BMW: January 2013

Thursday 10 January 2013

2013 BMW Hamann M5 F10

BMW F10M M5 was created through collaboration between Hamann, ADV.1, By Design and Wheels Boutique and the results speak for themselves.German tuner Hamann introduces its own rendition of the BMW M5 F10. The new package prepared by Hamann makes the M5 even more performing and lavish, modifying its interior and exterior design and giving its powertrain some more horsepower to play with.

Hamann’s technician worked on the aerodynamics of the car as well, enhancing it with such bits as the re-designed front bumper and the wider front fenders, which gain 25 mm on both sides of the car. The wheel arches of the rear axle have been broadened too, making for an extra 30 mm on both sides, while a new rear wing allows for more stability.

Ride height has been reduced by 30 mm, while the suspension set-up has been arranged to improve handling as well as the dynamic behavior of the car. The already impressive original powertrain receives a new ECU and a new exhaust system as well as a few more modifications which are yet to be made public. Hamann is actually still working on the mechanics of the M5, but they said they have already been able to squeeze out an extra 158 hp and 220 Nm. In order to cope with its increased power, brakes and wheels have been enhanced too: the BMW M5 F10 by Hamann rolls on 21″ alloy wheels fitted with 265/30 tyres at the front and 325/25 at the rear.

2014 BMW M3 F30

BMW presented the regular versions of its new 3 sedan, codenamed F30, with the M Sport Package models giving us a taste of what to expect from the golden-boy of the series.On the outside, the M3 will gain a more aggressive though somewhat understated look though several unique styling cues.

These include the beefed up wheel arches that house larger alloy wheels and brake sets, prominent side skirts, a different front bumper with enlarged air vents, a reworked rear bumper incorporating a diffuser and M's traditional quad tail pipes plus a very discrete boot spoiler.

The power dome on the hood, however, may be a thing of the past as it is absent from all prototypes of the M3 sedan that we've seen up until now.

BMW is keeping its cards close to its chest when it comes to the new M3's powertrain, but most reports tend to agree that the fifth generation will introduce a new 3.0-liter inline-six with either two or perhaps even three turbochargers generating somewhere around 450-ponies.

A 6-gear manual or an optional seven-speed dual clutch transmission will transfer all those horses to the rear axle.

Sunday 6 January 2013

2013 BMW 8-Series

2013 BMW 8-Series

2013 BMW 8-Series

Autocar reports the 8-Series--or whatever it's called--will arrive sometime in 2012, though BMW probably can't say now exactly when. However, given this company's usual new-model launch timing, we'd expect the 8-Series to be at U.S. dealers by spring or summer of 2012.

The only thing we've seen on this score comes from Car and Driver, which expects base prices in the "high-$70K to low-$80K range." We think that's a little low for a new flagship BMW. Considering 2010-model V8-powered 7-Series sedans run $82,000-$88,900, we'd guesstimate the 8-Series will start at $88,000-$92,000, depending on standard equipment.

2013 BMW 760Li

http://images.thecarconnection.com/med/inside-bmws-2013-760li-v-12-25-years-edition_100402062_m.jpg

2013 BMW 760Li

BMW built its first automotive V-12 and stuffed it inside the 750iL; today, the Bavarians are celebrating 25 years of 12-cylinder power with the 2013 760Li V-12 25 Years Anniversary Edition. This special-edition 7-series doesn’t get any performance upgrades to its 535-hp, 6.0-liter twin-turbo V-12, but it is ultra-exclusive and ultra-expensive.

Champagne Full Merino complimented by black piping and piano-black wood trim that make the Anniversary 760 special; it’s not the “V-12 25 Years Edition” badges on the doorsills, the headrests, and the iDrive controller; nor are the unique 20-inch wheels the car’s selling point. What makes this 7er special is that just 15 will be made, and only seven will be brought to the U.S. at a price of $159,695—$20k more than your average 760Li.