BMW debuts the first ever M Performance automobile to feature a petrol engine: BMW M135i with a 3-litre, straight six-cylinder engine and  235 kW/320 hp as well as M-characteristic suspension components and aerodynamically optimized body features; Highest level of performance and the most outstanding efficiency within the competitive environment; Typical M-style coherence between drive, suspension technology and aerodynamic balance as well as model-specific interior design for unmistakeable driving pleasure in a compact model; BMW M135i also available as a five-door version. One non-metallic and five metallic colours are available for the M135i model. The standard interior features Satin Silver trim and upholstery in Move cloth design. Optional interior trims and seats upholstered in Dakota leather (offered in two different BMW colors) are also available. BMW M135i: Straight six-cylinder petrol engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology comprising Twin Scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection system High Precision Injection, variable valve control VALVETRONIC and Double VANOS, Displacement: 2 979 cc, power output: 235 kW/320 hp at 5 800 rpm, Max. torque: 450 Nm at 1 300 – 4 500 rpm, Acceleration [0 – 100 km/h]: 5.1 seconds (automatic: 4.9 seconds) Top speed: 250 km/h, Average fuel consumption: 8 litres (7.5 litres)/100 km, CO2 emissions: 188 g/km (175 g/km), emissions standard: EU5. BMW M135i: M-typical body styling for optimized air intake, “sports car feeling” in the interior. The performance potential of the BMW M135i is reflected in its individual exterior and interior design features, which are integral parts of the series equipment in this BMW M Performance automobile. The body details are typical of a car designed to handle the aerodynamic requirements associated with dynamic, high-performance driving situations – it is such details that convey the unique M style and flair. The front apron is typical of M styling that reflects the car’s firm and responsive road handling, with the large air intake vents needed to meet the cooling demands of a high-performance straight six-cylinder engine, auxiliary units and oversized brakes. The competitive character of the car can also be seen in the three-dimensional flaps on the...

BMW just lifted the veil off their F20 1 series 3 door hatch which replaces the E81 1 Series 3-door . As with the previous version, the F20 1 Series 3-door aims to provide a more sporting car than the four door hatch. Given its unique front engine rear wheel drive “drivers car” lay out of the 1 series, BMW has proven its commitment to a providing a true enthusiast car in this compact segment and puts a new M135i as the exclamation mark on it! BMW has added two unique variants the 114i and the M135i, not present in the E81 1 series chassis. The M135i marks the first time BMW has added an M Performance model to this compact segment. It boast a 320hp turbocharged N52 in-line 6 cylinder. The new F20 boasts a much improved cabin with more interior space an updated iDrive and optional ConnectedDrive mobility services. The rear seat of the new 1 Series three door can be configured for two or three passengers. Overall cabin touches have been upgraded to provide a more upscale feel. Compared to the E81 1 series 3 door hatch, the F20 3 door profits from an increased body length of 85 millimeters, and increased wheel base of 30mm, a wider front and rear track of 51mm and 72 mm respectively. Even the width of the F20 1 3 door was extended 17 millimeters. BMW took the time, effort and expense to make the 1 series 3 door hatch a truly unique car. Styling cues are highlighted by the twin wide windowless doors. The rear side windows flow into the rear end to meet the C pillar where the Hofmeister kink can be recognized enabling a rather flat extended roofline. The base of the car has contoured side skirts that seem to sweep along. These side skirts protrude out giving the F20 3 door hatch a more widened aggressive stance. For the first time ever in the 1 series, BMW will make available xDrive all-wheel drive though in only two models, the 135i xDrive model and the 120d xDrive. The xDrive feature will appear on the 5 door hatch. This is a new option since the 1 series 5-door hatchʼs introduction in July 2011. The six speed manual transmission comes standard and the eight-speed transmission is optional. Auto Start Stop is standard across the line. BMW is offering the 1 series coupe in base trim but for those who desire a more customized look they offer the BMW Sport...

