Tag Archives: BMW

BMW M Rumored To Be Readying Special M4 For 50th Ann. With Manual Gearbox

Next year is gearing up to be a special one for BMW’s M division. BMW M GmbH will mark its 50th anniversary in May, 2022, and new rumors suggest that there’s a special, limited production M4 on the horizon.

The lead comes from an alleged BMW insider on g80.bimmerpost. The user, who apparently has a good track record for new car info, suggests that the unnamed M4 special will be “configured like the CSL, but with a manual transmission.”

The forum member goes on to say that several options will be deleted, including comfort access, parking sensors, and electric seats. The absence of such would result in an M4 that’s even lighter than the already lightweight CSL, provided this special model is based on the upcoming CSL in the first place.

Although the production M4 CSL hasn’t yet been revealed to the public, our spies have spotted prototypes undergoing testing. These cars feature revised air intakes and grilles, as well as lightweight wheels, a more prominent lip spoiler, and a new diffuser.

Read: BMW Teases Next-Generation M4 GT4 Customer Race Car

A BMW M4 CSL prototype caught testing at the Nurburgring

As yet, powertrain details for the CSL have not been confirmed, although there have been reports that BMW may not offer a manual transmission. If that were the case, a limited, manual-equipped take on the CSL could prove to be the holy grail of BMW’s M4 line-up. The source also remarks that the new variant will be only produced for a few months, starting in November 2022, implying that production numbers will be kept low.

We already know that BMW M GmbH has big plans on the horizon for the upcoming year. Their 750hp plug-in hybrid SUV, the XM, is set to be in production before the end of 2022, and from January, customers will be able to order their cars with a roundel that harks back to the Motorsport division’s classic logo. If that weren’t enough, the new BMW M3 Touring would finally fulfill our M wagon dreams, and a series of 50 new M paint finishes will be made available. A special, ultra-limited edition of the M4 could just be the icing on the cake.

Widebody Trans Am With 808 HP Pits Itself Against A 600 HP BMW E36 Time Attack Car

Hoonigan’s ‘This vs. That’ drag racing series routinely pits some of the quickest cars on four wheels against each other and in this latest clip, brought together a Plymouth Trans Am and a BMW E36 3-Series. However, both have been heavily tuned.

The owner of the 1970 Trans Am featured has gone to town overhauling his muscle car, outfitting it with a 6.5-liter LSX V8 that churns out no less than 808 hp. Coupled to this engine is a G-Force GF4A transmission that powers the rear wheels.

There is clearly no mistaking this Trans Am from a regular, road-going example as it features flared front and rear wheel arches. The interior has also been completely stripped out, meaning it weighs only 3,165 lbs (1,435 kg).

Read Also: Is This The Facelifted 2022 BMW 3-Series?

As impressive as this Pontiac is, the BMW 3-Series it raced is equally as unique. It’s been designed as a Time Attack car and has also undergone an engine swap that saw a massive 7.3-liter V8 slotted under its hood. It also features a sequential transmission, is rear-wheel drive, and tips the scales at 2,700 lbs (1,224 kg).

During the first race, the driver of the Trans Am messed up a gear change, allowing the BMW to take an easy win. The second rolling race, by comparison, was extremely close with the Pontiac taking the win by roughly one foot, meaning it was all to play for in the third and final race.

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C8 Corvette Vs. BMW M4 Competition In 500 HP Sports Car Shootout

If you’re lucky enough to have $70,000 to spend on a car and your buying criteria includes head-turning looks and the kind of power that can incinerate a set of tires before you’ve even left the dealer’s lot, you’re spoiled for choice.

That kind of money gets you into all manner of high performance front-engined coupes from the Dodge Challenger Hellcat to the brand new BMW M4 Competition. But in the C8 Corvette it also opens the door to the next best thing to an Italian supercar for those of us who can’t afford the real thing.

To find out which is best, Edmunds pitted its own long term Corvette against a BMW test car. The C8 had a $60,995 base price, but ended up costing $80,660 by the time they’d finished nibbling at the options list, adding stuff like the Z51 Performance Pack.

The BMW, on the other hand, stickered at $72,795, but loaded with the usual haul of press car goodies, came in at $101,995.

