“There are days when it hurts not to have one, but there was no compelling business case at the time when the decision was taken,” said Albert Biermann, head of product development at BMW. It seems that BMW is still considering building a consumer version of the Z4M and is interested in offering the Z4 GTS racing car in the US.

It may be an odd time for the M division because they are offering polarizing cars such as the X5M and the X6M. However, they still offer cars that hearken back to the Motorsport division’s glory days of the E30 M3 with offerings such as the 1M.

Click here for more news on the BMW Z4.

Biermann offered this on the SUV variants: “The torsional rigidity of today’s X5 is 28,000Nm/degree, while the old E30 M3 measured 23,000, so it’s a good base for an M car.” He added that the X5M and the X6M are making money. Only time will tell if this money bankrolls a new Z4M.

- By: Sawyer Sutton

Source: Inside Line

In an interview with AutoBlog, BMW M Product Development head Albert Biermann released some very interesting information. First off, BMW has no plans to do a Z4 M so stop dreaming. Second, all that talk we’ve been hearing about an all-wheel-drive diesel M5 – simply forget it – it ain’t going to happen.

Other then that, Biermann surprised many when he said  that BMWM doesn’t really concentrate on reducing the weight of a vehicle. The main focus is to add a bunch of performance and emotion to the car without changing the weight of the standard model.

Biermann said that BMW M will also adapt to the times so we may even see electric M models in the future.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoBlog

It has been some time since Americans have seen a four-cylinder powered BMW. In fact, the last one ever imported into the US was the old E36 3-Series from the 1990s, in the form of the 318.

But in recent news, BMW has been known to be releasing some new turbocharged four-cylinders for the US market in the coming years. However, because us Americans are so obsessed with power and “how many cylinders,” there has been reluctance as to whether a four-cylinder BMW would work again in this country. In reply, BMW says that we need not to worry.

The main reason for BMW reintroducing four-cylinder options for its cars is to help decrease their overall Corporate Average Fuel Economy rating after Obama’s new mandate. But of course, associated with the idea of a four-cylinder is the idea that because it’s a small engine, its power reserves must be small too. On contrary to the popular belief, BMW says that there will be no power loss when compared to the old straight-six standard.

“It wasn’t in line with our image, because it didn’t have the performance of the six cylinder,” said Jim O’Donnell, head of BMW’s U.S. operations. “We were selling ourselves as the ultimate driving machine and really it wasn’t. Now that the engines have developed so far, it’s not an issue at all.”

The first cars that will receive BMW’s new four-cylinder destined for the US market are the new Z4 and the new 5-Series, which both launch later this year in October.

- By: Chris Chin

Source: Automotive News

BMW has just unveiled its latest prices for the turbocharged 4-cylinder 5-Series and Z4 Roadster and unfortunately, they took a slight bump.

The engine powering the new F10 528i and the current Z4 sDrive28i roadster is a 2.0L turbocharged four banger that produces 240hp and with fuel economy figures that are expected to exceed the outgoing engine.

In terms of the price, the base 528i’s price jumps up by $2,505 to $47,575 while the Z4 sDrive28i jumps by $2,075 to $49,525 for 2012.

2011 New York: 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i:

All Photos Copyright © 2011 Nikolina Kostrevski - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

For the seventh consecutive year, Porsche is the highest-ranking nameplate in the 2011 APEAL Study by J.D. Power and Associates. Hyundai also improved from 2010 more than any other nameplate this year, while Jeep and Chrysler also improved considerably.

BMW and Dodge each had three models each that received the segment-level awards. BMW models receiving awards incldued the new X3, Z4 Roadster and the 5 Series. Dodge received awards for the Challenger, Charger and Durango.

Ford and Honda also received two model-level awards, with Ford receiving awards for the all-new Fiesta and F-150 LD and Honda receiving awards for the Ridgeline and redesigned Odyssey.

“The auto industry has taken a battering during the past few years,” said David Sargent, vice president of global vehicle research at J.D. Power and Associates. “However, it is clear that throughout this period, automakers have never lost sight of the fact that survival—and ultimately success—only comes from winning over customers in the showroom. Offering highly appealing vehicles is one of the primary means to succeed.”

Hit the jump for the complete ranking.

2011 APEAL Study by J.D. Power and Associates:

- By: Omar Rana

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

BMW has been selling vehicles like hotcakes – so much so that the German automaker may pass its two largest competitors – Mercedes-Benz and Lexus – for the first time since 1997. For the first six months of 2011, BMW has outsold Mercedes and Lexus and may beat the two in overall U.S. sales for 2011.

