BMW 5-Series F10 gets the Black Bison Makeover from Wald International

We knew it wouldn’t be long before Wald International, one of Japan’s most well-known styling houses, released its program for the latest BMW 5-Series sedan, codenamed F10.

The Japanese tuner’s Black Edition Sports Line BMW 5-Series comes with an assortment of aero body pieces made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic.

Read more »

2012 BMW M5 revealed

BMW has taken the wraps off its new M5 which, unsurprisingly, is virtually identical to the Concept M5 that was seen at April’s Shanghai motor show.

As was revealed then, the 2012 F10 M5 gets a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 instead of the 5.0 litre normally-aspirated V10 unit that powered its E60 M5 predecessor.



With Twin Scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic variable valve control, the new engine generates 552 bhp (412 kW / 560 PS). Peak torque is a substantial 680 Nm (502 lb/ft), which crucially is available from just 1,500 rpm.



Although there have been rumours that North American variants might get a manual transmission, for now drive to the rear wheels is via a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. This comes with various driver aids including low-speed assistance, traction-optimised automatic gear selection and launch control.

The result of all that is a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), although this rises to 190 mph (305 km/h) with the M Driver’s Package. Don’t expect it to take too long for an aftermarket tuner to crack the magic 200 mph (321 km/h) barrier.



Even the M5 benefits from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme, and the new model arrives complete with fuel-saving devices such as a stop-start function and brake energy regeneration. They undoubtedly help to achieve a fairly respectable combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 28.5 mpg (9.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.

To put those figures into perspective, the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon is down on power compared to the BMW, making do with 517 bhp (386 kW / 525 PS) and 630 Nm (464 lb/ft). That deficit isn’t really reflected in the performance figures though, as 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes 4.5 seconds and the AMG has the same limited top speed as the M5. However, economy is where the Mercedes really loses out, as it manages only 22.4 mpg (12.6 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 295 g/km.



The new M5’s chassis features specially recalibrated suspension with Dynamic Damper Control, DSC stability control with M Dynamic Mode, M Servotronic steering and an Active M Differential for the rear axle which is there to maximise traction.



Naturally, being an M5, the driver gets the opportunity to fiddle with a multitude of settings before the car even turns a wheel. For instance, there’s the gearshift program, steering response, traction control mode, accelerator sensitivity and dynamic damper firmness to choose. To help simplify things a little though, two set-ups can be memorised and then recalled using the steering wheel-mounted M Drive buttons.

Available from November 2011, the UK price for the new BMW M5 has been set at £73,040 on the road. By a very strange coincidence, that just undercuts the E 63 AMG Saloon, which costs £73,465.



Cheaper than both though, and a slightly left-field alternative, is the £71,950 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo.



Related posts:

BMW Concept M5

Alpina B5 UK sales start

2012 BMW M5 revealed

BMW has taken the wraps off its new M5 which, unsurprisingly, is virtually identical to the Concept M5 that was seen at April’s Shanghai motor show.

As was revealed then, the 2012 F10 M5 gets a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 instead of the 5.0 litre normally-aspirated V10 unit that powered its E60 M5 predecessor.



With Twin Scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic variable valve control, the new engine generates 552 bhp (412 kW / 560 PS). Peak torque is a substantial 680 Nm (502 lb/ft), which crucially is available from just 1,500 rpm.



Although there have been rumours that North American variants might get a manual transmission, for now drive to the rear wheels is via a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. This comes with various driver aids including low-speed assistance, traction-optimised automatic gear selection and launch control.

The result of all that is a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), although this rises to 190 mph (305 km/h) with the M Driver’s Package. Don’t expect it to take too long for an aftermarket tuner to crack the magic 200 mph (321 km/h) barrier.



Even the M5 benefits from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme, and the new model arrives complete with fuel-saving devices such as a stop-start function and brake energy regeneration. They undoubtedly help to achieve a fairly respectable combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 28.5 mpg (9.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.

To put those figures into perspective, the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon is down on power compared to the BMW, making do with 517 bhp (386 kW / 525 PS) and 630 Nm (464 lb/ft). That deficit isn’t really reflected in the performance figures though, as 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes 4.5 seconds and the AMG has the same limited top speed as the M5. However, economy is where the Mercedes really loses out, as it manages only 22.4 mpg (12.6 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 295 g/km.



The new M5’s chassis features specially recalibrated suspension with Dynamic Damper Control, DSC stability control with M Dynamic Mode, M Servotronic steering and an Active M Differential for the rear axle which is there to maximise traction.



Naturally, being an M5, the driver gets the opportunity to fiddle with a multitude of settings before the car even turns a wheel. For instance, there’s the gearshift program, steering response, traction control mode, accelerator sensitivity and dynamic damper firmness to choose. To help simplify things a little though, two set-ups can be memorised and then recalled using the steering wheel-mounted M Drive buttons.

