Heated Seats Are Great But a Heated Steering...

Motor Authority - blog Tag: BMW M Division

  • Rumors of Next-Gen Entry-Level BMW 1-Series M Car Revived

    Rumors of Next-Gen Entry-Level BMW 1-Series M Car Revived November 4th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, November 4th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 3 Comments

    Rumors of Next-Gen Entry-Level BMW 1-Series M Car Revived

    About a year ago, BMW's M Division development chief said a 1-Series M car was off the table, and hopes were consequently deflated. But now new rumors of an entry-level M car are back, this time built around the next generation of the 1-Series.

    It's just a rumor with no official confirmation at this point, but the idea is so tantalizing, it's hard not to imagine what such a car might look like.

    A more potent take on the current twin-turbo inline-six found in the 135i, output could be positioned around 330 horsepower. That would give the 414-horsepower V-8 M3 some breathing room, while also putting the new M car's performance a notch above...

    About a year ago, BMW's M Division development chief said a 1-Series M car was off the table, and hopes were consequently deflated. But now new rumors of an entry-level M car are back, this time built around the next generation of the 1-Series. It's just a rumor with no official confirmation at this point, but the idea is so tantalizing, it's hard not to imagine what such a car might look like. A more potent take on the current twin-turbo inline-six found in the 135i, output could be positioned around 330 horsepower. That would give the 414-horsepower V-8 M3 some breathing room, while also putting the new M car's performance a notch above the best of the standard 1-Series. Other modifications, standard to other M treatments, would likely include upgraded shocks and springs, larger, more fade-restistant brakes, unique wheels, a custom aero package, and unique interior treatment. The 2007 135i tii Concept (pictured in the gallery above) could be an example of the direction BMW would take. The point of a 1-Series M car? As the rest of BMW's M range goes further upscale, attractive new, younger buyers to the brand means BMW needs a car positioned accordingly. Expect pricing to start out around the $45,000-$50,000 mark in the U.S., about $5,000-$10,000 below a typical M3, if the project does become reality. It won't get here until the next generation of the 1-Series, however, which puts it at least two, possible three years out. [Autocar] Read More

  • BMW M Division boss: No M7 in the works

    BMW M Division boss: No M7 in the works July 13th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 13th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 4 Comments

    BMW M Division boss: No M7 in the works Fresh off our experience with BMW's X6 M and discussions of future products with the M Division chief Dr Kay Segler, more news about the future of the M brand has emerged. Once again it's Segler spreading the news, but this time it's not so good: there is no M7 in the works.

    Instead, the twin-turbo V12 760i will take the top billing for the 7-series powertrains, and when outfitted with the M-Sport package, will comprise the highest-performance 7 available.

    While it's always a sad thing to hear a high-performance variant has met the budgetary axe, it's not so sad in this case, as Segler pointed out to Automotive News. "We've looked at that... Fresh off our experience with BMW's X6 M and discussions of future products with the M Division chief Dr Kay Segler, more news about the future of the M brand has emerged. Once again it's Segler spreading the news, but this time it's not so good: there is no M7 in the works. Instead, the twin-turbo V12 760i will take the top billing for the 7-series powertrains, and when outfitted with the M-Sport package, will comprise the highest-performance 7 available. While it's always a sad thing to hear a high-performance variant has met the budgetary axe, it's not so sad in this case, as Segler pointed out to Automotive News. "We've looked at that and decided not to do it. The 760 with AWD is a very strong offer. The M sales would be too small for our total investment," Segler said of the M7. With a 6.0L, 536hp twin-turbo V12 under the hood, Segler has a point. Piped through BMW's AWD system, that power is capable of careening the big sedan to 62mph in under 4.6 seconds while delivering a European cycle rating of 18mpg US. Those figures match or beat the 555hp X6 M's specifications, so in effect, the regular BMW has simply grown so capable as to usurp the need for an M-variant. There are also those that would argue the X6 M is no true M-car at all. And while handling and transitional performance may not be quite up to M-snuff, the car's active damping control and roll stabilization programs do give a competent balance between the ride the average limousine sedan buyer is looking for at the on-road poise necessary for a car to be called an Ultimate Driving Machine. Of course, we'll have to wait until we get the chance to test the 760i ourselves to deliver a final verdict on the wisdom of skipping the M7.BMW 760i and long-wheelbase 760Li2010 BMW 7-series M Sport Package Read More

