BMW BLOG

Next BMW model to be unveiled in 2010 is the second generation BMW X3. The mid Premium SAV has recently entered the final evaluation phase and several prototypes are being tested on U.S. soil.

While the first generation X3 was assembled in Austria by Magna Steyr automaker, the new F25 model joins the X-family at their Spartanburg plant in South Carolina.

The photos below were captured at the race track facility near the BMW M Performance School in Spartanburg, and several F25 prototypes are rolling along the previous X3 or the new X5 M. Read the rest of this entry »

Geneva Motor Show has passed and despite our initial report confirming the ALPINA B5 at the show, the Buchloe-based automaker focused their efforts on the B7 and the new B3 S.

In the mean time, several prototypes continue their testing process and they have been spotted recently by the fellows at Motor-Talk.de.

As seen in the photos below, the ALPINA trademarks remain on this car as well: the four oval tailpipes framed in the rear by the bumper diffuser and the raised bootlid. The diffuser with fins as seen on ALPINA B6 S is present as well.

The front-end sports a more aggressive bumper than the standard 5 Series model, along with wider side skirts. Read the rest of this entry »

The next generation BMW 6 Series is due to launch next year and several prototypes are being spotted weekly during winter testing. While the car has yet to enter the Final Evaluation Phase where the camouflage becomes minimal, it is still interesting to see overall dimensions and stance.

Underneath the psychadelic camouflage, the test mule in the photo above still features some plastic parts that hide the fine details.

According to previous reports and inside sources, the next 6-series coupe and convertible will be radically different from the current cars’ styling. The current 6 Series is very polarizing due to the “Bangle butt” it carries, but the redesigned 6er, is rumored to be a “super sleek” vehicle, as seen in these latest spy shots as well. Read the rest of this entry »

The F10 BMW M5 continues its winter testing sessions and new spy photos have surfaced. For the first time, we have a chance to see more details on an M5 test mule. The 2012 BMW M5 is rumored to be unveiled later this year with a world premiere scheduled at this moment for Geneva Motor Show 2011.

According to previous reports, including some clues dropped by BMW M boss, the new M5 is said to be one of the best M vehicles to date. Aside from the rumored 580 horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque coming from a modified 4.4-liter V8 twin-scroll powerplant, the F10 M5 will also make use of several EfficientDynamics technology, such as a KERS system.

If the final horsepower numbers will stand, then the new M5 will have 60 horsepower more than the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and similar output as the Audi RS6. Read the rest of this entry »

With all the talk around the M1 or..no M1 vehicle, the 2012 BMW M5 slipped out of focus, but today, thanks to the latest and greatest photos by Autocar, we can finally see what BMW is preparing for us with their new and hopefully, best M to date.

The next generation M5 is announcing to be one of the most advanced and performance oriented M cars ever built.

As seen in the spy photo above, the M5 sports a new front bumper, a more aggressive approach as one would expect to see in an M car. Read the rest of this entry »

With a month before its official unveiling at the 2010 Beijing Motor Show, the 2011 BMW 5 Series long wheelbase version has been spotted during winter testing. Available exclusively for the Chinese market, the LWB, long-wheelbase is built on an extended 5 Series sedan platform.

The 5 Series LWB sedan is almost identical to the “regular” version, of course, excluding the longer wheelbase and rear passenger door. Next to the badge on the trunk, the “L” letter will distinguish it from the other models in the line-up.

It will also offer the same range of engines as in the U.S., including the N55 twin-scroll 3.0 liter six cylinder engine and the high-end 4.4 liter V8 turbocharged engine. Read the rest of this entry »

After years of inconclusive spy photos, the next and second generation BMW X3 enters the final evaluation phase, FEP as known internally. Due to be unveiled at the end of this year, the 2011 BMW X3 is looking to regain its status in the premium mid-compact SUV/SAV market. With Audi revealing their Q5 model, it was clear that a new and refreshed X3 is due.

The 2011 BMW X3 is built on the next generation 3 Series platform and measures 15.15 feet in length, two inches longer than the current model featuring more rounded design lines and a sleeker look. Since the X1 is the new entry-level model in the X family, the 2011 X3 will move up a notch, both in size and style with similar dimensions to the first generation BMW X5. Read the rest of this entry »

The new 2012 BMW M5 is rumored not to be one of the best M to date, but also it will incorporate plenty of “green technology”, as part of BMW’s future plans and investment in the EfficientDynamics program. Latest spy photos are showing the M5 prototypes going through the usual winter testing, this time up north in Sweeden.

The new F10 BMW M5 is scheduled to be unveiled in 2011, a bit over a year after the 5 Series models. While the new M5 will incorporate fuel-saving technologies like the KERS system seen in Formula 1, the new super sporty seday strives to maintain its “King of the road” status.

Rumors mention an updated version of the engine found in the BMW X5 M and X6 M will make its way into the F10 M5. The 4.4-liter V8 twin-scroll powerplant will peak at 578-horsepower and 530 lb-ft of torque, 60 horsepower more than the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, but the same as the Audi RS6.

Read the rest of this entry »