The upcoming coupe version of the new BMW 4-Series has been caught testing one more time, and this time our spy photographers also managed to catch a shot of the interior. Also, the new prototypes reveal the functioning air vent in the front fender.
Set to replace the coupe and convertible version of the new 3-Series, the 4-Series will be a little smaller than the 6-Series, but with design elements inspired by the 3-Series. Spy shots have also revealed that the vehicle will be a few inches longer than the sedan version and will feature a more aggressive front end with the new exposed, three-dimensional BMW double kidney grille and a larger rear window.
Under the hood, the model will keep the lineup found in the 3-Series: a choice of four engines - two petrol units and two diesels - with the top version being the 435i with an output of 306 horsepower.
The new BMW 4-Series Coupe will be put into production in July 2013, so the official launch date is getting closer.
Leave it to G-Power to build another high-powered program for German automaker BMW.
For starters, the M6-Bi-Tronik III will come with a performance upgrade that involves optimizing the M6 Coupe’s twin-turbo V-8 engine and adding in a new Titanium exhaust system that includes titanium link pipes with resonators starting from the downpipe catalysts, netting the sports car 640 horsepower, a full 80 ponies more than the standard model. The car’s twisting power was also increased to 573 pound-feet of torque. This nets the M6 a top speed of 195 mph and a 0-to-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds.
In addition to the performance upgrade, the Bi-Tronik III program will also receive an RS coil-over suspension system, a four-pipe stainless steel exhaust system, a set of 21-inch Silverstone RS forged wheels and carbon-fiber brakes. Also included is a high-performance brake system that features six brake pistons and 420 mm (16.53 inches) brake disc diameter for the front axle.
The cost for the entire kit is €36,150 (about $47,250 at the current exchange rates).
Update: This review has been updated with new images, the official pricing of the kit and additional specifications.
There was no way Swiss tuner, Sportec, was going to miss the 2013 Geneva Motor Show. And why would they considering that, given it’s right in their own backyard.
Presenting its new program for the BMW 135iM, Sportec treated it to a comprehensive performance upgrade that has made the fierce sports hatchback even more powerful than it already is from the factory. That’s a huge task, especially since the stock model’s 3.0-liter inline-six engine already boasts of 320 horsepower. But thanks to Sportec, that output has now been bumped up to 380 horsepower with an improved 0-to-100 km/h (62 mph) time of just 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 171 mph, significantly faster than the 155 mph the stock 135i comes with.
Complementing the massive power raise are many new components fitted on the sports hatch, including: a new flap exhaust system with titanium tailpipes and a set of lightweight 19-inch forged SP10 alloy wheels.
It’s not the sexiest tuning program at Geneva but for sheer purpose and thrills, this Sportec-tuned BMW 135i just got a lot scarier.
The Audi SQ5 may not have a direct competitor from BMW, but Alpina has unveiled the XD3 Biturbo - a tuning kit that seems to be a direct response to Audi’s model - at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
The XD3 is based on the 3-liter straight-six-cylinder version of the X3 and, with significant updates made under the hood, it adds plenty of extra horsepower to the engine’s standard output. The engine is coupled to a new eight-speed automatic transmission and numerous other updates have also been made to the SUV’s chassis.
Along with upgrading the engine’s characteristics, Alpina engineers also built an aerodynamic kit that includes a new front spoiler with integrated air intakes. On the rear, Alpina adds new elliptical double-ended tailpipes integrated into an Alpina-designed rear valance.
Hit the jump to read more about the Alpina XD3 Biturbo and find out if it really does offer any competition to the SQ5.
It’s time to take a little break from the craziness that is the 2013 Geneva Motor Show and turn our attention to the upcoming BMW i8 hybrid sports car that was caught testing again in winter conditions.
As you can see from the new spy shots, the BMW i8 is revealing some new details, as we finally get a look at the prototype’s real lights up front and on the back. It is now clear that on the production car the rear lights differ from the concept, as its indicators are placed in the "wings.”
The production version i8 will combine a three-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor for a total output of about 400 horsepower. The engine will mate to a new dual-clutch transmission and will sprint the supercar from 0 to 60 mph in just 4 seconds. The i8 will also boast a top speed of 155 mph.
The new BMW i8 is set to be unveiled later this year.
The official debut of the new generation BMW M3 is still months away, but at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show, Alpina came with the proof that even the base version can be upgraded to something cool. Its new Alpina B3 Bi-Turbo tuning kit, based on the F30 335i sedan delivers pretty much the same output as the M3 and performance figures even more striking. Also, Alpina is offering an optional all-wheel-drive system that adds even more traction and active safety in every and any driving situation.
Next to the power upgrades, the new B3 Biturbo received an aerodynamic kit that transforms it into a real eye catcher. Alpina is also offering a nice list of standard equipments, that will transform your B3 into a model better than a standard M3.
