2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Photos and Info

In a logical extension of its portfolio, BMW has launched the M6 Gran Coupe. Identified by the automaker as "perhaps the perfect combination" of the M5 and the M6, it is a stretched M6 that sits on the exact wheelbase of the M5. Created essentially from the parts bin, the M6 Gran Coupe's hardware was pre-determined from the start. And that’s a good thing.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe front three quarters

Under the hood of this rear-driver sits the 560-hp, 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8; BMW's imprecise TwinPower moniker actually refers to a twin-turbo here. Maximum torque is 500 lb-ft, available at 1500 rpm, and all 560 horses are served when the tach spins to at 5750 before arriving at a 7200-rpm redline. BMW claims that the sprint from zero to 60 mph takes a mere 4.1 seconds. That's as quick as the M6 coupe and a somewhat-inexplicable 0.3 second quicker than BMW says the lighter M5 requires. Top speed is a governed 155 mph, which is reached "in only a few seconds more," as the press release optimistically states. Top speed can be raised to 190 mph with the addition of the M Driver’s package. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. There’s no word yet on the availability of a six-speed manual for the M6 Gran Coupe—nor the coupe or convertible, for that matter—which would not only provide a genuine shifting experience but also shave 33 pounds from the four-door’s weight, as it does when fitted in the M5.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe front end

The M6 Gran Coupe is equipped with an extremely capable chassis, which includes an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, electronically controlled shock absorbers, and a rear subframe bolted to the body. This car still uses hydraulic power steering, electronically adjustable and rather superior to the electromechanical power steering found in lesser versions of the 5- and 6-series. Carbon-ceramic brakes are optional, and they will lower weight by a remarkable 43 pounds. The 20-inch aluminum wheels displayed on this car are specific to the M6 Gran Coupe.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe rear three quarters

The M6 Gran Coupe is a long sedan from the outside, but from the inside, the coupe moniker comes alive. The seating position in the front is low and snug, just like in the standard M6 coupe, and the rear seats do not offer the room you might expect from a four-door of its size. There actually is room for five, but the fifth person won't be happy—regardless of how petit he or she happens to be. BMW is well aware of the rear-passenger seating arrangement, referring to it as “four-plus-one.”

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Interior

But practicality is not what the M6 Gran Coupe is about. Instead, it is one of the most beautiful four-door sedans on the market, an automotive dream of luxury, performance, and indulgence. And it’s a good thing this four-door coupe is directed toward all those desirable characteristics and not practicality, because when it hits showroom floors in the summer of 2013, expect to see a sticker price approaching $110,000. At that price, it will cost nearly $20,000 more than a base M5. But that’ll be worth it, purely for the sake of owning the prettiest M5 on the planet.

2014 BMW X5

The third-generation 2014 BMW X5 has arrived, and its big news is an optional rear-wheel-drive variant. Those models will have a 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine in the U.S. We're expecting a Frankfurt motor show debut in September. Why rear drive? BMW says customer clinics revealed prospective buyers, including those in the U.S., aren't really concerned about the luxury SUV being able to take them off-road.

2014 BMW X5 m50d image BMW Blog

Developed under the codename F15, the new BMW X5 retains its upright profile and traditional features such as a two-piece tailgate. There's a bolder front end with a more prominent kidney grille, LED headlamps and a heavily contoured bumper with so-called air-curtain ducts on the lower outer edges sending air more efficiently through the front-wheel houses.

BMW X5 2014

Overall, the new SUV has a more structured look with a more contoured hood, more pronounced shoulder line and an added feature line in the lower doors. BMW says it's all aimed at reducing visual bulk.

2014 BMW X5

At 192.4 inches long, 76.3 inches wide and 69.4 inches high, the new X5 is a mere 1.3 inches longer, 0.2 inches wider and 0.6 inches taller than its predecessor. The new model carries over the 115.5 inch wheelbase.

