BMW 1-Series GTR racer by Senkyr Motorsport

This BMW 1 series Coupe GTR by Czech racing team Senkyr Motorsport is based on the E82 1-Series.

There's a reason it looks so much like an M3 GTR - the 1-Series coupe chassis was used to create a car similar to the Senkyr Motorsport's own E92 M3 GTR (see last 3 photos) by adapting it for the wide body kit featured here.

Powering the 1-Series Coupe GTR is a twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine with a Senkyr intercooler. Total output is 300 kW (408 PS / 402 bhp) at 7200 rpm. Transmission is a 6-speed sequential Holinger RDS6 gearbox.

The racer features a KW Competition 3-way coilover suspension and KW springs.

Wheels are supplied by BBS Motorsport in 10 x 18-inch front and 12 x 18-inch rear wrapped in 270/650/R18 and 300/650/R18 tires, respectively.

G-Power BMW M5 Hurricane GS

G-Power has unveiled the new Hurricane GS, which is the world's fastest LPG-powered vehicle.

Based on the BMW M5 (E60), the GS features an SK II package with an LPG conversion, two ASA superchargers, a water-cooled intercooler, and a remapped ECU. Thanks to these modifications, the 5.0-liter V10 engine produces 660 PS (485 kW / 650 hp) and 650 Nm (479 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 11.4 seconds, and onto a top speed of 333 km/h (207 mph).

While G-Power touts the fact that LPG is "50% less expensive per litre than petrol," the package costs a whopping €33,571.43 ($43,400) - excluding installation. Of course, if that hasn't dissuaded you, at least your CO2 emissions will be cut by roughly 15%.

The previous title holder for fastest LPG car was the AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED BMW 3-Series Coupe (E92) which achieved 318.1 km/h (197 mph).

Buried under a BMW M3

Are you a true fan of a particular car brand? Yes you may be! But not more than Steve Marsh who was a hardcore BMW fan. He was so much in love with BMW that he could not resist leaving the world without one. That’s true, as after his death he lies with a BMW M3 convertible replica above his grave. Steve was 51 when he died.

Strangely, Marsh was an engineer at Ford even though he had this high magnitude liking for BMW. The BMW M3 convertible was in the top of the list of his favorite BMWs. His wife and children believed that it would not be a problem to get a headstone designed in the exact shape of his favorite car. The replica is an exact copy of the car both in looks as well as dimensions and is carved out of a single block of granite.

The M3 convertible replica costs more than $75,000 and was shipped from China. The replica weighs a ton and took the aid of a crane and 20 operators to put it in place at the Manor Park Cemetery in East London. “You have to admit it's totally different to everything else around it. It's definitely not my taste. I think some people will say it's tacky and it could end up as a target to be vandalized. It could open the floodgates for anything to be built in a cemetery. When I walked past it the other day, though, I have to admit it did make me smile,” said a local resident Rene Dryden.

BMW 5 series will hit the streets on 30th April

BMW has confirmed that it will roll out its 5 series (F10) in India by the 30th of April which is a few months earlier than the actual date of its launch. The German manufacturer’s saloon however is slated for a few month later launch in Europe.

Originally, the German car maker had scheduled the launch of the car between the July-September period. Thus, the earlier-than-scheduled launch has proved to be a surprise to the Indian market. We can say that Newton’s third law has been applied here (every action has an equal and opposite reaction). BMW had to react aptly to its rival, Mercedes’ action of introducing the new E-class and discounted sale of its 5-series, by introducing the new model as soon as possible. The firm has provided its Chennai plant with all necessary equipments and facilities for the 5-Series. The firm has also achieved record time shipping of its knocked down units to assemble the models well before time.

Mercedes managed to sell 642 E-class models in the first quarter of 2010 where in the other hand, BMW could only manage to sell 305 5-series. BMW expects to recover its market share in the luxury car segment with the introduction of the all new 5-series.

There is no confirmation as in which models of the 5-series will be available in India. However, there is a possibility for the 535i and 530d to hit the streets for sure.

