Audi BMW

Our sister-magazine BMWBLOG Romania brings us some new photos of a BMW 335i with Performance Parts. The BMW Performance Parts catalog includes a variety of original BMW accessories which can take the customization of a car to a whole new level.

Beside the aerodynamic components, BMW Performance Parts also offer an engine performance boost and handling.

In the U.S., BMW offers a factory warranty on all the parts sold under this program for 2 years or 24,000 miles.

If you decide to install the Performance Accessories at the local BMW dealership, the parts will be automatically covered under the new vehicle warranty.

Some of the Performance accessories included in the catalog are: Short Shift Kit, Front and Rear Aero Kits, Aero Kit Side Skirts, BMW Performance Strips, Style 313 19 inch performance wheels, Black Kidney Grille and Performance Exhaust.

BMW 3 Series Wagon has been voted as one of the best cars for dog owners, says a report published by CNN and quoting AAA.

Among the dog-friendly accessories available for this luxury car are rubber mats for the cargo area and sturdy dividers to keep the animal comfortably and safely confined to the back of the car. Due to its relative small size, AAA says that it may not be the best choice for big dogs.

The Sports Wagon/Touring model of the 3 Series is available with both rear-wheel drive and xDrive AWD. This model features a standard dual-pane power-retracting panoramic moonroof with a power sun shade cover, which stretches far enough for passengers in the rear to enjoy, and why not, even dogs may enjoy the view.

With the rear seats folded, the 328i wagon can accommodate about 60 cubic feet of cargo, compared to the 12 cubic feet the sedan’s trunk will hold.

The only available engine in the U.S. is the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, which puts out 230 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 200 lb-ft. of torque at 2,750 rpm.

Sticker price of a BMW 3 Series Wagon in the U.S. is between $35,700 and $37,700.

Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance hosted the world premiere of Morgan’s new Eva GT. The four-seater luxury grand tourer will be production ready by 2012 as a flagship model for the English company and it is powered by BMW’s award winning engine, N54, twin-turbo.

The engine produces 302 horsepower and 295lb-ft of torque, enough to take the car from 0-100km/h (62mph) in 4.5 seconds. Top speed? 170mph. The car weighs just 1250kg in weight with economy figures of 40 mpg and 200g/km CO2 emissions.

Morgan Eva GT uses lightweight bonded aluminium chassis and offers space for four passengers and their luggage.

Eva GT measures 4.7-meters in length, 1.8-meters in width and 1.2-meters tall.

The car also features electronic stability control, xenon headlights and satellite navigation, as well as the latest multi-stage airbags.

In an interview for Autocar, Charles Morgan said the car “It’s intended to be capable as serving as everyday family transport as well as a luxury GT. The rear seats will be comfortable for children and small adults, and should serve for occasional use for taller occupants.”

Price is expected to be set between £70,000-£85,000.

First photos of the BMW M3 Tiger Limited Edition have just hit the web. As we announced yesterday, the BMW M3 Tiger is commemorating the current Year of the Tiger in China.

The limited edition M3 will feature the Fire Orange Metallic paintwork already seen on the M3 GTS model and it will be available only for 250 customers.

In addition to the unique exterior with numerous black accents, the M3 Tiger sports 359M styling wheels in 19 inches, black painted as the air intakes on the bonnet. Other blacked out parts include the kidney grills and chrome exhaust tips.

Inside, the limited M3 Tiger will feature Novilla black leather with contrasting orange stitching and the headrests will be branded with an unique tiger head logo. To differentiate even further from other limited edition M3s, the door sill plates will also illustrate a Tiger Edition Logo in fire orange metallic color.

One interesting aspect about the BMW M3 Tiger Edition is that it does not sport the usual carbon fiber roof, as seen on the Coupe models available around the world.

[Source: xcar.com.cn via m3post.com ]

BMW announces a new limited edition of their 3 Series Sedan available in Republic of South Africa. Sold under the Dynamic Edition badge, the vehicle is only available in Alpine White, Blue Water Metallic and Space Grey Metallic exterior paint colours and will be limited to just 300 units.