2014 BMW X5 Brown Front Three Quarters view

Inside, the new X5 has a more luxurious interior, with styling following the latest BMWs. Buyers will get two rear-seat choices: a fixed 40/20/40 bench or a new 70/30 bench; it adjusts longitudinally for space for an optional third row. Cargo capacity grows 1.1 cubic feet to 23.9, rising to 66.0 with the second- and third-row seats folded.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe

The 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este kicks off this weekend, and BMW has once again unveiled a concept car for the prestigious Italian car show. Called the Gran Lusso Coupe, the vehicle was built in partnership with Italian design house Pininfarina. According to BMW, the concept marks the first time the two companies have paired together, and the coupe showcases the best each company has to offer in “style, dynamics, and aesthetics.”

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe

BMW didn’t specify what car the Gran Lusso Coupe is based on, but from the outside it looks like a 7 Series morphed into two-door form. Power comes from a V-12 powerplant, further hinting that its roots stem from BMW’s flagship sedan. That said, the large coupe sits on a long wheelbase, which contributes to its commanding presence, a sharp contrast to the smaller, two-seater BMW Zagato Coupe unveiled at last year’s show. The front end still sports the familiar BMW design cues like the dual-kidney grille and quad-round headlights. Additionally, the Gran Lusso Coupe features the automaker’s Air Breather aerodynamic system, which first debuted on the 4 Series coupe concept.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe Concept

From the side, the coupe features a sloping roofline, large 21-inch wheels, short overhangs, and the requisite Hofmeister kink. A chrome accent strip engraved with the “Gran Lusso” logo is found between the front fender and door, while a “Pininfarina” badge is affixed immediately behind the Hofmiester kink. The rear end is fairly simple, with a sleek, single-unit taillight bar that wraps around the fender and rectangular exhaust tips integrated into the lower bumper.

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe Concept front view

BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupe Concept left rear view with driver

Inside, passengers are surrounded in brown leather seating surfaces and a black headliner made from Italian virgin wool. A fixed-glass moonroof cuts across the center of the roof that is also illuminated by LED accent lighting at night. BMW claims the kauri wood accent pieces, which were sourced from New Zealand, are more than 48,000 years old. Other interior trim pieces include black chrome, patterned leather piping on the seats, and a sporty, three-spoke steering wheel.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

Global bestseller, winner of a string of comparison tests and "Germany's favourite car" - the BMW 5-Series represents a quite unique success story. Its sales figures, the verdicts of experts and the response of the public make a compelling narrative. And now the BMW 5-Series Sedan, BMW 5-Series Touring and BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo are preparing to build on their standout presence in the world's car markets with the help of cutting-edge technological innovations and sensitively modified design features. The introduction of the new BMW 5-Series provides the latest highlight in the development of the company's longest-serving model family; the BMW 5-Series has been a fixture in the BMW portfolio since 1972 - longer than any other current model. It didn't take the 5-Series long to establish itself as a paragon of driving pleasure and aesthetic appeal in its segment. And today it can add efficiency and innovation to the list of disciplines in which it leads the way in the executive car market.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

The BMW 5-Series Sedan currently rolling off the assembly line is the sixth-generation model. An impressively harmonious balance between sporting flair and elegance has been a defining feature of the four-door variant since it first made the leap from the drawing board to the road and went on to become the most popular executive car in one market after the next. Entering the fray in 1991 and now in its fourth generation, the BMW 5-Series Touring blends hallmark BMW dynamics and all-embracing comfort with a variable-usage cargo area designed to meet the requirements of a wide range of activities. And the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo, unveiled in 2009, has seen BMW introduce drivers to an all-new type of car. Its extravagant design represents the expression of sports performance, luxurious long-distance comfort and versatility.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

To date, over 6.6 million BMW 5-Series cars have left the factory. And the current BMW 5-Series is in excellent shape to surpass the record set by the highly successful last two generations, each of which sold in excess of 1.4 million units. A total of more than one million units of the current BMW 5-Series Sedan have been delivered to customers since the sales launch of the 5-Series in March 2010. No other generation has bettered these sales figures over such a short period of time.