The new BMW 1 Series Three Door: The sporty and elegant design of the new three-door mode l, along with additional engine choices, are distinguishing features that sharpen the unmistakable profile of the BMW 1 Series as the recognised standard of sheer driving pleasure in the premium compact car segment.   Summary: Second body variant added to the new BMW 1 Series; Latest edition of the three-door version impressively underscores the compact model’s sporting characteristics; Sporty, elegant design and attractive supplements to the drive portfolio strengthen the BMW Series’ unsurpassed position within the segment characterised by the unique rear-wheel drive system and superior handling; Highlight in the model range: the BMW M135i. New three-door BMW 1 Series with powerful, brand-typical proportions; Unique appearance thanks to dynamically stretched side line; Wide doors with frameless windows; Side window graphics flowing seamlessly into the B pillar and strongly retracted side window graphics; powerfully contoured side panels with particularly distinctive accentuation of the rear wheel arches; Side sill line extending to the front, underscoring the dynamically stretched character of the vehicle’s silhouette. Precise individualisation thanks to BMW Sport Line, BMW Urban Line and M Sport Package; Harmoniously matching, exclusive design and equipment features as an alternative to the basic variant; BMW M135i with model-specific exterior and interior design directly attuned to the technical requirements. Interior features, sporty appearance and handling profit from increased body length (+85 millimetres), wheelbase (+30 millimetres), track width (front: + 51, rear +72 millimetres) and width (+17 millimetres) in comparison to the predecessor model, with vehicle height remaining the same; Choice of two or three seats respectively at the rear, 21 millimetres more legroom at the rear, luggage compartment increased by 30 litres to 360 litres; Storage capacity of up to 1 200 litres thanks to foldable rear seat back (40 : 20 : 40 split folding optional). Widened choice of petrol and diesel engines featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology; BMW 114i as new entry-level version with 75 kW/102 hp; Also available at market launch: BMW 116i (100 kW/136 hp),...

The  1-series M coupe is going out of production, but there will be a successor: Here is the M135i, the most powerful derivative of the second-generation 1-series. But before you get out your checkbook, know that it is based on the three- and five-door hatchback, and that’s why there is little chance it will be offered in the U.S. Read full story » See more here: 2013 BMW M135i: Not a True M, But It’s M Quick More here:  2013 BMW M135i: Not a True M, But It’s M Quick

We like the BMW 3-series, and we like station wagons. So here’s good news: BMW has released the first round of info on the new 3er Sports Wagon, or Touring as it is called in the Old World. It will be offered in the U.S. once again, and we expect to see a 328i with the 2.0-liter four making 240 hp, a 300-hp 335i with the 3.0-liter turbo six, and a 330d with a 3.0-liter straight-six turbo-diesel and around 250 hp. (more…) Read the rest here: 2013 BMW 3-series Sports Wagon Revealed See the rest here:  2013 BMW 3-series Sports Wagon Revealed

Watching Lincoln’s mid-eighties offering to the luxury coupe market earlier today got us thinking about the world of posh two doors. This weekend we want to know what you believe is the best luxury coupe. More » Read the original: What Is The Best Luxury Coupe Ever Made? [Question Of The Weekend] More here: What Is The Best Luxury Coupe Ever Made? [Question Of The Weekend]

In 2013, BMW will launch a new family, the 2 Series. A spin-off from the new 1 Series, the 2 Series family will include the coupe and convertible variants. Built on the F20 platform, the new 1 Series Coupe will move up in class and be sold under the 2 Series badge. The car will share some design cues with the 1 Series Hatchback, but overall, the 2 Series Coupe is expected to look and feel sportier than its brother. According to CAR Magazine , the F23 2 Series will use more or less the same engines and transmissions as the 1 Series: • 216i (2.0 petrol, 150bhp) • 218i (2.0 petrol, 177bhp) • 225i (2.0 petrol, 218bhp) • 220d (2.0 turbodiesel, 214bhp) As seen across new BMW models, the transmission of choice will be either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, with the DCT option reserved for the high-end 235i model and M models. Same magazine says that the new 2014 2-series range may be offered in xDrive guise to battle the Audi A3 Quattro and the Mercedes A-class 4Matic, but so far no final decisions have been made. So why the name change? As we mentioned before, by positioning the new coupe and convertible as 2 Series products, BMW will be able to sell them at a premium price while including some of the options featured in higher-end models, like the 3 or 5 Series. Read the original:  More rumors on 2014 BMW 2 Series

