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F80 M3 Makes Music At The Nurburgring

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

Caught Testing: BMW 435i M Sport Prototype

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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.

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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

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Source: BIMMERPOST

M5 F10 To Receive LCI Treatment

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.

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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.

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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.

Another One Bites The Dust: Maserati Ghibli

Maserati Enters A New Market…[nggallery id=8]

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[nggallery id=9]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[nggallery id=10]

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[nggallery id=7]

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 –

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Caught Testing: BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (F36)

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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

BMW F82 M4 uncovered

For those who always want a sneak-peak of whats in the wrapping papers of their birthday gifts before it’s actually their birthday, here’s just that. Starting with Brenda Priddy’s  photo of the F82 M4 standing right outside the BMW M testing center at the Nurburgring. Then, with some computer help, peel off the infamous psycedelic BMW camouflage. Details which can be discerned from this particular prototype, other F82 M4 and F80 M3 mules, as well as some  imagination and speculation are all the ingredients for this render.

Some info on the new BMW M4 from Bimmerpost
The F82 M4 coupe is expected to share the same powerplant as the F80 M3 sedan and to recap, here is an updated list of what we know about the F80/F82 so far:

  • Lighter than current M3
    • targeting E46 M3 weight (source)
  • More powerful than current M3
    • approximately same HP, but around 100 lb-ft more torque (in range of 395 lb-ft) (source)
  • Faster than current M3 (source)
  • More efficient than current M3 (source)
  • Powered by an inline 6 cylinder multi-turbo engine (source, source)
  • Offered with optional or standard manual transmission
  • Electric Power Steering (completely reworked for precision for M3/M4)
  • Tires (from prototype) – 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 (our render)
  • Hood to feature power/vent bump
  • M3 Introduced late 2013 – early 2014 (concept debuts earlier)
  • M4 Introduced no earlier than late 2014

 

 

2013 BMW 7 Series LCI previewed

The BMW F01, the fifth generation 7 Series has been driving around since 2008. And now after a lot of testing, a refreshment is imminent and expected by the end of this month.

What we see here, is pretty much what seems to be hiding be underneath camouflage tape from some recent spy photos. Most of the subtle refresh changes will be to the front fascia. Full LED headlights will come to the 7 series for the first time and the side indicators have moved to the mirrors. It will receive a more aggressive lower front fascia, with more pronounced and longer splitter fins on the lower lip, and we think there will be air curtains vents integrated into the bumper, as the spy photos indicate.

Follow 7post for more info!

Camouflage peeled from F32 4 series.

With the F30 now official, first of the f32 3series/4series(?) coupe were spotted testing with loads of plastic covers and the infamous BMW camouflage wrap.  This is an attempt to envision what the production form may look like underneath. By tracing the general lines on the mule in one of the spyphoto’s, the basic shape and stance of the car should be accurate. The lines on the side of the car are curved along with the position and tilt of the doorhandle, which is actually visible on the spyshot.

For more info and different colors see F30Post.

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BMW F30 M3 Spied!

 

The first test mules of the new M3 have surfaced. And, it’s the sedan. Interesting because all of the rumors going on, apparently BMW decided to cut the 3 series model line and ditch the coupe and convertible. Instead these models will be called the BMW 4 series. These pictures show an F30 3-series sedan with several trademark M3 features such as quad-exhaust, flared fenders and drilled brake discs.

And just like the V10(S85) we now have to say goodbye to the V8 because the next M3 is rumored to get a V6 powerplant, powered by 3(!) turbo’s,  A 450 PS (331 kW / 444 bhp) triple-turbo 3.2 liter six-cylinder. All in the name of fuel emission regulations. But a triple turbo sure sounds exiting!

Source: http://www.teamspeed.com/forums/m/62891-spied-2013-bmw-m3.html#post1045902