�� BMW �� 2010 - �� 70

�� · #**346** 20-11-2010, 12:40 AM

BMW 3 Series spy shots - Click above for high-res image gallery

Lately, we've been hearing a lot about BMW's plans to expand its model line with more niche models like the X6 and 5 Series Gran Turismo. We've heard talks of a new X4 crossover, a 3 Series GT and even a hatchback M3. It's all a bit maddening, yes, but never fear - BMW has not forgotten about its core models, especially the all-important 3 Series sedan. After all, the four-door 3er is quite possibly the most important benchmark vehicle in the automotive marketplace. We do talk about it quite a bit, after all.

Our sneaky spy photographers have just snapped this 3 Series prototype out testing on public roads, and while the exterior hasn't been altered too much from other development cars we've seen, our photogs managed to snap the 3er's reworked interior for the first time. Breathe easy, folks - it isn't too far removed from what we've come to know in the current E90 car. The dash has more sculpted lines, the steering wheel is beefier and has some more functional buttons and the center console features BMW's new remote-sized shifter.

We're still unsure as to what BMW has lurking under the hood, but we can expect the usual host of six-cylinder powertrains, both turbocharged and naturally aspirated. Of course, there's always the possibility of a four-cylinder option, too. Until we get the official word, we'll hug our current E90s and wait patiently. See the latest set of spy shots for yourself in the gallery below.

Gallery: Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series

[Source: KGP Photography]

Spy Shots: BMW 3 Series caught testing, interior revealed for first time originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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�� · #**347** 23-11-2010, 10:50 PM

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Rumormill

The rumor furnaces are cooking at full tilt when it comes to what will be lurking under the hood of the upcoming BMW 1 Series M Coupe. The sleuths at 1addicts.com have managed to lay their hands on a clandestine manifest that supposedly outlines all of the new models set to flow forth the Bavarian automaker. Nestled among the more common 1 Series metal is a vehicle that appears to be code named "1 M Pyrat" that will supposedly pack a 340 horsepower N54 engine in European trim. That'll send your eyebrows to your hairline, sure, but it's not nearly as shocking as the U.S.-spec model just a bit further down the list.

According to the enthusiast site, BMW is planning a 451 horsepower version of the 1 Series M Coupe just for American consumption. Now, we hate to the little black rain cloud that rains on everyone's parade, but this seems more than a little unlikely. After all, the big daddy M3 rolls with 414 horsepower right now, and even if BMW is planning a substantial bump in power in the near future, it seems unlikely that the baby 1 would be given the chops to pass its bigger brother.

Still, it doesn't hurt us one bit to dream this little dream until BMW says otherwise. Head over to 1addicts to have a closer look at the manifest.

Gallery: BMW 1M Coupe teasers

[Source: 1addicts]

Rumormill: BMW 1 Series M Coupe to pack 451 hp?! originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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�� · #**348** 25-11-2010, 03:10 AM

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., BMW, Ferrari, Canada

Two speed-loving Canadians have had the keys to their hoon machines taken away. A 2008 Ferrari 430 Scuderia and a 2008 BMW M6 were caught speeding up Mount Seymour in British Columbia, hitting speeds of up to 200 km/h (about 126 miles per hour) in a 60 km/h zone, as well as narrowly missing a mother who was walking with her two children. As you'd expect, the cars were impounded, but the provincial government is taking things a step further. Both vehicles are going to be sold. In fact, the Ferrari has already moved on to a new home and the M6 is set to hit the auction block in the very near future.

The Ferrari is owned in part by a relative of the person driving at the time. That relative will receive 50 percent of the proceeds from the sale, while the other owner receives 30 percent. The government is going to hold on to the rest. The owner of the M6 also receives 30 percent but the government keeps the other 70. The reason for the payouts? To clear notes on each car with the owners respective banks.

[Source: CNews]

Man caught driving 200 km/h on public roads gets $235,000 Ferrari taken away originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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�� · #**349** 30-11-2010, 12:55 AM

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, BMW, Quick Spin

BMW's Version Of A Blue Light Special For Speed

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe Prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

There's a well-worn automotive axiom that plays out many different ways: The amount of money you spend is proportional to how fast you go. You want more speed? You spend more money.

If you've priced a BMW M3 these days, you see the principle at work. Back in the old days (1987), a U.S.-spec M3 boasted a 195-horsepower four-cylinder engine and did 0-60 miles per hour in about 6.7 seconds on its leisurely way to a 143-mph top speed - all for just over $30,000. Today, the least expensive 414-horsepower V8 M3 will set you back $58,400. As it should, the new M3 trounces the old in every conceivable performance metric with its 4.6-second 0-60 mph run, supercar mid-range and electronically-limited 155-mph top end.

This reality left enthusiasts wishing BMW would offer something a little less speedy for a commensurate drop in MSRP. Seeing the opportunity with its 2012 1 Series Coupe, BMW will soon show us how much speed around $45,000 will buy at the upcoming Detroit Auto Show. But to tide you over until then, come with us for a ride in a BMW 1 Series M Coupe prototype.

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Gallery: 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe: Prototype Drive

Continue reading Quick Spin: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe

Quick Spin: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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�� · #**350** 30-11-2010, 02:10 AM

Filed under: Europe, Government/Legal, Plants/Manufacturing, BMW

According to reports, a ring of 18 workers at BMW's plant in Munich have been stealing from the German automaker for years. It seems the individuals would stop the lines for fake quality control checks and make off with the goods to be sold on the open market. The most lucrative business reportedly centered around reselling seats through internet auctions.

BMW's own internal investigators discovered the thievery - but not until €3 million in goods ($4 million) was stolen - and reported the matter to local authorities. At least three ex-employees are currently in custody. Thanks for the tip, Gregg!

[Source: The Local | Photo: Drew Phillips/AOL]

BMW reportedly catches ring of workers stealing up to $4 million in parts originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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