Tag Archives: BMW
Spy Shots Of 2020 BMW 8-Series are Out
We now have the first spy shots of the coupe BMW is working on in the hopes of reviving their 8-series name. The German automaker hinted of their plans last March when senior executives said BMW are planning to add more high-end models to their lineup.
One of these models will be simply called as the 8-series. The other one will be an i8 Spyder.
Based on the spy shots, the BMW 8-series will have a low roof and wide, muscular shoulders that we can vividly remember seeing in Aston Martin’s DB9, which also features four seats arranged in a 2+2 format—the same one we’re bound to see in BMW’s new 8-series.
The German automaker will reportedly be working alongside the Italian design house Pininfarina for the 8-series. Pininfarina is the same partner that developed the Gran Lusso Coupe, a modern successor to the 8-series in 2013. That partnership between BMW and Pininfarina is thought to hint at the finer design elements of the new 8-series.
What we do know for now is that the platform for the new 8-series will be BMW’s carbon-infused CLAR design, which debuted in the 2016 7-series. This ensures the 8-series will have a low curb weight and compatibility with electrified powertrains. Thanks to the latest in next-generation gesture control, it should also come packed with an amazing infotainment technology that passengers will enjoy.
The latest fillings from BMW might be a glimpse into what the 8-series can have— V-8, V-12, M Performance and dedicated M options. The fillings included “850”, “860”, “M850” and “M8.” The M8, according to speculations, might have a high-performance hybrid system known as the Power eDrive plug-in hybrid.
As for the system, the new 8-series will most probably combine a turbocharged inline-4 with a pair of electric motors for a combined output of 670 horsepower. The V12 models should have a 600-horsepower twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter engine from the latest M760i xDrive.
2018 BMW M4 GT4 Prototype Spotted
A prototype for the race car version of the BMW M4 was recently spotted. Spy shots of the car were taken while it was undergoing testing.
According to Motor Authority, which is also the source of the photos you are about to see below, the BMW race car is set to debut in 2018. The images show several aero upgrades made to the car to comply with the FIA GT4 regulations. However, as a cost-cutting measure and to ensure the reliability of the M4 GT4, BMW seems to have retained many elements of the car’s coupe model.
One noticeable feature of the spied auto suggesting that it is the race car variant of the M4 is its lower ride height. The other factors giving away its identity include the GT4-compliant new front splitter, side skirts, extended wheel arches, rear diffuser and rear wing. The source speculates that some parts of the car like the hood and roofing might use carbon-fiber materials similar to the limited edition of the M4 GTS.
Although it is hard to make out the M4 GT4’s interior based on the spy photos alone, the report said it will be equipped with a roll cage, bucket seat paired with a safety harness, and fire suppression system. Again, these should mirror the standards of the FIA.
BMW disclosed that the BMW M4 GT4 carries the same engine found on the race car’s road-legal coupe version. Therefore, expect the vehicle to have the same 3.0-liter inline-six engine. The output of the auto should be at least 425 hp with all the power distributed through the rear wheels.
The company stated that the upcoming BMW race car will be designed to meet the rules governing the GT4 events in North America, Europe and Asia. The targeted debut of the M4 GT4 is in January 2018 during the 24 Hours of Dubai race.
BMW M4 GT4 Spy Photos
Check out the spy shots of the upcoming BMW M4 GT4 in the gallery below:
BMW Diesel Vehicles for Model Year 2017 Confirmed
BMW announced that its diesel vehicles with the 2017 model year will be rolled out soon in the United States of America. The luxury car maker confirmed the arrival of four diesel models in the region.
According to CarAndDriver, the variants that will get diesel versions for the 2017 model year are the sedan and Sports Wagon versions of the 328d, the X3 xDrive28d, and the X5 xDrive35d.
Despite the positive news, BMW haven’t released any definite date yet regarding the arrival of the mentioned diesel units. A spokesman of the company just told the source that it will be available later this year.
The report claimed that many BMW dealerships are now missing the diesel versions of some popular models. The source explained that the delay had something to do with the certification process, which is a requirement for diesel models sold in the U.S.
