�� BMW �� 2010 - �� 72

�� · #**356** 05-12-2010, 08:10 PM

BMW will officially unveil the 2012 1 Series M Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show in January, and while we've already driven a prototype of this hot new 1 Series, we're indeed excited to see the production-ready car in person. As if the hotted-up 1 wasn't potent enough, with around 345horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six (official power numbers haven't yet been confirmed), reports are starting to crop up about an even more hardcore 1 Series M. Our friend Jon Sibal has spoken to BMW about the possibility of a lighter, faster 1M, and he offers up the rendering above - a CSL-ified coupe.

Yes, we're licking our chops at the idea of a race-ready 1 Series M Coupe CSL, and it's good to know that BMW hasn't quite ruled out the idea. In speaking with Sibal, BMW says that initial customer reaction to the 1M will determine the need for a GTS/CSL-type car, as well as potential droptop version. "We have a cabrio unofficially," says BMW.

The 1 Series M Coupe is expected to be produced through the summer of 2012 until the next-generation 1 Series hits the market, and when it comes to the possibility of a 1M CSL, consider our hands raised. Head over to Jon Sibal's website for a high-res version of this drool-worthy rendering.

[Source: JonSibal.com]

BMW pondering special edition 1M Coupe? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 05 Dec 2010 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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�� · #**357** 06-12-2010, 06:50 PM

Filed under: Motorsports, BMW

BMW 320si WTCC - Click above for high-res image gallery

If you were disappointed with BMW's decision to leave Formula One at the end of last year, hold on to your hats as the Bavarian automaker is further scaling back its racing programs, announcing the discontinuation of its factory-backed World Touring Car Championship effort for next season.

The move follows a change in leadership at BMW Motorsport in which longtime director Mario Theissen is making way for incoming boss Jens Marquardt. Last year, after pulling out of the Sauber F1 team, BMW announced it was downsizing its WTCC works effort from three factory-backed teams to just one. But following its decision to compete against Audi and Mercedes-Benz in the national DTM series, it has evidently opted to shut down that single WTCC team as well.

BMW will, however, continue supplying its recently reworked 320 TC to independent teams in the WTCC, following the same path forged by SEAT in its withdrawal from the series after claiming the championship last year. The move leaves Chevrolet and Volvo (which enters the series in a limited capacity next year after dominating the Swedish Touring Car Series) as the only works teams in the series. Official announcement after the jump.

Gallery: BMW 320si WTCC

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW pulls out of World Touring Car Championship

BMW pulls out of World Touring Car Championship originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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�� · #**358** 07-12-2010, 09:40 PM

Filed under: Coupe, Performance, Etc., Videos, BMW, Humor

Sabine Schmitz and Juliet McGuire in the BMW M3 Frozen Gray - Click above to watch video after the jump

There are a few tried-and-true recipes for car video success out there, but one of our favorites has to be mixing an inexperienced passenger with a skilled driver and a world-class car. The results are nearly always as predictable as they are hilarious. South Africa's CAR Magazine recently found that out firsthand when they strapped their Juliette McGuire into the passenger seat of a Frozen Gray BMW M3 with Nürburgring queen Sabine Schmitz behind the tiller. After a brief bout with the traction control, Schmitz is able to really start wailing on the Bavarian.

The result is well worth a few moments of your day. Schmitz is the hoon for hire in CAR Magazine's 2011 Performance Shootout, and she's put 12 of the world's hottest sports cars through their paces on an airstrip and around the Zwartkops raceway. That issue of CAR hits newsstands on December 20, but if you don't have access to a South African newstand, you can catch the video of McGuire holding on for dear life in the video after the jump.

[Source: CAR Magazine]

Continue reading Video: Sabine Schmitz makes another blonde shriek in BMW M3 Frozen Gray

Video: Sabine Schmitz makes another blonde shriek in BMW M3 Frozen Gray originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 12:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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�� · #**359** 08-12-2010, 10:30 PM

Filed under: Detroit Auto Show, Coupe, Performance, Videos, BMW

2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe revealed - Click above to watch the video after the jump

BMW hasn't done the best job of keeping its 2012 1 Series M Coupe a secret. The hot new two-door isn't scheduled to make its public debut until the Detroit Auto Show next month, but we've already seen dozens of teaser images and videos. Heck, we've even driven a prototype.

Now, BMW has released video of the production-ready 1M with all of its swirly paper removed. Its bulgy, brash front end and wider stance certainly look the part of a serious baby brother to the M3, and while official numbers have yet to be confirmed, we're indeed looking forward to flogging all 340-ish horsepower via a standard six-speed manual transmission.

Check out the video for yourself, after the jump, and stay tuned for the official details as they break.

Gallery: 2012 BMW 1 Series M Coupe: Prototype Drive