Available from November 2011, the UK price for the new BMW M5 has been set at £73,040 on the road. By a very strange coincidence, that just undercuts the E 63 AMG Saloon, which costs £73,465.



Cheaper than both though, and a slightly left-field alternative, is the £71,950 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo.



Related posts:

BMW Concept M5

Alpina B5 UK sales start

BMW Fans Imagine New 1-Series Coupe, Cabrio and M Models

The all-new BMW 1-Series five-door hatchback has only just been announced, yet bimmer enthusiasts are already dreaming up the car’s future lineup. Some of the more talented individuals went one step further drawing up renderings of the Coupe and Convertible models, which as we recently reported, may or may not carry the 2-Series sticker as part of broader change in names, and even a three-door hatchback with the famed M badge.

Follow the break to check out the creative work of the members of Bimmerpost and leave your thoughts below.

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BMW Officially Lifts the Veil on 2012 M5 with 560HP V8 Turbo [154 High-Res Photos]

With the first photos of the all-new 2012 M5 making the internet rounds since the early hours of Wednesday morning, BMW decided to lift the embargo and officially present the fifth generation of its high-performance saloon.

As with all previous M5s since the introduction of the first generation model back in 1984, the most important highlight of the car is tucked away behind the double kidney grilles. This time, BMW’s M division opted for a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that replaces the previous M5’s more exotic but less powerful, naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V10 with 507HP.

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2012 BMW M5: First Official Photos Leak on the Internet

These are the first official pictures of the all-new BMW M5. It is based on the latest generation of the 5-Series, the F10, and boasts all the visual cues that you expect from a car that has been honed by BMW’s famous M-division: namely huge air intakes in the front bumper, side vents in the front wings bearing the M-logo, 20-inch wheels with 265/35 front and 295/30 rear ZR-rated tires, and twin tailpipes at either end of the rear diffuser.

As anticipated, the new model breaks with tradition by using a twin-turbocharged V8 (the outgoing M5 had a V10 and the one before that a V8, with the previous versions making do with in-line straight sixes, all naturally aspirated) sourced from the X5 M and X6 M.

Losing two cylinders and gaining two turbochargers seems like a fair trade, though, since the new M5’s output is up by 45 hp, from 507 to 552, and, more importantly, maximum torque has risen from 383 to 501 lb-ft (53,0 to 69,4 kgm).

Read more »

great photos on Hellformotors tumblr

You don't need me to tell you it's the Galpin Ford sponsored "Back Up Pick Up" unusual wheelstander, but you can't read that this is Lions in 1971
Briggs Cunningham at Le Mans 1950. Who is Briggs? race car driver and museum owner, and a sports car legend as he was one of the first in the 1950's to go all the way to try and win the European races as an American, like Reventon did after him, and Shelby after Reventon http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2011/03/le-monster-of-briggs-cunningham.html
From the movie "The Quest" http://justacarguy.blogspot.com/2011/05/this-is-something-you-really-ought-to.html



http://hellformotors.tumblr.com for many more interesting and variety of wide range photos of race cars

BMW Rumored to Rename New 1- and 3-Series Coupes into 2- and 4-Series. What Do You Say?

Citing unnamed sources from within the brand, Britain’s Car Magazine reported on Tuesday that BMW is seriously entertaining the idea of renaming the next generation of its two-door 1- and 3-Series models into the 2- and 4-Series respectively.

The new badges would be applied on the two-door coupe and convertible as well as the sportier GT fastback models of the future 1- and 3-Series lineup.

As some of you may recall, this is not the first time that BMW has toyed around with the thought of turning the 3-Series coupe and convertible into the 4-Series, with the Bavarian company coming very close to executing the idea in the beginning of the new millennium.

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BMW Crafts Special 760Li Individual Limos for The Charles Hotel in Munich

The guests at The Charles Hotel in Munich, Germany, can now savor the services of BMW’s finest as the Bavarian carmaker has just handed over to the hotel the keys to a pair of special limousines based on the flagship 760Li, which come equipped with a twin-turbocharged V12 engine churning out 544-horsepower. Read more »

Frozen Black Edition M3

BMW has announced the 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe for the United States market.

The Frozen Black Edition’s distinguishing feature is its matte black bodywork. Rather than using a vinyl wrap, the effect is achieved by the use of a special BMW Individual paint finish which involves spraying a silk matte clear coat over a metallic black base coat. BMW claims the result meets all of its durability and longevity standards, although it does take the precaution of providing owners with special care guidelines.