The article stated that EPA increased its scrutiny in the diesel models after the Volkswagen emission scandal that rocked the automotive world and led to the company CEO’s resignation. It should be noted that VW admitted to using a software to cheat their emission figures.
The postponement of the arrival of the BMW diesel models in the country is also due to BMW’s suspension of their production in the U.S. soil. We agree with the source that it is a smart move from the luxury automaker in case EPA will ask them to revise something in their diesel models.
As for the other popular models of the brand, BMW is yet to confirm if it will offer a diesel version of the redesigned 5-Series in the U.S. Currently, the vehicle is available in its 2016 model year with the name 535d. For the 7-Series, the company said it will not be selling a diesel variant of it in the area.
BMW Releases Pricing Info On The 30 Jahre M3
BMW introduced the M3 30 years ago, and as a tribute to its 30th anniversary, the company came out with an anniversary edition called the 30 Jahre M3 (German for “30 Years M3”).
Reports said there will only be 150 units of the 30th anniversary edition produced for these shores. And now, pricing information from its maker is available too.
The 30 Jahre M3 will go on sale starting this month, and it will be available either with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The former will cost $84,245 while the latter goes as high as $87,145, depending on the slew of features these will come with.
These US-bound anniversary edition from BMW will come with a deep coat of Macao Blue paint, a color that was first seen on the E30 M3 Sport Evolution. It’s a sophisticated and elegant color that speaks well of the German automaker’s dazzling style.
To complement this dark hue, the German automaker used a 20-inch “star-spoke” wheels, which are also being used on the M4 GTS.
There are minimum interior changes in this anniversary edition sedan. As expected, there are 30 Jahre M3 logos placed on the dashboard and the doorsills, as well as embroidered into the headrests of the two-tone seats.
As for the performance aspect, BMW fitted the 30 Jahre M3 with its Competition package, which means an adaptive suspension that boost’s the sedan’s dynamic capabilities and a 19-horsepower rise over the standard car, bringing the total production to 444 horsepower. This while using the same standard 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six.
Every 30 Jahre M3 that will arrive in the United States comes with BMW’s Executive package, which comes with a head-up display system, heated steering wheel, rear-view camera, and other equipment. It has Driver Assistance Plus package as well that include blind spot monitor, additional exterior cameras, and LED headlights with automatic high-beams.
BMW M4 GT4 To Join The Race Tracks In 2018
German automaker BMW is set to launch an M4 GT4 race car just in time for the 2018 motorsport season. The company is planning to join the growing list of automakers that are now offering race cars with the FIA GT4 specs.
This car, according to a report, will be the successor to the M3 GT4 that they started to offer in the last decade. There was a single teaser released, though not much can be seen there. It only showed that the M4 GT4 will closely resemble the M4 GTS road car that was launched in 2015.
The M4 GT4, however, will not be far off tech- and spec-wise from the standard M4 to keep costs and reliability relatively close. The drivetrain, the entirety of it, will be the same with the standard car. Yes, even the electronics.
This means the race car will come packed with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-6 that produces 425 horsepower.
Of course, joining the tracks means BMW has to somehow set the M4 GT4 apart from the usual road cars. This resulted to the addition of carbon fiber body panels, an aggressive front splitter and rear wing, a high-flow exhaust system, uprated brakes, and a stripped-out interior.
Jens Marquardt of BMW motorsport said that it was easy for the company to finally decide to come up with the GT4 race car. The German automaker apparently wants to capitalize on the current attention being given to the GT4. It also aims to provide up-and-coming racers an “affordable alternative” to the GT4 race cars produced by Aston Martin, KTM, Lotus, McLaren and Porsche.
The M4 GT4 will begin its testing later this year since it wants to debut at the 24 Hours of Dubai in January 2018. The car will presumable meet the requirements set by various GT4 competitions in Asia, Europe and North America.
The M4 GT4 will be part of BMW’s customer racing portfolio, which will also include the M235i Racing and the M6 GT3.
