Following the official pictures and details of the all-new 2013 BMW M6, here’s some more pics of this unbelievably handsome car for your viewing pleasure.

Before you start drooling all over it, however, let’s have a quick recap of what this car is all about. The new M6 is very good-looking, we’ve already said that a thousand times, but it’s also got substance.

The car is powered by a 4.4 liter bi-turbo v8, which in spite of its massive 560hp and maximum torque of 500 lb-ft (680 Nm), manages to average just below 10 liter/100 km in terms of fuel economy. That’s very impressive, especially when the car can do 0 to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds for the coupe and 4.3 seconds for the convertible.

The new M6 is also fitted with all kind of electronic and mechanical high-tech stuff to help you get the best of its power. It comes with a especially calibrated M seven-speed DSG transmission, and  the latest DSC system, plus an active M differential at the back.

All in all, a very perfect Grand tourer.

BMW is stepping up its downsizing game by putting a three-cylinder engine in the 3-series saloon.

Next couple of years is when you can expect to see a 3-cylinder 3er on the market, according to BMW’s head of engine development, Peter Nefischer. That’s the best they can do to keep the internal combustion engine without sullying it with hybrids and stuff.

At this point you might be thinking such car won’t move, but the 3-Cylinder engine BMW is proposing for the 3-series will come with all sort of features like turbochargers and fancy injectors to deliver satisfying performance. Otherwise, no body would fall for it just because it burns less fuel.

It’s unlikely for this model to get a hybrid system to help it, as BMW is reserving its hybrd technologies for six-cylinder petrol models.

via: Whatcar

]]> http://www.motorward.com/2012/02/bmw-3-series-to-get-3-cylinder-engine/feed/ 0 http://www.motorward.com/2012/02/2013-bmw-m6-officially-unveiled/ http://www.motorward.com/2012/02/2013-bmw-m6-officially-unveiled/#comments Sun, 12 Feb 2012 07:43:33 +0000 Arman Barari http://www.motorward.com/?p=31155

BMW decided to reveal the new M6 coupe and cabrio over the weekend, so it’d have all the media’s attention to itself.

Set for debut at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, the new 2013 BMW M6 is such a stunner. Based on the current 6 Series, which is one of the best looking coupes in the market, the M6 gets the usual M treatment of added power and style, but you have to say, it is the most tastefully done M car possibly ever.

It is a very perfect car and really hard to fault. The new M6 makes Mercedes job harder with the new SL63 AMG. It has to be something unbelievably good to match this M6, and even if it is, we’re not sure it’ll look just as good as the Bimmer.

In both coupe and convertible form, the new M6 boasts a magnificent design which is the result of some subtle, yet effective, changes over the normal models.

They include three-section, strikingly modelled lower air intake with aerodynamically optimised flaps; new M kidney grille with black double slats; flared wheel arches; hallmark M gills with integrated direction indicator bars; aerodynamically optimised exterior mirrors and side skirts; BMW Individual High-gloss Shadow Line; exposed reflectors below the rear lights; aerodynamically optimised rear apron with diffuser between the right and left-hand pair of twin exhaust tailpipes; 19-inch (standard) or   20-inch (optional) forged M light-alloy wheels, each with a distinctive interpretation of the familiar M double-spoke design.

The design manages to be elegant and sporty, and that’s a hard trick to pull.

We also love what they’ve done to the interior. It is still very BMWish with lots of button and a rather unfathomable iDrive system, but the new steering wheel that harks back to the old Bimmers, and the carbon fiber package, make it such a nice place to be in.

Other features of the M6 cabin includes: M gear selector and car set-up controls on the model-specific centre console; exclusive M sports seats with integrated belt system (optional: M multifunction seats); Merino leather upholstery with extended features; exclusive carbon-fibre interior trim strips; illuminated door sill finishers with model lettering; M-specific instrument cluster with black-panel technology; 2-zone automatic climate control with extended features, ambient lighting.

