For the Clubsports impressive power upgrade, Manhart swapped the stock 4.0-liter V8 out for the X5 and X6’s 4.4-liter V8. An upgraded set of turbos, bigger intercooler and full titanium exhaust were then added that include two racing cats, as well. The X6M oil cooler was added, and reinforced pistons and rods round out the mods. The end result is an awesome 740hp and 671 lb-ft of torque, an equally awesome 0-62mph time of 3.2 seconds, and a top speed that passes 217mph.

Power is sent to the wheels with a 6-speed M Sport automatic transmission, also from the X6M, along with an E60 M5 locking differential. Threaded coilovers have been added to improve the suspension. Stopping power has been upgraded to handle the power with 6 piston fixed calipers and 396x34mm discs up front and 4-piston calipers with 380x32mm discs at the rear.

Click here for more news on the BMW M3.

If the power upgrades aren’t enough, Manhart made a visual statement as well, with the body fitted with a full carbon fiber kit. The kit includes hood, front lower spoiler, side skirts, wheel arch extensions, luggage lid, a rear diffuser, and adjustable rear wing. The side mirrors have also been wrapped in carbon fiber, along with the engine cover. A set of lightweight Concave One “Black Edition” wheels sized 9×20 up front and 12×20-inchs in the rear come wrapped in Continental Sport Contact 5 high performance tires.

On the inside, the BMW has been fitted with a Wiechers roll cage, full-shell carbon fiber seats, and a racing display in the middle console that shows G-forces, best Vmax values, measured acceleration, and pending charge pressure.

Manharts tune is nothing shy of great, all around. This is a serious machine built ready for the competition.

- By: Alexandra Koken

All of the editors over at CARandDRIVER have sat down and chosen their top 10 cars for 2012 that are available for sale in the United States.

As always, the cars on the list don’t have to be the newest, and they don’t have to be expensive as nothing over $80,000 is even allowed to make the cut.

Audi, Ford and Honda all had two models that made the list.

So who made the list this year?

CARandDRIVER 2012 10Best Cars:

• Audi A6/A7.
• BMW 3-Series / M3.
• Cadillac CTS-V.
• Ford Focus.
• Ford Mustang / Boss 302.
• Honda Accord.
• Honda Fit.
• Mazda MX-5 Miata.
• Porsche Boxster / Cayman.
• Volkswagen Golf / GTI.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER

BMW of North America has announced that it is ‘modestly’ increasing prices on its vehicles starting Jan. 1, 2012. All BMW vehicles (except the 7-Series) now see a less than one percent increase. The reason? BMW says that”tough economic times a careful balance was attained between the competitive situation, inflationary conditions, and market realities.”

The destination and handling charges for all models will be bumped up to $895 on Jan. 1 as well.

Check out the full pricing list after the jump.

- By: Omar Rana

The Essen Motor Show is Europe’s take on Sema, and will be held from November 26th through December 4th. BMW has decided to participate via its BMW Performance and BMW M Performance divisions.

Models that will be in Essen include the 1 Series, 3 Series, X5, X6, X5 M, and X6 M, factory tuned.

No further details on the tuner kits yet, but more will be released before the end of the month. As BMW’s first appearance at a tuner show, we’re expecting them to make a memorable entrance.

- By: Alexandra Koken

Like the current model, the next-generation BMW M3 will be offered in at least three body variants including a sedan, coupe and convertible. While design changes are inevitable, changes under the hood will be the most major change.

Click here for more news on the BMW M3.

Sources suggest that the next BMW M3 will drop its V8 engine for a twin-turbo V6 unit developing somewhere north of 420-hp.

Either way, we’ll find out more details next year.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Iacoski.com

What does the $81,060 price tag get you? Each BMW M3 Competition Edition Frozen Silver gets the brand’s Individual Frozen Silver Metallic exterior color, with black hood intakes and dark chrome exterior trim, including the kidney grills, the M side gills and the exhaust tips. The interior features black Extended Novillo Leather with palladium silver accents and palladium silver-contrast stitching on front seats, headrests, door trim panels / handles, center console, and center armrest. The inside also gets an Alcantara-covered multi-function M steering wheel with an M3 Checkered Flag logo. Open the doors and you’re welcome by the M3 Checkered Flag logo while the handbrake lever sports an embroidered M Power logo. You’ll also find carbon fiber trims the dash and center console.

