BMW i3 to be RWD, mid-"engine"
As if the spy video we featured previously wasn't enough proof, today we've confirmed that the smallest BMW i family offering, the i3, will be coming to market in 2013 with a rear-wheel-drive powertrain, and the electric motor powering those wheels will be mounted amidships.
The platform, which is all-new and primarily comprised of carbon fiber, was developed to house the motor ahead of the rear wheels, with the battery pack mounted below the trunk. According to a BMW spokesperson, the drivetrain can be completely separated from the body, making service and replacement a cinch.
The first version of this all-electric drivetrain will be fitted to the ActiveE 1-Series, BMW's second EV after the Mini E, which will make its North American debut at the New York Auto Show later this month. However, the primary difference between the i3's system and the unit fitted to the ActiveE is the battery pack. On the i3, the cells will be grouped together, whereas the electrified 1 Series will have battery packs spanning the space between the passenger compartment and the trunk. Additionally, BMW will be using the NY show to announce the lease plan and pricing for the Active E, so for those looking to get in on the EV sports coupe action, start saving your pennies now.
BMW bringing lightweight M3 sedan to Nürburgring
In addition to officially debuting the M3 pickup here in Munich, BMW trotted out a lightweight version of the M3 sedan before its debut at the M Festival at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring race later this year.
BMW is mum on the exact details on this stripped-out sedan, only saying that it's designed to slot in between the standard model and the race-ready GTS coupe. Output should remain close to the standard 420 horsepower, but the brakes, suspension and exhaust will be tweaked for maximum performance. There's no word on how many pounds the M division stripped from the sedan and U.S. availability, but we should have all the details when the big 'Ring race happens this June. And no, this isn't an April Fools joke.
Officially Official: 420-HP BMW M3 Pickup hauls ass, nearly 1,000 pounds
It's the First of April and the fun has officially begun here in Munich. BMW has officially taken the wraps off the M3 pickup after our spy shooters caught it running the 'Ring late last month. And as we exclusively revealed, it's the Bavarians' idea of an April Fools prank.
However, that doesn't mean that the uteified M3 isn't a full-fledged performer. It's packing the same 420-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 as its sedan, coupe and convertible brethren, but despite lopping off the back, BMW discovered during wind-tunnel testing that its coefficient of drag is close to that of the M3 coupe. It comes complete with a with a removable targa top, weighs some 110 pounds less than its drop-top sibling and topped out at the Nürburgring at 186 mph. Pop the removal roof and the M3 pickup sheds another 44 pounds, and in keeping with every automaker's standard measurement of trunk capacity - the golf bag - the pickup can tote 20 bags of irons. Oh, and there's a trailer hitch to boot.
Naturally, serial production isn't going to happen, but the M3 pickup will serve as the workshop transport vehicle for BMW's M division. Full details in the press blast after the break.
Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, Europe, Videos, BMW, Luxury
As of now, we've seen plenty of photos and footage of the upcoming 2012 BMW M5, and now the grandaddy of videos has just been released. This time, BMW has leaked nearly 30 minutes of the M5 undergoing cold weather testing in the Alps. There's plenty of everything here, from nice stills to rolling footage of the upcoming M car bounding through the snow.
The F10 M5 is rapidly approaching its debut, first at a private BMW press conference at the end of this week, then at the Shanghai Motor Show in mid-April. We already know that the car will have a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 replacing the outgoing car's V10, and Americans will still be able to get a traditional stick shift. We're ready, BMW. Hop the jump for the video.
BMW cuts the glare with M3 Matte Edition for China
Automakers have all sorts of different ways of celebrating milestone anniversaries. In the case of the M3, which turns 25 years old this year, BMW opted to roll out a series of special editions for individual markets. Japan, for example, got the Competition Fire Orange Edition. Here in the United States, we got the Frozen Gray edition. Australia got the Pure edition, and in China they got the Tiger edition. The latter proved so popular that BMW has opted to roll out a second special edition for the People's Republic.
Called the Matte Edition, its defining feature, as you might have guessed, is the matte black paint job, complimented by black chrome trim, high-gloss 19-inch alloys to contrast with the low-gloss body, red brake calipers and an interior decked out with carbon fiber trim and red stitching. Mechanically, the Matte Edition is exactly the same as a stock M3, but the color scheme is one of the most attractive we've seen yet. Follow the jump for the official press release (translated into English).
