PPI Audi R8 Razor GTR 10 Limited Edition

Auto Car | PPI Audi R8 Razor GTR 10 Limited Edition  | Following the introduction of the wildly successful PPI R8 RAZOR at last year's Essen Motor Show, PPI Automotive Design GmbH have used all its knowledge from the past year in competition, closed road races, open road races, and research and development in the wind channel, autobahn and track testing, to create a truly inspired production car. The Audi specialist turned its focus on optimizing the power-to-weight ratio of the Audi R8 while simultaneously strengthening the motor, increasing performance, improving handling dynamics, and managing to reduce the weight of the Audi R8.

The essential part of the motor alteration is the incorporation of a specially engineered supercharger. In addition, a ram-charged sport air filter system and a high performance exhaust system made of stainless steel have been designed and added specifically to work in conjunction with the supercharger system. These components are precisely adjusted to each other with the help of a new ignition map for motor electronics.

The result, after this extensive modification, is a car with 580 hp / 427 kW at 7,400 rpm, a maximum torque of 600 Nm at 6,200 rpm at its disposal, and a weight decrease of 250 kg over its serial counterpart (serial curb weight 1,580 kg). Providing the PPI RAZOR GTR with the ability to achieve speeds from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.7 seconds with a maximum top speed of 332 km/h. This insures the proper performance to easily meet the demands of its motorsports and enthusiast clientele.

Aerodynamics

In addition to the excellent driving performance, this PPI Supercar also has a striking widebody appearance with elaborate, wind tunnel tested aerodynamics. Special attention was paid to the reduction of the vehicle's weight, which was achieved by PPI's extensive use of the extremely light and high-strength formula 1 and aerospace-proven Carbon Fibre. All parts are made of this high-tech material, reducing weight and adding strength in the process.

The PPI RAZOR GTR front bumper replaces the serial bumper and the new design in conjunction with a specially engineered front diffuser, reduces lifting forces at the front axle. Larger air inlets in connection with a new full LED-headlight unit present the two-seater with an even more athletic face. More importantly, these air inlets feed the radiators with additional fresh air and channels through the new front hood to provide optimal cooling to the brake system. PPI sideskirts highlight the sporty profile of the GTR and also diffuses the airflow around the sides of the car for improved aerodynamic stability.

In order to perfectly balance out the down-force behavior of the front-axle with the rear axle, PPI equips the RAZOR GTR with a special rear wing with an adjustable Gurney-flap. The motor cover, made of the light high-tech polycarbonate material Makrolon®, also has specially designed Carbon Fibre ram-charged air inlets that replace the heavy OEM Engine cover and aid in cooling, ensuring the consistent performance of the RAZOR GTR. Aiding in the engine cooling, are the newly designed side blades, rear fenders and rear bumper allow for additional motor bay and exhaust cooling that, in conjunction with the Carbon Fibre rear diffuser, optimizes the airflow over and through the rear portion of this sharp performance car.

Handling

The overall appearance of the car is further enhanced by a new widebody skin to allow the PPI RAZOR GTR the proper structure to accommodate all the performance enhancements and wider wheels. The RAZOR GTR utilizes specially designed lightweight MAG11 forged PPI wheels. At the front, 10Jx19 MAG11 wheels with 255/35 ZR 19 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tyres are fitted and an impressive 11.5J x 20 MAG11 wheels with 325/25 ZR 20 Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires are used at the rear. This wheel and tyre-combination proves to be the optimal balance between comfort and control while maintaining proper road feedback for the driver.

PPI also developed a special high-performance braking system available only for the RAZOR GTR that can be identified by its metallic orange-colored brake callipers. The optimal deceleration and perfect pedal pressure control is now achieved by enlarged 6-piston calipers in connection with extra-large discs measuring 380 x 36 millimeters at the front and 356 x 32 mm discs at the rear axle providing greater pad surface contact area and heat dissipation.