Not that there will be many owners, as production of the Frozen Black Edition is to be strictly limited to just twenty examples - and BMW of North America is going to be keeping one of those, at least for now.



Anyone wanting one of the remaining nineteen cars had better keep Thursday, 16th June 2011 free, because that’s the day on which the order line opens (and probably closes, too). The number is 1-800-245-4269, but BMW doesn’t want anyone calling before 11:30AM Eastern Time / 8:30AM Pacific. Delivery of cars to successful applicants will then follow during June and July 2011.

As well as having the order number on speed dial, potential customers will also need $79,650 at their disposal to actually buy the Frozen Black Edition.



That MSRP is substantially higher than the $61,075 (including destination charges and gas guzzler tax) of the standard M3 Coupe, but the specification of the special edition features much more besides just that paintwork.



Although the 4.0 litre V8 engine is unchanged, it does come equipped with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission, reducing the 0-60 mph time from 4.7 to 4.5 seconds. The usually optional Competition Package is also included, which comprises lowered suspension, Electronic Damping Control and revised mapping for the traction control.



The interior gets Extended Novillo Leather with contrast red stitching, heated front seats, a BMW Individual enhanced audio system (including satellite radio), plus both the Premium Package 2 and Convenience Package.



Finally, the exterior look is completed by gloss black trim elements, 19” alloy wheels borrowed from the M3 GTS and red brake calipers.



Related posts:

BMW Concept M5

BMW to contest ILMC

BMW ‘M1’ here at last

Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo

BMW M3 GTS

Frozen Black Edition M3

BMW has announced the 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe for the United States market.

The Frozen Black Edition’s distinguishing feature is its matte black bodywork. Rather than using a vinyl wrap, the effect is achieved by the use of a special BMW Individual paint finish which involves spraying a silk matte clear coat over a metallic black base coat. BMW claims the result meets all of its durability and longevity standards, although it does take the precaution of providing owners with special care guidelines.



Not that there will be many owners, as production of the Frozen Black Edition is to be strictly limited to just twenty examples - and BMW of North America is going to be keeping one of those, at least for now.



Anyone wanting one of the remaining nineteen cars had better keep Thursday, 16th June 2011 free, because that’s the day on which the order line opens (and probably closes, too). The number is 1-800-245-4269, but BMW doesn’t want anyone calling before 11:30AM Eastern Time / 8:30AM Pacific. Delivery of cars to successful applicants will then follow during June and July 2011.

As well as having the order number on speed dial, potential customers will also need $79,650 at their disposal to actually buy the Frozen Black Edition.



That MSRP is substantially higher than the $61,075 (including destination charges and gas guzzler tax) of the standard M3 Coupe, but the specification of the special edition features much more besides just that paintwork.



Although the 4.0 litre V8 engine is unchanged, it does come equipped with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission, reducing the 0-60 mph time from 4.7 to 4.5 seconds. The usually optional Competition Package is also included, which comprises lowered suspension, Electronic Damping Control and revised mapping for the traction control.



The interior gets Extended Novillo Leather with contrast red stitching, heated front seats, a BMW Individual enhanced audio system (including satellite radio), plus both the Premium Package 2 and Convenience Package.



Finally, the exterior look is completed by gloss black trim elements, 19” alloy wheels borrowed from the M3 GTS and red brake calipers.



Related posts:

BMW Concept M5

BMW to contest ILMC

BMW ‘M1’ here at last

Alpina B3 S Bi-Turbo

BMW M3 GTS

Latvian Tuner Wraps BMW 3-Series in Crocodile Leather

There’s something about cars and animal leathers / prints that attracts certain tuners from Russia and the former Soviet states. You all remember the Russian design-house Dartz and it real whale penis leather-equipped Prombron and snake skin-covered Bentley Continental GT SS. Now another tuning firm called Vipon, this time from neighboring Lithuania Latvia, has come with a new animal leather themed proposal based on a pre-facelift E90 BMW 318i sedan. Read more »

good stuff from Abstract Poetic tumblr

found on http://abstracpoetic.tumblr.com

Official Patent Designs of BMW’s New Four-Door Sports Coupe

Last April, from the sidelines of the 2010 Beijing Auto Show, BMW displayed a thinly disguised concept model of a sporty-looking sedan model named the Gran Coupé. Now, it looks like that the Bavarian automaker is preparing for the presentation of the final production model as the company has just filed a patent for the designs of its so-called four-door sports coupe.

The images outline the shape and details of the production version that will most likely go on sale in early 2012. By comparing the drawings of the production car with the photos of the concept model, we see that BMW has made some subtle styling changes to the front with the redesigned bumper featuring a center grille on the lower part as well as to the rear, which sports re-positioned and re-sized reflectors and different tail pipes.

Read more »