BMW News (All news and spy shots here please)

[blue8]

BMW will use the launch of its upcoming M3 Sedan to introduce its first dual-clutch gearbox. The company is expected to show the sedan and touring versions at an upcoming American motor show, which leaves Los Angeles and Detroit in the running. According to a recent report from Auto Telegraaf, the new dual-clutch gearbox called “M DCT” will get seven forward gears, however a 6-speed manual transmission will also be available. Co-developed with Getrag, the new gearbox will feature a shift lever like the one seen in the new X5 as well as the paddle shifters, and should offer faster and smoother acceleration than the conventional six-speed or the outgoing SMG. Also on the way is a M3 Cabrio version, which is important for the American market where BMW sells a significant amount of M3s. The M3 Cabrio presents a serious engineering challenge for the M-division, who must make hide the 285kg of extra weight over its coupe sibling as well as possible. Track testing for the M3 Cabrio has increased in recent months, but the camouflage still remains. Down the track we can also expect to see a M3 CSL, just as BMW made with the previous generation E46 model. This track bred racing machine should make its debut towards the beginning of 2009.

[blue8]

Next-generation X3

It's not good-looking, as all SUVs, but at least it is not as dull as the previous gen.

The current BMW X3 will have to soldier on for a few more years until the arrival of an all-new model at the end of the decade. Spy shots of a suspicious 3-series wagon with a much taller ride-height than the standard model are believed to be of the prototype for the new X3. The images only revealed a new suspension set-up, with a lower control arm and a wider track, but this new rendering gives us a hint as what the new car will look like. The new X3’s dimensions will hardly change compared with the current car and its styling will be shaped to reflect elements from the CS Concept. The basic shape will remain much the same, however, as this rendering suggests, the new SUV will receive a more prominent grille and new wraparound headlights. Designers will also focus on improving the quality of the interior. Production of the car is being moved to BMW’s Spartanburg plant in the U.S. where it will be built alongside the new X6 and X5. Expect to see the twin-turbo 3.0L from the 335i make its way into the X3 range as well as the powerful but frugal new 204hp 2.0L turbodiesel. Engineers are also likely to add a hybrid version of the car as previewed by the X6 Hybrid concept at last week’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The next couple of years will be very busy for BMW as it prepares for the launch of several new models such as the recently revealed X6 crossover, new V-series and another X car, the all-new X1.

[inso]

http://axisofoversteer.com/Media/E92M3.pdf.zip
enjoy

[blue8]

More X5 M:

We have been aware of a BMW X5 M prototype since it was innitially spotted in the Death Valley in July but news has been sporadic if not completely absent. Multiple rumours about the engines have been surfacing like a twin-turbo V8 (which seems to be finding its way to the next BMW M5). But it is still a safer bet that the V12 engine from BMW's 760i delivering 438 bhp will be powering the X5 M, which would still blow the 272 bhp 3.0 liter in-line six and 355 bhp 4.3 liter V8 found in the regular X5 out of the water. Proof is the 2000 BMW X5 LeMans experimental vehicle which sported the 700 bhp 6.0 liter V12 from the 1999 winning LeMans race car. And how we can be so sure that this is the BMW X5 M and not just another X5. The two sets of twin exhaust tips are a dead give-away and the front bumper has bigger air-intakes ensuring more efficient colling of both brakes and the engine.

[pitfield]

The 3 Mantras of M

1). Front engine rear drive
2). 50-50 weight distribution.
3). Hi revving NA engines.;

[Bernardo]