Press Release

The new Dynamic Edition of the BMW 3 Series Sedan brings out the characteristic qualities of the BMW 3 Series in terms of driving dynamics more convincingly and impressively than ever before.

The BMW 3 Series Dynamic Edition is available only on BMW 320i, 320d and 335i models and is based on M Sport Model underpinnings.

The Dynamic Edition also makes extensive use of BMW Performance Carbon Fibre parts (front splitter, mirror caps and rear spoiler) which perfectly complement the dark chrome 18” alloy wheels, dark chrome tail pipes and Blue Shadow Cloth and alcantara upholstery with Royal Blue stitching. The model is further differentiated from other versions of the BMW 3 Series with special floor mats with Royal Blue piping and “Edition” door entry sill strips.

Furthermore, the BMW 3 Series Sedan Dynamic Edition is only available in Alpine White, Blue Water Metallic and Space Grey Metallic exterior paint colours and will be limited to just 300 units.

Innovative office and entertainment functions from BMW ConnectedDrive.

The wide range of services offered by BMW ConnectedDrive highlights the innovative character of the BMW 3 Series. Appropriately networked to its surroundings, the BMW 3 Series with ConnectedDrive offers both optimum comfort and safety as well as a wide range of useful entertainment functions.

In the 2010 model year the range of features provided by BMW ConnectedDrive is being expanded by additional functions – in part totally exclusive to BMW. The focus in particular is on the optimised integration of the mobile telephone and external entertainment devices into the car’s internal iDrive control system.

[Source: BMW ]

Press Release: The BMW M3 GT2 Art Car was one of the main attractions at this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours (FR). Images of the work of art, designed by American artist Jeff Koons, were seen around the world. BMW announced a photo contest for all accredited photographers who captured pictures of the car at the “Circuit de la Sarthe”.

Six weeks later the winner has been chosen: Rick Dole from St. Augustine, Florida (US), made the biggest impression on the jury, which included BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen and the three drivers of the BMW Art Car, Dirk Werner (DE), Dirk Müller (DE) and Andy Priaulx (GB). As a reward for his photo of the no. 79 BMW M3 GT2, the winner receives a cheque for 1,000 Euros.

From last Wednesday, visitors to the BMW and BMW Motorsport Facebook profiles have been able to view some of the jury’s favourite shots. So far, the gallery has been viewed by 1.8 million fans, and more than 8,000 users have shown their appreciation of the work of the motorsport photographers who took part by clicking on the “Like” button.

“The BMW Art Car Photo Contest was very well received among photographers in Le Mans,” says Mario Theissen. “They too are artists, who understand how to capture the special atmosphere at a 24-hour race and the character of the racing car in pictures. Congratulations to Rick Dole, who achieved this feat in style with our 17th BMW Art Car. His photo perfectly captures the unique dynamic of Jeff Koons’ design. However, it was not easy for the jury to decide on a winner. I want to say thank you to all of those who took part for submitting a large number of impressive photographs.”

Rick Dole has been working as a professional photographer for 24 years. 2010 was his 14th visit to the endurance classic at Le Mans. The winning photo was taken in the second chicane on the Mulsanne straight. “Le Mans is my favourite circuit in the world to shoot,” says Dole. “Each year I search for new and unique locations to photograph the event. This year, for the first time, I leased and photographed from a helicopter and was able to capture this wonderful image of the BMW Art Car. It is a spectacular car to photograph from any angle. I am honoured and humbled to be recognised by BMW.”

Dole developed a passion for motorsport in his teens. His heroes were Niki Lauda (AT) and Ronnie Peterson (SE). The first race he watched live was the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1984. From that moment on he has been hooked on motorsport.

[Source: BMW ]

There’s no denying the massive success that was the third generation 3 Series enthusiastically and internally known at the E46. The E46 series was a force to be reckoned with both on the track in the ALMS or WTCC and off the track as a class leader of performance and luxury.

