autos sport

BMW bid farewell to the current M6 Coupe and Convertible as production of both models came to an end this week. The announcement also signals the death of the Bavarian firm's 507HP 5.0-liter V10 engine that powered the already discontinued fourth-generation M5, as the next iterations of the M6 and M5 models will make use of a new turbocharged V8 powerplant producing somewhere close to 600 ponies.

The Bangle-butted E63/E64 M6 was initially launched as a two-door coupe in 2005 with the soft-top convertible model following the next year. Worldwide, BMW sold a total of 14,152 cars (9,087 coupes and 5,065 convertibles), with the number one market for both models being the US, which recorded sales of 3,528 closed and 3,247 open-top vehicles, followed by Germany (1,183/541 units).

A replacement for the M6 (in both coupe and convertible body styles) based on the next generation of the 6-Series is due in late 2011 or early 2012.

There's a problem with German work-of-art-on-wheels auto manufacturer Wiesmann. Let's see if you can piece it together. The clues are: 1) Wiesmann sources its engines from BMW, 2) its top models, the Roadster MF5 and GT MF5, use the M5's 507-horse V10, and 3) BMW is dropping its V10 in favor of "greener" twin turbo V8s.

Got it yet? There are no more engines for the cars! Wiesmann seems to be plum out of luck if it wants a 10-cylinder, but all is not lost for the Germanized Morgan. Company spokesman Frank Schütz said that a decision regarding the top model's engine will be made in the next couple months. Seeing as how BMW is switching over to those twin-turbo V8s, I'm thinking Wiesmann might do the same.

Since 2008, Wiesmann has sold approximately 100 units of the MF5. For some info about the car, check out our post from way back at the 2009 Frankfurt auto show.

By Phil Alex

Source: Automobilwoche (Sub. Req)

Featured in this latest batch of scoop videos are the all-new 2011 M5 sedan, M6 Coupe as well as the 6-Series Convertible [notice the Mercedes SLS AMG Gullwing?], all of which are most likely to go on sale sometime next year. Both the new M5 saloon and M6 coupe say bye-bye to the current models' naturally-aspirated 10-cylinder unit and welcome a reworked version of the X5 / X6 M's twin-turbocharged V8.

Output figures remain a secret, but it is believed that in the M5 and M6, the V8 turbo will churn more than the 555HP and 680Nm or 501-lbs/ft of peak torque it does on the X5 M and X6 M, flirting closer to the 600HP mark.

As for the next-generation of the 6-Series Convertible, it's looks like it will keep using a canvas top and seating for 2+2. Expect to see a less controversial design language inspired from the recent Concept Gran Coupe (click here for pictures).

Source: BMWblog & E90post

A member of the Swedish forum “M5board” who goes by the alias “Balazs” posted a set of images from a serious car crash he had in his M5 Touring this past July. According to Balazs, the accident occurred on the autobahn when he was travelling at about 180 km/h or 112 mph. After hearing a loud bang from the right side, the car went out of control spinning sideways at 140 km/h or 87 mph. It hit the roadside barrier several times before flipping over two times and coming to a halt. -Continued after the jump

Luckily, neither Balazs, his wife or his 7-month-old daughter that were on board that day got hurt (not even a scratch!). The police reported that the accident was caused by a puncture to the rear right tyre. Although the Bimmer was fitted with a TPM system (Tire Pressure Management), according to Balazs, the system never gave any warning whatsoever.

Via: M5board

Have the German carmakers gone completely power-nuts? They sure have and nothing seems to be stopping them. New reports are stating that BMW has decided to pick up Audi’s (RS6) glove and introduce the 2009 M5 with a twin-turbocharged version of the current 507 Hp 5.0-liter V10 engine that could easily surpass the RS6’s 580Hp.

MSN-Cars website supports that it may very well have proof of this through a series of spy pics featuring a faintly camouflaged BMW M5. And while one can’t be 100 percent sure of what we’re seeing in the spy pics, we can only think of one good reason other than that BMW is trying out its forthcoming DSG transmission, and that is a revised engine.

