As BMW and more specifically the M division continue to refine their product, the skill level required in the enhancement of the automobile manufacturers end result grows almost exponentially. Albeit suspension or engine tuning, long gone are the days of “winging it” in the aftermarket industry. The passion required to create and produce components for these modern machines must equal or surpass that of the originator. 3D Design is no stranger to this process and once again has managed to embellish what many believe is the most exciting mid-size the engineers in Munich have released since the boisterous E39 M5. The 3D Design program for the F10 M5 features a robust line of carbon fiber aerodynamic accessories including a front lip, low splitters, side skirts, rear diffuser, and trunk spoiler. In addition to these pieces the roof spoiler from their existing F10 line will also be compatible. The F10 M5 line will not stop at the aerodynamic portion of the brand. 3D Design will have their trademark exhaust system developed with Arqray as a technology partner. Currently the exhaust will be made available in stainless steel with quad 100mm tips providing a aggressiveness that suits the elegance of their rear diffuser. The exhaust will be made available in both a JASMA spec as well as Export spec. The goal of 3D Design is not to hit a couple areas really well. As a entity consumed by perfection the purpose of every vehicle is to have the most comprehensive program for the given chassis. No exceptions were made for the F10 M5. In working with their technology partner Ohlins for suspension components 3D Design will have a full suspension line and is working on a external reservoir race application. The already luxurious interior of the M5 will be further enhanced by 3D Designs trademark pedal set, floor mats, and a gauge pod for more serious applications. Although 3D Design suspension is exclusive to the Japanese domestic market, it is our top priority to bring these applications to North America and plan to do so with the F10 M5 application. All items will be ready to ship mid May and pre-orders will be taken effective immediately. Continued here:  3D Design F10 BMW M5

Today’s Super Bild represents the pinnacle of the E92 M3 potential and likely to be the ultimate to come from BMW M until the next M3 makes its debut. BMW announced the M3 GTS in November 2009 and is powered by a 4.4-liter V8 based on the 4.0-litre engine found in the standard M3, which produces a maximum of 450 PS (331 kW; 444 hp). The car weighs 300 pounds less than the standard M3 due to its extensive use of carbon fiber body panels, removed rear seat, and other various weight saving measures. BMW then proceeds to weld in a roll cage and fit it with stiffer springs, 5 point harnesses, rear wing, and those sexy black competition wheels wearing Michelin pilot sport cup tires for an end result time around the Nordschleife of 7Min 48secs, an identical time to the venerable Porsche 911GT3RS. A total of only 250 units were produced and sold out almost immediately. Have an awesome wallpaper with a back story you’d like to see on BMWBLOG? Send it to me at manny@bmwblog.com Originally posted here: BMW Super Bild Of The Day: M3 GTS

Today’s Super Bild belongs to Ashley Jones, one of our readers. I became friends with Ashley while living in Charlotte, NC and have always admired his beautiful 2009 Le Mans Blue Metallic E90 M3 6MT (the year of the lci facelift). I currently live in the Detroit suburbs, but I have fond memories of going on several drives with Ashley and fellow car enthusiasts in the Carolina area. Ashley and his family reside Columbia, SC which is surrounded by wonderful weather, and near some of the best driving roads in the country. He took delivery of his M3 at the BMW Performance Center in Spartanburg, SC – another perk of living in the area. Since picking up his M3, Ashley has added tasteful cosmetic and performance touches, and participated in several track days at Carolina MotorSports Park and VIR. The M3 stands out to driving enthusiasts because of its motorsport genes, balanced chassis, one of the most technological advanced naturally-aspirated engines in the world, athletic yet sophisticated styling, and luxurious amenities for everyday comfort. Here is a track day video of his M3 at VIR. The sound of the engine paired with the oem M Performance Exhaust is quite amazing! Click here to view the embedded video. The fourth generation M3 debuted at the 2008 Frankfurt Auto show, and went on sale in North America in the Spring of 2008. At the heart of the M3 is a lightweight high-revving 4.0-liter V8 (S65B40) that produces 414 hp at 8,300 rpm and 295 lb-ft of torque at 3,900 rpm with 85 percent of the maximum torque available consistently through 6,500 rpm . The 3540 lb sedan sprints from 0-62 in 4.9 seconds. M GmbH engineers redesigned 70 percent of the standard 3 Series components with features such: as M Drive, M Differential Lock, Electronic Damping Control, adjustable hydraulic Servotronic steering, aluminum suspension components, and optional dual clutch transmission to offer even greater control and responsiveness in the M3. Each of the M3s over the last 26 years has been developed and perfected on the grueling Nurburgring circuit. The lowered E90 M3 has a sleek sporty stance with its power dome hood, wide fenders and an aggressively sculpted front fascia. The rear of car has a deeper rear bumper with an aero diffuser, quad tailpipes, and subtle...

