Valentino Rossi has once again grabbed the MotoGP title and two honor his victory, BMW presented him with a brand new BMW M3 sedan and let him take a few hot laps in the new 2011 BMW M3 GTS.

“With his fleet of cars acquired through the BMW M Award, Valentino Rossi is a certified expert on BMW M,” BMW said in a statement. “So it hardly came as a surprise when the nine-times MotoGP world champion expressed an urgent wish after covering the first few kilometres of the home journey at the wheel of the BMW M3 GTS: he wants to add to his private fleet an individually manufactured BMW M3 GTS made at the BMW production workshop.”

Click here to read more news on the BMW M3 GTS.

Refresher: Weighing in at 3,285 pounds (the standard BMW M3 coupe weighs 3,704 pounds), the 2011 BMW M3 GTS is powered by a 4.4L V8 making 450-hp. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a 7-speed M DKG Drivelogic gearbox.

Valentino Rossi drives the 2011 BMW M3 GTS:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: BMW

The accident you see in the picture took place this past week in Costa Mesa, California. It involved 3 expensive cars including an Audi R8, BMW 6 Series, and a Range Rover. From the picture, which doesn’t show the Range Rover, it seems that the Audi R8 was rear-ended by the BMW 6-Series, causing it to smash into the Rover.

Now that’s how you crash a classy car.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: WreckedExotics

We’ve heard about Rolls-Royce working on an electric version of the Phantom many times before. According to AutoCar, Rolls-Royce could have an electric Phantom on the roads within 12 months. That would be just in time for the car to make its debut at the 2012 London Olympics, which are being sponsored by parent company BMW.

Boss Tom Purvis has previously said that he wishes to produce an electric version of the Rolls-Royce Phantom to cushion the company from a possible future ban on big-engined sedans in urban areas and avoid tough CO2 regulations.

Insiders have said that the excess weight of a lithium-ion battery is the least of Rolls-Royce’s concerns since the Phantom already weighs close to three tons with its V12 engine.

Rolls-Royce is also reported to be working on an hybrid version of the new Ghost sedan, which should improve fuel-economy by 15 percent.

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

BMW and the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today announced that the German automaker will be the official Automotive Partner of London 2012.

“Sustainability is a central pillar of our business and guides all aspects of our operations,” said Ian Robertson, member of the board of management of BMW AG, responsible for sales and marketing. “This has lead to our being named by the Dow Jones Sustainability Index as the most sustainable automotive company, for the fifth year in a row. Therefore we have a natural affinity with London 2012 and its commitment to low carbon and healthy living.”

BMW said that it will also showcase electric vehicles as part of its activation in 2012.

Click through for the press release.

Press Release:

BMW announced as automotive partner of London Olympic and Paralympic Games

BMW becomes a Tier One Partner and exclusive automotive sponsor of the 2012 Games

4000 low-carbon vehicles to be provided

London. Lord Sebastian Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has today announced that BMW has become the Automotive Partner of London 2012. BMW will provide the 4000 or so vehicles which are required at the Games to transport athletes, technical officials, media, LOCOG operational teams, national Olympic Committees, International Sports Federations, the IOC and marketing partners.

In addition, BMW becomes a Sustainability Partner supporting London 2012’s commitment to deliver its ‘low carbon’ and ‘healthy living’ Games.

He continued, “We see our partnership as a major opportunity, over the next three years and beyond, to focus attention on our range of the most fuel efficient premium cars – and also to shine a light on the future of individual mobility. This partnership will be an inspiration for our customers, employees, dealers and suppliers.”

LOCOG set challenging targets with respect to CO2 and European emission standards for the car fleet. BMW will provide a fleet of cars which not only meet the Euro 6 emissions standard but also beat the maximum average of 120g CO2 / km established by LOCOG. BMW leads the automotive industry in emission-lowering technology through its Efficient Dynamics programme.

The company will also showcase electric vehicles as part of its activation in 2012.

LOCOG Chairman Sebastian Coe commented, “Operationally, an automotive deal is vital for any organising committee and so I’m thrilled BMW is on board. They share our vision to stage a sustainable Games in 2012 and will be a valued partner. We welcome BMW on board and look forward to working with them over the next three years.”