Nothing has been left untouched, as is evidenced by the new coil over kit developed in conjunction with technology partner KW Automotive GmbH. This system has been specially adjusted to the needs of the PPI RAZOR GTR. And comes equipped with a Hydraulic Lift System, which can increase ground clearance by up to 45 millimeters if needed and therefore enables the driver to enter underground car parks or drive over speed bumps.

Interior "Performance"

PPI completely re-designs the interior and turns the R8-interior into a "members-only" lounge with a motorsports flair. The serial interior is replaced by highest quality Onyx Nubuck-leather with orange-colored accents and highlights. Additionally, PPI equips the limited edition RAZOR GTR with extensive Carbon Fibre throughout the ****pit; hand-brake lever, door sill protectors, Driver and Radio Console Surround, Door Trims, Center Console inserts, and kneepad trims, the ultra-light folding sport seats are also made of Carbon Fibre and bear the PPI "Sport Identity" style, following with the headliner, the steering wheel, shift knob, door panels and center console. The technical highlight of the interior is the ergonomically re-designed PPI sport steering wheel. Highlighting the exclusivity of this limited series production is PPI RAZOR GTR badging, threshold plates, and an aluminum production plaque framed by Carbon Fibre.

The new PPI RAZOR GTR Supercar…. BOLD Design, SHARP performance, and EXCLUSIVE production, developed and presented by PPI Automotive Design GmbH, the only tuners for Audi automobiles with a true focus on "Engineering in Style."
World premiere of the PPI RAZOR GTR at the 2008 Essen Motor Show

(http://www.r8talk.com/)

Mahindra Scorpio

Auto Car | Mahindra Scorpio | Mahindra has just jointly announced with FEV that they'll be displaying their sub-continent-styled Mahindra Scorpio  with a diesel-electric hybrid powertrain at the SAE World Congress this weekend here in Detroit. The system includes a 40 HP E-motor that works in stop/start, electric acceleration, and regenerative braking capacities — developing peak torque in the range of 200 lb-ft. The diesel engine is a 2.2-liter inline four with common rail injection, developing 113 HP mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Although no word on what this has to do with the Mahindra Appalachian  we'd been told to look for this week at the SAE World Congress, or whether we'll be seeing this curry-flavored Indian import stateside, it at least looks like the hybrid SUV market is set to get mighty interesting. Press release below the fold and in case you're interested, the shot up top is a camino-ized version of the Scorpio they'll be showing off. So you probably shouldn't expect a truck bed.

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 10 — Mahindra & Mahindra (Mahindra), one of the leading auto manufacturers in the Indian market, and FEV, a leading developer of advanced powertrain and vehicle technologies, announced today that FEV will exhibit a diesel-electric hybrid version of the Scorpio SUV at the 2008 SAE World Congress. The Congress takes place April 14 - 17 at Cobo Center, in Detroit, Michigan. The diesel hybrid version of the vehicle was developed by Mahindra with support from FEV. The announcement was made jointly by Mahindra's Dr. Arun Jaura, Chief Technology officer, Mahindra Group, and Gary Rogers, president and CEO of FEV, Inc.

"The Scorpio vehicle is a clear indicator of the enormous implications of globalization on the changing paradigm in vehicle development," said Rogers. "A rapid advancement of technology is occurring on a global scale, and our OEM customers are increasingly leveraging FEV's global presence to ensure around- the-clock development of new powertrain and vehicle concepts. The FEV Group has successfully expanded its capabilities and international reach to accomplish shorter development times and to support these types of global initiatives for its OEM partners."

FEV contributed its expertise in hybrid powertrain systems development and integration, as well as software development to support Mahindra in the hybridization of the vehicle, the first of its kind to be marketed in the Asian market.

"FEV has been a very receptive and experienced partner in the program and is known for their HEV work across the globe. With their support, we were able to meet our aggressive targets. They have made a valuable contribution to the development of the Scorpio Hybrid Diesel SUV," said Dr. Arun Jaura, Chief Technology officer, Mahindra Group.

The Mahindra Scorpio hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) features the following characteristics:

— Diesel-electric parallel hybrid vehicle with four major functions:
- Start-stop
- Electric launch
- Torque augmentation
- Regenerative braking
- Seamless but enhanced driving experience
— 2.2 Liter, I-4, second generation diesel common rail engine with 85 kW
and 270 Nm ratings
— 6-speed automatic transmission
— 30 kW (peak) motor with max torque of 270 Nm (peak) and a max speed
8500 rpm
— 288V, 8.4 Ah NiMH battery
— Quick cold start with e-motor assist

The Mahindra and Mahindra diesel-electric hybrid is representative of the type of advanced vehicle technologies under development by FEV. Further examples of this technology will be on display at the FEV exhibit.

(http://jalopnik.com)

LADA C Concept-car

Auto Car | LADA C Concept-car | LADA-C is conceptual design on the basis of the new platform, which is developing in cooperation with Magna International Inc. and will become the base for the whole range of new LADA models. This class-C family will include sedan, hatchback, universal, compact van and cross-over with engines 1.6 – 2.0l. In September 2006 at Moscow International motor-show for the first time LADA presented the new family sedan, its name was Concept C, and today in Geneva there is a debut of 3-doors hatchback with a typically sports character.

Concept-car design illustrates the process of searching for the new style of future Lada vehicles and now we know that this design will comply with the latest requirements. The new LADA family from the very first stage realizes fundamentally new level of basic consumer characteristics – safety, reliability, comfort. In particular, form the very first stage the vehicle is developing with the purpose to obtain the maximum number of points for safety, not only for driver and passengers but also for the pedestrian safety. The results of tests, carried out according to a procedure similar to EuroNCAP, show that prototypes comply not only with the existing but also with prospective requirements for passive safety.

Styled by a team of young Russian designers, Lada's striking concept coupe is a fair bit sportier and more modern-looking than many other new C-sector cars on show in Geneva, like the Hyundai i30 and Kia Cee'd. Check out that Mitsubishi Evo X-style nose... Lada's new range of small family-sized cars should be fine under the surface, too, as development of their underpinnings has been contracted out to the consultancy Magna International. The range will eventually include three- and five-door hatchbacks, saloons, an estate, a compact MPV and a crossover, and engines between 1.6 and 2.0 litres in capacity.

Lada, part of the extensive AvtoVaz manufacturing concern, says it is focusing on safety, reliability and comfort - but on the basis of this concept, desirability might even come into it. One for those with a penchant for post-glasnost Soviet chic, perhaps? No word on availability in Western Europe as yet, but why else would Lada be at Geneva?

(http://www.ladacars.org/HTMLS/Models/Lada-C.htm)

Lancia stratos 2010

Auto Car | Lancia stratos 2010 | In an extraordinary twist of events, Fenomenon also own the rights to the Stratos name and will even display the new concept on the stand with the original Bertone Stratos concept, painted in the fluorescent red that it was first presented in at the 1970 Geneva Motor Show.

The thinking behind the three year project is true to the Lancia original – but for entirely different reasons. The original Stratos won fame – and rally championships – with its electrifying pace over dirt roads and tarmac. This new Stratos is the same – except that it hasn’t been conceived to win rallies. Instead, it’s designed to satisfy the growing demand for supercars in developing countries whose road networks are patchy and require vehicles equally at home on potholed tarmac as rain-dampened dirt.

Styling for the Stratos show car was contracted out to a number of potential designers who pitched to win the business. Proposals were submitted by more than 10 professional designers, each with years of automotive experience, with the final selection being made by Hrabalek. The sketches for the car clearly reflect the level of professionalism behind the design, much higher than expected for such a newcomer. The resultant final design, like the best ‘Living Legends’, captures the essence of the Stratos but actually doesn’t slavishly copy any particular detail of it. In fact, the most surprising thing about it in the flesh is seeing just how different the car is from the 70s original.

The stance is notable for the very short wheelbase look, while the exterior uses a more complex series of forms and surfacing than the original but with enough intriguing detailing to be worth a second, closer look. The characteristic conical screen form split by a slim band of body colour remains. On the original, it was the twin A-pillars that divided it but the Fenomenon concept uses a single central A-pillar in the centre of the screen to provide the central hinge point of the butterfly-type doors.

The engine is an inline V8, with 425ps, while the body uses carbonfibre on an aluminium and carbonfibre chassis. The model was milled and constructed by the French prototype company D3, using normal show car methods based on Alias surface data. According to Hrabalek, funding for the Stratos project was raised by a group of investors, many of them enthusiasts and owners of examples of the original car.

So, only one question remains unanswered – who designed it? Lips are closely sealed but Hrabalek admits the real author was ‘an employed automotive designer’. So who’s the moonlighter? …the mystery continues.

(http://www.babez.de/2005/03/fenomemon-stratos/)

2008 BMW X5 4.8i M Sport

Auto Car | 2008 BMW X5 4.8i M Sport | BMW's ever-popular M Sport derivative is to be introduced to the new BMW X5 range for the first time. On sale now, the new flagship offers customers a substantial level of sports-orientated standard equipment when compared to SE specification to offer a distinctive and dynamic range-topping model.

The new BMW X5 4.8i M Sport comes equipped with 19-inch V-spoke M light alloy wheels, Sports suspension, M Aerodynamic body styling, Sports seats, matt aluminum surround to the side window frames, high-gloss Shadowline roof rails, Anthracite headlining and M leather steering wheel. Customers wishing to further differentiate their cars can also choose to upgrade to 20-inch M V-spoke light alloy wheels.

The introduction of M Sport to the BMW X5 range has been eagerly awaited by buyers as 90 per cent of the previous models sold were specified as a Sport.

The new BMW X5 4.8i M Sport will be available in six colors: Alpine White, Black Sapphire, Carbon Black, Monaco Blue, Space Grey, Titanium Silver. Inside and Nevada leather upholstery is standard and is available in Black, Grey, Beige and Saddle Brown hues. Dark Walnut interior trim is standard on the X5 4.8i M Sport but customers can specify Brushed Aluminum, Dark Bamboo or Light Poplar at no additional cost.

Power for the car comes from a 4,799cc engine fitted with Bi-VANOS and VALVETRONIC variable valve technologies to produce 350 bhp. The advanced engine is capable of propelling the car from zero to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds before going on to a top speed of 150 mph. The 4.8-liter powerplant still records 22.6 mpg on the combined cycle and emissions of 299 g/km - both figures that better rival products from Porsche and Audi.

The introduction of a new variant to the X5 range comes as the sales figures reveal that the model is exceeding original expectations. Customer demand for the BMW X5 means the model is forward sold until the end of 2007.

(www.rsportscars.com)

2009 BMW 7 Series

Auto Car | 2009 BMW 7 Series  | Ever the technology showcase, the latest 7-series shouldn't disappoint electronics lovers. BMW  has released preliminary information and images of the revamped and restyled 7 ahead of its official debut at this year's Paris show.

The fifth-generation 7-series will come to the U.S. first as the V-8-powered 750i and its long-wheelbase counterpart, the 750Li. Though the model designations remain the same as before, the V-8 underhood does not. As we expected, the 750 models will get the 400-hp twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 that first appeared in BMW's X6. A smaller engine with a big dose of technology goes a long way, as the direct-injected turbo engine makes more power than the outgoing 750's 4.8-liter normally aspirated V-8, and more torque than the V-12 currently found in the 760Li. The 7 will continue to use a six-speed automatic transmission.

