2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe (aka 1M), but if you have, you've likely suffered through strained historical analogies, detailed comparisons to previous M cars, and sheets of performance data. You'll find a minimum of that here. Instead, I offer you a fellow enthusiast's take on the car, filtered through the desire for a nimble, focused, affordable car that'll get you to work and get you seat time at the track with equal ease and ability.

The forum for my analysis: the official BMW North American press launch, held en route to and at Monticello Motor Club, where BMW brought me briefly to test the car. It was a limited day-long engagement, restricted to a few hours of open road driving and a dozen or so stop-and-go laps. Not enough time for a full evaluation, but enough to get the overall feel of the car.

This is a parts-bin car, from the ground up. Read the spec sheet, and there are only a handful of parts actually unique to the car--and those are mostly body panels. The 335-horsepower, 369-pound-feet of torque (in overboost) N54 twin-turbo inline six under the hood is found in the new sDrive35is models, and is itself a hotter version of the engine that drove most of BMW's lineup before the revised, refined, twin-scroll/single-turbo N55 came along last year.

That's not to say the 1-Series M Coupe is merely the sum of its parts. Borrowing brakes, differential, and wheels from the M3, adding its own unique take on M Dynamic Mode (MDM) and its full-performance track mode, as well as an aggressively relaxed stability/dynamics control system, the 1-Series M Coupe is, in fact, the M car I'd buy if I were going to buy one.

2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe

2011 BMW 1-Series Coupe

The 1-Series is powered by the same 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engines of the 3-Series, with the naturally-aspirated 128i engine producing 230 horsepower and 200 lb-ft of torque and the twin-turbocharged 135i engine producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque all the way up from 1,450 rpm. Both engines have on-demand engine coolant pumps to improve fuel economy and increase power.

Most drivers are likely to elect the six-speed manual transmission, the same satisfying performer as in the 3-Series, but a six-speed automatic will also be available. The 135i accelerates to 60 mph in less than 5.3 seconds with top speed electronically limited to 155 mph. Focusing on a younger driver than other BMWs, the car makes a louder noise when producing this performance, a combination of less sound-deadening interior materials and a more audible exhaust.

One of the least expensive automobiles on the market with serious track potential, the 1-Series complements its traditional rear-wheel-drive handling with an aluminum double-pivot front suspension and five-link fully independent rear suspension of lightweight steel derived directly from the 3-Series.

The car is equipped with BMW's Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Dynamic Traction Control that electronically intervenes to prevent loss of vehicle control. Reflecting the enthusiast uses to which this car is likely to be put, the DTC activates only at a high threshold of performance. BMW's Active Steering variable ratio steering system is available as an option.

2011 G-Power BMW M3 GTS

2011 G-Power BMW M3 GTS

2011 G-Power BMW M3 GTS

2011 G-Power BMW M3 GTS

2011 G-Power BMW M3 GTS

2011 G-Power BMW M3 GTS

BMW M3 GTS differed from the base M3 in virtually all parameters relevant to motorsport – adjustable aerodynamic body components front and rear, 100 kg less weight, a modified suspension and brake setup – the power increase of 30 hp to 450 hp turned out to be somewhat reserved. This is particularly so, when you consider that the Porsche 911 GT3 RS with the same output has to move only 1,370 kg (DIN). Against this, the 1,530 kg (DIN) of the BMW M3 GTS seems almost flabby.

In combination with the G-POWER SK II “Sporty Drive” supercharger system, this kind of high-revving V8 is nothing short of stunning. The “Sporty Drive” technology, developed by G-POWER for the G-POWER supercharger systems retains the unique performance characteristics of the M power unit. Compared with the series-production version, the addition of a G-POWER supercharger system delivers further improved response to even the tiniest movement of the gas pedal, plus absolutely no restrictions in its aggressive high revving under full load and progressive power delivery right up to the rev limiter. In addition to these features, the increased output of the V8 engine delivered by the G-POWER supercharger system also comes with a significant plus in mid-range torque. Especially when accelerating out of a slow corner, this feature of “Sporty Drive” technology will leave competitors to G-POWER M3 GTS drivers looking on in despair.

The performance figures, too, are designed to drive fear into the hearts of the competition. The G-POWER M3 GTS with 635 hp completes the standard sprints from 0-100 km/h and 0-200 km/h in 4.2s and 11.9s. Top speed is 323 km/h. These figures have been clocked by the German car journal “sport auto” during their latest test of the G-POWER M3 GTS that will be published on Friday May 20th.

Further modifications to the series-production suspension and wheels of the BMW M3 GTS were not undertaken, as the standard M-GmbH setup already guarantees perfect balance and race-ready handling. It was only the shortage of power that was preventing faster lap times. With 635 hp, the hunt for lap time records is now on, like the “sport auto” has proven with a new fastest lap for BMW M3s on the Hockenheim circuit. It took the G-POWER M3 GTS, equipped with MICHELIN standard street tires, just 1.11,8 min to complete the lap.