Most know of the S54-powered E46 M3, a lucky few of the “ZHP” Performance Package, perhaps fewer know of the 325i Touring with a manual but we’re confident that even less people have heard of the E46 316/318ti aka the “Compact.”

Most Americans are unfamiliar with the quirky model as it was never sold in North America. The E36 318ti was to blame for this as, being of similar design, the two-door hatchback coupe never quite captured the American market during the 1990’s. That said, this most interesting E36 has achieved cult status among diehards as something both unique and a bit of a throwback to the delectable 2002tii Touring. However, due to poor sales of the baby 318ti, the E46 equivalent was doomed for the U.S. before its sheet metal was even stamped.

However, unlike the E36, the E46 “Compact” came with a special exterior design that sets it apart from the E46 coupe/sedan/convertible/wagon variants – though it remains blatantly BMW. Two pairs of rounded out, separated headlamps take place of a full, double-headlamp assembly on either side of the double kidney grill while glancing just below the headlamps a slightly revised, if not sparse, lower spoiler. Along the sides, the Compact somewhat resembled the coupe/sedan door lines but the rear is where the car really distinguishes itself from the pack of sport compacts.

To meet the design needs of heavily truncated rear hatch, the Ti had to forgo the then characteristic L-shaped taillamps for clear, near-triangular taillamps that were retained from the E46 sedan, sans the longitudinal lamps. Needless to say, the littlest Bavarian of its day cut quite an interesting figure across the premium car segment. To motivate Compact, a series of potent engines were fitted behind the quad headlamps such as the 2.5L M54 in the most powerful guise, the 325Ti.

Additionally, the Compact was powered by two versions of the N42 inline-4 cylinder engine in both 316 and 318 form were provided along with small array of 4 cylinder diesel engines.

Though a full 11 inches shorter than the standard E46 Coupe and being the littlest of BMW’s at the time, the Ti still managed to retain both the luxury of its brethren and, most importantly, the driving manners. Some have rumored that the Compact was the precursor to the 1 Series.

In 2002, Automobile Magazine went on to compliment the handling prowess and tactility of the Ti:

“Compared with the rest of the 3-series lineup, the second-generation hatchback has better-balanced power steering that is fifteen percent quicker, much meatier around the straight-ahead position, and more communicative as you wind on lock. These changes have brought back the precise steering feel that used to set the 3-series apart from the competition, and they have eliminated flaws such as excessive kickback on imperfect surfaces and a lack of progression during quick lane changes. The recalibrated helm requires a little more effort at parking speeds, but this is a small price to pay for the transformed handling.”

Proof the Compact was every bit the BMW’s that it stood peers with and its predecessors. For those who needed the extra touch of unique flair could add the M Sport package to the Compact. This extra addition gave buyers the visual distinction over the standard model with special 17 inch M Sport wheels, an M Sport steering wheel, M footrest, and flared side valences and special M bumpers front and rear.

Despite off-beat styling and a cult following, the Compact is a car that enjoyed relative success on its home continent. As a sort of homage to truncated E46’s , Format67 , the European digital film group, has put together a very dramatic film focused around the 318Ti. A fitting tribute to the to a car that – while slightly obscure – has comfortably found its place in the history of the Roundel and continues to do the brand justice.

(Silver E46 Compact courtesy Distant Mirror)

G-POWER X6 TYPHOON RS ultimate V10 based on the BMW X6 M (E71)

Press Release: With 900 HP and a top speed of more than 330 km/h, G-POWER is building the world’s fastest SUV based on the BMW X6 M in a limited edition of 5 units.

With the G-POWER X6 TYPHOON RS ultimate V10, G-POWER once again presents an automobile that can only be described with superlatives. The standard X6 M with its twin turbo-charged engine is already powered by an impressive power unit, but the standard BMW engine has not been capable of arousing emotions to the same way as the original M-POWER engine has been able to up to now. For this reason the engineers at G-POWER decided to fit the X6 M with the breath-taking performance of Formula 1 technology.

