- Filed under: Aftermarket, Podcasts, Etc., BMW, Chevrolet, GM, Honda, Lexus, Mazda
Click above for the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes, RSS or listen now!
Chris, Sam, Alex and Dan convene for Episode #193 of the Autoblog Podcast. We cover the Ford Boss Mustang and Roush supercharger package, the latest Chevrolet Volt fuel economy dust-up, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, Mazda's apparent new design language and the Lotus Evora S and Evora IPS. We finish it off by talking about snow tires, that most summery of topics. It's an a quick 51 minutes, See you next week!
Autoblog Podcast #193 - Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras
In the Autoblog Garage:
Honda CRZ
Lexus RX450h
News:
BMW 1 Series M Coupe
Volt sub-30 mpg claim
Mazda Shinari concept
Roush Mustang supercharger
Lotus Evora S and IPS
Hosts:
Dan Roth, Sam Abuelsamid, Chris Shunk, Alex Nunez
Runtime: 50:59
Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to the Autoblog Podcast in iTunes
[RSS] Add the Autoblog Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator
[MP3] Download the MP3 directly
Feedback:
Email: Podcast at Autoblog dot com
Voicemail: 734-288-8POD (734-288-8763)
Review the show in iTunes and take our survey
Autoblog Podcast #193 - Hot Mustangs, Volt Mileage, 1 Series M, Mazda design and Lotus Evoras originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, China, BMW, Luxury
BMW M3 Tiger Edition for the Chinese market - Click above for high-res image gallery
BMW's new Joy ad campaign looks to have made it to China with the M3 Tiger - or as one Autoblog commenter called it, "the M3 by Ed Hardy." Part of the continued celebration of a quarter century of M3s and the year of the tiger, the limited edition coupe took part in a photo shoot with a supporting cast so excited about the car they spend most of their time airborne.
On a more mundane note, the Fire Orange Metallic M3 will have black exterior accents and 19-inch wheels, while black Novilla leather will coat the inside and orange tiger heads are embroidered into the headrests. Only 250 M3 Tigers are set for production, and that may be 249 more than the world needs. Hat tip to Ragan!
[Source: Moko]More BMW M3 Tiger Edition photos surface originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Luxury
BMW 1 Series M Coupe - Click above to view the video after the jump
The achingly slow striptease of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe continues with a 47-second-long spot of the camo-clad coupe bearing just enough sheetmetal to keep us interested.
The multi-spoke wheels, drilled discs and quad-exhausts are the only elements not left to the imagination, but the extra vinyl aft of the front wheels is sure to hiding a set of M-style fender vents while a ducktail spoiler is fitted out back.
As for mechanicals, the smart money is still on an upgraded twin-turbocharged inline-six (N54), channeling over 335 horsepower through a manual gearbox and down to the rear wheels via a torque-vectoring M differential.
We're hearing rumblings that the Coupe could be unveiled at next week's Oktoberfest BMWCCA event in Wisconsin, but in the meantime, check out the latest teaser after the jump and scope the first vid in our previous post. Thanks to everyone for the tips!Continue reading Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser
Video: BMW releases second 1 Series M Coupe teaser originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, BMW
Jack Pitney, BMW's North American vice president of marketing was killed today in a tragic accident while vacationing on his farm.
Pitney, 47, had been with BMW since 1995, when he joined the German automaker to head its corporate communications operations. Influential in bringing the Mini brand to the U.S., he was its first boss in this market from 2001-2005. More recently, he was the point man for helping BMW secure a partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee (see photo above). Pitney was tipped to become VP of BMW's eastern region on September 1.
Our condolences go out to Pitney's family, friends and colleagues. Official press release from BMW after the jump.
Continue reading BREAKING: Jack Pitney, BMW North America marketing VP, dead at 47
BREAKING: Jack Pitney, BMW North America marketing VP, dead at 47 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW
BMW M3 GTS - Click above for high-res image gallery
If you want a BMW M3 GTS, you'd better be ready to part with about $170,000 of your hard-earned greenbacks. That's nearly three times the cost of the base M3, but the extra $100,000 will net you a 4.4-liter V8 capable of 450 horsepower, tons of racing add-ons and, perhaps most importantly, 419 fewer pounds to lug around. And the M3 GTS manages to improve its stats while at the same time looking mighty fine, if you ask us.
