The Dutch fellows at Autogespot spotted the new 2012 BMW M5 for the first time in the Singapore Gray paint.

The color is available as a standard option, among a variety of others: Space Gray, Silverstone II, Imperial Blue, Monte Carlo Blue, Havana, Alpine White and Black Sapphire. For the first time, BMW also offers the new M5 with a variety of Individual exterior and interior colors.

The exterior color palette includes Frozen Gray, Froze Silver, Frozen Black, Citrine Black, Azurite Black, Moonstone and Champagne Quartz.

Judging by the photos, Singapore Gray seems to resemble one of BMW fans’ all-time favorite colors, the Sparkling Graphite that was first introduced with the E9x 3 Series.

BMW will introduce the new M5 in 2012, with sales beginning first in Europe, followed by an US launch in Summer of next year. Pricing has yet to be announced, but we expect a base price for North American customers at around $90,000.

Under the bonnet of the new BMW M5 lies a newly developed, high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo (consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, a cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Injection petrol direct injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control), maximum output of 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm.

The instantaneous power delivery and sustained thrust familiar from M cars are the key to acceleration of 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds (0 – 200 km/h/124 mph: 13.0 seconds). Average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle stands at 9.9 liters per 100 kilometers / 23.7 mpg (CO2 emissions: 232 g/km).

M5 will be offered in North America with the option of a manual gearbox, as well as trick carbon ceramic brakes.

Read our test drive review of the 2012 BMW M5.

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Content provided by: BMWBLOG.com
2012 BMW M5 in Singapore Gray color

BMW performance specialist, Tuningwerk, developed a new tuning program for the long wheelbase BMW 7 Series model. Dubbed NR 7, the tuning package brings both visual and power upgrades to the popular BMW limousine.

Powered by BMW’s 4.4 liter twin-turbocharged V8 unit, the NR 7s is offered with two levels of output. One of them, the GT Edition, develops 540 hp/400 kW and 750 Nm of torque. The increased power takes the 7 from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 307 km/h (190 mph).

For the enthusiasts craving more power, the RS Edition is good for 720 hp/529 kW and an impressive torque figure of 1090 Nm. The RS runs to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds before running out of steam at 350 km/h (217 mph).

In the visual department, both models are dressed up in company’s carbon aerodynamic package and larger wheels. To cope with the additional power and offer optimal braking distance, the two 7s come equipped with carbon-ceramic brakes. Inside the cabin, Tuningwerk can offer bespoke upholstery or components from the BMW Individual range.

Prices start at 169,800 euros for the GT Edition (available in xDrive also), while the RS version will set you back 198,000 euros.

Tuningwerk can also provide a car hand-over with the option of driver training in Munich – including hotel and flight.

[Source: Germancarscene ]

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BMW 7 Series by Tuningwerk – 720 hp

German tuner TVW Car Design unveils their own version of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe. Dubbed “Orange Competition”, the tuning package provides tangible improvements in the longitudinal and lateral dynamics.

TVW includes an adjustable KW coilover suspension that was specially adapted for TVW and developed on a test rig. The new chassis offers a more balanced handling and sportier ride.

TVW Car Design enhances the visual aspect of the 1M, starting with a new BMW Performance carbon-fiber rear spoiler, black painted roof made out of carbon-fiber and blacked out 20 inch wheels, and 245 and 295 tires at front, respectively in the back.

Thanks to a new exhaust system, a much bulkier intercooler and appropiate software engine tuning, power climbs to 420 horsepower at 5,900 revolutions per minute with the peak torque climbing from 500 to a maximum of 620 Nm, between 1,500 and 4,500 rpm.

TVW Competition C01 has a top speed of 187 mph (306 km/h).

Inside, the “default sporty seats” go out and leather-covered bucket seats will provide better support for the super sporty drivers. A steering wheel with LED indicators provided by BMW Performance, increases the overall look and feel of the 1M.

