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Video: “Joy is Racing.” BMW M3 GT at Sebring

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:00:11 +0000

BMW NA Motorsport releases a new video of the BMW M3 GT at Sebring. Titled “Joy is Racing”, the new footage takes us behind the stage of the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team and gives us a glance at what to expect in the upcoming 2010 ALMS season. Our own Andrew was present at Sebring two weeks ago and reported live his impressions of the winter testing session. Let’s have a look. In this video: The 2010 BMW M3 GT. Joey Hand, Driver, No. 92. Bobby Rahal, Team Principal. Martin Birkmann, BMW NA Motorsport Manager. Bill Auberlen, Driver, No. 92. Dirk Mueller, Driver, No. 90. Tommy Milner, Driver, No. 92. The BMW-RLR Crew and Engineers. Watch the 2010 American Le Mans Series 12 Hours of Sebring Live on SPEED TV, March 20, 2010.

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Video: “Joy is Racing.” BMW M3 GT at Sebring

BMW offers Motorsport parts through U.S. dealers for the first time

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:55:31 +0000

These are the type of news that should excite many BMW enthusiasts. BMW USA announces that for the first time ever in the United States, you can purchase authentic BMW Motorsport parts select BMW dealerships. For those of that are looking for more details and to find out what part are available, check out BMW Motorsport’s statement below and also the parts catalogs. “This BMW Motorsport/racing/off-road Parts Catalog gives you an overview of the specially developed BMW Motorsport parts. Some parts may not be available in the US and may not be approved for all racing series or class. All parts listed are intended for use on approved motorsport/racing/off-road series BMW vehicles ONLY. The parts are Not DOT-approved, homologated or street legal and may adversely affect the original manufacturer’s limited warranty on the vehicle. Installation of motorsport/racing/off-road parts on a vehicle may render it nonstreet legal. Suspension parts (including but not limited to struts, shock absorbers and springs) must be used together as a system and should not be partially installed or combined with anyother components from BMW or other manufacturers. Purchasers of motorsport/racing/off-road parts will be required to sign a disclaimer, waiver and release.” Catalog 2008 Z4 Catalog E36 M3 Group A Catalog E46 M3 Catalog E90 320si S2000 Catalog E92 M3 GT4 Here are the BMW Motorsport Centers: Illinois Laurel BMW 430 E. Ogden Avenue Westmont, IL 60559 Phone: 877-454-9352 Contact: Kevin Hale Click here to email this dealer. Georgia Global Imports 500 Interstate Parkway North Atlanta, GA 30339 Phone: 770-951-1119 x227 Contact: Jon Allen Click here to email this dealer. New Hampshire BMW of Stratham 71 Portsmouth Ave Stratham, NH 03885 Phone: 800-989-5200 Contact: Mark Wilkins Click here to email this dealer. Ohio BMW of Cleveland 6135 Kruse Drive Solon, Ohio 44139 Phone: 440-542-0600 Contact: Bill Kenney Click here to email this dealer. Thanks for the tip BimmerBoost !

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BMW offers Motorsport parts through U.S. dealers for the first time

WSTO visits Bond Shop Japan – Car fans rejoice!

