With just weeks ahead of its web debut, the new BMW M235i was spied undisguised. The first 2 Series model was spotted during a video commercial and for the first time it gives us a clear look at its front-end design.

Moving away from the somewhat blend and bulky design of the 1 Series, the 2 Series Coupe shows off sportier lines and more visually pleasant headlights and kidney grille.

The front bumper is dominated by large air intakes with fins, a trend started by the new M6 models, and one we anticipate to see in the upcoming M3 and M4. The prototype also features blue M Performance brake calipers and M-specific wheels.

On the side, the BMW M235i has the M badge but no Air Breathers as seen on the latest M package models.

Even without having a 360 view of the car, the BMW M235i is without a doubt sleeker and sportier than the 1 Series, similar to how the current generation 1 Series Coupe differentiate itself from the former 1 Series hatch models.

The 2 Series vehicles will be driven by a rear-wheel drive architecture with the possibility of the coupe to be paired with the xDrive system.

Product of the BMW 2 Series kicks off in November and the U.S. market will get the M235i and 228i models.

More photos at 2addicts

The article BMW M235i Undisguised appeared first on BMW BLOG

The 2013 MotoGP season is a special one for the BMW M GmbH which is celebrating a double anniversary. It is the 15th year as ‘Official Car of MotoGP’ and at the end of the season, the BMW M Award for the best MotoGP qualifier will be handed over for the tenth time. Since the end of 2003, the rider with the best qualifying results has been awarded an exclusive and individually customised BMW M automobile. On the occasion of the 2013 anniversaries, the prize for the BMW M Award is a special highlight: a BMW M6 Coupe. The car was revealed today at the Spanish Grand Prix at Jerez.

“For Dorna, BMW M is more than just a partner,” said Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP promoter Dorna Sports, who attended the presentation at the Jerez circuit. “We share a friendship and work together as a team. Our collaboration is an incredible experience and we are very happy. The BMW M Award is very important within the MotoGP, as all riders look forward to it. The car hand over in Valencia is an expected event. BMW M provides a better model every year, and this year even Dorna is surprised. For sure the riders are keen on discovering the new car and will come to see it for themselves.”

The BMW M6 Coupe for this year’s BMW M Award winner features an exclusive ‘Frozen Black Metallic’ paintjob. The dynamic colouring continues with the matt-black, double- spoke 20” M light alloy wheels. The design of the high-performance Coupe was developed in the wind tunnel. The extremely low-slung front, with integrated adaptive LED headlights, and sporty rear end take full advantage of the aerodynamics. The M Power under the bonnet is provided by an M TwinPower Turbo, eight-cylinder engine, which generates an impressive 560 hp (412 kW). The innovative technology for which M is renowned – including carbon ceramic brakes – guarantee perfect handling in all situations. The sporty elegance of this special-edition model continues in the interior.

Among the many other features of the car presented to the winner are M multifunctional seats for driver and passenger, ‘Merino / Sakhir Orange’ leather upholstery, the navigation system Professional and a head-up display. Carbon fibre interior trims complete the racing character of this BMW M6 Coupe.

Just like the points system for the races, riders at each Grand Prix weekend are awarded points relative to their positions in qualifying. Pole position is rewarded with 25 points, second place on the grid earns 20 points and third place scores 16 points – right down to one point for 15th. The rider with the most points at the end of the season wins the BMW M Award. Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner are the current record holders, each with three BMW M Awards to their name. Jorge Lorenzo claimed his second BMW M Award last season. The first winner, back in 2003, was Nicky Hayden.

The Spanish Grand Prix marks the start of the European season of the 2013 MotoGP World Championship. On this occasion, BMW M GmbH officially handed over the 2013 fleet of ‘Official Car of MotoGP’ to representatives of Dorna Sports and the International Road Racing Teams Association, IRTA. In total, the fleet for the 2013 season comprises five BMW M and M Performance models. It is spearheaded by the brand new BMW M6 Gran Coupe Safety Car. The BMW M6 Coupe and the BMW M5 are also in action as Safety Cars. The Safety Officer takes to the track in a BMW M3 Coupe, while two BMW M550d xDrive Tourings are used as Medical Cars. BMW Motorrad provides two new BMW HP4s as Safety Bikes.

