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News

May

New BMW M4 Coupe Spyshots Emerge

Posted by Wild-Speed at 11:25 pm

New images have emerged of a Silverstone F82 M4 testing on the Nurburgring, wearing M Carbon Ceramic Brakes. It doesn’t reveal any new features, but some technical details have surfaced.

BIMMERPOST were recently informed by a BMW M official that the engine powering the M4 will boast an 8000 RPM redline.

• Lighter than current M3 (targeting E46 M3 weight
• More powerful than current M3, but around 100 lb-ft more torque
• Faster than current M3
• More efficient than current M3
• Powered by “S55″ inline 6 cylinder multi turbo engine
• Nearly 8k RPM redline
• DCT and manual transmission options
• Optional M Carbon Ceramic Brakes
• Rumored Electric Power Steering
• Prototype Tires - Michelin Pilot Super Sport: 255/35/19 (front), 275/35/19 (rear)
• Front styling to feature elements from the M6 and 1M coupe, with Air Curtain technology
• Hood features power bump / dome
• Kidney grilles feature double-slats with M3/M4 badge
• F82 M4 coupe to feature double-bubble sculpted carbon fiber roof , with optional sunroof
• M3 Introduced late 2013 – early 2014
• M3 European Delivery begins June 2014, at earliest
• M4 hits dealers no earlier than late 2014 – early 2015

May

BMW M235i Caught Naked

Posted by Wild-Speed at 12:53 am

Here it is in all its glory! The all-new M235i coupe; the 135i Coupe’s successor caught undisguised, well, almost.

Many BMW enthusiasts beefed about the F20′s front end with its goofy headlights and dulled nose. The upside? Well, the new M235i has none of that.

Large front air intakes gives the M235i an aggressive stance on the road, which was never really seen on its predecessor. The wheels are from the M135i as well as the blue M Performance brakes. Then we get onto the subject of headlights, many enthusiasts rumored they would be connected to the kidney grilles but in fact, they arn’t!

Moving onto the side of the car, it now features an M Badge but unfortunately, no air breather vent seen on BMW’s latest models such as the 4 Series Coupe and 3 Series GT. Front and rear quarter panels are also similar to the F20.

As we can see, this M235i features the optional LED headlights which also has squared-off corona rings. The tail lights reminisce the current 1 Series Coupe LCI’s thick floating light bars.

Although the back remains covered, it will most probably feature split twin black exhaust pipes, a trunk spoiler lip, and a black rear bumper diffuser.

Overall, a great improvement over the E82 1 Series Coupe. Expect the M235i to begin production this November.

Source: BIMMERPOST

May

BMW Teases Gran Lusso Coupé by Pininfarina

Posted by Wild-Speed at 3:03 pm

Some exciting news just in! BMW and Pininfarina have collaborated to debut a new concept called the ‘Gran Lusso Coupé’ at the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. The Gran Lusso Coupé has been designed to be the next step forward from the Zagato Coupé. The concepts’ creation boasts many BMW trademarks and fits in perfectly within the BMW family. The long wheel base structure, long nose and most-probably a very powerful V12 engine under the hood makes it look like a revival of the long-gone 8 Series.

BMW have thrown a few teasers around but this still begs one question, is the Ultimate Driving Machine back?

May

Caught Testing: F15 BMW X5 M

Posted by Wild-Speed at 1:17 am

As we edge closer to the reveal of the all-new F15 X5, BMW has decided to go ahead with more testing on the all-new X5 M.

Last year, the first F15 X5 test mules departed for testing but current mules have shed so much camouflage that we can finally start to see many features. These features include: huge front air intakes, aggressive sideskirts, a rear diffuser, blue BMW M brakes with cross drilled rotors and a lovely set of quad tailpipes. The new F15 X5 features a slightly more angled and curved design too, making it easier on the eye than its predecessor.

Compared to the E70 X5, the F15 X5 is expected to be lighter and ride on a modified version of the F10 5 Series chasis. The X5 M’s powertrain is expected to be powered by a S63tu engine straight from the current M5 and M6. However, the new X5 M’s horspower figure will be increased to 580hp for extra power over potential rivals.

Expect the F15 X5 to hit dealers this fall as production will begin in August this year. Also expect the X5 M to be available within a year of that.

