BMW M3 DTM Concept

Ahead of a keenly anticipated return to the DTM in 2012, BMW has unveiled its M3 DTM Concept Car.

During a launch event held at the BMW Welt facility in Munich, it was announced that three teams - BMW Team Schnitzer, BMW Team RBM and BMW Team RMG - will be campaigning the cars next season.



Andy Priaulx and Augusto Farfus were also confirmed as the first two drivers, although it has yet to be decided which teams they’ll be allocated to.

Three-time World Touring Car Champion Priaulx said, “The DTM will be a big challenge for us all. Together with BMW, I have celebrated success in many different disciplines and behind the wheel of some fantastic racing cars in recent years. I am more than confident that this will also be the case in the DTM. The BMW M3 DTM looks fantastic. I can hardly wait to get to know the car better in the coming tests, to contribute to its development, and ultimately to sit in the cockpit for the first DTM race in 2012.”



Powered by a V8 engine producing around 473 bhp (353 kW / 480 PS), the M3 DTM should be able to accelerate from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in about three seconds, before going on to a top speed of 186 mph (300 km/h).

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520d EfficientDynamics

The current BMW 520d Saloon is already very frugal, achieving an average fuel consumption of 57.6 mpg (4.9 l/100km) while emitting 129 g/km of CO2.



Those figures come courtesy of various fuel-saving technologies including a stop-start system, brake energy regeneration and electric power steering. But the competition has been catching up, and the latest Audi A6 Saloon 2.0 TDI for example exactly matches the 520d on economy and emissions.



So, to get ahead of its rivals once more, BMW has announced the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition which will be available alongside the regular 520d when sales start this autumn.

Outputs from its 1,995 cc engine are unchanged at 181 bhp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 380 Nm (280 lb/ft) of torque, however fuel economy increases to 62.8 mpg (4.5 l/100km) and CO2 levels fall to 119 g/km.



Those improvements are thanks to the fitment of a longer final drive ratio and special ‘Streamline’ alloy wheels and, as might be expected given the technical changes, performance has also been effected.



Acceleration is slightly worse, with the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint now taking 8.2 instead of 8.1 seconds. Similarly, the important 50-75 mph (80-120 km/h) increment takes 7.5 seconds in the EfficientDynamics Edition, compared to 6.9 seconds for a standard 520d. Top speed actually increases though, rising to 144 mph (231 km/h) from 141 mph (226 km/h).

Company car drivers in the UK are bound to be excited by the coming of the 520d EfficientDynamics Edition, because its rate for benefit in kind tax purposes will be just 13%. Their fleet managers might be a bit less impressed though, as BMW has decided to price the new arrival at £30,345, which is £915 more than a regular 520d SE.



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Top 10: Car sales Q2 2011

Figures just published by the SMMT show that 1,029,638 cars were sold in the UK to the end of Q2 2011, a reduction of 7.1% compared to the same period last year.



Despite the overall drop, the fleet sector remains fairly buoyant, with registrations up by 3.4% versus 2010. Combined fleet and business sales now account for just over 57% of the market.



As a result of that mix, almost half of all cars sold so far this year have been diesels. In turn, the shift away from petrol power will have undoubtedly contributed to average new car CO2 emissions falling to 138.9 g/km during Q2 2011. That’s the first time ever that a figure of less than 140 g/km has been achieved.



The ten most popular cars haven’t changed much since Q1, with the league table once again headed by the Ford Fiesta and Focus. Whether it’s a situation that will continue in the longer term remains to be seen though, as reports suggest Ford is prepared to sacrifice its top seller position in order to be more profitable.

Ford Fiesta: Still the UK's most popular car.