The 2013 Cadillac XTS first debuted at the Los Angeles International Auto Show last November. It is slated to go on sale later this spring, with production to begin soon at General Motors’ Oshawa, Ontario Assembly Plant in Ontario. GM has just announced that, beginning this fall, the XTS will add a new production location in China. With its full-line already sold in China, Cadillac is betting on its full-size XTS to boost sales significantly in the country. Buick has set a torrid sales pace with models like the Excelle, Regal and full-size Park Avenue sourced from Holden. Until now though, cars geared for the North American market such as the Enclave have been imported over. The Chinese market has a strong affinity for American brands, and maybe Cadillac is figuring there is room to push that further with Chinese production. While Cadillac is very well known globally, it has never had much of a global sales presence. That is why, while companies like Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz play strongly around the world, Cadillac is starting virtually from scratch. Evidence? China is Cadillac’s second-largest market, with 30,000 vehicles sold last year. That figure is up from 17,000 in 2010. Cadillac first entered the Chinese market in 2005. Sales are strongly on the rise, but Cadillac has some work to do as a huge majority of its sales are concentrated in North America. Great news for the ATS in China is that Cadillac reports the average buyer age is 35. In the upper end of the market, the XTS should help Cadillac sales grow strongly in China as well as the U.S. We’ve seen it, and while we wanted a rear-wheel drive flagship (which is on its way), XTS should do well where it is positioned. Design inside and out is top notch, as well as the technology package. If sales don’t disappoint, we wouldn’t be surprised at all to see a Cadillac XTS-L debut in Beijing next year. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Read the original: GM Announces 2013 Cadillac XTS Will Be Produced in China

They may not be lighting up the sales charts yet, but cars you never thought would be sold in the United States have been brought over. Chevrolet Spark, Smart a few years back, the Fiat 500, Ford Fiesta – these are international vehicles that traditionally have had very little appeal here. There certainly has been a bigger focus than ever on B- and C- segment vehicles. As far as crossovers, we’re seeing this as well. Buick has taken a lead with the 2013 Encore. BMW is following up with the X1, and rumors are Audi could follow suit with the Q3. In Beijing, Ford is entering the segment with the EcoSport. And it is small – very small. Word has it the U.S won’t get it, for now. 100 other markets around the world will though. EcoSport was developed in Brazil by a global development team, and it will play a big part of Ford’s efforts in China. Production will take place in Chongqing China, Camacari, Brazil, Rayong, Thailand and Chennai, India. They aren’t messing around with this launch. It is designed to be a big seller in developing markets, with a capable nature evidenced by its high ride height and available features like Hill Descent Control. As its name indicates, the centerpiece of the EcoSport is an EcoBoost powerplant. But it isn’t an EcoBoost engine like any we’ve ever had. It is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder unit, making 118 horsepower and 125 pound-feet of torque. We’d like a little more power please… The model Ford is showing off is the EcoSport Titanium. It includes 16-inch aluminum wheels, SYNC, Smart Keyless Entry, Ford Power Start (whatever that is), a cooled glove box, Hill Descent Control and rear parking sensors. No word on how much it will cost. With 100 markets getting it, is Ford wrong about bringing it here? Would there be a market? We have no idea. While cool, this isn’t one we’re pining for. Check out our gallery below and decide for yourself. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts View original here:  2013 Ford EcoSport SUV To Be Sold in 100 World Markets