Which models are to be credited for this feat? The new 2011 BMW 5-Series and the new BMW X3.

Through June, BMW sold a total of 113,705 units, an increase of 13 percent. Mercedes-Benz sold a total of 110,926 units, an increase of 7 percent, while Lexus sales fell to 88,010, a drop of 18 percent.

Later this year, BMW will add the new 2012 BMW 528i with all-wheel-drive and new 4-cylinder twin turbo engine. That will be joined by a 4-cylinder BMW Z4 and the new 2012 BMW 6-Series Coupe.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive.com

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

A little more than two years ago, BMW sources said that there is no such thing as the Z2 roadster. New reports by Auto Bild suggest that the BMW Z2 roadsters is in fact real and will be headed for a 2014 debut. However, reports suggest that nothing is official inside BMW as of yet.

Auto Bild says that the Z2 is not being designed as a baby Z4 but will have it’s own DNA. Following the debut of the Z2, the Z4 will move up in the BMW lineup to make room for the Z2.

Power for the BMW Z2 will come from the new 2.0L TwinPower engine capable of making 240 hp at 5,000 RPM and around 260 lb-ft of torque at 1,250 rpm.

We’ll have more details when we get them.

- By: Omar Rana

Source: AutoBild (via WCF)

2011 New York: 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

• Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz SLK, Porsche Boxster.
• Power: 2.0L TwinPower turbocharged I4 making 240-hp/260 lb-ft.
• Transmission: 6-speed automatic; 6-speed manual.
• Price: TBA.

BMW revealed its first four-banger powered car in over 10 years earlier today at the 2011 New York Auto Show. The 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i features the company’s new efficient, clean yet powerful TwinPower Turbo four-banger and is the first four-cylinder powered Bimmer since the E46 3er.

Click here to read our original post on the BMW Z4 sDrive28i.

The Z4 itself remains largely unchanged. But the new 2.0L TwinPower engine is capable of making 240 hp @ 5,000 RPM and around 260 lb-ft of torque at an almost instant 1,250 rpm. Performance figures have yet to be announced but the new TwinPower already makes a case for itself for being more powerful than BMW’s naturally aspirated 3.0L inline-6 that it replaces in the new Z4 sDrive30i.

Check out the live high-res images from the 2011 New York Auto Show after the jump.

2011 New York: 2012 BMW Z4 sDrive28i:

All Photos Copyright © 2011 Nikolina Kostrevski - egmCarTech.

- By: Chris Chin

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is

BMW confirmed today that the new BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster will be the first model in the U.S. to feature the company’s new powerful, efficient and clean TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine. It marks the return of BMW 4-cylinder power to the United States for the first time in over a decade.

“This newest engine, another part of the company’s on-going development of BMW EfficientDynamics, is the latest to combine twin-scroll turbocharging technology with high-precision direct injection and BMW’s Valvetronic throttle-less control system,” BMW said. “Taken together, these technologies improve performance while at the same time reducing emissions and lowering consumption.”

Click here for more news on the BMW Z4.

Power for the BMW Z4 sDrive28i comes from a 2.0L TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine making 240 horsepower at 5,000 rpm with a maximum torque of 260 lb-ft at 1,250 rpm. No word on performance figures but the new turbo 4-banger offers more power and torque than BMW’s normally aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 that it replaces in the Z4 sDrive30i.

The new BMW Z4 sDrive28i will arrive in US showrooms this fall.

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is:

- By: Omar Rana

2011 BMW Z4 GT3

Following its debut a little more than a year ago, the BMW Z4 GT3 achieved great success to date in January 2011.

BMW Motorsport engineers have now modified and fine-tuned the aerodynamics of the BMW Z4 GT3 for the new season, which improves the car’s performance. In terms of electronics, engineers added a modern ECU408 engine management upgrade and a Power400 electronic control unit for controlling all the actuators.

Power for the 2011 BMW Z4 GT3 comes from a 4.4L 8-cylinder engine making 480-hp. The engine is mated to sequential 6-speed transmission. Gearshifts are now initiated using two paddles.

Prices for the 2011 BMW Z4 GT3 start at 315,000 euros ($456,261 USD).

Check out the press talk after the jump

2011 BMW Z4 GT3:

Modified BMW Z4 GT3 completes successful test programme.

