BMW has decided to officially compete for the inaugural Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with the M3 GT2. This year’s initial iteration will include three races at England’s Silverstone, the Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, and Zuhai in China. Peugeot has already committed to run the LMP1 class 908 and Audi is considering running the R15+ TDI.

The M3 GT2 debuted in the American Le Mans Series in 2009 with Rahal Letterman Racing and BMW added Team Schnitzer in Europe for 2010. Schnitzer will campaign the cars in the cup runs at Silverstone and Zuhai, while Rahal will be responsible for the American race. In 2011, the Intercontinental cup will expand to six races, including Sebring and Le Mans.

BMW to contest the 2010 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.

* 31.07.2010
* Press Release
* UPDATE

Munich, 31st July 2010. BMW will contest all three legs of the 2010 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 2010 with the BMW M3 GT2. This Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO)-sanctioned championship consists of Silverstone’s 1000-kilometre race in Great Britain, the classic “Petit Le Mans” round in Road Atlanta (US), and the 1000-kilometre season finale in Zhuhai (CN).

In Silverstone and Zhuhai management of the BMW M3 GT2, to be driven by BMW works drivers Jörg Müller (DE) and Dirk Werner (DE), will be in the hands of Schnitzer Motorsport, led by team manager, Charly Lamm (DE). With the 10-hour “Petit Le Mans” counting towards the American Le Mans Series, BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team, together with drivers Dirk Müller (DE)/Joey Hand (US) and Tommy Milner (US)/Bill Auberlen (US), will represent BMW in the event. The ALMS drivers will be supported by Andy Priaulx (GB) and Dirk Werner.

“The Intercontinental Le Mans Cup is offering a new approach to set up a worldwide GT category,” says BMW Motorsport Director Mario Theissen. “I am convinced the concept will find favour among spectators in 2010 and beyond. In Silverstone and Zhuhai our flag will be flown by BMW Team Schnitzer, while BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team will represent us in Road Atlanta as part of the ALMS campaign. I am looking forward to three exciting races.”

BMW currently is second in the GT category of the American Le Mans Series, while drivers Auberlen/Milner and Dirk Müller/Hand occupy second and third respectively in the drivers’ classification. In the European Le Mans Series, BMW Team Schnitzer has to date contested races in Le Castellet (FR) and Spa-Francorchamps (BE), with the best result being fourth in Belgium thanks to the no. 79 BMW M3 GT2. This year’s Le Mans 24 Hour race in France saw Jörg Müller, Augusto Farfus (BR) and Uwe Alzen (DE) placed sixth in the LM GT2 category.

For BMW the highlight of the season to date was the Nürburgring 24-hour race: Jörg Müller, Augusto Farfus, Uwe Alzen and Pedro Lamy (PT) celebrated victory, scoring BMW’s 19th overall win in the 38th running of this endurance classic.

The 2010 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup.

10th to 12th September 2010, 1000-kilometre race, Silverstone (GB)

29th September to 2nd October 2010, Petit Le Mans, Road Atlanta (US)

5th to 7th November 2010, 1000-kilometre race, Zhuhai (CN)

[Source:Autoblog]

The good people at AutoExpress are doing their best to fan the flames of the BMW X4 rumors. The site claims to have snagged a bevy of information on the Bavarian brand’s product plans, including a more detailed account of what we can expect out of the much-rumored X4. Supposedly the new high-rider will borrow a heaping helping of design cues from the X6, so if you aren’t a fan of that brute, odds are you won’t like the new model, either. Unlike the big boy, the site claims that the X4 will make use of a double-gated hatch in the rear similar to what’s found in the 5 Series Gran Turismo – a smart choice to help load and unload parcels.

AutoExpress also lays out drivetrain possibilities, including the likelihood of one very thrifty 2.0-liter turbo diesel mill that promises around 50 mpg. The site says that in that configuration, 0-60 is likely to click off in a somewhat loping 8.6 seconds, though there will be more potent variations available, including one powered by a turbo 3.0-liter inline-six with north of 300 horsepower.