As for the engine, the new M6 gets the same 4.4 liter biturbo V8 as in the BMW M5 F10. It makes 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm and maximum torque: 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm; maximum engine speed: 7,200 rpm. Performance is, as you’d expect, awesome. Check out these numbers:

Acceleration: 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds (BMW M6 Coupe) or 4.3 seconds (BMW M6 Convertible); 0–200 km/h (124 mph) in 12.6 (13.1) seconds; electronically governed top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph) or 305 km/h (189 mph) with M Driver’s Package.

That’s, to all intents and purposes, super car performance. Yet, the fuel economy is a very respectable 9.9 litres per 100 km / 28.5 mpg imp (BMW M6 Coupe) and 10.3 litres per 100 km / 27.4 mpg imp (BMW M6 Convertible). That’s because the M6 comes with Auto Start-Stop function and further Efficient Dynamics technology as standard.

The car features a special M-calibrated seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic; Launch Control and Low Speed Assistance; and an active M differential. What’s more, it features M-specific Dynamic Damper Control as standard; DSC stability control incl. M Dynamic Mode and M Servotronic steering.

I know they sound like a bunch of meaningless acronyms to most of you, but if you’ve ever driven an M car with those system, you’d know they make a huge difference in the feel and performance of the car.

With all the attention paid to the new M6′s performance and technicality, you might imagine BMW has skimped on luxury and comfort. Not so. The car comes with every luxury amenities the standard 6-series is blessed with, and then some.

The list includes adaptive LED Headlights fitted as standard, extensive range of BMW ConnectedDrive features, some unmatched by any rival: BMW Head-Up Display with M-specific information, High Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, rear-view camera, Surround View, Speed Limit Info, internet access, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real-Time Traffic Information and apps for receiving web radio and using Facebook and Twitter.

There is also an options list by which you can spec up your car further. It offers Comfort Access, active seats, heated steering wheel, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, Navigation system Professional, Bang & Olufsen High- End Surround Sound System.

BMW USA revealed pricing of the new 6-Series Gran Coupe for the American market, where it starts at $76,895.

That is the base price for the 640i model, and includes a $895 Destination and Handling Charge.

BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe launches in the States with the 6-cylinder 640i, but later in the year the V8-powered 650i will be joining the range, and a bit later than that, the super sport M6 Gran Coupe. There will also be xDrive four-wheel-drive versions of the car available.

The 640 might be a 6-cylinder, but it’s quite a car. The lavish four-door coupe is powered by the N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder engine with 225 kW/315 hp at 5,800 to 6,000 rpm and high peak torque of 330 lb-ft. It has a 0 to 62 mph (0-100km/h) sprint time of just 5.4 seconds. Top speed is electronically governed at 155 mph (250 km/h). Fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is rated at 7.8 l/100km (30.1 mpg). EPA fuel economy ratings will be available closer to the on-sale date in the USA.

]]> http://www.motorward.com/2012/02/bmw-6-series-gran-coupe-priced-at-76895/feed/ 0 http://www.motorward.com/2012/02/2012-bmw-3-series-uk-price-and-specs/ http://www.motorward.com/2012/02/2012-bmw-3-series-uk-price-and-specs/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:58:54 +0000 Arman Barari http://www.motorward.com/?p=30959

The new BMW 3 Series will be available in the UK in four versions, starting from £28,080.

For that price you can get the BMW 320d Saloon or the same car with EfficientDynamics system. They are both the same, but the EfficientDynamics model makes about 20 less horsepower. On the upside it does very nearly 70mpg.

The new 3er is lighter, quicker, more spacious, and more interesting to look at than the old model. We can’t say it’s very pretty, but it’s really not bad either. The 3 series have always been the benchmark in handling and driving fun, and it still holds the torch.

Pricing and tech specs:

*Electronically limited.