Related: 2021 BMW M4 Competition Takes On 2020 Chevrolet Corvette In A Straight Line

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They deliver eerily similar power, but do so in very different ways. The BMW’s 503 hp and 479lb ft comes courtesy of a twin-turbo 3.0-liter six, where the Corvette’s 495 hp is generated by a 6.2-liter V8. It kicks out a similar 470 lb ft, but being naturally aspirated, delivers it almost 3000 rpm further round the dial.

And Edmunds host Carlos Lago says the BMW’s stronger initial kick in the back means it feels far more powerful than the Corvette, despite the C8 beating the M4 to 60 mph and to the quarter mile mark.

The BMW’s limited traction also makes it exciting, Lago says, but maybe a little too exciting, while the Corvette is always controllable and surprises with a more comfortable ride, and, weirdly, more trunk space.

Pushed to call it, Lago gives the win to the Corvette for its value and breadth of abilities, but the four-seat, sideways-to-victory M4 runs it very close.

The New BMW M3/M4 Drift Analyzer Is Fun, But Could It Be Dangerous?

The new BMW M3 and M4 have a lot going for them, including an all-new engine that helps to boost performance over the previous-generation models. One of the updates also made to the new cars is the fitment of a ‘Drift Analyzer.’

As the name implies, this system analyses the drifts a driver performs in the car. It can only be accessed by turning off all of the safety nannies so is best used on a racetrack, rather than on the road. Eager to test out the system, Evo Magazine’s Steve Sutcliffe headed onto a circuit and started powersliding the new M3.

Read Also: After The M4, The 2021 BMW M3 Competition Also Makes More Power Than Advertised

The Drift Analyzer measures a host of different parameters to provide drivers with a rating of their drift. It measures things including the distance covered by the rear wheels, the speed of the drift and most importantly, the angle of the car.

The best drift performed by Sutcliffe was awarded 4.5 stars out of 5 by the system. Interestingly, he suggests that the system is much more interested in the angle of the drift than the speed or distance. The bigger the angle, the higher the score.

While the system will no doubt be appreciated by some owners, Sutcliffe also suggests that it could lead to a number of crashes as M3/M4 owners try to get the highest drift rating possible on the street.

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BMW M4 Vs. Mercedes-AMG C63 Vs. Audi RS5: Which Is The Quickest Premium Sports Coupe?

The BMW M4, Mercedes-AMG C63 and Audi RS5 are all great compact premium coupes with lots of performance, but which one takes the prize when you pit them against each other?

One might argue that the Quattro all-wheel drive system of the Audi is hard to beat. Some might say that the twin-turbocharged V8 engine of the Mercedes is simply superior here, whereas others would defend the BMW simply because it is arguably the most fun to drive.

Driven: Here’s Why The 2021 BMW M4 Competition Is Great – And How It Could Be Better

Okay, that obviously does not answer the question, so it’s time to see them in action, in a video that focuses solely on the straight-line performance, from a standing and a rolling start, and includes brake tests too. But before doing that, let’s see what the spec sheets say, starting with the Audi, which uses a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 that makes 444 HP and 442 lb-ft (600 Nm) of torque. It can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds and up to 174 mph (280 km/h) with the optional RS Dynamic Package.

The C63 S, on the other hand, which is the pinnacle of the previous-gen C-Class lineup, has a 503 HP and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 and will do the 0-62 mph in 3.9 seconds, with a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h). And the new M4 Competition uses a twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six with 503 HP and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm), for a nought to 62 mph of 3.9 seconds and a maximum speed of 180 mph (290 km/h).

On paper, then, they are almost inseparable when it comes to straight line speed. However, 0-60 times are one thing; how they actually perform in the real world can be quite another. So, which comes out on top?

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BMW Racing Driver Takes New M5 CS For A Spin

BMW race car driver Connor DiPhillippi was heading to Daytona to drive an M8 GTE in the 24-hour race – and on his way, he stopped at the BMW performance center in South Carolina.

And there’s a very good reason for that, as DiPhillippi is among the first people outside of Munich to drive the recently unveiled M5 CS. That’s a pretty good opportunity, because BMW’s new, light-weight M5 is the most powerful production M car ever.

Not only is it more powerful than any other M car, with an output of 626 hp, but it also weighs a pretty impressive 104 kg (229 pounds) less than the M5 Competition on which it is based. BMW achieved that by removing some of the car’s sound deadening and adding a carbon-fiber roof, hood, front splitter, and mirror caps.