Sightings of the 2018 BMW Z5 Give Details of What’s to Come
When BMW and Toyota announced their partnership in January 2013, many were speculating the revival of the Toyota Supra and the development of the next-generation BMW Z4.
But these recent spy shots confirmed what has long been a rumor—that instead of a next-generation Z4, the BMW-Toyota partnership will instead replace the Z4 with the Z5.
The Z5 recently made its first public appearance as a camouflaged prototype. The roadster was being tested in cold weather, suggesting that the German automaker has been working on this model for quite some time.
Based on these spy shots, it looks like the new roadster will have a new architecture that’ll make it sportier than the Z4.
On the outside, the Z5 has a long hood, a short rear deck, shorter overhangs and a low driving position. Compared to the Z4, the Z5 prototype seems to be slightly longer and wider. And instead of a soft top, the Z5 will have a folding metal roof.
It also has a lowered nose, bigger grille and larger headlamps. The sides don’t offer much, except that it might be missing a belt line, though we expect to see more once it is launched.
On the rear end, not much can be seen as well. The trunk lid looks similar to the Z4 with an integrated spoiler while the license plate recess has been moved upper into the right fascia.
There are no details yet for the interior, though we can expect premium feel and excellent fit. Seats should be made with premium leather with option for sportier seats on higher end models.
As for the drivetrain, we should expect a turbocharged four-cylinder with the higher range having a 3.0-liter inline-six. There are rumors that the Z5 would have a hybrid option, though some said it might divert from that route to differentiate itself from what Toyota is planning.
Customers will have an option of either manual transmission or dual-clutch automatic gearbox. An all-wheel drive might be in the works too.
We’re expecting the BMW Z5 to be unveiled in either late 2016 or early 2017. The Toyota counterpart, which will be different in looks and will revive the Supra nameplate, should be launched around the same time.
No information on prices yet, but the Z5 could go as high as $55,000 before options.
The Next BMW 3-Series Will Be Made In Mexico
Four years ago, there was a rumor that BMW plans to make its 3-Series sedans in Mexico. Not much has been heard in the next years, until BMW finally confirmed it today.
On Thursday, BMW started constructing a factory in the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi, which will be the home of the BMW 3-Series sedans in the next years. Based on a report, it will begin rolling off cars by 2019, reports added.
The 3-Series sedans to be manufactured in the plant will be next-generation models, which were spotted testing its prototypes. These are also due to be revealed sometime next year. The cars built in the San Luis Potosi plant will be exported to the United States.
But why Mexico?
Mexico is an ideal location for car manufacturers because of its low wages and free trade agreements with the United States and Canada. Some Asian and South American countries also enjoy FTA with Mexico.
Moving its production and manufacturing plant in Mexico will help BMW answer to the demand, speed up delivery, and hedge against currency fluctuations. In the long run, BMW will be saving up in production costs, as well as in export fees and taxes. Whether this would reflect on the cars’ prices remains to be seen.
In fact, such is the attraction of Mexico that some of BMW’s competitors are also planning to use Mexico as a manufacturing hub. Audi will build its next-generation Q5 in Mexico later this year and Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz both confirmed plans to build some compact cars there as well.
Initially, BMW plans to have its Mexico plant produce some 150,000 units. It will be employing about 1,500 staff for the factory. The new Mexico plant will join BMW’s growing presence in the Americas, including the plants in Spartanburg, South Carolina, which specializes in SUVs. There are also two smaller facilities in Brazil.
A Vision For The Future: MINI Concept Vision 100
In an ideal world, all cars would be personalized and will reflect our personality. MINI wants exactly that, so it made known its vision of the future—a car that can become yours instantly.
Imagine driving your own car to the airport. Boarding a plane to be halfway across the world. Rent a MINI wherever you might be. Ride the car and it’s instantly the same car you left back home.
How would that come to be?
The MINI Concept Vision 100 is one in the series of cars for BMW Group’s centenary. Chief designer Anders Warming said MINI owners are connected emotionally to their cars. In the future, they want their clients to be digitally connected to their MINIs as well.