Munich, 8th April 2011. The modified BMW Z4 GT3 has survived its baptism of fire: the GT customer sports car proved itself in a series of intensive tests in recent weeks. The goal of the latest modifications was primarily to improve aerodynamic efficiency in order to ensure the car’s competitiveness in the many, hard-fought GT3 classes.

The BMW Z4 GT3, which was launched in March 2010, achieved its greatest success to date in January 2011. Claudia Hürtgen (DE), BMW works driver Augusto Farfus (BR), Tommy Milner (US) and Edward Sandström (SE) won the Dubai 24 Hours for Team Schubert. This was the first outright victory for the BMW Z4 GT3 at a marathon race of this scale, having already proven its potential with wins in its debut season in the FIA GT3 European Championship.

With its elongated bonnet, the driver’s compartment towards the rear of the car, long wheel base and narrow wheel arches, the series version of the BMW Z4 boasts an unmistakable appearance. The two-seater provided BMW Motorsport engineers with a good basis for developing a competitive GT3 racing car.

A difference between the production and racing car can be found under the bonnet: while the production version of the BMW Z4 is driven by a six-cylinder engine, the GT3 car is powered by a 4.4-litre eight-cylinder engine.

BMW Motorsport engineers have also fine-tuned the aerodynamics of the BMW Z4 GT3 for the new season, improving the car’s performance in this area. When it comes to electronics, the private teams can look forward to innovative BMW solutions: The modern ECU408 takes over the engine management, while the Power400 electronic control unit is responsible for controlling all the actuators. The power is transmitted through a six-speed, sequential gearbox. Gearshifts are now initiated using two paddles.

The steel body of the car comes from BMW Plant Regensburg. A safety cell made of extremely rigid, precision steel tubing is then welded into the body. The engine block of the V8 engine is produced in the BMW foundry in Landshut. BMW Plant Dingolfing contributes the rear axle differential, among other things. Front and rear wings, bonnet, roof, fenders and many other components are made of carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP).

The car is available now at a price of 315,000 Euros (plus VAT) from BMW Motorsport Distribution, email address Z4GT3@bmw-motorsport.com.

- By: Omar Rana

AC Schnitzer 99d Concept BMW Z4

Joining the AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S 5-Series at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show is the AC Schnitzer 99d Concept. Based on the BMW Z4, the AC Schnitzer 99d Concept carries a diesel engine from the BMW 320d making 190-hp and a maximum torque of 309 lb-ft of torque.

That allows the AC Schnitzer 99d Concept to go from 0-62 mph in 6.9 seconds with a top speed of 146 mph. Fuel-economy comes in at 62 mpg. That is made possible with the help of Aachen and a weight reduction of 506 lbs – making it lighter than any current standard BMW. Also helping reduce fuel-economy are the Continental BLUECO tires (size 225/35/19), which helps optimize the rolling resistance.

AC Schnitzer also added BMW EfficientDynamics technologies from the BMW 320d including automatic start-stop, brake energy recuperation, gear shift display, low-friction lubricants and active aerodynamics.

The AC Schnitzer 99d is a concept and is not for sale. In the form shown here, the vehicle would cost € 149,000 ($207,921 USD).

Check out the high-res gallery after the jump.

AC Schnitzer 99d Concept BMW Z4:

- By: Omar Rana

2010 BMW Z4

Enjoying the release of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, which tool place earlier this morning? Happy about the 4-banger offering in the SLK250? According to recent reports, BMW will also offer a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the Z4 roadster, which competes head-to-head with the Mercedes-Benz SLK. In fact, the Z4 will be the first BMW model to get a 4-cylinder engine.

Sources say that the 4-cylinder turbo in the BMW Z4 will produce about 200-hp. In the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30, the 6-clyinder unit produces 255-hp and 220 lb-ft of torque. The engine is excepted to be much lighter than the current 6-cylinder and should help the Z4 average a fuel-economy of 20/30 mpg (city/highway).

Good news is that you can probably also expect a nice price drop from the current Z4′s starting price of $46,500.

2010 BMW Z4:

- By: Omar Rana

Source: CARandDRIVER

010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is Limited Edition Mille Miglia

To celebrate its 70 years of victory at the House of Monaco Grand Prix of Brescia Mille Miglia, BMW is launching this special-edition Z4 sDrive35is.

“The victory in the Mille Miglia in 1940 is still a milestone in the history of the BMW brand and it is not only a witness to the extraordinary technical competence, but also the passion with which you work in BMW, “said dr. Klaus Draeger, BMW board member responsible for development.

