A Speculative View of the BMW M2 Coupe; What Engine Should it Get?

The automotive crowd on internet seems to have warmly embraced the new BMW 2-Series, currently available in coupe form alone, with plenty of skilled hands taking turns on envisioning confirmed or rumored versions of the car, from M2 Convertibles, to regular Cabriolets and M Performance editions.

This design take is for the as-of-yet, unconfirmed, but for a longtime speculated, M2 Coupe, with the artist, Khalil Bouguerra, applying the lessons learned from the forthcoming M4 Coupe and M3 Sedan on the 2-Series body, with bespoke bumpers, skirts, wider fenders, quad tailpipes and a tricked out boot.

If BMW gives the M2 the green light in the near future, what kind of engine do you think it should use?

Some options that quickly come to mind include a high revving and larger displacement four-cylinder (think something like the original M3 E30's 2.3- / 2.5-liter units), a turbocharged 2.0-liter (or with a larger displacement) turbocharged four, and a straight-six turbo – either a modified version of the M235i's 322hp 3.0-liter or perhaps, a smaller displacement variant of the M3/M4's 3.0-liter six.

Whichever engine it chooses, it's almost a given that it will produce much less power than the 424hp (430PS) unit in the M4 and M3. Perhaps BMW should place the emphasis elsewhere creating a limited production CSL version of sorts for the M2, with a smaller displacement engine (preferably a four-cylinder) that takes advantage of significant weight saving measures to create a driver's handling delight. What do you say?

Story References: Virtuel-Car

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This is What BMW’s 2-Series Convertible Could Look Like Sans Top

The BMW 2-Series has been out for just over two minutes, and it’s already had its top digitally chopped off by the Hungarian automotive photo manipulator at X-Tomi Design. Only one angle is available, showing the rear left three-quarter view of the now topless 2-Series, and if you liked the shape of the coupe, you’ll have no trouble with this new one.

In fact, since the car is not particularly long, being exactly 20 cm / 7.9 in, shorter than a 4-Series (in both wheelbase and overall span), yet standing a bit taller, and having a less steeply raked windscreen, it's not as sleek as the larger model.

However, once the top is stowed away, I think it harks back to the old E30 3-Series (from the rear, at least), and as a prospect promises to be a small, fun drop-top BMW that you’d also want to be seen in - the previous model had the same basic qualities, but it was not visually appealing in any way.

Looking at this picture, which kind of roof would you think would work best for it: a cloth-or a retractable hard-top?

By Andrei Nedelea

Story References: Xtomi Design

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Check out the New BMW M3 and M4 Ordering Guide; See How You’d Have it

BMW’s extensive customization plan and endless list of options mean that the boxes you tick will define the experience you’ll ultimately end up having for years to come, every time you go for a drive. This naturally applies to their Motorsport offerings too, and therefore it’s also true for the upcoming M3 and M4 models as well.

Below, we have the preliminary list of options for both, courtesy of Bimmerpost, but it’s not the final one that buyers will be presented with, but rather the one dealers will be using to spec up their showroom cars.

Nothing you’ll see there is surprising or out of the ordinary and it’s all structured into packages, but there are apparently two new paint finish choices to go for: Yas Marina Blue and Austin Yellow.

Look through the list, and tell us which options you’d have, which you wouldn’t and if you think anything is missing and could/should be added in the final customer-ready version.

By Andrei Nedelea

COLORS

300 – Alpine White
B39 – Mineral Grey Metallic
475 – Black Sapphire Metallic
B50 – Sakhir Orange Metallic
A29 – Silverstone Metallic
B67 – Austin Yellow Metallic
A96 – Mineral White Metallic
B68 – Yas Marina Blue Metallic
INTERIOR UPHOLSTERIES

CSAT – Cloth/Leather combination Carbonstructure Anthracite/Black
X3A9 – Silverstone Full Merino Leather
LKA9 – Silverstone Extended Merino Leather
X3DA – Sakhir Orange/Black Full Merino Leather
LKDA – Sakhir Orange/Black Extended Merino Leather
X3JR – Sonoma Beige Full Merino Leather
LKJR – Sonoma Beige Extended Merino Leather
X3SW – Black Full Merino Leather
LKSW – Black Extended Merino Leather
PACKAGES

Driver Assistance Plus (ZDB)

5AG – Active Blind Spot Detection
5AS – Lane Departure Warning w/Collision Mitigation
5DL – Side and Top View Cameras
8TH – Speed Limit Info
Lighting Package (ZEP)

552 – Full LED Lights
5AC – Automatic high beams
Executive Package (ZEC)