Via: MSN Cars

Two previous generation German sports cars giving it a go on a Russian or Eastern European highway. Both drivers exhibit some pretty dangerous but nevertheless impressive highspeed lane or, shall we say, Lada dodging skills…! Via: Jalopnik

Technorati: BMW+M5, Audi+RS4, Video, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007

Albeit less impressive than Lumma Design’s original sketches suggested, the CLR500 RS is without doubt one of those cars that will never pass unnoticed -blame the eye-popping orange exterior combined with Lumma Design’s optical package that includes 21’’ rims and a wider body (50mm on each side thanks to the supped-up wheel arches). Although I could live with the its extravagant exterior, I think that Lumma went overboard with the interior which looks like someone accidentally spilled vitamin C in it.-Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more images and the press release

Talking about vitamin C, the German tuner also put a hand in the engine department. Besides optimizing the ECU, Lumma also installed a larger metallic racing catalytic converter and a racing exhaust system. These changes added another 53Hp to the M5’s stock 5.0-liter V10 which now delivers 560Hp. No word out yet on acceleration figures but Lumma announced that it has removed the Vmax limitation thus allowing the Bavarian "clockwork orange" to reach a top speed of 327km/h – 203 mph.

PRESS RELEASE

· V10 with 560 HP
· Racing exhaust system with racing catalytic converter
· Complete body-kit with impressive rear apron with integrated diffusor
· Motor optical package of carbonized parts and red cylinder cover
· Sport chassis and 40 mm lowering
· LUMMA-set of wheels in an impressive 21 inches
· sporty interior accessories in matching colours to exterior chassis
· TÜV / german tested parts regulation institution in accordance to MOT

March 2007 - The swabian tuner LUMMA DESIGN continues its series of refined premium vehicles through CLR 500 RS. This time the development was based on the current BMW M5. This high performance limousine receives a complete body-kit in spectacular optics, a new chassis, a racing exhaust system, numerous interior accessories as well as power enhancement providing even better performance. This car, which is refined using every trick in the tuning book, celebrates its premier during the Auto Salon in Geneva 2007 as Show Car at the stand of the Swiss tuning specialists Forcar Auto accessories.

BMW bases its M-Models on high-rev concept. The M5 is based on the same principle. Its 10-cylinder motor has the character of a racing engine. Considering the old racing saying “you can never have too much horsepower”, soon may prove true within the stock power of 507 HP to being insufficient for various drivers. Question: How to get that extra kick? Answer: Drive to LUMMA DESIGN and order the performance enhancement 560 HP! A complete electronical optimization of the ECU is manditory. Larger metallic racing catalytic converters and a racing exhaust system extract more horse power from the V10 engine. The removal of the Vmax-limitation insures that the Bavarian Express races a solid 327 km/h.

LUMMA DESIGN also provides the CLR 500 RS with a classy motor optic package. It is complete with air collector and air filter casing made of carbon and as well a red cylinder head cover. A treat for the eyes!

Impressive Appearance through Body Extension

The body exterior of the CLR 500 RS makes one thing crystal clear; this is not just chicken feed; rather a very big deal. LUMMA DESIGN widens the car body from front to back 5cm on each side. The spectacular looking body-kit includes a new front spoiler bumper, wheel arch extensions and a rear apron. As an optical highlight, the rear apron features an impressive integrated racing-diffuser which is painted in racing typical black. It extends over the complete lower rear-end and embedded within is an impressively large tailpipe on each side. LUMMA DESIGN is well aware most motorists receive only this view in full. Causing quite a stir for the CLR 500 RS is the outstanding paint job in colour orange provided by LUMMA DESIGN.

For improvement of performance and weight, LUMMA DESIGN equips the CLR 500 RS with a lightweight trunk lid made of carbon-kevlar fibre with an embedded rear spoiler lip for improved downforce. Rarely does chrom match to such a sporty vehicle. Closer to what racing sport dreams are made of is the use of carbon fibre. That’s why LUMMA DESIGN covers all exterior chrom parts are with real carbon.

Mighty 21” Wheels

As for the theme wheels, LUMMA DESIGN cames up with its own special creation. The noble threepieced wheels are made of a combination between aluminium and stainless steel. They come in a highly-polished titanium finish with five spokes branching out in “Y” form to the rim. LUMMA DESIGN attaches great importance to true grandeur mounting its glamourous wheels in large 10x21” size equipped with Yokohama tyres 255/30-21 in front and 11,5x21”and 295/25-21 in back.

The reduction of centre of gravity of the vehicles goes along with agile driving performance. LUMMA DESIGN accomplishes this through the addition of H&R sport suspension lowering the CLR 500 RS by 40mm.

As mentioned above, the LUMMA DESIGN exhaust system is equipped with racing catalysators providing higher performance for the CLR 500 RS. It really gives one goose bumps with an awesome sound racing through two 115 mm thick exhaust pipes. Look out when it breaks loose!

