The restless child in me is seriously wishing the newest version of the BMW M3 was already out on the market and doesn’t really want to see spyshots anymore.

Unfortunately that’s not what we’re getting. The upcoming F80 BMW M3 was spied running about in the snowy roads around Arjeplog or whatever it’s going on.

The snow in this place isn’t that impressive. It’s not even all white and just look at that background, it’s pretty poor as well.

As you can see, my enthusiasm as to spyshots quickly wears off. It’s got a lot to do with how I consider I’ve already got a pretty good idea about what the next M3 will look like.

Either way, there is one thing that’s genuinely interesting about the brand new set of images we have of this particular M division product.

It’s actually in these photos that we get to see the new carbon ceramic brakes being put to some unusual testing. Most people who’ll buy them will use these cars on a track.

That’s where the brakes get really, really worked over whereas people living in colder environments might not enjoy them so much since they work best at high temps.

Maybe the Bavarians are making sure they’re still safe at those low temperatures or maybe they’re making it so they work regardless of outside conditions.

Either way, it’s impressive to see such expensive brakes being fitted (even if as optional extras) to the M3. It is supposed to be the best of the small luxury sport sedans, why not get this stuff?

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Marcus M.

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The post F80 BMW M3 spied with new toys appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

BMW have really high hopes for the BMW i8, especially given the amount of testing they keep racking up with it on the various roads it’s spied on.

We all know it’s not an easy market to break but boy are they being cautious. This is by no means the first time we get to see spyshots of the i8.

What seems friendlier is that this time, the i8 is spotted in somewhat more sensible conditions. It’s on a road, it’s plain and simple and it is even clean.

The last recent shots we have of it were making identifying any details tricky. Not only was the camouflage a pain to see through but the snow and dirt were getting in the way.

Notice how in these images it appears to be gently running around nicely paved roads, in a truly civilized manner. The details of its existence are still pretty insignificant.

“Word on the street” is that the price tag on a i8, once it gets to the market in 2014, will be somewhere around the 200.000 USD mark.

Even to me, a dedicated fan, that seems like it could easily be rated as a bit steep. Even for those who are thrilled by mixing electric with petrol and efficiency, that might be hard to swallow.

Still, we can only hope BMW keep on doing their job as they have been doing so far and that this car sells. While BMW have the crown, not all their cars are selling.

The BMW Z4 for example, a fabulous car though it might be, it was recently named among the top 10 poorest selling cars available in the US.

Images

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Marcus M.

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It still seems like the BMW 3 Series has only scratched the surface of what is possible to do with the F30 chassis and design.

There’s just so many derivatives coming and so much promise seems to reside in what the Bavarians are cooking up right now.

One of the closest to production of these models is the 3 Series GT and it’s just been spied with a lot less camouflage than usual.

Unlike the last time we saw it, the BMW 3 Series GT didn’t have its own light fixtures, it’s got a proper radiator grille and has more of its lines exposed.

Essentially, the underpinnings are expected to be familiar. Though there’s probably going to be less engine choices than the regular 3 Series, things shouldn’t be too surprising.

The 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder engines in the 328i and 320d will be some of the more popular choices in terms of powerplants.

That’s not to say that at least one of the lovely 3.0 liter straight six units will be denied a chance at thrilling the whole family.

Rather unsurprisingly, the BMW 3 Series GT’s main selling point will be the practicality. That means there’s a lot of extra space at the back and an enlarged interior.

Everything should clear up in about a month. By then, the Paris Motor Show will have thrilled us with plenty of interesting and exciting cars but that’s where the 3 Series GT is expected to debut.

Until then, it’s quite unlikely that we get to see anymore about the 3 Series GT.

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Marcus M.

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The post BMW 3 Series GT spyshots come with less camo appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

We we’re recently promised a considerably sportier generation of the BMW Z4 and the Bavarians will keep that promise.

In the meantime, if you don’t mind, I’d stick with the current generation at any time. I may be getting old and a fan of the slightly grown up GT idea but I promise you, it’s an amazing car.

Further more, it should get a little cheaper on the second hand market as we grab a second look at these images containing something almost unexpected.