Originally Posted by leftlanenews BMW Trademark Filings: M10, 555, Progressive Activity Sedan 09/25/07, 09:47am, EDT BMW has filed for three interesting trademarks that give clues to its future product plans. They are: BMW M10, Progressive Activity Sedan, and BMW 555. The first appears to refer to a new high-performance model, while last clearly relates a new 5-Series variant. As for the new "PAS" — we're not too sure. BMW M10 Insiders have long believed BMW to be working on a successor to the M1 mid-engine sports car, which was built between 1978 to 1981. A number of names have been rumored for the supercar, with "M10" recently appearing in the German press. It turns out that might be the badge of choice, because BMW filed for a trademark on the name "M10" on July 18th, 2007. BMW 555 BMW's trademark on the name "555" was 'published for opposition' on August 7th, 2007. That step usually indicates a company is actively pursuing the trademark with intentions of using it. At first glance, 555 might seem to refer to a 5-Series sedan with a 5.5 liter engine, but it could also mean something different. BMW's 335, for example, has a 3.0 liter engine with the extra "5" representing its turbocharger. Progressive Activity Sedan Another new acronym from BMW? The automaker's new X6 is referred to as a "Sports Activity Coupe," which creates a less-than-ideal acronym. Could BMW be considering a new marketing term for its four-door X6? Or perhaps the "Progressive Activity Sedan" is yet another new niche vehicle coming from BMW. Only time will tell.

So this M5 test mule could be the 555, with the turbocharged engine I belive.

[Bernardo]

Originally Posted by worldcarfans.com BMW 3-Series Facelift Spied! With the introduction of the 3-series Coupe, Convertible and M3 in the past year - BMW's standard four-door E90 Sedan has been on the market for nearly three years since its unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show in 2005, and it's about to get a mid-product cycle facelift. Our spy photographers spotted this black E90 with a disguised grille and bonnet and concealed tail lights lapping Nurburgring yesterday. In usual BMW facelift fashion, expect new headlights with accentuated "light rings" a.k.a. 'angel eyes,' a new range of fuel-efficient engines as well as a reworked interior. In June 2007, BMW announced its action-packed formula for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, the launch of an all-new 204 bhp four-cylinder diesel engine with Variable Twin Turbo technology, and we anticipate this "138g CO per km" air purifier to be placed under the bonnet of the facelifted E90 Sedan and E91 Touring early next year. Furthermore, the disguised front grille and tail lights indicate that there will be some modifications in the rear end, possibly LED lights, as well as a revised and heightened engine hood with a wider front grille. The facelifted BMW 3-series Sedan and Touring will appear at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2007. Stay tuned for more details! More pictures on the right!

[5vz-fe]

Originally Posted by dani_d_mas 555?! WTF?! sounds like a Subaru special edition!! :roll:

x2

[blue8]

E90 and E93 M3:

[dutchmasterflex]

Would of been cool if they pulled off a carbon fiber folding roof

[wasaabi92]

I see absolutly no point in the coupe-cum-cabrio M3. It's already a coupe ... that's now heavier. Who would buy one when we've got the 335i Cabrio? I feel the M3 with a folding metal roof is just about pointless.

The E90 M3 however is my favorite of the M3 range, it looks wayyy better than the couple IMHO, and I like sedans more anyways.

Still ... the 335i is so good as is.

[dutchmasterflex]

Because BMW will make a large chunk of their profits with the M3-badged convertible in the US market. You may not see many in New England, but there are butt-loads of E46 M3 Convertibles here in the States..

The M-badge isn't as focused towards performance as it has in the past. It's all money to them now..

[5vz-fe]

Originally Posted by wasaabi92 I see absolutly no point in the coupe-cum-cabrio M3. It's already a coupe ... that's now heavier. Who would buy one when we've got the 335i Cabrio? I feel the M3 with a folding metal roof is just about pointless. The E90 M3 however is my favorite of the M3 range, it looks wayyy better than the couple IMHO, and I like sedans more anyways. Still ... the 335i is so good as is.

Why do you think ppl buy convertibles in the first place? If they want pure performance, they will buy the coupe. They buy it just to show the 335i Cabrio ppl that they have more money.

[blue8]

E90 M3: (the sedan looks so good with the E92 headlights!)

[skituner]

ahh the sedan looks so good better than the coupe imo i cant wait till there out