts. New American car company Local Motors invites anyone with a passion for cars to collaborate in an open design process to help choose and shape the look of each Local Motors vehicle. Now home to over 4,000 car designers, engineers and enthusiasts, the Local Motors community is the largest of its kind – and the only to bring a new car to market.

The Rally Fighter is a premium, authentic off-of-road experience, custom designed and built for the deserts of the American Southwest. It was designed by community member Sangho Kim while many Local Motors’ members participated in the open development process. Together with the company they helped collaborate on body design details, side vent creation, interior and even accessory design.

Undiluted design, power and efficiency is the result. The Rally Fighter is powered by a BMW 3.0 liter twin-turbo clean diesel sporting 265 ponies and a striking 425 pound-feet of torque at only 1750rpm that are directed to the rear wheels through a 6-speed automatic transmission. The Rally Fighter is lightweight at only 3,200 pounds which allows for exceptional performance and efficiency.

Build process and end product are so efficient the car is debuting in SEMA sponsored ‘Making Green Cool Zone’. At 30-36mpg, the Rally Fighter is competing for most efficient in its desert off-road class. In addition, Local Motors utilizes a sustainable build methodology and builds cars ‘Just-In-Time’. This process creates little or no waste, and allows customers to actually participate in the build process of their own Rally Fighter. Local Motors builds cars with customers in regional Micro-Factories which double as service stations. The first Micro-Factory is in Wareham, Massachusetts, and the second will be built in Phoenix, Arizona in 2010. Local Motors plans for 50 Micro-Factories around the country.

This enthusiast experience continues as Local Motors allows customers to host ‘Custom Car Skins’ Competitions on local-motors.com. Local Motors designers compete to create custom graphics to for Rally Fighter owners based on desired specifications- every outcome is unique. The graphics are applied with vinyl, not paint, which is lightweight, customizable, and recyclable.

Local Motors is introducing a heart-pounding new vehicle for enthusiasts, and with it, a new automotive experience. Participate in the car design process; build the car you want; choose a custom car skin. It’s all part of the new, sustainable Local Motors experience.

Rally Fighters are now available for reservation: http://www.local-motors.com/rf
Early builds will begin this Summer, 6/8/10.

Local Motors premier vehicle, the Rally Fighter, will premier at SEMA on November 3, 2009.

Rally Fighter Key Stats:

* Designed by community member Sangho Kim of Pasadena, California
* Original, welded steel tubular space frame with lightweight thermoplastic and carbon fiber body panels
* BMW M57 clean diesel engine
* Eye-popping 36mpg on the highway, or 30mpg in an off-road setting
* 425 lb-ft of torque, 265 horsepower, and only 3,100 lbs
* 18′ of suspension travel, to take on any desert – jumps and all
* Manually adjustable dual ride-height options, to go from the desert to the city with ease
* Seats for 4 adults, or 2 adults & 3 children

[Photos source: Autoblog ]

For less than a week, Las Vegas revolves around cars and when it comes to car modding or tuning, anything goes here at SEMA. Some of the cars are clearly “overdone” while others still maintain a bit of decency.

Our hometown fellas at JDM Chicago were present and managed to snap some photos for us. Let’s have a look.

The upshot is a colourful volume depicting a wide range of subjects, and one that will appeal not only to MINI fans. The common thread is that none of the ten artists has ever before worked with the automobile as a medium, and each has transformed it into a transient work of art.

The following artists and authors contributed to the book project: Smash137, Fabian Bertschinger, Marisa Pichler and Gigi Burn, Tika, Euro, Aurèle Sack, Stefan Ege and Seak, August, Rémi Jaccard and, last but not least Dieter Meier, also famous as the singer in the band Yello.

Designer Alfredo Häberli provided two sketches and an article. The author and journalist Michèle Roten and Prof. Dr. Jacqueline Otten, director of the design department at Zurich University of the Arts, likewise made creative written contributions to the book, which will be out in early November.

Art always was, and remains, a key aspect of the MINI brand. MINI is, for example, the exclusive partner of the “Ludlow 38” exhibition space at the Goethe-Institut in New York, located in the heart of the thriving gallery district in the Lower East Side, near Chinatown and not far from the New Museum of Contemporary Art. Since its inauguration in 2008, this gallery space has presented contemporary artistic projects in collaboration with various cultural partners in Germany.