Also Read: 2022 BMW M5 CS Debuts With 627 HP, Hits 60 MPH In Less Than 3 Seconds

It also benefits from an improved Dynamic Damper Control system and springs, optimized for the lightened package. It also gets a RWD mode in case you’re in the mood for some spirited driving.

BMW claims that the M5 CS is capable of hitting 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds, but Car and Driver clocked the heavier, less powerful M5 Competition in the 2s even though BMW claimed a 3.1-second sprint. We would not, therefore, be surprised if optimal conditions led to lower times.

And what does DiPhillippi think of it all?

“I would say that the first thing I’m impressed with is,” he says, taking a beat to let a whoaa out, “the power. The torque. The agility of this car, I mean the M5 and the M5 Competition were already remarkable machines, and all the details that they’ve put into this CS is insane.”

“The boys in Munich,” he concludes, “have outdone themselves.”

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BMW Wins U.S. Luxury Sales Crown By Less Than 4,000 Units

2020 was a year most automakers would like to forget and that’s especially true in the luxury segment as every single brand posted a decline in U.S. sales.

However, the luxury sales crown is a closely watched contest and only a few thousand units separated BMW, Mercedes and Lexus last year.

BMW took top honors as they sold 278,732 vehicles in the United States. That’s a drop of 17.5%, but it’s worth noting the automaker was fined $18 (£13.3 / €14.7) million by the Securities and Exchange Commission for inflating their sales between 2015 and 2019.

Also Read: 2020 Was Brutal For Automakers As Many Post Decline In Sales

Second place went to Lexus which sold 275,041 vehicles last year. That’s a decline of 7.7% and the drop can be partly attributed to weak sales of the ES and RX.

Rounding out the podium is Mercedes. They sold 274,916 passengers vehicles – excluding vans – for a drop of 13.0%. C-Class sales plummeted 46.5% for the year, while sales of the E-Class / CLS and S-Class were both off by more than 30%.

Over at Audi, sales dropped 17% to 186,620 units. Their big losers were the A4, A6 and A7 which all saw declines of between 31-42%. On the bright side, Q3 sales skyrocketed 84% for the year.

Acura came in fifth place with sales of 136,983 units. That’s a decline of 13.5% and that can be chalked up to weaker demand for the outgoing TLX and MDX.  However, both models are new for 2021.

The final two spots go to Cadillac and Lincoln. Cadillac sales were down 17.1% to 129,495 units, while Lincoln sales were off 6.1% at 105,410 units.

Lincoln sales will likely drop again this year as the brand has axed the MKZ and Continental. While they were Lincoln’s slowest selling vehicles, aside from the MKT, they still contributed 17,780 units to the bottom line last year.

Lastly, Infiniti sales were down 32.5% to 79,502 units. The drop was largely due to a decline in Q50 and QX60 sales which were off 36.4% and 47.0%, respectively.

BMW M2 CSL Turbomeister Edition Has 2002 Hommage Concept Inspired Looks And 513 HP

We’ve seen quite a few tuned BMW M2s over the years, yet not many are as crazy as this 2018 Competition model. Unofficially named the M2 CSL Turbomeister Edition, it is a privately owned car that has been comprehensively modified.

Topaz was in charge of protecting the orange (Inka 22 – a BMW historical color used on the 2002) and black body, and the special decals, whereas Alpha-N signed the carbon roof. The performance exhaust system, whose quad tailpipes are housed in the new diffuser, came from Akrapovic, the 19-inch wheels bear BBS’ signature and the matte black side skirts were made by AC Schnitzer.

At the same time, BMW’s design department allowed the owner to check out the 2002 Hommage Concept from 2016 in real life for inspiration.

See Also: BMW Shows Off Hardcore M2 CS In New Gallery

A full suspension kit from AST was installed, while the front brakes discs were replaced by smaller offerings from Nashin that keep the six-pot calipers in place. This move alone has allowed the car to shed 16 kg (35 lbs), and all the mods resulted in a total weight reduction of more than 110 kg (243 lbs). The brake lines were swapped for new ones and the brake pads were also changed. The rear axle retains the stock brakes, although all four calipers were painted orange.