Source: BIMMERPOST

Apr

F80 M3 Makes Music At The Nurburgring

Posted by Wild-Speed at 2:11 am

Ahead of the F80 M3′s debut, the production F80 M3 prototype continues to test at the Nurburgring. Bimmerpost has caught it on video as well as its mighty multi-turbo inline 6′s engine noise.

Running a check through the VIN number, the M3 will be powered by a 415HP 3.0 inline 6 S55 engine that many have already speculated. The new F80 M3 will be lighter than the current M3 and will be tarting the E46 M3 weight. It’ll be more faster and efficient than the current M3 and be offered with a DCT or Manual transmission. Carbon ceramic brakes will also be an option a long with Electric power steering being standard.

M3 Deliveries for Europe begins around June 2014.

Source: BIMMERPOST

Apr

Caught Testing: BMW 435i M Sport Prototype

Posted by Wild-Speed at 7:01 pm

BMW have been quite busy lately testing cars back-to-back at the Nurburgring, which now includes some more testing of the BMW 435i M Sport. However, not much has been revealed in these photos but it has envisioned how it will perform on a track.

The 435i M Sport you see here is in Estoril Blue II. Unfortunately, the M Sport bumpers remain under camouflage so it’s not 100% clear on the changes. The headlights have had a slight overhaul too, they now feature optional full LED headlights with squared-off corona rings. M Sport brakes are fitted on this model but the M Sport wheels are not

Source: BIMMERPOST

Apr

M5 F10 To Receive LCI Treatment

Posted by Wild-Speed at 1:54 am

Brand new images have emerged of a F10 M5 LCI mule which showcases brand new design elements. For the first time on the M5, double slatted kidney grilles are now featured. On the side, you can clearly see some M5 badging on the grille under the mule’s black tape.

This M5 sits on a pair of thin black 6 spoke rims which are further contrasted by the gold M carbon ceramic brakes. Also seen are the optional LED headlights with squared off corona rings.

The rest of the exterior is to only receive very minor updates, with the biggest change coming to the front fascia under camouflage tape.

The changes might not only be cosmetic, steering tweaks could be coming but it has not yet been confirmed. It is also not yet known if the F10 M5 will be affected by this.

Source: BIMMERPOST

Some new pics from TEAMSPEED:

Unlike the black 2014 BMW M5 prototype seen in the pics above, this one is not fitted with the optional competition pack and only receives a few minor changes over the outgoing model.

Apr

Another One Bites The Dust: Maserati Ghibli

Posted by Wild-Speed at 9:14 pm

MASERATI ENTERS A NEW MARKET

It’s been quite a while since Maserati has decided for a brand new model, but with other marques now releasing new models onto the production line rapidly, Maserati has decided to join the ranks.

Since Maserati lifted the cover on the all-new Quattroporte last year, Maserati did have a slight gap between their models. To fix this, they needed something that would slot into the class below the Quattroporte.

While the Quattroporte is successfully joining the luxury segment rivaling the BMW 7 Series, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Jaguar XJ, Maserati have decided to release a new small saloon called the ‘Ghibli’ which will rival BMW’s and Mercedes’ small saloon segment ahead of the Shanghai Auto Show.

THE GHIBLI FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1966

Maserati first introduced the Ghibli in 1966 and it featured a 4.7-liter dual-cam V8, which produced 330 horsepower. The V8 was linked to a ZF five-speed manual, which enabled the Ghibli to reach 60 mph in under seven seconds. 3 decades later, Maserati released the Ghibli II which boasted a 2.0-liter fuel-injected twin-turbo V6 pushing 306 horsepower. Since 1996, there hasn’t been a word on the Ghibli for the past 17 years but finally, the Ghibli is back and now to feature two 3.0-liter V6 engines.

ENGINE VARIANTS

At this moment in time, Maserati hasn’t released any horsepower or torque outputs, but it’s expected the petrol V6 will produce around 410hp while the diesel should produce around 330hp. A V8 engine will definitely be available soon.

