testing – Wild Speed

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 That was the case recently with the BMW M3 GT4, and that is now being superseded with the BMW M235i Racing.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).

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)

Ferrari 458 Monte Carlo

Check out the renderings here!

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These are the first photographs of Ferrari testing the new hardcore 458. Due for the International Autoshow Frankfurt in september this year.

The Ferrari 458 is getting the treatment we’ve been waiting for. Going by the project name of Monte Carlo, this lightweight 458 will drive in the tracks of the Ferrari F430 Scuderia, probably at a faster pace. Aggressive looks, aero-upgrades, larger intakes and wider air vents to cool that powerful V8 which will be delivering up to 600 horsepower courtesy of an ECU remap and some engine upgrades.

Via Autogespot

F430 Scuderia vs. 458 Italia

Let’s see how the normal 458 compares to the F430 Scuderia in a straight line. video by M5board.com

McLaren MP4-12C Wearing A Cloth

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They’re obviously ‘hiding’ something. Most likely a minor facelift, or life cycle impulse, as BMW would call it. Since MP4-12C was first introduced in 2009, this wouldn’t be a bad idea.

We can see a new set of LEDS shining through the piece of fabric streched over the front of this McLaren Spider spotted somewhere in Germany. The front bumper and interior are to receive some minor updates as well. And perhaps a little surprise in the back, who knows. We’ll see in Frankfurt at the IAA this september.

That’s pretty much it.Oh, and a couple extra ponies of course. About 640.

991 Saga Continues: GT2 Spied

Photographers have caught Porsche testing the all new 991 GT2 at the Nurburgring. It’s obviously no secret as the GT2 is a one-step-up from the GT3 which was revealed this year at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. The new 991 GT2 will be a much more hardcore and hunkered down version of the GT3, or the lovechild of a GT3 and a Turbo, so to say. The GT2 will feature a RWD platform, a 3.8l twin turbo flat six engine that will produce around 560 hp, which evidently will be able to catapult the GT2 to 60 mph in just under 3 seconds! Push hard enough and the GT2 will hit 200 mph. That’s absolutely mind boggling, but as much as this sounds like the ultimate widowmaker, modern technohow might just sort things out a bit.

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New BMW M4 Coupe Spyshots Emerge

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.

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

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WHAT DO WE KNOW?
• 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

Caught Testing: F15 BMW X5 M

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.

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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.

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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

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

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