New BMW Z4 sDrive35is with 340HP and M-Sports Package is the Closest You'll get to a Z4M

While BMW had pretty much ruled out the possibility of creating a successor to the M variants of the Z3 and the previous Z4 with its new hardtop roadster, no one from Munich ever said that there wasn’t going to be a faster and more focused version than the Z4 sDrive35i.

That car is the Z4 sDrive35is -the ‘s’ is what makes the difference- and it will make its world debut at next month’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show before going on sale worldwide in Spring of the same year.

Bypassing BMW’s ridiculous naming system (Z4is or Z4 35is would have been just fine), the range topping Z4 features a more powerful version of the company’s 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight six and M-Sports styling and chassis packages.

At the heart of the Z4 sDrive35is is BMW’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six that benefits from optimized air supply and increased boost pressure. Output is lifted from 306HP to 340HP at 5,800 rpm while peak torque is increased to 450Nm or 332 lb-ft and is available from 1,400 rpm all the way to 4,500 rpm.

Furthermore, the modified engine management on the Z4 sDrive35is also allows the use of an Overboost function briefly increasing engine torque under full load by another 50Nm or 37 lb-ft to 500Nm or 369 lb-ft.

Power is driven to the rear wheels through a revised version of the firm’s seven-speed double clutch transmission with BMW announcing a zero to 100km/h sprint time of 4.8 seconds (0-60mph in 4.7sec) and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h or 155mph.

BMW says that despite the increased performance over the standard Z4 sDrive35i, the ‘S’ model delivers the same fuel economy averaging 9.0lt/100km which is equal to 26.1 mpg US with CO2 emissions rated at 210g/km.

Aside from the powetrain upgrades, the Z4 sDrive35is also comes as standard with an M Sports Package including the M Aerodynamics Package and adaptive M Suspension.

The M Suspension, which features electronically controlled dampers, lowers the entire car by 10 mm or almost 0.4-in. The top-Z4 also gets a reprogrammed electronic power steering system that promises to offer increased feedback.

On the outside, the M package adds unique 18-inch alloy wheels with 19-inch rims available an option, a new front bumper, re-trimmed kidney grilles, matte silver exterior mirror caps, a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser and specific tail pipes.

Finally, the interior has been enhanced with several features such as the M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, M footrest, sports seats, aluminium carbon trim, BMW Individual roof lining, M entry strips and footmats with coloured piping.

The revised instrument cluster with grey faces on the dials and the “sDrive35is” model designation complete the package.

BMW Launches New M-Sports Package for 2010 Z4 Hardtop Roadster

The unveiling of the BMW Z4 sDrive35iS with its tweaked twin-turbocharged straight six that produces an output of 340 ponies was accompanied by the announcement of the release of a new M-Sports package with aerodynamic, interior and suspension upgrades for the entire Z4 range.

The M aerodynamic body styling kit adds a newly designed front bumper and a reworked rear bumper with insert in Anthracite metallic. The exterior package is rounded off with 18-inch M light alloy wheels.

Inside, the Z4 M Sports models benefit from an array of features including leather upholstery as standard, body-hugging sports seats, anthracite head lining, special trim on the dashboard and door panels, M leather gearknob, a thick-rimmed steering wheel and M designation door sills and floor mats.

From what we gather – BMW’s press release was quite vague on this – all Z4 M Sports models will also be able to be equipped with the adaptive M Suspension that lowers the hardtop roadster by 10 mm or almost 0.4 inches.

The M-Sports package for the Z4 will go on sale from March, 2010 with pricing to be confirmed in the new year.

G-POWER's Modded BMW X5M and X6M Make 600HP

Even though BMW’s M-badged cars are supposed to be the crème de la crème of each model series, that hasn’t stopped G-Power from offering bimmer buyers more power and exclusivity. Their latest accomplishment is a sport package with aerodynamic and performance enhancements for the X5 M and X6 M.

The German tuner has upgraded the 4.4-liter V8 turbocharged engine found in both M models with a reprogrammed ECU resulting in a modest boost in output to 600 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 700Nm or 516 pound-feet of torque from 2,000 rpm.

Along with the removal of the speed limiter, the two modified SUVs / SAVs / Crossovers (make your pick) are now propelled to a top speed in excess of 300km/h (187mph), with 0 to 100km/h (62mph) acceleration coming in 4.5 seconds and to 200km/h (124mph) in just 16.2 seconds.

There’s also a new suspension kit that lower’s the ride height of both models by around 30mm.

