BMW M1 Procar Art Car by Frank Stella (E26)

BMW M2 Rendering by AutoExpress

It’s a BMW M car revolution! Auto Express can reveal the new car news every fan of the BMW's M division will want to hear: that it’s gearing up to rival the Porsche Cayman and Audi TT RS with a new M2 coupé.
We spoke exclusively to the M Division’s new managing director, Dr Friedrich Nitschke, and he revealed the car was key to his plans. Plus, it’s only the start.
A revolutionary new M3 is also in the pipeline, and there are discussions over a Lamborghini Aventador-rivalling supercar. The ambitious plans will help BMW take the fight to the quattro GmbH performance arm which makes S and RS-badged Audis, plus the R8.
The M2 will be based on the firm’s F21 platform – also set to underpin the 2 Series, due early in 2014 – and has a front-mounted engine driving the rear wheels.
One BMW insider has told us the newcomer, a direct descendent of the 1 Series Coupe, will be instantly recognisable from the entry-level car with its bold look.
Our source also explained that BMW will not copy Audi’s “sausage factory” approach to design. This means the racy new 2 Series will get unique front 
and rear end styling, as our exclusive images reveal.
The new 2 badge will also help BMW manage its model range, since the 1 Series family has expanded to include hatch, coupe, cabriolet and crossover models. Plus, it will overcome the problem of using M branding in conjunction with the 1 Series nameplate.
The company is currently testing two engines. The first – a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo – offers around 350bhp and is very similar to that in the 1M Coupe (tested on Page 56). The second is an innovative tri-turbo, giving similar performance but better fuel economy. This will debut in a new X3M at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
Power will be fed through BMW’s all-new DCT semi-automatic transmission, while the brakes will be taken from the current M3. To keep the newcomer’s weight to a minimum, the firm is expected to make extensive use of the advanced carbon fibre-reinforced plastics it has developed for its Project i cars.
This material, which was first adopted on the E46 M3 CSL, is stronger than steel and yet extremely light. What’s more, it is much easier to repair than carbon fibre.

Nitschke told us: “In the 1M Coupe, we have a starter car for the M Division, and we are continuing to develop this project. Such models must be sporty, and offer extraordinarily low fuel consumption. This is something we could achieve with the M2. I think the 1M Coupe proves there is room for an M2, a coupe.”

autoexpress

The never born M Dreams

M5

The BMW Concept M5.
A glimpse at the 5th generation of a legend

Nearly 25 years ago, US enthusiasts were introduced to the concept of the true performance/luxury sedan, the veritable "wolf in a business suit". A car which offered the driving comfort experienced in a premium sedan and the handling characteristics of a high-performance sports car that can only be described by one single unmistakable model designation - BMW M5. With the first generation of this model, which arrived on US shores in 1987, BMW M GmbH laid the foundation stone for a completely new vehicle category. The BMW M5 was the first car of its kind to offer racing-oriented high performance in a sedan that could be driven without compromise in everyday traffic. This unique concept developed into a remarkable success story spanning four model generations. BMW M GmbH prepares to draw the attention enthusiasts to a four-door sedan yet again. The BMW Concept M5, which makes its public debut at the Auto Shanghai 2011, represents the latest interpretation of this unmistakable vehicle character.

Uncompromising performance and typical M aesthetics in a BMW 5 Series Sedan provide the basis for the exclusive BMW M5 driving experience. With each model generation, the advancements made in the development of premium sedans in terms of comfort, safety and premium ambience were accompanied by new possibilities to intensify that unsurpassed 'M feeling'. The world premiere of the BMW Concept M5 at the Auto Shanghai 2011 foreshadows the continuation of this tradition. Based on the design vocabulary developed for the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the near-series concept car reflects the characteristic styling features of a BMW M automobile, with which the car's further enhanced dynamic potential is captured.
A new high-revving V8 engine with M twin-turbo technology guarantees typical M power output. The eight-cylinder engine delivers a spontaneous and even acceleration, which remains constant up to the highest load and is characteristic of the M feeling, in a previously unequalled dimension. At the same time, both performance and efficiency have been 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 and a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic and M-specific suspension and steering create the ideal prerequisites for an unrivalled driving experience.