It seems that before the 2015 scheduled sporty makeover, BMW will be giving the Z4 a small nip tuck. You know how it is in your old age

You start looking into the Botox treatments, maybe a little bit of lipo, just in case you aren’t ready for a hair transplant.

With the BMW Z4 roadster, the Bavarians are thinking a little bit less ambitious. The spyshots indicate there’s simply a matter of make up.

A little mascara goes on the headlights, the cheeks get a little extra red as the fender indicators are covered and round at the back a new haircut.

New engines? Not likely, new interior? Even less of a chance, what we do expect the newly facelifted Z4 is a price tag raising.

After all, added LED lights don’t come cheap do they? Nor does a brand new BMW, especially one that’s a little more exclusive.

Who knows, maybe in all the competitiveness of the current luxury segment situation BMW might actually refrain from any extra charges.

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Marcus M.

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The post BMW readies a facelift for Z4 roadster appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

It seems we’re getting quite the number of spyshots lately and after the series of snaps we got of the i3 and the M135i, we now get something that little bit special.

We’re looking at the 2014 BMW i8 which was spied round the same sort of track like location as the i3, only this time it was looking that little less serious.

Sure, it’s important to test winter driving, how the car’s engine reacts to very low temperatures and how the batteries cope with the tricky conditions but that’s not all a car can do in the winter.

As you can see in some of these shots, the BMW i8 tested here is happily hooning it around the improvised circuit just for the fun of it.

Sadly, this unit of the BMW i8 is so covered in camouflage somebody might easily lose it in the parking lot at a child daycare. Seriously, there’s so much camo on that thing it’s amazing to see the windows aren’t covered.

Anyway, the pictures are worth enjoying and the snapshots have refreshed our memories about how the BMW i8 is getting ever closer to a market release.

With a predicted turn up next year, the mid-engined supercar featuring electric motors and what’s rated as the best mix between a green and high performance future.

Pricing, availability, practicality are still up for discussion but whatever those stats come in at, you know you’ll want one, if not for anything else, for the fun exhibited here.

Source: Autoevolution

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Marcus M.

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The post 2014 BMW i8 spied at speed appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The BMW 1 Series M Coupe is going to be produced in limited numbers and the recently arrived F20 1 Series lineup doesn’t have a replacement model ready for it yet.

Yet may be just the right term to use when mentioning it since those cheeky spy photographers have recently caught the follow up model of the 1 Series M135i.

It’s been rumored around for some time now and it’s definitely an eagerly awaited car but what really matters here is just what the recently spied model can lead up to.

As I’m sure some of you remember, the E81 1 Series also had one of these models brought along as a range topper, just before the 1 M Coupe came along.

We can only hope BMW will make a followup model to their most exciting car at the moment but meanwhile let’s grab a closer look at the M135i.

The engine is still the brilliant inline six cylinder 3.0 liter twin turbo we’ve seen in other models. Some 320-330 horsepower will be available and torque is roughly in the same margins.

Unlike the previous model, this one comes with a few different ideas. For starters, there’s word on more body styles available, which can always be fun.

Secondly, this 2013 BMW M135i has something of the xDrive all wheel drive system about it. What this means is that the Bavarians are really expanding availability of products on their small hatchback.

As for the spyshots, they pretty much speak for themselves and are finally of the rare variety that feature very little camouflage to cover up its specific details.

Source: Bimmertoday

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Marcus M.

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The post 2013 BMW F21 M135i spied appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

For a big part of the world, the winter season has barely started showing its fangs but in the northern countries winter testing facilities are almost permanent.

That’s how the Paparazzi of the automotive world have managed to snap some more shots of the BMW i3 as it is being tested in these harsh conditions.

It’s not the first encounter we get with the spyshots of the BMW i3, nor is it the first time it’s been spotted along side a winter background but these pictures make a good case for viewing.

Firstly, this time the BMW i3 EV REx wasn’t spotted on a road or in simple conditions but rather lapping a bit of a circuit outlined in the snow.

This means that even though we’re looking at an i Range product, one that’s meant to save the world first, BMW is still concerned about the way it drives.

