2012 BMW M5 – New Teaser

Ahead of its M Festival debut, the new 2012 BMW M5 is teasing us once again. An M5 test mule was filmed during high-speed testing at the Nardò Ring in the south of Italy, an important part of the new BMW M5′s development program.
Between June 23 and 26th, 2011, BMW will host an M Festival to celebrate the 24hr race at the Nurburgring race track.
On this occasion, BMW invites fans around the world to have a look behind the scenes at the famous race and also visit the playground where every M car is developed and tested. Also, the new M5 and M3 EVO will be officially introduced.

Full details around the powerplant remain unknown, but we learned in the past that the 2012 BMW M5 is powered by an updated version of the S63 engine found in the BMW X5 M and X6 M. The 4.4-liter V8 twin-scroll powerplant will peak at somewhere in the 570-horsepower range and 530 lb-ft of torque. The 0-62 mph dash should take about 4.4 seconds,
The updated unit delivers both performance and efficiency significantly increased in comparison to the previous engine. Numerous drivetrain innovations and other enhancements have lead to a reduction in fuel consumption and emission levels by more than 25 percent.
The new engine is mated mated to a 7-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. The combination of the new engine with M Drivelogic is supplemented by an Auto Start Stop function. A manual option will be offered for US customers.
The super sporty sedan goes on sale in early 2012 and it is rumored to have a base price around $100,000 mark.

Rendering: BMW 2 Series Coupe

Rendering day here in the BMW world and the latest computer generated image attempts to portray the future BMW 2 Series. Confirmed last week by BMWBLOG with the help of inside sources, the new 2 Series will be the host of the upcoming 1 Series Coupe and Convertible models. The upscale 1er cars will join the 2 Series family and will go through a name change.
In 2010, BMW has filed for U.S. trademarks for 2 Series model designation. BMW reserved the trademark applications for the monikers 228, 230, and 235, similar to the 3 Series family designation. While BMW is known for filling far in advance for multiple trademarks and naming conventions, and some of them are never used, this time the new BMW badge will host the upcoming redesigned F32 1 Series Coupe and F33 Convertible.
In order to separate the performance and sportier body shape of the Coupe and Cabrio, BMW will rename the cars as the 2 Series, bypassing the need for overcrowding with the segment of the new 1er Hatch. The 2 Series showcases some new design movement with further progressive sporting interpretation of the hatch. The Cabrio model will continue offering a soft-top roof and clean design lines without compromising looks and performance.

Following the steps of the current 1 Series Coupe and Convertible, the new 2 Series family will make its way onto the U.S. soil, with the 1 Series Hatchback remaining an European-only model.
A rumored BMW M2 is said to be part of BMW’s plans, but a market launch won’t take place before 2014.

Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2011 names its winners

This weekend just gone the town of Cernobbio on the banks of Lake Como reprised its status as the centre of attention for all car enthusiasts – and this year motorcycle fans also had much to admire. The Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este brought together a selection of classic models and new concept cars to the acclaim of the assembled audience.
And for the first time the cars were joined by motorcycles competing for class and overall victory in a competition of their own, as fans of two-wheeled classics headed to the Villa Erba for Saturday’s motorcycle concours. Another new feature of the Concorso was the sale held by RM Auctions on Saturday evening, which tempted collectors with a line-up of 32 extraordinary cars.

“Our aim was to take this long-established event into new territory while preserving its character,” said Karl Baumer, President of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este and Director of BMW Group Classic, outlining the reasons behind the changes. “The main initiative we introduced to give people extra opportunity to visit the Concorso was the addition of a second Public Day,” continued Baumer. Dr Jean-Marc Droulers, President of Villa d’Este S.p.A., also declared himself pleased with the weekend: “We’ve seen cars and motorcycles which made our hearts beat a little faster – both within the small, exclusive environs of the Villa d’Este and together with the wider public at the Villa Erba.”

The jury awarded the Trofeo BMW Group, and with it “best of show” honours, to a 1968 Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, while the time-honoured Coppa d’Oro prize decided by public referendum went to an Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS from 1942. The “Concept Cars and Prototypes” category, meanwhile, was topped by the Aston Martin Zagato celebrating its world premiere at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. Another model making its debut at the event was the BMW 328 Hommage, unveiled by the Bavarian company to mark the 75th birthday of its iconic BMW 328 sports car from the 1930s.
The Trofeo BMW Group in the first Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este for motorcycles was won by an American Pierce Four from 1910. After presenting the award, General Director of BMW Motorrad Hendrik von Kuenheim shifted the spotlight to plans for the years ahead: “We are looking to develop this concours into a meeting point for all enthusiasts of motorcycle design. That fits in with both the tradition of the BMW motorcycle brand and the passion for bikes here in Italy.”
The extent to which tradition can inspire and the potential – and desired – impact of the past on the future of car design were both on the agenda at the high-powered annual Design Talk round table, which this year addressed the issue of heritage in design under the heading “Tradition & Future in Automotive Design”. Adrian van Hooydonk, Director BMW Group Design, joined Lotus Cars chief designer Donato Coco and Laurens van den Acker, Vice President of Renault Corporate Design, to mull over future-oriented design at car brands with a strong heritage.