Click here for more news on the BMW M3.

Power still comes from the M3′s 4.0 liter V8 making 414-hp, which is mated with the M Double Clutch Transmission (M DCT), lowering the 0 to 60 mph time of the M3 to 4.5 seconds from 4.7.

The 2012 BMW Competition Edition M3 ride height is lowered by 10mm and includes M3 GTS 19-inch wheels in black.

- By: Omar Rana

BMW is known for staying ahead of the curve in technological advancements, and rumors have been flying for months about the brand working on improvements for forced induction. Reports have just been released that BMW has put a patent on an electronic turbo charger.

Turbos are a fairly common choice for automakers as a good way to get big power out of small motors. Running off exhaust gases, the turbo forces a greater amount of air through the motor, causing a more rapid combustion rate, which equates to more power. The ongoing problem with turbos is what is known as turbo lag. Smaller-sized turbos react quickly but don’t hold on the top end, while a larger one will hold up at higher rpms, but doesn’t have the same rapid response as the the smaller size. That slow reaction is known as turbo lag.

The way BMW has seemed to resolve this issue is with its electronic turbo charger, which uses a set of clutches that either engage or release, independently or together, at the proper time to give out the most amount of power. For example, stepping on the gas pedal engages the first clutch, causing the turbo to spool right away.

As you continue to speed up, the first clutch will disengage, allowing the second to close and provide power until the motor is maxed out, in which case both clutches release. At this point, the electric motor recharges its battery as an alternator would, while it is not in use. This replaces the function of a wastegate by simultaneously regulating how quickly the turbo spins, making the wastegate a now unnecessary component.

This awesome technology could be solving a problem that has existed as long as the turbocharger itself has. BMW is continually impressive in its advancements, but this one is the most exciting I’ve encountered, overall, in a while. Could this make it under the hood of the next M3?

Photo Renderings: 2014 BMW M3 Sedan:

- By: Alexandra Koken

Source: F30Post

The 3 Series has a long standing history in the BMW brand. Back in 1975, the German automaker introduced the E21 3 series, which replaced the 2 series and ever since the model has become volume seller for the Munich based automaker. So when we heard reports that the next-generation BMW 3 Series Coupe will drop the 3 for a number 4 – we were a bit surprised.

First time at egmCarTech? Visit our home page for the latest news.

Curious as to where these reports started, we decided to contact BMW.

Click here for our original post on the 2012 BMW 3 Series.

Over the last three generation of the 3 Series, the coupe variant has followed the sedan by about a year and the same is expected to happen with the new model. That means the new 2012 BMW 3 Series Sedan, which goes on sale in February 2012, will be followed by the coupe sometime in the first half of 2013.

So will it be called the 4 Series instead of the 3 Series Coupe? According to BMW Product, Technology & Heritage Communications at BMW of North America, LLC, Dave Buchko “We’ve seen nothing official to suggest that a Coupe would be called anything but 3 Series.”

Click here for more news on the BMW 3-Series.

So all those reports you’ve been hearing about the next 3 Series Coupe to be called the 4 Series – throw those out of your mind.

As far as rumors about the BMW M3 Sedan being canned, Buchko says: “We have no details on a next generation of M3 at this stage, but a lot of folks are having fun speculating.”

- By: Omar Rana

It’s been less then a week since the 2012 BMW 3 Series made its world debut and already photo rendering artists are dreaming of the next-generation BMW M3 Sedan.

The BMW M3 Sedan, when it made its comeback with the last generation model, became one of our favorite M3 models ever. However, it’s been previously reported that BMW is thinking against even doing a sedan M3 variant with the new generation model.

Click here for our original post on the 2012 BMW 3 Series.

