MotoGP: BMW X6 M sets the pace at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossovers/CUVs</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-m-motogp-safety-car-1/2126426/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/bmwx6mpacecar_lead2.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /><em><strong><small>BMW X6 M MotoGP Pace Car - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />For the last eleven years, BMW has partnered with MotoGP to provide safety vehicles, although this year the car setting the pace is, well, not a car. Just days after BMW officially introduced the X6 M at the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/New-York-Auto-Show/">New York Auto Show</a>, one had already <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/12/setting-the-pace-bmw-x6-m-debuts-as-motogp-safety-car/">hit the track at the MotoGP in Qatar</a>. <br /><br />Complete with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine producing 555 horsepower, the X6 M can perform its duties essentially in stock form. The only changes apparent include a light bar on top and BMW Motorsport livery. With the racing series coming to Monterey for the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix, we got our first look at the X6 M safety vehicle and made sure to snap some pics alongside its M6 counterpart. Check out our high-res gallery below.<br /><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-m-motogp-safety-car-1/">BMW X6 M MotoGP Safety Car</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-m-motogp-safety-car-1/2126426/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/bmwx6mpacecar_16_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-m-motogp-safety-car-1/2126427/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/bmwx6mpacecar_17_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-m-motogp-safety-car-1/2126428/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/bmwx6mpacecar_18_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-m-motogp-safety-car-1/2126429/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/bmwx6mpacecar_19_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-m-motogp-safety-car-1/2126430/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/bmwx6mpacecar_20_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><strong style="font-style: italic;"><small>Photos copyright (C)2009 <a href="http://www.drewphillipsphotograp hy.com/">Drew Phillips</a> / Weblogs, Inc.</small></strong><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/motogp-bmw-x6-m-sets-the-pace-at-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca/">MotoGP: BMW X6 M sets the pace at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/motogp-bmw-x6-m-sets-the-pace-at-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19086845/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/06/motogp-bmw-x6-m-sets-the-pace-at-mazda-raceway-laguna-seca/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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BMW considering offering M3 GT4 to gentlemen racers
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/motorsports/" rel="tag">Motorsports</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupes</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-m3-gt4/1486549/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/02-bmw-m3-gt4-580op.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><em><stron g><small>BMW M3 GT4 - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />Although BMW's M division may have arguably veered off course with the recent introduction of the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/X5M/">X5M</a> and <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/X6M/">X6M</a>, well-to-do M-ophiles may have something to look forward to in the form of a <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/10/bmw-m3-gt4-to-campaign-in-nurburgring-24-hour-enduro/">M3 GT4</a> available to consumers.<br /><br />Campaigned at the 24 Hours of N&uuml;rburgring this past May, the GT4 variant of BMW's V8-powered M3 is fitted with all the race-ready kit you'd expect in something developed to tackle the Green Hell, including an Ohlins suspension setup, aerodynamic enhancements, a full roll cage, airjack system, race buckets and a modified engine and transmission. "It would be specifically for motorsport drivers," BMW's M division head, Dr. Kay Segler told Autoblog. Translation: Don't expect to see this car on the street - it's a trackday toy or competition-only machine.<br /><br />Although the trigger hasn't been pulled, Segler said it's being actively considered. If we had to bet, we'd expect the GT4 to be available to gentlemen racers sometime in 2010.<br /><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-m3-gt4/">BMW M3 GT4</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-m3-gt4/1486546/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/01-bmw-m3-gt4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-m3-gt4/1486549/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/02-bmw-m3-gt4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-m3-gt4/1486547/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/03-bmw-m3-gt4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-m3-gt4/1486548/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/04-bmw-m3-gt4_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/bmw-considering-offering-m3-gt4-to-gentlemen-racers/">BMW considering offering M3 GT4 to gentlemen racers</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/bmw-considering-offering-m3-gt4-to-gentlemen-racers/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19088386/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/07/bmw-considering-offering-m3-gt4-to-gentlemen-racers/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo may write epitaph for model's wagon bodystyle in America
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/wagons/" rel="tag">Wagons/Estates</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossovers/CUVs</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-bmw-5-series-sports-wagon/2132415/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/bmw-5-touring-official-580.jpg" alt="" /></a><br />
<div align="center"><small style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">BMW 5 Series Sports Wagon - Click above for high-res image gallery</small><br /></div>
<br />Autoblog road test editor Damon Lavrinc is in Spartanburg, South Carolina to drive BMW's new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/08/new-york-bmw-pulls-sheet-off-x6-m/">all-conquering X6M</a>, and in between bouts with the monster-motor'd crossover, he has had a chance to bend the ear of Martin Berkmann, manager of product planning for BMW North America, about another new capacious Bimmer - the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/official-bmw-5-series-granturismo/2030061/">5 Series Gran Turismo</a>.<br /><br />Given the Bayern brand's increasingly crowded stable, it should come as no surprise that the boundary-blurring 5GT may result in the death of the sole 5 Series Sports Wagon model offered here in the States (a 530i model is shown). While the company's Touring variants carry a lot of water for BMW in other markets, the 353i xDrive SW makes up but a sliver of U.S. sales, and apparently BMW officials reckon the 5GT could just about extinguish what little demand there is.<br /><br />By our measure, that's something of a shame, as the 535i xDrive wagon is a nice package all the way around. Further, the 4,100-pound wagon's more compact form, coupled with what figures to be a lower center of gravity ought to make for significantly better handling than the 4,800-pound 5GT. That said, our man Lavrinc is about to get a bonus preview ride on the company's test track in the Gran Turismo, so perhaps we'll learn otherwise very soon.<br /><br />In any case, the official word hasn't come down yet, but judging by the fact that top officials are even willing to engage in discussions with us, this strikes us as a likely move.<br /><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-bmw-5-series-sports-wagon/">2009 BMW 5 Series Sports Wagon</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-bmw-5-series-sports-wagon/2132415/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/bmw-5-touring-official-_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-bmw-5-series-sports-wagon/2132416/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/bmw-5-touring-official-2_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-bmw-5-series-sports-wagon/2132417/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/bmw-5-touring-official-3_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/official-bmw-5-series-granturismo/">2010 BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/official-bmw-5-series-granturismo/2030061/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/5_gt_ab_gally20090522_49_ thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/official-bmw-5-series-granturismo/2030039/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/5_gt_ab_gally20090522_48_ thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/official-bmw-5-series-granturismo/2030097/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/5_gt_ab_gally20090522_44_ thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/official-bmw-5-series-granturismo/2030095/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/5_gt_ab_gally20090522_42_ thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/official-bmw-5-series-granturismo/2029943/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/05/p90045867_imagea_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/bmw-5-series-gran-turismo-may-write-epitaph-for-model/">BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo may write epitaph for model's wagon bodystyle in America</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/bmw-5-series-gran-turismo-may-write-epitaph-for-model/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19090835/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/08/bmw-5-series-gran-turismo-may-write-epitaph-for-model/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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Style and Substance: BMW X6 with M Sport Package to get power upgrades?