Top 10: Cumulative UK Car Sales Q2 2011
Position	Manufacturer	Model	Registrations
1	Ford	Fiesta	51,643
2	Ford	Focus	43,825
3	Vauxhall	Corsa	38,597
4	Volkswagen	Golf	33,118
5	Vauxhall	Astra	32,883
6	Vauxhall	Insignia	25,950
7	Volkswagen	Polo	22,897
8	BMW	3 Series	21,866
9	Nissan	Qashqai	19,992
10	Mini	Mini	18,619

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BMW E-Scooter concept

Following its Concept C maxi scooter that was unveiled at last year’s Milan bike show, BMW has now revealed the E-Scooter concept. And, as the ‘E’ in the title suggests, it’s electrically-powered.

With any electric vehicle, a critical question is going to be how far it can travel between recharges. For the E-Scooter, BMW is aiming for a range of at least 60 miles (100 km) thanks to a high capacity battery. Recharge time from a fully discharged state will be about three hours.



By comparison, existing electric scooters such as the Econogo Yogo can travel a maximum of 44 miles (70 km), although bikes with larger battery packs will manage more. The Brammo Enertia Plus motorcycle, for example, has a range of 80 miles (128 km).



Given the urban environments in which the E-Scooter will predominantly be used, performance has also been an important design factor. Consequently, BMW’s target has been to match the acceleration of a 600 cc petrol-engined maxi scooter.



An unconventional aspect of the E-Scooter is its construction. While scooters usually have a central frame to which everything is attached, the BMW does without one. Instead, the aluminium battery casing assumes that role, supporting the rear sub-frame, swing arm and front forks.



Drive from the electric motor to the rear wheel is via a belt system. An added benefit is that under deceleration or braking, this set-up acts as an energy regenerator, extending the scooter’s range by between ten and twenty percent.



As it’s just a concept for now, there’s no word on whether the BMW E-Scooter might make it into production. Undoubtedly one of the important issues would be cost, which is something that that high capacity battery unit might be having a significant impact on.



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New Husqvarna Nuda 900R

Husqvarna has released the first images of its new naked street bike, which has been named the Nuda 900R.



And it’s not a bad looking thing, with its angular quasi-supermoto styling and minimal bodywork. That seat looks very tall though, and not particularly comfortable.

Husqvarna Nuda 900R. Scroll down for more images.

Only a few technical specs have been revealed, but Husqvarna is saying that the 900’s engine - which is derived from the 798 cc parallel twin-cylinder unit used by parent company BMW in its F 800 range of bikes - will develop over 100 horsepower (around 74 kW) and more than 100 Nm (73 lb/ft) of torque.



By comparison, the BMW F 800 models have outputs of 85 bhp (64 kW / 87 PS) and 86 Nm (63 lb/ft), so the increases seen in the Nuda 900R are in line with its extra capacity.



With a dry weight of less than 175 kg (385 lbs) being promised the Husqvarna will also be slightly lighter, whereas the similarly naked BMW F 800 R tips the scales at 177 kg (390 lbs).



The 900R’s suspension will feature an Öhlins fully adjustable shock at the rear, while up front there’s a 48 mm Sachs fork that’ll be adjustable for spring pre-load and compression / rebound damping. Front wheel braking is to be taken care of by a Brembo radially-mounted caliper with four pistons.



Pricing and launch dates for the Husqvarna Nuda 900R have yet to be confirmed.

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BMW M3 CRT Saloon

BMW has revealed the M3 CRT Saloon, which is essentially a four-door version of last year’s M3 GTS.

The ‘CRT’ part of its name stands for Carbon Racing Technology, reflecting that carbon fibre reinforced plastic has been used for the bonnet, roof, front seats and rear spoiler. As a result, weight is down by about 45 kg (99 lbs) compared to the standard version, and the M3 CRT tips the scales at 1,580 kg (3,483 lbs).



Power comes from the same 4.4 V8 that saw service in the GTS, coupled to the seven-speed M DCT double-clutch transmission. Thanks to 444 bhp (331 kW / 450 PS), 440 Nm (324 lb/ft) of torque and less mass to haul about, the M3 CRT will accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) from rest in 4.4 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than a normal M3 Saloon equipped with the same gearbox. Top speed is 180 mph (290 km/h).