The guessing is over: Audi has decided on a location for a new production site in North America—and it will be in Mexico, not in the U.S. The premium carmaker today announced it would build an SUV model in Mexico from 2016 onwards. The decision comes as a disappointment to those Volkswagen managers who had hoped Audi would build its plant next to VW’s in Chattanooga, Tennessee . But the Volkswagen Group has a strong presence in Mexico as well: There is a production site in Puebla and an engine manufacturing plant in Silao. The location of Audi’s plant will be decided later this year. Audi itself has never operated a manufacturing site in North America. The premium brand is lagging behind Mercedes-Benz and BMW, both of which are producing SUV models in the U.S. for both the U.S. and global markets. Audi is aware of the fact that a Mexican-built vehicle won’t carry the “Made in the USA” moniker, nor will it be regarded as highly as its German-produced vehicles—and this may be a problem for some customers. The brand will say that an SUV will roll off the Mexican lines; so far, the brass at Inglostadt is yet to say which ones. Company sources hint at the next-generation Q5 , based on an evolution of the MLB platform. Audi could also make the Q7 , whose second generation will stand on a stretched MLB platform. Both vehicles will be based on what is essentially a front-wheel-drive platform and be powered by longitudinally mounted four- and six-cylinder engines; V-8 engines are possible for the Q7. The same platform will be used by a number of VW and Audi sedans, the next-gen VW Touareg and Porsche Cayenne, and the Q5′s sister model Porsche Macan. As Audi moves production to a North American plant, it must avoid some the quality problems that have plagued not only VW’s Golf and Jetta, but also the early examples of the Mercedes-Benz M-class. But the benefits outweigh the risks. With the new plant, Audi will able to hedge currency fluctuations, production will be cheaper than in Europe, and the NAFTA customs regulation will allow Audi to make cars at far lower cost. Don’t expect the cars to get cheaper, but consider buying shares. View post: Audi to Open Production Facility in Mexico Original post: Audi to Open Production...

The uber rare E34 M5 Touring was the world’s fastest wagon when it was introduced in 1992. It was BMW M Division’s first wagon, but at the same time the last hand built M car. Its 3.8 liter straight six was also the largest displacement six-cylinder engine of BMW’s modern era. While none of these wagons were imported to North America, several have made their way across the pond since 1995 and have become a cult car among BMW Touring enthusiasts. Capable of 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and available only with a manual transmission qualifies this M5 Touring as probably one of the rarest M5 around. And since only 891 cars were made in RHD, it is guaranteed to appreciate in value. Today’s Super Bild black example is wearing the 18 inch forged M Parallel wheels which in my opinion are the best factory wheels BMW has ever placed on a Roundel badged car. See previous BMWs from our Super Bild gallery . Read more:  BMW Super Bild Of The Day – E34 M5 Touring

As warmness rushes over the previously cold climate of winter, as the ideal environment for driving nears (barring more gas price spikes), the summer blockbuster season approaches. Despite its name, the Summer blockbuster period typically starts in the month of May with the first big-budget flicks. With many 2012 releases planned through the coming months, one of the most anticipated films set to lead off the summer is derived from the Marvel comic book universe. Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans and Samuel L. Jackson are just a few lead performers lending their talents to making favoured Marvel hero characters come alive on-scene in The Avengers movie. This summer blockbuster movie will be start unusually with the release of the movie adaptation of The Hunger Games novel garnering runaway acclaim by viewers and critics. Set for worldwide release on May 4th, The Avengers movie will have one thing The Hunger Games does not have; robust product placement from an auto brand fighting to regain its position in the arena of premium car sales. For what could be the biggest movie cross-promotion for Honda’s luxury car brand, Acura make a notable presence alongside the likes Captain America, Iron Man and Thor. With a wide range of Acura vehicles positioned through The Avengers movie, audiences will catch a peek at the ZDX and the all-new RDX models in minor roles. Part of Acura’s appearance The Avengers film will come in the role of supporting Marvel comic book’s peacekeeping alliance S.H.I.E.L.D. Presented at Acura’s 2012 New York International Auto Show, a specially-outfitted MDX crossover vehicle revealed the military prowess of the Acura.     The most eye-catching vehicle related to the upcoming 2012 comic book action will be based on the recent Acura NSX concept car . Shown off in a dark red similar to the shade covering Iron Man’s armor suit, the concept supercar revealed for The Avengers film shows off the Acura NSX for the first time as a convertible form to the public. Coinciding with Acura’s presentation in The Avengers film, there are several cross-promotions going into effect leading up to the movie. Firstly, Acura has created a television commercial depicting a 2013 Acura RDX storming away from a besieged city street...