During the Games, BMW bicycles will be available for use by athletes in the Athletes Village and by London 2012 staff. BMW motorcycles will also be used in certain Olympic and Paralympic events.

A proportion of the fleet will be wheelchair-accessible and BMW will convert a number of vehicles for use by disabled drivers and passengers.

BMW has invested over £1bn in the UK since 2000 and employs over 8,000 people in manufacturing, distribution and financial services in Britain. The company has created over 50,000 further jobs through support services, suppliers and dealer distribution networks. BMW will also activate the deal across the iconic Mini brand between now and 2012.

LOCOG and BMW have many shared values which are an important foundation to this partnership agreement. A commitment to fair play, sporting competition and intercultural exchange have always been fundamentals of BMW’s value system – in addition to the central theme of sustainability.

- By: Stephen Calogera

An official BMW document from BimmerFile shows that the pricing of the new 2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo will start at $64,725, including an $825 destination fee. The 550i Gran Turismo will be the only variant of the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo that will be offered in the U.S. when it goes on sale in spring of 2010.

Power comes from BMW’s 4.4L V8 engine making 400-hp and a peak torque of 450 lb-ft. The engine is mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission that contributes to performance and fuel efficiency. 0-60 mph comes in just 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph when equipped with the Sport Package. For models equipped with all-season tires the maximum speed is limited to 130 mph.

Also, for the first time in a U.S. BMW model, the new 5 Series Gran Turismo will be equipped with BMW’s Brake Energy Regeneration system to save energy and reduce the vehicle’s fuel consumption.

Buyers can opt for 8 different packages including the $2,950 Active Ventilated Seat Package, $750 Camera Package, $1,900 Convenience Package, $950 Cold Weather Package, $1,350 Driver Assistance Package, $3,950 Luxury Rear Seating Package, $1,400 Premium Sound Package and the $4,200 Sport Package.

Update: Official press release added.

Click here to read more news on the BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo.

2010 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo:

Press Release:

BMW ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR THE 2010 BMW 550i GRAN TURISMO

The 550i Gran Turismo arrives in showrooms with an MSRP of $64,725.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, November 18, 2009… BMW today announced pricing for the first of its 5 Series Gran Turismo models to reach US shores. The 550i Gran Turismo will be available beginning December 5, 2009 with a base MSRP of $64,725, including $825 Destination & Handling.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is a new interpretation of a classic concept offering, in this case, luxury seating for four or five in combination with remarkably flexible storage options. 550i Gran Turismo will combine the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with BMW’s first-ever 8-speed automatic transmission. With maximum output of 400 horsepower and peak torque of 450 lb-ft., the 550i Gran Turismo will accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds.

The 550i Gran Turismo provides a luxurious travelling experience for five. The available Luxury Rear Seating Package creates the ultimate first class environment for two rear passengers. The unique dual-access tailgate offers the choice of a tradition trunk opening or full tailgate access to the generous rear luggage area.

A full list of options and packages may be found below.

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo Available Packages:
* Active Ventilated-seat Package $2,950
* Back-up Camera Package $750
* Convenience Package $1,900
* Cold Weather Package $950
* Driver Assistance Package $1,350
* Luxury Rear Seating Package $3,950
* Premium Sound Package $1,400
* Sport Package $4,200
* Nappa Leather Package $1,000

2010 BMW 550i Gran Turismo optional equipment:
* 20-inch wheels with mixed-sized
performance tires $1,000
* Power rear side window shades $500
* Integral Active Steering $1,750
* Multi-contour seats $1,300
* Satellite radio $350
* Rear seat entertainment system $2,200
* Smartphone integration $150
* 4-zone automatic climate control $500
* Ceramic finished controls $650
* Ski bag $150
* iPod and USB adapter $400
* Head-up display $1,300
* Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection $2,600

- By: Omar Rana

Source: BMW (via BimmerFile)

Our favorite segment during the premier of Top Gear season 14 was watching James May being driven by The Stig in the 2009 BMW 760Li as he raced the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG. You can check out the clip after the jump.