Other distinguishing features include a titanium exhaust, two individual rear seats and 19” alloy wheels that come shod in 245/35 tyres up front and 265/30 section rubber for the rears.



Just 67 examples of the BMW M3 CRT are going to be produced, with prices in Germany starting at €130,000 including VAT (around £115,500 / US$184,500 at today’s exchange rates). The disappointing news for potential UK customers, however, is that it won’t be coming here.

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Turbo cars lead BTCC

The 2011 British Touring Car Championship is now already midway through its season.



So far, it has been rather dominated by the contentious issue of performance parity between the turbocharged and normally-aspirated cars, although another boost reduction introduced for the most recent round at Croft seems to have helped a lot.



That said, the championship table remains dominated by cars running NGTC engines, with sixth-place Jason Plato in his Chevrolet Cruze seemingly the only non-turbo entrant with any realistic prospect of taking the title.

Chevrolet Cruze Super 2000

The series now takes its long summer break, with the next event taking place at Snetterton on 7th August.

2011 Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship: Standings After Five Rounds
Pos.	Driver	Team	Car	Points
1	Matt Neal	Honda Racing Team	Honda Civic	140
2	Mat Jackson	Airwaves Racing	Ford Focus	131
3	Gordon Shedden	Honda Racing Team	Honda Civic	120
4	Andrew Jordan	Pirtek Racing	Vauxhall Vectra	111
5	James Nash	888 Racing with Collins Contractors	Vauxhall Vectra	104
6	Jason Plato	Silverline Chevrolet	Chevrolet Cruze	100
7	Robert Collard	WSR	BMW 320si	66
8	Tom Chilton	Team Aon	‘Global’ Ford Focus	64
9	Alex MacDowall	Silverline Chevrolet	Chevrolet Cruze	47
10	Paul O’Neill	GoMobileUK.com with tech-Speed	Chevrolet Cruze	32
11	Tom Boardman	Special Tuning Racing	Seat Leon	31
12	Nick Foster	WSR	BMW 320si	27
13	Tony Gilham	888 Racing with Collins Contractors	Vauxhall Vectra	12
14	Jeff Smith	Pirtek Racing	Vauxhall Vectra	12
15	Tom Onslow-Cole	Team Aon	‘Global’ Ford Focus	10
16	Andy Neate	Team Aon	‘Global’ Ford Focus	9
17	David Newsham	Geoff Steel Racing	BMW 320si	9
18	Lea Wood	Central Group Racing	Honda Integra	4
19	Liam Griffin	Airwaves Racing	Ford Focus	2
20	Rob Austin	Rob Austin Racing	Audi A4	0
21	Frank Wrathall	Dynojet	Toyota Avensis	0
22	David Pinkney	Rob Austin Racing	Audi A4	0
23	John George	GoMobileUK.com with tech-Speed	Chevrolet Cruze	0
24	Daniel Welch	Welch Automotive	Proton Gen-2	0
25	Tony Hughes	Speedworks Motorsport	Toyota Avensis	0
26	Chris James	Team ES Racing.com	Chevrolet Lacetti	0
27	Shaun Hollamby	AmD Milltek Racing.com	Volkswagen Golf	0

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2012 BMW M5 revealed

BMW has taken the wraps off its new M5 which, unsurprisingly, is virtually identical to the Concept M5 that was seen at April’s Shanghai motor show.

As was revealed then, the 2012 F10 M5 gets a 4.4 litre twin-turbo V8 instead of the 5.0 litre normally-aspirated V10 unit that powered its E60 M5 predecessor.



With Twin Scroll turbo technology and Valvetronic variable valve control, the new engine generates 552 bhp (412 kW / 560 PS). Peak torque is a substantial 680 Nm (502 lb/ft), which crucially is available from just 1,500 rpm.