LUMMA DESIGN supplies the interior with a sporty comfortable ambiance. The two-toned leather decor glistens in Lamborghini-orange. LUMMA DESIGN offers other matching extra interior parts in orange coloured carbon as well. The Winterlingen based tuner even matches the instruments to the outside vehicle. For this reason, even the tacho scale that LUMMA DESIGN extended to 360km/h, comes in orange. The LUMMA DESIGN self-designed steering wheel is ergonomically formed so that the driver can securely steer the CLR 500 RS and comes embroidered in carbon-leather combination. The final shine is found in the cockpit through both the gas pedal and foot rest comprised of anodized aluminium embossed with the LUMMA DESIGN logo.

Technorati: Lumma+Design+CLR+500RS, BMW+M5, Tuning, Geneva+Motor+Show, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

As if 507Hp of the normally aspirated 5.0 V10 weren’t already enough, Currency Motor Cars went out and utterly pimped the M5 by adding twin-turbos and a custom, hand crafted inter-cooled system resulting in a mind blasting output of 810Hp. According to the California based company, this elegant beast can reach top speeds of 240 mph – 386 km/h! Seriously - how many drivers are capable of taming such a monster? And talking about monsters, Currency also added a whopping $100,000 in interior upgrades including hand stitched, fully aniline dyed, Florida Crocodile leather… Via: Jalopnik & M5board - Continued: Click “Read More…” below to see more pictures

Photography by Max Earey / www.Featurecars.net

Technorati: BMW+M5, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

Albeit a bit too far fetched for my likes, I have to admit that Lumma-Design’s interpretation of the almighty BMW M5 is one bad ass car. The German based tuner gave the M5 a full bodykit that includes carbon-fibre roof, boot and hood, a rear diffuser and wider tracks that stack 21’’ rims in 255/30 front and 295/25 rear Yokohama tires. Lumma also cranked up the M5’s chassis and its 507Hp strong 5.0-liter V10 stock engine, which now promises to produce 560Hp. The CLR 500RS will be officially unveiled at the Geneva Show in March. Via: Allcarnews

Technorati: BMW+M5, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images

We know a lot of you boyz out there will call this chop a blasphemy and you’ll probably be right. Still though, having lived the first years of my life in Australia -and while I might disagree with the choice of a modern classic like the BMW M5 E39, I understand what motivated this bloke from down under.

See, Australians just love big, brassy, V8 muscle cars. While Americans dropped out of the muscle car game in the mid 70’s, Australians kept going on and on, not only with coupes and 4door saloons but also with Utes and Panel Vans. Since the project’s not finished yet, we’ll keep an eye on this one and return with the final pics. Till then check out the photos and read what the owner has to say about it.

BMW M5 UTE OWNER: "I grew up in Australia for my first 20 years of my life and the "ute" had always been an Aussie icon to a boy from the bush, a way of life for many Australians. I've been lucky enough to have owned in the US one of the best sedans the automotive industry has ever produced in the BMW E39 M5.

I wanted to create a special combination of a cross over M5 ute concept not long after I purchased my M5 in Florida in 2000. This ute idea came to me many years ago when I looked at a picture I took of my M5 and thought that it would make a great ute....what was I thinking?

Years pass by, and I decide I needed to follow through with this concept a bit more. Five years pass and I find a very suitable donor car from a friend in Queeensland that probably had the finest 2003 M5 in Australia. He was happy to have his pride and joy "chopped up" for an undertaking of this magnitude. The car had many mods that I was going to put on a lesser car but he had done all the hard yards for me.

Trying to find a shop that had the skills for this sort of work was going to be difficult and time consuming, but in a flash I bumped in to Shane from Southern Rod and Custom in southern New South Wales Australia. His reputation in the hot rod game is held very highly. A quick visit to his work shop that was only one hour from my home as a boy. I could see in the 3 hours I spent with him that he was very capable to create my vision. Ryan from Stylemasters created the sketches you see here, that look great. The time line for a job like this is about 9 - 12 months. I'm looking forward to watching this world first get started and one day a finished product"

Technorati: BMW+M5, E95, Ute, Autos, auto+news, car+news, automobile, cars, automotive, vehicles, Carscoop, blogs, 2007, pictures, images, tuning+news, bodykit, car+accessories, performance

Via: Jalopnik