The Ghibli will also feature a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters throughout the engine variants. However, the Ghibli won’t be offered with a Manual transmission but it will be offered in both all-wheel and rear-wheel drive

ITALIAN DESIGN FLARE

The new design flare that Maserati is going for proves that they are still a quality product just advancing in the automotive industry. Even with their recent performance SUV, the Kubang, it’s noticeable that it fits into the same family as the Quattroporte and the Ghibli.

The exterior of the Ghibli has a very strong presence and stance. The low front bumper combined with the signature Maserati grille, gives the Ghibli an aggressive appeal which is further supported by the down-facing head lights reminiscent of the all-new Quattroporte. The sides are very similar to the Quattroporte also with the Maserati’s 3 vented grille and side creases.

The rear has very distinctive lines that crowns the Ghibli unique in design. Its rear bumper which swoops just beneath the LED tail lights is mated by a subtle diffuser with quad exhaust inserts. The twin 6 spoke rims helps the Ghibli to achieve a luxury stance on the road too.

INTERIOR

Maserati has thought about everything with the new Ghibli and one of the best features is the interior. As you can already see you are welcomed by a very rich and up market interior which is yet enhanced by the red colored interior. The infotainment system also seems like it’s had an overhaul and Maserati have finally got round to changing their old steering wheel! The centre console is very clean with little buttons accented with a beautiful carbon fiber trim going perfectly with the red leather seats.

WHAT MASERATI EXPECT FROM THE GHIBLI

Many important details are still under wraps, we must wait till the Shanghai Auto Show for more to emerge. Maserati aims to sell 50,000 Ghibli’s annually until 2015.

OUR VIEW OF THE MASERATI GHIBLI

Maserati has provided their best over the past few years, we can really see that they’re trying to stay on top of compeitition. With the Ghibli, Maserati are aiming to be on top of the German market and in our eyes, we see the Ghibli perfectly fitting into that market. The design has become more of an elegant and luxury product rather than a hunkered down track ripping item.

Even though Maserati has offered the Ghibli with a V6 Diesel, some may say it’s not “Maserati-like”, we look at it in a different perspective. While BMW and Mercedes release amazing 3.0-litre V6 Diesels, Maserati wants to join in and show them what they’re capable of.

All in all, we love the Ghibli, its distinctive presence, design and performance puts it in the spotlight for us. We’d love to see more of the Maserati, but until then, enjoy some of our custom Ghibli pictures below -

Apr

Caught Testing: BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (F36)

Posted by Wild-Speed at 4:03 pm

Since BMW has designated the 3 Series Coupe as the 4 Series, BMW have decided to broaden each sector with different variants. In this case, the 4 Series will be coming as a Coupe, Cabriolet, a X4 Sports Activity Coupe (SAC) and a 4 Door Coupe not to mention a M4 Gran Coupe could be well underway.

BMW are taking a gamble walking towards the niche market but with Mercedes-Benz and Audi already settled and stable within it, BMW have no other choice but to pit the 4 Series Gran Coupe against them to keep up with rivalry and to ensure they come out superior.

Theoretically, powertrains will most probably be carried over from the 3 Series to the 4 Series line, so the 428i will feature a 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder turbocharged engine that will produce 240-hp and 255 lb-ft of torque. The 435i will feature a 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline 6-cylinder engine that’ll output 300-hp.

In the video above the model most probably being tested is the 435i from its distinctive sounds which are somewhat reminiscent of the BMW E46 M3. The clear and raspy sound that the engine outputs indicates BMW are mixing new and old flavour to create one quality product.

Being tested on the Nurburgring, the 4 Series Gran Coupe is really put through its paces by a professional driver. Each corner is rendered seamless to the 4 Series Gran Coupe, proving that BMW have once again created a quality product. The engine sounds sweet, the car seems to handle incredibly well for its size and without its disguise, we have faith it’ll look the part!

The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe’s interior is part derived from the 6 Series Gran Coupe and 3 Series. It features a center divided console leaning towards the driver like the 6 Series Gran Coupe and the dashboard from a 3 Series.

All in all, the new 4 Series Gran Coupe will definitely be a success, combining the 6 Series Gran Coupe’s lines and quality, and the 3 Series’ performance. Mercedes and Audi will have to ensure the CLA and A5 Sportback is cut for the job to stay on top of the new 4 Series Gran Coupe.