G-Power was never about subtle aero mods, and the company makes no exception with the X5 M and X6 M. Both models feature a different front bumper with extra large air-inlets on each corner along with a new bonnet made of Kevlar hybrid or full carbon and side skirts.

The rear is marked by a new apron, a diffuser that houses the stainless steel exhaust pipes, a roof spoiler, and in the case of the X6 M, a boot wing also.

G-Power has designed two separate sets of 23-inch alloy wheels that are shod in 315/25 ZR23 high-performance Michelin tires for the X5 M and X6 M.

The company also enhances the interior of the two M models with numerous parts such as a new sports steering wheel, a speedometer in G-POWER design and carbon-fiber covers for the side linings, central console and the dashboard.

G-Power said that €6,990 (plus assembly) will buy you the aero kit, €8,865.55 the new alloy wheels and tires, €3,021 the full stainless steel end muffler and €4,701.68 V8 engine power upgrade.

BMW Adds New Four- and Six-Cylinder Gasoline Engines to X1 SUV Range

Starting from March 2010, BMW’s most compact X model will be available (in most markets) with a new entry-level four-cylinder version and an additional six-cylinder power unit expanding the engine portfolio available in the X1 to a total of three gasoline and three diesel engines.

The new entry-level X1 sDrive18i is powered by BMW’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit producing 150HP at 6,400 rpm and a peak torque of 200Nm or 147 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm.

When fitted with the standard six-speed manual gearbox, the rear-wheel drive (that’s what the ‘sDrive’ moniker stands for) crossover accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62mph) in 9.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 202 km/h or 125 mph.

In conjunction with the optional six-speed automatic transmission, the X1 sDrive18i reaches 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h or 124 mph.

BMW announces a combined fuel economy in the EU test cycle of 8.2 lt/ 100km (equal to 28.7 mpg US and 34.4 mpg UK) with a CO2 rating of 191 g/km for the manual model. The corresponding figures on the automatic transmission model are 8.4 lt /100 km (equal to 28 mpg US and 33.6 mpg UK) and, respectively, 195 g/km of CO2.

Supplementing the top-of-the-range 258HP X1 xDrive28i is the new X1 xDrive25i that comes with a straight-six petrol that delivers an output of 218HP at 6,100 rpm and 277Nm/204 lb-ft at 2,500 rpm.

Featuring BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system and a six-speed automatic transmission as standard, the X1 xDrive25i sprints from 0- 100 km/h (62mph) in 7.9 seconds and has a top speed of 223 km/h or 138 mph.

According to the Bavarian firm, the xDrive25i’s combined fuel consumption in the EU test cycle is 9.3 lt/100 km (equal to 25.2 mpg US and 30.4 mpg UK) with a CO2 emission rating of 217 g/km.

In addition to the two new engine variants, for 2010, BMW has extended the availability of its six-speed automatic transmission to the X1 xDrive18d, X1 sDrive18d, and the X1 sDrive20d models while the range of paintworks has been enhanced with five new shades – Space Grey, Cashmere Silver, Tasman, Sparkling Bronze, and Graphite Blue metallic.

BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible Facelift Officially Revealed – 60 High Res Photos

A little after a leaked brochure gave us our first taste of the lightly refreshed 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models, BMW rushed out an official release and a whole bunch of pictures. For the 2011 model year, the Bavarian automaker’s bread-and-butter coupe and cabriolet models receive some minor cosmetic touches and updated powerplants.

The most notable – that is, if you’re a hardcore bimmer fan- changes on the outside concern the widened kidney grille, reshaped LED headlamps, front and rear bumpers with restyled lower fascias, new exterior mirrors and finally, reworked tail light cluster with a new color scheme.

According to BMW, these modifications slightly extend the front and rear overhangs by 1.14 and 0.12 inches respectively.

The only change in the cabin concerns the convertible models and the use of sun-reflective technology to mitigate temperatures on leather seating, armrest surfaces, headrests, and gear shifter. BMW says that this new treatment is able to reduce surface temperatures on dark interior colors by up to 20 Celsius degrees (36 Fahrenheit degrees) and by as much as Celsius degrees (27 Fahrenheit degrees)on light-colored upholstery.

In North America (we’ll bring you details on the Euro spec models shortly), the 2011 3-Series Coupe and Convertible models will be offered once again in two flavors, the 328i and 335i.

As noted in our previous post, the 2011 335i is fitted with BMW’s new twin scroll single turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six, designated N55, that replaces the previous model’s N54 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six.

BMW says that even though output has remained the same as before at 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, the new single turbo engine is more responsive, more fuel efficient, and cleaner-running than its predecessor.

The rear-wheel drive 335i Coupe and Convertible accelerate from 0 – 60 mph (96km/h) in just 5.3 (5.5 coupe automatic) seconds and 5.5 (5.7 cabrio automatic) seconds, respectively, when equipped with a six speed manual gearbox.

The all-wheel drive 335i xDrive coupe is slightly faster at 5.2 seconds (5.3 sec for the automatic model).

The 328i’s 230 horsepower, 200 lb-ft, 3.0-liter inline-6 engine has been carried over unchanged from the 2010 model.

No word yet on the sporty 335is variants with a tweaked 3.0-liter twin-turbo churning out 322HP that were mentioned in the leaked sales leaflet (click here for details).

In the U.S. and Canada, the 2011 3 Series Coupe and Convertible models will go on sale in Spring 2010, with pricing set to be announced closer to the on-sale date.

BMW 135i Coupe and Convertible get New Twin Scroll Turbocharged 3.0-liter N55 Straight-Six

BMW is gradually replacing its N54 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six (featured in models like the 335i) with the firm’s new twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six cylinder engine, designated N55. The latest Bavarian products to get the N55 are the 2011 model year 135i Coupe and Convertible that will go on sale in the United States in Spring 2010.

With a maximum output of 300HP at 5,800 rpm and a peak torque of 300 lb-ft available from 1,200–5,000rpm (U.S.-spec version), the new six-cylinder produces the same level of performance as the current twin-turbo six-cylinder.

However, BMW says that thanks to the adoption of the single, twin-scroll turbocharger and the integration of VALVETRONIC throttle-less intake technology, the new engine promises better throttle response and even more fuel efficiency.

In addition, the automaker claims that peak torque is reached 100rpm earlier than with the previous engine while engine boost response is improved across the entire engine speed range.

Both the 135i Coupe and Convertible will be optionally available with BMW’s 7-speed Double-Clutch Transmission (DCT) that now features dedicated steering wheel paddles for upshifting (on the right) and down shifting (on the left).

For the 2011 model year, BMW also replaced the HiFi System Professional with a new Harman Kardon Surround Sound System while the climate control instrument unit features a new alignment and optics.

Vorsteiner Launches M-Tech Aero Package for BMW 3-Series Coupe and Convertible

In case the M-Sport kit for the BMW 3-Series E92 Coupe and E93 Convertible leave you wanting more, Vorsteiner has released a new aero package designed to enhance (not replace) the existing factory package.

Dubbed V-MS for Vorsteiner M-Tech Series, the package includes two carbon-fiber splitters for the front bumper, a carbon fiber rear diffuser that attaches to the factory mounting points and a carbon fiber boot lid spoiler. The kit can be complemented with a set of 19- or 20-inch BBS alloy wheels.

The company said that the V-MS aero package will be available worldwide starting in January 10th, 2010 through select authorized Vorsteiner dealers.

Racing Dynamics Working on 2011 BMW 5-Series with 410HP 535i R35 and 620HP 550i R50S Models

Russia’s Top Car isn’t the only tuner tampering around with the recently revealed, but not yet available, 2011 BMW 5-Series sedan. So is Racing Dynamics, otherwise known as RDSport in the USA. The Italian tuner that specializes on BMW products, has released a teaser photo (chop) and preliminary specs on the 535i R35 and the 550i R50S that will both receive a bevy of performance and styling mods.

While Racing Dynamics has not yet released specific details on the engine upgrades, the tuner said that the 535i R35′s 3.0-liter inline-six with the twin-scroll turbocharger will receive an extra boost to produce 410HP and 383lb-ft torque for an estimated 0-60mph (96km/h) sprint time of 5.3 seconds, or 0.7 seconds faster than the standard 306HP 535i.

The range-topping 550i with the R50S package will deliver an output of 620-horsepower versus the factory model’s 407HP 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8.

In addition to the engine mods, the Bavarian sedans will also benefit from a custom made exhaust system, a high performance braking system, a new rear-locking differential and a retuned and lowered suspension with new gas struts for the front axle and gas-pressurized shock absorbers for the rear.

The package will be rounded off with new 21-inch lightweight alloy wheels, an aero kit and various options for the interior including special trim inlays.

More details are expected to be released within the next few weeks.

2012 Volkswagen Golf R headed to U.S.

It’s been a couple of years since Volkswagen’s heavyweight hot hatch, the R32, graced America’s shores, but now we have official word of a successor. Tuned by the in-house R team at Volkswagen, the Golf R should be a good bit more exciting than its already entertaining forebear, and hopefully, it will shave a few pounds off, too.

Unlike the R32, which was powered by VW’s popular VR6, the new model will be powered by Volkswagen’s ubiquitous turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. And while Volkswagen isn’t quoting power output for the new U.S. model, the European version currently on sale conjures up 270 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. All of that gumption will be routed through VW’s fourth generation Haldex 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which means the VW should once again be a good foil for cars like the Subaru WRX and Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart.

Along with the power increase, VW is promising bigger brakes, an uprated suspension, 18-inch wheels, center-exit dual exhaust and a more liberally tuned ESP. Perhaps most interestingly, the Golf R will be available in both two and four doors and be paired exclusively with a manual transmission. That’s right, we said it.

Although the press release after the jump doesn’t mention when it will debut (our money’s on Detroit), additional R accoutrements include model-specific aero bits and badging, along with upgrated trim and a new steering wheel, shift knob, and so on.

In other words, it’s time to get excited.

BMW 1 Series M Coupe is ready to cut and thrust

BMW’s long, agonizing roll-out of information about the 2012 1 Series M Coupe has been a bit maddening. In addition to an early video reveal, we were invited to get some seat time in a prototype of the 1M, leaving us with just the final production-spec images and details in the world of the unknown. Well, wait no more – BMW has officially taken the wraps off of its hot new 1 Series, and while we’re still very eager to put this sporty coupe through its paces, we can’t help but wish for just a teensy bit more… oomph.

Let’s start with power. The 1 Series M Coupe uses BMW’s twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, and while early estimates had the car pumping out as much as 350 horsepower, the final numbers are: 335 hp and 332 pound-feet of torque – exactly what you get out of this engine in the current Z4 sDrive35is. The car’s ECU has an overboost function that provides an additional 37 lb-ft of twist at full tilt, and with your foot pressed hard into the right pedal, 0-60 will happen in just 4.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited at – you guessed it – 155 miles per hour.

The only transmission available is a six-speed manual, though rumors have circulated about a possible twin-clutch DCT box making its way into the car down the road. Like all M cars, the 1M features an M Drive button on the steering wheel that improves throttle response. Additionally, the car is equipped with an M Dynamic Mode button that allows the electronic driving nannies to kick in slightly later than normal.

New Chevrolet small car to officially be called ‘Sonic’

General Motors has officially announced that its all-new B-segment car will be called Sonic, marking the end of the Aveo nameplate here in the United States. We first saw the 2012 Aveo at the Paris Motor Show earlier this year, and the vehicle will officially start production sometime in 2011 at GM’s Orion Assembly Center in Michigan.

The Sonic nameplate will only be used in the United States, Canada and Mexico; the car destined for other markets will retain the Aveo name. Chris Perry, GM’s vice president for Chevrolet U.S. marketing explains the reason for the name change here in North America:

“The Sonic represents a new beginning for Chevrolet in the small car segment and so we felt it was time to give it a new name. The new car is roomy, stylish and fun to drive, and Sonic is a youthful, energetic name that helps convey what this vehicle is about.”

If GM really wants to capture some youth, we suggest offering the Sonic in “Hedgehog Blue.” Follow the jump for the official press release.

Kia recalls nearly 8,000 Sorrento models over incorrectly machined brakes

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, certain 2011 Kia Sorento models were fitted with rear brake calipers that were improperly machined.

Says NHTSA: “As a result, brake fluid will leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating the brake fluid level is low and should be checked, then a soft or spongy brake pedal feel, and if not serviced, reduced braking power which could increase the risk of a crash.”

Naturally, the owner’s preferred Kia dealership will inspect and replace the rear calipers if necessary at no charge. For more information, check out the official statement from NHTSA after the break.

Wrong Way sign merely a suggestion in China

If you miss an exit on the highway, the best thing to do is simply wait for the next one and double back. You will eventually get where you are going and the only down side is a few wasted minutes. In China, at least one taxi driver prefers a more efficient way to get to his intended destination… the U-turn. Apparently, the freeways of Tianjin are the Wild West of aggressive driving.

An excited American records footage from the back seat of this potential crash-cab. It should be noted that the female voice on the video is apparently none other than actress Kelly Hu, which means this could have quickly gone from horrible accident to tragedy faster than you can say Hawaii 5-O(h) no!

Make an illegal u-turn across the jump to view the clip.

Ford Flex Titanium

Ford has been hard at work building the finest arsenal of in-cabin technologies in the auto industry, and our recent reviews of its products suggest the effort is paying off. But offering a huge collection of amenities means the customer must choose from a laundry list of options that can make the car-buying process overly complicated. Some options aren’t available on some trim levels, while those same options come standard on others. Ford also uses “Rapid Spec” packages that can range in price from $1,000 to well over $4,000, depending on how much luxury and technology you care to pile on. And, of course, there’s nothing worse than checking a box with an asterisk, a bit of punctuation that means you have to add another option before earning the right to check the box you wanted in the first place.

Ordering a new vehicle gets a lot easier when you use the “I’ll take everything” approach. This is the simplest way to shop, but it’s also the priciest. And what happens if “everything” isn’t enough? Ford thinks it has the answer to that question: a Titanium model that bungees on every conceivable extra to already loaded-up Limited models. Already a hit in Europe, Ford’s Titanium trim level is chugging across The Pond this year with a maiden voyage aboard the S.S. Flex. We just spent a week with the 2011 Flex Titanium to see if the Blue Oval’s ultimate trim level is worth its premium price.

Ralph Lauren designs a wristwatch to match his Bugatti Atlantic

There are plenty of watches out there that try to emulate one car or another, but it takes something truly unique to accompany a car like a Bugatti. For its part, Parmigiani Fleurier has had at it a couple of times with timepieces matched to Molsheim’s latest, but to run with a car as coveted and prized as the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, really only one brand would be up to the task: Ralph Lauren.

Everyone from fashionistas to holiday shoppers know Ralph Lauren as a clothing label, but automotive enthusiasts like ourselves know him as the proud owner of one of the most delectable classic car collections the world has ever known. Once in a while, Mr. Lifshitz (as he’s still known back in The Bronx) puts his two passions together to create something special. Last time it was a luggage collection inspired by Ferrari. This time it’s a watch to go with his ’38 Bugatti.

The latest in Lauren’s Sporting Watch collection is styled after the interior of the Atlantic, with an elm burl wood ring emulating the car’s dashboard, galvanized matte black dial with white Arabic numerals like the Bugatti’s gauges, and visible screws around the case front recalling the rivets along the Atlantic’s spine. The movement is crafted for Ralph Lauren by the Richemont group – the same company that makes Cartier,Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai and IWC, to name just a few – and features a 45-hour power reserve.

GT5 physics are completely realistic

Gran Turismo 5 has been billed as a hyper-realistic driving simulator. And while it’s almost impossible for Polyphony Digital’s golden egg to live up to six years of hype and hope (we called the game “an incomplete title”), there are plenty of gamers out there who feel the driving dynamics are second-to-none. But no matter how hard the hundreds of GT5 developers tried, perfection and pixels are still miles apart.

For instance, what happens when you’re driving a Nissan GT-R really fast on a banked oval track, and as you begin to ease left, an equally fast Porsche 911 taps you on the driver-side door? In real life, there is a solid chance that you’d lose control and perhaps come to a stop with your wheels pointing skyward. In GT5, you can apparently lose control, land on a Lamborghini Gallardo and still finish the race. Want proof? Hit the jumpto watch the replay of one gamer’s hilarious but not-so-realistic experience. At least the Lambo slowed down once it began piggybacking an extra 4,000 pounds.

Ford Racing unveils Mustang Boss 302S race car

Today at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) show in Orlando, FL, Ford Racing took the wraps off its latest Mustang race car, the Boss 302S. Serving as a replacement for the now defunct FR500S race car that was used for the Mustang Challenge race series, the Boss 302S is intended for the serious track day enthusiast as well as racing series like the SCCA’s World Challenge and NASA’s American Iron.

Fitting in between the Boss 302 Laguna Seca and the Boss 302R race car that competes in Grand-Am, the Boss 302S will feature the stock transmission, clutch and flywheel mated to the Boss 302 5.0-liter engine putting out 440 horsepower. Race-spec items like a six-point roll cage and Recaro HANS Pro Racer seat will be standard, as well as a fully adjustable suspension system, Brembo race brake system, massive front splitter and an adjustable carbon fiber rear wing. Pricing is set at $79,000, identical to the FR500S, and just 50 will be available from the Ford Racing Performance Parts catalog. Hit the jump for a full list of Mustang Boss 302S features and specs.