Those are some impressive stats, but how do they translate into track time? If the September issue of Sport Auto (via the M3 Post forums) is to believed, the GTS 'Ring laptimes are less than earth shattering. The German rag reportedly claims that the GTS achieved a less than headline-grabbing 7:48 lap time on the Nürburgring. Okay, that's a pretty impressive time considering the Lamborgini Gallardo Superleggera was reported to hit 7:46 for twice the cost, but at the same time we're talking about an uber-upgraded M3 with a very fat price tag. Consider the fact that the Nissan GT-R can hit 7:29 for half the cost and the GTS appears to be a bit behind the (track) times.
The M3 GTS performed a bit better at Hockenheim, as its reported lap time of 1:12.5 was faster than an Audi R8 V10 Spyder by .2 seconds. The base E92 M3 finished a lap in 1:14.3. So is the M3 ready to take on all comers at The Green Hell? Apparently not, but still, at seven minutes and 48 seconds, we're pretty sure the M3 GTS isn't exactly ready for the slow lane, either.
[Source: M3 Post]Report: BMW M3 GTS posts somewhat lackluster 'Ring time originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW, Ford
2011 Ford Mustang vs 2010 BMW M3 - Click above to watch video after the jump
Ask and ye shall receive. Well, not always. We could probably ask to borrow a 2010 BMW M3, a 2011 Ford Mustang GT and private access to both a drag strip and a road course until our faces turned blue, but that doesn't mean we'd get any of the four anytime soon. Fortunately, that's not the case with the goons at Motor Trend. They've set about answering the question on everyone's mind once the specs for these two mighty coupes turned out to be so similar - who's top dog?
In classic MT fashion, the two cars were put through all of the necessary paces to drum up semi-official figures. Both the bad Bavarian and the muscle-bound Blue Oval were tested on 0-60, quarter mile, skid pad, figure eight and lap times, and the results are, well, they're surprising. We won't ruin the surprise by telling you who comes out ahead of the curve, but we will say that we know where we'd put our money if it were our name on the line. Hit the jump for the flicks. Thanks for the tips, everyone!
[Source: Motor Trend]Continue reading Video: MT pits Mustang GT 5.0 against BMW M3
Video: MT pits Mustang GT 5.0 against BMW M3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Convertible, Performance, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW, Specialty
Wiesmann MF5 Roadster - Click above for high-res image gallery
It's not easy to build a car without an engine. Shocking news, we know, but it has major ramifications for small boutique automakers that don't have the resources to design and manufacture powerplants of their own. One such company is Wiesmann, which has historically relied on engines from German automaker BMW.
As you may know, Wiesmann's top-level MF5 borrows the same V10 engine that BMW uses in its M5 and M6. As good a choice as any other, no? Problem is, those models are currently being phased out and production has just come to an end... and that includes those V10 engines we were just talking about.
And without an engine... well, you know the rest. It's not entirely clear what Wiesmann is going to do moving forward - and our trusty Google Translator is having a hard time deciphering exactly what our German source is trying to say - but it seems the specialty car company may either cancel its MF5 entirely or attempt to switch over to BMW's new twin-turbo V8. We'll see.
*Update: Wiesmann reports back the following: Yes we stop producing the MF5 with the V10 engine but we will not stop the MF5 model. We are currently in discussion which engine we will take. It will surely be BMW but the details have not been decided yet.
[Source: Focus.de]Report: Wiesmann MF5 exiting production as BMW V10 supply dries up *UPDATE originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Safety, Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Hyundai, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercedes-Benz
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has put a new crop of large luxury vehicles through its crash test gauntlet, and the Cadillac CTS and Infiniti M joined some impressive company in scoring a Top Safety Pick designation. The CTS and M clinched the highly regarded award by receiving the top score of "Good" in roof strength testing. To achieve the top score in rollover safety, a vehicle's roof has to be able to support four times the weight of the entire vehicle.
The Top Safety Pick designation is handed out only to vehicles that received a "Good" score for all four IIHS crash tests while also featuring standard stability control to help avoid accidents altogether. The Cadillac and Infiniti join the BMW 5 Series, Lincoln MKS, Volvo S80, Hyundai Genesis and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class as Top Safety Pick winners.