Through its partnership with brands such as Bisazza and its involvement with FIAC 2007 or the International Talent Support / MINI International Photo Award in Trieste, MINI also remains true to its traditional involvement with unconventional cultural projects. Reason enough to welcome the launch of a vibrant photo book that is bound to delight MINI fans as well as design, art and photographic enthusiasts. For further information on the book please go to www.washme.ch.

The range of new products extends from the new, sporting DoubleR C o l l e c t i o n (suit, helmet, boots and gloves) for the BMW S 1000 RR and the Pant Cross together with the matching Jersey Cross for hard offroad riding through new materials such as SuperFabric® and BeCool™ all the way to the trendy and functional enhancement of products already lauded for their quality.

While the new Suit Rallye 3 comes with a new membrane structure featuring comfort mapping, the Gloves Rallye 3 stand out through their new high abrasion-resistant SuperFabric® material. The Boots Rallye GS Pro now feature a removable inner shoe for extra comfort and a pleasant climate within the boots.

The rainwear also comes with new materials, for example on the two-piece Rain Suit RainLock 2 and the single piece ProRain 3. The inner coated 2.5-layer laminate now makes the suits even easier and more convenient to put on and take off.

The Function Underwear Package has been enhanced once again to an even higher standard, adjusting body temperature perfectly to varying conditions and requirements. The Trousers City 2 and Trousers City 2 Denim have been upgraded in their style and fashion, naturally without neglecting the quality for which they are known so well. On the Boots AirFlow 3 additional AirTex inserts improve wearer comfort through even better circulation of air.

To find out more information on the 2010 Collection, feel free to download the PDF.

A few weeks later, a BMW fans posted the first photos of an M3 featuring the same paint. The Frozen Grey paint is an Individual Color based on Space Grey Metallic. A special matte clear coat (FF95-0550) makes for the matte finish.

Earlier this week, two members of m3post published photos of their M3 Coupe models at the BMW Welt. Nothing special so far, some of you might say, but when we add the Frozen Grey mate finish to them, they suddenly becomes somewhat special.

According to them, BMW Individual produced only 30 M3’s in Frozen Grey for the world market in October. Along with this Individual finish, both of them decided to add the “Edition” black wheels as well, giving the M3 one of the best looks we’ve seen.

Offering this truly exclusive model for the genuine motorsport enthusiast, BMW M GmbH is continuing a great tradition introduced on former generations of the BMW M3. Once again, the outstanding sports potential of the BMW M3 is being consistently enhanced and upgraded to an even higher level, the customer benefiting from the Company’s wide range of know-how in the development and production of racing cars. Through its race-oriented modifications enhancing both performance and safety, the BMW M3 GTS is ready to go in Clubsport events on the track and comes with the option for homologation on the road. So that the driver is able to make his way to the race track in the very same car he will use for racing.

Consistent lightweight technology.

Consistent lightweight construction, adjustable aerodynamic units, an increase in engine size and output on the V8 high-speed power unit and suspension technology meeting all the requirements of motorsport – all this gives the BMW M3 GTS a top position among high-performance cars built for Clubsport racing. Unladen weight according to the DIN standard is less than 1,500 kg (3,300 lb), the lightweight body comes with special mounts for six-point seat belts and a rollcage fitted behind the B-pillar.

Through its design and construction, the materials used and its special equipment, the BMW M3 GTS is a lightweight performer all the way, offering a genuine motorsport driving experience in every respect. In addition to the carbon fibre roof already featured as standard on the BMW M3, weight is consistently optimised by features such as silencers made of titanium, the extra-light centre console and door linings, the omission of rear seats, automatic air conditioning and an audio system, as well as sound insulation tailored specifically to this very special model.

V8 high-speed power unit: derived from motorsport, optimised for motorsport.

The eight-cylinder power unit of the BMW M3 GTS enlarged in size to 4.4 litres and boosted in output to some 450 hp boasts construction principles and technical details carried over directly from motorsport. A supreme surge of ongoing power throughout a wide range of engine speed characterises the outstanding performance of the V8 with its high-speed concept. The features typical of a motorsport engine include the crankcase made of a special aluminium-silicon alloy and constructed in bedplate design, individual throttle butterflies, anti-knock sensors with ion flow technology, and, wet sump oil supply optimised for supreme driving dynamics.

Seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic with race-bred gearshift.