It all sounds good, but BMW itself hasn’t said word one about seriously mulling a new ‘ute.

[Source:Autoblog]

If you were one of the 30 Bimmerphiles to snag a 2011 Frozen Gray M3 Coupe last month, expect to fill out another round of paperwork before you take delivery of your new matte gray baby.

BMW is apparently requiring all owners to sign a “maintenance agreement” that insists the M3 is never polished or waxed, ran through an automatic car wash or even strongly rubbed. Additionally, BMW politely asks that you immediately remove bugs, bird droppings, tree sap and fuel spills with a soft sponge, and naturally, dealers are more than willing to sell you appropriate products for maintaining the matte finish.

According to enthusiast site Bimmerfest, BMW explicitly states the M3’s warranty won’t cover any damage due to owner neglect and it notes that all exterior repairs must be performed by a BMW-authorized shop. What’s more, if you don’t sign the agreement, no Frozen Grey M3 for you. That’s a lot of disclaimers. All of which could be easily solved for less if you simply went down to your local custom vinyl shop and wrapped your (decidedly less expensive) standard M3 in a 3M coating. But how do you put a price on exclusivity?

[Source:Autoblog]

Through the wonder of the internet, we’ve been given an early glimpse at a set of M goodies for next-year’s BMW 5 Series. Bimmer Today managed to get their hands on a few scanned brochure images of a long roof wearing a few fancy bits of kit, including a reworked front fascia, aggressive side skirts and tweaked rear diffuser. The scans even show a couple of extra wheel options that should be available on 2011 models. BMW has managed to up the sex appeal by slathering the parts all over a long roof 5, but we feel pretty safe in guessing that the same parts will be available on sedan models as well.

Inside, buyers opting for the M Sport package can expect a few minor changes, including a new three-spoke steering wheel, seats trimmed out in a new design and an M-branded shift knob. The photos don’t say too much about what kind of performance upgrades will come along with the bolt-ons, but we would be surprised if BMW decided to stray from its tried and true formula of offering a more aggressive suspension along with the new track suit.

[Source:Autoblog]

If Saab is going to survive, much less thrive on its own, it’s going to need more fresh product to supplement the just-launched 9-5. An all-new 9-3 is going to play a big part in the revival of the Swedish brand, and Saab is reportedly hard at work on a new platform for its mainstream model.

The new platform, reportedly dubbed the “Phoenix Architecture” will likely also underpin the next generation 9-5, although it may adopt some pieces from the current model such as the Hi-Per strut front suspension. Prior the GM bankruptcy, it had been decided that the next 9-3 would move from the mid-size Epsilon platform to the compact Delta platform. At this point it looks like Saab will stick with the downsizing plan with it’s internally developed compact as it targets the Audi A3 is its main competitor. The hardcore Saab fans out there will also be glad to hear that the new model will include a revival of the dearly departed hatchback form factor.

Powerplants remain an open question for Saab, with BMW still likely to be the front-runner as a supplier. The 1.6-liter engines from the Mini Countryman are one probably candidate, with the 184 horsepower turbocharged Cooper S being a range topper. Before the new 9-3 arrives in 2012, Saab may also do a refresh of the current model, adding the 180 horsepower 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-four that recently debuted in the new Astra.

[Source:Autoblog]

The boys and girls at StopTech have taken the knife to the new BMW M3 – cutting unsprung weight and upping the horsepower to improve on the car’s strong points. The company started by ditching the stock brake system and replacing it with – you guessed it – StopTech components. Up front, the car now wears forged aluminum six-piston calipers that clamp down on two-piece 15-inch rotors, while the rear has been treated to four-piston pieces that squeeze 14-inch discs. The company claims that the new hardware saves a total of 17.6 pounds of unsprung mass spread between the four corners.

The stock wheels were also sacrificed in favor of new rollers from APP. Even at 19 inches, they manage to be 3.3 pounds lighter per wheel than what came from the factory. StopTech then turned to Collaction AG Widnau to give the car’s horsepower a mild bump. Final figures now sit at 450 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, though neither company is saying exactly what went into making that happen. We’re guessing a slight ECU reflash was part of the recipe.