2011 BMW 6-Series Cabrio

2011 BMW 6-Series Cabrio

2011 BMW 6-Series Cabrio

2011 BMW 6-Series Cabrio

2011 BMW 6-Series Cabrio

2011 BMW 6-Series Cabrio

Kelleners Sport uses the elegant concept of the new model generation of the 6 series convertible as a basis to perfect it with even more elegance and sportiness.

Various wheel and tyre combinations in 19 and 20 inch as well as first accessories for the interior are already available.Further products like performance kits, sport exhausts, suspension solutions, upholstery and sport steering wheels are in preparation and will be available soon.

With this comprehensive package, Kelleners Sport enhances both the dynamics and the individuality of the BMW 6 series convertible (F12).

Manhart Racing BMW Z4 V10

Manhart Racing BMW Z4 V10

Manhart Racing BMW Z4 V10

Manhart Racing BMW Z4 V10

Manhart Racing BMW Z4 V10

Manhart Racing BMW Z4 V10

INTRODUCTION:The Manhart Racing BMW Z4 V10 is a blast to drive. The Z4 is heftier than its predecessor (the BMW Z3) and features a significantly stiffer chassis. Transplanted with a new & stronger heart, the luxury car with gorgeous dimensions and overall distinctive styling commands interest.

HIGHLIGHTS:“These crazy bastards dropped a V10 into the Z4. Nice.” That’s what head Automoblog dude Christopher said to me in an email moments ago. Yeah, nice AND crazy all at the same time. Our kind of people these folks from Manhart. I (and I’m assuming Chris) love people that do things like this; V12s into Miatas, mid-engine Mini Cooper conversions, that sort of thing.

SPECIFICATIONS:The new mill in question is the ten-cylinder engine from the current M5. Good a place as any to start. Shoehorning it into the narrow confines of the Z4′s engine bay was not all that easy, but the engineers from Manhart Racing got it done. And the resulting new motor, a 5.0 liter V10 now puts out an impressive 550 HP. In addition to just getting the engine in there, Manhart also worked over the DME electronic control unit and had the good “sense” to do away with the factory-set V-Max restriction of 250 km/h as part of the rebuild.

DESIGN:

• Downstream from the new mill there’s an original M5 E60 6 gear manual transmission from the original donor. In between the plant and the tranny there’s a Fichtel & Sachs clutch and out back there’s the M5 E60 differential. Breathing, or at least exhaling, is handled via an AC Schnitzer stainless steel exhaust system, the four muffler tips are a nice touch as is the HJS racing catalytic converters.
• The Manhart Z4 M V10 goes like hell and thanks to the perfectly tuned Bilstein B16 PSS10 coilovers, the virtually unrestrained power of 550 HP can be brought under control to the tarmac. Black BBS Challenge wheels rotate in the wheel arches of the Manhart Z4 M V10 with 8.5Jx19 ET35 235/35ZR19 front tyres and 10Jx19 ET20 285/30ZR19 back tyres.

CONCLUSION:550 HP ten cylinders, an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, kerb weight 1450kg, 2.6kg per HP… who could guess that these impressive figures belong to a Z4? Hardly anyone, however Manhart Racing turns dreams into reality and does this with 25 years experience.

BMW AC Schnitzer 123d

BMW AC Schnitzer 123d

BMW AC Schnitzer 123d

BMW AC Schnitzer 123d

BMW AC Schnitzer 123d

BMW AC Schnitzer 123d

INTRODUCTION:The AC Schnitzer "ACS1 2.3d“, based on the BMW 123d Coupé, shows that safe tuning is far from boring. VDAT-member AC Schnitzer has upgraded the 2.3 D engine
to 241 HP (177 kW) and 480 Nm. The police car with 6-speed automatic transmission now accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, so would acquit itself well even in the fastest pursuit.

SPECIFICATIONS:The AC Schnitzer "ACS1 2.3d“, based on the BMW 123d Coupe, shows that safe tuning is far from boring. VDAT-member AC Schnitzer has upgraded the 2.3 D engine to 241 HP (177 kW) and 480 Nm. The police car with 6-speed automatic transmission now accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, so would acquit itself well even in the fastest pursuit. The latest AC Schnitzer wheels Type IV BiColor are fitted with tires from TUNE IT! SAFE! main sponsor Hankook. The low, safe road position is achieved with the sports suspension from the Aachenbased specialist with 30 mm lowering. The bodystyling kit consists of two-piece front spoiler, rear skirt insert, rear wing and rear roof spoiler. Good visibility is ensured by the "LEDayFlex“ modern daytime running lights from Hella, and optimum rearward vision by the AC Schnitzer "New Generation" sports mirrors.