Refresher:

2009 BMW 760Li: 6.0L turbocharged V12 making 535-hp and 550 lb-ft of torque. Mated to an 8-speed automatic, 0-60 mph comes in just 4.5seconds with a top speed of 160 mph.
2009 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG: 6.2L V8 producing 518-hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed automatic and assists with a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 150 mph.

Click through for the video.

- By: Omar Rana

The launch of the next-generation BMW X3 SUV has been delayed to encourage buyers to custom order the crossover according to their specifications. According to the CEO of BMW North America, Jim O’Donnell, the move will allow BMW to offer up to four engine choices at launch, making a lower-priced version available from the beginning. The current BMW X3 is only available with an all-wheel-drive model that starts at $39,575.

The delay means that the next-generation X3 won’t hit U.S. showrooms until mid-2011, six months after the model goes on sale in Europe.

Production of the BMW X3 will be moved from Magna Steyr in Austria to BMW’s Spartanburg, S.C., factory.

O’Donnell says that lower-priced versions could offer a 4-cylinder gasoline and a diesel variant. He said that a final decision will be made by the end of this year.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoWeek

If you want one of the most powerful hybrids in the world, get ready to cash out close to $90,000. BMW has announced the price tag of the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6, which will start at $89,725, including the $875 destination and delivery charge.

The 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 is powered by a reworked version of the 4.4L twin-turbocharged V8 from the xDrive50i that now produces 400-hp and a peak torque of 450 lb-ft. BMW also took out the starter, alternator, or belt drive for the air-conditioning compressor. The dual-circuit cooling system has been modified for all-electric operation. The engine is then mated to electric-motors that have an output of 91-hp and 86-hp respectively, with a peak torque values of 192 lb-ft and 206 lb-ft.

Combined, the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 produces a total of 480-hp with a maximum torque of 575 lb-ft. Mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, 0 to 60 mph comes in just 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. The ActiveHybrid X6 is BMW’s first full-hybrid vehicle that can run exclusively on electric-power at speeds of up to 37 mph. The combustion engine is activated automatically when required. Overall, fuel-economy is improved by roughly 20 percent.

Sales of the 2010 ActiveHybrid X6 will begin later this year.

Click here for more news on the BMW ActiveHybrid X6.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6:

Press Release:

BMW ActiveHybrid X6.

BMW ANNOUNCES PRICING FOR THE 2010 BMW ACTIVEHYBRID X6

At $89,725 the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 arrives just in time for the holidays.

Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, November 18, 2009… The BMW ActiveHybrid X6 will arrive in US showrooms right on the heels of its North American debut at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The one-of-a-kind Sports Active Coupe featuring two-model hybrid technology will be available beginning December 5, 2009 with a base MSRP of $89,725, including destination and handling.

In addition to BMW’s interpretation of two-mode hybrid technology, mated to the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 the price includes a number of standard features which are optional on the X6 xDrive50i. These include a unique 7-speed automatic transmission, Extended Nappa leather (including the dashboard and center console), 20-inch Aero Wheels with mixed-sized performance tires, Rearview camera with Top View and Head-up display.

The full list of additional standard features is included below. In addition to the very extensive list of standard equipment, there are a handful of options to tailor the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 to individual tastes. These are also listed below.

BMW’s first-ever hybrid represents another important element of the company’s ongoing EfficientDynamics strategy.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 additional US standard over US X6 xDrive50i
* 7-speed automatic transmission
* Extended Nappa leather seats including dashboard and center console
* 20-inch Aero wheels with mixed-sized performance tires
* Rear view camera with Top View
* Head-up Display
* BMW Assist with Bluetooth phone connectivity
* Power tailgate
* Premium sound system
* 6-disc DVD Changer
* iPod and USB adapter
* Universal garage-door opener
* Comfort Access
* Soft-close doors
* 4-zone climate control
* Heated front seats
* Auto-dimmer rearview mirrors
* Digital compass mirror
* Anthracite headliner
* Ambiance lighting
* Privacy glass
* Running boards
* Storage package