When it comes time to put the 7 in Drive, drivers will now make use of BMW's console-mounted joystick gear selector which replaces the electronic column-mounted shifter of the previous-generation car. We see also that the odd steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons (with two for upshifts on the rim's front, and two for downshifts on the rear) have gone away. Manual shifting can be accomplished once the joystick-style selector is tilted to the left.

BMW's improved iDrive controller is located next to the gear selector, and with it comes a revised interface that is more intuitive than that on the outgoing model and which we expect to be more in line with BMW's other iDrive-equipped offerings. Menus are now displayed on a larger (10.2 inches vs. 8.8 inches), higher-definition central display. GPS navigation software is now stored on a hard drive, which can also be used to store about 13 gigabytes of music (auxiliary, USB, and iPod interfaces will also be included). The 7-series will also adopt the programmable memory keys seen on other BMWs that allow for one touch access to user-defined vehicle functions. BMW also notes that the steering controls can access more functions than before.

Not to be outdone by the central display, the 7's new instruments make use of what BMW calls Black Panel technology. We gather that this is similar to the instrument layout in the Mercedes-Benz S-class, though the 7-series has four permanent chrome rings bounding its virtual instruments.

On the dynamic side of things, the 750s receive a new suspension, as well as the normal raft of 7-series technologies like roll stabilization, stability control, and traction control. New for 2009 is BMW's Integral Active Steering, which adds speed-sensitive rear-wheel steering and is included with the Sport package. The new Driving Dynamics Control selector is located on the center console and allows drivers to select between Comfort, Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes. Each setting has its own characteristics for suspension damping, throttle response, transmission shift points, power-steering assist level, and Dynamic Stability Control mode.

The safety technology ante has been upped with active cruise control that can now bring the car to a complete standstill, allowing it to be used in stop-and-go traffic. Other safety features include a lane departure warning, blind spot detection, a head-up display, automatic high beams, night vision (now with pedestrian detection), as well as side view and backup cameras. Side view cameras are mounted at the front corners and show the images in the control display when traveling at low speeds.

Always searching for the most advanced solution to a problem, BMW has solved a dilemma caused by the abundance of technology in the 7-series by including an electronic owner's manual accessible via, you guessed it, the iDrive interface. The included digital information includes animations and slide shows to explain vehicle functions, which could be much easier to understand than traditional printed pages. BMW's Integrated Owner's Manual is also vehicle-specific and therefore tailored to the exact options of the 7-series it is housed within. For quick reference, specific subjects can also be stored on the programmable memory keys, provided you can figure out how to store them.

(www.automobilemag.com)

2009 BMW M3 Convertible

Auto Car | 2009 BMW M3 Convertible | The BMW M3  model family is being upgraded by yet another fascinating player: The new BMW M3 Convertible, the third body version of BMW’s high-performance sports car following the Coupé and Saloon, offers new possibilities to experience uncompromising driving dynamics

Beneath the engine compartment lid lurks the V8 power unit displacing 4.0 litres and with all the features of a high-speed engine developed brand-new from the ground up for the BMW M3. Above the heads of the driver and passengers is either the three-piece hardtop opening and disappearing completely into the rear roof compartment at the touch of a button in just 22 seconds or of course the blue sky and the thrill of open air.

The new BMW M3 Convertible is a top-flight athlete able to offer truly outstanding performance not only as a sports car, but also with many other qualities, top performance, and highlights in motoring elegance, making every moment in the car an experience in driving pleasure and keeping the driver and passengers top fit at all times.

The BMW M3 Convertible draws its exceptional dynamic driving potential from its new eight-cylinder power unit developing 309 kW/420 hp from 3,999 cubic centimetres. Maximum torque of 400 Newton-metres or 295 lb-ft is just as impressive as maximum engine speed of 8,400 rpm.

This high engine speed concept so typical of BMW M engines comes straight from the latest Formula 1 power unit raced by the BMW Sauber F1 Team. Clearly, this outstanding principle of engine power
ensures unique torque and muscle also in the BMW M3 Convertible in transmitting engine power through the variable M Differential Lock to the rear wheels.