According to a report, it works just like how your smartphones works when you change phones. There’s a backup system in the cloud that stores your preferences—apps, travel history, etc. The car can even reflect a color hue to reflect your favorite artist. Can you imagine how more personal your car can get?
Personalization is the heart of this MINI concept. The system knows who you are, what you like and where you’re going. The MINI will also have a “digital skin,” so it can change the graphics on the exterior of the car, reflecting your own unique personality.
MINI said the car will be able to recognize you because of the enhanced sensor systems that it will be equipped with. This by simply having an app on your phone that can connect to the MINI’s system.
The idea behind this is that in the future, car sharing will be a norm and you don’t have to even own a MINI. Such a concept will boost one’s loyalty to a brand since you’ll be sharing a car but feeling like it’s your own too.
LAPD To Use 100 BMW i3 EVs
What could possibly make the Los Angeles Police Department even more glamorous than it already is? You know, protecting the rich and famous of Hollywood is also a lot about having the right machinery, and by hooking up with BMW to get the i3 EVs, LAPD just purchased the perfect partner.
And what can top having a BMW for a police fleet? Having an electrically charged BMW. LAPD is even answering to the United Nations’ great call of reducing carbon dioxide emission, and using electric cars instead of gasoline-powered ones.
BMW’s i3 will be LAPD’s first electric vehicle. The German brand beat out Tesla for the opportunity to roam the streets of Los Angeles. Now, LA residents can enjoy seeing the cute little i3 on the road.
The purchase of the i3 is part of LA’s initiative to convert 80 percent of all its municipal vehicles into electrically powered ones by 2025. And since this is the police department’s first EV, the purchase also includes 100 Level 2 chargers and four DC fast chargers. This will ensure that the i3s are charged up and won’t be missing power while on the road.
The i3s won’t be used for emergency calls, though. Neither will it be used to hunt down and run after perpetrators. The BMW i3 EVs will essentially be used for non-emergency calls for now. Although, who knows in the future how BMW will plan to upgrade the vehicle?
LAPD’s primary problem with the i3s’ capacity to respond to 911 calls is their need to be plugged in overnight to recharge. Emergency calls, of course, can happen even in the middle of the night.
So for now, emergency calls and running after suspects in LAPD would remain to be a job for the Ford Crown Victoria that may or may not be equipped with the Ford Police Interceptor utilities. There are also a couple of other sedans and Chargers from Dodge.
Source: Car And Driver
Is BMW Coming Up With A 4-Door M2 Gran Coupe?
Rumors have it that BMW is set to build a sedan version of the 2-Series, especially after the pronouncements made by the company’s head of development, Klaus Frohlich, to Germany’s Auto Motor und Sport.
With a sedan version of the 2-Series possible on the horizon, can we now dare to dream that a four-door BMW M2 Gran Coupe will also grace the company’s senses?
The UK publication Autocar believes that not only is a 2-Series Gran Coupe sedan possible, but an M version of it might also be in the works. Can you imagine what will be offered? You’ll get the M2 with a 365-horsepower engine, as well as two more doors.
It’s quite possible we’ll also see a hatchback version of the M2 Gran Coupe. That’s pretty incredible, right?
Reports also said that all versions of the 2-Series Gran Coupe will get an extended wheelbase, which would put the Gran Coupe somewhere between the regular 2-Series Coupe and the 3-Series Sedan. Both versions of the Gran Coupe are being planned for unveiling in 2019.
The expectation is that the four-door 2-Series would be sold in major markets since another model is bound to be exclusive to the Chinese market.
It can be remembered that late last year, BMW introduced the Concept Compact Sedan at China’s Guangzhou Auto Show. This has given us a preview of a Mini-based sedan with front-wheel drive. That would be the model built exclusively for the Chinese market.
The question, of course, would be the availability of the 2-Series sedan in the United States. Offering the 2-Series Gran Coupe in the US market would be wise step for BMW if it wants to compete with the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the Audi A3.
However, this would pose a serious problem with the presence of the 3-Series in the market. A 2-Series Gran Coupe could potentially affect the sales of the 3-Series.