5 variants of BMW 3 series + No more M3 sedan

Platform technology is something car makers love making use of. Take for instance the luxury segment where Mercedes-Benz has the E-class in various forms like sedan, cabrio and estate. Or our very own Tata Indica platform which has a hatchback, a sedan, an estate, a sub 4m sedan and a limousine made on the same platform. But having a Beemer in 5 different body styles based on the same car is a little hard to digest. The hard working guys in Munich however, who slog day and night to provide us 'Sheer Driving Pleasure' dont think the same way. They are about to create yet another landmark in BMW's history by making 5 variants of the same car!

Automobile claims that the new 3er which is likely to be launched in 2012 will hit the market in 5 body styles. The new 3-series, codenamed F30, will be available in coupe, sedan, estate and a convertible. Each variant will be launched at a gap of 6 months (so that means Q2 2014 for the 5th variant). These are just four variants, the biggest surprise comes in the form of the fifth variant. The fifth one is going to be the Gran Turismo version which was first seen in the 5er family. Though it wont be getting the two piece hatch as found in the bigger 5-series GranTurismo, it will be sportier than the 5er GT. The wheelbase would be bigger than the normal 3-series for its GT variant. A full size panorama glass roof will be available as an option.

 

The new coupe will be donning a sportier design with a lower roofline while the convertible sibling will get a hardtop instead of a canvas one. And for all the sideways action lovers,the M3 will get a heart transplant. The newer powerplant is going to be an inline 6 which will manage to produce 450 horses, a clear increment of 30 over the current V8. Rumors suggest that a speedster might also get a place in the line up but chances are slim. But they might bring the shooting brake avatar of the 3 maybe to offer some competition to the E-Concept Fascination. This will make the 3er one of the most driver oriented sedan err platform among its peers. We will have to wait till 2012 to see all the action. Hope it is worth the wait. But another sad aspect of the new 3-series is that there won't be a M3 sedan anymore! All that you can lay your hands on is a M3 coupe or a M3 convertible...

by Motoroids

AC Schnitzer Tuning Program for BMW Z4 (E89)

Under the hood, Schnitzer upgraded the turbocharged 3.0-liter engine (sDrive35i) so it now produces 360 hp. Thanks to the extra 60 hp, the Z4 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 286 km/h (178 mph).

Other performance modifications include a stainless steel sport exhaust system (with chromed 'racing' tailpipes) and a revised suspension.

To enhance the Z4's good looks, Schnitzer added an aerodynamic body kit with a new front spoiler, a chrome grille, aggressive front fenders (with integrated air vents), and a two-piece rear spoiler. The styling can be further accented by a wide variety of custom AC Schnitzer wheels available in 18, 19 or 20 inches.

Inside, the company adds an aluminum cover for the iDrive controller and an aluminum pedal set.

BMW M3 E92 V10 by Manhart Racing

As the lengthy name implies, Manhart has shoehorned the M5/M6's 5.0-liter V10 engine into a M3 coupe. The company didn't stop there as they removed the speed limiter and added a seven-speed SMG gearbox, a DME steering system, and a titanium exhaust with four 84mm (3.3") tailpipes. Thanks to all these modifications, the 550 hp M3 V10 accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds before topping out at 334 km/h (208 mph).

In terms of styling, Manhart outfitted the car with new front and rear spoilers, a rear diffuser, a Bilstein coilover suspension, and 20-inch BBS 'Challenge R' wheels. Inside, the company added carbon fiber trim, alcantara and leather upholstery, and a new steering wheel "with illuminated rocker switches, ¼ mile and side acceleration displays."

Hamann Tycoon EVO Based on BMW X6

Way back in January tuner HAMANN unveiled a new TYCOON wide body kit for the BMW X6. For the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show the company will showcase the latest version of this model called the TYCOON EVO. Visual differences with its predecessor include new front wings, LED daytime running lights and side skirts that widen the body by 60mm.

The rear is dominated by the new sporty exhaust system with its centre double tailpipes. HAMANN promises that its sound is particularly throaty for exceptional aural pleasantries. In its vicinity are back wing extensions and a roof spoiler. Fitted to keep it on tar are special ultra-forged and polished 23-inch wheels wearing 315/25 R 23 size rubber.

No HAMANN car is complete without the engineers delving deep under the belly to unearth something more potent than what the factory offers. At the bottom of the petrol range is the xDrive35i which normally has a healthy 225kW (306hp) and 400Nm. This has been increased to 265kW (360hp) and 540Nm respectively. As such, the speed limit increases to 275km/h (171mph).

