Rumors suggest that both the new Z4 and the new Supra will be built on the same platform as the GT86 sports coupe. If these rumors turn out to be true, it will mean that the next Z4 will be a much more dynamic handling car than the current generation – not that the current generation is a slouch.
It has been also rumored that BMW is preparing a new V-6 hybrid system that will deliver about 400 horsepower, which is pretty big boost over the current 335 horsepower delivered by the most powerful Z4 version: the sDrive35is.
The new generation BMW Z4 is set to be unveiled in late 2015 as a 2016 model, so we will find out in a few years.
As you probably know by now, starting with the next generation 1-Series, the Bavarian automaker will further separate their models, as hatchback models will continue to be offered under the 1-Series nomenclature, amd coupe and convertible will be offered under the 2-Series name. However, when it comes to the models included in the 2-Series lineup all we had until now where rumors.
Today, a VIN search unveiled pretty much all the models to be included in the next 2-Series. The problem is that the U.S. market will only get two versions: 228i xDrive auto and M235i xDrive auto, while the European list is considerably longer. It will include the following models; 220i manual, 225i manual, 225i auto, M235i manual and auto, M235i xDrive auto, 218d manual, 220d auto, and the 225d manual and auto.
U.S. market will also get an M235i Valencia Orange that will be powered by a 3.0-liter engine with an output of 315 horsepower (same power as current M135i hatchback) and will be painted in Valencia Orange Metallic.
Each model can be further customized with a pretty long list of options, including an M Aerodynamic package, 18-inch wheels in double-spoke design, an adaptive M suspension, a multi-function steering wheel and much more.
The upcoming BMW 2-Series Convertible made its first appearance on the roads at the end of 2012, and now our spy photographers have caught it again. This time around, the drop-top 2-Series has been taken out for some cold-weather testing in Sweden.
The new BMW 2-Series will be built on the same platform as the 1-Series hatchback, but unlike the 1-Series it will be a little bit sportier.
Under the next 2-Series Convertible’s hood will be a series of four-cylinder engines in both petrol and diesel formats. The petrol engines’ output will range from 150 to 218 horsepower, while the diesel engine will be a 214-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged unit. All of the engines will mate to either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. As an option, customers can also order BMW’s now xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
Expect the new 2-Series Convertible to be unveiled in late 2013, likely around the same time as the 2-Series Coupe.
Shortly after hearing of the upcoming BMW 4-Seriessedan scheduled to appear in 2013, we are now hearing of a convertible version set to launch that same year. German magazine, Auto Motor Und Sport, is reporting that the 4-Series Convertible will be placed between the 3-Series and 5-Series models, and will take on models from Audi and Mercedes.
The future 4-Series Convertible will be a cheaper alternative to the high-end 6-Series Convertible and the company hopes it will appeal to the younger crowd. The model will take design elements from the 5- and 6-Series, but with more squared-off headlights and larger eyebrows. The wide kidney grille will have a 3D look to match that of the latest BMW models.
Rumors say that the 4-Series will be offered with the latest four- and six-cylinder engines found in the BMW lineup, including the new 240-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine.
Expect the new 4-Series to be revealed sometime in mid-2013, with sales starting in late-2013.
Update 02/11/2013: The folks over at 4-SeriesForums.com have uncovered an official production document for the 4-Series that includes the convertible variant. The F33 – the internal code for the 4-Series convertible – is set to enter production in November 2013 and run through June 2014. This means that we should start seeing the 4-series in dealerships in late 2013. The available models will be a 428i, which will likely come with a 240-horsepower, 2.0-liter, and a 435i, which should come with a 306-horsepower, 3.0-liter.
At the end of 2011, BMW unveiled the new generation 3-Series in sedan version, but left the station wagon out in the cold for a few months after that. Now, after we capturing the car during its testing a few times, BMW has finally dropped the official details on the new 3-Series Station Wagon.
As expected, the station wagon version will feature the same design language as the sedan model, albeit with an extended rear for better cargo room, 495 liters of stowage room to be exact.
The new 3-Series Station Wagon will be offered in three different versions: 328i, 330d, and 320d, all with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, Auto Start-Stop function, ECO PRO mode, and an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Power will range from 184 HP to 258 HP.
BMW will offer Sport Line, Luxury Line, and Modern Line equipment packages, as well as an optional M Sport package which will be available at launch.
UPDATE 02/08/2013: Bimmerfest was at the New England Auto Show and came across a display that revealed all of the 2013 BMW 328i xDrive Sport Wagon pricing. See the prices after the jump.
Hit the jump to read more about the new 3-Series Station Wagon.
The GT version of the new BMW 3-Series has been caught testing many times, but each time the car was heavily camouflaged. Today, however, an image has surfaced on the internet and it appears to reveal the real 3-Series GT.
The 3-Series GT version will be about 15 inches longer than the standard model, meaning it will offer increased interior and cargo room. Unlike the 5-Series GT, the new 3-Series GT will drop the twin-door-hatch design in favor of a normal one-piece hatch.