248 – Heated Steering Wheel
322 – Comfort Access keyless entry
3AG – Rear-view camera
502 – Retractable headlight washers
508 – Park Distance Control
610 – Head-up Display
655 – Satellite radio with 1 year subscription
LK – Extended Merino Leather
or X3 – Full Merino Leather
OPTIONS

2MK – M Double-clutch Transmission with Drivelogic
2NK – M Carbon Ceramic Brakes
2VF – Adaptive M Suspension
2VY -19″ Light Alloy Wheel Double-Spoke Style 437 M with Mixed Performance Tires
2VZ – 19″ Black Light-Alloy Wheel Double-Spoke Style 437 M with Mixed Performance Tires
403 – Moonroof (will delete the CFK Roof)
415 – Power rear sunshade
4CE – Anthracite Wood Trim
4LY – Aluminum Blade Interior Trim
5AC - Automatic high beams
5DL - Side and Top View Cameras
5DP – Parking Assistant
688 – Harman Kardon surround sound system
6AN – Concierge Services
6NS – Enhanced USB & Bluetooth plus Smartphone Integration
OPTIONS AMONG LIST OF STANDARD OR 100% OPTIONS

2PN - 18" Light Alloy Wheel V-Spoke Style
459 - Power Seats
4MC - Carbon Fiber Interior Trim
494 - Heated Front Seats
609 - Navigation system
ZMT - Manual Transmission
NOTES:

2NK requires ordering 2VY or 2VZ
4CE will add 4DM to the order
4LY will add 4LX to the order
4MC will add 4LX to the order
5DL requires ordering ZEC
5DP requires order ZEC
CSAT cannot be ordered with ZEC
ZDB requires ordering ZEC
ZLP will delete STD or 100% equipment 522 & 524

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Scoop: A Static Look at the New BMW M3 Sedan Caught by Accident

Our spies got a hold of the original film (see it here) that was recorded by a motorcyclist who stumbled by chance on a completely naked 2015 BMW M3 sedan that was out for a photo shoot, and used their digital software to come up with some better quality screenshots, which they passed on to us.

The exterior cues that separates the M3 from its lesser 3-Series saloon counterparts include the swollen wheelarches filled with bigger wheels (five spoke on this car), the bespoke mirrors, front and rear bumpers, hood bulge, carbon fibrer roof, quad exhausts, side gills and a discreet boot spoiler.

This particular example sported a new exterior finish named "Yas Marina Blue Metallic", but at this point, we do not know if it's a standard or a BMW Individual option.

Mechanically, the next M3 will be identical to the upcoming M4 Coupe, marking a return to the engine arrangement that BMW is most well-known for, a straight-six, but with a twin-turbo twist that the company says will churn out about 430PS (424hp), travelling to the rear wheels via a manual gearbox or a dual-clutch auto transmission.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

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BMW 2-Series Coupe Rendered in M Performance Clothing

Whereas there's a big question mark about an M2 Coupe / Convertible from BMW, it's a given that the Bavarian auto brand will soon release a host of M Performance styling and go-fast bits for the 2-Series, just like it has done for most of its regular and even M cars, including, but not limited to, the M5 and M6, 3-Series, and 4-Series.

In this digital rendering that is brought to you by Khalil Bouguerra from Virtuel-Car, the 2-Series Coupe is envisioned with M Performance styling parts such as the blacked-out double kidney grilles, side skirts, mirror caps and chunky rims wrapped in low profile tires, plus carbon fiber front lip spoiler and wings.

Take a closer look at the Photoshop in the big image after the break, and share your thoughts in the comments.

Story References: Virtuel-car

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Breaking: 2015 BMW M3 F80 Sedan Filmed Completely Naked!

The new BMW M3 sedan has been caught completely undisguised during the shooting of a promotional video. The car is seen wearing a BMW M “armor” in the form of an overly aggressive body kit and a new color said to be called "Yas Marina Blue Metallic", which replicates the paint used on the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 circuit’s run-off areas. The car also has a carbon fiber roof and typical BMW M alloy wheels.

Furthermore, the video lets us head the roar of the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline six engine which will develop around 424 horsepower (430PS) and approximately 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. It sounds sweet and characterful, just as any BMW M car should.

As with the BMW M4 with which it will share the powertrain, the new M3 sedan will feature a standard six-speed manual transmission, with a 7-speed M DCT gearbox fitted with launch control to be offered as an option. Both cars are expected to launch at the 2014 Detroit Auto Show.

