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2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe GTS-V by Vorsteiner
 
California-based tuning company, Vorsteiner, has made a name for itself for being one of the best BMW tuners in the country today. Oddly enough, though, Vorsteiner’s line-up of programs for BMW vehicles was missing a popular model: the 1-Series M Coupe. Turns out, Vorsteiner was just biding its time before unloading its very first project for the baby 1M, which they’re now calling the "1M Coupe GTS-V." The full details of the program have not yet been disclosed, although the company did share a couple of new features the GTS-V program will have on the 1-Series M Coupe. Among the added elements fitted to the 1M include a front spoiler with an integrated brake duct system, a redesigned rear diffuser with extended aero fins and GTS-V designed splitters, a lightweight boot lid with its own small wing, and a new set of either 19" or 20" Forged Concave Wheels. As an added option, Vorsteiner is also offering a cat-back titanium sport exhaust system. On the inside, the tuning company is including some special embroidered floor mats with orange piping to spice up the 1M Coupe’s interior set-up. No word yet on what kind of performance upgrades the 1M Coupe GTS-V will carry. Rest assured, we won’t expect anything less than ’pedestrian’ figures from Vorsteiner. Knowing these guys, we’re confident that they have something explosive under that hood. 2013 BMW 6-Series Gran Coupe M-Sport Package
As an added bonus to the unveiling of the new 6-Series Gran Coupe, BMW has also released details on the model equipped with the M-Sport package. The new package will be offered right when the new 6-Series goes on sale in the summer of 2012. The M-Sport package adds a uniquely designed front fascia, side skirts, and a new rear fascia to the elongated body of the Gran Coupe. The package also includes black chrome exhaust tips, black-painted brake calipers, LED foglamps, a sports exhaust system for the BMW 650i Gran Coupe, and 19-inch light-alloy wheels in an M double-spoke design. The customers may also opt to get 20-inch light-alloy wheels in the M double-spoke design, as well as a choice between Carbon Black Metallic and Imola Red Non-Metallic paint finishes. The interior is also given a few new touches, including special M Alcantara/leather sports seats with blue contrast stitching, an M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons and gearshift paddles, and an aluminum hexagon interior trim. 2011 BMW X5M by Vorsteiner
German tuning company, Vorsteiner ,has come out with a new aerodynamic package for the BMW X5M and if we do say so ourselves, the German tuning company has done it again. Incidentally, the new X5M program comes a year after the company unveiled a similar program for the SUV’s big brother, the X6M. Coincidence, or they always appear to be busy this time of the year? In any case, the addition of Vorsteiner’s new aero components give a fashionable touch to an already classed-up BMW SUV. Among the changes in tow include a new add-on front spoiler, a vented racing hood, and a new rear differ. What makes these materials unique from the rest of the X5M programs we’ve seen in the past is that the components are made from Carbon Fiber Autoclave Pre-Preg. This material adds more strength and durability to the material, yet retains the same high-class look that’s usually attached to anything Vorsteiner does. In addition, the German tuners also added a new set of alloy wheels to complete the SUV’s classy new look. In terms of performance, Vorsteiner has yet to reveal details regarding any engine improvements for the X5M. Having said that, the high-powered SUV still has plenty of growl under its hood in the form of a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that delivers 555 horsepower and 500 lb/ft of torque. Those numbers are good enough for the SUV to hit 0-62 mph in just five seconds while also boasting of an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe by IND
Having a car like the BMW 1-Series M Coupe affords you the opportunity of bringing a tuning company that can play around with it and modify it according to your tastes and preferences. Such was the case when an owner of the 1-Series M Coupe brought his freshly delivered sports car to the people of IND with the sole purpose of turning it into a bonafide rocket on wheels. Time was of the essence for IND, who were only given 48 hours to complete their project. And true to their reputation as certified pros, IND did a whale of job, building a comprehensive tuning program that includes plenty of specially selected pieces that are all new to the market. For instance, the 1-Series M Coupe’s hood was taken out, replaced by a new power dome with carbon fiber pieces by Seibon. To give the sports car a colorful balance of sportiness and aggression, IND added gloss black front and side grilles to match the car’s Valencia Orange paint finish. Similarly, the tuning company also put in a two-piece adjustable front lip and two-piece rear diffuser, provided for by RevoZport, a new rear spoiler from BMW Performance, a custom paint scheme for the engine cover, and a Valencia Orange-striped BMW Performance steering wheel. A one-off, pre-production sports shifter from Rogue Engineering was also put in, as was Eisenmann’s new downpipe-back exhaust system, which was added, together with Akrapovic downpipes, to provide a significant bump up in performance output for the 1-Series M Coupe. With all the changes in tow, the car’s software was further optimized by ESS Tuning, giving it significant improvements in terms of its engine performance. No word yet on the new numbers for this IND-tuned 1-Series M Coupe, although one wouldn’t be remiss thinking that these could be one of the most powerful tuning programs done on the 1M sports car.