Technology, Hatchback, BMW, Electric
2013 BMW i3 prototype
As if the spy video we featured previously wasn't enough proof, today we've confirmed that the smallest BMW i family offering, the i3, will be coming to market in 2013 with a rear-wheel-drive powertrain, and the electric motor powering those wheels will be mounted amidships.
The platform, which is all-new and primarily comprised of carbon fiber, was developed to house the motor ahead of the rear wheels, with the battery pack mounted below the trunk. According to a BMW spokesperson, the drivetrain can be completely separated from the body, making service and replacement a cinch.
The first version of this all-electric drivetrain will be fitted to the ActiveE 1-Series, BMW's second EV after the Mini E, which will make its North American debut at the New York Auto Show later this month. However, the primary difference between the i3's system and the unit fitted to the ActiveE is the battery pack. On the i3, the cells will be grouped together, whereas the electrified 1 Series will have battery packs spanning the space between the passenger compartment and the trunk. Additionally, BMW will be using the NY show to announce the lease plan and pricing for the Active E, so for those looking to get in on the EV sports coupe action, start saving your pennies now.
BMW bringing lightweight M3 sedan to Nürburgring
Concept Cars, Sedan, Performance, BMW
Lightweight BMW M3 Sedan -
In addition to officially debuting the M3 pickup here in Munich, BMW trotted out a lightweight version of the M3 sedan before its debut at the M Festival at the 24 Hours of Nürburgring race later this year.
BMW is mum on the exact details on this stripped-out sedan, only saying that it's designed to slot in between the standard model and the race-ready GTS coupe. Output should remain close to the standard 420 horsepower, but the brakes, suspension and exhaust will be tweaked for maximum performance. There's no word on how many pounds the M division stripped from the sedan and U.S. availability, but we should have all the details when the big 'Ring race happens this June. And no, this isn't an April Fools joke.
Officially Official: 420-HP BMW M3 Pickup hauls ass, nearly 1,000 pounds
Performance, Truck, BMW
BMW M3 Pickup
However, that doesn't mean that the uteified M3 isn't a full-fledged performer. It's packing the same 420-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 as its sedan, coupe and convertible brethren, but despite lopping off the back, BMW discovered during wind-tunnel testing that its coefficient of drag is close to that of the M3 coupe. It comes complete with a with a removable targa top, weighs some 110 pounds less than its drop-top sibling and topped out at the Nürburgring at 186 mph. Pop the removal roof and the M3 pickup sheds another 44 pounds, and in keeping with every automaker's standard measurement of trunk capacity - the golf bag - the pickup can tote 20 bags of irons. Oh, and there's a trailer hitch to boot.
Naturally, serial production isn't going to happen, but the M3 pickup will serve as the workshop transport vehicle for BMW's M division. Full details in the press blast after the break.
2012 BMW M5 -
As of now, we've seen plenty of photos and footage of the upcoming 2012 BMW M5, and now the grandaddy of videos has just been released. This time, BMW has leaked nearly 30 minutes of the M5 undergoing cold weather testing in the Alps. There's plenty of everything here, from nice stills to rolling footage of the upcoming M car bounding through the snow.
The F10 M5 is rapidly approaching its debut, first at a private BMW press conference at the end of this week, then at the Shanghai Motor Show in mid-April. We already know that the car will have a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 replacing the outgoing car's V10, and Americans will still be able to get a traditional stick shift. We're ready, BMW. Hop the jump for the video.
BMW cuts the glare with M3 Matte Edition for China
Coupe, Performance, China, BMW
BMW M3 Matte Edition -
Automakers have all sorts of different ways of celebrating milestone anniversaries. In the case of the M3, which turns 25 years old this year, BMW opted to roll out a series of special editions for individual markets. Japan, for example, got the Competition Fire Orange Edition. Here in the United States, we got the Frozen Gray edition. Australia got the Pure edition, and in China they got the Tiger edition. The latter proved so popular that BMW has opted to roll out a second special edition for the People's Republic.
Called the Matte Edition, its defining feature, as you might have guessed, is the matte black paint job, complimented by black chrome trim, high-gloss 19-inch alloys to contrast with the low-gloss body, red brake calipers and an interior decked out with carbon fiber trim and red stitching. Mechanically, the Matte Edition is exactly the same as a stock M3, but the color scheme is one of the most attractive we've seen yet. Follow the jump for the official press release (translated into English).