DESIGN:The latest AC Schnitzer wheels Type IV BiColor are fitted with tyres from TUNE IT! SAFE! main sponsor Hankook. The low, safe road position is achieved with the sports suspension from the Aachen-based specialist with 30 mm lowering. The bodystyling kit consists of two-piece front spoiler, rear skirt insert, rear wing and rear roof spoiler. Good visibility is ensured by the "LEDayFlex“ modern daytime running lights from Hella, and optimum rearward vision by the AC Schnitzer "New Generation" sports mirrors.

In the interior, the guardians of the law could enjoy leather racing bucket seats with AC Schnitzer logo and silver genuine carbon fibre trim on the dashboard, centre console, door handles and steering wheel, which are perfectly complemented by the aluminium pedals and aluminium foot rests. A further highlight is the G-force indicator, which measures and displays the centrifugal forces inside the car.

CLP BMW 6-Series MR 600 GT

The Aerodynamic Kit MR 600 GT by CLP (5990 Euro) is the main component of the vehicle concept. Among other things, the wide front bumper, on the one hand, complies with the dynamics of the BMW 6 Series, but on the other hand, it effectively reduces lift on the front axle and ensures optimization of the air flow for effective cooling of high-performance braking system. The complete kit consists of two front wings, two rear fender flares, left and right side skirts and a rear apron. The tailgate spoiler (for an extra charge of 399 Euro) merged with the trunk lid is offered as a complete unit or separately at the customer’s option.

As appropriate wheels, CLP installed exclusive 3-part alloy wheels with stainless steel trim rings in size of 9.5 x22 inches and 11.5 x 22 inches, equipped with high-performance tires in sizes of 255/30-22 and 285/25-22. The cost of the wheel set is 8960 Euro.

In order to optimize the road adherence without limitations, a KW Variant 3 coil-over comes into play.

As all CLP products, these packages feature the highest functional quality and perfect craftsmanship. In addition to the existing body program, an electronic performance enhancement option is available now. The cost of the software optimization (645i) to 379 hp and 490 Nm is 1290 euro.

2010 Mansory BMW X5

2010 Mansory BMW X5

2010 Mansory BMW X5
2010 Mansory BMW X5
2010 Mansory BMW X5

In the development stages, MANSORY Switzerland AG attaches great importance to both individual design as well as to precisely tailored workmanship. The programme for the SUV X5 has already skilfully set these standards. Stylish coordinated components make the broadly-built frame a real eye-catcher. An integral part of the imposing front structure is a very sporty front spoiler with big cooling air inlets. An extra light engine bonnet made entirely from carbon optimises the supply of fresh air to the front motor with ventilating channels. MANSORY individualization achieves a unique appearance with much broader fenders, which create an entity with the newly fitted side skirts. With an additional vehicle width of 70 millimetres at the front and 80 millimetres at the back, the MANSORY X5 conveys the message of pure power, even when stationary.
The striking appearance of the MANSORY-SUV is assisted by a wide range of performance kits for the standard engines. The highlight is a vigorous upgrade for the BMW X5 M aggregate. Approximately 670 hp /493kW and a torque of 950 Nm at a rate of 5900 Umin (series: 555 hp / 408 kW and 680 Nm at a rate of 1500 – 5650 Umin) results from the use of a completely new exhaust system along with headers as well as optimised engine electrics. Thanks to these changes, the 4x4 accelerates in only 4.2 seconds to a speed of 100 km/h and achieves a maximum speed of 300 km/h.

MANSORY provides an alloy rim especially made to meet the requirements of the BMW-SUV, which is significantly better for handling and additionally sharpens the vehicle’s optics. The silver monoblock cast wheels with the description M10 are fitted with tyres of the dimension 315/25R23, which guarantee proper grip. In connection with lowering the vehicle’s centre of gravity by 40mm with sport springs on the front axle as well by 40 mm on the back axle with adjusted vehicle height, the masculine appearance of the MANSORY X5 is glamorously rounded off. In addition, the sports suspension improves handling. A sports break system with larger discs and multi-piston brake callipers is already being tested.

An interior highlight is the newly designed sports steering wheel, which ergonomically leaves no question unanswered. Whether stylish or sporty, MANSORY Switzerland offers the required solution for every taste of interior design. All special fittings are individually manufactured to meet your needs and are integrated into your vehicle by professionals. The private upholstery services can produce everything that your heart desires with high precision craftsmanship, with everything from personalized floor mats to a complete leather interior.