Installation and customization of the software will set you back 5000 euros, while the exhaust system is sold separately at 1,850 euros.

[Source: BimmerToday ]

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BMW 1 Series M Coupe by TVW Car Design

The F30 3 Series sedan represents the sixth generation of the 3er. BMW followed the captivating 2002 with the 3 series, and while the 2002 brought the buzz to the brand, the 3 series brought the sales.

The E36 3er was the last of the truly ‘compact’ 3 series. The F30 may be bigger than the original E23 7 series (a quick check of the numbers show that the wheelbase of the F30 3er is just a smidgen longer than the E23 7er).

Another odd comparison to the E23 7 is that the top of the line 745i produced 249 HP from a 3.4L turbo charged I6, about on a par with the entry level F30 328i.

The proliferation of ConnectedDrive ‘apps’ continues. And an odd feature, the trunk opening sensor on cars with Comfort Access, is brought to the 3er. I demo’d the feature in Frankfurt, it would be handy when you have your hands full.

There is no word on when and what diesel engine options will be available on the 3er in the US. My hope would be for a 325d – a fairly quick and exceptionally frugal turbo four. In 525d guise it accelerates decently and returns excellent fuel mileage. It can only be better in the F30 chassis.

The F30 3er gets additional themed ‘lines’. Whereas the new 1er has the base, Sport, and Urban lines available, the 3er gets the base, Sport, Luxury, Modern, and soon the M Sport lines. So is the Modern line a nod to ‘hipsters’? And why can’t we mix and match from the various themes? (Will the 3er be available as a BMW Individual? Maybe the coupe model eventually?)

The move to electrically assisted rack & pinion power steering will cause untold amounts of wailing and gnashing of teeth from enthusiasts. But the fuel economy gains are to significant to ignore. We’ll have to look to see how the next M3 handles power steering – we know how the latest M5 does.

The new 3er has a good sized trunk, almost 17 cubic feet. The ActiveHybrid 3, however, steals some of the trunk space for the battery pack, it chews up about four cubic feet of the available space.

The 8 speed automatic is now available throughout the model lines. It really does help with fuel economy. It is light and adds two overdrive ratios beyond a six speed auto. It shifts quickly and can utilize the fuel saving Active Start-Stop features. I know some folks complain about how the tranny shifts, but what I’ve found is that you have to ‘drive it like you stole it’ to get the most out of it. However, so much for the better fuel economy at that point . . .

I feel as if the 1, 3, 5, & 7 styling has been reined in to set them apart from the i sub-brand and potentially some other offerings that may be in the works. It would make some sense for them echo their commonality visually, especially if you were about to introduce other models that break the mold.

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Editorial: Thoughts On the New BMW 3 Series

Inspired by the C63 AMG that was shown at the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show, this rendering by a Mercedes enthusiast shows what a possible C63 convertible would look like with its top down.  User Tuvra at the Pistonheads forum is apparently artistic and proficient at Photoshop as the image above shows. If some of the elements of the design look familiar, it’s because the artist took inspiration from the rare Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM. Which is where the rear spoiler now apparently comes from.

But being a C63, it would certainly have the 6.3-liter V8 developed by AMG with an output of  almost 520 horsepower. That would certainly be more than enough to blow dry your hair on a sunny Sunday morning, with the 7-speed DCT transmission allowing you to just poke on the accelerator or do some fancy shifting yourself. Variants like these are a very real possibility, as a possible C63 sedan was recently seen testing, and who can forget the SLS convertible launched just a few months ago?

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C63 AMG Convertible Rendered By Enthusiast

Project Kahn has been known to come out with some visually outrageous creations but their SLK200 is more menacing than outrageous. For starters, the carbon fiber trim in the nose such as the splitters and grille add a more purposeful look to the car’s black paint. Further sense of purpose is added by the addition of an AMG Sport Pack consisting of front and rear bumpers and side skirts.

