It is well-known that BMW decided to seize production of the current generation M3 starting this June, due to the new WLTP regulations; however the carmaker has already started testing out the upcoming M3 on the Ring, with the model eventually debuting next year at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The famous Nurbrugring track is quite busy these days, with a lot of test mules carrying out different tests. The new 2020 BMW M3 is one of them and wraps heavy white and black camouflage all around, which means that it is in its early testing stage.

As we can depict from the spy photos, the 2020MY looks almost completely different than the current generation, bigger and wider and sporting a more aggressive design. Surely, we can observe the aggressive front fascia with now honeycomb inserts on the lower air intake. At the rear end, the test mule is wearing a four-tailpipe exhaust system and smaller spoiler for advanced aerodynamics.

Overall, the prototype features sportier suspension which reduces its ride height, while the lightweight wheels cover-up what seems to be high-performance brakes with cross-drilled discs that are glowing from their heavy usage on the track. Also, being wider, the wheel arches seem to be extended, while the side skirts are now looking more aggressive.

The car`s interior looks pretty much standard; however, it will definitely be improved with new high-tech gizmos, like new digital instrument cluster as well as the company`s up-to-date iDrive infotainment system.

As for powertrains under the hood, the new 2020 BMW M3 is likely to keep the same 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline six-cylinder engine, but with higher output than the current 425 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. Rumors have it that it could have around 465 horsepower or even more. Performance will also be improved, thanks to the CLAR platform, which uses lightweight composites like carbon fiber or aluminum.

We expect updated information in the upcoming period. Meanwhile, take a look at the spy photos with the upcoming 2020 BMW M3 performing on the Ring!

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Marcus M.

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The post 2020 BMW M3 – New Spy Shots Emerge on the Ring appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

With winter closing in, BMW carmaker has sent some of the upcoming models for one final round of testing on the Ring. One of them is the top of the line from the 1-Series, the M140i, which is set to debut next year. The model can be seen hard-running on the spy video below.

The big surprise is that it will come with a front-wheel drive in a premiere, as it will stand on the company`s new UKL2 platform, also seen on the new Mini latest models, or the present X1 and 2-Series Active Tourer. The new 2019 BMW M140i is also reported to benefit from an optional all-wheel drive configuration.

Once it will emerge on the market in the second quarter of 2018, the 2019 BMW M140i will compete against the likes of the already announced Mercedes-AMG A 45, also a front-drive based all-wheel model.

The new M140i will feature an “east-west” mounted engine, ditching thus the current inline six-cylinder engine in favour of a flat-four pot. Its rival also uses a flat-four configuration.

In that regard, the M140i might borrow the B48 2.0-liter turbo from the 230i and 125i; however, it will output more power. How much? Given the 185 kW and 350 Nm of torque in the 230i, we expect at least 200 kW and 400 Nm of torque. This would also be more than the M140i`s current 250 kW, squeezed from a 3.0-liter turbo engine.

As aforementioned, the new UKL2 platform also allows the fitting of an xDrive all-wheel drive, so the arrival of such a high-end variant would be more than welcomed.

This would eventually translate into more power and high-performance figures. But until we get to see it officially emerged, let`s take a closer look at the spy video with the all-new 2019 BMW M140i performing final testing on the Ring. Do you think it still keeps the M blood pumping in its veins?

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Marcus M.

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The post Spy Video: 2019 BMW M140i Undergoes Tests on the Ring appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

What was once just a projection of BMW`s masterplan of building the most impressive SUV within its X lineup, is now gradually becoming more and more reality, in the shape of the upcoming X7. The massive SUV has been spotted in a new spy video while being tested to the full on the Ring.

Official details with the new X7 are already known, but it is our duty to fill you in every time we see it in action, with the hope that new info will emerge on the surface.

For those we have missed our recent posts on the new BMW X7, the model is due to arrive somewhere next year, not before making its official appearance at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, this September.

It is reported to come with plenty of similarities in terms of exterior design and interior bits, and technology, with its smaller brother, the new X5. However, it is going to be the biggest SUV ever built, available with three rows of seats as well, and plenty of compartments for different items.

The X7 will also stand on the company`s new CLAR platform, also underpinning the all-new 5-Series and the 7-Series, meaning carbon fiber and aluminum composites which will make it faster and more agile.

Speaking of agility and performance, the all-new BMW X7 SUV will make use of a wide range of petrol burners and diesels, adding as well a PHEV variant as well. Later on, the German carmaker is also reported to release a top of the line M variant, similar to the X5`s and X6`s M versions.

You can hear out the car`s impressive engine growl in the new spy video prepared below!

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Marcus M.