An appropriate powertrain to suit G-POWER’s philosophy was quickly found. A high-revving engine with direct throttle response is now showing a character which the 5.0 l V10 power unit produced by M GmbH inherited at birth.

“The intention behind the G-POWER X6 TYPHOON RS ultimate V10 is, besides the aim of building the world’s fastest SUV, to create a vehicle to do homage to M GmbH’s fascinating V10 power unit”, according to G-POWER’s Managing Directors Christian Stöber and Zoran Zorneke talking about the ultimate X6 M’s technical specification.

As with all the elaborately hand-built vehicles from the G-POWER manufactory, 100% orientation towards customer requirements as regards the interior finish and instrumentation and the strict limit on the numbers of each Edition is the key of the company’s thinking. The circle of clients among whom the G-POWER X6 TYPHOON RS ultimate V10 has been publicised clearly aims at solvent fans of the famous power unit which unfortunately will no longer be available in the foreseeable future.

In keeping with the dynamic presence of the TYPHOON RS wide-body kit, the G-POWER X6 TYPHOON RS ultimate V10 with its superlative power unit is the focus of everybody´s attention. To achieve this as a first step the BMW M5 5.0 l power unit was transplanted and comprehensively modified. The objective of the engine development at G-POWER was to bring out the best of the BMW Formula 1 characteristics hidden in the genes of the V10 power unit. The result was an engine without any equal in the world. Revving high, immediate throttle response and an explosive power output create a sensation of acceleration which otherwise only pure racing engines can achieve.

In addition, the G-POWER BI-compressor system (taken from the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RR world-record vehicle) was developed one stage further and at the same time the cubic capacity of the BMW V10 power unit was increased from 5.0 to 5.5 litres. This means more space for the supercharged air from the twin ASA T1-316 compressors which will be cooled to optimum performance temperatures by the double-

flow, water-cooled intercooler. This complicated aluminium casting replaces the standard air box on top of the engine, and its direct inlet is responsible for the spontaneous response characteristics which give the G-POWER motor its incomparable “Race Feeling”. The inner workings of the 10-cylinder, four-valve engine are optimised by light, precisely balanced MAHLE high-performance forged pistons with lower compression and increased mechanical strength. As the standard connecting rods and piston pins were equally not up to the considerably increased forces, here too, recourse was had to special parts. The forged, 7-bearing crank shaft is also a custom-made part which boosts the cubic capacity by 10% from 5.0 up to 5.5 litres. An optimised data map for the engine electronics rounds off the extensive modifications made to the V10 power train. The result is a peak performance of 900 HP / 662 kW at 8.000 rpm and a maximum torque of 870 Nm at 6.800 revs. This enormous power output is transmitted by a six-speed gearbox built by G-POWER to the rear axle. The automatic gearbox fitted as standard, just like the standard BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system, have been sacrificed to the G-POWER engineers’ objective of creating a pure-bred sports car in SUV clothing.

Powered like that it is an easy job for the G-POWER X6 TYPHOON RS ultimate V10 to claim the title of the fastest SUV in the world:The sprint to 100 km/h takes a mere 4.2 seconds. In less than 13.0 seconds this exceptional SUV is already up to 200. The top speed is over 330 km/h.

So that the future owner of one of only 5 G-POWER X6 TYPHOON RS ultimate V10s available in the world can enjoy the fastest speed achievable with an SUV in complete safety, distinctively shaped skirts and spoilers, front and rear, trimmed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency provide the necessary downforce. The elegantly curved G-POWER wings on the front and the rear make room for the 3-part 23″ G-POWER SILVERSTONE RS forged wheels: 11Jx23 at the front and 12Jx23 at the back. 315/25 ZR 23 high-performance tyres all round from the development associate MICHELIN ensure optimum traction and sports car handling.

Bringing the G-POWER X6 TYPHOON RS ultimate V10 from its top speed back to zero is the job of a high-tech brake system equipped with 410 mm carbon-ceramic brake disks and 6-piston callipers. This system allows a deceleration better than Earth’s gravity while at the same time this system gives a weight savings of 50% compared with a standard brake system.