Big on performance, small in number: The MINI John Cooper Works GP. Fastest MINI ever built – Best lap of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife: 8 min. 23 sec. Only once has there been anything like it, but even that wasn’t as quick. With the MINI John Cooper Works GP, the British premium brand has come up with another car of exceptional talent designed to deliver extreme performance on both the race track and the road. The sportiest road-registered MINI ever made will go on sale later this year in a limited run of 2,000 cars. It is currently completing a programme of testing in preparation for series production, part of which has involved setting an impressive fastest lap of the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife circuit. The MINI John Cooper Works GP lapped the erstwhile Grand Prix course in 8 min. 23 sec. In so doing, the new model has put clear asphalt between itself and numerous sports cars from loftier perches – and beaten the lap time set by its predecessor, the MINI Cooper S with John Cooper Works GP Kit, by almost 19 seconds. Underpinning the performance characteristics of the MINI John Cooper Works GP is exclusive powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics technology inspired directly by motor sport. Its twin-scroll turbo engine generates outstanding torque, displays remarkable elasticity and demonstrates a healthy appetite for revs. Specially developed, adjustable race suspension channels this superlative output into spectacular yet precisely controllable handling. As well as being undeniably imposing visually, the design of the body also gives the MINI John Cooper Works GP ideal aerodynamic balance in extreme driving situations – a key element in delivering that handling flair. Large front and rear aprons, striking side skirts and a bespoke roof spoiler are complemented by a newly developed rear diffuser which optimises airflow around the underbody. The interior of the MINI John Cooper Works GP also contributes to the car’s inspirational racing feeling; with the rear seats removed, it focuses unashamedly on the needs of the driver and co-driver. Concentrated motor sport expertise – faithfully embodied at MINI by its John Cooper Works sub-brand – is the not-so-secret ingredient in the MINI John Cooper Works GP recipe. The “GP” tag on the model title...

The Infiniti Etherea Concept that debuted in Geneva provided a good look at Infiniti’s new small car. The small luxury segment in the United States currently includes only the Audi A3, and it is about to expand very quickly. These new cars are front-wheel drive and are geared toward reaching new buyers. For a long time BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class-sized vehicles have been the smallest luxury automakers have dared to go in the U.S. That is no longer the case though, and now Infiniti is quickly looking to get into the game as a way to expand globally. Emphasis on quickly. Infiniti is contracting a good portion of the car’s development out – even production. Today Automotive News reports that the car all be produced by Magna Steyr in Austria. The Etherea’s primary focus will be on the European market, so that makes sense. As it is now, Infiniti is a U.S-centric brand, much like Lexus. And even here, they have always been an also-ran in the luxury segment. Nissan wants to change that, and they think a small car is one way to do it. Now, about that contracting development out business – to get up to speed quickly, Nissan turned to Daimler. Mercedes-Benz and Infiniti products will share engines and platforms below the E-Class level. It is a setup that would seem to offer little benefit for Mercedes at first glance. The two companies did research though and apparently concluded that the two brands are not cross-shopped. For Daimler, the thinking is that Infiniti’s push for volume would help Mercedes achieve greater economies of scale and development costs. For instance, Automotive News reports that Mercedes will be shipping preassembled platform components to Infiniti for the new small car. The production version of the Etherea will be based on the new Mercedes Front Architecture (MFA) and will be powered by Mercedes engines. With engines and platform components all produced by Mercedes, Daimler stands to make a nice profit on each one sold. Infiniti’s entry is expected to begin production in 2014. No related posts. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts View original post here:  Infiniti Etherea Produced By Magna Steyr, Based on Mercedes Components

The luxury sales wars are heating up. The three top luxury players are Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Globally, no one else registers on the radar. The aforementioned companies all have their eye on the top spot. BMW has held it since 2005, when Mercedes relinquished its position. Audi, on the other hand, has grown steadily. The three are fiercely competitive, which is good for consumers. If we had to bet on an eventual leader, we’d probably go with Audi. The vast amount of platform and engine sharing that can be done within the VW Group is a huge factor in their favor. Audi’s leadership is one component of VW’s larger global number one sales goal by 2018. We’ve never seen a company push so relentlessly and openly push to achieve that. Audi’s goal isn’t to be number one until later in the decade, but they’ve already topped BMW for one month this year. In April the result was 125,200 to BMW’s 121,476. Mercedes was a bit farther behind at 104,344. The good news is that all of these companies saw increased sales, it was just a question of how much. Audi sales grew 14.4 percent, BMW’s 7.4 percent and Mercedes’ 3.6 percent. Audi’s impressive result comes down to very strong growth in the Chinese market, where the A6 and A4 are extremely popular. Sales last month in China were up 44 percent, to 34,221 units. That makes China Audi’s largest market, followed by Germany at 24,301 and the United States at 11,521. Year-to-date BMW is still in the lead. If this trend continues though Audi may reach its goal sooner than anyone thought. They also have a lot of room for growth in the U.S, as Audi is far behind the leaders here. Mercedes was on top in the U.S last month with 24,302, followed by BMW at 21,062 and Lexus at 17,551. Once the new small cars (Audi A3 Sedan, Mercedes-Benz CSC, etc) from these companies land on our shores, volume will go up significantly. With BMW’s long-time dominance over the entry-level class with the 3-Series, it is going to be interesting to see who comes out on top in this emerging segment. No related posts. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts More: Number One: Audi Bests BMW, Mercedes in April Sales