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The post New Spy Video: BMW X7 Flexes Its Muscles on the Ring appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

There is no longer a secret that BMW is preparing the arrival of the most impressive SUV it will ever built, which is the long-awaited X7, but it was just until recent we grabbed a new batch of spy shots with the prototype while undergoing some tests on the Ring.

And by the way it looks and moves, it is definitely going to be a fast bastard, particularly since it will arrive with a three-row configuration.

Just like most of BMW`s “new kids on the block”, the all-new 2019 BMW X7 will stand on the company`s new CLAR platform, the same one underpinning the 3-, 5- and 7-Series, as well as the freshly added X5 model. This indicates new lightweight materials for improved performance.

Speaking of sizes, the new X7 will be extremely big, measuring more than 5 meters long and coming with the right size for both the US and the Chinese markets. Inside, the cabin will boast with the latest technology, including semi-autonomous driving and the ultimate gadgetries, also seen on the new 5-Series.

Performance wise, the 2019 BMW X7 will be powered by a wide range of petrol burners and diesels, adding as well a four-cylinder variant, tweaked with a twin-turbo V8 configuration, also found on the future BMW M5.

Once arriving on the market next year as the MY2019, the new BMW X7 will run against the likes of Mercedes-Benz GLS, Range Rover or Lincoln Navigator, and would have a starting price of around €100,000. Stay tuned for incoming info on the most imposing SUV ever built by BMW!

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Marcus M.

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The post 2019 BMW X7 Gets Spied on the Ring appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The winter is over which means that officially, the playground on the Ring is now opened for some new testing, especially for BMW. The German based carmaker is planning the introduction of the all-new M340i, the model being sent for some tests before its unveiling next year, as a MY2019.

Considered to be the follower of the gorgeous M240i, the new model is going to be bigger and much more potent, just like most of BMW`s latest models. Even if it won`t be a match for the new M3, is still going to look menacing and quite powerful.

It will be built around the company`s new platform, which means more lightweight materials, improving thus its performance. Set to arrive as the direct rival of the Audi S4 and Mercedes-AMG C43, the 2019 M340i is going to be a truly luxurious sedan equipped with good power and torque.

Performance wise, the 2019 BMW M340i is rumored to be equipped with the same B58 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine borrowed from the M240i. This means power standing at around 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, a tad slower than the top of the line M2.

As for the rest of the 3-Series lineup, the carmaker is also rumored to spawn hybrid variants as well, starting with a 1.5-liter three-cylinder petrol burner with an electric motor, and continuing with a much more powerful 2.0-liter mill with larger electric motor.

Until further details with the 2019 BMW M340 emerge, please feel free and watch the spy video with the model playing on the Ring!

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Marcus M.

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The post Spy Video: 2019 BMW M340i Plays on the Ring appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Rumors with a hardcore variant of the 8-Series are not new, and recent spy photos, presenting a test mule with the M8 on the Ring, might be a clear indication that the model is getting closer to its final unveiling.

The hardcore model has been also previewed in first renderings, and the test mule seen here while running tests on the Ring looks rather similar, coming with plenty of camouflage around the body which hides important parts, like massive and aggressive air inlets up front, or massive alloy wheels.

At the rear end, this prototype seems to lack the expected quad exhaust system, but it might just be part of the camouflaged area. Or, it might be a clear indication that we are just looking here at the future 8-Series with some M Performance goodies.

Just like the new models within BMW`s lineup – 5- or the 7-Series, along with the 8-Series as well – the upcoming BMW M8 is also reported to stand on the CLAR platform, which brings along much more lightweight materials, making it extremely fast, agile and increasing the space inside.

As for the powertrain under the hood, chances are that we might find the same twin-turbo V8 found on the new M5, with more than 600 horsepower, being sent to the rear wheels. The hardcore variant will also come with a high-performance all-wheel drive system.

Besides the all-new M8, BMW will also release other new models, like the new 8-Series, which is considered the successor of the 6-Series. The latter one will also lead the way for the all-new 5-Series GT, also recently seen and previewed.

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Marcus M.

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The post Is This the Upcoming BMW M8? appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

While we are still waiting for an all-new BMW M5 to complete the recently unveiled 5-Series lineup, BMW`s hardcore division Alpina might take the lead and reveal its own interpretation of a potent M model.

The spy photos below provided by GT Spirit might be the right clue that the tuning division is indeed working on the new B5 version, with both sedan and wagon versions, especially since the body styling is nothing but a tuned-up version of the 5-Series.

The test mules working their way on the Ring in what seems to be extremely hard testing, are fully camouflaged, which clearly indicates that we are looking with hefty modifications as opposed to the present top of the line M550i.

Once it will arrive on the market next year, the all-new Alpina B5 will come with an extremely aggressive styling, which is an Alpina characteristic, including updated front and rear bumpers, Alpina alloy wheels, lower ride height, upgraded suspension system and much more.

In the engine department, the Alpina B5 is expected to use the entry-level petrol mill from the M550i, with power input of 462 horsepower and 650 Nm of torque, enabling a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

On the other hand, the diesel will carry over the same engine from the BMW 5-Series 530d, with 270 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque. More than that, the hardcore division will also add a top of the line engine, with around 600 horsepower. For the moment, the detailing list is rather scarce, but we should expect fresh details at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, where the Alpina B5 is said to make its official unveiling.

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Marcus M.

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The post Alpina B5 Caught on Spy Undergoing Tests on the Ring appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

There is a lot of activity going on at the Ring these days, with BMW playing around with its brand-new models, some of them being unveiled next January or in March, at the most expected auto show of the year, taking place in Geneva.

One particular test mule caught our attention the other day, and that was the long-rumored BMW X3M, which was long-debated and previewed in recent reports. The model will be launched next year as a 2018 MY.

The spy video below was provided by autoevolution and is offering us a closer look on the SUV`s new styling approach. And even if it comes with full camouflage around the body, we still get to guess the new design lines and approach.

The M version is already standing out from the crowd with the quad outlet exhausts, which give away the car`s aggressive engine under the hood, also definitely a clear indication that we are dealing here with a potent M model.

The BMW X3M will stand as expected on the company`s fresh CLAR platform, the same one underpinning the 2016 BMW 7-Series or newly unveiled 2017 5-Series Sedan. This indicates the presence of more lightweight materials and the use of a rear-wheel-drive. The model will also shed off some significant weight and will make room for more space inside the cabin and a wide range of engines under the hood.

Speaking about performance, the all-new 2018 BMW X3M is set to come with a more potent 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder engine, the same one found on the M3 and M4. We might be looking here at more than 317 kW injected on the new BMW M3, somewhere that will bring it closer to around 350 kW. The carmaker might also offer the new X3M with an all-electric powertrain variant.

Once arriving on the market in around 18 months, the new 2018 BMW X3M will take on the likes from the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 V8, also in the works, as well as the all-new Jaguar F-Pace V8.

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Marcus M.

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The post Spy Video: 2018 BMW X3M Plays at the Ring appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW has sent the future G01 X3 for some new tests at the Ring, which was the perfect opportunity for journalists to catch it on a new spy video. The test mule seen here is wearing full camouflage, indicating that the SUV will come with significant changes as opposed to the current model.

We have seen the BMW X3 on the streets ever its humble arriving in 2011, and this would be the first time to come with visible changes at the exterior, interior as well as under the hood.

As we already know from the previous articles with the spied X3, the model wearing here full black and white camouflage will come with plenty of new styling bits, also seen on the latest generation X1, only being also bigger and wider inside the cabin.

As opposed to the current BMW X3, the new model will come with a bulker design, highlighted by the bolstered wheel arches, updated front and rear end, while the kidney grilles are also likely to suffer other significant modifications.

Under the hood, we do not have any details concerning new powertrains, but we should expect fresh news in the upcoming period. Before arriving on the market, the model could be previewed by a concept version at the beginning of 2017. The production model will shortly followed, and coming as the direct competitor of the new Mercedes GLC 43 AMG or Audi SQ5.

Until full details emerge, you are invited to take a closer look at the spy video with the test mule while undergoing hard testing at the Ring!

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Marcus M.

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The post 2018 G01 BMW X3 Gets New Spy Video at the Ring appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

If you are ever tired of an M model – is unlikely in most of the cases – then you can always choose a hardcore version from Alpina, which is BMW`s special division qualified to release special versions.

In this case, BMW M5`s alternative would be the future 2018 Alpina B5, the prototype being caught on new tests at the Ring, wearing less camouflage around the body, which is also a clear indication that the test mule is getting closer to the production model.

The Alpina B5 is based on the recently unveiled G30 5 Series from BMW, the model coming with new body styling elements, like updated front spoiler, rear bumper, or modified exhaust system with quad pipes which indicates a power boost under the hood. The overall design will be complemented with the much wider multi-spoke alloy wheels.

Speaking about performance under the hood, the 2018 Alpina B5 will be a real beast, the hardcore model getting the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, also found underneath the new B7, with massive 600 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. These figures will also bring it closer to the same B7. The new B5 will come with an eight-speed automatic gearbox with the company`s Switchtronic shift buttons on the steering.

For the moment, the full details are rather limited, but we should be able to find out more at the beginning of 2017, prior to the car`s official unveiling in second half of the same year. The B5 will debut along the all-new M5 and 5-Series GT.

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Marcus M.

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The post 2018 Alpina B5 Runs New Tests at the Ring, Will Come with Impressive Power appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.