The BMW 5-Series defended its leading position as the best-selling car in its class in supreme style once again last year, further extending its upward curve of constantly rising sales figures since its market launch.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

Like the manual gearbox fitted in the BMW 5-Series, the eight-speed automatic option also stands out with its remarkable efficiency. Indeed, the majority of 5-Series models burn even less fuel with the eight-speed automatic specified than when the same engine teams up with the manual gearbox. All the models in the BMW 5-Series line-up come as standard with features including the Auto Start-Stop function, Brake Energy Regeneration, the need-based operation of ancillary components, active air vents, Electric Power Steering and tyres with reduced rolling resistance. Elsewhere, modifications to the wheel arches and underbody panelling and a redesigned front apron contribute to further optimisation of the cars' aerodynamic properties. The result, among other things, is a reduction in the drag coefficient (Cd value) of the new BMW 520d to 0.25.

2014 BMW 5 ActiveHybrid

The standard-fitted Driving Experience Control switch can be used to activate ECO PRO mode, which tweaks the engine management, accelerator responses and shift characteristics of the automatic gearbox to help the driver keep revs low and burn as little fuel as possible. Plus, efficient power usage for electrically operated functions such as the climate control system and the seat and exterior mirror heating ensures efficient energy management. A coasting mode is now also available for the first time in conjunction with the optional automatic gearbox. In ECO PRO mode this function disengages the powertrain as soon as the driver takes his foot off the accelerator at speeds between 50 and 160 km/h (31 and 99 mph). This allows the car to glide along with no engine braking effect and burning only minimal amounts of fuel.

The optional Navigation system Professional also does its bit to assist efficient driving, presenting drivers with not only the quickest or shortest route to their destination, but also the ECO PRO Route - mapped out to keep fuel consumption particularly low. Another innovation making its debut in the new BMW 5-Series range is the Proactive Driving Assistant. With the navigation system's route guidance activated, this function advises the driver on the ideal moment to take his foot off the accelerator when approaching corners and speed-restricted areas in order to reduce fuel consumption. The BMW ActiveHybrid 5 comes with specially adapted versions of the coasting mode and Proactive Driving Assistant, helping customers to make maximum use of the car's pure electric driving potential.

Hamann's New BMW M5 Mi5Sion Begs the Question

We're guessing Hamann Motorsports has no time for games when it comes to its new BMW M5 styling kit named Mi5Sion, which offers the high-performance sedan the most…serious face we've ever seen on an F10.

And if you're not convinced by its facial expression, the Mi5Sion also brutes up the rest of the car with elongated front and rear fender extensions, matching side skirts, a new vented rear bumper with quad exhaust pipes, plus boot and roof spoilers, and new set of black alloy wheels.

If the Mi5Sion is too much too swallow –don't be shy to admit it, Haman has prepared a more subtle cosmetic package that leaves the headlamps alone, concentrating on the bumpers, wheel arches, skirts and the rear bumper. It also gets a pair of wings at the back and different rims.

Regardless of the exterior components, Hamann customizes the interior of the M5 with bespoke trims on the dash, door panels and center stack, a new flat-bottom steering wheel and aluminum pedals.

2013 Geneva Motor Show

If we are nearing the end of February, then it must be time for the Geneva Auto Show that takes place each year in March. This is the 83rd time that automakers will gather in the Swiss city to display their latest models; the Palexpo center will open its gates on March 5 for the press and two days later for the public and will last until March 17.

In spite of all the fuss about “green” transportation, the 2013 Geneva Auto Show’s most anticipated new models are sports cars.

First and foremost, there’s the Alfa Romeo 4C – a two-seater, rear-wheel drive coupe with a carbon fiber chassis that heralds the Italian manufacturer’s new era and its long-anticipated return to the U.S. market.

Then there’s the Formula 1 duel that has been taken to the streets: Ferrari will unveil the Enzo successor, code-named F150, and rival McLaren, the production version of the P1. Interestingly, both hypercars will be powered by hybrid powertrains and despite putting out in excess of 900-horses, they promise ultra-low CO2 emissions.