Known as the 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is Limited Edition Mille Miglia, the model gets some cosmetic changes including a blacked-out front grille, an M division aero kit and unique 19-inch dark alloys. Inside, the special-edition model gets Alcantara seats and steering wheel with red stitching. Power still comes from BMW”s 3.0L twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine making 335-hp and 332 lb-ft (same as the sDrive35is).

Only 99 units of the 2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is Limited Edition Mille Miglia will be made and each will feature a special Mille Miglia badge.

2010 BMW Z4 sDrive35is Limited Edition Mille Miglia:

- By: Kap Shah

Hidden deep within the massive press release about its 2011 model year lineup, BMW released the pricing for the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is. Prices will start at $61,925 including $875 destination and handling, around $9,000 more than the $52,775 Z4 sDrive35i.

Power comes from BMW’s 3.0L twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder engine making 335-hp and 332 lb-ft (overboost allows 369 lb-ft). Mated to a 7-speed Double-Clutch automatic transmission, the Z4 sDrive35is goes from 0-60 mph to come in at 4.7 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is includes new M Sport upgrades such as M Aerodynamics and adaptive M Suspension. The adaptive M Suspension combines a ride-height reduction of 10 millimeters (almost 0.4″) with electronically controlled shock absorbers to improve the vehicle”s handling around corners.

Other touches to further distinguish the Z4 sDrive35is from the Z4 sDrive35i include a new front bumper with a matte aluminum trim bar in each outer air intake, a rear bumper with accentuated surrounds on the tailpipes, and a rear diffuser finished at top in body color and black textured surface underneath. It comes with 18-inch alloy wheels with 19-inch light alloy wheels available as an option. Inside, the the Z4 sDrive35is gets some M Sport details including a new Aluminum Carbon interior trim and available new Kansas Walnut leather.

Sales begin in spring 2010.

Click here to see a video of the 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is in action.

Follow the jump for the high-res image gallery.

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is:

- By: Omar Rana

• Key Competitors: Audi TT, Mercedes-Benz SLK, Nissan 370Z Roadster, Porsche Boxster.
• Power: 3.0L twin-turbocharged 6-cylinder 335-hp /332 lb-ft (overboost allows 369 lb-ft).
• Transmission: 7-speed Double-Clutch automatic.
• Performance: 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds; top speed of 155 mph.
• Availability: Spring 2010.
• Pricing: TBA.

While BMW won’t be doing a Z4M anytime soon, it has satisfied the speed demon in us (that loves roadsters) with the new 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is. The 3.0L inline-6 twin-turbocharged engine features increased air intake flow and increased boost pressure to release more power. With the combination of twin low-mass turbochargers and High Precision direct injection, output is increased to 335-hp with a peak torque of 332 lb-ft available from 1,500 rpm to 4,500 rpm.

With an electronically-controlled overboost function, torque is increased by another 37 lb-ft. That allows for a 0-60 mph time of 4.7 seconds, compared to the Z4 sDrive35′s time of 5.1 seconds.

We’re not sure what BMW will price the Z4 sDrive35is at, but if a 0-60 mph difference of .4 seconds makes any difference to your life, get ready to pay a couple thousand over $51,900.

Make the leap for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Detroit: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is:

All Photos Copyright © 2010 Stephen Calogera ““ egmCarTech.

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is:

- By: Stephen Calogera

BMW Motorsport is getting ready to offer its customer racing program with something that will give private teams another attractive option for 2010 – the BMW Z4 GT3.

“This sports car is an impressive addition to the BMW product range and offers drivers and teams the opportunity to compete in international and national championships in accordance with GT3 regulations ““ such as the FIA GT3 European Championship, International GT Open and the ADAC GT Masters ““ as well as in 24-hour endurance races,” BMW said in a statement.

Power for the BMW Z4 GT3 will come from the new BMW M3 GT2′s 4.0L V8 making approximately 480-hp. It will be mated to a sequential 6-speed gearbox and will come with rims with locking and safety clips, as well as racing ABS and optional air conditioning.

Pricing will start at 298,000 Euros with deliveries to begin in the second quarter of 2010.

2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35is:

At a BMW Art Car exhibition in Beijing, China, BMW is showing off a life-size replica of a Z4 Coupe made out of reinforced concrete.

The concrete Z4 Coupe comes with fully functional doors and glass windows. The inside is complete with a steering wheel, speedometer and a center console.

Finally, someone has created a BMW that will last forever.

- By: The Daily Auto Editor

Source: Yahoo (via CarScoop)