BMW i-FD is a Concept Study for a Green Sports

While BMW is officially keeping quiet about the matter, understandably, it’s not a question if the Bavarian automaker will introduce a four-door model into the range of it's newly launched i-sub brand, but when. Currently, we're looking forward to the presentation of the production versions of the i3 hatchback and the i8 sports coupe, both of which have been spied on several occasions.
Until the time comes for BMW to either inform us about its future plans or better yet, tease us with a concept model, we have a study to show you. It's called the BMW i-FD and it was created by independent industrial designer Feliciano Ruy-Díaz from Valencia, Spain.
The young designer says that the inspiration for the styling of the i-FD came from the work of renowned Spanish architect and structural engineer Santiago Calatrava as well as the forms of ancient Greek armor and the lines of a white shark.
The goal was to create a unique looking sports sedan with a design that conveys both strength and dynamism.
Díaz doesn’t tell us what kind of powertrain he had in mind while designing the i-FD, but we reckon that the sedan would probably feature a similar all-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid setup as the i8 coupe.
Photo and Design Credits: Feliciano Ruy-Díaz

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BMW 328i Saloon to the ASC3 Turbo

We won't have to wait until the Geneva Motor Show's grand opening on Tuesday to find out what AC Schnitzer has in store for us, as the German tuner of all things BMW related has published details on its first take on the new 3-Series sedan. The tune is based on the 328i, which in stock form is fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four churning out 240hp and 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft), allowing for a zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 5.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).
An ECU upgrade and a sports exhaust system ring up those numbers to 291hp (295PS) and 410Nm (302 lb-ft) and as a result, reduce the 0-100km/h acceleration time to 5.7 seconds. Maximum speed continues to be electronically governed at 250km/h.
AC Schnitzer then adds a sports suspension kit while offering buyers a selection of alloy wheel designs in sizes from 18- to 20-inches.
Other available options include an AC Schnitzer front spoiler, chromed front grille, rear roof spoiler, rear spoiler and rear skirt extension, complemented by designer stripes, while the interior of the car can be upgraded with an aluminum trim kit for the dashboard, pedals, foot rest and the "i-Drive" controller.
The entire contents of the package will be available for order this summer.

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2013 BMW X6 Facelift

We've been following the development of the facelifted X6 through our scoop section for a while now and today, BMW officially revealed the 2013 model year version that goes on sale worldwide this spring. The big news on the 2013 X6 is the introduction of the diesel-powered X6 M50d of the M Performance series, but we've already covered it in our previous post, so let's see what else is new about BMW's so-called Sports Activity Coupe.
The styling updates throughout the range are quite subtle and include a new set of headlamps, more pronounced kidney grilles with bars that are angled in the lower section, repositioned fog lamps set in matt finish surrounds and new LED tail lamps, while BMW also offers adaptive LED headlights as an option.
The 2013 model year also brings new exterior colors including the Marrakesh Brown metallic featured in the pictured vehicle, plus the option of Vermilion Red and Ivory White leather upholsteries and new alloy wheel designs.
The X6 comes as a four-seat model with a three-seat rear bench being available as an option.
The basic engine range remains the same, with the U.S. lineup including the xDrive50i with a 400hp 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 and the xDrive35i with a 300 hp 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six. Both engines are mated to a 8-speed automatic transmission. The X6 M with a V8 engine delivering 555 bhp linked to a 6-speed M Sport automatic transmission tops the range.
While the X6 M50d won't be making it in the States, BMW offers an M Performance Package in the U.S., which adds 15hp and 30 lb-ft of torque on the X6 xDrive35i giving it 315 hp and 330 lb-ft respectively, while the increase on the X6 xDrive50i is +40 hp +30 lb-ft of torque for total peak output of 440 hp and 480 lb-ft.
Along with the engine upgrades, the M Performance Package adds 20-inch light alloy wheels, black chrome exhaust tips, stainless steel pedals, M footrest and door sills, shadowline exterior trim, anthracite headliner, and optional Carbon Black metallic paint.
In Europe, the modestly refreshed X6 will also be available with a pair of 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six diesel engines, producing 245bhp on the xDrive30d and 306bhp on the xDrive40d.
The 2013 BMW X6 will receive its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

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2013 BMW i8 Hybrid Sports Coupe – Front View

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BMW M5's Project Leader Says V8 has Few Things in Common with X5M and X6M Engine

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BMW M5's Project Leader Says V8 has Few Things in Common with X5M and X6M Engine

Friday, December 23, 2011 |

Like its predecessors, the new 2013 BMW M5, which received its public debut at the 64th Frankfurt Motor Show, is based on the regular 5-Series sedan with some subtle exterior modifications but a whole lot of changes under the skin. Now, some may think that BMW's M Gmbh performance division simply took a 5-Series sedan, beefed it up a bit and shoehorned the twin-turbo V8 found in the X5 M and X6 M SUVs under it's hood. However, Maximillian Ahme, the man that led the M5's development team, says that's not the case.
In an interview with the BMW M magazine, Ahme shed some light on the development and the unique features of the latest M5 super saloon.
Asked about when work began on the F10 M5, Ahme said: "Two to three years must be allowed for testing the development of a BMW M. In some cases, predecessor vehicles are used in the first phase, enabling initial engine tests to be carried out, for example. However, this is just a short phase. The fine tuning then involves the latest models."
Ahme added that approximately 2 million kilometers (1.24 million miles) were covered during the development phases of the new M5.
What about that engine? Ahme dismisses the notion that the M Division simply used the same engine found in the X5/X6 M models:
“The engine of the BMW M5 has been almost completely redesigned. In essence, the only feature it has in common with the engine of the X5/6 M is the bank angle (90 degrees) and the cylinder spacing. The specification sheet also indicated a higher maximum rotational speed of 7,200 rpm."
Ahme explains that a lot of features were added or changed including the larger charge-air coolers, an optimized Valvetronic valve timing, a new cylinder head and a wet sump with an additional oil pump.
The M5 also uses a double-clutch transmission instead of the conventional torque-converter automatic found in the X5 M and X6 M SUVs.
As far as the chassis is concerned, Ahme says that the front axle was reinforced and has a more rigid connection to the bodywork, while the tracks were widened and the rear multi-link suspension doesn't have any rubber bearings for a more direct feel.
With standard tires, maximum lateral acceleration can reach up to 1.2 g, though Ahme stresses that, depending on the surface, the M5 can achieve 1.3 g or "perhaps even a little more on the Nürburgring circuit".
Ahme previously suggested that all-wheel drive might become an option for the M5, as it would be the only way to harness additional power.
"In view of the performance and torque of the BMW M5, this might be considered an option. However, we believe any advantage is outweighed by the disadvantages of the all-wheel drive. More weight due to four driven wheels means higher fuel consumption and a shift in the axial load in the direction of the front axle," said Ahme.
"However, we are particularly concerned with a balanced distribution of weight for the driving performance typical of the M. We also had to position the engine higher, which would have led to a higher centre of gravity," he added.

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