Under the hood, the 3-Series GT will be offered with the same engine lineup as the sedan version, meaning customers will have to choose between four engines - two gasoline engines and two diesel engines- with power ranging from 163 horsepower to 306 horsepower.
If the image posted on a French forum turns out to be real, we should expect the official details in the upcoming days. Of course, this might also be just a Photoshop’d image…
Rumors about a possible new BMW supercar have been circulating for quite some time now, but now those rumors are getting more intense. Add in the fact that a new model is all but confirmed for a 2016 debut — the perfect time to mark BMW’s centenary.
Until now, everyone believed the new model would be called the M1, mostly because of the M1 Hommage concept car unveiled at the 2008 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. However, new details suggest that BMW’s new supercar will be in fact called M8 - a name adopted because it will share the carbon-fiber and aluminum chassis with the upcoming BMW i8. Of course this doesn’t mean the next M8 will also be a hybrid supercar, but because of this lightweight construction it will deliver impressive performance numbers.
To get an idea on what to expect, you should think of a gasoline-powered i8 alternative specially developed for those to care more about performance figures than the environment.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2016 BMW M8.’
Image Note: The above image is not of the rumored M8
The Land Down Under is fixing to get an infusion of M awesomeness after BMW’s Australian division launched a series of limited-run M Sport models as part of the company’s "Festival of M".
That’s really great, made even more so by the fact that the M Sport lineup will feature a number of models, each coming with their own unique modifications. The biggest of the bunch is the X5 M Sport Limited Edition and BMW Australia decked with a bevy of new components. The M Sport body kit is obviously fitted into the SUV, as was a chrome M Sport tailpipe finisher, bi-xenon headlights and a set of 20-inch M double spoke alloy wheels. Looking at the photo of the SUV, though, there doesn’t appear to much of a difference from the standard model.
Meanwhile, the interior is dressed up too, at least to a certain extent. There’s the M leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles and electric seats. Other components include a Navigation Professional package, an automatic tailgate, a rearview camera, voice control and anti-dazzle exterior mirrors. This one isn’t exactly our cup of tea, at least compared to what the other M Sport limited edition models.
The next two are the 5-Series and Z4, both of which will receive an M Sport package that includes an M Sport suspension, a new aero kit, a leather steering wheel, a set of bespoke 18-inch alloys, blue leather-piped velour floor mats, chrome-plated "Limited Edition" door sill finishers, an anthracite headliner for the coupe, and blue-stitched upholstery. Now this is more like it. The mixture of aesthetic and aero upgrades is definitely right in our wheelhouse. If you can get aftermarket performance upgrades on that Z4, then you really have something there.
Finally, the 1-Series and 3-Series Coupe and Convertible have received M Sport Plus packages, comprising of an aluminum glacier silver interior trim with glossy-black kidney grilles. The 3er, in particular, also has new sport seats, black exterior mirror caps, and stainless steel foot pedals.
If given a choice, we’re definitely rolling with the Z4 M Limited Edition. Its program is comprehensive enough without being too tacky.
Check out the price list of all M Limited Edition models after the jump.
A standard Mercedes C63 AMG develops a total of 457 horsepower (or 487 if you add the AMG performance package). In the Black Series version, this output is raised to an even more impressive 510 horsepower, so it’s no wonder why BMW is now considering doing something about it. After all, their BMW M3 delivers only 414 horsepower and the upcoming generation is not showing any signs of improvement.
The only "hardcore" M3 currently offered by BMW is the M3 GTS, but it comes with only 450 horsepower and it is not available in the U.S.
If rumors from BimmerBoost are true, it looks like BMW plans to unveil one or two special cars in the upcoming years, and they will be offered as a response to Mercedes Black Series model. The announcement was been posted on Automobile writer Marc Noordeloos’ Twitter account. Noordeloos also confirmed that both models will be offered on the U.S. market. Also cars like M3 CSL, GTS and CRT will be offered to American enthusiast.
We’re holding onto hope that this is true, but we’ll reserve our excitement until we see what Bimmer comes up with.
The next-generation BMW M3 and the new M4 Coupe will make their world debut later this year, but a leaked BMW vehicle identification number (VIN) revealed pretty much all there is to know about the two new models.
Previous details suggested that the new M3 would get a new six-cylinder engine with an output of at least 450 horsepower, the BMW VIN reveals that the next M3 will get a S55 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with an output of just 415 horsepower. That’s not bad, but a little disheartening.
Despite the similar output, it has been reported that the new six-cylinder engine will deliver an extra 100 pound-feet of torque over the current V-8 engine. Same sources reveal that the new-generation M3 will be about 300 pounds lighter than the current generation, translated of course into improved performance figures.
The new BMW M3 will be revealed late in 2013 with first deliveries to be made in June 2014; the M4 is expected a few months later.
BMW cars