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossovers/CUVs</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-x6-m-and-x5-m/1470442/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/011_bmwx6mx5m_opta.jpg" /></a><br /><em><strong><small>BMW X6 M - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></strong></em><br /></div>
<br />Enthusiasts who had <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/02/spy-shots-bmw-m7-prototype-or-7-series-hybrid/">hoped for an M-worthy performance upgrade</a> may be disappointed by the largely cosmetic <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/01/bmw-announces-7-series-xdrive-and-m-sport-models/">M Sport Package recently announced for the flagship 7 Series</a>. But while purists have balked at the idea of a full-on X6 M (pictured above), buyers looking for a little extra oomph from their sports-activity-whatsit were undoubtedly satisfied. So it may come as a little surprise that BMW is reportedly preparing to launch an M Sport package for the X6 that also includes some power upgrades.<br /><br />According to reports, the oil-burning X6 xDrive35d with the M Sport package will get a boost of 20 horsepower to 306 courtesy of the recently launched <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/23/bmw-to-introduce-more-powerful-and-efficient-version-of-twin-tur/">740d's powerplant</a>, while the twin-turbo xDrive50i will increase output by 42 horsepower over stock. Of course, there will also be a special body kit and bigger 20-inch wheels along with the requisite badging of the X6 M Sport package, all of which gives those who want a little extra sport in their ute but aren't interested in the full-on X6 M a solid choice in between. Expect the package to hit the market later this year.<br /><br />[Source: <a href="http://www.motorauthority.com/new-m-sport-package-for-bmw-x6-will-come-with-power-upgrades.html">Motor Authority</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/style-and-substance-bmw-m-sport-package-for-x6-to-include-power/">Style and Substance: BMW X6 with M Sport Package to get power upgrades?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.motorauthority.com/new-m-sport-package-for-bmw-x6-will-come-with-power-upgrades.html>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/style-and-substance-bmw-m-sport-package-for-x6-to-include-power/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19091938/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/09/style-and-substance-bmw-m-sport-package-for-x6-to-include-power/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M - Bimmer builds a highrider GT-R
 

<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Sports/GTs</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/crossovers-cuvs/" rel="tag">Crossovers/CUVs</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/driving/" rel="tag">First Drive</a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m/2136336/"><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/x6m_fd000_opt.jpg" alt="" /></a><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><small>2010 BMW X6 M - Click above for high-res image gallery</small></span><br /></div>
<br />M aficionados take note: The 2010 X6 M (and yet-to-be-tested X5 M) represents the most dramatic shift in BMW's Motorsport division since its inception - and it's not because they're the first crossovers branded with the tri-tone "M" badge. This high-riding duo are the first M machines ever to be equipped with all-wheel drive. The first fitted exclusively with an automatic transmission. And the first (and surely not the last) to pack a pair of turbochargers. M has evolved, but BMW hasn't lost the plot - it's completely rewritten the screenplay, added Michael Bay firepower and harnessed the electronic might of a supercomputer farm to tie it all together. <br /><br /><br /><div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m/">First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m/2136336/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/x6m_fd_ab000_thumbnail.jp g" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m/2136335/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/x6m_fd_ab001_thumbnail.jp g" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m/2136334/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/x6m_fd_ab002_thumbnail.jp g" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m/2136333/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/x6m_fd_ab003_thumbnail.jp g" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m/2136339/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/07/x6m_fd_ab004_thumbnail.jp g" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /><em><strong><small>Photo s Copyright (C)2009 Damon Lavrinc / Weblogs, Inc.</small></strong></em><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m-bimmer-builds-a-highrider-gt-r/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M - Bimmer builds a highrider GT-R</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m-bimmer-builds-a-highrider-gt-r/">First Drive: 2010 BMW X6 M - Bimmer builds a highrider GT-R</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m-bimmer-builds-a-highrider-gt-r/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19094057/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/10/first-drive-2010-bmw-x6-m-bimmer-builds-a-highrider-gt-r/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>

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