Power is transmitted in the BMW M3 GTS by the M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic also available as an option on the regular production model. This seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic gearbox follows a principle also developed for motorsport, shifting gears without the slightest interruption of engine power. The transmission was developed specifically for a particularly powerful high-speed engine and offers ideal qualities for truly dynamic acceleration at all times. The gearshift characteristics on the seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic have been tailored specifically to the modified power unit of the BMW M3 GTS and the driver is able to shift gears both through the selector lever on the centre console and through special M shift paddles on the steering wheel.

High-performance suspension with purpose-built brakes.

To convey the supreme power of the engine to the road in equally supreme style even under the most extreme conditions, the BMW M3 GTS comes with suspension technology likewise derived from the highest realms of motorsport. While the suspension is based on the front and rear axle of the BMW M3 Coupé, the rear axle subframe is bolted firmly in position and the suspension features adjustment threads on the dampers for individual variation of the inbound and rebound strokes.

The high-performance brake system of the BMW M3 GTS features fixed callipers with six pistons up front and four pistons on the rear wheels. The race-oriented set-up of DSC Dynamic Stability Control naturally considers the supreme dynamic potential of the BMW M3 GTS. Different-sized tyres front and rear running on 19-inch M light-alloy Competition rims in double-spoke design ensure optimum transmission of acceleration and brake forces to the road.

Aerodynamics: optimised components with variable geometry.

To optimise the flow of air and adjust the car’s downforce as required, the BMW M3 GTS comes with a race-oriented front air dam and rear wing. This allows appropriate adjustment of the car’s aerodynamic qualities in motorsport and for other purposes, tailored to the specific profile of the respective track. The air guidance units on the front air dam, for example, may be varied in their geometry, just like the position of the rear wing based on the wing already featured on the BMW 320si raced in the WTCC World Touring Car Championship.

Exterior features such as the BMW kidney grille and the gills at the side finished in chrome on the regular BMW M3 come in special dark eloxy-plated chrome on the BMW M3 GTS.

Special interior for supreme performance and safety.

The interior of the BMW M3 GTS clearly reflects the focus on supreme performance and safety on the race track. The interior features include classic bucket seats, interior trim in carbon and an M steering wheel finished in alcantara. The door and side panels at the rear also come in alcantara, while six-point seat belts delivered with the car for subsequent use, a fire extinguisher and preparation for an emergency-off switch in motorsport round off the wide range of special features inside the car.

The fellows over at M-Power sat down with Dr. Segler for an interview on the new BMW M3 GTS and the future of his division.

Just half a year has passed since he took up his position as CEO in May 2009, and the BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M have been launched as new models during this period. So it’s time to ask Dr. Kay Segler where BMW M is heading.

MPW: Dr. Segler, BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M deviate from a number of dogmas. Turbo, all-wheel drive, automatic transmission – is this the new M?

Segler: We have to be free of dogmas, I ask this of every staff member. It has always been a strength of M to question everything in a positive way.

MPW: What other features does the BMW M3 GTS offer?

Segler: We have a chassis which can be adjusted in compression and rebound, the car is fitted with a fixed caliper brake with six pistons at the front and four at the rear, and the rear silencer is made of titanium. The aerodynamics can be adjusted at the front and rear. We provide 6-point seatbelts for the racing bucket seats, a bolted roll-over protection structure is installed as is a fire extinguisher.

Full article continued

Without any further ado, let’s have a look at the interview with Markus Schadow, the man responsible for the BMW M aerodynamics development, courtesy of M-Power:

MPW: Mr. Schadow, the BMW M3 GTS has clearly visible dynamic measures with its front splitter and rear wing.  The aerodynamics of the BMW M3 GTS is clear for all to see. Optimised for downforce. Why?

Schadow: The power which can be transferred from the contact area of the tyres to the road depends on tyre properties, the position of the tyre on the road  – i.e. axle kinematics – and the wheel vertical force. Our measures are all about increasing the wheel vertical force. The higher the wheel vertical force, the higher the level of longitudinal and transverse acceleration which can be achieved.

MPW: At the front axle, the downforce is generated by means of a longitudinally adjustable front splitter …

Schadow: Yes, we chose this solution so as to limit the everyday suitability of the vehicle as little as possible and have sufficient ground clearance in racing set-up on the Nordschleife.

