Porsche's 2011 Boxster Takes Its Top Off

Motor Authority - blog Tag: M Division

  • 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

  • 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 reveals U.S. pricing for X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs

    BMW reveals U.S. pricing for X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs April 24th, 2009 ByJames Martinez James Martinez, Author, April 24th, 2009 James Martinez 0 Comments

    BMW reveals U.S. pricing for X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs We bet there are still thousands of BMW M fans out there reeling from the fact that the performance division is launching its first ever SUV model, and a turbocharged one at that. Those fans better get used to it fast as BMW has just revealed pricing for the new X5 M and X6 M SUVs, which will start at $86,225 and $89,725 (including $825 Destination & Handling), respectively, when they go on sale in the U.S. in the second half of the year. Full pricing and options, as well as pre-order sales, will be available from next month onwards.

    BMW admits that it would like to draw customers away from vehicles like the Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG and ... We bet there are still thousands of BMW M fans out there reeling from the fact that the performance division is launching its first ever SUV model, and a turbocharged one at that. Those fans better get used to it fast as BMW has just revealed pricing for the new X5 M and X6 M SUVs, which will start at $86,225 and $89,725 (including $825 Destination & Handling), respectively, when they go on sale in the U.S. in the second half of the year. Full pricing and options, as well as pre-order sales, will be available from next month onwards. BMW admits that it would like to draw customers away from vehicles like the Mercedes Benz ML63 AMG and Porsche Cayenne, and in an effort to make its M SUVs more appealing has fitted the pair with standard 20in wheels, sports seats, red needle gauges, and Merino leather trim. Both models are powered by a newly-developed 4.4L V8 M engine delivering 555hp (412kW) at 6,000rpm and 500lb-ft (677Nm) of torque from a low 1,500 to 5,650rpm - enough to send the vehicles from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds. The vehicles also have a reworked chassis, with new M-specific adaptive suspension, an uprated intelligent xDrive AWD system, and newly-developed Servotronic power steering. Finally, they are offered with a six-speed automatic transmission with an electronic selector on the center console offering three different driving modes – Drive, Sport and M Manual modes for absolute control of gear selection. For more information about either the X5 M or X6 M, check out our previous story by clicking here.2010 BMW X6 M2010 BMW X5 M Read More

  • BMW unleashes X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs

    BMW unleashes X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs April 4th, 2009 ByAlex Kaufmann Alex Kaufmann, Author, April 4th, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 16 Comments

    BMW unleashes X5 M and X6 M performance SUVs We bet there are still thousands of BMW M fans out there reeling from the fact that the performance division is launch its first ever SUV model, and a turbocharged one at that. Those fans better get used to it fast as BMW has just revealed its new X5 M and X6 M SUVs ahead of their New York Auto Show debut.

    The latest images reveal more aggressive overall styling and slightly lower stance for the performance pair, though there remains a healthy amount of wheel-arch gap. The hood, front air dam, and headlights are virtually identical on the BMW X5 M and X6 M.