Red calipers peek behind 20-inch Kahn RS600 wheels, whose color adds further to the all-black treatment of the car. To ensure the right stance, the suspension was lowered a bit. This SLK200 BlueEfficiency was given a 50 horsepower boost, so total output is now 240 horsepower. Not breathtaking by sports car standards, but enough to propel this car to speeds that will back up its looks.

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Project Kahn Launches Its Upgraded SLK200

The highest award for the iPad and iPhone applications has been given to Mercedes-Benz. The new app has a moving image format which is a first on mobile device.

Called the “Red dot: Best of the Best”, it is the world’s most prestigious design competition which presents the best of digital television brand. And Mercedes-Benz.tv winning the Interface Design means that it is of highest design quality.

Aside from the video streaming site, the design from the three-star brand also has online TV platform with colorful background and high quality style. Users of the apps can put movies of their choice in their playlist feature and you can share your playlist in Twitter and Facebook. Indeed, the company has created a modern technological advancement that will make the brand’s fans happy.

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Mercedes-Benz Apps Got the Interface Design Award from Red dot

The Pagani Zonda Roadster F made its debut at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show. It was similar to the coupe version, except that it featured a removable carbon fiber roof and canvas side curtains. It was made very clear by Horatio Pagani at that time that it would only be built in 25 units and, unfortunately, the day has come when the final unit has been pieced together.

The last Pagani Zonda F Roadster unit features a full on carbon fiber body colored in purple and black. The interior takes the drama a bit further with pink leather and carbon trim.

Under the hood, the Zonda F Roadster features the same 7.3 liter Mercedes-Benz AMG V12 engine that delivers a total of 680 HP. The hypercar weighs only 2711 lbs and makes the 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. Top speed halts at an impressive 214 mph.

Now that Pagani has closed the chapter on the Zonda F, they will switch their focus to the new Huayra, and all of its intended variations.

Last Pagani Zonda F Roadster On Its Way originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 14 October 2011 09:00 EST.

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Last Pagani Zonda F Roadster On Its Way

Filed under: Hatchback, BMW, Electric

BMW officially unveiled its i3 concept ahead of the car’s on-stage debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Details on the i3 and upcoming i8 poured out. Click here for all of that initial info.

Recently, Consumer Reports‘ Eric Evarts spoke about the i3 with BMW chief engineer Ulli Kranz. Evarts asked of the i3′s optional range-extending engine and, even though Kranz wouldn’t discuss specifics, Evarts seems to have prodded Kranz in such a way that BMW’s range-extending solution was revealed.

Evarts suggested to Kranz that one of BMW’s motorcycle engines would be ideally suited for range-extending duties and, rather than deny this, Kranz’ “eyes lit up when it was suggested that a motorcycle engine might be a perfect fit for such a car,” according to Evarts.

Furthermore, Green Car Reports speculates that handling the i3′s range-extending duties will be one of BMW’s G-Series motorcycle engines, most likely the 48-horsepower, single-cylinder 652-cc unit that powers the U.S.-spec BMW G 650 GS motorcycle.

2014 BMW i3 to feature range-extending 652-cc motorcycle engine? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Spy Photos, Sedan, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything about the next-generation Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and judging by this latest set of spy photos, there’s still quite a bit of work to be done before the new Silver Arrow flagship makes its debut.

Like the earlier mules we’ve seen, the next-generation S-Class will likely use a larger, more upright grille design, previewed by the F700 concept from a few years ago. Expect the Merc’s face to be chocked full of LED goodness, and under the hood, you can count on the standard range of gasoline, diesel and hybrid powertrains.

Inside, you can bet that the new S-Class will be as luxurious as ever, with Mercedes-Benz reportedly looking at cashmere and silk as possible cabin materials. Sounds plush. Look for the all-new S-Class to debut sometime in 2012.

Next-gen Mercedes-Benz S-Class does its thing on the ‘Ring originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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