All versions of the new 3 Series Saloon feature Drive Performance Control as standard – a switch which allows the driver to swap between up to four driving modes, varying from sporty to extremely economical. The four modes are ECO PRO, Comfort, Sport, and Sport + (Sport + is included only on Sport models or with selected optional equipment). In ECO PRO, the throttle mapping changes so that a firmer push of the accelerator pedal is needed to extract the power that is delivered with a lighter touch in the other three modes, thus encouraging a more economical driving style. ECO PRO also alters the manual gearshift points advised by the Optimum Shift Indicator, modifies the gearshift strategy on models with automatic transmission and even adjusts the power consumption of features such as the climate control and heated mirrors and seats.

Features and equipments: (In UK the new 3 series is available in ES, SE and, later in 2012, M Sport versions)

Standard equipment include 17-inch light alloy wheels, automatic air-conditioning, Bluetooth, BMW Professional radio with 6.5-inch colour screen and iDrive, keyless starting, USB, a multi-function leather steering wheel, cruise control and automatic boot opening.

SE is available with all engines except the 335i, and adds, among other things, different alloy wheels, rear Park Distance Control, two-zone air conditioning and a rain sensor with automatic light activation, for a premium of £850. Sport and Modern versions are priced £1,000 above the equivalent SE, while the difference between SE and Luxury is £2,500.

M Sport will have lowered and stiffened sports suspension, unique aerodynamic body styling and ride on 18-inch M light alloy wheels. The interior will be trimmed in Aluminium Hexagon with a Blue finisher. The sport seats will be covered with Dakota leather, and the door finishers, steering wheel and shortened gearshift will reflect the car’s position as the sportiest 3 Series Saloon model. Prices will be announced nearer the 2012 on-sale date.

Options:

Many of the items on offer are new to the vehicle and include Park Assist, which allows the car to parallel park itself, with the driver controlling the accelerator and brake. A Reversing Assist camera and Surround-view cameras, which even let the driver see the car from above and the sides can also be chosen. Practicality can also be increased with a new 40:20:40 split-folding rear-seat option.

New safety options include a full-colour Head-up Display which shows current speed limits, the car’s current speed and turn-by-turn instructions when a BMW navigation system is fitted. Dynamic Safety is another feature offered which tensions the seat belts and closes any open windows or the sunroof (if fitted and open) if an accident seems imminent.

Internet access to certain services via the owner’s mobile telephone and BMW’s new Real Time Traffic Information service, which delivers faster, more accurate warnings of traffic hold-ups and even offers suggestions on how to avoid them, are among the media services available as part of BMW ConnectedDrive. Many of these features will be packaged to offer new 3 Series Saloon buyers related and desirable options at value prices.

Sometimes the simplest idea is the best. Take this new BMW 1M Coupe commercial. BMW could have gone to enormous length explaining the car’s perfect weight distribution, which results in great balance, by showing insane tricks or boring technical presentations. Instead they came up with this neat idea. Check it out after the jump. Much props!

It’s like BMW USA forgot to make some ads for the new 3-Series in time, so when they remembered they just went mad and released six spots together. Two of these commercials will be aired during Super Bowl XLVI in certain regions, but none of them is likely to win the best ad award. Although they’re aimed at the American public, the ads are quite German. Even the humor is German. But they do a good job boasting the car’s great new features.

BMW Motorsport revealed the official livery for the second BMW M3 DTM they will be running at this year’s DTM championship.

BMW will return to DTM in 2012 with six M3s. The first car, of course, has the official BMW Racing colors for its livery. This green and blue livery is for the car sponsored by Castrol EDGE and Aral Ultimate. This marks an extension of the existing, long-term partnership between Castrol and BMW Motorsport, and sees Aral Ultimate presented as partner of BMW Motorsport in the DTM.

If you don’t like this one, don’t despair. There’s four other M3′s that might sport a cooler livery.

“For many years we have put our faith in high-performance Castrol lubricants, and have celebrated countless successes together on the racetrack,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “For that reason, everyone here at BMW Motorsport is delighted that we are able to build on this established partnership in the DTM. Castrol EDGE and Aral Ultimate are high-performance brands, which suit our DTM project perfectly.”