The article 2013 BMW M Award: BMW M6 Coupe Frozen Black for best MotoGP qualifier appeared first on BMW BLOG

Spy photographer Palbay spotted the BMW M6 Gran Coupe in Sakhir Orange and Frozen White. The four-door coupe goes on sale this month and dealerships across the country are already receiving their first units. The M6 Gran Coupe features a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that produces 560 hp and 680 Newton meters (502 lb-ft) on tap between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm, while maximum output is developed between 6,000 and 7,000 rpm. The engine revs to a maximum of 7,200 rpm.

0-60mph is achieved in 4.1 seconds with a top speed limited to 155mph. The engine is matted to a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic.

Just like the M5 or M6 models, the BMW M6 Gran Coupe can be ordered with M carbon-ceramic brakes: The brake rotors measure 16.1 inches (410 mm) in diameter at the front and 15.6 inches (396 mm) at the rear. The M Carbon-Ceramic brakes are 42.8 lb (19.4 kg) lighter than the standard brakes

BMW M6 Gran Coupe has a base price of $113,000, only $3800 more than the M6 Coupe.

The article BMW M6 Gran Coupe in Sakhir Orange and Frozen White appeared first on BMW BLOG

BMW Performance Driving School instructor Johan Schwartz sets a new world record in the BMW M5 by drifting 51.278 miles — 322.5 laps, all on his home turf at the BMW Performance Center.

Here is what Johan had to say after the event:

Thanks for all the congrats and support. What a day!

I am proud of Saturday for many reasons. Obviously, I am proud for the new Guinness Book of World Record Drift, 51.278 miles (82.506 kilometers), but more importantly for the friends and sponsors who were able to attend, for the opportunity to give hot lap rides after the record drift and all the money that was raised for the BMW Charity Pro Am. This would not have been possible without the support of the BMW Performance Center and crew! Wow, the day went by so fast!

Here are the most common questions that I was asked after the event:

What made you stop at 51.278 miles? Our goal was initially 40 miles, while out there we decided to go for 50 miles and then when things got cleared to drift on the big corner with smokey tires, we got a little over 51 miles. I had to leave some time as I had promised some supporters of the event a hot lap in the BMW M3 before the day was over. We had fuel to go another 43 miles, so we are ready for more next time .

How many sets of tires did you use? One set, the guys at the BMW Performance Center are great and master many skills, but changing tires while the car is drifting is a skill that they have not mastered yet . This record was for the Guinness Book of Records for one continuous drift.

What kind of tires did you use? Continental Sports Contacts front 255/30/20 rear 295/30/20. Great tires and gave me incredible grip for the whole drift.

Did you get dizzy?….no, I could walk a straight line perfectly

How many laps did you drift on the skid pad? 322 laps

Was the M5 stock? Yes completely, just changed the oil and checked the fluids before the sideway driving started. Pretty amazing car.

The car is now on display at the BMW Charity Pro Am tournament and still has the tires on from the drift record. Tomorrow I leave for Texas to run the US Formula 1 track in Austin for the first race in the Sneed for Speed World Challenge MINI. When I return, I will have more pictures, links and a video from the World Record Drift Event.

Thanks again!

Until next time!
Johan.”

[Photos: Palbay]

The article BMW F10 M5 Breaks World Drift Record with 51 Mile Drift – Video appeared first on BMW BLOG

This week we’re in Germany test driving the new BMW M6 Gran Coupe while heading towards Nurburgring for the 24 hour race and the now annual M Festival.

The biggest M Festival in the world celebrates “The Most Powerful Letter In The World” and tens of thousands of BMW fans gather every year for three days full of activities.

The ticket price for the entire 3-day M Festival is €479. and includes the following:

The M Festival Package:
­ - Entrance ticket to the 24h Race
- ­ Exclusive access to all M Festival areas
­ - Catering (all meals and drinks as part of the M Festival included)
­ - M Night
­ - M Parking
­ - Shuttle between the M Festival areas
­ - Raffle with exclusive prizes
­ - M Corso (limited spots available, own BMW M automobile required)
­-  Garage tours (limited spots available)
- ­ and many further highlights …

Full details can be found here.

Our first day with the M6 Gran Coupe was spent along 400 miles of backroads and Autobahn, giving us a chance to experience the four-door coupe in almost all its glory. The track is the only things we’re missing.

Some quick thoughts on the first four-door coupe.

First, the car is a head turner. Period. Everyone stares at it, waves at it or simply snap photos of it. This is without a doubt the best looking BMW in the lineup right now, a car that offers the luxury and comfort of a Gran Tourer with the sportiness coming from M. In my opinion this is the perfect combination in a BMW right now and despite its high-price tag, plenty of customers will jump on the chance to own one.