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:38:11 +0000

Our friends and sponsors, WheelSTO , are once again “up to no good”, of course, metaphorically speaking. Recently, during the Tokyo Auto Show, they spent some time also at the one of the most famous car shops in Japan: Bond Shop Urawa. As always, they brought back some amazing photos, including details that accompany each one of these shots. And YES, while there are some BMWs and MINIs in these photos, there are plenty other brands featured below, in the end, we’re not only BMW fans, but just car nuts in general. “One of our missions during our visit to Japan and the Tokyo Auto Salon was to experience for ourselves the difference between US and Japanese tuning shops, and the car culture in general. Our visits to Dort, Bond Shop, and Studie all reveal just how unique car culture in Japan is. Seeing Bond Shop’s enormous facility is very humbling, not only because of the sheer size of the place, or the incredibly impressive projects contained within the walls, but also because you soon come to the realization that the already incredible Bond Shop is only a small component of the European car tuning powerhouse called Lager Corporation- a company responsible for importing and distributing key brands for European cars like ART, Tech Art, G Power, ABT, and Arden. The level of organization and financial backing available here is truly rare in the BMW aftermarket, especially in the US, and to me represents a real achievement. Bond Shop Urawa is split into two buildings. The major houses cars, a bay area and the main show room. The second building is the Bond performance studio, which is the main facility for sound, interior and electronic work. The signs on the wall of the main building, list some of Bond’s key partners- Continental Tire, Mansory, ABT, G Power, Tech Art, and ART. Brands which carry a lot of weight in the tuning world and to have all of them under one roof is remarkable. On the lower level is the bay area where cars can pull in for quick parts installs, service and maintenance. Right in the front of the bay area was this beast- a G Power supercharged M3 with new Awksher wheels and front lip spoiler. Sales and Marketing manager Naoki Fukasaki chose this car to drive me to Lager’s distribution warehouse, which was an adventure in itself. The car is absolutely terrifying! Power delivery is instant and brutal. (more detailed coverage on this beast to come soon). Bond Shop’s show room has an impressive stock of wheels from G Power, Hyper Forged, Neez, and even Alpina, along with cars featuring their various product lines. The showroom features some of the stellar complete cars sold by this shop. Here is an all Brabus CLS This Z4 sells for about $58,000 US dollars and features parts by VRS, Recaro, Advan, Brembo, and many others- a true bargain! ART tuned Mercedes Benz GL… The Arden Range Rover… A Tech Art Porsche is a unique car even when seen on the street, so seeing this one on a showroom floor, “in stock” and ready for purchase was a truly impressive sight! Alpina 6… And the list keeps going, on and on. I felt like a kid in a candy store, surrounded by all the toys that only a dream could provide. It was no dream. Cars enter the beautiful showroom through these large doors, and are then open to offers from customers. Here prospective clients can sit down with one of Bond Shop’s technical consultants and design the car of their dreams. And many clients have done so, here. Even celebrities and famous sportsmen, like Ishikawa. Bond is not all about show either. They participate in many well known racing circuits in Japan and they have the plaques to prove it too! ☺ I also found out that most of the guys that work at Bond are also avid track and weekend racers. (I felt like a poser…) Bond Shop is also home to some of Japan’s own great BMW tuning companies, like 3D Design, Rays, Yokohama, Varis, Wald and many more. Here is a complete 3D Design mini, with the full line of parts offered by the extremely high-end parts manufacturer. The second level contains a massive storage facility for Bond Shop’s major projects- I feel like having your car stored on this upper level is truly an honor as it makes you one of Bond Shop’s key clients. The Bond Shop’s 2nd floor houses some truly incredible cars, from the Lamborghini Gallardo in the front row to a myriad of Mercedes and BMW cars, and even a Nissan GTR, fully wrapped in WALD components. All of these cars will receive the full Bond treatment with a full line of engine modifications and exterior enhancements to make the car more exciting than its factory specification. This is the raging bull livery on a full IMSA wide body Gallardo with centerlock wheels. Right across from it was the Novitec Rosso F430 in WHITE! (not very common). One of Bond Shop’s primary functions is to build turnkey modified cars in order to resell them in local and overseas markets. The shop’s top floor warehouse holds all of these cars, delivered in a brand new state from the factory, ready to be built into more fearsome machines and sold to their new owners. Here are few more specimens of the Bond creation. Brand new C63 with HRE 790R wheels. The Wald GT-R… With the backing of the Lager Corporation, Bond Shop is able to offer a huge selection of rare, hard to find wheels, body kits and tuning products, including options only available to the Japanese and European market. This connection is extremely exciting for WSTO in particular, as it allows our staff to offer our own clientele even the rarest products. Leaving Bond Shop, I was treated to a ride to Lager’s enormous parts warehouse in Bond Shop’s own E92 M3 project car. The car’s G Power supercharger kit made for a truly hair-raising experience! A beast that is truly terrifying. Stay tuned for more from WSTO’s Japan Tuner Spotlight!

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WSTO visits Bond Shop Japan – Car fans rejoice!

