The new BMW 5-Series GT a.k.a. the Gran Turismo hasn't received the most flattering reviews for its looks from the press and bimmer fans alike, but famed German tuner AC Schnizter is attempting to change all that with the release of a new sport package that contains both cosmetic and mechanical goodies for the Bavarian automaker's luxury...
Monday, March 1, 2010
BMW 5-Series GT by AC Schnitzer
When it comes to building tuning programs for BMW cars, you won’t find a tuning house that’s more capable than AC Schnitzer. The famed German tuner has done some sort of tuning package for a lot of BMWs in the past and with the recent release of the BMW 5-Series GT, it was only a matter of time before AC Schnitzer began working on a program for 5-Series GT.
And as expected, the German tuner has once again delivered on latest project: a tuning program for the new BMW 5-Series GT. The tuning kit for the 5-Series GT is based on the six-cylinder 530d, which spikes the engine’s total output from the standard 245 horsepower to 286 horsepower.
Among the notable features of AC Schnitzer’s exterior package for the 5-Series GT includes a twin sports rear silencer, chromed "Sports Trim“ tailpipe trims and chromed "Racing" tailpipe trim, front and rear spoilers, bonnet Vents with chromed center web, side skirts, and 19" or 20" alloy forged wheels.
AC Schnitzer decks out the BMW 5 Series GT
BMW 5 Series GT by AC Schnitzer
The Schnitzer boys have waved wands over the BMW 530d GT, giving it a little more power and a lot more cosmetics. Under the hood is a modest power bump from 245 horsepower to 286, but torque numbers have been omitted so we're supposing there's no change there. If that is indeed the case, color us a wee bit surprised that no more twist was extracted from the torque-tastic oil-burner from Bavaria.
Outside and inside, though, changes abound: an AC Schnitzer engine cover and hood vents, skirts and spoilers everywhere, new rear silencer and chrome trim, aluminum pedals and footrest, plus AC-branded velours for the floor mats and trunk. And to keep you from ridin' dirty there's an AC Schnitzer spring kit and the firm's trademark wheels. Follow the jump for the complete specs, and take in the full view in the gallery of high-res photos below.
BMW gets cute, takes dig at Audi in the classroom
Good, we were hoping BMW would answer the latest challenge from Audi in the online battle of boast. Audi started up again the dormant war of words between these two German automakers a couple weeks ago by patting itself on the back for winning three Car and Driver comparisons in a row, and now BMW is striking back by bragging about its mixture of efficiency and vehicle dynamics sans compromises.
Hit the jump to watch the 1:25 video for yourself. Unfortunately, Team Motor Werks didn't get to throwing down with Audi until the very end of the spot, which takes place in an elementary school classroom. And even when the guys and gals at BMW took their swing, we're afraid it just grazes the four-ringed chin of its luxury car rival. Let us know which automaker you think scored the more direct blow by chiming in on the post-jump comments.
[Source: YouTube]
Thursday, September 3, 2009
BMW 3-Series Convertible Facelift
BMW continues testing of the upcoming 3 Series Convertible facelift and the Worldcarfans spies where to snap new photos of it. Despite several reports on the web, there is no official confirmation that we will be seeing the facelift in Frankfurt this month and as far as we know, the launch date remains set for next spring.
Same as the E92 facelift, the convertible will receive new headlights and taillights treatment, along with revised/redesigned front and rear bumpers. Looking closer at the taillights, it seems that new LED bulbs are replacing the white signal strip found in the current model.
The large mirrors can be seen on this test mule as well and there is no doubt that the final production model will feature them as well. Even though we’re not big fans of either these side mirrors or the ones found on the 335d Sedan, the new European pedestrian regulations are forcing all the car manufacturers to adopt a new styling.
Engine wise, many BMW fans and owners are looking forward to possible new engines, from the ultra efficient 2.0 liter diesel with fuel consumption ratings of 4.1 l/100km(57MPG ) to the N55 3.0 liter engine.
2012 BMW 1 Series
Our german blog BimmerToday.de and Ade, one of their readers, are bringing us today some exclusive spy photos of the next generation BMW 1 Series due out in 2011. The prototype was spotted on the Autobahn somewhere between Salzburg and Munich.