BMW North America releases to dealers the ordering guide and pricing for the 2012 BMW M6 Convertible and 2013 BMW M6 Coupe. The 2012 BMW M6 Convertible will be the first of the three new M to arrive in US BMW Center showrooms. The M6 Convertible arrives this June and will be priced at $113,995 (including $895 Destination and Handling). As we have seen last month, the online configurator shows the M6 Convertible and Coupe in the following standard colors: San Marino Blue, Singapore Grey, Black Sapphire, Mojave, Silverstone and Space Gray. The BMW Individual color pallet includes Citrin Black, Tanzanite Blue, Ruby Black and Moonstone. The unique Individual colors will cost an additional $1,800. The more refined upholstery which includes Platinum/Black Full Merino leather, Opal White Full Merino, Amaro Brown Full Merino, Champagne Full Merino and Canyon Brown Full Merino, will have the owners spend another $5,000. For those looking to equip your M6 with the special M Carbon Ceramic Brakes, additional $8,7000 will be added to the base price. The list of standard features is quite extensive, from 19″M light alloy wheels to Comfort Access Keyless Entry, rear-view camera, Park Distance Control and Navigation System. A full list can be seen in the PDF below. Download PDF   Go here to read the rest:  Ordering Guide: 2012 BMW M6 Convertible and 2013 M6 Coupe

With Bruno Spengler’s (CA) victory and third place for Augusto Farfus (BR) at the Lausitzring (DE), BMW achieved a top-class result in just the second race of its comeback season in the DTM. In an interview, BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt speaks about the successful start to the season. Mr. Marquardt, can you believe what happened at the Lausitzring at the weekend? Jens Marquardt: “The past few days were indeed very special. The season-opener in Hockenheim was fantastic, but what we experienced in the Lausitzring trumped even that. First came our maiden pole position with two BMWs next to each other on the front row of the grid, then that was followed by Sunday’s fantastic race and our first DTM victory for 20 years.” How important is the win for BMW? Marquardt: “After the endless intense and energy-sapping weeks and months we have been through, we pulled together to write another chapter in the BMW Motorsport history. Not only was it our first triumph of the new DTM era, but also the 50th success for BMW in this series. Everyone at the Lausitzring at the weekend could sense the huge importance of this victory. These moments will always remain special. You can often go an entire season without experiencing what we experienced and achieved within a week. It was a historic weekend for BMW Motorsport.” What was the key to success in the Lausitzring? Marquardt: “A lot of things came together. Bruno Spengler produced an absolutely flawless performance and did a magnificent job of withstanding the pressure applied by Gary Paffett. The same applies to Augusto Farfus, who also showed speed and nerves of steel. Whatever you say about the drivers, the same applies to our pit crews. Compared to the season-opener in Hockenheim, our teams improved with regards to operations – particularly the pit stops. Bruno and Augusto’s good grid positions were undoubtedly also important. The Lausitzring once again showed us just how quick the opposition is in a race situation, particularly the Mercedes. We still have room for improvement in that regard. However, Bruno took full advantage of his pole position and managed to stay in front.” How would you assess the performance of the drivers? Marquardt: “Everyone could see how hard Bruno and Augusto battled...