The 2012 BMW 3 Series sedan will be followed by the coupe and convertible models in 2013. The BMW M3 Coupe will follow in 2014 and that in turn will be followed by the M3 Sedan – that is if BMW has made up its mind.

What are your thoughts? Would you like to see the BMW M3 sedan live on or not? Let us know in the comments section or cast your vote in the poll below.

Check out the updated high-res gallery above and visit our Facebook page for other pictures of the 2012 BMW 3 Series.

Photo Renderings: 2014 BMW M3 Sedan:

Refresher: The 2012 BMW 3 Series three trim levels including Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line – of course, an M Sport Package will follow. The 2012 BMW 328i is powered by a 2.0 liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240-hp at 5,000 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque between 1,250 and 4,800 rpm. That allows 0 to 60 mph to come in just 5.7 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (155 mph with Sport Line package). Power for the 2012 BMW 335i comes from the same N55 3.0 liter 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine making 300-hp at 5,800 rpm with a maximum torque of 300 lb-ft between 1,200 rpm and 5,000 rpm. 0 to 60 mph comes in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph (and 155 mph with Sport Line package).

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Dan Buzdugan, Theophilus Chin

Dubbed the G-Power BMW M3 Tornado RS, this kit will certainly turn the heads of power junkies. An SK III “Sporty Drive” supercharger boosts up the V8’s horses to 710-hp at 516 lb-ft of torque. With a healthy top speed at over 205-mph, the 0-62 mph mark is hit in 3.7 seconds at 124-mph.

Click here for more news on the BMW M3.

So it basically takes the BMW M3 to the next level – but how much does it cost?

The SK III ‘Sporty Drive’ Supercharger System is priced at $47,700 not including installation or the M3.

- By: Alexandra Koken

For many months now, we’ve heard rumors that BMW will no longer build the M3 sedan after the current product cycle – however, new rumors suggest otherwise. Word has it that the BMW M3 sedan will carry on and it may be the only M3 offered altogether.

Wait? What did we just say? What about the M3 Coupe and M3 Convertible? Apparently, BMW is adopting a new naming strategy where all the coupe and convertible models will get even numbers and all the sedans will keep their current odd numbers (1, 3, 5 and 7 Series).

That mean the next BMW M3 Coupe and BMW M3 Convertible will be known as the BMW M4.

Whatever the case may be, we know that BMW will never retire the legendary M3 nameplate.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: BimmerFile

Rumors have been floating around the next generation M3, saying that it will ditch its current 4.0L V8 in favor of a force induced six-cylinder to keep up with the times of engine downsizing and increasing fuel economy. Now though, apparently a BMW insider has allegedly confirmed that the new M3 will be losing two cylinders for its next generation.

The insider said that the new BMW M3 will reach the UK markets by 2014 in coupe form with a twin-turbocharged 3.0L six-cylinder that’s currently under development by BMW’s M-Division.

Click here for more news on the BMW M3.

The same engine is said to also be the replacement for the next BMW 1-Series M-Coupe. BMW’s insider described the engine as being “heavily differentiated from the current six-cylinders offered by BMW, which include the twin-turbocharged N54 and twin-scroll turbocharged N55 3.0L straight-sixes.”

Some of these differentiations include a new engine management system, indution system, cylinder head, pistons and connecting rods. So basically, it’s a completely new engine.
Word is that despite the downsize, the new six-cylinder could be more powerful than the outgoing 414hp V8. At the press event unveiling the new E90 M3 Sedan CRT, BMW hinted at a figure that will be in the ballpark of 450hp.

The old rumor though said that the new M3 may have a V6. Could this way of hinting at an all-new engine for the M3 be BMW’s way of telling us this is true? Could BMW be slowly phasing out its traditional, more expensive straight sixes in favor of cheaper, more run-of-the-mill V6s like Mercedes-Benz has? Let us hope not. BMW is one of the very few makers who still features straight-sixes.

BMW M3 CRT:

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoCar

Hey BMW fans! You’ll love this! A member of one of the largest online enthusiast communities for the BMW 1-Series decided to record a video of himself driving his latest acquisition—a brand spankin’ new BMW 1-Series M Coupe – around the world’s most difficult racetrack against a previous generation E46 M3 CSL.