Since large luxury vehicles cost so much and contain so many safety features, it's not all that surprising that so many models aced IIHS testing. But not all vehicles passed the test with flying colors. The Lexus GS and Audi A6 managed only an "Acceptable" score in roof testing, while the aging Acura RL lagged behind the competition with a "Marginal" rating. Hit the jump to read over the IIHS presser.
[Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety]Continue reading Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS
Cadillac CTS, Infiniti M models earn Top Safety Pick status from IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, Europe, BMW, Luxury
G-Power M5 Hurricane RR - Click above for high-res image gallery
The mad scientists at G-Power have reworked the company's sinister M5 Hurricane into something even more impressive. Meet the M5 Hurricane RR - an 800 horsepower beast that G-Power claims is the fastest sedan in the world. The company started by plopping a new set of superchargers onto the M5 sedan's already potent BMW V10. With a theoretical capacity of 900 horsepower, each belt-driven supercharger delivers air to a single bank of the engine. According to the tuner, this configuration allows for 25 percent more air to enter the combustion chamber. The engine's internals have been completely reworked and balanced to handle all of that extra boost as well.
All of that mojo is good for a top speed of 231 mph on track, which the company says makes their matte monster the fastest four-door extant. If lofty top-speed numbers aren't your bag of tricks, maybe acceleration figures are. G-Power says that 0-60 mph takes around 4.35 seconds and 0-120 mph clicks by in 9.5 seconds. Yep, that's pretty darn quick for a two-ton sedan. Even better, G-Power will be more than happy to convert any old BMW M5 into the beast you see above, all for the low, low price of $71,780 - plus donor M5. Hit the jump for the full press release.
[Source: G Power]Continue reading G-Power tuned BMW M5 World's Fastest Sedan with 231 mph top whack?
G-Power tuned BMW M5 World's Fastest Sedan with 231 mph top whack? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Aug 2010 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury
BMW Concept Gran Coupe - Click above for high-res image gallery
Not to be outdone by the likes of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, Porsche Panamera, Aston Martin Rapide or Audi A7, BMW will reportedly be building a production version of the Gran Coupe concept that debuted at this year's Beijing Motor Show. It may be a late arrival to the growing segment of swoopy luxury sedans, but BMW will indeed poise the Gran Coupe to offer just as much in the way of technology and refinement as the lot of its competitors.
Based on the next-generation 6 Series, the Gran Coupe is set to launch sometime in 2012 and will share its powertrains with what we're seeing in the 5, 6, and 7 Series BMWs, including a possible hybrid variant. Naturally, the production Gran Coupe will slot between the 5 and 7 Series in terms of size and price, and if the overall design doesn't change too much, it'll certainly be an attractive addition to the BMW lineup.
[Source: AutoWeek]BMW Gran Coupe reportedly go for launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, China, BMW, Design/Style, Luxury
Another day, another morsel for the rumor machine. The Bavarian obsessed crew over at M3 Post have caught wind of a report on Bimmer Today that suggests BMW will crank out yet another special edition version of the M3. Supposedly the car has been penned just for the Chinese market and is being built in honor of the year of the tiger. From what we understand, the car will feature a Fire Orange Metallic paint scheme borrowed from the heavenly M3 GTS. Throw in a handful of black accents, including a set of 19-inch rollers, and you've got yourself one very feline-themed coupe.
But wait, there's more. The interior will get unique Tiger Edition logos stitched into the headrests and slathered on the door sills. If the Bimmer Today post is on the money, BMW will only crank out 250 examples of the car. We're guessing that the package is mostly a dress-up ordeal as no details have surfaced about performance enhancements.
If you find yourself living in the U.S. and pining for this particular color scheme, fear not. We hear there's a chance that BMW might repurpose the same combination for a Great Pumpkin edition here in the States, complete with Linus from the popular Peanuts comic strip embroidered on the seats. Okay, not really, but with the recent rash of special-edition M3 models we've seen recently, you never know...