2012 BMW 1M by GC Automobile
The highly modified BMW 1-Series M Coupe seen in these images is not the spawn of an Autobot, although its Transformer-like accessories would lead us in that direction. No, this aggressive looking BMW 1M is actually the product of a French racing team looking to add a little strength and intimidation to one of this year’s biggest attractions. GC Automobile - that professional French racing team we mentioned - is offering up the first race tuning package for the BMW 1M, calling it the GC10-V8. The project began with the standard BMW, then went on to get a fiberglass tourism car body with aggressive detailing just about anywhere we can feast our eyes on. The sharp angular lines in the design language fulfill the tuner’s task of aggressive intimidation, down to the composite wide fender flares housing the new set of 18" wheels with either rain or slick tires and that huge rear spoiler. Control will be optimized with a 3-way OHLINS suspension system, an AP Racing 6-piston braking system, and a GP2 steering wheel. The BMW 1M by GC Automotive was built on a tubular frame chassis typical of Silhouette cars that meets the FIA standards. This chassis houses a very proud Chevrolet V8 engine tuned by Sodemo Development to produce a maximum output of 550HP. This engine is mated to a SADEV 6-speed double "Lobro" transmission with a hydraulic clutch. Engine cooling is then provided by a prominent roof scoop. GC Automotive also took are of the vehicle’s safety features, including front and side crash boxes in both doors. Hit the jump for the GC Automotive BMW 1M’s first testing video on the Nogaro circuit in Southwest France, as well as a full list of specifications. Video: BMW 1M Coupe Doing Doughnuts
Finally, someone is driving the BMW 1-Series M Coupe the way it is suppose to be driven. The only bad news is that all the action takes place in a parking mall and not at a major driving event, but it’s still a start. Since the 1-Series M Coupe was launched, we’ve seen tons of testing shots and tuning kits that have highlighted the sports car’s attributes, but this may be the first time a guy has the guts to really push the car to extremes. Of course, the tires sure suffered during the process, but we still like the action. Refresher: The BMW 1M Coupe uses a 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that delivers an impressive 335 HP at 5,900 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, and top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. 2012 BMW B6 Biturbo Coupe by Alpina
While many are sitting back, patiently waiting for the arrival of the BMW M6, German tuner Alpina has been hard at work on a project that will shed some light on the future model. Their new B6 Biturbo Coupe may not be as impressive as the upcoming M6, which is rumored to deliver about 600 HP, but it’s here now. Plus, we’re sure Alpina left enough room for a new tuning package for the M6. But back to their Alpina B6 Biturbo Coupe. The B6 is an evolution of the old 507 HP B6 cabrio, but uses an aluminum twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, equipped with MAHLE pistons and a high-performance cooling system. This setup is give for a total output of 540 HP and 516 lb-ft of torque. With the extra power, the B6 Biturbo will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and will hit a top speed of 198 mph. Alpina has also opted for a Akrapovic titanium exhaust system that will make the car sound better than ever and, of course, a new set of 20" Alpina Classic rims fitted with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires. For the aerodynamic updates, the B6 BiTurbo Coupe has been fitted with a front spoiler, an integrated carbon fiber front splitter, and a rear spoiler with an optional rear wing. The interior was also revamped with a sport steering wheel, hand-stitched in LAVALINA leather, blue illuminated entry sills, a navigation system with preparation for Bluetooth mobile phone, USB audio interface, Xenon lights, and LED fog lights. 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe by H&R Springs