The E46 M3 CSL seen in the video racing against the poster’s 1-Series M-Coupe was equipped with a roll cage, a set of Pilot Sport Cup tires on 18-inch wheels, upgraded coil-over suspension, larger brakes, race seats and harnesses, and a Titan exhaust with racing catalytic converters.

Click here for more news on the BMW 1-Series M Coupe.

The 1-Series M-Coupe on the other hand was bone stock. And the results are as follows: the M3 CSL lapped the Nurburgring at 7:50 where as the BMW 1-Series M-Coupe rang in at 8:15.

This is by no means an official race and was completed by two hardcore BMW enthusiasts who also happen to have some real racing time under their belt. Either way, it’s still a fun video and makes us wish that we had the ability to find a free day on the weekend to race our car around the Nurburgring.

Click here for our review of the BMW 1-Series M Coupe.

Refresher: The 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe is powered by a 3.0L inline 6-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine making 335-hp and a maximum torque of 332 lb-ft. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe goes from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds (0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds) with a top speed of 155 mph.Prices start at $47,010.

First Drive: 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe:

All Photos Copyright © Omar Rana – egmCarTech.

First Drive: 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe:

- By: Chris Chin

Source: 1Addicts

Tiff Needell and Vicki Butler Henderson of Fifth Gear have taken two of the most extreme BMWs and Porsches out on the track for a head-on-head comparison – it’s the BMW M3 GTS meets the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. If you’re not already watching the video after the jump, then we’re not sure what you’re doing in life.

Refresher:

• BMW M3 GTS: The BMW M3 GTS weighs in at 3,285 pounds (the standard BMW M3 coupe weighs 3,704 pounds), and is powered by a a 4.4L V8 making 450-hp. Power is transmitted to the wheels through a 7-speed M DKG Drivelogic gearbox.
• Porsche 911 GT3 RS: Power for the 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 comes from a naturally aspirated 4.0L flat 6-cylinder engine making 500-hp at 8,250 rpm with a maximum torque of 339 lb-ft at 5,750 rpm. Mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 193 mph. 0 to 124 mph comes in just under 12 seconds. Only 600 units of the special-edition model will be built with prices starting at $185,000.

2011 BMW M3 GTS:

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0:

2011 BMW M3 GTS:

2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0:

- By: Omar Rana

BMW has just gotten around to officially unveiling the latest M3 DTM Concept Car for the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters competitions.

“It is good to see how our DTM project is picking up speed,” said Dr. Klaus Draeger, the individual responsible for the M3 DTM Concept Car and a member for BMW AG’s Board of Management. ”Next year, BMW returns to the DTM after two decades. We will be facing our main competitors in the premium sector – and are already looking forward to this challenge. The DTM comeback sees BMW return to its roots. We have enjoyed great success in production car racing in the past, and I am convinced we will follow on in 2012 where we left off. Everyone at BMW Motorsport is working hard to ensure we get off to a successful start next season.”

Click here for more news on the BMW M3.

Powered by a 480-hp V8, the M3 DTM can accelerate from 0-60 in about three seconds and onto a top speed of 186mph.

Three BMW teams are destined to be equipped with the latest M3 DTM car: BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG.

BMW M3 DTM Concept:

Press Release:

Munich, 15th July 2011. Just two weeks after the official roll-out of the new racing car for the 2012 DTM season, BMW presented the BMW M3 DTM Concept Car. Dr. Klaus Draeger, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for development, and BMW Motorsport Director Jens Marquardt unveiled the car on Friday evening in the Double Cone building at Munich’s BMW Welt. As part of the DTM event in the Olympic Stadium, the BMW M3 DTM Concept Car will be on show to motorsport fans and visitors to BMW Welt at the weekend.