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 optional equipment:
* Active ventilating seat package $1,100
* Cold Weather Package $900
* Rear side window shades $300
* Sport seats N/C
* Automatic high-beams $250
* Satellite radio $350
* Rear seat entertainment system $1,700
* Smartphone integration $150
* Enhanced premium sound system $700
* 19-inch wheels with all-season tires N/C

Until BMW unveils the new M5 sedan, we’ll have to do with some aftermarket customizations to the current M5. The folks at Lumma Design teamed up with G-Power to produce their latest creation – the CLR 730 RS.

Power comes from a 730-hp V10 twin-turbocharged engine taken from G-Power that allows the CLR 730 RS to go from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds with a top speed of 228 mph.

The LUMMA Bodykit for the CLR 730 RS consist of a hood, a trunk lid with integrated tearing edge, mirror caps, door handles, entrance strips and fenders – all made of carbon fiber.

You can learn all about it in the press release after the jump along with the high-res image gallery.

Lumma Design CLR 730 RS:

Press Release:

With a unique combination of High Tech engineering and an innovative, solely for maximum power constructed design, LUMMA Design introduces, in cooperation with G-Power, one of the fastest limousine worldwide. Do you need a true-bred sports car for a spectacular appearance? By no means! With this unique sports limousine CLR 730 RS LUMMA Design, basic vehicle BMW M5 E60, benches many sport cars. Ten cylinders, bi compressor engine, 730 hp and 700 Nm. Is there any room for improvement? Definitely not! The new LCR 730 RS from LUMMA Design is a commitment to racing. But also concerning style and luxury the CLR 730 RS goes strong.

Aerodynamics is of elementary importance to get a more then 360 km/h maximum speed. The body of the BMW M5 is improved with ultra light but extremely compact carbon components. The LUMMA Bodykit “CLR 730 RS” consist of a hood, a trunk lid with integrated tearing edge, mirror caps, door handles, entrance strips and fenders – all made of carbon.

The LUMMA chassis brings true racing technology on the street. The sport suspension is multiple adjustable on both axles in bound and rebound and lowering the car up to 45 mm.

Extra light and forged wheels were produced for the ultra broad track. On the front axle are LUMMA Racing rims in 10×21″ with tires size 255/30-21, on the rear axle 12Jx21 with tires from Michelin size 295/25-21. The wheelwork is three piece crafted, the rim star is forged, and dull black anodized and has stainless steel outer rims.

Because of the combination of lightweight, enormous engine power and innovative aerodynamics the LUMMA CLR 730 RS from Winterlingen achieves acceleration times which were so far only subject to true race cars. The 730 hp V10 bi-compressor engine obstructed from G-power is the most powerful engine that has ever been obstructed into a road-legal BMW. Off the top off one’s head the car catapults itself within 4.2 seconds up to speed 100. After 10 seconds the sport limousine has already doubled the speed. After 29.5 seconds the car achieves 300 km/h. Top speed is at 367,4 km/h. This power explosion is traced back to the core of the G-Power compressor system, the ASA radial compressor. Also used is a LUMMA sport exhaust system with 100 cells racing catalysts and 105 mm end pipes made of stainless steel and engraved LUMMA logo.

Of course LUMMA Design does not count on the original brake system. Also at this the best just isn’t good enough. LUMMA Design obstructed a 6-pistons (rear axle 4-pistons) brake system, which affects on the front- and rear axle on a drilled brake disc dimension 405 mm (380 mm).

The cockpit of the CLR 730 RS unites a pure racing look in a combination of carbon, leather and Ultra suede with the comfort that is nowadays expected from a luxury sport car. The comfort features are: a bicolor complete leather interior in red/white with stitched diamond patterns and white fancy seems. The Ultra suede improvement includes the dashboard, the seat consoles and the coverages. All panels on the dashboard and the center console, the transmission control, the steering wheel, the hand brake lever and the backside of the sport seats are beautified with carbon. Finally everything is completed by suede car mats edged with leather, a trunk mat and sporty aluminum pedals and a footrest.