In the vehicle interior, the weight reduction demanded by the sports car concept is continued. After getting rid of the heavy xDrive all-wheel drive and making use of titanium as the material for the exhaust system, the four ultra-light carbon individual seats in the vehicle interior complete the weight reduction programme. Overall is the car ca. 150 kg lighter than the standard version.

However, such asceticism does not mean that comfort has to be sacrificed. The work lavished on the cockpit is no less than that on body and engine and with hand-finished interior fittings underlines this automobile’s distinguished position. To this end the entire vehicle interior is fashioned in leather on a carbon structure. The style defined by the 4 carbon individual seats is emphasised by 2-coloured seams which tie in the leather on seats, instrument panel, interior door panels and last but not least on the A, B and C pillars. Door linings in leather and carbon manufactured in “CSL light-weight” harmonise perfectly with the new central console, equally made of carbon, which stretches up to the front seats and which encloses the high-end entertainment system. A tachometer reading up to 400 km/h, as well as the ergonomically shaped G-POWER sports steering wheel complete the G-POWER X6’s interior.

The G-POWER X6 TYPHOON RS ultimate V10 can be ordered for Euro 675 000.– (net) as a completely finished vehicle from the G-POWER manufactory in Autenzell. The edition is limited to 5 vehicles worldwide.

[Source: G-Power ]

Rosenthal Automotive brings a new video review of the 2011 BMW 3 Series. The model being reviewed is the BMW 335i xDrive, in the coupe variant. Along with the extensive and informative review, the fellows at Rosenthal Automotive have also produced some great footage.

Let’s take a moment to reiterate some of the changes that are easy to see in this facelift: the front, lower fascia is now presented with subtle winglets on the air-dam, but more than that, the actual area for air flow is slightly larger than the outgoing design, also allowing for larger splitters at each end of the fascia.

At the front-end, the corona rings angel eyes are now bright LED units. At the rear, there are also modified taillights, with the LED look and finish. BMW added their new ‘L’ shaped design theme to an all new, almost E46 LED taillight, underneath the Ls. Holding the exhaust ports is an all-new bumper with a horizontal expressive line that shows the wide back end. Another exterior element that stands out are the side-view mirrors, larger than in the pre-LCI model.

All-new is the engine for the 335i model. Internally designated the “N55,” this turbocharged, all-aluminum engine features essentially the same “short block” and 3.0-liter displacement of its predecessor, but benefits from five additional years worth of development and refinement.

The result is an engine that is more responsive, more fuel efficient, and cleaner-running than its outstanding predecessor, but preserves the previous engine’s output and soul: 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and a 7,000 rpm redline. The 6-speed manual gearbox – beloved by North American enthusiast drivers – remains standard, and the well-known 6-speed Steptronic automatic is optional, now featuring “pull-style” shift paddles on the multifunction steering wheel.

Enjoy the video review!

Thanks for the tip Xavier!

Press Release: On June 12 at three in the afternoon the legendary the 24 Hours of Le Mans will officially begin. A highlight will surely be the participation of the Jeff Koons’ 17th BMW Art Car which has been presented in Paris just a week before. In April 2010, BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen announced the driver line-up for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Andy Priaulx (GB), Dirk Müller (DE) and Dirk Werner (DE) will race the BMW Art Car #79. Jörg Müller (DE), Augusto Farfus (BR), Uwe Alzen (DE) will drive the BMW Le Mans car #78.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world’s oldest endurance race in all of sports car racing, held annually since 1923 near the town of Le Mans, Sarthe, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance, it is organized by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) and runs on a circuit containing closed public roads. The race is designed not only to test a car and driver’s ability to be quick, but also to last over a 24-hour period.

The BMW M3 GT2

Derived from the BMW M3 high-performance sports car, the BMW M3 GT2 boasts a 4.0-liter V8 engine with a maximum output of 500 bhp, an upgraded chassis, racing-caliber brakes, and extensive use of lightweight materials.  Able to reach 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds, the BMW M3 GT2 is rapidly emerging as a real first year contender at this year’s event.

For the Comeback at 24 Le Mans BMW Motorsport is supported by numerous successful partners. This is why the BMW M3 GT2 will be labeled with the logos of Castrol, Crowne Plaza, Dunlop, Randstad, Sympatex, LuK, H&R, BBS and NGK for the race on the “Circuit de la Sarthe”.

The 17th BMW Art Car by Jeff Koons

At the premiere of the 17th BMW Art Car Jeff Koons unveiled and signed his car in front of 300 international VIP guests on June 1 in the Centre Pompidou, one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions for modern and contemporary art. It is the same place where Roy Lichtenstein back in 1977 first presented and signed his Art Car.

In the spirit of Calder, Stella, Lichtenstein, Warhol, BMW announced this year that the 17th Art Car created by Jeff Koons will race where the first rolling pieces of art by legendary artists raced – at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in France on June 12-13, 2010. Koons’ canvas is a BMW M3 GT2, which was homologated to compete at this year’s running of the world’s most famous endurance race.

The Design Process

As part of his creative process, the artist collected images of race cars, related graphics, vibrant colors, speed and explosions. The resulting artwork of bright colors conceived by Koons is evocative of power, motion and bursting energy. Its silver interior along with the powerful exterior design, the Art Car will impart a dynamic appearance even when it’s standing still.

The challenge to create the BMW Art Car had to do with using a light material and a design that would not interfere with the racecar’s aerodynamics and weight. Timing was also an issue, as there was only a two month window between the first design sketches and the Paris world premiere. This is why digital print on car wrapping vinyl was used covered by a double clear-coating to bring out the color. To apply hundreds of dynamic lines of Koons’ design onto the car, CAD designs were translated from 3D into 2D for the printing process and then painstakingly applied to the entire car as well as onto individual spare parts. Koons design incorporates many bright contrasting colors to communicate the aesthetics of power. The concept design was transformed into hard eged lines of color. Graphics of debris were added to the rear sides and back of the car to simulate the power of the car. Furthermore, two graphic rings on the rear of the car represent supersonic acceleration.

Koons and BMW

The germination of Koons’ collaboration with BMW began in 2003, when he expressed his desire to create a BMW Art Car. His relationship with BMW started more than two decades ago when he drove a BMW while residing in Munich, home to the BMW Group headquarters. Koons is known for his heartfelt appreciation of cars. Earlier this year he was even recognized by music icon Bono of U2 as one of the ideal artists to design a car that would make the world fall in love with automobiles again.

Koons’ creative process for the BMW Art Car mirrors techniques, some borrowed from transportation design and development, which he regularly employs for his artistic production. For example, in the creation of Koons’ monumental sculptures, his studio uses 3-D CAD models to evaluate the surfaces, assembles them via methods found in bike chop shops, and paints them in a manner based on sophisticated automotive painting techniques.

BMW Art Cars

Since 1975, artists from throughout the world have turned BMW automobiles into art signifying a particular period through the Art Car program. In 2007, the latest installment was revealed with Olafur Eliasson’s “Your mobile expectations: BMW H2R project.” Many of the cars by the likes of Warhol, Lichtenstein, Stella, Rauschenberg, Hockney and Holzer have been exhibited in renowned museums throughout the world including the Louvre, the Guggenheim Museums, and the Shanghai Art Museum. They have been displayed at the BMW Museum in Munich, between 2006 and 2010 and many went on a world tour throughout Asia, Russia, Africa, India, the United States and Mexico. The Koons car number, “79,” pays tribute to the 1979 Andy Warhol car. The Warhol car was assigned the number “76,” an homage to the 1976 Frank Stella car, both of which raced at Le Mans.

The home of all BMW Art Cars is the BMW Museum in Munich. Starting in September, Koons’ 17th BMW Art Car will be presented there together with some of its predecessors.

[Source: BMW ]