Global Auto News BMW Group and Toyota agree to Mid-to-long-term Research Collaboration BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announced on December 1 that they signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning a mid-to-long-term collaboration on next-generation environment-friendly technologies. Under the MOU, the two companies agreed on a collaborative research in the field of next-generation lithium-ion battery technologies. They have also agreed to identify and discuss other possible collaborative projects. In addition, Toyota Motor Europe (TME), TMC’s European subsidiary, and BMW Group have entered into a contract under which BMW Group is to supply 1.6 liter and 2.0 liter diesel engines to TME starting in 2014. The engines will be installed in certain Toyota-produced vehicles planned for sale in the European market. Through this agreement, Toyota plans to expand its European lineup and sales of fuel-efficient, low CO2-emission diesel-powered vehicles.
Want more cool machines shown on TV? Speak up here: www.facebook.com The E24 M6 had the M88 motor that was actually used in racecars unlike the V-10 of the recent BMW M6. The current V-10 weighs 529 pounds. The M88/S38 engine has true motorsports heritage. The BMW M1, while not very successful on both the road and the track, was modified for Group 5 racing, the engine was pushed to between 850 and 900 bhp by the addition of two turbochargers. This was the M88/2 powerplant. jalopnik.com bringatrailer.com The BMW E34 M5 (1989-1995) was raced in the IMSA Bridgestone Supercar Championship with sports cars. The stock E34 M5 was heavy due to all of the standard equipment, but weight and aerodynamics were improved and Ed Arnold Racing ran the machine. www.wspr-racing.com vimeo.com This M6 was tuned by ICS Performance with the revs kept under 3800. Around 5900 E24 M6s were built. Information on the BMW E24 6 series www.bigcoupe.com Info on the S38 engine bmwe34m5.com Paul Bracq designed the body of the E24 6 series. Claus Luthe took over design at BMW but he murdered his son. BMW Rahal Letterman Racing raced two new BMW M3s in the 2009 American Le Mans Series on behalf of BMW Motorsport. Dunlop tires were used. The team has returned for 2010 and 2011. www.americanlemans.com www.rahal.com http www.flickr.com
A nearly-new 2011 BMW 335i Convertible presented by Chris Moran. The 3 Series coupe and convertible have been slightly restyled for 2011, and have been given an additional model in the form of the more sport-oriented 335is. All 335i models receive a new, more fuel-efficient turbocharged engine. The upgraded stereo is also once again branded as a Harman Kardon. Introduction They say that variety is the spice of life. If that’s true, the 2011 BMW 3 Series can make things hotter than a habanero. You can get a sedan, a wagon, a coupe and a convertible; there are two turbocharged six-cylinders, a wickedly torquey diesel engine and a regular six-cylinder that’s hardly a slouch. Then there are more add-ons to be had than ornaments for a Christmas tree. Yep, there’s really something for everyone, which partly explains why the 3 Series has been so popular for so long. Oh, and the fact that it’s one of the finest automobiles on the globe may have something to do with it, too. Now in its sixth year since the last full redesign, the BMW 3 Series soldiers on with key changes for 2011. The coupe and convertible get a mild styling refresh that only the keen eyes of Bimmerphiles will notice. More important, though, is an all-new engine for the 335i models. Its output remains the same, but the switch to a single twin-scroll turbocharger in place of the old engine’s dual single-scroll turbochargers combines with direct injection to improve fuel economy. Not only is the new 335i thriftier …
An in-depth 2008 BMW 650i Convertible review with Chris Moran. Presented by D&M Motorsports. www.dmautosales.com For most people, purchasing a large luxury coupe or convertible is entirely an act of passion and indulgence, and right or wrong, outward appearance can make or break the deal. Compared to the sleek offerings from rival manufacturers Mercedes-Benz and Jaguar, well…let’s just say the 2008 BMW 6 Series has a great personality. If there is such a thing as a sleeper among the entries in the big-ticket touring class, this is it. Only when you’ve taken the time to become fully acquainted with its pure driving dynamics, innovative use of technology and lower price of entry does the 6 Series’ true beauty become apparent. In its fifth year of production, the rear-wheel-drive, four-passenger BMW 650i coupe is based on the same platform used for the 5 Series sedan. But BMW aims the 6 Series higher. It has but one engine available, a 4.8-liter V8. Not a single body panel is shared with the sedan, and the front and rear suspensions are likewise calibrated for the 650’s lower ride height and sportier intentions. To keep its weight in check, aluminum is used extensively for the suspension, hood and doors. Thermoplastic front fenders and a composite deck lid do their high-tech best to keep the 6 Series feeling spry, though this is still essentially a 4000-pound car. BMW equips its 6 Series well in terms of equipment, and you’ll find but a handful of features that are …
Classic Game Room reviews BMW GROUP EFFICIENT DYNAMICS PINBALL for iPad, a free game available for download from the Apple App store. This free download game is basically an advert for BMW that demonstrates their “commitment” to sustainable energy and eco friendly cars… whatever, give me a 5 series with a V10. This CGR review of BMW Efficient Dynamics Pinball for iPad has touch screen gameplay that shows BMW Pinball game play in HD. Game language is in German or English.