Michael Hansen, CEO Deutsche Castrol Vertriebsgesellschaft, said: “The DTM is one of the most spectacular racing series worldwide and pushes the drivers, teams and cars to the very limit. It is because of these high-performance demands that we research and develop our products through the extremes of motorsport. Together with our long-term partner BMW Motorsport, we are looking forward to the challenges ahead and will do everything in our power to ensure that BMW is able to triumph in the DTM as they did in the past.”

“The DTM cars have been using our Aral Ultimate high-performance fuel since 2005,” added Jürgen Blömers, Marketing Director Rhine at Aral. “It will obviously be very exciting to see how the BMW M3 DTM performs in its first season. Whatever happens we are convinced that the return of BMW to the DTM will make the series even more exciting and attractive for the fans. It is a logical step for Aral to be involved as a partner of BMW Motorsport.”

Granted, there’s nothing new about the face-lifted BMW X6M apart from a slightly revised grille and LED headlamps, but it is still a very impressive car and we wouldn’t mind taking another look at it. The looks have not changed, but the engine… well, that’s not changed either. Again, it’s a good one, why change it. It makes 555-hp, and enough torque to make the earth spin backwards very quickly indeed.

So BMW actually did us all a favor keeping the new X6M intact. It’s not like they’ve been lazy!

Senner Tuning released the story of a good old BMW Z8 they just finished working on.

The Z8 first appeared in 2000 a modern-day take on classic BMW roadsters, namely the 507. The ingredients were amazing. A retro-looking two-seater roadster body and a 400-hp V8 from the M5 E39 sounded like quite a recipe.

Unfortunately, the end result turned out to be a bit of mess. The Z8 never felt like a proper sportscar, and it was too hard and edgy to be a true boulevard cruiser either. It was a bad compromise. Then BMW tuner Alpina decided to have a go at it, and made a number of tuned versions with automatic gearbox and revised suspension, which were a bit better but not brilliant.

Eventually BMW killed off the Z8 in 2003, having built 5,703 units of it. Now one of them has been at Senner garage for some refinements.

The tuner kindly provides the car a high-end exhaust system that adds 50hp to its output, letting it sail past the 300km/h mark. Then they fitted it with coilover suspension Variant 2 Inox-Line with an adjustable rebound, and a set of Work Schwert SC1 wheels in Diamond Black varnish with an anodized 9×19 and 10×19 inch chrome outer rims, and Continental Sport Contact 5P 255/40R19 and 285/35R19 tires.

These changes have cost € 18,900.

The hybrid version of the BMW 5-Series F10 – known simply as the ActiveHybrid 5 – will hit the American market from March, starting at $61,845.

Now, nearly a grand of that is for destination charge and stuff, but still that’s a big price for 5er. To give you some perspective on how big, a normal 535i costs very nearly $10,000 less.

On the upside, the Activehybid will deliver much greater fuel economy (EPA rating yet to be announced), and much less CO2. The car is powered by a sophisticated hybrid system consisting of a 3.0L turbocharged, inline-six engine with 300-hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, and an electric motor with 54-hp and 155 lb-ft of torque.

That means a combined output of 335-hp and 330 lb-ft of torque which is channeled to the rear wheels through a new 8-speed automatic transmission. It propels the car from 0 to 60mph in 5.7 seconds. In electric mode you can drive for abut 2.5 miles with top speed of 37mph.

It’s all good, but a normal diesel will do better both performance and economy-wise. It’s just the CO2 issue. Pity.

The launch of the new face-lifted BMW X6 is kind of overshadowed by the M Performance Automobiles. Still, the new X6M is not a car you take for granted.

As minor the changes are on the new X6, they are even less significant on the X6M. The car looks basically the same as the current model. It does get a revised, bolder front grille, and new LED lights, but they don’t really make a difference.