  • New M-Sport package for BMW X6 will come with power upgrades

    New M-Sport package for BMW X6 will come with power upgrades July 9th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, July 9th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 0 Comments

    New M-Sport package for BMW X6 will come with power upgrades Just weeks after the unveiling of the new M-Sport package for the new 7-series saloon comes news that BMW will be releasing a similar range of upgrades for its sporty X6 crossover as well as some power mods.

    The X6 xDrive35d and xDrive50i will be gifted with a few extra horsepower, with the 306hp (225kW) turbodiesel six-cylinder of the recently-launched 740d being transplanted into the xDrive35d and the twin-turbocharged V8 of the xDrive50i getting boosted to 442hp (330kW).

    That puts the xDrive35d M-Sport 20hp (15kW) ahead of the regular model, while the xDrive50i with the M Sport package winds up 42hp (30kW) in front of the standard... Just weeks after the unveiling of the new M-Sport package for the new 7-series saloon comes news that BMW will be releasing a similar range of upgrades for its sporty X6 crossover as well as some power mods. The X6 xDrive35d and xDrive50i will be gifted with a few extra horsepower, with the 306hp (225kW) turbodiesel six-cylinder of the recently-launched 740d being transplanted into the xDrive35d and the twin-turbocharged V8 of the xDrive50i getting boosted to 442hp (330kW). That puts the xDrive35d M-Sport 20hp (15kW) ahead of the regular model, while the xDrive50i with the M Sport package winds up 42hp (30kW) in front of the standard xDrive50i. Torque is up too, with the six-cylinder xDrive35d producing 332lb-ft (450Nm) in M-Sport trim and the V8 gaining an as yet unspecified amount of twist. A sporty bodykit, 20in wheels and custom interior trim will mark out the M-Sport-equipped X6s as being the mid-range models in the X6 lineup, however, don’t expect it to look quite as brutish as the range-topping X6 M. Expect to see items such as an M shifter, M steering wheel and M footrest. Carbon-fiber trim is also expected to be available. The new range of accessories should be available before the end of the year. Read More

  • First drive: 2010 BMW X6 M

    First drive: 2010 BMW X6 M July 7th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 7th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 7 Comments

    First drive: 2010 BMW X6 M Hurtling along at a cool 143mph (230km/h) in BMW's 2010 X6 M at Road Atlanta just before you shut it down hard for turn 10A, there's a brief moment where you wonder if it's even physically possible for the 5,324lb (2,415kg) missile you're now a part of to slow down enough to make the turn and avoid surfing the sand into the runoff area. But the moment passes and soon enough you're throwing the car into a four-wheel drift and pegging the throttle as you confidently accelerate up the hill to start a new lap.