The car offers an initial impression of what the BMW M3 DTM will look like when it lines up at the start of the 2012 season. However, the vehicle was not the only star of the evening at BMW Welt: BMW Motorsport also presented the first two drivers to be confirmed as wearing the company colours in the DTM as of next season – Andy Priaulx (GB) and Augusto Farfus (BR). Furthermore, the first partners of BMW Motorsport for 2012 were introduced.

“It is good to see how our DTM project is picking up speed,” said Dr. Draeger. ”Next year, BMW returns to the DTM after two decades. We will be facing our main competitors in the premium sector – and are already looking forward to this challenge. The DTM comeback sees BMW return to its roots. We have enjoyed great success in production car racing in the past, and I am convinced we will follow on in 2012 where we left off. Everyone at BMW Motorsport is working hard to ensure we get off to a successful start next season.”

Marquardt added: “Getting a new racing programme up and running is a bit like doing a jigsaw. New pieces are added almost every day, and we must put them together to create the big picture. The BMW M3 DTM Concept Car is an important milestone on our route to the start of the 2012 season. The roll-out of the car was successful, and we are now starting our test programme out on the track. Drivers Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus are also involved and will form part of our driving line-up in 2012. Their impressive performances in touring car and GT racing make them ideally suited to the DTM, and we are sure they will leave their mark on this series too. It is obviously just as important to have strong partners on board, and we were able to present some of them today. The pieces are fitting together perfectly, so we can definitely say: our preparations for the 2012 season are going according to plan.”

Racing genes: the BMW M3 DTM.

When BMW returns to the DTM next season, it will also mark the comeback of a racing legend: between 1987 and 1992 the BMW M3 celebrated no less than 40 wins and over 150 podium finishes in this series. The BMW M3 DTM is based on the fourth generation of the most sporty production car to emerge from BMW M. BMW Motorsport has been developing the DTM version of the car since autumn last year, when the Board of Management of BMW AG announced the company’s return to the DTM.

The DTM regulations for the 2012 season stipulate all cars must use a certain number of standard components. This is to guarantee that development costs remain reasonable and are considerably lower than in other top motorsport categories. Despite this, the BMW Motorsport engineers have been able to call upon the immense technical resources of the BMW Group and apply their innovation to establish performance advantages over their rivals in areas such as engine and aerodynamics.

The result of this work is a spectacular racing car, which is set to thrill DTM fans. The powerful V8 engine equipped with the air restrictor as detailed in the technical regulations generates approximately 480 bhp. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in about three seconds and boasts a top speed of approx. 300 km/h.

Successful drivers from within the own ranks.

Priaulx and Farfus have been confirmed as the first drivers to take to the track with the BMW M3 DTM in the 2012 season and during the intense test phase. Both drivers arrive in the DTM with impressive wins and titles to their names. Priaulx won the 2004 European Touring Car Championship for BMW, and followed that up with three World Championship titles between 2005 and 2007. The racing driver from the Channel Island of Guernsey (GB) has also proven his class in GT racing, with victory at the 2005 Nürburgring 24 Hours (DE) and first in the GT class at this year’s 12-hour race at Sebring (US).

“The DTM will be a big challenge for us all,” said Priaulx. ”Together with BMW, I have celebrated success in many different disciplines and behind the wheel of some fantastic racing cars in recent years. I am more than confident that this will also be the case in the DTM. The BMW M3 DTM looks fantastic. I can hardly wait to get to know the car better in the coming tests, to contribute to its development, and ultimately to sit in the cockpit for the first DTM race in 2012.”

Farfus can also look back on a successful career with BMW. This is proven by 15 wins in the World Touring Car Championship, the triumph at the Nürburgring 24 Hours in 2010, and many more successful races in BMW racing cars: the Brazilian has all the essentials to be successful in the DTM. “I am delighted BMW is giving me the opportunity to race in the DTM,” said Farfus. “You always need new challenges in life. That is why I cannot wait for my debut in this series. The opposition is tough and has more experience in recent years, but BMW Motorsport is working fantastically to ensure we should be competitive right from the word go. We want to learn as quickly as possible. Who knows, maybe we can already challenge the established manufacturers a bit in 2012.”

Strong teams and strong partners.