- By: Kap Shah

Over the next decade, we can expect to see four-cylinder turbo diesel engine BMW’s in North America, according to Inside Line.

Tom Baloga, VP of engineering for BMW of North America, to Inside Line that “You’re going to see it of course in the 3 Series, and the 5 Series is a good possibility. If the performance [of such an engine] is sufficient in the X3, U.S. customers would likely accept it in the X5 as well.”

He said that the 4-cylinder diesel engines will carry a 2.0L displacement.

BMW does not plan however, to make a bargain vehicle with this engine. “This engine needs to match the acoustic qualities of a 6-cylinder, and it needs to match the performance, as well as performing better in terms of fuel economy and emissions.” said Baloga.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Inside Line

BMW has just released a short trailer teasing the new 2011 5-Series sedan. The trailer features the kinetic sculpture from the BMW Museum to create the silhouette of the upcoming redesigned 5-series sedan.

The 2011 BMW 5-Series sedan will make its official debut on Nov. 23 via Live-Stream from the unveiling ceremony.

Follow the jump for the trailer.

- By: Omar Rana

Here is something to really spice up your Monday morning. BMW has just released two videos of the new 2011 BMW M3 GTS tearing up the track.

BMW has said that the BMW M3 GTS will launch in Germany in spring 2010 – there are no plans to bring the car to the North American market.

Click here to read our original post on the 2011 BMW M3 GTS.

Make sure you check out the egmCarTech’s Videos section for more car videos.

Refresher: Weighing in at 3,285 pounds (the standard BMW M3 coupe weighs 3,704 pounds), the 2011 BMW M3 GTS is powered by a 4.4L V8 making 450-hp. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a 7-speed M DKG Drivelogic gearbox.

Click through for the two videos.

2011 BMW M3 GTS:

2011 BMW M3 GTS in Action – Part 1:

2011 BMW M3 GTS in Action – Part 2:

2011 BMW M3 GTS:

- By: Omar Rana

Now that BMW has released the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 and the BMW ActiveHybrid 7, what’s next for the German automaker’s hybrid lineup? According to the BMW ActiveHybrid X6’s project leader Peter Tuennermann, BMW’s third hybrid option will debut within the next 12 months.

He told AutoCar that “volume models like the 3-, 5- and 7-series are clearly more suited towards a mild hybrid set-up on the basis of their packaging and broad appeal.”

Based on some previous rumors we’ve heard, we’re putting our money on an ActiveHybrid 5 as BMW’s third hybrid model.

As for doing a diesel-electric hybrid, Tuennermann said that BMW is looking “at mating diesel engines with electric drive.” He said the main obstacle that remains is what layout best benefits the consumer.

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

We’ve previously heard that Rolls-Royce is working on an electric version of the Phantom. Well, before the electric Phantom hits the streets, Roll-Royce will put out a hybrid version of the new Ghost. According to AutoCar, the Rolls-Royce Ghost will share its green-technology with the new BMW ActiveHybrid 7.

Engineering the Ghost hybrid will be fairly straightforward since the F01 7-Series and the Ghost share the same rear-wheel-drive platform. Joining the Ghost’s 563-hp 6.2L V12 will be a new electric-motor with a mild hybrid application. No electric-only driving will be possible. The hybrid Ghost will also feature automatic start-stop technology that will save fuel in the future. The 20kW/155 lb-ft electric-motor will sit between the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission.

Fuel consumption on the hybrid Ghost should be 15 percent better than its standard model, which manages an estimated fuel-economy of 17 mpg.

Click here for more news on the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

Let’s try this once again with some high-res photos. Yesterday, we saw a little preview of the new 2011 BMW M3 GTS – a lightweight yet hardcore version of the M3 that is tuned for the track but is also street-legal. BMW has finally dropped some high-res photos for our viewing pleasure along with a full press release that includes all the details.

The model will launch in Germany in spring 2010 but BMW has no plans to offer it in the North American market.