On route to delivering the same headache-inducing gasoline prices that contributed to a complete economic meltdown in 2008, the price for a gallon of regular unleaded is just under a $4.00 national average. Drivers in European countries deal with fuel prices even more obscene then those being endured in North America. Subjected to heavy taxes by governments, gasoline prices per gallon is the equivalent to around $9.00 in US dollars. With the price of diesel fuel relatively equal to gasoline at Europe’s filling stations, it’s not surprising that diesel-powered vehicles are very among new car customers on the east side of the Atlantic Ocean. With diesel examples of some vehicle models actually outselling gasoline-powered versions for many auto companies, there is a surprisingly high amount of tolerance for where diesel engines can be found. Compact cars, wagons and even the occasional sports car utilize diesel technology on European roads. Despite interest as well as rumours of more diesel power being found for the United States marketplace, the whole North American auto line-up is left with only a trickle of the vast waterfall of the available gasoline-alternative fuel. Ahead of the 2012 New York International Auto Show, Porsche supplied a stunning announcement for that allowed the company commonly associated with sports cars to excite the North American diesel fans. A vehicle some Porsche purest regards as a blasphemy to the performance car division, the Cayenne sport crossover vehicle (developed in association with current parent company Volkswagen) caused many to see Porsche in an all-new light. Despite initial opposition from some groups, the Porsche Cayenne is accepted as the top-selling model the German performance car’s United States line-up selling just under 13,000 Porsche Cayennes stateside last year. For the 2013 model year, a turbocharged diesel engine is prepared to join the Cayenne sport crossover’ North American product line. Selling in Europe since 2009, the Porsche Cayenne Diesel became a product representing the sports car’s brand extensive environmental protection plan. The 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel is powered by a 3-liter turbo diesel V-6 engine similar that already available on fellow North American Volkswagen Group products such...

Rolling the window down lets both a refreshing waft of cool Spring air and an equally unsettling smell of acrid smoke pour into the cabin. Usually, that smell means you’ve knocked a few thousand miles off of a clutch or inflicted massive wear on a set of brakes – both instances follow either a feeling of pure joy or pure terror. Seated in a well-bolstered Black Novillo leather driver’s seat of an E92 M3 at the BMW Performance Center’s track – I quickly realized that I was about to learn the meaning of both behind the wheel of the finest of BMW’s M products. Surely I couldn’t be anywhere else in North America other than the Two Day M Driving School in scenic Spartanburg, South Carolina. That smell emanating from the car? Signs that its going to be a successful day in the classroom. For the uninitiated, for over a decade now, BMW of North America has given enthusiasts the opportunity to push up to and beyond the limits of its coveted M cars in a safe, controlled environment at a track snuggled into the hills of South Carolina at the BMW Performance Center, hidden amongst the many manufacturing facilities for the X Series vehicles. While the idea of taking the best and brightest of BMW’s line-up and kicking around a track may sound like a lot of fun – you’d be wrong. It’s both fun AND very educational. BMWBLOG writer Misha Nikolich and I were lucky enough to pick up spots at the Two Day M School where a handful of instructors would teach us not only about basic car dynamics but how to gain speed and rhythm in our driving. See our first report on the 2 Day M School Our first day started with a introduction to the instructors, our fellow classmates and some of the basic concepts of driving such as over- and understeer, braking zones and a quick walk(pun intended) of heel-toeing. However, knowing that all 15 of us were itching to try out the latest M offerings, the classroom lessons were succinct and to the point before breaking out the class into three groups of 5 students, each designated to work on specific exercises such as braking, identifying turn-in points, and heel-toeing on manual gearboxes. The weapons of choice? E90/2 M3’s, E60 M5’s, and the rarified 1M Coupe. It was much joy and surprise to find a handful of the...