Three teams will compete in next year’s DTM for BMW: BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG. The exact allocation of drivers to the three teams will be made at a later date. First, the teams are working hand in hand with BMW Motorsport to press ahead with the development of the BMW M3 DTM.

The first partners of BMW Motorsport in the DTM have also been confirmed. The international hotel brand Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, part of the InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), is continuing its cooperation with BMW as Premium Partner. Deutsche Post AG is also involved as a new Premium Partner.

“In order to succeed in the DTM, strong partners are as vital as strong teams, cars and drivers,” says Marquardt. “Even at this early stage BMW is in the fortunate position of having secured a raft of respected team sponsors and partners, all of whom perfectly complement the brand and identify totally with our ambitions. We are pleased that long-standing partners have also elected to remain with us. However, for us it is equally satisfying that additional top companies have decided to partner BMW’s DTM campaign and share in the challenges which face us.”

Janis Cannon, vice president global brand management, Crowne Plaza said: “Many BMW drivers tend to be the same people that check into our hotels around the world every day which is why it’s such a great brand fit for us. Our partnership with BMW is growing from strength to strength and is now in its fifth year. We wish the BMW team the best of luck on the track.”

Ingo Bohlken, Chief Marketing Officer BRIEF Deutsche Post AG, said: “The DTM has long been the German motor racing series, and thrills millions of fans, both live and on TV. Therefore for Deutsche Post it provides the ideal communications platform. As the world’s most popular touring car series, the DTM represents speed, dynamics and team spirit – all attributes that distinguish Deutsche Post. We welcome the return of BMW, and look forward to many exciting races.”

Castrol Edge will continue to be BMW Motorsport’s Premier Technical Partner in the DTM. “The combined effort with BMW in motorsport is an important component of our partnership,” said Martin Rasbach, BMW Partnership Manager Castrol Lubricants. “The knowledge gained by pushing products to the limit in motorsport enables Castrol to create the high performance lubricants used by millions of drivers everyday and demonstrates the power of building long term trust and value through shared technology and expertise.”

In addition, H&R, SONAX and ZF Sachs were introduced as Official Partners in Munich, Sympatex was presented as Official Supplier. The company logos will be visible on all cars used by BMW Motorsport.

Manfred Hoffmann, Managing Shareholder of SONAX GmbH and owner of the Hoffmann group, explained: “We are delighted that the SONAX brand will once again be present on the circuits used by the DTM. Above all we are pleased that BMW Motorsport’s comeback has provided us with this opportunity. We would like to thank our partner BMW, and wish the entire team a ‘bright’ start to the 2012 season.”

Dr. Peter Ottenbruch, ZF Friedrichshafen AG Board Member responsible for Technology, said: “For many years we have worked extremely closely with BMW, both on the company’s production cars and in motorsport. In international motor racing the DTM is a highly respected series, and we are very pleased to be able to continue our successful partnership with BMW Motorsport in this series.”

Hartwig von der Brake, Marketing Manager of H&R, said: “BMW and touring car racing were two concepts that were inseparable for me even when I was a teenager. At that time, I was a young fan following the action on the race track. Today I’m delighted that we have been able to get such a fantastic project off the ground with such a strong partner.”

“As a developer and supplier of high-tech functional fabrics, Sympatex unites top performance and the ecology,” said Michael Kamm, CEO of Sympatex Technologies GmbH. “We – like BMW Motorsport – place enormous value on the efficient and responsible combination of resources and optimum performance. We look forward to partnering and supporting BMW in the forthcoming season.”

- By: Chris Chin

Heat and weight are the two biggest enemies to cars. But while on the topic of the latter, weight is more of an enemy as cars grow bigger, retain a more comprehensive options list and more powerful power and drivetrains. That said, carbon fiber has been the automobile industry’s next best friend because of its light weight, yet strong construction. Carbon fiber however, is also the industry’s worst enemy for its high commanding manufacturing price.

As we’ve come to learn, as time progresses and technology advances, the more expensive inventions get cheaper and so far, carbon fiber has been around for quite some time now, which means its relatively cheaper. Hence, BMW AG announced that it will begin high-volume production of its carbon fiber parts around 2013-2014.