Same goes for the interior. Everything remain the same, but you do get new colors for the leather upholstery. You also get the latest BMW ConectedDrive features with a range of electronic stuff for safety, connectivity and entertainment.

The engine, obviously, is the same as well. A 4.4 liter bi-turbo V8 developing 555hp and 680 Nm of torque. It does not get the new 8-speed transmission, however, because the M engine works best with the 6-speed Sport automatic transmission tailored for it.

Performance-wise, the X6M does 0 to 100km/h in slightly over 4.5 seconds and tops out at 250km/h (limited). One thing that won’t stay the same will be probably be the price tag. It is yet to be confirmed but expect it to be a few grand more than the outgoing model.

It’s highly unlikely that you are already bored with your new BMW M5. But if you are, PP-Performance has just the kit to liven things up a bit.

They do that using the magic of electronics. By refining the M5′s 4.4 liter V8′s ECU, PP manages to extract another 60 horses, driving the power output from the standard 560hp and 680 Nm of torque, to 620hp and 750 Nm.

That won’t have that big an effect on the car’s performance, it’ll probably shave a few tenths of a second off its 0 to 100km/h sprint time. But then it’s those tenth of seconds that are crucial in a drag race.

The 620hp kit is the stage I of German tuner’s program for the M5F10, and it’s priced at a very reasonable 3,499 euros. They do have a stage II in the works with… God knows how much horsepower.

via BMWblog

This is the new BMW X6 Facelift, and at first glance it’s hard to see what’s been lifted.

Look closer though, and you might  notice the  fog lights now set in matt finish surrounds in the upper area of the outer air inlets, revised kidney grille, optional adaptive LED headlamps (standard on X6M),and LED rear lights. There’s also a couple of new wheels and colors.

BMW’s justifications is probably why change something that works, and they do have a point there.

As for the interior, standard leather trim Nevada is now also available in the colour Vermilion Red. The exclusive nappa leather option with extended features now includes a choice between the colours Black and Ebony White. The new BMW X6 is offered as standard as a four-seater model.

A three-seater rear bench is optionally available. The luggage compartment volume of the Sports Activity Coupe is 570 litres and can be extended to up to 1,450 litres by folding down the rear backrests.

Engine-wise, the BMW X6 xDrive50i gets a V8 that delivers 300 kW/407 bhp, which is brilliant. But if you don’t need all that power, there’s the xDrive35i an in-line 6-cylinder petrol engine with 225 kW/306 bhp.

Are you a fan of diesel? No problem. You can choose between the xDrive40d and xDrive30d with 225 kW/306 bhp and 180 kW/245 bhp respectively. Or, you can go for the full-fat diesel engine, the 380 bhp tri-turbo diesel with the BMW X6 M50d model.

If you are mad though, BMW still offers the X6M version as well, powered by a bi-turbo 4.4 liter V8 developing 555 hp.

BMW intelligent four-wheel-drive and 8-speed sports transmission including shift paddles at the steering wheel are standard on all models, except for the X6Mm which gets a 6-speed M gearbox. Adaptive Drive is standard in the BMW X6 M50d and the BMW X6 M and comes with electronically controlled dampers and roll stabilisation, but they don’t get the Active Steering system.

As for the exciting features, the new X6 gets BMW Head-Up-Display, Lane Departure Warning (not for the BMW X6 M50d and the BMW X6 M), Speed Limit Info, Side View and Rear View camera with Top View, and a top-notch infotainment system to keep you connected and entertained at all times.

Joining the BMW M550d in the new M Performance Automobiles range are the new X5 M50d and X6 M50d super diesel SUVs.

These cars get the same engine as the M550d super saloon, a 3.0 liter in-line six-cylinder diesel with 280 kW/381 hp, and maximum torque: 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft). They are a tad slower than the sedan though, with the X5 hitting 100km/h in 5.4 seconds and the X6 in 5.3. both have a limited top speed of 250km/h.

