The Mustang has definitely stepped its game up. The new Ford Mustang 302 Boss will go around Laguna Seca faster than a BMW M3. Check out the video for the lap time. BMW Performance is now offering a sports exhaust for its M3 models. Thanks to the use of Inconel and reducing the exhaust's wall thickness, the system is not only stronger but weighs 20lbs (around 9kg) less than the stock system, a 40 per cent reduction in weight. The system does give the 4.0-litre V8 a more aggressive bark, but you will have to cough up $4,374 for it. Check out the video below. According to a report on motortrend.com, it seems that the next BMW M5 is set to have an automatic transmission, rather than a re-worked version of the double-clutch transmission (M-DCT) found in the M3. The explanation behind this being that the M-DCT unit can't handle the amount of torque being produced from the M5's twin-turbo V8 engine. A major revision to the gearbox would have been required, bigger actuators would have been needed to beef it up, but at the expense of shifting times (and BMW's budget). In a perfect world BMW would use a proper manual gearbox instead, putting driver involvement first - like they used to. But if BMW end up using an automatic gearbox, it will no doubt irk the M enthusiasts. Let's hope it is nothing but a cruel rumour. Alex Kisiri Here it finally is, the very first BMW 1 series to be given the M treatment, the 1 series M coupé. Despite only being the entry level as far as M cars are concerned, the 1 series M coupé does have a lot to live up to, especially after the fact that BMW have released shots of it side by side the original 1980s M3, a suggestion that the 1 series M coupé is its spiritual successor. Impressions from the pictures suggest a thrilling driving experience, what with swollen wheel arches, aggressive looking bumpers, and M3 CSL style rims. Power comes from BMW's new TwinPower turbo 3.0 litre inline 6-cylinder engine producing 340 hp @ 5900 rpm, and a maximum torque of 500 nm (around 368 lb ft) @ 1500-4500 rpm. The torque figure means that it produces more than its V8-engined big brother the M3. Another area where the 1 series M coupé trumps the M3 is in weight. It weighs in at 1495 kg making it around 160 kg lighter than the M3, and 65 kg less than the 135i on which it is based. The 1 series M coupé will be available with a traditional six speed manual transmission. Which combined with the new powerplant will get the M coupé from 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. The average fuel economy figure is 9.6 litres per 100 km while producing 224 grams per kilometre. BMW fans are still trying to get around the idea of a turbocharged M car. But with a 340 hp straight six and a revised chassis, BMW promises the new 1 series will be a true M car. Here's a sneak preview. The 2011 BMW 6 series convertible is here, looking less outrageous than the previous model but with a host of new turbocharged engines. It comes as a surprise, though, that BMW decided to release info on the convertible version first rather than the coupe. Like Mercedes benz, BMW has been busy getting turbocharged engines for its flagship models. But while the cars with the three point stars have seven speed transmissions, this car will get the new eight speed automatic transmission seeing service in other BMW models. The new 6 series convertible shall initially have two turbocharged petrol engines. For the 640i model, you can expect a single-turbo 3.0l inline 6 cylinder engine producing 320hp and 450 nm of torque (about 331 lb-ft). The new drop top will accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and on to the default electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. The 650i model gets a 4.4l twin-turbo V8 with 407hp and 600nm (442lb-ft) of torque, with a 0-60 mph of 5.0 seconds, but the same 155 mph top speed as the 640i. The V8 has a design unique to BMWs in the sense that the exhaust manifolds and turbochargers are found between the cylinder banks rather than either side of the engine. BMW claims that this layout is better for packaging and contributes to better efficiency. Speaking of effieciency, the 640i will achieve 35.8mpg on the combined cycle and a CO2 rating of 185g/km, while the 650i will do 26.4 mpg and produces 249g/km. Both cars also feature brake energy regenration and an electronic power steering system. Prices for the new 6 have yet to be announced, but it will go on sale in the UK in March 2011. BMW recently released details of the BMW GTS, the spirtual successor of the CSL. So when BMW were asked if they were going to build a CSL model for the E92 and answered "no", what they really meant was "no...but we're building another hardcore car called the GTS instead". Here are the important things you need to know; -Engine size increased from 4.0 to 4.4l, now producing 450hp. -Removal of rear seats, front racing bucket seats, and roll cage included. -Weight savings of upto 150kg. -Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres. -Comes with only a seven speed double-clutch gearbox (M-DKG). -All units are built to order, with a price of around 115,000 euros. -Will be available to the market towards the begining of 2010. So here it is on the move, with a little noise to accompany it. BMW have finally let the world see their all new hot-rod SUVs, the X6 M and X5 M, after several months of speculation and spy photos. The M division has come a long way, from that beautiful homologation special that was the BMW M1, to two SUVs ready to take on the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S and the Mercedes ML 63 AMG. It must be said that to BMW M car enthusiasts, the latest offerings from the M division may come as a bit of a shock, especially since BMW themselves claimed a while back that they would never build an SUV with an M badge on it. Now they have built two. |
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