By Dan Mihalascu

Video Credits: BimmerPost

VIDEO

Spied: BMW X4 Sporty Crossover Continues to Drop Camouflage

Today, BMW informed us that the 4-Series Convertible will be the brand's sole world premiere at next month's LA Auto Show, and that while the X4 will be present, it will be displayed in concept (as a North American premier) and not in production form.

For what it's worth, the actual X4 will remain faithful to the study, and if that's not enough, our spies have chipped in with a fresh set of pictures showing the compact crossover in prototype guise having shed most of the camouflage wraps on its profile.

Designed as a smaller and more affordable sibling to the X6, which itself, will soon be replaced by a new generation model, the X4 is in essence a sportier looking but less spacious alternative to the X3, with which it shares everything under the skin, from the 110.6-inch wheelbase (2,810mm) platform to the four- and six-cylinder diesel and gasoline engine lineup.

BMW said that production of the X4 will start next year at the company's Spartanburg plant in South Carolina, USA.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

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Spied: Check Out the New BMW X4 in Motion

The busy bees over at BMW's Munich headquarters are nearing the completion of the development phase of the newest addition to their crossover range, the sportier looking X4 that we first laid eyes on as a concept model at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year.

In this spy video that comes to us via the crew from Bimmerpost, a number of X4 prototypes were filmed testing both on public roads and of course, the Nürburgring, which has become a second home to all German (and not only) carmakers.

Like the X3 with which it shares everything under the skin and its bigger brother, the X6 as well as the X5, the new X4 will be manufactured at BMW's Spartanburg factory in the USA, with production and consequently sales, scheduled to start in 2014.

While we know that the regular diesel and gasoline powertrain options will be common with the X3, the question remains whether BMW will place an "M" moniker along with a more powerful turbocharged engine in the X4.

VIDEO

New BMW 2-Series Coupe Appears in Magazine Stills; Looks Schön!

What is it with BMW lately? Can’t they keep a model properly secret until its launch? It’s like every new one approaching its set date, gets “accidentally” revealed some way or another. We’re not complaining, just noting the fact, and enjoying looking over the batch of 220d photos leaked from Germany’s AutoBild. They go nicely, along with the other leaked set, which shows the sportier M235i, in red.

But still, we use a strong word like enjoy because the little 2-Series’ shape is very easy on the eye, boasting far more visual appeal than to its puffer fish-faced hatchback brother (and a strong bone line) – I don’t fully agree with the Germans who already call it a classic, but I will concede it’s not bad at all.

Seen here in a sand-like beige/gold color, it rides on white wheels belonging to the Urban pack (there’s also Sport and Comfort, both better, more serious options).

The diesel engine on the 220d puts out 181hp (184PS), and in the aforementioned hatchback variant uses around 4.8 l/100km (49 mpg US / 59 mpg UK) yet posts a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) time of 7.2 seconds, topping out at 220 km/h (137 mph).

But enough with the reading; the photos are the reason for clicking this title, so scroll down and check them out.

By Andrei Nedelea

Story References: Autobild via 2addicts

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Spy Shots: New Gen 2016 BMW X6 Sports Crossover Takes Shape

BMW has been left pretty much playing on its own in the luxury niche of coupe-profiled mid-size crossovers (we know, the description sounds ridiculous, but it is what it is) with the X6, especially after its nearest competitor, the Acura ZDX, turned out to be a sales flop and will end its career this year.

However, being that domestic rivals Mercedes-Benz and Audi are already preparing their counter proposals in the segment, BMW isn't resting on its laurels; instead, it is preparing a second generation X6, which we spied testing on the Nürburgring.

Set for a world premiere in late 2014 or early 2015 (as a 2016MY in North America), the new X6 evolves the current model's familiar shape, while reminding us of a bigger X4 (evidently, Audi's one style fits all philosophy is catching up in Munich).

From what we see in these pictures, the front will have a sharper look with more edgy detailing than the rounded X6 Mk1, with the same applying more or less to the profile lines and the rear end.

The new X6 will ride on the latest X5's lighter running gear and is expected to share similar exterior dimensions to the current model, which measures 192 inches (4,877mm) long, 78.1 inches (1,984mm) wide and 66.5 inches (1,689mm) tall.

All powerplants will be common with the X5, and will include several diesel (chiefly for Europe) and gasoline units, such as a 300hp turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six petrol, a 4.4-liter V8 gasoline engine delivering 445 hp and the M-branded 3.0-liter tri-turbocharged inline-six diesel with 375hp (380PS) for the X6 M50d.

Down the line, we will see a range-topping X6 M model with a turbocharged V8 and possibly, a hybrid version.

Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoopS

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