Refresher: Weighing in at 3,285 pounds (the standard BMW M3 coupe weighs 3,704 pounds), the 2011 BMW M3 GTS is powered by a 4.4L V8 making 450-hp. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a 7-speed M DKG Drivelogic gearbox.

Click through for the press release and the high-res gallery.

2011 BMW M3 GTS:

Press Release:

Ready to Go – also on the Road: The BMW M3 GTS.

Information from editor: *Information only; This model is not currently planned for the North American market.

Munich. BMW M GmbH now offers a truly outstanding performer based on the BMW M3 Coupé also ideal for Clubsport events – exactly the right car for the truly discerning customer demanding the very utmost in terms of power and performance. The BMW M3 GTS is largely hand-built by the most skilled craftsmen at BMW M GmbH as a perfectly harmonised package of outstanding modifications, with production exclusively to the customer’s personal order. Focused on motorsport, the modifications comprise both the drivetrain, the suspension and the body of the car, as well as its interior. Market launch of the BMW M3 GTS will be in spring 2010.

Offering this truly exclusive model for the genuine motorsport enthusiast, BMW M GmbH is continuing a great tradition introduced on former generations of the BMW M3. Once again, the outstanding sports potential of the BMW M3 is being consistently enhanced and upgraded to an even higher level, the customer benefiting from the Company’s wide range of know-how in the development and production of racing cars. Through its race-oriented modifications enhancing both performance and safety, the BMW M3 GTS is ready to go in Clubsport events on the track and comes with the option for homologation on the road. So that the driver is able to make his way to the race track in the very same car he will use for racing.

Consistent lightweight technology.

Consistent lightweight construction, adjustable aerodynamic units, an increase in engine size and output on the V8 high-speed power unit and suspension technology meeting all the requirements of motorsport – all this gives the BMW M3 GTS a top position among high-performance cars built for Clubsport racing. Unladen weight according to the DIN standard is less than 1,500 kg (3,300 lb), the lightweight body comes with special mounts for six-point seat belts and a rollcage fitted behind the B-pillar.

Through its design and construction, the materials used and its special equipment, the BMW M3 GTS is a lightweight performer all the way, offering a genuine motorsport driving experience in every respect. In addition to the carbon fibre roof already featured as standard on the BMW M3, weight is consistently optimised by features such as silencers made of titanium, the extra-light centre console and door linings, the omission of rear seats, automatic air conditioning and an audio system, as well as sound insulation tailored specifically to this very special model.

V8 high-speed power unit: derived from motorsport, optimised for motorsport.

The eight-cylinder power unit of the BMW M3 GTS enlarged in size to 4.4 litres and boosted in output to some 450 hp boasts construction principles and technical details carried over directly from motorsport. A supreme surge of ongoing power throughout a wide range of engine speed characterises the outstanding performance of the V8 with its high-speed concept. The features typical of a motorsport engine include the crankcase made of a special aluminium-silicon alloy and constructed in bedplate design, individual throttle butterflies, anti-knock sensors with ion flow technology, and, wet sump oil supply optimised for supreme driving dynamics.

Seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic with race-bred gearshift.

Power is transmitted in the BMW M3 GTS by the M double-clutch gearbox with Drivelogic also available as an option on the regular production model. This seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic gearbox follows a principle also developed for motorsport, shifting gears without the slightest interruption of engine power. The transmission was developed specifically for a particularly powerful high-speed engine and offers ideal qualities for truly dynamic acceleration at all times. The gearshift characteristics on the seven-speed M DKG Drivelogic have been tailored specifically to the modified power unit of the BMW M3 GTS and the driver is able to shift gears both through the selector lever on the centre console and through special M shift paddles on the steering wheel.

High-performance suspension with purpose-built brakes.

To convey the supreme power of the engine to the road in equally supreme style even under the most extreme conditions, the BMW M3 GTS comes with suspension technology likewise derived from the highest realms of motorsport. While the suspension is based on the front and rear axle of the BMW M3 Coupé, the rear axle subframe is bolted firmly in position and the suspension features adjustment threads on the dampers for individual variation of the inbound and rebound strokes.

