Last month we saw a sketch of the closest thing well get to a BMW M7, the Alpina B7. Now a quick spy photographer was able to catch the car out testing before is premiere in Geneva. Outside the car doesn't seem to differ too much from the standard 2009 7-Series. Alpina seems to have just added a custom front lip spoiler, rear spoiler, and 21-inch wheels. Beneath the skin is where the real fun of the car is. The new Alpina B7 should be powered by a modified version of BMW's 4.4-liter (...)
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wiesmann Roadster MF4 first teaser image
Wiesmann has been teasing the MF4 for a while now. Last month we got the final confirmation that we will be seeing a few new projects from the German company including the MF4 Roadster. Now the company has revealed the first teaser image of the German roadster with very British styling. The MF4 will be powered by a 367 hp 4.8-liter BMW V8 that is borrowed from cars like the 650i. An S version will get the 4.0-liter V8 borrowed from BMW M3. (...)
Top five cleanest gasoline cars
Four of the five pollute less than some hybrids
With all the attention the emerging technologies are getting in the automotive press, you tend to forget about the decades-old standard, the conventional gasoline engine.
You're definitely paying a premium to be green, with hybrid technology easily adding two or three thousand dollars to the price of a car. And most electrics, such as Tesla's roadster, are priced only for the wealthy. Makes for great red carpet press for the Hollywood-types but the everyday, commute-to-work driver, just can't afford it. Even GM's Volt will be priced in the $40,000 range, before any government subsidies kick in.
So rather than concentrate so much on the new, NADA Guides has released a list of the top five cleanest conventional gasoline cars for this year's Earth Day.
"It is no surprise that on Earth Day the automotive world will be focused on the latest and greatest hybrid vehicles, but the fact remains that consumers are still overwhelmingly buying and driving conventional gasoline cars," said Michael Caudill, spokesperson for NADA Guides. "The Top Five Cleanest Conventional Cars show that consumers have options for vehicles that are easy on the environment without the higher price point of emerging hybrid technology."
The cars that made the list were based on a combination of scores from three criteria: greenhouse gas emissions, smog-producing air pollution and combined miles per gallon. All data was based on 15,000 miles of driving per year, with 55 percent of it city driving and 45 percent highway driving.
Greenhouse gas emissions include carbon dioxide, methane gas, nitrous oxide and hydrofluorocarbons. Theses figures are expressed in tons per year. Smog or air pollution includes nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, various carbon-containing compounds (including hydrocarbons), formaldehyde and solid particulates.
It's nice to see three of cleanest cars are from American manufacturers; i.e., the 2009 Pontiac G5, the 2009 Chevy Cobalt LS and the Ford Focus S. The Hyundai Elantra GLS lands up in the middle of the pack with the 2009 MINI Cooper coming in last. It's surprising to see the MINI as the dirtiest of the bunch, with it emitting the most air pollution yet still being very efficient. You can bet BMW will work to clean it up.
As many would argue, hybrid and electric technology is not ready to replace the traditional gasoline engine. Will prices adjust eventually? Probably. But until then, you have a few options to be green without paying for it.
American Le Mans in Long Beach this weekend
Rahal Letterman BMW M3 GT2 coming off St. Petersburg success
Continuing along this weeks noticeably BMW theme, the American Le Mans Series picks up again this weekend in Long Beach, with the Rahal Letterman team hoping to podium again following their second place finish in St. Petersburg.
“Southern California's car enthusiasts love BMW and especially the M3, and our team is prepared to give them a great show,” said Martin Birkmann, BMW of North America Motorsports Manager. “We picked up our pace at St. Pete and a podium finish is an excellent result. We continue ironing out the reliability issues with the new M3 and are hopeful to finish with both cars in the points."
Test sessions began yesterday, with official practice scheduled for 9:00 to 9:40 a.m. today. There will also be a 25-minute qualifying session this afternoon at 4:00 p.m. The race starts at 4:15 p.m. tomorrow but will be televised from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. ET on Sunday on ABC.
British Motor Show in trouble, could get moved
The British International Motor Show appears to be in trouble. The biennial show, which has seen its fair share of big debuts and publicity in its past two outings, might skip 2010 and instead next appear on the calendar in 2011. The show's profitability, a lack of manufacturer participation, and a possible conflict with the 2012 London Olympics are to blame. The organization that runs the show is known as The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), and they've admitted that skipping a year and shifting the normally biennial show to 2011 is a possibility. The SMMT's committee will meet in March to discuss the matter and come up with some strategies to attract more of the major automakers.
Last year's no-shows included Audi, BMW, Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen. Audi, for one, found it more effective to market themselves at the Goodwood Festival of Speed instead. We have to admit that we were grateful for that decision, as the Auto Union Type D, Le Mans-winning R10, and Sport Quattro S1 among others were amazing. Things might be getting even worse for 2010. Autocar is reporting that several manufacturers have already pulled out of the 2010 show, and that several others are considering similar action. While we hate to see any show cancelled, even the largest auto shows are hurting in this economy. Perhaps taking an extra year to regroup isn't such a bad idea.
[Source: Autocar]
Alpina to debut B6 GT3 and B7 at Geneva show
Click above to view the Alpina B6 GT3 in high-resolution
BMW may have its own tuning division that carries its vaunted M badge, but Alpina enjoys a close relationship of its own with the Bavarian automaker. Alpina's tuner cars are built right off the BMW assembly line and available directly through BMW dealerships. One of the largest tuner firms in the industry, Alpina is preparing to debut two of its newest offerings at the upcoming Geneva Motor Show in March.
First up to bat is the B6 GT3, the racer with which Alpina has returned to motorsport competition after a 20-year absence. Those details have already been released, but joining the race-tuned 6 Series is tipped to be the new B7, Alpina's take on the latest F01-generation BMW 7 Series sedan that's anticipated to pull over 500 horsepower out of its centrifugal-supercharged 4.4-liter V8. So far, all we've seen is a teaser sketch and a raft of speculation on the supercharged 7, but we'll be looking forward to getting more solid information as we get closer to the Swiss show in the coming weeks..
[Source: topcarblog.ch]
New BMW Z4 will be revealed in Detroit
Most of the big premieres for the Los Angeles Auto Show have already happened, and one that has been quietly absent was the new BMW Z4. Now it seems that those who were waiting breathlessly for the new coupe/roadster from BMW will have to hold on until next year. The BMW Z4 is the latest victim of the delay until the Detroit Show. But unlike the development slowdown that has delayed other cars until January, the Z4 just seems to be stuck in red tape. The guys over at BMW Blog seemed (...)
Speculation: BMW Z4 debut next month - Z2 hybrid on the way
Reliable sources state that BMW will debut the new BMW Z4 next month in both a roadster and coupe configuration.
The new Z4 Roadster will feature a folding hardtop this time instead of the previous soft one. BMW claims that the use of lightweight materials will help keep the weight off of the BMW Z4.
BMW Lo Rider
BMW presents the Lo Rider concept at EICMA in Milan as a new approach towards the roadster style and with plenty customization possibilities available in order for man to become one with the machine. Based on the future rider's preferences, the muscular looking concept will feature customer combined minor design elements or even customer opted headlamp unit, fuel tank, and front and rear fenders. Press Release after the brake BMW Press Release: Leading the way with concept studies – a (...)
2009 BMW Z4 Roadster spy shots
The 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster will make its official debut at next January's 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Carscoop caught the car testing with minimal exterior camouflage. The car will feature a two-piece retractable hardtop. The future Z4 carries over the overall styling and sexy proportions of the current Z4. On the interior there will be the same architecture as before though it appears that the dashboard has a more upscale feeling. The Z4 will also feature (...)
BMW PAS spy shots
The future BMW PAS has been caught testing HohenSchwangau, about a 2 hour drive from Munich where the BMW headquarters is. As you can see from the spy photo the headlamps will probably follow the theme set by the new F01 7-Series; same will happen with the large kidney grille. Like the latest X6 Concept, it will come as a basic four-seated version and will be built on an all-wheel-drive system. The difference between the X6 and the PAS is that the X6 takes its genes from the X5, while the (...)
Hamann wheels for BMW 7-Series
If last week we showed you a new set of Hamann wheels for the new Maserati GranTurismo, today is time for the new generation 7-Series to get the same minor treatment. As with the Maserati, the German tuner did not reveal any details about what/if we'll see for performance modifications for the Bimmer, but at least we know that with these black wheels (combined with the black body in the picture,) the criminal underworld will continue to ride in style. (...)
BMW M1: game on and going green
BMW has been teasing the public with the BMW Hommage concept since April. Rumors have confirmed both its production and its demise. Last thing we heard was that is was dead in the cost-cutting of the current market. Now we are hearing buzz that a production version is back on (again), but this time there are some logical details to back it up. AutoWeek has received some info that says everything except flat-out confirming plans to revive the M1 name. BMW is looking for a place to (...)
BMW 3-Series Facelift by AC Schnitzer
AC Schnitzer, the known German tuner, is the first tuner unveiling a new body kit for the refreshed 2009 BMW 3-Series. Its new kit includes a front lip spoiler, new side sills, a roof spoiler, rear trunk spoiler (for the sedan version) and a new set of wheels. Various engine modifications are available that can boost power 254 to 284 hp in total. The interior has new carbon fiber and leather accessories available. We expect more details when the manufacturer will officially unveil the (...)
Lumma Design CLR X 650 based on the BMW X6
After we saw the Lumma-Design CLR 550 R based on the Porsche Cayenne GTS, the German tuner went to work on another SUV with an identity crisis, the BMW X6. The result is the CLR X 650. The new vehicle comes with a redesigned front bumper with integrated daytime running LEDs, new mirror covers, a rear lip carbon spoiler, and a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust cutters and rear air diffuser. The kit also includes 23-inch Lumma Racing 3 alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin 315/25-23 tires (...)
BMW M3 Leather Edition by Zwickenpflug
Usually the special editions are released by the car manufacturers in order to improve the sales of their vehicles and it seems that a German tuner named Zwickenpflug applied the same recipe with the new Bmw M3 Leather Edition created by Thomas Zwickenpflug . As you already figured the new vehicle comes with a stylish leather interior with Alcantara insertions found on the steering wheel, door panels and the sport buckets, but that's not the only surprise from the German manufacturer. The (...)
Back to basics with the M3
Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to fill in many of the gaps in my personal list of significant cars I’d like to drive, including a fair number of the ones I lusted after – but couldn’t get close to – when I was a kid.
Until recently the E30 BMW M3 was right at the top of the wish list. I had sat in several, and even been driven across rural Cambridgeshire at serious speed in a shabby example imported from Germany. But until a few weeks ago, when we filmed our M3 versus M3 video, I’d never been lucky enough to get behind the wheel of one.
I’ve got to admit that I’ve been underwhelmed by my experience of lots of old stagers in the past, especially those that have seen their original performance diminished by subsequent power battles.
But the E30, a particularly original example owned by a genuine enthusiast called John, was a revelation: it really was one of the purest-driving cars I’ve ever experienced. Spot-on steering, perfect throttle response and a chassis you can lean to the limit in confidence, without any need for the electronic nannying of a modern performance car.
I know there’s no chance that BMW is going to take the next M3 back to the basic level of the original. But there’s also no doubting that, when you drive the current M3 and its great grandfather back-to-back, the modern car comes across as crushingly competent but aloof and uninvolving.
We should all take comfort from the fact that successive generations of the M3 have tended to cycle between good and underwhelming. I’m not saying the current iteration is a bad car, but by stripping out some weight and complexity there’s no doubt that the next one could be a whole lot better
The 2009 The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este
Some amazing photography from this Concorso
A stunning 1938 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B Berlinetta Touring won 'Best of Show' at the 2009 Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este on the grounds of Villa Erba in Cernobbio, which is about 25 miles north of Milan, Italy.
I received the release about the Concorso from the BMW Press Group but only decided to post about it when I saw the beautiful photography taken during the event.
Unfortunately, the weather turned gray on Sunday, with rain throughout the day. It didn't seem to turn visitors away though.
“The great response from the public despite the poor weather shows how this event has become a firm fixture on the calendar of car aficionados from both this region and countries around the world,” said Karl Baumer, President of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and Director of BMW Group Classic. “The weather on Sunday could have been better for the 80th anniversary of the Concorso, but a sunny Saturday with this selection of cars provided a more than worthy setting for our anniversary Concorso,” added Jean-Marc Droulers, President of Villa d’Este S.p.A.
CarAdvice Australia: Brabham Racing BT92 Teaser
The folks at CarAdvice are in Europe for a week conducting a series of test drives with some of the most exotic cars out there. One of those vehicles is the recently launched Brabham Racing BT92 model, based on the popular BMW M3 Coupe.
BT92 is all about reducing the original M3’s weight(by aprox. 110 lbs) by using plenty carbon fiber for its exterior parts. While the exterior improvements are obvious and welcomed, most of the important changes are underneath the hood. The BT92’s M3 engine has been upgraded to racing specification in almost every respect. The dimensions of the cylinders are now 93.3mm-by-80.2mm against the original 4.0-liter V8’s 92.0mm-by-75.2mm, yielding a displacement of 4.4 liters. The all-new intake and exhaust systems have been optimized to produce more power: 494 hp at 8,300 rpm and 354 pound-feet of torque at 5,700 rpm.
As you would expect, the Brabham Racing BT92 comes with a hefty price tag: $310,000. Therefore, getting the car for a test drive or a full day spent at Nurburgring, is a privilege. The Aussie fellows at CarAdvice decided to tease all of us a little bit by posting a short summary of their experience along with some photos and a video. Within the next few days, we should see a full blown article and hopefully more photos and extensive videos.
Follow their trip here
367.4 km/h - The Worlds Fastest Sedan: G-POWER HURRICANE RS based on the BMW M5
What better way to celebrate one’s 25th anniversary? At 12:47 pm on November 12, 2008 the G-POWER HURRICANE RS, based on the BMW M5, set a new record as the world’s fastest sedan on the ATP High Speed Oval in Papenburg, reaching a top speed of 367.4 km/h.
2010 BMW X5M / X6M - Car News
WHAT: The M guys swore it would never happen, but the high-performance division will slap its name on two SUVs. Can you hear the M-car loyalists sneering? Power will come from a 547-hp, twin-turbo V-8.
WHY: Bread, coin, shekels. (MONEY!)
Keep Reading: 2010 BMW X5M / X6M - Car News
BMW Z4 will be revealed in December; hybrid Z2 in the works
It seems BMW won't wait for Detroit to take the wraps off the new Z4. It was rumored that although the car was complete, the German roadster missed its LA debut do to a rights issue. Since the car is fully-baked, BMW is eager to get it out to the public. It's now rumored that BMW will do its own reveal of the new Z4 before the Detroit Auto Show in January. Sometime in December official images of the convertible should appear, and sometime later a coupe version will follow. We are (...)
BMM 3-Series Performance
Its athletic design and its superior driving dynamics make the new BMW 3-Series to be one of the best in its segment. And with the new accessories from the BMW Performance, this unique characters is taken even further. The new 3-Series Performance will go on sale from late March / early April 2009. This special options, for drive, chassis, aerodynamics and cockpit are part of the original BMW accessories program. The BMW Performance components transferrers the "know-how from" motorsport (...)
BMW will drop high-revving engines in M models
BMW may be looking to lose some cylinders in the name of economy. Just like Audi, it seems BMW will drop high-revving engines in favor of turbocharging on its "M" model cars. AutoWeek is reporting that tough emissions standards worldwide and soaring manufacturing costs in Germany are behind the switch. This reduces labor costs because BMW will be bolting turbochargers to engines that are already being produced on a large-scale. So now instead of producing a small number of V10 engines (...)
BMW M6 CSL - why not?
BMW went into deep into "M" car history with the M1 Hommage, but that wasn't as far as it could have. Racer X Design decided to go back to the beginning, and make a modern interpretation of the first car to wear the "M" badge with the M6 CSL. Although design studies are not our favorite on TopSpeed, Racer X is a real design house, and has made something pretty striking. It took the current BMW M6 and added the livery from the original 70s 3.0 CSL. But the best part of this design is (...)
BMW Sauber F1.09
Over the last week we've seen Ferrari, McLaren and Renault sounding off about their new F1 cars, and now BMW is chiming in with its 2009 racer. BMW Sauber F1 Team revealed today the F1.09 Formula 1 car today in Valencia, Spain. For those who think all F1 cars look alike, the 2009 car has implicated a few changes including a higher nose, three-part front wing and a slimmer rear wing. The racer also has add-ons, such as air deflectors and cooling air exits. Other eye-catching features (...)
BMW M3 Touring rendering
BMW likes to spread its technology around. If its going to perfect the driving experience of the 3-Series with the M3, then it likes to do it over the full line. So far we can get our hands on the coupe, sedan and convertible in "M" form, but what about the version that can take the kids and dog along on the Autobahn? We expect BMW to spread the M3 joy over to the wagon soon, but that's not good enough for designer Jon Sibal. He's taken elements from the current M3 and applied them to (...)
BMW 1-Series Supersport rendering
As reported at the beginning of the month, BMW is preparing a Motorsport version for the future 1-Series. The folks over at AutoBild took some of the current 1-Series car elements and mixed it with some classic elements of the 2000 and 2002 model cars to come up with this rendering. Some speculation has this car as just a special edition of the 135i model. But AutoBild thinks the car may be more purpose-built. Possibly this car could come with no rear seats, a carbon roof like the M3 and (...)
HAMANN- Motorsport broadens the BMW X6
As far as the latest project by HAMANN-Motorsport is concerned, the name says it all: the Laupheim-based refiner called its latest creation for BMW X6 TYCOON. This description has its roots in Japanese culture and is originally a synonym for an extraordinary shape – a comparison which can also be transferred to the X6-makeover.
BMW Alpina B7 will debut in Geneva
BMW makes a M3 and a M5, but it doesn't make an M7. That's where Alpina comes in with the B7. The tuner has a long standing close relationship with BMW, so now that there is a new 7-Series out, the new B7 close on its heels. In fact, reports now say that the car will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The new Alpina B7 should be powered by a modified version of BMW's 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering around 507HP (7 hp more than the current B7). (...)
BMW M Coupe - Carpet Edition
German cars are known for bring precision machines, but some people think the cars lack personality or soul. Since nothing gives that warm cuddly feeling like a nice oriental rug, one owner decided to use the pattern to make this first generation M Coupe more personable. A paint job like this would obviously cost more then the car is worth, so this is a wrap. With what basically amounts to a big sticker, the owner was able to transform this from a 321 hp slick blue machine into living (...)
BMW 730Ld
BMW UK added a new model to the 7-series line-up: the 730Ld, the long-wheelbase version of the 730d that adds 14cms of legroom for rear seat passengers. The prices will start from £56,790. The new BMW 730Ld is powered by an all-aluminium 2,993cc straight-six cylinder diesel engine that produces 245hp at 4,000rpm. A peak torque figure of 540Nm is attained from 1,750rpm through to 3,000rpm and this results in a zero to 62mph time of 7.3 seconds and a 153mph top speed. Its 194g/km emission (...)
BMW S1000RR official shots
There's really no connection between BMW's S1000RR, the blonde model and the light helicopter shown in the first official pictures of the bike, but isn't this a little hard to pass?
BMW M7 rendering
BMW IS NOT GOING TO MAKE AN M7... that's what the Alpina B7 is for. Alpina works closely with BMW and takes the burden of making a speedier version of large sedan so the "M" devision can focus on cars like the M3 and M5. But just because rumors of an M7 died out years ago, doesn't mean we can't dream... .
BMW's M line grows with X6 M, X5 M
Say what you will about BMW's X6, car manufacturers are picking up on the new niche of the tall riding coupe. Case in point is the new Acura ZDX Prototype. Acura see's the potential of the new market, with their new car based on the MDX, while BMW's new X6 M is built off the X5 platform.
The X6 M is being heralded as one of the most powerful road-going BMW's built, packing a twin-turbocharged 555hp V8 engine. Mix in the advantage of all-wheel drive and you've got the makings of a true high-performance vehicle. The X6 M sprints to 62mph in a time of only 4.7 seconds, comparable to the incredible BMW M3.
Not only is the styling of the X6 groundbreaking, but it's 4.4-litre engine incorporates a world first for an M-badged vehicle. BMW has engineered the V8 to have both the turbochargers and the catalytic converter located within the vee of the power plant. This helps the engine breathe better and at a higher efficiency due to the shorter exit manifold, resulting in better packaging as the motor is more compact.
As I implied above, the X6 has no doubt raised eyebrows among BMW enthusiasts. Is it a coupe, an SUV, a sedan? All of the above. For now, it's unique, with BMW getting a lot of controversial attention. Time will tell how it translates into sales.
Upcoming Ridestory Roadtest: BMW 328i
First of all, a quick thank you goes out to Jawna Prieto of the The Prietive Group out of Torrance, California. She's lined me up with a BMW 328i for a 7-day review. I will be taking delivery of the car Wednesday and, as you might imagine, I'm looking forward to an extended period behind the wheel.
Look for my posts over the course of the week as well as my brief snippets on Twitter.
Yes, the Ridestory garage is a bit bare. We're new to car reviews and have only done a few. But we're doing our best to build our own library of automotive impressions and will bring each to you as opportunities come our way.
You can check out the Ridestory Vehicle Reviews page for our opinions of the Pontiac G8 GT and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR.
First Impressions: BMW 328i
Gushing over German engineering
You've heard it all from the motoring press. Rock-solid German engineering, a true enthusiasts sports sedan, slick shifting 6-speed manual and one of the best six-cylinder engines on the planet. In other words, BMW can do no wrong.
But I'm a newbie. I'll admit it, I've experienced minimal time behind the wheel of any BMW. So does that make me the perfect candidate to cast a critical eye? Maybe, maybe not. But I'll leave it for you to decide.
Details, details
The first thing that strikes me about BMW is their attention to detail, where making the little things matter is important.
First point, the turn signal, where a light touch provides three flashes for a lane change. But a firmer flick pushes the stalk past a second notch, leaving the marker blinking during a right or left-hand turn. This took some freeway and city driving to get used to but once you comprehend its purpose, it makes complete sense. How many other auto makers mimic a detail such as this? Probably not many for fear of being called a "copy-cat". Nonetheless, the savvy of BMW at work.
Second, the cars transmission. The 328i I'm driving has BMW's six-speed manual. It is very smooth and easily one of the best manuals I've driven. But what impresses me the most is the feather-light clutch. Now you may ask, "Shouldn't a car in this price/performance range have an excellent manual?" Absolutely. But you don't realize the importance of it until you drive it. You can't brand yourself the enthusiasts car without properly engineering one of the most important aspects of driving; i.e., simply shifting gears. It shouldn't be a distraction but a function of your driving. BMW realizes that their cars are purchased by drivers who will take their kids to school and run to the grocery store but also carve up their favorite switch-backs on the weekend. An excellent transmission makes performance driving that much more enjoyable. With this manual, there's no need to worry about your leg getting tired.
Long-termer
I have to laugh a little because for Ridestory, this BMW is a long-term test. It's a unique treat to have a car to wring out for six or seven days. But I'm not complaining. I'm looking forward to it and will bring you even more impressions as the week goes on.
I would love to hear from current or past BMW owners, particularly of the 3-series variety. You've driven this car or past variations much longer and I think your opinions and experiences would prove invaluable to Ridestory readers. You can DM me on Twitter, drop me a note via the contact form or leave a comment below. I look forward to hearing from you.
Road Test: BMW 328i
Can I keep this a little longer?
"Boy, I could get used to this." I lost count how many times I said that to myself as I drove the BMW. I got spoiled waking up each morning knowing that my commute would be in one of the best sports sedans in production today.
I knew following my First Impressions of the BMW 328i that I would have a hard time going back to my Scion tC.
Daily driver
Let's cut to the chase. If you're in the market for a sporty four-door, money spent on a 3-series BMW would be a wise investment. You have the convenience of the extra set of doors and room for four adults, wrapped up in a svelte German suit.
Notice I said four adults. The 328i, or any 3-series BMW for that matter, is meant to be comfortable for adults in sets of four. Yes, there's room for five. But I wouldn't want to be the fifth wheel. For comparison purposes, the Pontiac G8 GT that I road tested is more comfortable for five. But the G8's real Bavarian counterpart is the 5 series.
Six-shooter but not down low
Under the 328i's hood is BMW's 3.0-liter, 24-valve, inline 6 with 230 horsepower. The Ridestory test car came with the standard 6-speed manual.
Let's get my power train quibble out of the way first. Low end torque in this motor is lacking. At first I attributed my stumbling starts from a dead stop to inexperience with the car. But I continually had to modulate the accelerator and clutch for smooth starts. Otherwise, BMW's straight six is smoothly subtle when you want it to be but takes on an aggressive rasp when driven aggressively. It is loads of fun.
Quibbles aside, I'll gladly shake the hand of any BMW engineer in charge of this cars six-speed manual. It is smooth and notch-free. And it inspired confidence. At no time did I feel I was grabbing the wrong gear, which I can honestly say, I never did. The only other car that I've driven that had a similar feel was my old Acura RSX. The single advantage the RSX's six-speed had over the BMW's was shorter throws.
A BMW owners opinion
As 328iDude alluded to in his comment following my first post about the 328i, BMW's are incredible cars.
"I can easily sign off on the fact that most BMWs, and the 328i in particular, are magnificent cars. I'm on my 5th BMW now (+1 Mini Cooper), and I can't see myself without one in the future," he said.
"(My) current ride is a 328i, used for the daily commute and also track day use. Show me another brand that offers that same versatility. Maybe a Porsche, but even that is stretching it a bit up here in the arctic Norwegian climate."
I think that's putting it rather succinctly, don't you? Those who experience a BMW, whether it be a short-term test or a long-time owner, come away feeling the same way. This is a solid, well engineered car with outstanding performance.
As I asked following my first post about the 328i, I would love to hear from BMW owners. Anyone have an opinion similar to 328iDude's? Does anyone feel differently? Maybe your BMW experience was less than stellar. Leave your comments below and help educate all of us.
G-POWER M6 HURRICANE CS | BMW M6 tuning
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