Although there have been rumours that North American variants might get a manual transmission, for now drive to the rear wheels is via a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. This comes with various driver aids including low-speed assistance, traction-optimised automatic gear selection and launch control.

The result of all that is a zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time of 4.4 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), although this rises to 190 mph (305 km/h) with the M Driver’s Package. Don’t expect it to take too long for an aftermarket tuner to crack the magic 200 mph (321 km/h) barrier.



Even the M5 benefits from BMW’s Efficient Dynamics programme, and the new model arrives complete with fuel-saving devices such as a stop-start function and brake energy regeneration. They undoubtedly help to achieve a fairly respectable combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 28.5 mpg (9.9 l/100km) and CO2 emissions of 232 g/km.

To put those figures into perspective, the Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Saloon is down on power compared to the BMW, making do with 517 bhp (386 kW / 525 PS) and 630 Nm (464 lb/ft). That deficit isn’t really reflected in the performance figures though, as 0-62 mph (100 km/h) takes 4.5 seconds and the AMG has the same limited top speed as the M5. However, economy is where the Mercedes really loses out, as it manages only 22.4 mpg (12.6 l/100km) with CO2 emissions of 295 g/km.



The new M5’s chassis features specially recalibrated suspension with Dynamic Damper Control, DSC stability control with M Dynamic Mode, M Servotronic steering and an Active M Differential for the rear axle which is there to maximise traction.



Naturally, being an M5, the driver gets the opportunity to fiddle with a multitude of settings before the car even turns a wheel. For instance, there’s the gearshift program, steering response, traction control mode, accelerator sensitivity and dynamic damper firmness to choose. To help simplify things a little though, two set-ups can be memorised and then recalled using the steering wheel-mounted M Drive buttons.

Available from November 2011, the UK price for the new BMW M5 has been set at £73,040 on the road. By a very strange coincidence, that just undercuts the E 63 AMG Saloon, which costs £73,465.



Cheaper than both though, and a slightly left-field alternative, is the £71,950 Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo.



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Frozen Black Edition M3

BMW has announced the 2011 Frozen Black Edition M3 Coupe for the United States market.

The Frozen Black Edition’s distinguishing feature is its matte black bodywork. Rather than using a vinyl wrap, the effect is achieved by the use of a special BMW Individual paint finish which involves spraying a silk matte clear coat over a metallic black base coat. BMW claims the result meets all of its durability and longevity standards, although it does take the precaution of providing owners with special care guidelines.



Not that there will be many owners, as production of the Frozen Black Edition is to be strictly limited to just twenty examples - and BMW of North America is going to be keeping one of those, at least for now.



Anyone wanting one of the remaining nineteen cars had better keep Thursday, 16th June 2011 free, because that’s the day on which the order line opens (and probably closes, too). The number is 1-800-245-4269, but BMW doesn’t want anyone calling before 11:30AM Eastern Time / 8:30AM Pacific. Delivery of cars to successful applicants will then follow during June and July 2011.

As well as having the order number on speed dial, potential customers will also need $79,650 at their disposal to actually buy the Frozen Black Edition.



That MSRP is substantially higher than the $61,075 (including destination charges and gas guzzler tax) of the standard M3 Coupe, but the specification of the special edition features much more besides just that paintwork.



Although the 4.0 litre V8 engine is unchanged, it does come equipped with the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission, reducing the 0-60 mph time from 4.7 to 4.5 seconds. The usually optional Competition Package is also included, which comprises lowered suspension, Electronic Damping Control and revised mapping for the traction control.



The interior gets Extended Novillo Leather with contrast red stitching, heated front seats, a BMW Individual enhanced audio system (including satellite radio), plus both the Premium Package 2 and Convenience Package.



Finally, the exterior look is completed by gloss black trim elements, 19” alloy wheels borrowed from the M3 GTS and red brake calipers.



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Toyota is top car brand

Toyota has beaten BMW to become the number one car brand in the BrandZ™ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2011, as compiled by MillwardBrown.