In addition to the aftermarket titanium exhaust, the M2 CSL Turbomeister features an Eventuri air intake and a few other mods that have lifted the output and torque of the twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six to 520 PS (513 HP / 382 kW) and 660 Nm (487 lb-ft). This represents a 110 PS (108 HP / 81 kW) and 110 Nm (81 lb-ft) increase over the stock car, which does the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just a little over 4 seconds with the optional seven-speed DCT transmission, before maxing out at 250 km/h (155 mph), or 280 km/h (174 mph) with the M Driver’s Package.

Greeting users upon opening the door are the bespoke puddle lights, and once inside, they will see the Alcantara and leather wrapped steering wheel with red 12 o’clock marker and custom paddle shifters. It also sports carbon fiber and Alcantara for the gear shifter and handbrake lever, M Performance pedal covers and an additional display mounted in the middle of the dashboard for the diagnostic data.

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2021 BMW 4-Series Convertible Will Be An AU$90k Affair Down Under

The new generation BMW 4-Series Convertible will launch in Australia early next year with three powertrain options and a recommended starting price of AU$89,900 (US$68,437) for the base model, which is equipped with the M Sport Package as standard.

The range will kick off with the 420i, which uses a 135 kW (184 PS / 181 HP) and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder. Standard gear includes 19-inch wheels, front sports seats with heating, leather upholstery, three-zone climate control, head-up display, smartphone integration, wireless charging pad and digital radio.

Starting at AU$107,900 (US$82,140), the 430i Convertible also packs a 2.0-liter four-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine, but with 190 kW (258 PS / 255 HP) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It sprints from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 6.2 seconds (420i: 8.2 seconds) and comes with features like Adaptive M Suspension, M Sport Brakes, Comfort Access, Driving Assistant Professional and Parking Assistant Plus, including the Surround View with Top View and Side View.

Watch Also: Is The 2021 BMW M440i A Bit Too Soft For A Sports Coupe?

The range-topper is the M440i xDrive, which is powered by a 285 kW (387 PS / 382 HP) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) 3.0-liter straight-six TwinPower Turbo engine that enables it to hit the 100 km/h (62 mph) mark in 4.9 seconds. This variant features all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Pricing starts at AU$135,900 (US$103,455) and it is equipped with grippy tires, M Sport differential, Cerium Grey accents for the grille, side mirror caps and tailpipes, ambient lighting, Air Collar and a Harman Kardon premium audio.

The Visibility Package, which is available for the 420i and 430i versions of the new 4-Series Convertible, adds ambient lighting and BMW Laserlight and costs AU$4,300 (US$3,273) when configured with the standard metallic paintwork or AU$5,900 (US$4,491) with the optional BMW Individual paint finish. The Comfort Package brings the Air Collar, Comfort Access and heated steering wheel for the 420i and is priced at AU$2,600 (US$1,979), while for the 430i it costs AU$1,700 (US$1,294). Exclusive to the entry-level model, the Driver’s Assistant Package costs AU$3,770 (US$2,870) and consists of Parking Assistant Plus, Driving Assistant Professional and tire pressure monitoring.

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Euro-spec model pictured

Is The 2021 BMW M440i A Bit Too Soft For A Sports Coupe?

There has been a lot of talk about the new 4-Series Coupe, most of which relates to its horrible controversial kidney grilles. However, there is a lot more to the car than its looks.

Sitting beneath the skin of the M440i featured in this review is the B58 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six that includes a mild-hybrid 48-volt starter-generator and pumps out 380 hp. Coupled to this engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all four wheels courtesy of BMW’s xDrive AWD system.

Watch Also: 2021 BMW M440i xDrive Looks Odd And Feels Heavy

The M440i is essentially a coupe version of the M340i that TheStraightPipes have driven in the past. However, according to one of the presenters, it feels as though BMW has messed with the steering of the M440i, making it feel disconnected compared to the M340i, something that you may not expect from the sporty coupe variant. However, the second reviewer doesn’t share the same sentiment about the steering.

One thing both reviewers agreed on is the fact that the M440i is a very quick car and makes for an excellent daily driver thanks, in no small part, to the adaptive suspension that provides a great ride in all conditions and on all kinds of road surfaces.

For those that want more performance than the M440i provides, the latest BMW M4 is the way to go. While it also has a controversial front grille, it does promise to be an excellent sports car to drive and features a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six pumping out 473 hp and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) in standard guise and 503 hp and 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) in the Competition.

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