Other sports car that will make their premiere in Geneva are the open-top versions of the brand-new Corvette Stingray and the Toyota GT 86 (Scion FR-S in the U.S.), the Aston Martin Rapide S and Vantage SP10 and, of course, a special Lamborghini to celebrate the Sant’ Agata-based company’s 50th anniversary.

Naturally, the show won’t be only about sports cars: BMW will launch the 3-Series GT, China's Qoros its 3 Sedan, Volvo its updated range and the VW Group the electrified Audi A3 and VW Golf models.

That’s far from a full description of the cars that will debut at the 2013 Geneva Auto Show, but you can scroll down and view the provisional list in detail.

BMW Tries to Woo Japanese Buyers with Limited Edition 116i Fashionista

Japanese consumers are often treated with special edition versions of European premium cars, some of which are collectibles, like the 1996-1999 BMW 840CiA Individual, and others not so much.

BMW's latest Japan market-only special is the 116i "Fashionista" that will be offered exclusively in a five-door body style priced at ¥3,460,000 (US$37,500 or €28,500), with production capped at 370 units.

The car can be had in a choice of three exterior colors named Crimson Red, White III Arupin and Deep Sea Blue metallic, all of which feature 17 inches alloy wheels shod in 205 / 50R17 tires, Chrome kidney grille and exhaust pipe, and a black finish for the window surrounds.

Inside, there's Dakota Oyster leather for the seats, sections of the doors and the handbrake, a gloss off-white finish for the trims on the dashboard, lower center console and door arms, and added standard features such as a Rear-view camera with Park Distance Control and front seat heating.

Power comes from BMW's standard 1.6-liter turbocharged four with 136PS (134bhp) linked to an 8-speed automatic transmission turning the rear wheels.

AC Schnitzer Prepares New Aero Tunes for BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe and 3-Series Touring M Sport

German aftermarket specialist AC Schnitzer will highlight two new BMW tuning proposals at next month’s Geneva Auto Salon, for the 6-Series Gran Coupe and 3-Series Touring models equipped with the M-Technik sport packages.

For the time being, AC Schnitzer is letting us play the guessing game about what it has prepared for these two models through the release of the respective image galleries, with detailed information to be announced during the Swiss show.

From the pictures, we see that the 6-Series Gran Coupe with the M Sport package gains a new carbon fiber lip spoiler, a chrome-plated lower grille and headlamp accents up front, and a new rear diffuser made from carbon fiber with different exhaust outlets at the back. AC Schnitzer's two-tone alloy wheels complete the look.

Similarly, the 3-Series estate with the M Sport Package is updated with a chrome lower front grille, a two-piece front spoiler, a painted rear diffuser, new tailpipes and five-spoke wheels.

Interior options for both models include an AC Schnitzer knob for the i-Drive system, bespoke mats and aluminum pedals.

BMW M Reportedly Plans to Stick to Rear Wheel Drive (Ahem…X5 M, Cough, Cough…X6 M)

The news coming from the world's oldest car magazine (yes, that's the same one that had the Auto Cars Concept on the Alfa Romeo 4C), is that BMW M's division is committed to rear wheel drive.

BMW M boss Friedrich Nitschke spoke to the publication about the matter during last month's Detroit Auto Show: "Our philosophy in regards to steering feel and precision is that rear-wheel drive is the best solution," he said. "xDrive brings an 80-90kg weight penalty and the M differential is the industry’s best rear-drive set-up."

Well, we guess neither Nitschke nor Autocar have ever heard about the…BMW X5 M and X6 M, or the M135i xDrive, M550d xDrive and the X6 50d xDrive (granted; the Bavarian company describes the last three as "Powered by M" and "M Performance" models, but they still carry the "M" nameplate anyway).

During the interview, Nitschke added that the M brand will continue to offer manual gearboxes as long as there's demand, and that there are no "imminent plans" to offer an M3 version of the new 3-Series Gran Turismo.

Articles Source : Carscoop

BMW's 4-Series Coupe Promo Sounds Conspicuously German to Us

There's a new BMW coming our way next year: the successor to the two-door 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models, the newly named 4-Series. But you already know that since the Bavarian carmaker brought a thinly disguised concept of the coupe to last month's Detroit auto show.