Around that time, BMW will begin production of their i3 electric city car, whose design is composed of many carbon fiber parts to save weight. When the BMW i3 goes into production, rumor says that around 30,000 of them will be produced. If this is a true statement, the i3 will be one of the world’s first mass-produced carbon-fiber intensive automobiles for a reasonable price.

“We have developed a very flexible production plan,” said Joerg Pohflman, BMW’s managing director involving prospects with carbon fiber. “We are prepared to manufacture many more cars if demand is higher than our conservative estimate.”

Part of this increase in carbon fiber comes thanks to BMW’s new manufacturing process, called resin transfer molding. This means that the carbon fiber fabric is placed in a mold where resin is directly injected under a high pressure and temperature chamber. Formerly, the parts required 20 minutes to make and the new process cuts that time by half because of automation. Thanks to these processes, money could be saved for BMW’s R&D for future models. Let’s just hope this “cost-cutting” doesn’t affect the build quality of their cars.

“For the M3, we could afford to have a few workers put the parts in the form,” Pohlman concluded. “We were only making a few thousand a year. But now we’ll be making tens of thousands of parts. So there is a whole lot more automation.”

- By: Chris Chin

Source: AutoWeek

G-Power hits some impressive numbers with its M3 SKII tuner with “Sporty Drive”. With all the work put into the car, the G-Power team decided to take it’s BMW to the track at Italy’s 2011 Nardo High-Speed Test Event

Christain Stober, G-Powers’ Vice President and Technical Director, drove the car around the track, and pushed it all the way up to 207.10-mph. The car’s supercharger gave it the boost it needed to make it so quick only a 900-hp and a 1000-hp car could beat its top time. It is also what helps it go from 0-62 in 4.4 seconds, and reaches speeds of 124-mph in just under 13 seconds.

Also keeping the car quick is a GM3 RS coilover suspension, upgraded breaks, and upgraded tires.

Check out the video after the jump.

G-Power BMW M3 SK II:

- By: Alexandra Koken

BMW’s M3 has been the buy-word for the best combination in performance, practicality and luxury and has since spawned a modicum of M models to follow proudly in its wake. Continuing that trend, BMW M-Division’s Boss, Dr. Friedrich Nitschke confirmed that several new M models are on the way.

“Our pace of development must accelerate,” said Nitschke in an interview. “We can build more cars, and we can build a wider range of cars.”

Specifically with the M3, which is due in 2014, he said that the latest and greatest flagship 3-Series will be donning an all-new 3.3L six-cylinder that is supposed to be tri-turbocharged—yes, tri-turbocharged as in three of them—one of which is supposed to be powered by electricity than by traditional exhaust gases. Rumor has it that the new M3 will have around 450hp and will feature a mix of steel and ultra-light carbon fiber.

“There will be a bigger focus on very low fuel consumption and the new M3 will prove this.” Nitschke continued. “However, this more eco-friendly approach won’t dilute the M Division’s high-performance appeal – as a replacement for the M1 supercar is finally coming close to reality.”

Additionally, Nitschke also confirmed that the M2 is on the way along with the M3 as well as a new successor to the classic M1 supercar from the 1970s. Hmmm…

“We have a fantastic history with the M1,” Dr Nitschke said. “The decision on developing this car is open and has been on the drawing board for more than 11 years. We’d love to do it.”

No specific details regarding the M1 project have been released by Mr. Nitschke himself, but we could assume that the M1 will go against the likes of Aston Martin, Lamborghini and Ferrari. That said, we could expect the M1 to have either a V10 or a V12 under its bonnet, hopefully mid-engined.

Lastly, Dr. Nitschke mentioned that the M-Division is also considering a hardcore track version of the latest 1-Series M-Coupe and reintroducing the cult classic “clown show,” the Z3M-Coupe.

“There’s no decision on an M version of the Z4,” added Dr Nitschke, “but this is something we could do easily.”

- By: Chris Chin