Acceleration to 100 km/h comes in just 5.3 seconds and the car continues to surge ahead with increasing power and performance as the driver keeps his foot on the gas pedal, all the way to the car’s top speed of 250 km/h or 155 mph, where the engine’s electronic control unit sets a limit to the ongoing speed and performance of this open-air athlete.

Outstanding performance and thrilling dynamics of this kind create the first impression conveyed by the BMW M3 Convertible right from the start: This very special two-door performer not only comes with the same drive technology as the BMW M3 Coupé and the BMW M3 Saloon, but is also a brand-new development from the ground up, again boasting all the features so typical of a BMW M model.

The BMW M3 Convertible thus transfers motorsport technology to everyday motoring, meeting even the greatest demands made of such a high-performance car. In its character, therefore, it is first and foremost a BMW M3, while nevertheless betraying its unique identity side-by-side with the Coupé and Saloon.

(www.topspeed.com)

2009 BMW M3 Coupe Edition

The 2009 BMW M3 Coupe Edition has been launched bringing with it a 10mm lower ride height and various interior and exterior enhancements. The exterior accents of the 2009 BMW M3 Coupe Edition include dark chrome shadow-colored kidney grille, side vents, bonnet vents and twin exhaust tailpipe. The 2009 BMW M3 Coupe Edition also comes with 19-inch M Double-spoke light-alloy wheels in a black gloss finish as an option.

The 2009 BMW M3 Coupe Edition is powered by the same 4.0 liter V8 engine that develops 420 hp and 400 Nm of torque. The top speed of the 2009 BMW M3 Coupe Edition is limited to 155 mph and the zero to 60 mph acceleration time is 4.8 seconds.

The 2009 BMW M3 Coupe Edition price starts at 53,435 GBP.

The BMW M3, a car which has long been an automotive benchmark, is now available as a special Edition model. This ultimate BMW M3 comes with a 10mm lower ride height for enhanced dynamic capability while the interior and exterior offer unique visual enhancements to differentiate them from the standard BMW M3 Coupe. Available to UK customers in three striking color combinations of Alpine White, BMW Individual Dakar Yellow and BMW Individual Monte Carlo Blue, the new model features a dark chrome shadow-colored kidney grille, side vents, bonnet vents and twin exhaust tailpipe. Black wing mirrors, with connecting supports in the car’s body color, help distinguish the new model from other BMW M3 variants. In profile, the new BMW M3 Coupe Editions feature 19-inch M Double-spoke light-alloy wheels in silver alloy as standard and with black gloss finish as an option. High-gloss Shadowline exterior trim is also standard.

The new BMW M3 Coupe Edition retains the existing carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic roof panel with exposed weave as the standard BMW M3. The carbon-fiber roof panel saves 5kgs over a conventional roof panel and lowers the center of gravity to contribute to the BMW M3’s benchmark driving dynamics. Inside, the latest BMW M3 has a number of signature touches to set it apart from the existing model. All three versions feature exterior body-colored stripes on the standard Novillo leather interior, on the front and rear seat backrests and the extension of the seat squab. The front seats also come with exterior color contrast stitching whilst Black Carbon-structure leather interior trim is a standard offering. Dakar Yellow and Monte Carlo Blue owners will get a continuation of this threadwork on the armrest and passenger door handle.

The Alpine White BMW M3 will get an interior with contrast stitching on the carbon structure leather trim and contrast-colored door armrest pads, center console and center armrest pad. A checkered flag motif decorates the door sill plates to underscore the racing pedigree of the BMW M3, which has won more Touring Car titles than any other car as well as numerous Endurance races.