So, what's the deal with this new video released by BMW over the weekend? Well, it's a promotional clip made to keep the buzz going around until the reveal of the final production version, though, unless you're fluent in German, you won't understand a word that's said in the video...

For what it's worth, this is the Google-translated script from YouTube:

"The Ultimate Driving Machine. When will she start? When the engine starts, you feel the power, the precision. It begins when the speed goes up and the heartbeat follows. If you accelerate. Only degrees, curves, centrifugal forces. If one leaves everything else? No, it starts at the first glance."

You'll find the promo clip, along with a "making of" video and a relevant short film dedicated to the first 3-Series model code-named E21, right past the break.

Articlea Source : Carscoop

 

 Video Source : Youtube

New BMW Alpina B3 Bi-Turbo Racing to the Geneva Auto Salon

BMW has a very close relationship with Alpina, even offering the latter's special models through its own dealers and with full warranty. At least for now, the only Alpina model available through official channels in North America is the 7-Series-based B7 flagship, even though the German specialty brand has its own proposal for most BMW models.

At the Geneva Auto Salon in March, Alpina will welcome another member in its family, the next generation of the B3 Bi-Turbo, based on the F30 3-Series sedan.

Alpina itself released only a single, partially blocked-out picture of the new B3 Bi-Turbo without any details, but the crew from the BMWBlog got their hands on a full blown image and preliminary specifications.

According to the report, the new B3 Bi-Turbo will use an upgraded version of the 335i's 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine producing 404hp (410PS), linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, for a 0-100km/h run in just 4.0 seconds. The car is said to return a combined fuel economy of 7.9lt/100km (29.8mpg US / 35.8mpg UK).

Articles Source : Carscoop

Vorsteiner Readying New Tune for BMW M6 Coupe and Cabriolet Models

In January, Vorsteiner announced the release of a new set of forged aluminum concave wheels finished in brushed aluminum and available in sizes 21"x9.5J for the front and 21"x11J for the rear end of the BMW M6 Coupe (F12) and Cabriolet models (F13), but that was only the beginning.

The tuner is now working on a full styling and exhaust package for the mightiest models of the 6-Series range that are both powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 at 552hp (560PS) and 516 lb-ft (700Nm).

For now, Vorsteiner is teasing its M6 Edition Package through a set of renderings depicting the coupe model fitted with an aero kit that includes a modified front bumper with a lip spoiler, side skirts, a boot lid spoiler and a new rear diffuser, all made out of carbon fibre.

The car is also riding on a different set of deep-dish wheels finished in black with beefier tires than the original.

BMW 4-Series Document Allegedly Confirms Production Dates and Engine Range

The members of one of the many model-specific forums sprouting on the internet these days, have purportedly gained access to a snippet from an official BMW document listing a number of details including the production dates and model trims for the upcoming 4-Series range, which was teased through a coupe concept at last month's Detroit Motor Show.

BMW 4-Series Coupe

BMW 4-Series Coupe

BMW 4-Series Coupe

BMW 4-Series Coupe

BMW 4-Series Coupe

BMW 4-Series Coupe

BMW 4-Series Coupe

BMW 4-Series Coupe

BMW 4-Series Coupe

For starters, the list states that the F32, which is BMW's code-name for the coupe, will be offered at launch in four flavors – the 428i and 428xi (all-wheel drive) motivated by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four (likely delivering 240-horses), and the 435i and 435xi featuring a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six (with 300hp unless BMW uses its more potent 315hp unit).

Series production of the 2013 model Coupe will begin this July at BMW's Munich factory and will end in June of 2014, when the new model year kicks in.

The Convertible version codenamed F33 will be offered with the same two engines in the 428i and 435i, but only all with rear-wheel drive. Production starts at the BMW's Regensburg factory in November of 2013 and ends in June next year.

In both cases, the last date refers to the end of production for the specific MY (Model Year), not the series, which at that point, will continue with a new model year that may or may not bring some updates.

Articles Source : Carscoop