Car and Driver speculates on a BMW M8 super car coming in 2016, an on-again off-again rumor. Without citing sources, they say that BMW will be pursing a 2760 weight target through the use of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, magnesium and titanium.
Its powerplant will be a upgraded version of the M5 and M6’s 4.4L turbo S63Tu engine, matched to DCT dual clutch transmission, outputting 600-650 horsepowers.
The M8 price is said to be around 250,000 euros or $330,000 equivalent.
The reveal of the all new 2014 BMW X5 (F15) is imminent, but testing continues on the F15 X5 M.
Testing on the F15 X5 M began last year [first sighting], but current mules have now dropped much camouflage. What’s revealed are the expected signature M components - huge front air intakes, aggressive sideskirts and rear diffuser, blue M brakes, and cross drilled rotors (the first for any X5 model). We also get a better look at the quad exhaust pipes which, unlike the current X5 M, feature a new angled design (like we’ve seen on the F82 M4 prototypes).
The F15 X5 is expected to weigh less than the current E70 X5 and ride on a modified version of the F10 5 series chassis. As for … CONTINUED
BMW M CEO Friedrich Nitschke discusses several hot topics regarding the upcoming F80 M3 / F82 M4 and M cars in general.
Nitschke answers questions regarding electric power steering, AWD, high-revving engines, and weight issues.
Per BMW insider Scott26, rumor comes of the 2 Series Gran Coupe now being ‘fast tracked’ for a 2015 release:
Yes the 2 Series might be behind the CLA and the A3 Sedan. But as the 6 Series Gran Coupe showed that it can be worth the wait. The 4 Series and 2 Series Gran Coupe will not be any different. With the 2 Series Gran Coupe now fast tracked for 2015 , BMW intend to make the gran entrance in this segment, the appearance will not just be what counts. With a greater emphasis on dynamics and typical BMW character.
If you read some of the reviews of the CLA there is some ride and dynamic issues that have been picked up by the media.
BMW are … CONTINUED
The 2 Series coupe and convertible are on their way, having already been spied in testing for months now. So what’s next to come in the 2 Series lineup? Possibly the 2 Series Gran Coupe, which Autobild has taken a crack at rendering. Although no prototypes have yet been spotted, it’s been previously rumored by BMW insider Scott26 to be on the way.
Here are the models that may round out the 2 Series lineup (some more likely than others), per Scott26:
BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe - 4 door addition of 2 Series Coupe with slightly lengthened wheelbase and roof line, aimed at BMW’s RWD dominance against Audi A3 Sedan and Mercedes-Benz CLA. [More Details]
BMW 2 Series Gran Sports Tourer - Hyundai Veloster type A-symmetrical Tourer … CONTINUED
BMW insider Scott26 shares some details on the current product plans and studies being undertaken at BMW for potential new X models - namely potential X2, X4 M, X7, X8 and a new Sport Activity Sedan niche.
X marks the Sport.
The following relates to ideas under discussion and evaluation. Whereas some concepts show promise to production reality. Some show discussions and conception in regards to market and growth projections.
It is not a question of just product planning but a reaction to growth in the segment. The SUV segment whether in city , compact , entry , mid , large or luxury continue to grow and grow.
BMWs current line of X1 , X3 , X5 and X6 are no doubt huge sellers and contributors to BMWs successful … CONTINUED
In case you missed it in the recent statements by the BMW CEO, the BMW X4 SAV is confirmed to be hitting the market in 2014.
Also being confirmed by BMW is an already well-accepted fact - that the upcoming X4 will be built solely at the U.S. Spartanburg plant, which already produces the X3, X5 and X6. The X1 is built in Europe (or in China for the Chinese market).
“I need more capacity in Spartanburg, not only for the upcoming X4, but also for the current X range,” Ian Robertson, BMW’s board member for marketing and sales, recently told Automotive News. The plant is currently undergoing expansion as part of a plan by BMW to invest nearly 900 million USD in the plant by 2014. … CONTINUED
We have spied the F82 M4 coupe again and here is the most revealing look yet. With the great look that we have here, here’s a list of notable elements that we see.
• Double slatted kidney grilles
• M4 badge on kidney grilles (a la M6) (currently covered)
• LED headlights
• LED tail lights
• Carbon ceramic brakes (optional) being tested in signature gold color (just as on F80 M3 prototype)
• Hood power dome/bulge
• Sculpted double-bubble carbon fiber roof (like M6 Coupe)
• Production side mirrors (still under camouflage)
• Integrated trunk spoiler
• Wide fenders
• Slanted exhaust tips
• Production sideskirts
• Wearing Continental ContiSportContact tires - 275/35 rear (like F80 M3)
• Gap in front fender for air breather vent? Location is too high to be the same ‘boomerang’ vent seen … CONTINUED