The whole kit and caboodle was then wrapped in a special silver vinyl by CFC – a company that specializes in unique vehicle wraps. Tasty.

[Source:Autoblog]

If there’s one thing the auto world loves, it’s a good tease. BMW has been happy to oblige this afternoon by dropping three photos of a new model fit just for U.S. consumption. Details are fittingly scarce, though the company does say that it will drop full details on the world come Thursday. Since we’ve been left to our own devices, how about a little rampant speculation to get the ball rolling? Judging from the front fascia, we’re guessing the new car is gussied up M3. The smattering of M logos throughout the cabin leads us to believe that the new kid on the block will likely boast a more sporting pedigree than its brethren, and since the America-only 335is is already down the pike, another pepped up 3 Series wouldn’t make much sense.

From the looks of things, there’s definitely a dual-clutch cog box at play, though it’s unclear if that will be the only option. Now the only question is whether the company will tweak the V8 found in the M3 or whether it will leave it alone and instead make other upgrades, and there’s also the question of which bodystyle(s) the car will be available with, as the M3 is currently available in coupe, sedan, and convertible form. Keep your ears pinned back for more information later in the week. Until then, let your imagination run wild.

[Source:BMW]

Yup, even your family, you Yankee wagon-hater you. Sadly, this is not only true, but we’ve known about it for some time. Americans, it seems, are so in love with all modes of transportation that are slightly raised up off the ground that we have no appetite for station wagons. Even sporty ones. So says BMW. Instead, we get the rather mutated looking Gran Turismo. Just sayin’. With that out of the way, allow us to introduce you to the 2011 BMW 5 Series Touring, “Touring” being the preferred BMW nomenclature for station wagon and/or station wagon you can’t have.

We know, we’re bitter and it shows. But listen to how BMW describes the 2011 5 Series Touring, “The new BMW 5 Series Touring is the perfect symbiosis of driving pleasure, efficiency, versatility and sporting elegance.” We want that, right? After all, there’s really nothing new here except the fact that it’s a station wagon. One, we might add, that we can’t have! Again, there’s nothing really new here.

At heart, we’re talking about the new BMW F10 5 Series, a car we like very much. And if you click through the gallery of the new Touring, you’ll notice just how easy it is to fit your dog into the back of it. Well, not your dog, if you know what we’re getting at. Once again, *sigh.* Full press release after the jump.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring. Efficiency meets driving pleasure, elegance meets versatility.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring is the perfect symbiosis of driving pleasure, efficiency, versatility and sporting elegance. The 4th generation of the Business Touring convinces through powerful design aesthetics, modern premium-level functionality and brand-typical driving dynamics combined with exemplary efficiency. Extensive comfort and safety features, which include numerous BMW-exclusive driver assistance systems, substantiate the outstanding qualities of the new BMW 5 Series Touring as an upper midrange touring car.

Design: individual styling, sporting elegance.

The design of the new BMW 5 Series Touring is characterised by a high
level of individuality with regard to its proportions and surface design. Its uniqueness is reflected by dynamic and powerful looks. With its long bonnet, short overhangs, the longest wheelbase in its segment, the stretched silhouette and a steeply inclined roofline, the new BMW 5 Series Touring possesses an elegance unrivalled by its competitors.

Versatility: intelligent solutions for modern functionality.

Thanks to a multi-functional interior and intelligent detail solutions, the new BMW 5 Series Touring is fully equipped to meet the most diverse demands. The luggage compartment has a capacity of 560 litres. If desired, an increase in capacity to a maximum of 1,670 litres is guaranteed by 40 : 20 : 40 split folding rear seats, which are unique in this segment. The backrest angle is variable by up to 11 degrees. The backrest can be folded down using two control levers inside the luggage compartment, the loading space cover of which is automatically lowered when the tailgate is closed. The separately opening rear window automatically swings upwards at the push of a button.

The driving experience:
supreme dynamics and outstanding comfort.