It should come as no surprise really. If BMW managed to make the enormous barge that is the Phantom handle decently and the small Mini handle beautifully, there’s nothing they can’t do in this area.

As for the rest of the BMW i3, there’s nothing new going on. It looks about the same, is still heavily camouflaged every time it’s out and there’s no change in its schedule or future plans.

We’re still expecting an official market launch sometime in early 2013 with the REx version destined to follow shortly after that.

On the sales front, BMW still hope to sell some 30.000 units a year once the i3 gets past the initial sluggishness of distribution and so on.

Images via Autoevolution

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Marcus M.

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The post BMW i3 spied in winter testing, again appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

The always busy Germans at BMW have momentarily focused their attention on a 2013 facelift for their compact crossover, the X1 model.

A batch of spyshots have been taken as it was seen out testing and, from our hampered vision of the 2013 BMW X1 there’s quite the story added to it.

A new 2013 BMW X1 will have space thrusters, machineguns and cup holders in the boot. Not really, but that’s not to say the new sports activity vehicle will be a disappointment.

The spy shots are limiting despite the car not wearing much camouflage. This is because the Bavarians have hidden from view only the parts that are about to change.

As we’ve gotten used to in the X range facelifts, a redesigned set of bumpers, light fixtures, wheels and a few interior details will occur.

The 2012 BMW X1’s headlamps seem unusually well covered despite no change in actual shape. This signifies a new LED arrangement within them or maybe even the fabled laser headlights they’ve been promising us.

The taillights are the same as “last year’s” model but if we know BMW, this is just a gimmick and they will be replaced later in testing.

Would it be too much to hope for five proper seats inside the 2013 BMW X1? I hope not.

No official market debut is set for the 2013 BMW X1 but it is expected to be introduced late next year, just before production of the current model stops.

Image source: worldcarfans

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Marcus M.

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Spyshots of the 2012 BMW 6 Series both coupe and convertibles have been seen around quite a bit and recently they’ve been dropping some of the camouflage as well but one particular model, perhaps the most eagerly expected one of the full F12 lineup hasn’t yet been seen around.

Things have changed today, the 20120 F12 BMW M6 has been spotted near the Nurburgring and showed up covered in camo from bumper to bumper.

Beside the obviously less revealing look of the car, the fact that this gave it away as a M6 are the massive and different wheels, the very low profile tires, the quad exhaust layout that’s visible on most M powered Bavarian creations and the drilled brake rotors.

The changes that can be spotted so far are the restyled front bumper and an LED strip used for the turn signal indicators can be found beneath the restyled headlight.

As a typical assumption based on past generations of BMW M6, the F12 variant will use the twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 used in the X5 M the X6 M and soon the M5 saloon but with more grunt, expect somewhere in the best part of 570-580 horsepower or so.

All signs point to a Paris Motor Show debut for the revised 6 Series, so we’d expect the M6 to debut early next year and go on sale as a 2012 model.

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Marcus M.

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The post Spyshots of the 2012 BMW M6 appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.

Finally there’s an end to all the rumors, guesses and estimates on the faith of the M badged version of the BMW 1 Series.

The confirmation came from Dr. Kay Segler, BMW M GmbH’s Managing Director and it took place in an interview given to German online magazine “Auto-News”.

It would seem than that all those spyshots of the BMW 1 Series prototype seen around the Nurburgring lots and lots of times and which had been rumored to be an M version of the BMW 1 Series E82 Coupe.

As to be expected, this model will not be sporting the M1 badge as that belongs only on the original M car and nothing else. Most likely it’ll be the 135i M or something of sorts but Segler did say that the car will be hitting the market around the second quarter of 2011. The production will be quite limited to start with.

While Mr. Segler wasn’t very generous with details this is still a set of good news that will probably fuel M fanatics and fans of the E82 until the car is actually available. One of the biggest sources for debate concerning this BMW will be what engine is going to power it. Most would say (same people who rumor the 135i M name) that it will be an upgraded version of the BMW 135i’s 3 liter turbocharged straight six engine.

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Marcus M.

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The post M Version of the BMW 1 Series officially confirmed appeared first on BMWCoop | BMW Blog, BMW News, BMW Reviews.