Car Sport 2011: BMW Videos

Showing posts with label BMW Videos. Show all posts

10/27/10

Bill Caswell to Convert E30 BMW into Baja Racer During SEMA Show

E30s seem to be popping up everywhere lately. After the impressive electric 3-Series from VST Conversions, we now have word that one Bill Caswell and his late 1980's E30 will be at SEMA thanks to Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

The "rally racer and ultimate DIY enthusiast" made news in March when he took on $100,000+ competition in an old 318i during Rally Mexico. While at SEMA, Bill will be converting a 1989 BMW 3-Series coupe [E30] into an off-road Baja blaster in order to compete in the SCORE Baja 1000's Sportsman class (starting November 17th). Now that's hardcore.

Here's a breakdown of Bill's SEMA welding schedule prior to tackling the rally: roll cage on day 1, front cage/suspension on day 2, rear cage/suspension on day 3, and "accessories" on day 4. Day 4's work will include finishing the main cage and crafting other Baja racing necessities such as a front brush guard, fuel cell, light bar, and more.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co.'s marketing VP Tim Swanson says, "Bill's passion for racing combined with his desire to create fits nicely with our vision...Rally and Baja racing requires a diverse skill set, from detailed fabrication and welding to high-speed driving. We're looking forward to watching Bill build and race the Miller car."

If you're interested, definitely follow the live updates on Bill's build during SEMA (which can be found at the link below).

By Phil Alex

About Bill Caswell (from Miller Electric Mfg. Co.):
Formerly a finance banker from Chicago, Caswell left his job in 2009 to focus on rally racing, competing in several races in the U.S. in cars that he built, modified and fabricated himself. Caswell made a name for himself in March of this year by placing third in the Rally America class of Rally Mexico, an FIA-sanctioned event run concurrently with World Rally Championship in Corona, Mexico.

Link: Miller

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Who would have thought that BMW's all-wheel drive systems were enough to shame Audi's famous quattro system? Not the average consumer, that's for sure (though BMW certainly has had enough time to get it right). BMW, which has actually been making AWD cars for the past 25 years, has decided to begin more aggressively targeting consumers who live in harsher climates.

According to this video, BMW's xDrive is vastly superior to Audi's quattro - at least when driving up metal inclines built by BMW... In the clip, we get a glimpse at what appears to be some sort of BMW press event and a hill climb-off between two small-ish diesel-powered premium soft-roaders: Audi's Q5 and BMW's X3.

Although the X3 depicted here may not be the first pick on a lot people's lists, the comparison below is just used as an example. After all, xDrive is now available on a variety of products in BMW's lineup. Could it be that BMW has bested Audi at its own game?

By Phil Alex

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VST Conversions' Electric BMW E30 can toast a Tesla [with Video]

Maybe I'm crazy, but aren't vintage electric conversions just so much more interesting than current electric cars? They're like old Mercedes diesels converted to biodiesel: vintage cool but using modern day tech to be efficient, clean, and (in the this case) very fast.

This green '86 BMW 3-Series E30, built by Croatia's VST Conversions, is the brainchild of Mate Rimac; he wanted to go fast in an electric car, and now he can.

After working through a few power setups, the current version of the VST "bi-moto EV" puts down 500 horsepower through the wheels and can run the quarter in 12.1. The word you're looking for is DAMN. As in "Damn, this thing is awesome."

It only helps that the car's coated in a juicy shade of green and its graphics pay homage to BMW's 1-Series ActiveE concept. Now, I can't make any sense of the parts and other jazz used, but if you can, enjoy more info and pics of the build at DIY Electric Car.

By Phil Alex

Source: DIY Electric , Via: Green.Autoblog

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VIDEO: BMW Clip Shows 6-Series Coupe Concept Inside and Out

While not the action-packed video we were hoping for, nevertheless, here are the first official clips of BMW's Concept 6-Series Coupé that will take center stage at the firm's Paris Motor Show stand next week.

The two new promotional videos walk us around the exterior as well as the interior of the Bavarian GT. Despite being billed as a concept, the production version of the 6-Series Coupe, which is expected to arrive in showrooms next year, will only get some minor styling changes such as more subtle tail pipe and exterior mirror designs. Scroll down to watch both videos.

Look! There's a new video of BMW's mystery coupe! And this time it's under a tarp! Last time it was being loaded onto a truck, and now it's being taken off of a truck! Isn't that exciting?

Seriously, though, we do get a brief glimpse of new swirly camouflage (ooh!) and a date: September 30th. This is the first press day for the 2010 Paris Motor Show, hinting at a big reveal on that day. Or maybe the date when the viral marketers will be fired.

Personally, I'm hoping its Option 'B'. Stay tuned for more (*snicker*) exciting updates.

