You’ve seen the BMW Z4 GTE ALMS race car, now hear it and see it in live motion in this launch video.
Before BMW’s driving assistance systems become reality in the various models, they have to be tested. With the dynamic driving simulator experts can create virtual situations in daily life to check the functionality of these systems. This high-tech testing is necessary to guarantee the passenger´s safety on the road.
We’ve previously posted photos of the 2 Series coupe (F22) and convertible (F23) testing, but we’ve not spotted them testing together, giving us a great look at how the two models compare visually.
The F22 coupe seen here is a M235i model judging by the blue M Sport brakes and split dual black exhaust tips (also seen on the M135i upon which the M235i is based).
The M235i coupe (315 HP) is already confirmed for the US (see VIN details). Production will begin in November 2013 in the Leipzig plant, for an 8 month first-model-year production run (until June 2014). There will be no 235i model in the US or elsewhere, as the M235i will take its place in the lineup.
The M235i will be joined by the … CONTINUED
Fun M135i video feature by Autogespot, with some nice production quality and hoonage, showing off the first petrol M Performance Automobile’s acceleration, drifting, and control.
According to the BMW Welt/Museum FB page, the very last 1 Series M Coupe has been delivered to Dietmar Götzmann at the BMW Welt recently. Götzmann (left) is the general manager partner of Uwe Ratzel GmbH & Co. KG (BMW Zentrum/dealership). It is unclear when Dietmar Götzmann had taken delivery of his 1M. But we believe it to be recently.
On Tuesday, BMW Motorsport and BMW Team RLL presented the car and drivers for the new season at the “Daytona International Speedway”.
Supported by Premium Partner Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, guests from around the world were given the opportunity to inspect the BMW Z4 GTE at close hand, talk to those responsible for the team, and experience the iconic racetrack in Florida from the cockpit, courtesy of taxi rides with the BMW ALMS drivers.
“As we approach the start of the ALMS season in mid-March, so the anticipation is gradually rising,” said BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt. “All of us at BMW Motorsport and BMW Team RLL are very curious to see how the first few races pan out with the new BMW Z4 GTE. We … CONTINUED
Here is a photo set of various BMW Individual M5, M550d and 5 Series seen at the BMW factory owned/run dealership in München, Germany.
The colors seen are Frozen Bronze Metallic, Frozen Blue Metallic, Azurite Black, and a Alpina B5 touring.
A F30POST member shares his feedback and review of the F30 3 Series M Sport Adaptive versus M Sport Passive suspensions, on otherwise identical cars.
The test cars were both F30 330d M Sport, Servotronic Steering, 18″ Wheels, Bridgestone tires, and in Sport Mode.
BMW and Toyota recently inked a deal to partner on fuel cell, sports car, and lightweight Technology [more on deal here], which should see synergies in engineering and development.
In a report about the Toyota Supra successor, Motor Trend suggests that the agreement will form the backbone to the development of both the new Supra and the next Z4. They speculate that both sports cars will ride on a revised and beefed up version of the Toyota 86 (AKA GT86, FR-S, BRZ) platform.
Should this rumor prove true, and with the Toyota 86 receiving much critical acclaim for its handling and being a true driver’s car, this will hopefully result in a much more dynamic handling successor Z4 than the current E89 Z4.
As for the next Z4’s … CONTINUED
Besides our earlier spy photos, here is the first factual confirmation (via VIN search) of the US bound M235i F22 coupe, together with a preview of some (perhaps not all) of the upcoming 2 Series Coupe and Convertible model lineup.
VIN long WBA1J7C52EVX33501
Type code 1J7C
Type M235I (USA)
Dev. series F22 ()
Line 2
Body type COUPE
Steering LL
Door count 2
Engine N55
Cubical capacity 3.00
Power 235
Transmision HECK
Gearbox MECH
Colour VALENCIA ORANGE METALLIC (B44)
Upholstery LEDER DAKOTA/SCHWARZ (LCSW)
Prod. date 2012-11-20
Order options
No. Description
1CA SELECTION COP RELEVANT VEHICLES … CONTINUED