    That, in a nutshell, is all you need to know about the X6 M. Our time with the car was limited to just a few hours on the road and 20... Hurtling along at a cool 143mph (230km/h) in BMW's 2010 X6 M at Road Atlanta just before you shut it down hard for turn 10A, there's a brief moment where you wonder if it's even physically possible for the 5,324lb (2,415kg) missile you're now a part of to slow down enough to make the turn and avoid surfing the sand into the runoff area. But the moment passes and soon enough you're throwing the car into a four-wheel drift and pegging the throttle as you confidently accelerate up the hill to start a new lap. That, in a nutshell, is all you need to know about the X6 M. Our time with the car was limited to just a few hours on the road and 20 laps of Road Atlanta at today's BMW-sponsored press event, but that time has given us a clear image of what the X6 M is - and isn't. It's an SUV (or SAV - Sport Activity Vehicle, according to BMW) that you can actually take to the track and not only safely negotiate the corners with but actually have fun exploring the outer limits of the chassis, brakes and tires. And those limits are very high indeed - with a solid exit from turn 7 there's a real possibility of seeing the vehicle's electronically limited top speed of 155mph (250km/h). At speed, the car seems to shrink around you, contrary to its large street presence. Turn-in rewards good technique - crisp and precise if you're off the brakes, but tending toward understeer with trail braking. Get back on the throttle at the apex and you can steer with your right foot - assuming you've switched off traction control - with the car sending at least 60% of its power to the rear wheels, and a full 100% at speeds over 111.8mph (180km/h). Straightaways flash by in a blink with the 555hp (408kW) twin-turbo V8 screaming to its 7,000rpm redline without once running out of breath - a trait it owes to its unique cross-tuned manifold and twin-turbo setup. Stand on the four-piston, 15in brakes and the 275/40/20 front and 315/35/20 rear tires will perform miracles of deceleration with confidence-inspiring feedback. Behind the wheel, the X6 M not only feels small, it feels almost - almost - light. It certainly doesn't feel like a 5,300lb behemoth. Steering is light but offers decent feedback, the brake pedal is firm with a long stroke and the accelerator is responsive but never jerky, even at low speeds. For many drivers the X6 M's six-speed automatic transmission will either be a draw or a sore spot, but in practice the unit does admirably in automatic mode, though to extract the most from the vehicle, you'll need to tap the wheel-mounted paddles yourself. Take a step back from the heady rush of the track, and the X6 M begins to raise some questions. The first: who would buy this? It is, after all, a four-seater, four-door SUV/crossover with an understandably portly curb weight. Inside, the M is even more luxurious and well-appointed than the standard X6, with stitched leather and carbon-fiber-like materials throughout the cabin. The vehicle is intended to be a sort of automotive Swiss Army knife, capable of doing it all, but like the cutlery, in the end, it doesn't really do any of them as well as a specialist tool. And that's traditionally what the M Division has made - scalpels, not Swiss Army knives. That said, it is a very pleasing and fun track-day toy, and even though the average X6 M owner will likely never see a closed course, it's the possibility that will entice many. Just as most SUVs will never leave the comfort of paved suburbia, so too is the X6 M as much about potential as it is about practice. Driving the standard X6 from Road Atlanta to Spartanburg after our time with the X6 M was somewhat anti-climactic, but it served to highlight the comfort, ease of driving and perfectly capable acceleration of the standard V8 vehicle. Driven back to back on the city streets, the differences between the standard and M versions might not be readily apparent to the average driver, though the M's aggressive exterior leaves no doubt as to which is which. Perhaps BMW's own engineers summed the X6 M up best at the press conference when they compared it to a sunny spot in a sea of gloomy news, brought in to brighten up the automotive world when it needs it most. And that it certainly does. The question is whether its on-track potential will translate into real-world sales at its $89,725 price point - but we'll have to wait at least until sales start in October to learn if the M Division has hit all the right marks with its latest sport-activity sports car.2010 BMW X6 M2010 BMW X6 M First Drive Read More

  • BMW's M Division head talks about M3 GT4 production, diesels and more

    BMW's M Division head talks about M3 GT4 production, diesels and more July 7th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson Nelson Ireson, Author, July 7th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    BMW's M Division head talks about M3 GT4 production, diesels and more Sitting down to dinner with Dr. Kay Segler, head of BMW's M Division and former chief of Mini, is an engaging prospect for any performance and luxury car enthusiast, but this dinner proved not only entertaining, but enlightening.

    There's no better source for what's planned behind the scenes at BMW's famed performance haus, and Segler gave us a few enticing hints of what might be on the way over the next several years. First on the list is the M3 GT4.