[Source: Bimmer Today via M3 Post | Image: Mittelbayerische Newspaper]BMW to celebrate Year of the Tiger with special edition M3? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 12 Aug 2010 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Spy Photos, Europe, Hatchback, BMW
2012 BMW 1 Series three-door - Click above for high-res image gallery
The next-generation BMW 1 Series three-door has been spotted again, this time on the streets of its hometown in Munich, Germany. Despite the swirlies covering all its details, it's clear that the basic shape, size and proportions of the new iteration aren't going to change much from the current model, which has never been offered in North America. We Yanks have only had the fortune of sampling the 1 Series in coupe and convertible form, though no one's complaining.
The headlamp clusters on this three-door 1 Series prototype appear to be sloped back and stretched along the top of the fender line like those on the new 5 Series. Similarly, the wider grille has been pushed forward to be flush with the bumper line below it. The profile shot also indicates that the hood now features the increasingly familiar clam-shell with side cut-lines and a higher arc to provide improved pedestrian protection.
Judging by the hood-to-cabin proportion of this prototype, it's also safe to say that the next 1 Series has not been converted to front-wheel drive (even though 80 percent of owners already think it is FWD) as BMW has indicated it might do with future smaller models. We expect the new 1 Series will debut sometime next year as a 2012 model, and until that time we have the high-performance 1 Series M Coupe to look forward to.
[Source: Carpix]Spy Shots: 2012 BMW 1 Series three-door caught in Munich originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW
BMW 1 Series M Coupe prototype on track - Click above to watch video after the jump
It's cool. We know you've already clicked past the jump and are well into watching one very lucky soul flog the snot out of a prototype of the oft-hyped BMW 1 Series M Coupe around the Ascari race track in Spain. We're not offended. For those of you who are unfortunate enough to have YouTube blocked at your place of employment, allow us to share what you're missing out on. The good people at M-Power somehow managed to secure a spot in the passenger seat of the second-coming of M during a hot lap. We're not talking some pansy parade through the chicanes, either. It's more of a kick the tail out, plop your foot onto the throttle and aim for the next curb sort of shindig.
If you're looking for any details on the car other than just how well it can rivet a smile to you face, odds are you're out of luck. Still, watching the little M blister around the course, we can't wait to get our grubby journo paws on the pint-size coupe. The biggest question in our minds? How is BMW going to keep the M3 sharp enough to stay ahead of its meaner younger sibling?
[Source: YouTube]Continue reading Video: Riding shotgun in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe
Video: Riding shotgun in the BMW 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Spy Photos, Sedan, Performance, BMW, Luxury
It's been almost three whole months since we last saw M5 spy shots, but someone from BMW decided to change that by leaving the slightly camo'ed M-powered sedan unattended in a parking lot. There isn't much more to note on the exterior, save for catching what could be the production wheels and their whopping Pirelli tires. But now there are shots of the interior and new items like the seats, shift knob and tachometer with the greatly reduced redline. Click the link for more photos, and get ready to see it in person soon.
[Source: 5Post]Spy Shots: BMW M5 and its bulging hood snapped again originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments - Filed under: Aftermarket, Sedan, Performance, BMW
BMW 5 Series by Hamann - Click above for high-res image gallery
The waiting game. A new round ensues for enthusiasts every time an automaker like BMW unveils a new product, a four-door sedan, especially. In the case of the 5 Series, what we're eagerly anticipating is the new M5. In the meantime, BMW has released its own line of M-Sport accessories and Alpina has joined the party with the new B5 Bi-Turbo. Now German tuning house Hamann has entered the fold with its own equipment list for the mid-size Bimmer.
The package consists of a new body kit, complete with a new front bumper incorporating an adjustable front lip spoiler and daytime running LEDs, side skirts, rear apron and diffuser and a pair of spoilers, along with 21-inch matte black alloys with contrasting polished rims, a 35-milimeter dropped suspension and a four-tip exhaust system. Carbon fiber and aluminum accessories are available for the interior, though details on Hamann's engine upgrade program have yet to be revealed. In the meantime you can check it out in the high-resolution image gallery below.
[Source: Hamann via CarScoop]Hamann fills the gap to the next M5 with custom BMW 5 Series originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments
Archive for the 'BMW' Category
Friday, November 6th, 2009
BMW, Rumormill, Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Coupe, Hybrid, Performance
Will the Vision EfficientDynamics Concept that BMW debuted at the Frankfurt Motor Show. According to Auto Express, the answer is yes, and the U.K. publication is projecting that the new green M1 will be ready for sale in 2012.