The high-performance brake system of the BMW M3 GTS features fixed callipers with six pistons up front and four pistons on the rear wheels. The race-oriented set-up of DSC Dynamic Stability Control naturally considers the supreme dynamic potential of the BMW M3 GTS. Different-sized tyres front and rear running on 19-inch M light-alloy Competition rims in double-spoke design ensure optimum transmission of acceleration and brake forces to the road.

Aerodynamics: optimised components with variable geometry.

To optimise the flow of air and adjust the car’s downforce as required, the BMW M3 GTS comes with a race-oriented front air dam and rear wing. This allows appropriate adjustment of the car’s aerodynamic qualities in motorsport and for other purposes, tailored to the specific profile of the respective track. The air guidance units on the front air dam, for example, may be varied in their geometry, just like the position of the rear wing based on the wing already featured on the BMW 320si raced in the WTCC World Touring Car Championship.

Exterior features such as the BMW kidney grille and the gills at the side finished in chrome on the regular BMW M3 come in special dark eloxy-plated chrome on the BMW M3 GTS.

Special interior for supreme performance and safety.

The interior of the BMW M3 GTS clearly reflects the focus on supreme performance and safety on the race track. The interior features include classic bucket seats, interior trim in carbon and an M steering wheel finished in alcantara. The door and side panels at the rear also come in alcantara, while six-point seat belts delivered with the car for subsequent use, a fire extinguisher and preparation for an emergency-off switch in motorsport round off the wide range of special features inside the car.

- By: Kap Shah

If you were one of the many enthusiasts that were disappointed when BMW said it won’t be doing an CSL version of the new BMW M3 – you’re in for a treat. Meet the new 2011 BMW M3 GTS, a track-focused hardcore BMW M3 that is also road legal. The limited edition M3 GTS comes with a bunch of weight-saving applications and a beefier V8 engine.

To save some weight BMW dropped the air-conditioning, navigation, rear seats and radio system. With the use of some other lightweight parts total weight of the 2011 BMW M3 GTS comes in at 3,285 pounds – compared to the standard 3,704 pound BMW M3.

Power comes from a 4.4L V8 engine making around 450-hp. It is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with steering-wheel mounted paddle shifters. Stopping power comes from an upgraded braking system with 6-pistons at the front and 4-pistons at the back. We’re still waiting on official performance figures from BMW.

BMW says that it is planning to top the lap time of the previous BMW M3 CSL at the Nurburgring with the new M3 GTS. Pricing is expected to start around €115,000 ($170,000 USD). First units will be delivered in May 2010.

2011 BMW M3 GTS:

- By: Kap Shah

Source: BMW

After driving the BMW 135i, we always wondered if BMW would do an M version of the 1-Series. According to sources that spoke with AutoCar, BMW is looking at a new M model that would fit below the M3 based on the next-generation 1-Series.

“We’re conscious that our existing customers are gravitating towards larger and more expensive models such as the X5/X6 M,” an M division source told the UK publication. “We’re looking at ways to attract new customers to the brand, and an entry-level model is part of those plans.”

BMW M division’s head Kay Segler is a huge supporter of the car, that could have a starting price of around £32,000 ($47,128 USD).

The source said that while a competitor to Mercedes-Benz SLS and the Audi R8 would be greatly appreciated by the M engineers, the priority right now is to “offer a more affordable model underneath the M3.”

The car is likely to be based on the next-generation 135i and BMW may revive the M1 badge for the car.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: AutoCar

According to a BMW spokesman, the automaker has teamed up with carbon fiber specialist SGL Group to produce lightweight parts for its MegaCity electric vehicle from its Project i department.  The spokesman told AutoCar that two plants will be built in Germany and North America to produce carbon fiber parts on a “large scale” for the first time.

“We will enter into a new dimension in the use of carbon-fiber reinforced plastics, both in terms of volume per car and in vehicle numbers,” the spokesman said.

The companies are reportedly investing 230 million euros ($339 million USD) in total.

The MegaCity vehicles will compete with Daimler’s Smart division with a range of fuel-efficient urban vehicles.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoCar