New BMW Z4 sDrive35is with 340HP and M-Sports Package is the Closest You'll get to a Z4M

While BMW had pretty much ruled out the possibility of creating a successor to the M variants of the Z3 and the previous Z4 with its new hardtop roadster, no one from Munich ever said that there wasn’t going to be a faster and more focused version than the Z4 sDrive35i.

That car is the Z4 sDrive35is -the ‘s’ is what makes the difference- and it will make its world debut at next month’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show before going on sale worldwide in Spring of the same year.

Bypassing BMW’s ridiculous naming system (Z4is or Z4 35is would have been just fine), the range topping Z4 features a more powerful version of the company’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight six and M-Sports styling and chassis packages.

At the heart of the Z4 sDrive35is is BMW’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six that benefits from optimized air supply and increased boost pressure. Output is lifted from 306HP to 340HP at 5,800 rpm while peak torque is increased to 450Nm or 332 lb-ft and is available from 1,400 rpm all the way to 4,500 rpm.

Furthermore, the modified engine management on the Z4 sDrive35is also allows the use of an Overboost function briefly increasing engine torque under full load by another 50Nm or 37 lb-ft to 500Nm or 369 lb-ft.

Power is driven to the rear wheels through a revised version of the firm’s seven-speed double clutch transmission with BMW announcing a zero to 100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds (0-60mph in 4.7sec) and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h or 155mph.

BMW says that despite the increased performance over the standard Z4 sDrive35i, the ‘S’ model delivers the same fuel economy averaging 9.0lt/100km which is equal to 26.1 mpg US with CO2 emissions rated at 210g/km.

Aside from the powetrain upgrades, the Z4 sDrive35is also comes as standard with an M Sports Package including the M Aerodynamics Package and adaptive M Suspension.

The M Suspension, which features electronically controlled dampers, lowers the entire car by 10 mm or almost 0.4-in. The top-Z4 also gets a reprogrammed electronic power steering system that promises to offer increased feedback.

On the outside, the M package adds unique 18-inch alloy wheels with 19-inch rims available an option, a new front bumper, re-trimmed kidney grilles, matte silver exterior mirror caps, a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser and specific tail pipes.

Finally, the interior has been enhanced with several features such as the M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, M footrest, sports seats, aluminium carbon trim, BMW Individual roof lining, M entry strips and footmats with coloured piping.

The revised instrument cluster with grey faces on the dials and the “sDrive35is” model designation complete the package.

G-POWER's Modded BMW X5M and X6M Make 600HP

Even though BMW’s M-badged cars are supposed to be the crème de la crème of each model series, that hasn’t stopped G-Power from offering bimmer buyers more power and exclusivity. Their latest accomplishment is a sport package with aerodynamic and performance enhancements for the X5 M and X6 M.

The German tuner has upgraded the 4.4-liter V8 turbocharged engine found in both M models with a reprogrammed ECU resulting in a modest boost in output to 600 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 700Nm or 516 pound-feet of torque from 2,000 rpm.

Along with the removal of the speed limiter, the two modified SUVs / SAVs / Crossovers (make your pick) are now propelled to a top speed in excess of 300km/h (187mph), with 0 to 100km/h (62mph) acceleration coming in 4.5 seconds and to 200km/h (124mph) in just 16.2 seconds.

There’s also a new suspension kit that lower’s the ride height of both models by around 30mm.

G-Power was never about subtle aero mods, and the company makes no exception with the X5 M and X6 M. Both models feature a different front bumper with extra large air-inlets on each corner along with a new bonnet made of Kevlar hybrid or full carbon and side skirts.

The rear is marked by a new apron, a diffuser that houses the stainless steel exhaust pipes, a roof spoiler, and in the case of the X6 M, a boot wing also.

G-Power has designed two separate sets of 23-inch alloy wheels that are shod in 315/25 ZR23 high-performance Michelin tires for the X5 M and X6 M.

The company also enhances the interior of the two M models with numerous parts such as a new sports steering wheel, a speedometer in G-POWER design and carbon-fiber covers for the side linings, central console and the dashboard.

G-Power said that €6,990 (plus assembly) will buy you the aero kit, €8,865.55 the new alloy wheels and tires, €3,021 the full stainless steel end muffler and €4,701.68 V8 engine power upgrade.

BMW Launches New M-Sports Package for 2010 Z4 Hardtop Roadster

The unveiling of the BMW Z4 sDrive35iS with its tweaked twin-turbocharged straight six that produces an output of 340 ponies was accompanied by the announcement of the release of a new M-Sports package with aerodynamic, interior and suspension upgrades for the entire Z4 range.

The M aerodynamic body styling kit adds a newly designed front bumper and a reworked rear bumper with insert in Anthracite metallic. The exterior package is rounded off with 18-inch M light alloy wheels.

Inside, the Z4 M Sports models benefit from an array of features including leather upholstery as standard, body-hugging sports seats, anthracite head lining, special trim on the dashboard and door panels, M leather gearknob, a thick-rimmed steering wheel and M designation door sills and floor mats.

From what we gather – BMW’s press release was quite vague on this – all Z4 M Sports models will also be able to be equipped with the adaptive M Suspension that lowers the hardtop roadster by 10 mm or almost 0.4 inches.

The M-Sports package for the Z4 will go on sale from March, 2010 with pricing to be confirmed in the new year.

Hartge Releases More Goodies for New Era BMW Z4 Roadster

After showing us its initial offerings for the new BMW Z4 that were limited to a few alloy wheel options, a dual-pipe exhaust system and a new speedometer, Hartge has taken one step further by releasing a new set of upgrades for the hardtop roadster.

For the exterior, Hartge has created a new front apron that covers the air inlets, carbon fiber mirror caps, a discreet boot lid spoiler, a wind deflector, pin stripes and a four-piece exhaust system.

Customers can also give the hardtop roadster an even sportier stance with the addition of Hartge’s alloy wheels that are available in numerous designs in sizes 18- to 20-inches, and a suspension lowering kit.

A set of aluminum pedals, a new instrument cluster and specific floor mats are some of the options offered for the interior.

Those that are interested in juicing up the Z4′s powerplants will have to wait until next year when the company is expected to reveal its engine kit program.

Racing Dynamics Working on 2011 BMW 5-Series with 410HP 535i R35 and 620HP 550i R50S Models

Russia’s Top Car isn’t the only tuner tampering around with the recently revealed, but not yet available, 2011 BMW 5-Series sedan. So is Racing Dynamics, otherwise known as RDSport in the USA. The Italian tuner that specializes on BMW products, has released a teaser photo (chop) and preliminary specs on the 535i R35 and the 550i R50S that will both receive a bevy of performance and styling mods.

While Racing Dynamics has not yet released specific details on the engine upgrades, the tuner said that the 535i R35′s 3.0-liter inline-six with the twin-scroll turbocharger will receive an extra boost to produce 410HP and 383lb-ft torque for an estimated 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time of 5.3 seconds, or 0.7 seconds faster than the standard 306HP 535i.

The range-topping 550i with the R50S package will deliver an output of 620-horsepower versus the factory model’s 407HP 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8.

In addition to the engine mods, the Bavarian sedans will also benefit from a custom made exhaust system, a high performance braking system, a new rear-locking differential and a retuned and lowered suspension with new gas struts for the front axle and gas-pressurized shock absorbers for the rear.

The package will be rounded off with new 21-inch lightweight alloy wheels, an aero kit and various options for the interior including special trim inlays.

More details are expected to be released within the next few weeks.

Via: F10post & BMWblog

Vorsteiner Launches M-Tech Aero Package for BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible

In case the M-Sport kit for the BMW 3-Series E92 Coupe and E93 Convertible leave you wanting more, Vorsteiner has released a new aero package designed to enhance (not replace) the existing factory package.

Dubbed V-MS for Vorsteiner M-Tech Series, the package includes two carbon-fiber splitters for the front bumper, a carbon fiber rear diffuser that attaches to the factory mounting points and a carbon fiber boot lid spoiler. The kit can be complemented with a set of 19- or 20-inch BBS alloy wheels.

The company said that the V-MS aero package will be available worldwide starting in January 10th, 2010 through select authorized Vorsteiner dealers.

2011 BMW Alpina B7 with 500HP to go on Sale in the U.S. this Spring

The Alpina-prepped B7 sedan will be returning to BMW’s U.S. lineup this year offering American buyers an alternative to Mercedes-Benz’s S-Class AMG models. Boasting a bevy of performance and styling upgrades over the standard 7-Series sedan, the Alpina B7 is probably the closest thing you’ll get to an M7, which as you already know, BMW has no plans to build.

The second Alpina B7 to be sold in the States after the first generation model that was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years, will be available in both short- and long-wheelbase models.

The formal introduction of the car in the U.S. will take place at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show in February, and go on sale in Spring of 2010.

BMW’s official performance partner has fitted the B7 with a modified version of the Bavarian firm’s twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine with direct-injection that delivers 500-horsepower (compared to the standard 750i’s 400HP V8) and a hefty 516 lb-ft (700Nm) of torque.

Linked to a six-speed sport automatic transmission with Sport and Manual modes, the V8 unit accelerates the rear-wheel drive sedan from 0-60 mph (96 km/h) in just 4.5 seconds.

Alpina also recalibrated the car’s Dynamic Damping Control and Active Roll Stabilization while the B7 sits 15mm lower up front and 10mm at the back thanks to the new, shorter springs. In addition, the Bavarian firm notes that the stability control now allows noticeably more slip at the driven wheels.

The B7 rides on newly styled 21-inch alloy wheels shod in MICHELIN PS2 tires size 245/35 R21 at the front and 285/30 R21 at the rear.

On the outside, the B7 is fitted with front and rear aprons, and a boot-lid spoiler which are said to reduce lift at the front by 30% and rear by15%.

As for the interior, the 7-Series-based model has been upgraded with blue illuminated door sill trims, an Alpina SWITCH-TRONIC steering wheel in hand-stitched LAVALINA leather, Black-Panel LCD screen instrument cluster branded with ALPINA and specific decorative trim. An additional ALPINA plaque indentifying the car is mounted on the inner roof panel just ahead of the sunroof

Prices for the new BMW Alpina B7 will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

 

Huh? JDM Honda Odyssey Tricked Out as a BMW

Needless to say, this Japanese domestic market Honda Odyssey isn’t your typical soccer-mom’s minivan. Besides the insane negative camber all around and the fact that in parking position, the Odyssey sits only about an inch or two away from the road, what makes this custom creation stand out from the crowd is that the designer managed to incorporate the front-end of an E92 BMW 3-Series Coupe. Oddly enough, the bimmer nose seems to work nice… More photos after the jump.

SPY SHOTS: 2011 BMW M5 with Twin-Turbocharged V8

Having already introduced the next generation 5-Series sedan, BMW and in particular, its M division, is now concentrating on the development of the flagship version of the series, the M5 that was caught here testing at the Nordschleife. The hotly anticipated M5 will debut about a year after the standard 5-Series that is due to make its first public appearance at the 2010 Geneva Show next March.

Until recently, it wasn’t clear if the new M5 would continue to use the current model’s exotic V10 powerplant or if the Bavarian’s would go for the new 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 that debuted in the X5M and X6M. However, BMW officials have now confirmed that the new M5 will indeed be equipped with the turbocharged V8.

In the X5M and X6M, the bi-turbocharged unit produces an output of 555 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 680Nm or 501-lbs/ft of peak torque, available between 1,500 and 5,650 rpm. In comparison, the current M5′s naturally aspirated V10 makes 507HP and 520Nm or 383-lbs/ft of peak torque.

Details on the new M5′s engine specs remain scarce, though it has been suggested that the direct-injection V8 may be further honed, boosting output closer to the 600HP mark.

The new V8 will not only be more powerful than the V10, but also more compact in size, lighter in weight and more fuel efficient with lower CO2 emissions.

Along with the new powerplant, the 2011 M5 will get a re-engineered version of the BWM M3′s seven-speed twin-clutch transmission (DCT), and hopefully for purists, a classic manual gearbox.

As with every other product bearing the M badge, the 5-Series-based model will benefit from suspension, brake and steering system upgrades to further improve handling and driver’s feedback.

Even though the prototype model seen in these spy pictures features the standard roof, it is rumored that BMW is working on a carbon fiber top similar to that of the current M3 and M6. Other cosmetic differences will include engorged wheel arches housing larger rims and of course, a full body kit.

If BMW keeps its usual time schedule, we should see the new M5 breaking cover at a major auto show in 2011, with sales starting in Europe towards the end of the same year, and the rest of the world including the U.S., in 2012.