Naturally, the heart of this rumor-spec supercar is a hybrid powertrain. A turbocharged three-cylinder diesel engine displacing 1.5-liters would be used in conjunction with a pair of electric motors providing all-wheel drive capabilities. The run to 60 mph would theoretically take less than five seconds and top speed would reportedly be capped at 155 mph.
Other unique bits that were could potentially make it into production include active aerodynamic elements that allow for an excellent .22 coefficient of drag. An unknown source tells AE that the car's hybrid powertrain, dual clutch gearbox (pulled from the M3) .
If there's any truth to this rumor, the new eco-friendly M1 successor would be marketed as a rival to the Audi R8 and would potentially hit the market. We'll see.
Posted in World Cars, BMW, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Thursday, February 5th, 2009
Aftermarket, Concept Cars, Time Warp, Tuners, BMW
When BMW rolled out the new 6 Series coupe in 2003, it reconnected with a nameplate that had laid dormant for some 14 years. The original 6-Series, produced between 1976 and 1989, earned itself a cult following and iconic status, epitomized by the 635CSi. Some apparently feel that the current 6 doesn't pay enough homage to the original. The people at Racer X Design count themselves in that camp, and are evidently hoping there are more like-minded enthusiasts... with cash.
Racer X Design has caught our attention before with some arresting concepts, including the KC-427 and the RZ Formula. The RZ-M6, however, takes the existing 6 Series and retros it up a bit, in turn paying a bit of homage to BMW's own M1 Hommage concept. The modified body panels would also widen the coupe by an extra 50 mm, giving it a more aggressive stance to go along with the tribute styling. Of course, Racer X Design needs to attract some potential customers to bring the RZ-M6 to life, but it's already a few steps closer to reality than the studio's previous projects. Check it out in the gallery below and read the full press release after the jump.
Posted in World Cars, BMW, Concept Cars | No Comments »
Thursday, May 1st, 2008
Concept Cars, Sports/GTs, Euro, Supercars, BMW, Misc. Auto Shows
BMW's supercar icon, the M1, blew out the candles at the Concorso d'Eleganza at Villa d'Este this weekend. In honor of the car's thirtieth birthday, BMW rolled out the new BMW M1 Hommage, a concept/design study that pays tribute to the original M1 and shows what could be possible if BMW were to produce a new mid-engined sports car. Follow the jump for the breakdown.
[Source: BMW]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, BMW, Concept Cars, Supercars | No Comments »
Thursday, August 30th, 2007
Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Coupes, Sports/GTs, Etc., BMW
The Wiesmann GT is about to get a mad, bad engine to match its mad, bad looks. Available since inception with BMW's 362 HP V8 that gets it to the six-oh in 4.6, the niche maker from Muenster is said to be considering a variant that hides the M-edition five-liter V10. If Wiesmann didn't alter the car in any way, it would be an instant boost of 148 HP for a car that weighs quite a bit less than 3,000 pounds. That would raise its performance -- and its handling -- from 'more than adequate' to 'absolute nutter.' There's a chance the car could do its first meet-and-greet at the Frankfurt Auto Show next month.
[Source: Motor Authority]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Sport Cars, Automotive News, BMW | No Comments »
Monday, August 27th, 2007
Filed under: Green, BMW
BMW has found another way to tweak mileage and CO2 output levels through its Efficient Dynamics program. In this case, its efforts were spent on a revised gearbox for the Z4. While past efforts have included the adoption of formerly hybrid-only technology like regenerative braking, an Automatic Engine Start/Stop System, and even full-on hybrid research, this latest move is a lot more conventional.
The technology being shown on the Z4 illustrate how little changes can add up when combined. By using a new, more efficient rear transaxle, the Z4 is able to record lower CO2 emissions levels and better economy. The improvements can be seen on all six-cylinder Z4s except the Z4 M, with a typical improvement of 1-2 percent across the board. Again, it's not much, but definitely a move in the right direction. Four cylinder cars get other changes to their engines that result in similar improvements. All of these eco tweaks will go into effect on cars being produced starting next month.
[Source: Autocar]
Posted in World Cars, Passenger Cars, Automotive News, BMW | No Comments »
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg)