Updated 03/06/2013: This review has been updated with the official details, images and specs.
Hit the jump to read more about the new BMW Alpina B3 Biturbo.
Hamann says that its new program for the BMW M5, called Mi5Sion, is the most ferocious M5 of all time.
While that may ring of hyperbole to some people, we actually think that the German tuner has a point. Sure, the program has no performance upgrades, but in terms of looks, that’s one vicious looking M5.
In order to achieve the completely redefined dynamic of the M5, Hamann dug deep in their bag of tricks to fit the sports saloon with a bevy of new components. The front spoiler is where a lot of the modifications took place. There are still some of the standard M5 features like the deep front splitter, the LEDs, and the large air intakes. But Hamann took it a step further by adding a new dual kidney-shaped grille that covers the headlights completely, making for a menacing and angry-looking M5.
In addition, Hamann also extended the width of the M5 by 30 mm (1.18 inches) on each side while also dressing it up with carbon-fiber side skirts, door fixtures, sporty wings and broad rear wheel housings. On therear, a new integrated diffuser accommodates the pair of stainless-steel tailpipes while a rear spoiler was installed to provide better downforce for the M5. Rounding out the exterior modifications is a set of 21-inch forged wheels wrapped in Vredestein Ultrac Vorti R tires.
Moving to the interior, the Mi5Sion M5 was treated to plenty of leather in the same Alpine White finish of the exterior with touches of carbon embossing, giving the interior a distinctive look that fits right in with the aggressive overall appearance of the program.
Swiss tuner, Mansory, may be the king of the over-the-top aftermarket programs, but Hamann’s new "Mirr6r"program for the BMW M6 may just give Mansory a run for its money.
To say that the Mirr6r program is shiny can be a little bit of understatement. The chrome finish on the body is definitely eye catching, if not glaring when parked under the sun. But that’s not the only thing special about the Mirr6r program because Hamann went to great lengths to ratchet up the aggressive look of the luxury sports car. Notice the new bonnet on the M6 that was installed by Hamann. That one, like the rest of the new components the German tuner added to the M6, is made of carbon fiber.
The program also gives the M6 a wider look, extending the width of the car by 40 mm (1.57 inches) to go with a more pronounced stance. Hamann also did a great job in re-sculpting the M6 in such a way that its lines flow across the side skirts with its air intakes all the way to the rear spoiler, including the integrated carbon Venturi diffuser. And for added downforce, a new carbon rear spoiler was introduced. Rounding out the exterior modifications is a new set of 21-inch ultra-light forged wheels with a choice of either “Edition Race” or “Unique Forged Formula” and wrapped in Vredestein Ultrac Vorti R tires to ensure top-caliber grip, steering precision and cornering ability.
Inside, Hamann used numerous leather Alcantara applications to refine the cabin space of the M6 while also adding aluminum pedals and foot rests. As an added option, the German tuner can also install a host of optional accessories, including illuminated trims in chrome.
No engine upgrades have been announced yet but Hamann said that it’s still tweaking the engine’s performance. So stay tuned for that one.
With MS Design celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, the Austrian tuning company has prepared a pretty fabulous program for the BMW 3-Series, called the B36.
They describe the program as “Usain Bolt in a designer suit.” Hyperbole notwithstanding, the program did do a good job combining dynamic and elegant styling with an extra bump in performance and power.
Outside, the B36 program features an aerodynamic package that includes new front and rear aprons, side skirts, fender flares, and a rear spoiler lip. Taken together, the new components do a good job highlighting the 3-Series’ curves, and further complemented by a set of 20-inch light-alloy wheels.
Moving to the interior, MS Design opted for a high-quality Ultra Suede interior, dressing up the front seats, rear seat, side panels and the center armrest in some pretty classy albeit dust-collecting suede finish.
Finally, the extra boost in power MS Design gave to the 3-Series allowed the sports car to improve its output from 306 horsepower to 360 horsepower. According to the tuner, the B36 program will be available later this year just in time for its 30th anniversary.
The program looks like a stand out. Our only question is: does it come with a cake and a party hat?
BMW has just announced a new special edition 1-Series for the Japanese market. Built on the 116i version, the new "Fashionista" will be offered exclusively in a five-door body and will be limited to only 370 units. The model is now on sale at a starting price of ¥3,460,000 (around $37,500 at the current exchange rates).
The new special edition is distinguished by a stylish and sophisticated design, and can be ordered in three exterior colors: Crimson Red, White III Arupin and Deep Sea Blue metallic. Each color will be combined with chrome kidney grille bars and a black finish for the window surrounds. The model will sit on a set of 17-inch alloy wheels in a Y-spoke design, which further emphasizes the elegant and sophisticated appearance of the car.
For the interior, BMW offers Oyster Dakota leather for the seats, sections of the doors and the handbrake. The leather is offered in warm colors and it is combined with a gloss off-white finish for the dashboard, lower center console and door arms.
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