The F20 prototype continues to sport the now famous psychedelic camouflage making it hard for us to see the design lines prepared by BMW. If the first generation 1 Series can be described as being conservative with a safe design, the new 1er models are expected to feature more revolutionary design elements and of course, the latest technologies, some already tested in the other BMW vehicles.
Looking to reduce the overall costs of a new car, BMW designed a new modular platform for the upcoming 1 Series family. The backbone of these models was designed especially for this purpose so every model can have a variation backbone, simply be moving suspension points and firewalls to areas that will benefit each vehicle. Corroborated with more parts sharing, this new approach will allow BMW to reduce even more the production costs.
Overall details of the next 1 Series are still sketchy at this time, but the rumor mill says BMW is looking into more 1er variants, from a 3-door touring, 3 and 5-door GT, to five-door hatchback and a 3-door Coupe and Convertible. A smaller, compact Z2 Roadster will also utilize the modular platform.
Even though the engine line-up has not been finalized, sources indicate many new three and four turbo engines will be used across the 1 Series models, from a 1.3 liter engine with 136 horsepower to a new 1.3-liter turbo powerplant developing 177 hp. Moving up in the 1 Series class, the 120i will get the a 218 hp 2.0-liter turbo, while the 135i will continue using the N54 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine. Diesel and hybrid versions are going to be available as well.
One of the engine that will most likely be featured in a 1 Series vehicle is the three cylinder hybrid one found in the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept.
An M-like 1 Series model will also be part of the new 1er family. Dubbed 135i SuperSport, the new sporty model will differentiate from the regular BMW 135i with the Performance Package, by adding upgraded performance parts. The Supersport will be limited to the Coupe body style and it will use lightweight materials, such as Carbon Fiber Roof, hood or bootlid, lightweight glass. Upgraded suspensions and brakes will give the impression and feel of an M car, but without the M badge.
BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept Unveiled (w/ video)
After all the spy shots and teasers, BMW has finally released the details of the new BMW Vision EfficientDynamics ahead of its scheduled debut; the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show.
BMW says that the high-performance concept study, with their ActiveHybrid technology, showcases “future demands in sustained mobility” and is “a symbol for the future of Sheer Driving Pleasure in harmony with trend-setting efficiency.” The automaker says that the aim of the Vision EfficientDynamics, is to realize “the performance of a BMW M Car and a highly emotional character combined with the fuel economy and emission management of a modern small car in the premium class.”
Power for the full-hybrid 2+2 seater BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept, comes from a 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, and two electric motors. The 1.5L 3-cylinder turbo-diesel engine features the latest generation of common-rail direct injection technology, producing a total of 163 horses with a peak torque of 214 lb-ft, and transferring power to wheels, via a double-clutch 6-speed transmission.
“Consistently applying the BMW ActiveHybrid strategy, BMW’s development engineers followed the principle of “Best of Hybrid”, choosing the optimum combination of a hybrid synchronous motor on the front axle and a full-hybrid system at the rear,” BMW said. In English that means that there is one-electric motor positioned between the combustion engine and the double-clutch gearbox. It produces 25 kW (33-hp) and is able to reach a peak of up to 38 kW (51-hp) with a maximum torque of 214 lb-ft. The second electric-motor, which powers the front axle, offers a continuous output of 60 kW (80-hp), and peak torque of 162 lb-ft. Extra power of 84 kW (112-hp) is available for a period of up to 30 seconds; the electric motor is even capable of delivering 104 kW (139-hp) for 10 seconds. All of this is transmitted through a two-stage, single-speed reduced-ratio gearbox.
With everything working in sync, the total system output comes in at 356-hp, with a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. But all that power is used only when you need it; when overtaking, for example. 0 to 62 mph comes in just 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph and fuel-economy is estimated at 63 mpg.
Overall, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics comes with a total of 98 lithium-polymer cells. When connected to a regular 220v outlet, the Vision EfficientDynamics requires 2 ½ hours to fully charge. A full-charge allows the car to cover a distance of approximately 31 miles when running on electric-mode alone.
So will we ever see a production model? Not for now. BMW says that the “Vision EfficientDynamics offers a realistic impression of the unique potential of BMW’s ActiveHybrid technology and the great innovative thrust of BMW EfficientDynamics.”
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