    The car contested this year's 24 Hour Nurburgring endurance race through BMW's Customer Racing program, and the M Division is now considering the car for limited production so that more... Sitting down to dinner with Dr. Kay Segler, head of BMW's M Division and former chief of Mini, is an engaging prospect for any performance and luxury car enthusiast, but this dinner proved not only entertaining, but enlightening. There's no better source for what's planned behind the scenes at BMW's famed performance haus, and Segler gave us a few enticing hints of what might be on the way over the next several years. First on the list is the M3 GT4. The car contested this year's 24 Hour Nurburgring endurance race through BMW's Customer Racing program, and the M Division is now considering the car for limited production so that more entry-level race teams can compete, according to Segler. He emphasized the importance of grass-roots participation in motorsport and the M Division's interest in helping to preserve and promote that aspect of competition. And that's a sentiment any enthusiast can appreciate. Segler also discussed the possibility for a diesel M-car, but dismissed it as unrealistic until America embraces diesel more deeply since the U.S. is a key market for building any business case for a luxury or performance car. This is a familiar response when dealing with European automakers, and you can clearly see that the desire to put the cars out there exists, but without a market that's willing to pay the diesel premium it simply doesn't make for good business. Finally, the M Sports line of vehicles was mentioned as a potential in-between line to bridge the gap between BMW's standard vehicle range and the M Division's offerings - sportier and offering an improved level of performance, but not as focused and dedicated as the M vehicles tend to be. While many might say BMW already has too many models and variations, there is a certain logic to the idea that means it could just see implementation.BMW M3 GT4 race car Read More

  • BMW 7-series M-Sport package makes early debut

    BMW 7-series M-Sport package makes early debut June 22nd, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, June 22nd, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 8 Comments

    BMW 7-series M-Sport package makes early debut Up until the end of last year BMW was in the process of developing a brand new performance car positioned above the current 7-series flagship and destined to enter the premium four-door coupe segment. Then the global economic crisis hit and on the back of weak financial results BMW decided not to risk the launch of such an expensive model. Instead, it will focus on its existing 7-series, in part with the M-Sport package unofficially revealed today.

    The planned flagship car, which was expected to wear an 8-series badge, had been conceived as a super sedan for the company and was to draw its styling from the hugely successful CS concept first... Up until the end of last year BMW was in the process of developing a brand new performance car positioned above the current 7-series flagship and destined to enter the premium four-door coupe segment. Then the global economic crisis hit and on the back of weak financial results BMW decided not to risk the launch of such an expensive model. Instead, it will focus on its existing 7-series, in part with the M-Sport package unofficially revealed today. The planned flagship car, which was expected to wear an 8-series badge, had been conceived as a super sedan for the company and was to draw its styling from the hugely successful CS concept first unveiled back in 2007. While all chances of the 8-series ever arriving in showrooms have now dried up, there is new hope that its legacy will live on in a performance version of the 7-series. And until that high-performance M-version arrives, the M-Sport package will be the best BMW has to offer. The M-Sport package includes the typical exterior upgrades to give a sharper, sportier appearance, along with interior upgrades to enhance the driver-car interface: M shifter, M steering wheel and M footrest. Carbon fiber trim is also expected to be available. The unofficial photos, revealed by a user at 7Post forums, confirm production of a car our spy photographers caught testing earlier this month. A 7-series prototype with some very distinct BMW M Division styling elements was spotted testing in Germany in the first week of June, leading to speculation that a new M7 is in the works. BMW’s storied M Division was the group assigned with development of the 8-series and it’s entirely possible that some of its mechanicals, such as a new powertrain and suspension set-up, could still appear in a new M7. Some of the unique features seen on a previous prototype include a subtle bonnet bulge, oversized brakes and an aggressively styled front bumper with gaping air intakes. A second prototype in black, spied earlier this month and looking similar to the M-Sport photos revealed today, is missing the bonnet bulge and performance wheels and brakes seen on the grey prototype. Furthermore, a lack of M-style fender vents and quad exhaust pipes suggest that the prototypes are only wearing the new 7-series M-styling pack. Everything remains speculation at this point as BMW is yet to confirm any plans for a new performance 7-series or an M-Sport package, but the evidence seen in these spy shots, and now confirmed with the unofficial M-Sport package images, suggests there is definitely something new for the flagship saloon brewing at BMW. BMW released official info and pricing on its 1-series, 3-series and 5-series M-Sport packages back in February.2011 BMW M7 spy shots2010 BMW 7-series M Sport Package Read More

More Headlines