As for the fuel economy, the X5 M50d does 7.5 litres/100 kilometres (37.7 mpg imp), and the X6 7.7 litres/100 kilometres (36.7 mpg imp). CO2 emissions are 199 and 204 g/km respectively.

Both cars are capable SUVs, featuring air suspension on the rear axle and self-levelling, and Adaptive Drive standard on the BMW X6 M50d and available as an option for the
BMW X5 M50d. 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design standard on the BMW X5 M50d; 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design standard on the BMW X6 M50d; exclusive 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey available as an option for all models.

All models including the 5-Series get a bespoke interior as well, with gearshift lever with M logo; exclusive Alcantara/Nappa leather M sports seats in Black (BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d) or Alcantara/Cloth in Grey Shadow (BMW M550d xDrive) with contrast stitching and embossed M logo; M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles; BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite; interior trim strips in Brushed Aluminium Shadow (BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d) or Aluminium Hexagon (BMW M550d xDrive); interior sound design adds further emphasis to the characteristic six-cylinder soundtrack.

As for the price, BMW X5 M50d costs 82 300 EUR and the BMW X6 M50d 85 800 EUR.

All BMW M Performance Automobiles contain a wide range of comfort-enhancing equipment as standard; extensive individualisation possible thanks to virtually full availability of BMW 5 Series, BMW X5 and BMW X6 options; includes Comfort Access, automatic tailgate operation (standard in Germany on the BMW X6 M50d and BMW M550d xDrive Touring), hands-free tailgate opening (BMW M550d xDrive, BMW M550d xDrive Touring), electrically operated glass/panoramic sunroof, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, trailer coupling, heated steering wheel, active seats, Adaptive LED Headlights (BMW X6 M50d), navigation systems with hard disk storage, high-quality audio and rear-seat entertainment systems.

Wide range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive unmatched by any rival: Head-Up Display, Adaptive Headlights, High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition (BMW M550d xDrive), Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Change Warning System (BMW M550d xDrive), Lane Departure Warning System (BMW M550d xDrive), rear-view camera with Top View (BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d), Surround View (BMW 550d xDrive), Speed Limit Info, internet access, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real-Time Traffic Information and apps for receiving web radio and using Facebook and Twitter.

BMW’s new M Performance Automobiles releases the first batch of its super diesel models, starting with the M550d xDrive in both sedan and wagon guises.

This is, to all intents and purposes, the most perfect car in the world. It doesn’t lack anything. It’s got four doors, plenty of space, good looks, a powerful yet efficient engine, plenty of gadgets, and the coolness of BMW’s badge and driving sensation. Get it in wagon form and there’s no situation you can think of which this car can’t handle.

The power comes from a 3.0 liter six-cylinder in-line diesel engine featuring three turbochargers, common-rail direct injection with piezo injectors and maximum injection pressure of 2,200 bar. The result of all that is an output of 280 kW/381 hp,with maximum torque: 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft).

It does 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, and yet averages almost 50 mpg!

It also gets BMW EfficientDynamics technology, including Auto Start-Stop function and ECO PRO mode. The M550d shares this engine with the other cars of the M Performance series, the X5 and X6. Other features of this amazing car includes M-tuned suspension, xDrive AWD system, and the Driving Experience Control switch, including ECO PRO mode.

The only downer is the price, which is 80 800 EUR for the sedan, and 83 750 EUR for the touring. It’s a very complete car, but that still sounds like a lot for what’s, at the end of the day, a 5-Series.

Specs:

• Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.7 seconds,
• top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
• average fuel consumption: 6.3 litres/100 kilometres (44.8 mpg imp),
• CO2 emissions: 165 g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.
• BMW M550d xDrive Touring:
• Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h (62 mph)]: 4.9 seconds,
• top speed: 250 km/h (155 mph),
• average fuel consumption: 6.4 litres/100 kilometres (44.1 mpg imp),
• CO2 emissions: 169 g/km, exhaust standard: EU6.