Second, the M6 GC is fast. So fast that sometimes you forget that it has a curb weight of 4,430 lbs. The 7-Speed DCT is sharp, fast and smooth, and we wouldn’t choose a manual option over this superb transmission, at least not this time around and not for this car. Despite its overall proportions, quite a long car I might add, the M6 Gran Coupe is glued to the road, perfectly balanced and dominant in corners. It simply gives you that confidence you expect from a powerful car in a sporty and luxurious package.

We will have a full report at the end of the journey, but we will give you more updates as we get closer to the Ring.

On a different note, the Mophie Juice Pack for iPhone 5 is more useful than I thought for long journeys, especially when streaming lots of audio over Bluetooth which drains the battery quite fast.

On this episode of Ignition, Carlos Lago is back and driving all four generations of his favorite German sports car, the BMW M3! Through 28 years of evolution, from E30 to E36 to E46 to E90, has the M3 lost its edge?

The first M3 was introduced in 1985 with a 2.3 L I4 S14B23 engine. The engine design was based on various BMW genealogy; basic block layout from the M10 4 cylinder (found in the 2002 and 320 series) overbored and reinforced to similar specifications of the BMW M88 inline-6. When the E30 M3 was in its final years of top level competition, the 2.5 liter S14 engine in full race trim was capable of over 340 hp (250 kW) naturally aspirated.

The E36 variant appeared first in 1992 and was the first M3 powered by a straight-6 engine. The engine used is a 2,990 cc S50, which produces 210 kW (282 hp).

Initially available as a coupe only, BMW introduced M3 convertible/cabriolet and saloon versions in 1994, the absence of any M5 models in the BMW line-up between the end of E34 M5 production in 1995 and the launch of the E39 M5 in 1998 prompting the introduction of the four-door Motorsport model. In September and November, 1995, the M3 coupe and saloon, respectively, were upgraded to the 236 kilowatts (316 hp) 3.2 liter S50B32 engine

One of BMW fans’ favorite, the E46 chassis, made its debut in 2001. It was powered by the 3.2 liter S54 M-tuned engine. At the time of the car’s introduction, this engine had the highest specific output naturally aspirated of any engine ever made by BMW (except in the McLaren F1), producing 343 horsepower (256 kW) and 365 N·m (269 lb-ft). No sedan variant was offered for the E46 generation.

The E46 M3 was offered with a standard 6-speed Getrag transmission, but optionally came with a SMG drivelogic transmission (also known as the SMG II).

In 2007 BMW introduced the E90/E92/E93 platforms, corresponding to three different bodystyles: sedan, coupe and convertible. The award-winning S65 engine produces 414 bhp (309 kW; 420 PS) at 8300 rpm, with peak torque of 295 lb-ft (400 N-m) at 3900 rpm. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. As from April 2008, BMW offers a new seven speed Getrag double-clutch gearbox, called M-DKG (Doppel-Kupplungs-Getriebe) or M-DCT (Double Clutch Transmission) as an option.

The next generation M3 is just around the corner and for the first time BMW will split the M3 models into two different badges: M3 for the sedan and M4 moniker for the Coupe and Convertible variants.

The new M3 / M4 also moves away from the naturally-aspirated engines and will make use of a six-cylinder high-rev turbocharged engine which will produce 440 horsepower.

The article All Four M3 Generations (E30, E36, E46, E90) At The Track appeared first on BMW BLOG

Edmunds sets out to find out the best sport sedan for $45,000.

In the comparison, the 2013 BMW 328i M Sport is pitted against the Cadillac ATS 2.0 Premium and the Lexus IS 250 F Sport. The BMW 328i is also powered by a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged unit outputting 240 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque.

The M Sport package adds 18-inch or 19-inch lightweight wheels as an option.

Included in the M Sport pack is an M-tuned suspension which lowers the car by ten millimeters and offers stiffer spring rates and damper settings as well as stronger stabilizer bars. BMW says the decision to include M Sport brakes as standard has yet to be determined.

BMW Individual High-gloss Shadowline trim gives the car the typical M look. An optional M paint is also offered – Estoril Blue, as well as M Sport brakes with contrasting blue paint finish.