BMW to build X1 SAV in China

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:06:44 +0000

At the 2010 Geneva Auto Show, BMW CEO Norbert Reithofer revealed that the entry-level SAV X1 would be the third BMW model to be made at the company’s China venture. BMW and Chinese partner Brilliance Auto already have an agreement on building the BMW 1 Series and a stretched BMW 3 Series. It is unclear if the stretched 3 Series will be the past rumored 3 Gran Turismo or simply a long wheelbase of one of the current models. Earlier this year, BMW Brilliance stopped manufacturing the BMW 3 Series cars to expand the venture’s capacity and began importing the BMW sedans in large quantities to pick up the sales. The new factory will be coming back on stream soon for a new range of models. In the highly competitive Chinese market, BMW’s X1 will compete against the Audi Q5 and also its “step-brother”, the VW Tiguan. All three models are expected to go head-to-head for the premium compact SUV/SAV segment. BMW 3 Series and 5 Series sedans have been manufactured at the venture based in the northeastern Chinese city of Shenyang. According to a report by Chinese automotive magazine Gasgoo , the stretched BMW 3 Series sedan will be launched in August to take on the Audi A4. Before we let these speculations run wild, we would like to mention that no new information on the 3 GT have come our way. [Source: Gasgoo ]

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BMW to build X1 SAV in China

BMW to build X1 SAV in China

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:06:44 +0000

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BMW to build X1 SAV in China

Aesthetic kit for BMW 7 Series by Vorsteiner

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:17:04 +0000

Vorsteiner has presented its new package for the BMW 750i. It is called VR-7 Sportiv Aero and is made of carbon fiber. Tuners from Vorsteiner presented their new aesthetic package for BMW 7 Series F01 and F02. It is available both for the standard version of 7 Series, and for the increased wheelbase version of Related posts: The E92 BMW M3 Modded with CSL Techniques by Vorsteiner BMW 3-Series Tuning Package from Inside Performance BMW Performance 3 Series

Spy photos: 2011 BMW 6 Series during winter testing

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:55:17 +0000

The next generation BMW 6 Series is due to launch next year and several prototypes are being spotted weekly during winter testing. While the car has yet to enter the Final Evaluation Phase where the camouflage becomes minimal, it is still interesting to see overall dimensions and stance. Underneath the psychadelic camouflage, the test mule in the photo above still features some plastic parts that hide the fine details. According to previous reports and inside sources, the next 6-series coupe and convertible will be radically different from the current cars’ styling. The current 6 Series is very polarizing due to the “Bangle butt” it carries, but the redesigned 6er, is rumored to be a “super sleek” vehicle, as seen in these latest spy shots as well. While not confirmed, it is said that some elements from the canceled CS Concept made their way into the final design. The 2011 6 Series is slightly longer and wider than the current generation. It will have shorter overhangs and a lower roofline which implicitly gives the car a more muscular look. The convertible will receive the hardtop as seen in the BMW 3 Series Convertible. The bodystyle has been designed to accommodate the hardtop, so no raised up rear-end. We also expect a larger than usual front-grille, a trend seen in the latest models. The interior design has also been re-drawn from ground up and it is being said to reflect some of the design cues seen in the Z4 Roadster, so expect a very driver oriented dashboard and plenty of sporty elements. Engine wise, the new 6 Series will feature a combination of diesel and petrol offerings. The high-end diesel model will be the 640d, powered by the N57 turbocharged straight-6 common rail diesel engine outputting 306 horsepower. The 650i will be the highest offering powered by the 4.4 liter V8 Twin-turbo engine. Sales are expected to begin in the second half of 2011 with an early revealing at one of the major auto shows. [Photos: CarAdvice ]

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Spy photos: 2011 BMW 6 Series during winter testing

BMW X1 to be built in China

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:24:19 +0000

I don’t think this is so important when you choose a car namely where it is built. It’s true, there are some people looking to the country where the product is built but there are still human hands and not alien hands or at last this is what I think. At the Geneva Auto Show, the Related posts: BMW unlikely to build the 7 Series in China BMW China plant BMW 1 Series – Made In China