The diesel derived from the xDrive30d which usually has 173kW (235hp) and 520Nm, now has 195kW (265hp) and a flying 600Nm of torque. The second diesel motor from the xDrive35d has had its power and torque increased to 235kW (320hp) and torque to 660Nm from an early 2,000rpm.

At the top end is the xDrive50i-based V8 which has been convinced to churn out 368kW (500hp) at 5,600rpm and 700Nm of torque. It will almost hit 300km/h (186mph) if left unchecked.

HAMANN will kit out the interior with such things as a three-spoke steering wheel, aluminum foot pedals and lots of carbon fibre pieces.

Last 20 Limited Edition Gran Turismo from BMW

BMW India, who recently launched the limited edition of the new Gran Turismo at the Auto Expo this year in New Delhi, has already hit the sales figure of 80 units till date. The company's target is set on selling 100 units of such kind in the country which means only 20 more units remain up for grabs!

The BMW Gran Turismo housed with a 3.0 diesel engine is priced at Rs. 6,300,000 and is available as a Completely Built-up unit (CBU). On the occasion, Mr. Peter Kronschnabl, President, BMW India said, 'The BMW Gran Turismo is a completely new vehicle concept, adding a unique and distinctive model variant to BMW’s product line-up. The BMW Gran Turismo combines the benefits of a prestige sedan, a modern Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo (Grand Touring). Only the elite few in India will have the opportunity to own one of the 100 exclusive limited edition BMW Gran Turismos.

Audi v/s BMW commercial wars

Remember the advertisement hoarding wars between Audi and BMW in the US that revolved around the R8 supercar? Well, it hasn't stopped there! The two German rivals are at it again, albeit with new cars this time. Audi has drawn first blood with a new commercial that highlights Audi's victory in three comparison shootouts recently conducted by the Car and Driver magazine. Further more it hits BMW where it hurts the most by stating that there is nothing wrong about finishing second in a 'friendly' competition. Sure! Let's cut the words then and watch the new video:

Hartge Reveals BMW M3 Aerodynamic kit

Previously tuning house HARTGE had released a full range of accessories for the BMW M3 that include aluminium pedals, an aluminium handbrake handle and HARTGE gear knob. A new range of exterior accessories is now available from HARTGE.

Listed are a front spoiler lip, carbon add-ons for the front spoiler lip, and side sills for both right and left rear. This applies to both the coupe (codename E92) and convertible (E93). A rear diffuser and a lip for the boot lid are also offered but only for the M3 sedan and coupe, not for the convertible. The exterior side mirrors get a set of carbon casings. Side profile pictures are not available at this point.

The current BMW M3 comes only in three body types; a coupe, a convertible and a sedan. There's no word on a Touring wagon version. It uses a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V8 engine to produce 420hp (309kW) and 400Nm of torque.

Hamann BMW X6 TYCOON Widebody

German tuners Hamann Motorsport has just released their BMW X6 Tycoon to the public. Featuring a new body, restyling, and serious performance upgrades shows the full potential of BMW's crossover SUV.

Currently, customers get a choice between the BMW X6 xDrive35i, which comes with a 306 horsepower 3.0-liter inline-six, the BMW xDrive30d and its 235 hp 3.0-liter straight-six diesel, or the xDrive35d, which has a 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder getting 286 hp. Horsepower for the three is bumped up significantly, reaching 360 hp on the petrol. The two diesels see increases to 261hp and 316hp respectively.

Torque output sees substantial gains, rising by 140 Nm to 540 Nm on the 35i model, by 80 Nm to 600 Nm on the xDrive30d, and from 580 Nm to 660 Nm on the 35d.

Hamann is also working on a performance kit for the top-of-the-line BMW X6 xDrive50i. Currently, that car is rated at an impressive 407 hp and 600 Nm of torque, generated by its 4.4-liter V8 twin-turbo.

Hamann's design team put together a body kit for the car meant to give the car a more muscular stance. The package is highlighted by new front wings, and a rear wing extension, all made out of a lightweight composite material. A new apron with large air intakes, and LED daytime running lights round out the front. Wrapping up the back is a three-part diffuser, a rear spoiler, and a roof spoiler.