By Tristan Hankins

How do You Say Boring in German? New Teaser Video of Mystery BMW

One more teaser like this and we will probably follow BMW's advice and never blog about this electric-thingamajig again... Now, let's see the Bavarians adding this quote on their "dontblogaboutthis" website... Those that don't mind wasting 34 seconds of their time to watch a black prototype with skinny wheels being loaded on a truck in slow motion may follow the jump for the video.

Dontblogaboutthis: New Video and Photos of BMW's Mystery Coupe

A couple of new photos and a fresh video of BMW's Vision EfficientDynamics concept-faced and current 6-Series Coupe-bodied mystery test mule of some sorts have been uploaded on the Bavarian automaker's "Dontblogaboutthis" website.

Aside from providing some different views of the car, the new material doesn't answer any of the questions we all have about the odd-looking matte-black test vehicle, and from what we gather, BMW will continue teasing us up until the Paris Motor Show.

Link / Source: Dontblogaboutthis

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VIDEO: BMW Concept Gran Coupé Presentation from Beijing

BMW held a special private reception on the evening of the first press day at the Beijing Motor Show to unveil its all-new Concept Gran Coupé as well as the long wheelbase versions of the 5 Series, specially developed for the Chinese market, and this here video includes scenes from that event.

Most of you will probably be interested only in BMW's conceptual answer to Merc's CLS sports saloon, so in the video after the jump, fast forward to the 1:25 minute mark for the part with the Gran Coupé.

VIDEO: 2011 BMW M1 with Juiced-Up 3.0-liter Turbo Filmed at the 'Ring?

While BMW officials are keeping a tight lid on the possibility of an "M" or a "tii" version of the 1-Series Coupe, photographers are continuing to churn out spy shots and videos of camouflaged 1-Series Coupe prototypes testing on the road and the track.

This time we have a new video showing what appears to be a modified 1-Series partially wrapped in BMW's characteristic black and white camo, testing at the Nurburgring race track.

According to the grapevine, the M1, 135tii or whatever else BMW decides to name the car, will be powered by a modified version of the firm's twin-turbocharged straight six (and not the newer twin-scroll unit) pumping out somewhere around 350HP. If true, that's 44HP more than the 135i but 70HP less than the M3.

Via: 1Addicts

With the European market launch of the new X1 small SUV, BMW is now rushing the second-generation of its larger X3 SUV towards production.

Spied here testing on the streets of Germany, the video reveals that the new X3 gets a more sloping front hood and larger front air intakes, while the crossover's profile is cleaner and resembles the crossover's smaller brethren.

It also appears that the new X3's dimensions have grown a bit allowing some breathing distance between itself and the X1.

Based on the next 3-Series platform architecture, the new X3 will come with all-wheel drive, though it is possible that the Bavarian automaker may also offer rear-wheel drive only variants of the compact SUV.

Depending on the market, engine options will include four- and six-cylinder diesel and gasoline units topping out with the 306HP 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six petrol. A new hybrid version is also expected to be on offer.

The new X3 will be produced alongside the X5 and X6 models at BMW's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, with sales expected to start in 2011.

Video via: Bimmerpost

VIDEO: BMW's Performance 1-Series Coupe with Wide Bodykit Spied on the Track

Here's the latest [short] video of BMW's upcoming performance 1-Series. What it'll be called (M1, 135is, 135tii, or something all-new) is to be determined, but at least it's getting closer to its debut.

Rumors regarding the car have been building up for what seems like ages, but what can be deduced is this: it'll be packing a high-output version of the 135's turbo'd 6, possibly wide-body fenders (which would be very appropriate), and hopefully a bunch of weight savings.

If we could get really racy, I'd like to throw in the idea of GT3-like roll-cages, racing buckets with harnesses, and a rear-seat delete. That would make for one racy little coupe.

By Phil Alex

Via: 1Addicts

Hawaii M-6: Inside BMW Individual's Customization Process [with Video]

BMW Individual's marketing guys were clever enough to drum up this little diddy. It's a brief run-through of one Individual customer's - Mark Carson, a Hawaiian native - experience creating his own unique M6.

Barring the cheesy voice-over done by someone who reminds me of George Takei (is that you, George?), the story and process of integrating Koa wood into BMW's big, Individualized GT is actually pretty interesting.

From interior and exterior personalization to the fact that they need "weeks of testing" to make sure using Koa was even possible, it's four minutes that are most likely worth your time.

- By Phil Alex

Dinan Strokes BMW M3's V8 to 4.6-liters and 527HP

California-based Dinan has put out their biggest-ever take on the BMW M3. The Dinanized bimmer is called the S3-R, and in place of the original 4.0 liter V8 is an engine that's been bored and stroked to 4.6 liters.

Up top, breathing is heavier thanks to a "Carbon Fiber High Flow Intake and bored out High Flow Throttle Bodies"; down low Dinan fits a free-flowing exhaust system that also makes use of pieces labeled "HIGH FLOW".

The decked-out Dinan M3 receives "new springs, front anti-swaybar, Carbon Fiber Front Strut Braces and Racing Rear Toe Links" while riding on relatively plain 19-inch one-piece wheels.