Typical M aesthetics: performance defines design, aerodynamics optimize performance.

The athletic appearance of the BMW Concept M5 authentically expresses the engine's superior power. The sporty and elegant look of the BMW M5 Sedan has been specifically modified using typical M design vocabulary. All specific design features are directly related to the Sedan's outstanding performance characteristics. They were developed exclusively for the BMW Concept M5 and enhance the vehicle's character, which is marked by high performance and responsive handling even under extreme conditions. Prominent examples of this are the large air intakes, which allow for the engine's higher cooling requirements, as well as optimized aerodynamics thanks to a discreet spoiler located on the trunklid and a diffuser integrated into the rear apron.
The BMW Concept M5 owes its intense emotional impact to the direct relation of each detail with the technical requirements. At the same time, the concise styling of the high-performance car's specific features creates the character of understatement that is typical of a BMW M automobile. The car's superior appearance is underlined by the body color Chrome Shadow. The discreet appearance of this body color distinctively enhances the surface contours of the vehicle's three-dimensionally modeled bodywork.

Front apron: precise airflow optimizes cooling and aerodynamics.

Dynamic lines and large air intakes on the front end of the BMW Concept M5 are a clear indication of the vehicle's exceptionally sport-oriented characteristics and its engine's outstanding power. Like on the BMW 5 Series Sedan, the contour lines on the bonnet of the BMW Concept M5 flow towards the BMW kidney grille. The upright position of the widely stretched kidney grille also reflects dynamic forward movement. The dual round Xenon headlights, which are complemented at the top by an accentuating light, create the road-focused look that is also characteristic of BMW M automobiles.

The front apron, which was designed exclusively for the BMW Concept M5, contributes significantly towards both the car's athletic appearance as well as its dynamic potential. It features three large air intakes, the dimensions of which are precisely oriented towards the high cooling requirement of the engine and its ancillary components. The center opening corresponds to the width of the BMW kidney grille, the side contour lines move away from each other as they continue downwards. This echoes the V shape between the grille and the headlights, thus emphasizing the width of the air intake.

The center air intake protrudes further out than the two outer intakes and its contours are slightly curved. This three-dimensional design and the deeply embedded, black grille sporting a honeycomb design additionally underscore the vehicle's powerful character. With concisely designed so-called flaps on the lower edges of the outer air intakes, the BMW Concept M5 boasts a racing-inspired feature for optimizing airflow. These also emphasize a front apron design that is oriented towards the technical demands.

Side view: dynamically flowing lines, large M light alloy wheels.

With powerfully modeled wheel arches and dynamically flowing lines, the BMW Concept M5 also signals uncompromising sportiness when viewed from the side. The long wheelbase, the set back passenger cabin and the black side window surrounds distinctively underscore the sedan's stretched silhouette. This appearance is even more strongly emphasized through M-specific lowering of the vehicle. The athletically flared wheel arches are complemented by M-specific light alloy wheels sporting a double-spoke design. Due to the vehicle's wide track, they are flush with the car body. The 20-inch forged rims are fitted with tire size 265/35 ZR20 at the front and 265/35 ZR20 at the back.

The M-typical gill element on the front side panel has been reinterpreted on the BMW Concept M5. The gill features a high-quality chrome surround and is horizontally divided by a chrome bar, which in addition to the side indicator also bears the M logo. The gill element is the starting point of the swage line, which during its further course across the door handles stretches back as far as the taillights.

The rear end: athletic styling, targeted airflow.