All BMW M Performance Automobiles contain a wide range of comfort-enhancing equipment as standard; extensive individualisation possible thanks to virtually full availability of BMW 5 Series, BMW X5 and BMW X6 options; includes Comfort Access, automatic tailgate operation (standard in Germany on the BMW X6 M50d and BMW M550d xDrive Touring), hands-free tailgate opening (BMW M550d xDrive, BMW M550d xDrive Touring), electrically operated glass/panoramic sunroof, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, trailer coupling, heated steering wheel, active seats, Adaptive LED Headlights (BMW X6 M50d), navigation systems with hard disk storage, high-quality audio and rear-seat entertainment systems.

Wide range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive unmatched by any rival: Head-Up Display, Adaptive Headlights, High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian recognition (BMW M550d xDrive), Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, Lane Change Warning System (BMW M550d xDrive), Lane Departure Warning System (BMW M550d xDrive), rear-view camera with Top View (BMW X5 M50d, BMW X6 M50d), Surround View (BMW 550d xDrive), Speed Limit Info, internet access, extended integration of smartphones and music players, Real-Time Traffic Information and apps for receiving web radio and using Facebook and Twitter.

The next big thing from BMW, at least until after Geneva Motor Show, will be the launch of the new M6.

The new BMW M6, as it’s abundantly clear by now, will be powered by the same 552bhp 4.4 liter V8 engine that you find in the F10 M5. It will also get the same sort of rear-drive chassis and transmission.

But, the new M6 is said to be a much more focused car than the current model. It will be lighter, thanks to a generous use of carbon fiber, lightweight alloy wheels, and even carbon-ceramic brakes. It seems the M6 is turning from a long-distance cruiser into a full-blooded sports car.

BMW M division doesn’t think so. Despite the fact that the new M6 is harder and sportier than the old model, they say it is still a comfortable grand tourer for everyday use. If anything, it gets a bit closer to the supercar BMW always wanted the M6 to be.

That – a bespoke sports car like Mercedes SLS – is what the M division desperately wants to make. They have the expertise and there’s definitely a market for an M supercar, but BMW is yet to greenlight the project.

via: Autocar

These days driving a huge SUV, especially one as showy as BMW X6M, with massive wheels and carbon parts, is considered as seriously uncool. People will say bad things about you. But as a petrolhead, you can’t deny the huge appeal of such car. I mean looking at this Vorsteiner BMW X6M – those superb wheels, the vented bonnet, carbon spoilers and tinted windows – I can’t help but want one, quite badly. I know I shouldn’t, but I do!

BMW released a new video demonstrating its Connected Drive highly automated driving mode in action. They’ve been working on this for many years, and they seem to be very close now to the ideal concept, which is flicking a switch and leaving the car to do the job of driving. Couple of years ago they showed us a BMW 3-Series with such system. That could follow a path you’ve already driven with great accuracy. They are now testing it in a 5-Series in real world conditions.

Great, but last time we checked BMWs were all about the driving sensation. Making them autonomous kinda spoils the point of having a BMW in the first place.

We’re still marveling at the new 6-Series Gran Coupe, but already people have started speculating about the the next member of BMW’s Gran Coupe family, the 4-Series.

The 4-Series itself is yet to make its official debut as a new BMW model, and it probably won’t be doing so in the next two years. When it finally arrives though, it’ll spawn a Gran Coupe variant, which might look like what you see here in this rendering. It’s based on the new 5er, but it’s the face of it that matters, and in that terms it looks like a properly beautiful BMW.

Sure, by the time the 4 Series hit the market to compete with cars like Audi A5 Sportback and Mercedes’ upcoming BLS, the rivals have already established themselves, but the 6-series Gran Coupe is also late to the game, and no body seems to really care about that.

It is expected to steal a big chunk of the market from Mercedes CLS, which for years has been the king of this class.

via: BMWblog