Now, what you've all been waiting for: it makes a naturally-aspirated 527 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of twist, and Dinan claims that it can crack 200 mph or 322 km/h. Damn.

Scroll down for their tech specs and a video.

-By Phil Alex

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Dinan S3-R M3 Available for E92, E90, E93 M3

Engine

Engine 4.6L V8 • Free Flow Exhaust (Rear Mufflers)
High Flow Throttle Bodies
Carbon Fiber High Flow Air Intake
Underdrive Crankshaft Pulley Kit
Middle Racing Exhaust

Maximum Horsepower: 527 @ 7800 rpm Maximum Torque: 407 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
Suspension

Stage 3 Suspension System Includes: Performance Spring Set, Matching Front Bump-Stops, 28.5mm front anti-swaybar w/ urethane bushings, Front camber plates, Rear Upper Shock Mount Kit, Front Guide Supports
Carbon Fiber Front Strut Braces
Racing Rear Toe Link

Brakes

Dinan/Brembo Front & Rear Brakes with black calipers & slotted rotors

Dinan Options Wheels and Tire

Front Wheel: Dinan 19 x 9.5" Lightweight Forged Wheel Rear Wheel: Dinan 19 x 10" Lightweight Forged Wheel
Front Tire: 275/30-19 Michelin Pilot Sport II
Rear Tire: 295/30-19 Michelin Pilot Sport II

Accessories

Dinan Aluminum Pedal Pad Set
Dinan Deck Lid Badge
Dinan S3 Serial Numbered Plaque

Warranty

Matching New Car Warranty coverage up to 4 years/50K miles. Except on "Racing" parts.

Source: Dinan , Via: BMWblog

Geneva Preview: BMW'S Activehybrid5 Sedan Concept is way too Smart... [with Video]

The ActiveHybrid 5 is (officially now) the newest concept from BMW's Efficient Dynamics division, and ED has shaken things up a bit in the power train department. Instead of going with a V8-based mild hybrid setup a la the 7-Series and X6 hybrids, BMW decided to try the system out with their award-winning TwinPower Turbo'd 6-cylinder with Start/Stop tech running the show.

The system is fairly straightforward: up front is the engine, followed by the electric motor which is connected via an automatic clutch, and the 8-speed automatic transmission is the caboose. BMW placed the battery pack somewhere around the rear axle in order to improve weight distribution.

The battery pack, which provides 40kW or 54HP of power, gets recharged by an advanced Regenerative Brake system that works in conjunction with the electric motor. That same battery pack also "delivers electric power to the car's on-board network".

The network includes a remote-controlled cooling function (similar, we assume, to the solar-charged sunroofs that incorporate fans to cool the car down in the summer), while most electricity-driven systems - mainly the HVAC, navigation, and radio - remain functional with the engine turned off.

Not only is the ActiveHybrid 5 efficient, but it's damn smart too. How smart? Try to wrap your minds around this: BMW says the car can "adjust its operating strategy not just to current, but also to upcoming driving conditions." IT CAN PREDICT THE FUTURE...

Put plainly, the computer evaluates and adjusts how the drive train responds based on its own analysis of external factors and drivers' input. The car's computer saves route information via the navigation system (while retaining the driving style used one that particular road), and can predict what's coming up when drivers return to the same area.

BMW's explanation is just about perfect: "Should the system determine, for example, that the autobahn ahead is about to lead downhill, the charge level of the high-voltage battery is intelligently controlled in advance to regain brake energy upfront with maximum efficiency."

While no hard figures have been released yet, what we know is that thanks to the predictability program, cruising range has been stretched by 30%.

Now all we have to do is make sure our defense systems don't get hooked into Skynet's err we mean BMW's intelligent automobiles, or we're all screwed.

- By Phil Alex

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WSTO Takes BMW 135i Coupe Project to the Next Level [with Video]

We first showed you WSTO's BMW 135i Coupe project car back in September. And if you liked it then, you're definitely going to love it now. During the first stage, the crew over at WSTO upgraded the compact bimmer with a front apron, trunk lip spoiler, shadow line grilles, H&R sport springs that lower the vehicle's ride height, aluminum sport pedals, alloy wheels, reprogrammed ECU and exhaust system.

The this second stage of the project, WSTO added a prototype US-spec quad exhaust system from Bastuck with customized tips that are wrapped inside 3D Design's carbon fiber diffuser.

The team also replaced the 19-inch black alloys from Klassen (wrapped in Toyo tires) with a new set of 19-inch Advan RS wheels in a gunmetal finish, this time shod in Yokohama Advan AD08 tires size 225/35 R19 up front and 255/30 R19 at the back.

Finally, the tuning house removed the matte black stickers from the 135i's sides and added two stripes stretching from the headlights all the way back to the tail lights. While we're not big fans of stripes, we must say that this particular scheme works very well on the small bimmer coupe.

Photos: Johan Lee , Link: WSTO