Full interview continued

The international video platform BMW TV provides contributions for every field of the premium automobile manufacturer and offers a unique brand experience: The opportunity to stream the latest videos from the BMW TV platform, a video wall with an interactive interface and also the possibility to filter its content according to various criteria. Just start your requested video easily with your fingertip und bookmark interesting videos.

All videos selected from a certain category are displayed one after another and without interruption. Thus you are not only able to enjoy your favorite videos in full length and high quality, but to tell your friends via social media or email about this feature.

Main features:
• A wide range of the latest videos and contributions from diverse BMW TV platform fields
• Video streaming in full length and high quality
• A video wall with the option to filter videos according to various criteria
• Quick access to related content
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• Selected videos from a certain category are displayed without interruption and one after another
• Option to commend on the video contributions and to recommend them to friends

Exclusive 19-inch wheels with ample 225/35 tyres at the front and 285/30 at the rear catch your eye.

All this is certainly nice looking and sensible, but what you glimpse through the spokes of the aluminium wheel rims is even more exciting: a generously sized fixed caliper brake system with six pistons at the front and four at the rear.

The wheels almost fill out the wheel arches, but if you look closely you discover the next highlight. Yellow springs with a small M logo provide the crucial clue: a threaded suspension, adjustable in compression and rebound. “The rear axle support is bolted in place,” adds the responsible engineer.

The expert will also spot the adjustable front splitter and rear wing. One thing is clear: this car is serious stuff. Not only can a high level of downforce be generated but it also precisely adjustable at front and rear. Fast bends can look forward to welcoming the BMW M3 GTS – but they won’t get to see it for long.

“The serial production BMW M3 is already weight-optimised with a whole range of measures reserved for the BMW M3 CSL in the last model – the striking carbon lightweight roof, for example.”

So the engineers had to get back to work again to come up with more. Light body-contoured seats are a must.

A cluster of lightweight construction measures such as optimisation of the insulation, the use of lightweight parts in the interior, the use of Macrolon for the car’s windows in the back, the lack of air conditioning, navigation and radio and the entire rear seat also gets the scales the down.

And the new titanium rear silencer not only looks great and contributes to the thrilling sound of the BMW M3 GTS, it is also much lighter than its serial production counterpart.

Indispensable for safety reasons: the lightweight construction body has been prepared for installation of the 6-point seatbelt included for use on the race track. There are also mounts for the roll-over protective structure bolted on from the B column. A fire extinguisher and a battery master switch/emergency shut-off preparation do not make the car lighter either – but safer.

So the BMW M3 GTS concept vehicle puts the scales up to around 1490 kilograms – causing the engineer to give an appreciative nod.

And the drivetrain? The heart of the BMW M3 GTS?

The car is fitted with a 7-speed M dual clutch transmission with adapted shift characteristics. But an absolute highlight is to be found under the bonnet. Exclusively for the BMW M3 GTS, the engine builders of BMW M – recent winners of the Engine of the Year Award once again – have developed a power unit based on the M high-performance engine of the current BMW M3: with a capacity of 4.4 litres and an output of some 450 bhp, it will catapult the light BMW M3 GTS into a whole new sphere.

After all, the aim is to clearly beat the lap time of the legendary M3 CSL on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. And test runs certainly give grounds for optimism.

M3 GTS weights 1490 kg (3285 lbs), 419 lbs less than the stock M3 coupe’s 3704-lb curb weight. First deliveries are scheduled to begin in Germany next May, carrying a sticker price of 115,000 euros (about $170k). According to current planning, registrations in other countries will be possible from summer 2010.

[Source: m-power ]

Thousands of BMW M fans worldwide have been waiting for the BMW M3 GTS. It’s a pure high performance car. Optimized for race tracks, but street-legal.

The video is courtesy of BMW Youtube Channel.

Stay tuned for more exclusive information in the next hours…it will be worth it.

First BMW M3 GTS photos

While many of the details are still sketchy, we’re pleased to see the first spy photos of the F30 bodystyle. The test mule features the now famous BMW camouflage, along with plenty of plastic panels that cover the actual design lines. What the photos reveal is similar proportions to the current model and a slightly longer wheelbase.

Sources close to BMW mention that the proportions of a typical 3 Series will remain, meaning squat proportions, short rear overhang and wheels placed to each corner.

