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BMW M235i xDrive Breaks Cover

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Could this be the BMW that unsettles the CLA45 in its comfort zone? For the first time, BMW’s all-wheel-drive system is coming to their two-door line-up. Heading for the showrooms this summer, the M235i xDrive features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine which produces a mega 326hp and 332 lb-ft torque.

This power is brought via an eight-speed Steptronic sport box which helps the M235i xDrive sprint from 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds (0.2 seconds faster than the RWD). Push hard enough and it’ll hit a cool top speed of 155 mph. However, the AWD system does add some significant weight so it’ll be a close shave between the RWD and AWD.

So, the M235i xDrive, is it crazy enough to worry the guys at AMG?

Video: BMW 235i Racing

BMW Motorsport is expanding its range of cars within the BMW Sports Trophy Customer Racing programme: from 2014, privateer BMW teams and drivers will have the opportunity to line up at events with the new BMW M235i Racing. With a price of 59,500.00 Euros (excl. VAT) and impressive performance figures, the production-based coupé meets all the basic requirements of a successful entry-level racing car.

This car will help to make motorsport affordable on an entry-level basis.

The plan is initially for the car to be used in series and events such as the VLN Endurance Championship and the Nürburgring 24 Hours on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife (DE). Looking ahead, the BMW M235i Racing should also be successful on international stages for BMW Sports Trophy drivers.

“The basis our engineers had to start with when developing the racing version of the BMW M235i Racing was exceptionally good,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “The production models from the BMW M Performance Automobiles range are already incredibly sporty. Because of this, we did not have to make many modifications in order to get the BMW M235i Coupé up and running as a racing car. BMW Motorsport can look back on a long tradition of allowing ambitious teams and drivers an affordable way into motor racing – and of offering them an absolutely competitive car. That was the case recently with the BMW M3 GT4, and that is now being superseded with the BMW M235i Racing. While the BMW Z4 GT3 spearheads our range, the new car means we are now also excellently positioned for the coming years in the field of production-based racing cars.”

The racing version is capable of generating 333hp

The motorsport genes are also easily recognisable in the production version of the BMW M235i Coupé, courtesy of the aerodynamically optimised body design. It is propelled by the most powerful petrol engine developed so far for a BMW M Performance Automobile: a six-cylinder in-line engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology. With a capacity of 2,979ccm, the racing version is capable of generating 333hp (245kW).

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Motorsport-specific driving aids such as ABS, DSC and traction control ensure that the motorsport newcomers can also handle the BMW M235i Racing surely and safely. The car also comes with mechanical limited-slip differential, which is also available for the BMW M235i Coupé in the original BMW Parts range. The racing car is also fitted with features such as the FIA-certified safety cell and the modern safety tank. On top of this come components from the BMW M Performance Parts range, such as the rear and front spoilers, diffusor and carbon wing mirrors.

Technical Data BMW M235i Racing

Max. width: 1,862mm (without mirrors)
Wheelbase: 2,691mm
Height: 1,380mm (without antenna)
Max. track: 1,608mm
Engine: six-cylinder in-line
Capacity: 2,979ccm
Output: 333hp (245kW)

BMW M235i Caught Naked

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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!

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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.

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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