BMW M3 engines took top category honors on a record six successive occasions in the Engine of the Year awards. It develops 420hp at 8,300rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3,900rpm from its 3,999cc V8-power unit, and red-lines at 8,400rpm. To highlight the flexibility of the engine, 85 per cent of torque is available over 6,500rpm. Power is transferred to the road by BMW M’s six-speed manual gearbox and variable M differential which conveys up to 100 per cent of available power to the wheel with most grip. Customers can upgrade to the paddle-shift (M Double Clutch Transmission) transmission with its enhanced fuel economy, CO2 emissions performance and faster acceleration.

Like its predecessor, the V8-powered BMW M3 easily breaks through the magical 100hp per liter barrier, offering 105hp per liter. This engine powers the car from zero to 62mph in 4.8 seconds and on to a limited top speed of 155mph. However, these supercar levels of performance do not compromise economy with the car still delivering 22.8mpg on the combined cycle. This relative frugal performance is delivered, in part, thanks to BMW’s EfficientDynamics program. Far from only influencing the smaller-engined cars in the range, EfficientDynamics offers benefits to one of the most sporting cars offered by BMW, courtesy of Brake Energy Regeneration. This technology uses an Intelligent Alternator Control and Absorbent Glass Mat battery to recognize when the engine is on over-run and activates the alternator to charge the battery with what would previously have been wasted energy.

The BMW M3 Coupe Edition features MDrive manager that brings together numerous personalised functions of the car. The settings for the optional Electronic Damper Control (Normal, Comfort and Sport), three DSC+ traction control settings and three specific engine control maps, plus the response rate of the Servotronic power steering can be controlled with one button on the steering wheel. Once the desired settings are created in the iDrive menu, part of the standard Professional Multimedia navigation system, one push of the MDrive button transforms the BMW M3 from a car to drive to the shops to a track day special.

(www.zercustoms.com)

2009 BMW M3 Race Version

Auto Car | 2009 BMW M3 Race Version | BMW presented the racing version of the new BMW M3 at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show. Powered by a 485 bhp eight cylinder engine, this impressive race car has been designed to compete in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) beginning in 2009. The car is based on the fourth generation of the BMW M3, the high-performance sports car produced by BMW M GmbH.

In the course of developing the race version of the BMW M3, BMW’s engineers were faced with an ambitious task: to improve upon the sportiness of an already sporting car. A better base would, though, be difficult to find. In standard form the vehicle delivers powerful dynamics and sporting aesthetics. Thanks to an eight cylinder engine producing 414 bhp, BMW’s customers are provided with a unique driving experience.

Those engine blocks, cast in BMW’s light alloy foundry in Landshut – the very source of BMW’s Formula One castings – selected for race duty need to withstand even more power: the BMW P65 race engine delivers 485 bhp.

In order to enable the BMW M3 to make full use of this performance on the race circuit, the experts in Munich have not concentrated solely on the engine, but have race-tuned the chassis as well. The race version of the BMW M3 is wider and significantly lighter than its production equivalent, enabling it to perfectly transmit the power of its V8 to the track. Widespread use of carbon-reinforced plastic (CRP) provides proof of substantial weight reduction. As with the production version, the race car’s roof is manufactured from this high-tech material.

The race version of the BMW M3 is clearly aimed at the top echelon of motorsport. As such, it is no surprise to discover that in the course of its development, begun in mid-2007, numerous Formula One techniques were applied. These include computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and wind tunnel analyses, both of which have ensured the best possible aerodynamic package for the BMW M3.

Intelligent control systems have been incorporated throughout the BMW M3. The POWER400 control unit actuates all the accessories fitted to the car, such as lights, wipers, etc., via two bus systems. Traditional relays and fuses are thus eliminated, ensuring considerable weight saving, improved reliability and ease of application. The functions of the BMW P65 engine are managed by an ECU 408 electronic control unit, developed in-house by BMW Motorsport. The software and applications, too, have been developed by the experts in Munich.