Hamann uses their Design edition Race Anodized 23-inch rims on the car, wrapped in 315/25 r23 tyres. An ultralight wheel, it is paired with "special chassis springs" and "progressively coiled springs" to lower the crossover by 40 mm.

The tuner firm added their own touches to the interior as well. Customers will find a sizeable amount of aluminum and carbon fibre throughout the inside. New instrument dials and a 3-spoke steering wheel are also included.

The Hamann BMW X6 Tycoon editions are available now from the German company. A BMW X6 Tycoon based on the xDrive50i should arrive soon.

DStyle Tuning Package for BMW Z4 Coupe & Roadster

The new BMW Z4 Roadster was revealed to us earlier this month, and is yet to be unveiled to the public but that hasn't stopped Germany's Dstyle from releasing new enhancements for the current generation model. The new aerodynamic styling package comes in two versions: Z4 CS for the Coupe and Z4 RS for the Roadster.

The styling is inspired by the world of motorsport and will be limited to just 100 units, it includes a new hood, a revised set of doors, fenders and tailgate along with a set of lightweight forged 19in alloy wheels and sports tires.

Brabham BMW M3 at Essen Motor Show

Brabham Racing from Germany is making its return to the upper ground, after going underground back in 1992. ‘Underground' means bankrupt for our purposes. At Essen, Brabham aims to show the world that it's still alive and well, kicking even, starting with this combative-looking M3 which is dubbed BT 92, '92 referencing that fateful year.

Not much has come our way in the sense of performance or engine details, safe to say that Brabham's Formula One experience, long in the tooth as it is, has come to assist it in tuning this car.

Do we detect a bit of BMW fanaticism here? Does Brabham want to take the fish straight out of Alpina and AC Schnitzer's mouths? It's ok we reckon, there's room for one more to join the tuning pack.

CLR X 650 by LUMMA Design

LUMMA's CLR X 650 is now at Essen. The BMW X6-based coupe SUV (that's what BMW asked everyone to call it) is stepping out on huge 23-inch wheels which make it slump a bit more because of its 35mm-lowered sport suspension.

Body kit is full and wide-bodied, includes 5cm fender extensions, side skirts, front bumper spoilers and rear ones. BMW's 4.4-litre V8 turbo's ECU has been reprogrammed to foster more power, while a stainless steel sport exhaust system added. LUMMA's gas pedal power module or GPM helps increase pedal power response.

CLR X 650 has an upgraded interior so the outside matches the inside as well. Leather and Alcantara feature heavily on the seats and the LUMMA logo appears in a number of surfaces, including the foot pedals.

CLR X 650 BMW X6 by LUMMA Design

BMW's hard-to-classify X6 is still warm from the oven, so to speak, and already the tuners are lining up to make it hotter. One of the first to step up is LUMMA Design. The Winterlinger-based tuner's CLR X 650 features a widebody kit and performance upgrades and will be displayed at the Essen Motor Show.

LUMMA's kit starts on the outside, with monstrous 23-inch wheels and a full widebody kit including 5cm fender extensions, front and rear bumper spoilers and side skirts. Carbon-fiber detailing is also used on the show car. An air ducted carbon hood is also included. The CLR X 650 is snugged down over those massive wheels thanks to a 35mm drop courtesy of the lowered sport suspension designed by LUMMA.

The 4.4 liter turbocharged V8 has a reprogrammed ECU and a stainless sport exhaust to boost power, and LUMMA has also introduced a "gas pedal power module" (GPM) that increases pedal response.

The interior has not escaped notice either. Leather and Alcantara wrap the seating surfaces, while red LUMMA-logo gauges and floormats make sure it's obvious who's responsible for this vehicle. Aluminum pedals and footrest are also engraved with the LUMMA logo.

BMW X6 by Hamann

The BMX X6 is a tricky vehicle to classify. In photos, it can look like a hot-hatch on steroids. Up close, you see the SUV in the vehicle. It's dimensions are even larger than the X5 and the only thing that cramps its cargo room to make it less than the X5 is the sloping hatch - a styling cue that makes the X6 unique and hard to pin down.