The most advanced drivetrain and suspension technologies ensure supreme sportiness and a higher level of motoring comfort. Optional Dynamic Driving Control enables drivers to set the suspension individually to their personal requirements. The new BMW 5 Series Touring features as standard pneumatic suspension on the rear axle, including automatic self-levelling. Adaptive Drive and Integral Active Steering are optionally available.

The new BMW 5 Series Touring is making its debut with a choice of two straight-six petrol engines as well as a four-cylinder and a six-cylinder diesel. The BMW 520d Touring is powered by a 135 kW/184 bhp four-cylinder turbo diesel power unit featuring an aluminium crankcase and Common Rail direct injection. It is equipped with Auto Start Stop function as a standard feature, and with an average fuel consumption of 5.1 litres/100km (55.4 mpg) and a CO2 emission level of 135 g/km in an EU test cycle, it achieves the best efficiency in its segment.

The straight-six engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo under the bonnet of the BMW 535i Touring, with High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC, develops a power output of 225 kW/306 bhp. Maximum power output of the straight-six engine featured in the BMW 523i Touring in lean operation is 150 kW/204 bhp. The BMW 530d Touring features a straight six-cylinder diesel with a 180 kW/245 bhp output. Thanks to BMW BluePerformance technology it fulfils the EU6 emission standard. All versions of the new BMW 5 Series Touring fully comply with the EU5 requirement.

BMW EfficientDynamics:
BMW 5 Series increases the lead even further.

All versions of the new BMW 5 Series Touring are optionally available with BMW’s eight-speed automatic transmission. Like the electro-mechanical power steering EPS utilised on all variants, it makes an additional contribution towards efficiency. Depending on the model, the standard BMW EfficientDynamics measures comprise brake energy regeneration, Auto Start Stop function (BMW 520d), gearshift point indicator, demand-dependant ancillary components and active air flap control. An intelligent lightweight construction is obtained through doors, bonnet, front side panels, drivetrain and suspension components made of aluminium.

Innovative driver assistance systems by BMW ConnectedDrive.

The spectrum of features offered by BMW ConnectedDrive comprises,
inter alia, a Parking Assistant, Surround View, collision warning with brake activation in conjunction with Active Cruise Control, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, High-beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with detection of persons as well as Head-up Display. Furthermore, innovative office functions can be utilised via Bluetooth.

Joint development and production together with the BMW 7 Series.

The BMW 5 Series Touring is based on a newly developed vehicle architecture also used for the BMW 7 Series luxury sedans. Joint production of the BMW 5 Series Touring, the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo and the BMW 7 Series at the BMW Dingolfing Plant, combined with the extensive use of shared components, ensures highly efficient production incorporating maximum possible quality standards.

[Source:Autoblog]

These days, German luxury crossovers are a dime a dozen, what with Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and the lot all offering one or more sporty-ish soft-roaders. But we must remember that back in 1999, the vehicle that started this whole trend was the original BMW X5. Eleven years later, there’s something to be said about the biggest Bimmer offering, especially since the automaker is now celebrating 1 million X5s rolling off of assembly lines.

These days, the X5 is better than ever, offering a range of turbocharged gas and diesel powerplants, as well as a hotted-up M version which, as unnecessary as it may seem, is quite stunning out on the road (or track). X5 number 1,000,000 just recently emerged from the Spartanburg, South Carolina factory, and is currently on its way to a customer in China, painted in Sapphire Black Metallic and featuring a Cinnamon Brown Nevada leather interior.

Since the debut of the X5, BMW’s crossover range has grown to include the smaller X6, X3 and X1 models, and rumormill continues to buzz over the idea of other models being introduced to the X Series. We’ve grown to accept the idea of BMW crossovers over the years, and we certainly commend the automaker on getting 1 million X5s out the door. Hit the jump to read BMW’s full press release.

[Source: BMW]

The BMW X5: A special kind of driving pleasure a million times over.