Unparalleled road holding are effectively symbolized by the BMW Concept M5's rear end design. The emphasis on vehicle width through dominating horizontal lines also featured on the BMW 5 Series Sedan is combined with an athletically shaped rear apron. The vehicle-specific rear apron, which forms a smooth transition to the wide wheel arches, ensures a particularly intensive accentuation of the motive force that is transferred to the rear wheels.
An integrated diffuser at the lower edge of the rear apron effectuates targeted airflow at the end of the undercarriage. As a typical M identifying feature, the BMW Concept M5 is fitted with a double-flow exhaust system, the double tailpipes of which are located far apart at each side of the diffuser and surrounded by aerodynamically shaped trims. Likewise, the discreet rear spoiler located on the boot lid serves to optimize the car's aerodynamic characteristics. It ensures additional downforce above all at high speeds, thus contributing towards supreme handling at all times.

Awe-inspiring power, impressive efficiency: V8 with M TwinPower Turbo.

The BMW Concept M5 gives a starting signal for the venture into a new dimension of motor racing-oriented driving dynamics. The high-performance characteristics reflected in its design are realized through the M-specific drivetrain and suspension technology. Under the concept car's hood is a new, high-revving V8 featuring M TwinPower Turbo Technology. The new engine ensures a new dimension of the linear power development characteristic of BMW M automobiles. Moreover, it embodies the principle of technological advancement within the framework of the BMW Group's Efficient Dynamics strategy. Compared to the fourth generation of the BMW M5's power unit, the newly developed engine has a significantly increased output level, whilst at the same time lowering previous fuel consumption and emission levels by at least 25 percent. With the new eight-cylinder engine, big steps have been taken in the optimization of drivetrain technology. A clear increase in power is accompanied by a remarkable increase in efficiency. This demonstrates the unparalleled effectiveness of this development strategy, which originates from racing, where in addition to the engine's performance capabilities and reliability, as few fuel stops as possible result in a decisive advantage.

The BMW Concept M5's engine power is transferred to the rear wheels by a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. This double-clutch gearbox, which was specifically tuned to the new V8 engine's performance characteristics, offers extremely fast gear shifting, precise gear selection and a high degree of effectiveness that further optimizes the vehicle's efficiency. The combination of the new engine with M Drivelogic is supplemented by an Auto Start Stop function. When halting at road junctions or in a tailback, the high-performance engine is temporarily switched off, thus avoiding unnecessary fuel consumption during idling. To continue the journey it is sufficient to release the footbrake and the V8 engine restarts immediately.

M suspension technology, typical M innovation: active M Differential

The suspension technology especially developed for each model is an equally crucial constituent part of the well-balanced overall concept of any M automobile. It is constructed using comprehensive know-how obtained from years of racing and then tuned during extensive tests carried out on the North Loop of the Nürburgring. The result is an exclusive M suspension set up as well as exceptionally effective and weight-optimized brakes, which also remain stable even under the hard use that a place like the Nürburgring demands.

In addition, the BMW Concept M5 features innovative rear differential technology also developed by BMW M GmbH. The Active M Differential maximizes traction in cornering by using targeted variation of locking torque between the right and left drive wheels.

Active control of the multi-plate lock inside the rear differential is highly accurate and fast. This ensures that wheel spin is prevented even on slippery road surfaces and in the event of differing friction coefficients between the right and left wheels, in narrow bends or during sudden lane changes. Optimized traction thereby facilitates the highest level of vehicle stability and dynamics during acceleration out of bends even under the most demanding conditions.

BMW Concept M5 - the future of the high-performance sports car with four doors and five seats.

The BMW Concept M5 embodies the vision of a premium upper midrange sedan offering the highest degree of comfort for up to five occupants and allowing the driver to follow the ideal racing line both on the racetrack and in everyday road traffic. The BMW Concept M5 combines outstanding performance resulting from racing-inspired drive and suspension technology with typical M aesthetics that authentically express the vehicle's dynamic potential. The concept car visualises the unmistakable characteristics of a BMW M model, which mature from a harmonious overall concept in which engine, suspension and design complement each other perfectly. BMW M GmbH's know-how gained from decades of experience and constantly further developed under racing conditions manifests itself in this combination. Innovative technology derived directly from motor racing provides each new BMW model with unmatched high-performing characteristics.