An intensive test program, during which the performance of the race car will be honed by BMW Motorsport, looms for the BMW M3 over the coming months. Development drivers will be BMW works drivers Andy Priaulx (GBR), Jörg Müller (GER) and Augusto Farfus (BRA), currently racing in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC). The aim is, after all, for the BMW M3 to be an immediate front-runner upon its comeback to the American Le Mans Series.

Technical Specifications
Weight: 2,535 lbs./1150 kg
Tank capacity: 29 gallons/110 Liters
Chassis/body: Unitary construction steel body with welded safety cell made of extremely rigid precision steel tubing; safety fuel tank in CRP sandwich tray; pneumatic four-stamp jack system
Aerodynamics: Front fenders, rear apron, hood, roof, trunk lid, rear wing, front wings, and flared rear wheel arches in CRP
Transmission: Carbon fiber clutch with hydraulic central slave cylinder; 6-speed sequential racing transmission with straight-cut, unsynchronized gears; additional oil/air cooler; quick shift system with ignition cut-out controlled by shifting force; mechanical limited slip differential with additional oil/air cooler
Front axle: Based on production version, with increased wheel caster angle, enlarged track width and enhanced wheel camber; five-way adjustable shock absorbers; tubular stabilizer bar
Rear axle: Based on production version, with enlarged track width and enhanced wheel camber; five-way adjustable shock absorbers, tubular stabilizer bar
Front brake system: Six-piston aluminum brake calipers, inner-vented grey-cast iron brake disks 15.0 in./380mm in diameter
Rear brake system: Four-piston aluminum brake calipers, grey-cast iron brake disk, 13.1 in./332mm in diameter
Steering: Rack and pinion steering with electro-hydraulic power
Wheels: Aluminum wheels, 18 inches

BMW P65 Engine
Type: Eight cylinder, V-configuration
Capacity: 3999 cc
Bore x stroke: 92 x 75.2 mm/3.62 x 2.96 in.
Max. output: approx. 485 bhp
Max. torque: approx. 368 lb-ft/500 Nm
Cylinder block: Aluminum cylinder block construction with bed plate lower section
Crankshaft: Steel crankshaft
Pistons: Forged skirt pistons
Conrods: High-performance steel
Cylinder head: Aluminum DOHC (Double Over Head Camshaft); four valves per cylinder
Valve train: Four overhead chain-driven camshafts, valve actuation via rocker arms
Intake system: Eight throttle valves, made of CRP with load-charge optimized ram tubes
Exhaust system: Headers, mufflers
Fuel system: Single cylinder multi-point injection
Lubrication: Dry sump lubrication
Cooling: Water/air cooler and oil/water heat exchanger

(www.gotbroken.com)

2009 BMW Z4 Roadster

Auto Car | 2009 BMW Z4 Roadster | BMW  will be introducing the next-gen Z4 in early 2009. Recent spy shots of a prototype testing new Munich showed a car with a familiar shape to the current Z4. Short rear overhangs and a long hood characterized the test-mule but it also featured a new folding roof and was slightly larger than the current model. This is in-line with BMW’s plans to reposition the next Z4 into a higher price point as it makes way for the introduction of a smaller entry-level Z car.

As reported yesterday, production of the new Z4 will be handled by BMW’s Regensburg plant in Germany. The move will enable BMW to produce volume sellers, such as its SUV models, in the US and take advantage of the favourable exchange rate. At the same time, low volume premium models like the new Z4 will be manufactured at plants in Germany.

A couple of years after the Z4 is launched in '09, BMW will add the potent M version of the car. This new model is in line to receive the new high-rev 4.0L V8 engine that debuts in the new M3. Other engines for the new Z4 range will include the 300hp twin-turbo six, as well as the smaller 2.5L naturally aspirated petrol six.

This artist's rendition of the car gives us a good indication as to what the final styling may look. BMW is expected to introduce styling derived from the CS concept across much of the range and this should also be visible on the Z4.

(www.motorauthority.com)