Munich. From trendsetter to bestseller. Within just eleven years, one million BMW X5 models have been sold. The anniversary edition, a sapphire black metallic BMW X5 xDrive35i featuring cinnamon brown Nevada leather trim, came off the assembly line at the American BMW plant in Spartanburg/South Carolina and is currently on its way to a customer in China. Achieving the seven-digit production figure is a further milestone in the success story of the first Sports Activity Vehicle. When it premiered in 1999, the four-wheel driven BMW X5 was the first vehicle of its kind. Since then, the concept of combining superior dynamics on tarmac with outstanding traction on off-road terrain, has been a show-stopper worldwide, whilst also generating crucial impulses for the BMW model portfolio. With the family of BMW X models, which has meanwhile grown to comprise a total of four members, the company has recorded steadily increasing sales figures unmatched by any other manufacturer with comparable vehicles.

The BMW X5 remains the symbol and most crucial innovator for the continuing success of the Sports Activity Vehicle concept. The spacious five-door car offers up to seven seats, its intelligent four-wheel drive system BMW xDrive guarantees awesome acceleration, both on and off road. Permanent, electronically controlled four-wheel drive technology distributes motive force to the front and rear wheels variably and according to each specific situation. Furthermore, a luxurious interior ambience and a wide choice of innovative driver assistance systems contribute towards the characteristic manifestation of driving pleasure so typical of a BMW.

Moreover, numerous awards document the outstanding product quality with regard to design, driving pleasure, safety and reliability. In 2007, the BMW X5 received, inter alia, the design prize “autonis” awarded by the trade journal “auto motor und sport” for the most attractive design, as well as a Gold Award in the J.D. Power Study on customer satisfaction in North America. The American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) voted this Sports Activity Vehicle as the “Top Safety Pick” for outstanding crash test behaviour both in 2007 and 2008. Current proof of the vehicle’s exceptional reliability is given by the latest breakdown statistics issued by Europe’s largest automobile club ADAC, in which the BMW X5 ranks second place behind the BMW X3 in the all-terrain vehicle category.

Again in 2010, the BMW X5 is more than ever a role model and benchmark in its class in terms of driving dynamics, efficiency, variability, premium quality and safety. With a concisely modified design, a thoroughly revised engine range and additional innovative equipment features, it continues to extend its lead within the competitive environment. Its trendsetting qualities include outstanding efficiency unparalleled in this particular segment. A prime example of this is the BMW X5 xDrive30d, which is powered by a 180 kW/245 bhp straight six-cylinder diesel engine and achieves an average fuel consumption of 7.4 litres/100 km in the EU test cycle.

With its multitude of qualities the BMW X5 has become the most significant innovator within the entire competitive environment of four-wheel driven vehicles. At the same time, the premium car builder has also repeatedly assumed the cutting edge in each respective segment with the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe, the BMW X6, and with the compact BMW X1.

The development of the BMW Spartanburg plant is also closely linked with the success story of the BMW X5. The location, which has existed for 15 years now, has become the most crucial centre of expertise for BMW X models within the BMW Group’s global production network. Built in Spartanburg, the BMW X5 is now exported to more than 120 countries, with the BMW X6 also being produced there for export to the entire global market. Before the end of this year, production of the latest BMW X3 generation will commence at this location.
[Source:Autoblog]

Oh yes, kids and kiddies. BMW has just dropped the juicy details on the spanking new M3 GTS. Here’s the skinny: under the hood is a 4.4-liter V8 with 450 horsepower and 324 pound-deet of twist. All that muscle kicks at the rear tires via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and helps the car get to 60 mph in under 4.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 189 mph. BMW’s army of Bavarian engineers managed to slim the car’s weight down to around 3,373 pounds, which should make the already wicked M3 even more devilish on track.

Speaking of tossing the M3 GTS around on track, BMW has fitted the car with a bolted-in roll bar as well as factory mounting points for an additional cage. While the standard three-point belts are par for the course, the race-bred German comes with six-point belts for both front occupants as well. Stopping duties fall on hefty six-piston calipers squeezing on 14.9-inch rotors up front and four-piston blocks out back.

If you want it – and lets face it, we all want it – get ready to shell out a lofty $170,000.

[Source:Autoblog]