Taking on the competition While new to North America last year, the Mazda2 is in its second generation and has been an award winning car in both Europe and Asia. The front-wheel-drive subcompact was completely redesigned for the 2011 model year and was left untouched for 2012. The Mazda2 competes in the crowded subcompact segment and takes on the likes of Toyota Yaris, Nissan Versa, Honda Fit, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic, Fiat 500, Hyundai Accent and Kia Soul. This week we’ll be test driving the Mazda2 Touring model ($15,855). Touring model gets extra upgrades Inside, Mazda2 Touring comes standard with reclining front bucket seats with six-way adjustable driver’s seat, 60/40 split folding rear seats, tilt steering column, remote keyless entry, and full power. It gets upgraded cloth upholstery with three-dimensional seat fabric with red piping, six-speaker sound system, and a multi-functional leather steering wheel. Outside it gets a rear roof spoiler, fog lamps, and 15-inch alloy wheels. The 2012 Mazda interior is about what you would expect from the segment. There‘s not a lot of flash, but it gets the job done. Hard plastics are used throughout the cabin which is typical for this class. There isn’t much legroom in the back, but the 60/40 split rear seats fold flat to allow for 27.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Small but potent The Mazda2 uses a proven 1.5-liter double-overhead-cam 16-valve four-cylinder engine that produces 100 horsepower and 98 pound-feet of torque. While it doesn’t sound like much, the variable valve timing gives it more low-rpm torque and higher-rpm horsepower. The Mazda2 will run 75 mph in the fast lane all day long and is fun to drive. We test drove the Mazda2 with the four-speed automatic and felt it was a bit slow to respond pulling hills. The five-speed manual would offer a sportier driving experience.The automatic and the manual are rated the same with an EPA estimated 29 City/35 Highway mpg. The suspension uses MacPherson struts in front and a trailing-arm torsion beam in back which kept the 2 flat in the corners with very little body lean. The Mazda2 delivers on its zoom zoom promise The Mazda 2 is very competitive in the subcompact segment that offers so many choices. Its exterior styling is eye-catching and sporty and...

BMWBLOG had the opportunity to speak with Vinnie Kung, Product Manager for MINI North America. MINI’s fun, intelligent presence is founded on the fun, intelligent personalities its employees. Mr Kung certainly represents the brand well, with his cool, relaxed demeanor and quick wit – I thoroughly enjoyed my interview with him. Our conversation centered on the new John Cooper Works Countryman – a vehicle I’ve driven and fallen for. We also spoke of the new MINI Coupe and Roadster, and how they compare to each other and the regular Cooper. Click the link to listen in as Mr Kung fills in the blanks. Originally posted here:  NYIAS 2012: BMWBLOG Interviews Vinnie Kung, Product Manager MINI NA

Making its North American premiere, BMW’s new 6 Gran Coupe mixes 5 series practicality with 6 series style. The new 6 Gran Coupe will sit prominently at the top of the lineup as a premium BMW car. The new Gran Coupe will start with a base price of $76,895 (including $895 Destination) and will be powered by BMW’s Twin-scroll Turbo 6-cylinder. Later in the summer, a 4.4 liter, 400 hp N63 twin-turbo V8 engined model will come to market. An xDrive model will also come to fruition. Later in the summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 2013 BMW 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 2013 BMW 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the line. Pricing for the V-8 powered models will be announced closer to the time of launch. Enjoy our photo gallery shot from the show floor in NY. Here is the original post:  NYIAS 2012: BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe Photo Gallery