    Unique 20in split five-spoke wheels, absolutely enormous brake discs that could... We bet there are still thousands of BMW M fans out there reeling from the fact that the performance division is launch its first ever SUV model, and a turbocharged one at that. Those fans better get used to it fast as BMW has just revealed its new X5 M and X6 M SUVs ahead of their New York Auto Show debut. The latest images reveal more aggressive overall styling and slightly lower stance for the performance pair, though there remains a healthy amount of wheel-arch gap. The hood, front air dam, and headlights are virtually identical on the BMW X5 M and X6 M. Unique 20in split five-spoke wheels, absolutely enormous brake discs that could pull double duty as pizza pans and a sporty rear diffuser/exhaust area add to the M-specific appeal. Inside, a two-tone leather treatment with M branding complete the first-ever M-SUVs. Both models are powered by a newly-developed 4.4L V8 M engine delivering 555hp (412kW) at 6,000rpm and 500lb-ft (677Nm) of torque from a low 1,500 to 5,650rpm - enough to send the vehicles from 0-60mph in just 4.5 seconds. This new M engine is the world's first with a pulse-tuned exhaust manifold encompassing both rows of cylinders combined with high-performance twin-scroll twin turbo technology. Two low-mass twin-scroll turbochargers are positioned together with the catalytic converters in the "V" section between the two banks of cylinders. By reversing the flow of gases through the engine from traditional arrangements, the intake and exhaust ducts are shortened and widened. The result is that pressure losses on the exhaust side are minimized. This configuration, known as Cylinder-bank Comprehensive Manifold (CCM), offers quick turbo spooling, a linear build-up of engine power, and a broad, consistent torque curve by feeding each of the twin turbochargers with a "charge pulse" at approximately every 90 degrees of crankshaft rotation, rather than the more traditional "irregular schedule" of charging. Maximum boost pressure is set at 1.5bar (21psi). BMW M engineers have also reworked the full drivetrain and chassis, adding new M-specific adaptive suspension, an uprated intelligent xDrive AWD system, and newly-developed Servotronic power steering. Also featured for the first time on an M model is a six-speed automatic transmission, which for the X5 M and X6 M also comes with an electronic selector on the center console and offers three different driving modes – Drive, Sport and M Manual modes for absolute control of gear selection. 2010 BMW X6 M2010 BMW X5 M Read More

  • Report: BMW won't build a 2010 Z4 M

    Report: BMW won't build a 2010 Z4 M March 20th, 2009 ByKenneth Hall Kenneth Hall, Author, March 20th, 2009 Kenneth Hall 3 Comments

    Report: BMW won't build a 2010 Z4 M Late last year BMW retired the straight-six engine used in the previous-generation Z4M, prompting aficionados to start hoping for an even better unit for the 2010 car. Unfortunately however, the latest news appears to draw a line through that possibility, and the 2010 Z4 M model altogether.

    The news, reported by the UK's iMotor, quotes an unnamed BMW spokesperson as saying, "Given the current economic crisis there is no business case for a full-on M version of the Z4." Given the weakness of the source, it's hardly a definitive statement on the matter, but the logic underlying the decision is undeniable.

    As BMW's already full lineup grows,... Late last year BMW retired the straight-six engine used in the previous-generation Z4M, prompting aficionados to start hoping for an even better unit for the 2010 car. Unfortunately however, the latest news appears to draw a line through that possibility, and the 2010 Z4 M model altogether. The news, reported by the UK's iMotor, quotes an unnamed BMW spokesperson as saying, "Given the current economic crisis there is no business case for a full-on M version of the Z4." Given the weakness of the source, it's hardly a definitive statement on the matter, but the logic underlying the decision is undeniable. As BMW's already full lineup grows, M models of certain cars are beginning to become non-starters - they'd encroach to heavily on higher-ranked vehicles, at least in terms of performance. See the 1-series for another prime example of this phenomenon. This isn't really something you can fault BMW for, however - their standard, non-M vehicles have gotten so fast, so powerful, that simply upgrading them would put them in contention with a whole other rank of vehicle. From a consumer's standpoint, that's about the best way to lose a high-performance variant. The standard Z4, for instance, gets a conservatively-rated 300hp (224kW) twin-turbo 3.0L inline six or a 255hp (190kW) variant of the same engine, sans-turbo. Even the lesser of these two roadsters dashes to 60mph in 5.6 seconds, with the turbo car threatening to break into the high 4-second range. Adding another 50hp (37kW) and wringing even more out of the braking, suspension and chassis would just put the car into a price and performance class alongside the M3 - something which just doesn't make sense, even in BMW's expansive and overlapping lineup. Instead of a 'full-on' Z4 M, there could be a Z4 'M Sport', with a tweaked and tuned ECU and exhaust system, visual enhancements, and interior upgrades, however.2010 BMW Z4 Roadster Read More

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