12 Hours of Sebring – Shakedown

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:21:29 +0000

It was dark, humid, and overcast when I started the day at 6AM in Sebring, Florida. However, by the time I was showered and dressed at 6:45AM I could already hear the roar of high-powered machinery echoing across the flat landscape. Walking into the track at 7:30 sharp, the trailers and staging areas for all of the teams and cars were very quiet with only a few engineers wandering around with an assortment of various tools or lightweight rims adorned with slick tires. Upon spotting a large trailer and an empty, covered corral under underneath a cluster of BMW flags I found the BMW Rahal Letterman Racing Team. The space was large enough to hold two cars plus crews and was immaculate considering it was set up in the middle of a concrete field behind the paddock. Eventually, after catching up with our contacts and having a delicious breakfast I made my way to the pitlane. “Your pass will let you right up to the cement barrier.” Taking advantage of that I walked straight to the pitwall just short of the BMW crews and came face to face with the 2010 M3 GT #90 of Bill Auberlen and Tommy Milner – getting a fresh set of tires and checks by its crew. Ironically, I received my first glimpse of the car’s rear – one of the most different portions of the 2010 M3 GT over the 2009 iteration. The 2010 livery shows off BMW’s new, all-encompassing moniker of “Joy” with a plethora of slogans exemplifying the very things that make up the personality of BMW. It’s a subtle yet aggressive livery for what BMW intend for the 2010 American Le Mans Series as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. 2010 is an important year after all as this marks both the 35th anniversary of the incorporation of BMW North America – turned over from Max Hoffman’s import car business – and, ironically, also the 35th anniversary of the first overall BMW victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring whith a E9 CSL . Additionally, after a disappointing season start in 2009 with both M3’s proving unreliable and unable to complete their first race at the 12 Hours of Sebring BMW-RLR are ready to bring home another victory for their class. However, thus far, BMW-RLR is looking strong right out of the gate. In terms of the team, RLR manages the support, logistics and mechanics/chassis of M3’s while BMW retains at least two engineers who oversee the highly secretive V8 powertrain based on the road-going M3’s S65 engine, though with a heavily-revised fuel injection system. BMW also retain the contracts of the 4 works drivers of Bill Auberlen, Joey Hand, Dirk Muller and Tommy Milner – all well respected drivers coming from exceptional backgrounds such as the World Touring Car Championship in Europe or IMSA or the Grand AM Rolex Series. Also, it is the team of drivers who piloted the M3’s in the inaugural season of the ALMS. BMW spent February 22nd and 23rd getting both the #90 and #92 M3 GT’s ready for the historic 12 Hours of Sebring that takes place this coming weekend. The RLR team maximized their time on track during both days to ensure that the M3 GT is running well and that as many potential faults or gremlins are dealt with prior to 10AM Saturday. One of BMW-RLR’s biggest focuses in the off-season has been to ensure that the issues that plagued the M3 in its first race last year do not rear their heads this year. One such example being that a new starter has been fitted to the motor – an item that caused problems for one of the M3’s last year at the start of the race resulting in the loss of precious time. Additionally, this allowed the team to size up competition noting that the Ferrari 430GT’s from Risi Competitione and the Tequila Patron team are proving to be equally fast with the M3’s. The M3’s ran successfully throughout the morning with little if any teething issues to keep them from the track and to help simulate the actual 12 hour endurance race. BMW have made it known that they will be on the track at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and that the 12 Hours of Sebring would be both a great place for them to kick off their second year in ALMS GT2 class with the M3 and get the car and team ready for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We asked why the aging Sebring track was such a good test for Le Mans. The answer was simple: the track is so hard on cars that 12 hours on the central Florida track duplicates the stress and strain of the full 24 hours that a car must endure at the iconic French track. The reason for this is that Sebring is essentially an old 1950’s airfield converted to a road-racing course whose massive slabs of concrete cause for a inconsistent racing surface for the cars and drivers and provides quite the challenge. The rough surfaces are most notable through Turn 17 – the last turn of the course before the home stretch over the finish line where cars must brake from the fastest straight to a very long, undulating right-hander. In standing on the turn-in point of Turn 17 we were able to watch how composed the M3 GT was turning in and then managing the extremely bumpy surface that causes many cars to skip across the center of the turn. After a successful morning on the track, we were invited back to trailer and staging area as mechanics and engineers spent a bit of time after lunch extracting data from the car and examining how both M3 GT’s held up to that morning’s torture. The engineers and mechanics should be given due credit for the art they perform on these cars to keep them in shape. During the few minutes we were walking around the corral and speaking with driver Joey Hand, engineers managed to partially extract the 4 liter V8 of the Milner/Auberlen M3 and make repairs to an exhaust header and return the lump to the engine bay – without us even noticing! That is how quick, precise and efficient these engineers have become. This is also what it takes for teams to remain competitive, they must be fast both on the track and in the pits. While the hood and truck were removed and doors open, our host was able to show some of the less known features of the M3 GT that keep it highly competitive – namely the aerodynamic features engineered into the car. One of the most interesting yet subtle features are the air channels built into the door frames that help dissipate heat from the exhaust and undercarriage of the M3 while at speed. The effect being that the higher the speed of the car, the greater the suction strength of the vaccum and the more heat that can be dispensed. Additionally, hidden behind the dual kidney grille are the two “trumpets” that funnel air into the engine for cooling which are also flanked by two massive ducts that pipe over the engine and into the cabin to provide air conditioning for the drivers – something much appreciated in the hot, humid Florida air. Also, in person you can truly appreciate how fat the lower carbon front lip of the M3 is and you can imagine how much front down force it provides drivers for massive front grip on the custom Dunlops made specifically for the M3. Later in the afternoon, the M3’s were back to the track and running strong against the rest of the field. Their V8’s unbelievably loud as that roared down the front straight and back out into the 3.7 mile course. For an engine as close to road-going spec( the primary differences being the bump in horsepower and the injection system) you just cannot imagine how strong the engine note is – especially as its note reverberates off of the walls of the paddock. By about 5PM the dual M3 GT’s, along with the rest of the field were beginning to wrap up the day – though the M3’s did go out for one last run of about three laps so that they could be chased by a heavily modified M3 sans a hood, passenger door and modified trunk carrying two heavy-duty camera rigs front and rear and one in place of a passenger. Each rig equipped with a handful of Canon 5D Mk II digital cameras to shoot video. The commercial was shot by the Bandito Brothers of the M3-themed – Living in the Lights viral video. However, we will have more on that for you soon! The two days of testing proved to be productive as the drivers felt confident about the set up of the cars and that the rest of the team looked impressive in action working on the cars. As everyone knows, BMW has a lot to live up to for the 2010 12 Hours of Sebring and they are aiming to shut down the competition right out of the gate. From what we have seen and from the alleviation of mechanical woes that plagued the 2009 car – we think BMW is positioned just right to bring home a class victory. A special thanks goes out to BMW NA for bringing us to the 12 Hours of Sebring testing to cover this event!