The BMW Group in the U.S. (BMW and MINI combined) reported March sales of 29,806 vehicles, an increase of 13 percent from the 26,382 vehicles sold in the same month a year ago. Year-to-date, the BMW Group (BMW and MINI combined) achieved its best first quarter sales since the record year of 2007 retailing 75,729 vehicles, up 16.6 percent compared to 64,957 vehicles sold in the first three months of 2011. “The 1st Quarter record affirmed our increasing sales momentum and shows that customers feel more confident about the future,” said Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “The year is still young and BMW alone will introduce in 2012 more new and refreshed models in the U.S. than it ever has before in any one year making us strongly optimistic about the months ahead.” BMW Brand Sales Sales of BMW brand vehicles increased 18 percent in March for a total of 23,940 compared to 20,295 vehicles sold in March, 2011. Year-to-date, the BMW brand is up 17 percent on sales of 61,549 compared to 52,616 sold in the first three months of 2011. In March, best performing vehicles included the X5 SAV up 41.3 percent to 2,841 units; the 5 Series, up 21.4 percent to 5,451 units; the 6 Series, up 1,050 percent to 759 units and the 7 Series, up 24.6 percent to 1,280 units. BMW Pre-Owned Vehicles In March, sales of BMW used vehicles (including certified pre-owned and pre-owned) increased 10.2 percent to 16,278 vehicles from the 14,773 vehicles sold in March 2011. January through March, BMW used vehicle sales are up 5.4 percent on volume of 41,351 compared to 39,214 in the same period of 2011. MINI Brand Sales MINI USA reported sales of 5,866 automobiles in March, a decrease of 3.6 percent from the 6,087 sold in March 2011. Year-to-date, MINI achieved its best first quarter sales since the record year of 2011 retailing 14,180 vehicles, up 14.9 percent compared to 12,341 vehicles sold in the first three months of 2011. Table: Sales BMW of North America, LLC, March 2012 March 2012 March 2011 % YTD 2012 YTD 2011 % BMW brand   23,940 20,295 18.0 61,549 52,616 17.0 BMW passenger cars 18,715 15,361 21.8 45,188 38,175 18.4 BMW light trucks  (SAVs) 5,225 4,934 5.9 16,361 14,441 13.3 MINI brand   5,866 6,087 -3.6   14,180 12,341 14.9   TOTAL Group  ...

  I can attest to the fact that media day at an auto show represents a near Christmas-like atmosphere for automotive lovers. In what is a typical scene for the presentation of all-new models or significant concept cats, automakers keeping cars wrapped is a gift waiting to be unwrapped. At the latest Canadian International Auto Show  for which I had the privilege of attending, the presence of vehicles under the cover of large cloths was lured me with a magnetic attraction. With almost every vehicle unveiled at the exhibit having made an appearance at some other auto show, their was still a heart-beating anticipation as a brand’s spokesperson readied the automotive press for some brief theatricals of light and sounds before showing off a pivotal car, truck or crossover. Knowing what to expect, it was still a sensation presentation to set eyes on cars such as the Acura NSX concept and 2013 Ford Fusion line-up on the instant a cover was removed. As vehicle prepare for the 2012 New York International Auto Show, the Toyota Motor Corporation assured their will be no peeking for what will be an important premiere. In photos released of what is a new sedan set for debut inside the Jacob Javits Convention Center, Toyota has been successful in keeping wraps on the vehicle as it was being entered into the building. Hoisting the Toyota model by crane to the top level of the convention center, a red car cover hid every detail of the large sedan. Even any possibility of a rushing breeze from the adjacent Hudson River did not cause Toyota’s secret to be unveiled ahead of its presentation inside the convention hall.     Without seeing what is under the clever cover, all indications point to the undercover vehicle being the replacement to the current Toyota Avalon. Releasing teaser images for what will be a more sports sedan-style vehicle compared to its 2012 counterpart, Toyota’s latest product could rest closer to the level of the Japanese luxury brand’s Lexus cars. From the teaser image of the vehicle’s rear corner, this sedan design could be the most striking Toyota car revealed for the United States in quite some time. Set for an official unveiling on April 5th 2012, the latest Toyota sedan presentation will be followed by an interactive engagement...