For all of the tuning projects that have been done on the BMW 1-Series M Coupe, it seemed a little surprising that we haven’t heard a whole lot from the popular 1M at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show other than the ’Black Knight’ vehicle that RevoZport was building. Apparently, a second 1M Coupe has officially booked its attendance in Las Vegas. This one comes from renowned suspension specialists, H&R Springs, who built a program for the 1M Coupe that centers on a number of high-end performance parts. That’s not to say that they didn’t work on the car’s aesthetics because they did dress it up with some decals bearing the unmistakable M-Series livery to go with some sticky jewel graphics. To give the car the perfect stance and performance handling of a true M-Series, H&R Springs provided it with its own Sport Suspension set-up that lowered the car by 1.2" on the front and 0.6" on the rear. H&R also added their own Sport Sway Bars on the front (27mm) and rear (23mm) of the sports car. These bars come with forged ends and are made from HF wire, a material that’s unique to the industry because it’s heat treated and shot peened. The last of H&R Springs’ performance parts is the Trak+ Wheel Spacers, installed to perfectly space the wheels and tires in fender wells, and allow for wheel clearance of the big Brembo calipers. As for contributions made by its contemporaries, the 1M Coupe’s new 19" wheels were provided by BBS and its new Super RS wheels and has been fitted with Continental ExtremeContact DW tires. As for the Brembo brakes, H&R Springs opted to go with the Brembo GT 380mm Big Brake Kit with matching blue calipers from Custom Motorsport. UPDATE 11/08/2011: We have added new images of the BMW 1-Series M Coupe by H&R Springs from its official debut at the 2011 SEMA Auto Show. Check them out in the picture gallery. 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe ’Black Knight’ by RevoZport
The onslaught of previews leading up the 2011 SEMA Auto Show is intensifying by the day, especially since the doors in Las Vegas will open exactly one week from today. One car program that we have our eyes on comes courtesy of RevoZport and their new tuning program for the BMW 1-Series M Coupe. The tuning company hasn’t released photos of the car yet, but they did release an impressive three-minute teaser of the car as it undergoes final preparations before it is unveiled at SEMA. The list of modifications are pretty extensive for the car RevoZport is calling the ’Black Knight.’ Among the more notable additions to the 1-Series M Coupe program include a RevoZ P-450 Performance kit, an Alcohol Injection Systems trunk mounted meth-tank, a full race exhaust, and a new charge-pipe. Aerodynamically, RevoZport gave the Black Knight plenty of carbon fiber components on the exterior and interior, while also providing custom powder coating and body work courtesy of The SHOP; Helix Films satin wrap and logos by SkinzWraps; a welded-in Piper Motorsport cage; Sparco Pro2000 seats with 6-point harnesses; a Moton Club Sport remote reservoir double adjustable suspension with TMS mounts and Vorshlag camber plates; a Performance Friction Z-Rated big brake kit; and a set of 18" Forgeline GA3R wheels. The 1-Series M Coupe Black Knight was customized for a specific client and once the SEMA Auto Show is over, he’ll have a set of wheels that the rest of us can only drool over.
BMW M division wants to build SLS competitor
 Mercedes is hitting it big with their AMG division and the BMW is starting to take notice. The BMW M division has come to terms with the fact that they will need a bespoke model to take on AMG’s SLS supercar creation, but so far, top execs aren’t buying it. "From an engineering perspective, we have the skills and we’d love to do it," product development chief Albert Biermann told Autocar in a recent interview. "We’ve discussed it several times but we’ve never been able to make the business case. Everything we do has to make money." Biermann brought up one possibility in an M version for the current generation Z4: "There are days when it hurts not to have one but there was no business case at the time when the decision was taken. We are trying to make a case but there are so many factors to consider." BMW’s main focus right now is in developing alternative powertrains to move along with the greener times, such as the 1.5 liter inline 3 engine with two electric motors found in the future i8. However, if BMW wants to get in good with the supercar segment, a real M supercar is still required.
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