The immortal BMW 507 Roadster definitely needs no introduction. It is simply the most beautiful car BMW has ever produced up to now and it will always remain as one of the most important design icons of the 50’s. BMW’s new roadster was hastily unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in autumn 1955, where it was presented to an enthusiastic crowd. Rumors have it that the Frankfurt show car carried cement bags instead of a proper engine in the engine bay and that the first real car was shown at the later Paris Salon. Anyway, the star from Frankfurt was designed by Count Albrecht Goertz, a young German designer then living in New York and later responsible for another beautiful car, the Datsun 240 Z-series. But that’s another story. What began very promising later turned into a financial disaster for BMW. When launched new it had not only a hefty price tag ($11,000.-) due to BMW’s principles in build quality and strength but it was so expensive that even millionaires, a then rare species in Germany after WW II, considered not to waste so much money buying such a luxurious car. However, the 507 Roadster did manage to draw the attention of a particular American Rock star then stationed in Germany, his name was Elvis Presley. The BMW 507 Roadster did not reach the promised and expected performance. It was overweight and the 200 predicted horses were closer to 145, and because of the mixture of iron and aluminum alloys, the engines were prone to troublesome corrosion issues. Had BMW been able to reduce production costs, there would undoubtedly have been more 507 sales. It has been said that BMW lost money on every 507 made! The cost of expensive production tooling, the unsold cars and the unfavorable publicity almost bankrupted BMW. At the end of 1959, the factory threw in the towel. A decade later, used 507s were worthless, and quite a few became scrap iron. Today the BMW 507 Roadster commands the adoration of BMW fans everywhere, not to mention well heeled collectors.  The last 507 to cross the auction block commanded a price of $990,000US http://www.rmauctions.com/CarDetails.cfm?SaleCode=AZ12&CarID=r185 Have a recommendation for Super Bild ? Send it to manny@bmwblog.com Original post:  BMW Super Bild Of The Day: BMW 507 Roadster

A very short update for Day 5 of the One Lap of America as the day was pretty hectic with 3 events at Hastings Motorsport Park; two time trials & an autocross. Then we had a 650 mile drive up to Brainerd, MN for tomorrow’s events. The two time trials went well with Mike piloting the M5 around to 16th overall with a 5:05.239 in the morning and an afternoon time of 5:07.226 good for 17th. Then it was time for the autocross which was rather short and tight due to space constraints. Definitely not conducive to good times if you happen to have a large car or SUV. Follow us on twitter with #onelapm5 or  http://facebook.com/bmwusa  and htp:// bmw.tv/com/ Go here to read the rest: BMW M5 One Lap of America – Day 5 Update

Debuting at the 12 Hours of Sebring, BMW Motorsport and Schnitzer Motorsportentered a two car team. The cars were immediately fast, taking the pole position in qualifying. During the race, both cars ran towards the front for the first six hours. Unfortunately, V12 LMR chassis #001 suffered a large accident, damaging the car to the point that it would never race again. However, the second V12 LMR was successful in taking the overall win. From Sebring, the team went back to Europe in order to prepare for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In early May, at the initial test session for Le Mans, three V12 LMRs appeared. In the tradition of the famous BMW Art Cars, one of the two undamaged cars featured a paint job created by artist Jenny Holzer. Unlike at Sebring, the V12 LMRs would be facing closed cockpit prototypes which were theoretically faster over a single lap yet not as fuel efficient. Even with this apparent setback, a V12 LMR was able to take the 4th fastest lap time over the practice session, behind two Toyota GT-Ones and a Panoz prototype. For the race itself, only two cars appeared with the Art Car being dropped from the line-up. In qualifying the two LMRs again showed their speed, taking 3rd and 6th places, again beaten only by the Toyota GT-Ones. During the race the V12 LMRs ran strong, outlasting a large number of closed cockpit competitors who suffered woes, including Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Toyota, and Audi. In the second half of the race, BMW’s main competitors were a pair of open-cockpit Audi R8Rs and the lone remaining Toyota GT-One. Unfortunately, in the closing hours of the race the #17 BMW V12 LMR driven by JJ Lehto crashed heavily in the Porsche Curves section of the track, as a result of a stuck throttle. This left the #15 BMW LMR in the lead, less than a lap ahead of the 2nd place Toyota. The Toyota was catching the BMW in the final hour until it suffered a tire blowout at high speed, allowing the Schnitzer BMW team to solidify their lead. The driving team of Joachim Winkelhock, Pierluigi Martini, and Yannick Dalmas were successful in bringing the V12 LMR home for the victory, a single lap ahead of the GT-One. The BMW V12 LMR is estimated to put out about 580 hp, which in the 1999 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans allowed the German prototype...