The BMW Concept M5 reflects a highly advanced stage in the development of a high-performance vehicle based on the new BMW 5 Series Sedan. The specific design features are directly aligned to the technical requirements, the suspension technology is precisely harmonized with the engine's performance characteristics. With this precisely defined development strategy, the latest embodiment of the incomparable M feeling drives steadily towards series reality.

One-off M3 pickup

Unique: BMW M GmbH Develops The World's Fastest Pickup.

Drive and suspension technology from the BMW M3 - comprehensive testing completed on the Nürburgring-Nordschleife - 420 hp and 450 kg load capacity - world premiere on 1 April 2011.

Following the BMW M3 Coupe, BMW M3 Convertible and BMW M3 Sedan, a fourth body variant of this globally successful high-performance sports car is about to cause a stir. Under the strictest secrecy, the world's first high-performance pickup has been created at the BMW M GmbH development centre. The sportiest example by far in this vehicle category, the BMW M3 Pickup will fire the imaginations of all motorists with a deep appreciation of top performance matched by a keen practical bent. 309 kW/420 hp under the bonnet and a rear-axle load capacity of up to 450 kilos take the hallmark BMW M relationship between race-oriented driving pleasure and everyday utility to an entirely new level. This unique vehicle has already completed extensive test and set-up drives on the Nürburgring's Nordschleife in advance of its global unveiling on 1 April 2011.

With this vehicle, BMW M GmbH once again furnishes evidence of its exceptional competence in developing and building high-grade, individual dream cars. With a high-revving V8 engine at the front, a generously sized load area behind and a removable Targa roof above, driver and passengers in the BMW M3 Pickup will relish an unprecedented take on the familiar M feeling. Yet this spectacular new development is unmistakably recognisable as a member of the BMW M3 model family. Corroborating this kinship are not just the inimitable power of the engine, but also fine-tuned aerodynamics and a tailored suspension set-up. Measurements in the wind tunnel at the BMW Group's Aerodynamic Test Centre showed a Cd factor on a par with that of the BMW M3 Coupe. Like every BMW M model, the BMW M3 Pickup has also demonstrated its dynamic potential on the North Loop of the Nürburgring. Official lap times have not yet been released, but the needle in the dial vouched for a top speed of 300 km/h.

The kerb weight of the world's fastest pickup undercuts that of the BMW M3 Convertible by around 50 kilograms. Removing the Targa roof shaves off a further 20 kg while at the same time lowering the car's centre of gravity.

This most unusual experience of top-down driving pleasure in a BMW M3 thus goes hand in hand with further optimised dynamic handling.

The practical features of the BMW M3 Pickup are no less impressive. Maximum load capacity has been raised to 450 kilograms. The load bed of the BMW M3 Pickup is clad in high-grade structured aluminium sheeting and provides the biggest cargo capacity ever offered on a BMW M vehicle. In terms of the unit of measurement generally applied to premium automobiles, that gives the loading area of the BMW M3 Pickup the capacity to carry up to 20 standard 46-inch golf bags. What's more, the BMW M3 Pickup is the first BMW M3 variant in the 25-year-plus history of this model range to come with a trailer tow hitch.

Notwithstanding these unquestionable stand-out qualities, the BMW M3 Pickup will not be heading for the golf course or series development, but will retain its status as an exclusive one-off. It is earmarked for use as a workshop transport vehicle for BMW M GmbH. With this in mind, the current BMW M3 Pickup - unlike a similar predecessor built back in the 1980s - has gone through the requisite procedures to earn its road certification. Which makes it officially a truck - but one that puts a whole new spin on the meaning of the word.