Hartge BMW X1

Hartge BMW X1
Hartge BMW X1
Hartge BMW X1

Hartge BMW X1

The Hartge X1 xDrive20d shown here boasts 32 hp more than its standard brethren, which enables it to leap from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.2 instead of 8.4 seconds and add another 11 km/h to V-max. In the case of the sDrive20d (which sprints to 100 km/h in 6.9 instead of 8.1 seconds), the top speed rises to 229 km/h. Thanks to the Hartge modifications, maximum torque of the already powerful 4-cylinder engine with common-rail injection system and turbocharger rises from 350 to 415 Nm (lb-ft 306) at 2000 rpm.

The power and the glory of engines tuned by Hartge can be heard as well as felt by fitting a stainless-steel rear silencer with round tail pipes (80 mm diameter), which of course comes with German ABE homologation. For all xDrive models from 18d to 28i, Hartge offers a set of sports springs that lowers the car by 30 mm. The Hartge ‘Classic 2’ wheel set for the X1 permits wider than standard tyres to be fitted, with the following wheel / tyre dimensions: 9 x 20” offset 33 with 245/30 ZR 20 at the front and 10 x 20” offset 40 with 295/25 ZR 20 at the rear. In this connection, Hartge recommends ContiSC-5, Pirelli Nero or the Michelin PS2 as particularly suitable tyres. A set of emblems for the bonnet and tailgate leave no doubt about the Hartge genes.

The Hartge genes are also in evidence inside. For example, through the three-spoke leather steering wheel with aluminium emblem, as well as through the two-part aluminium set of pedals for the automatic version, the aluminium footrest or the aluminium and leather hand-brake. Similarly, the shift lever for the automatic trans-mission also comes in these materials while Hartge velour floor mats add that extra touch of quality. Normally in black these mats are also available in other colours on request.

Generally, speaking, there are no limits on the extent to which the X1 can be customised and, as with most things in life, the degree is only a question of the price. Just one example, the power kit for the 20d costs € 1,892.10 – in other words, not even € 60 per additional horse power, which is certainly inexpensive ‘power fodder’! “Joy is a life full of opportunities’ says the X1 brochure. And Hartge has now added a few more.

BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible

BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible
BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible
BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible

BMW M6 Coupe and Convertible

BMW M5 and BMW M6 models, is power delivery that is both extremely dynamic and smooth even at higher loads. Output is developed from a 5-litre displacement split between ten combustion chambers, with the two banks of cylinders cranked at 90 degrees to one another. The engine delivers maximum output at 7,750 rpm, with engine speed eventually peaking at 8,250 rpm, and it has maximum torque of 520 Nm. In addition to the high-rev concept, a number of other technological details – electronically-controlled individual throttle valves, an ionic current control system and lateral force-controlled oil supply – were also directly derived from motor racing.

In much the same way, design principles of chassis technology and lightweight construction also found their way from the race track to the road. In the case of the BMW M6 Coupé, for example, carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) – a material that largely owes its introduction in the automotive sector to Formula One – was used in both the roof and bumper design. Its power-to-weight ratio of 3.37 kilograms per hp is another unbeatable key indicator in the profile of the BMW M6 Coupé. Moreover, its outstanding performance characteristics are additionally supported by seven-speed SMG Drivelogic and Launch Control for maximum acceleration from a standing start, the speed-sensitive variable M differential lock, and model-specific chassis technology, including Electronic Damper Control (EDC) and compound brakes. Standstill to 100 km/h acceleration time is a mere 4.6 seconds. The BMW M6 Convertible takes just 0.2 seconds longer, giving the driver time to appreciate not only the thrilling dynamic performance but also the irresistible flair of an open-top premium sports car in the luxury class.

The BMW M6 Coupé and BMW M6 Convertible received worldwide acclaim as dream cars for automotive enthusiasts with sporting ambitions. The number one market for both models was the US, which recorded sales of 3,528 closed and 3,247 open-top vehicles, followed by Germany (1,183 / 541 units). In third position for sales of the BMW M6 Coupé came Great Britain and Ireland, with 619 vehicle registrations; in the case of the BMW M6 Convertible it was Canada, with 209 units sold.

2010 BMW X6-Enco Exclusive

BMW X6
BMW X6
BMW X6

The name Enco Exclusive is now famous all over the world, and the Chemnitz manufacturer has specialised in refining luxury vehicles since the beginning of the new century. The newest creation out of Saxony is a complete body kit for the BMW X6. The Enco designers have developed a widebody kit that makes the X6 even wider, brawnier and, naturally, more sporty.

The new front bumper has three large air intakes to improve cooling of the engine and brakes, as well as integrated LED daytime driving lamps. Full wheel arch surrounds are responsible for a brawny appearance, complemented by a pair of new side skirts. The rear doors have been specially modified to flow seamlessly into the new rear bumper. The rear appears extremely brawny, thanks to a diffuser integrated into the bumper, and a new, centrally positioned sports exhaust system with four round stainless steel tailpipes.