Of course, the term-du-jour is Crossover, which is what Hamann-Motorsports uses to describe the X6. But their treatment is a little more adventurous than that. Hamann boosts the X6's 3.5i gasoline/petrol version from 306 to 360 hp and the 3.5d (diesel) from 286 hp to 320 hp. Cranking power is also considerably elevated by 140 Nm to 540 Nm in the 3.5i and taken to a massive 660 Nm in the 3.5d from a previous 580 Nm.

On the outside, Hamann offers the option of 23-inch rims, in need of 315/25R23 tires. Oh, and the price tag for just the four wheels is 9,385 euros. Yes, this is an audacious tuner that also messes with the BMW sound with a four-pipe exhaust system that gives the X6 a more grounded sound.

The tuning kit also comes with a collection of spoilers and skirts and the interior gets a once-over with special carbon-fiber materials too. But Hamann is a performance tuner and this X6 definitely puts on a show.

AC Schnitzer X6 Falcon

AC Schnitzer present X6 Falcon - a project largely following the styling features seen on the recently-launched new X5 of the same name. The newest predator in its namesake's valley territory, AC Schnitzer are keen to point out the X6 Falcon's parallels to its bird of prey counterpart. Broad wings are however where the name originates, but such characteristics go more than skin deep.

Tthe X6 Falcon has been painstakingly 'adapted to its habitat', undergoing numerous laps of Nurburgring testing by engineers, namely to fine tune the set up of the AC Schnitzer springs. The result: traction even at speeds only achievable by a falcon in 'nosedive'. The styling package was designed for 'downforce instead of lift' and includes front and rear skirt, moved fog lamps and a contoured spoiler edge.

Instead of protection to the underbody and 'submarining', a rear diffuser and spoiler has been added, while skirts are now body-coloured so as the body appears more drawn down. We'll avoid calling the alloy wheels the 'legs' of the falcon like AC Schnitzer, but nonetheless it is AC Schnitzer 22-inch alloy wheels Type Vll, available in black or silver, that complement this new look.

AC Schnitzer Racing Design have given the Falcon an exhaust system to shout about, providing excellent resonance for its equally well-performing range of engines, enhanced by Control Unit. Two diesel units, the 30d and 35d, are enhanced from 235 hp and 286 hp to 272 hp and 310 hp respectively.

BMW 135i by Hartge

German based BMW Group tuning specialist Hartge first showed us off-the-shelf parts for the 1-Series coupe when it was first released, and then shortly followed with the aerodynamics kits. Now Hartge have developed an ECU upgrade for BMW's already potent 3.0-liter bitrubo engine in the 135i coupe releasing an additional 44hp.

The result is a total of 350hp at 5660 rpm and 480 Nm (lb-ft 354) at 2950 rpm. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) arrives in 4.8 seconds – a half second faster than its standard 5.3 seconds. Also, an unrestricted top speed allows 280 km/h (174mph).

Hartge states that a 135i fully equipped with the entire suite of components will cost in Germany € 48,162.14, excluding VAT.

Vorsteiner E92 BMW M3

Distinguished by a power to weight ratio improvement of 10%, the previous generation E46 CSL (Coupe, Sport, Lightweight) was slated as a purists' club-racer version of the standard M3 with many features intended to increase performance and reduce weight. Visually, it was differentiated by its' carbon fiber roof, front and rear bumper fascias with integrated carbon-fiber reinforced plastic (CFP) splitters, special 19-inch wheels and a decklid with integrated rear spoiler.

Unfortunately, BMW has decided to cancel plans for the E92 M3 CSL, however, that hasn't stopped California based tuner, Vorsteiner, from creating their own interpretation. With emphasis on the visual aspects, Vorsteiner has created a body kit which consists of a dry carbon fiber front add-on spoiler, rear diffuser with 3 integrated aero fins and a new replacement boot lid with a built in lip spoiler. Also, Vorsteiner has added a titanium performance exhaust system that weighs only 7.9 kg (17.3 lbs) versus the factory system that weighs 25.6 kg (56.3lbs). Vorsteiner has also developed a 5 spoke wheel design named V-302 series. This forged 3 piece aluminum wheel is available in 20x8.5J and 20x10J – front and rear respectively. For the interior, Vorsteiner offers a full carbon fiber interior trim kit to complement the carbon fiber exterior of the vehicle.