Here is an excerpt from the review:

The Reigning King: 2013 BMW 328i

BMW’s iconic 3 Series got a thorough redesign for 2012 that brought with it dramatic new headlights, an updated interior with a cockpit angled toward the driver (by 7 degrees, says BMW), a larger footprint, more interior space and most importantly, a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder hooked to an eight-speed automatic.

This new 240-horsepower power plant doesn’t mean this 3 Series is any cheaper, though, as it starts at $37,745. Tacking on the necessary-for-this-test M Sport Line trim (18-inch wheels, summer tires, sport suspension, sport seats, special wheels) adds $3,850 and gets dangerously close to our limit. BMW finished off the budget with the Premium package and heated front seats for a total cost of $45,745.

Best $45,000 Sport Sedan

The 328 has standard dual-zone climate control, auto stop-start and an iPod interface, but there’s no navigation system. No back-up cameras/sensors either. No shift paddles. No goodies.

This is as basic a 3 Series as you’re likely to find short of a custom order.

Full review at Edmunds

The article 2013 BMW 328i M Sport vs. 2013 Cadillac ATS 2.0 Premium vs. 2014 Lexus IS 250 F Sport appeared first on BMW BLOG

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe makes its debut at the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este

At the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2013, two tradition-steeped car manufacturers – the BMW Group and Pininfarina – will be straddling the automotive past and future as they unveil the result of their debut cooperation to the global public on 24 May: the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé.

Together they have created the embodiment of sheer elegance.

The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé is the sequel to a new approach introduced at last year’s Concorso in the shape of the BMW Zagato Coupé. Always in search of opportunities for further development, the BMW Group consciously pursues creative exchange with other design studios.

It enables two design approaches to merge into a new and exciting initiative that encourages fresh creative impulses. Thus the close collaboration with the Pininfarina design team has led to a new automotive personality brimming with character and ready to join the high-end luxury class: typically BMW and bearing the refined imprint of Pininfarina. The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé adds a new dimension to the BMW claim to elegance and exclusivity.

This elaborate creation is a one-off that captivates the observer at first glance with its Italian exclusivity and modern finesse. Generous surface design and taut contours highlight an elegant vehicle body, while hallmark BMW proportions – a long wheelbase, stretched bonnet, short overhangs and a set-back greenhouse with smoothly sloping roofline – imbue the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé with authoritative dynamics even before a wheel has been turned. Enhancing the powerful impact of the side profile are convex taperings that add a dynamic elegance. The exterior symbolises the modern harmony between power and elegance encapsulated by the V12 engine under the bonnet.

On the inside, the BMW Gran Lusso Coupé shows this consummate blend of contemporary elegance and luxury. Here the melding of exclusivity, comfort and sportiness makes for a unique interior experience. The fluid underlying geometry of the cabin and the classical BMW driver focus are lent a thoroughly new touch through the influence of Pininfarina.

The article BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe – World Debut appeared first on BMW BLOG

The legendary BMW M5 Sedan shattered the Guinness World Record for longest sustained drift at the BMW Performance Center near Greenville, South Carolina on Saturday, May 11, 2013, with BMW Performance Center Instructor Johan Schwartz behind the wheel. The record-breaking attempt generated over $20,000 in charitable donations benefiting The BMW Charity Pro-Am.

The M5 exceeded the previous record set in February in Abu Dhabi by 47.71 miles. A total of 322.5 laps were completed around the 841-foot (circumference) Performance Center skid pad, providing a total distance-travelled of 51.278 miles. The M-DCT transmission-equipped 2013 BMW M5 Sedan was an unmodified car from the BMW Performance Center school fleet which began the record attempt with a fresh set of Continental ContiSport ultra-high performance tires (sizes 255/30/20 front, 295/30/20 rear).

Saturday‘s drift record attempt signaled the kick-off to a week of events leading up to the BMW Charity Pro-Am. Over $20,000 was raised for the BMW Charity Pro-Am which benefits over 150 different charities. Public attendees to the record attempt enjoyed drives in new BMW vehicles including the M6 Coupe, and many received a “hot lap” ride from one the BMW Performance Center Instructors. Test drives of the game-changing BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle® on the off-road course were also available. Additional information on the BMW Charity Pro-Am can be found at https://www.bmwusfactory.com/charity-golf/. http://www.bmwusa.com/performancecenter.

The article BMW Performance Driving School Sets Guinness World Drift Record With BMW M5 Sedan appeared first on BMW BLOG