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12 Hours of Sebring – Shakedown

Vorsteiner releases the VR-7 Sportiv Aero Package

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 03:17:15 +0000

Press Release: Vorsteiner is proud to announce the release of the BMW VR-7 Sportiv Aero Package for the BMW F01 & F02 7 Series. Vorsteiner specializes in developing aero enhancements that complement BMW’s line of vehicles and the VR-7 Sportiv Aero Package continues Vorsteiner’s philosophy of sporty yet understated elegance. The Vorsteiner Package enhances the shape and form of the BMW 7 Series with the addition of the VR-7 Carbon Fiber Add-On Front Spoiler, the VR-7 Carbon Fiber Add-On Rear Spoiler, and the change to VR-7 Carbon Fiber Replacement Rear Diffuser. The VR-7 Add-On Front Spoiler lends its more aggressive lines to the front fascia of the elegant 7 Series giving the vehicle a more commanding front profile and sense of sportiness. Not only does the VR-7 Add-On Front Spoiler provides for a more prominent and confident tone in the overall front-end design but it also adds an increase in front-end downforce and stability. The VR-7 Replacement Diffuser takes on a new motif, featuring subtle contours, edges, and indentations that complement the body lines of the new 750i yet contribute to its new sportive attitude . Its bold undertones perfectly embody Vorsteiner’s traditional of blending purpose, function, and distinctive style. The featured BMW 750i is equipped with 21 inch Vorsteiner V-102 Forged Monoblock wheels highlighting a concave split five-spoke design that extends to the outer edge of the wheel, which continues to exemplify Vorsteiner’s goal to create a stature of sportiness. The front and rear wheel dimensions are more assertive and measure in at 21″ x 9″ (front) and 21″ x 10.5” (rear). The wheels shown are fitted with Vorsteiner recommended Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires. Tire Specs come in at 255/30-21 for the front and 285/30-21 for the rear. The stance of the vehicle was further enhanced by H&R’s super sport suspension package, lowering it by 48 mm. The V-102 is available in the following finishes: Brushed Aluminum Chrome Gunmetal Black Silver Textured Black Texture Gunmetal Custom finishes are available on request. The V-102 includes Vorsteiner anodized aluminum carbon fiber center caps.

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Vorsteiner releases the VR-7 Sportiv Aero Package