The front of the car receives a widened but not too large kidney grille , smaller than the F10 5er with shapely lighting units surround the grille. design sculpture under the lighting units is less prominent than featured on the Z4 under each headlight unit there is a semi circle shape which in the center allows for a V shaped opening where the kidney grille is placed.

The rear of the car offers a typical BMW layout with the classic L shape lighting units the larger part of the L shaped lights that sits on the corner and wraps around the rear of the car dips at the lower edge this allows for the rear bumper scoop that signifies the tailgate is flush design wise with the dip form of the rear lighting units.

The 3-series is part of a new BMW strategy in which ‘premium’ is defined in terms of environmental compatibility. The 2012 BMW 3 Series is expected to offer impressive aerodynamics.

Like the next 1 Series , the new 3er will take advantage of the new modular platform, again this allows BMW to spin off extra models, make savings in costs and enable production to very efficient.

BMW will also enable the next 3er to feature the very latest in Efficient Dynamics technologies – like the 1er there will be an active hybrid model using a range extended 3 cylinder engine connected to an electric motor as well as lightweight resistance tires , aerodynamically designed alloy wheels , BMW active aerodynamics , solar roof panel for extra energy efficiency in the use of interior controls , Brake energy regeneration , stop start technology , pre-heating technology for the engine, gearbox and differential.”

Many of the technology powering the new 3 Series, such as the climate control system or telematics, will be completely re-engineered.

The car will make its debut in 2011 with sales commencing in 2012.

[Source: SpeedLux ]

After a discussion with Albert Biermann, head of development at M Division, Autocar UK reports that the decision was influenced by BMW’s aggressive plans to cut fuel consumption as part of the EfficientDynamics programme.

“We’ve been forced to switch to an engine offering greater low-end torque than the naturally aspirated engine to ensure it can cope with the longer axle ratio,” Biermann said. “It’s the only real way we can balance achieving the environmental improvements we want while retaining similar levels of performance to today’s car.”

Could this be a concern? Sure, but if all the past rumors come true, BMW’s use of new technology and even a KERS system will put the new M5 ahead of the current model, both in performance and fuel efficiency. Biermann estimates a 20% cut in CO2 emissions.

Since not all the details can be revealed way ahead of its launch time, the mystery around the engine used remains large. Based on our sources’ reports and what other magazines reported, a V8 twin-turbo engine is the powerplant of choice in the new F10 M5. Output? Unknown, but we expect higher than the 555 ponies outputted by the X5 M and X6 M.

Biermann gets into more details regarding the turbocharged vs. naturally aspirated powerplant. While the 500 horsepower from the current V10 comes at 7,750 rpm, the V8’s highest output should come before 6,000 rpm. But then we have the impressive torque coming from a turbocharged engine. Biermann indicates a 30% increase in torque, so that gives the new M5 around 500 lb-ft of torque at very low rpm.

The added power and V8 turbocharged engine requires additional cooling capacity and current test mules, seen in previous spy photos, are focusing on cooling solutions. The process is still at an early stage.

In the past, we reported that two gearboxes were being considered, an updated 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DCT) or a more advanced 8-speed SMG. Although we cannot confirm this at the moment, Autocar reports that the M5 will also get a new gearbox, a beefed-up version of the current M3’s 7-speed DCT. The gearbox was featured last week on the M5 “CSL” at the 25th anniversary event at Nurburgring.

Even though a hybrid model is being considered in the 5 Series line-up, the M5 will not be featuring any sort of hybrid system due to the extra weight would add to the car. Another significant change in the next M5, is the control-arm front suspensions that will replace the MacPherson Struts and at the rear. This will be a multi-link layout.

With a car growing in size, a new large engine, M5’s weight concerns are being addressed by using plenty of carbon fiber design elements. The newly unveiled wind tunnel in Munich will play an important role in the aerodynamics of the new M5. Autocar states that the car will get Active Aerodynamics, which blanks off parts of the grille and cooling intakes during warm-up and under light throttle load.

The F10 M5 will continue to feature different levels of ride comfort, leaving the choice to the driver.

Once again confirming some our previous reports on the new technology available in the next BMW M5, Biermann mentions a new, fully electric power steering that offers similar levels of response and feedback to today’s hydraulic set-up.

The F10 BMW M5 will launch a year after the regular 5 Series models and the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show would be the perfect venue.

[Source: Autocar ]