That was achieved despite the extensive and high profile recalls for many of the company’s vehicles over the past year. However, the introduction of extended warranties, as well as independent experts finding that driver mistakes were responsible in the majority of incidents, clearly helped to minimise any damage. Toyota also topped the rankings for offering the best value, a measure of desirability versus price.

Toyota: Most valuable car brand 2011

Runner-up BMW was cited as being the most recommended automotive brand, while third-place Mercedes-Benz is the most trusted.



Eighth-place Ford was the only one of the ‘big three’ American manufacturers to make the top ten, which was due in part to it rejecting government bail-out money, unlike GM and Chrysler. Indeed, Ford made its highest profits for ten years, while launching attractive models that people actually want to buy and supporting them by innovative marketing approaches.



Heading the overall Top 100 listing was Apple, followed by Google and IBM.

BrandZ™ Top 10 Most Valuable Global Car Brands 2011
Ranking: Cars	Brand	Brand Value (US$ M)	Change	Ranking: Overall Top 100
1	Toyota	24,198	11%	27
2	BMW	22,425	3%	30
3	Mercedes-Benz	15,344	12%	50
4	Honda	14,182	-1%	56
5	Porsche	12,413	3%	66
6	Nissan	10,072	17%	88
7	Volkswagen	7,408	6%	N/A
8	Ford	7,394	5%	N/A
9	Audi	3,808	5%	N/A
10	Lexus	3,648	N/A	N/A

Four-cylinder Z4 coming

BMW is set to launch the Z4 sDrive28i later this year. Unlike the rest of the variants in the current Z4 line-up, which all have six-cylinder engines, this new addition gets a two litre, four-cylinder unit.



But the loss of a couple of cylinders doesn’t mean it’s going to be an underpowered entry-level model because, thanks to twin turbochargers, the sDrive28i will have 236 bhp (176 kW / 240 PS).

That’s still quite a bit down on the 254 bhp (190 kW / 258 PS) of the existing sDrive30i, which features a normally aspirated 2,996 cc in-line six. However, BMW is claiming that the sDrive28i will actually be quicker due to its extra torque.



Critically, it’ll also have better fuel consumption and pump out less CO2 (although no figures have been released yet). And, in the end, that increased efficiency is why BMW is introducing the new motor.



Purists might not be too keen on the idea that such a move could signal the beginning of the end for BMW’s six-cylinder engines, but the reality is that most Z4 buyers probably won’t even notice or care.

Updated BMW Z4 GT3

BMW Motorsport has tweaked its Z4 GT3 racer for the 2011 season.

Following a successful competition debut last year, the modifications have focussed on improving the car’s aerodynamics. Other big changes include the fitment of an updated electronic management system for the 4.4 litre V8 engine, a new control unit for the actuators and the move to a two-paddle gearshift.



Available now to privateer race teams, the Z4 GT3 costs €315,000 plus VAT (around £278,500 or US $456,250 at today’s exchange rates). There’s still no sign of a street legal version, unfortunately.



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Top 10: Car sales Q1 2011

UK car sales in the first quarter of 2011 fell 8.7% to 558,336, according to figures released by the SMMT.



With the fleet and business segments showing slight increases on 2010, the decline was due to 57,769 fewer private registrations. However, given the scrappage scheme that was running last year, such a drop was expected.



Probably reflecting those reduced private sales, the proportion of petrol-powered cars dipped to just over 50%. Consequently, average new car CO2 emissions were 140.3g/km, a 3.4% reduction compared to 2010.



The Ford Fiesta retained its position as the most popular car in the UK. Further down the chart, a D segment model from a mainstream manufacturer actually managed to outsell the ubiquitous 3 Series, with the Vauxhall Insignia achieving 11,904 registrations compared to the BMW’s 10,141.

Top 10: UK Car Sales Q1 2011
Position	Manufacturer	Model	Registrations
1	Ford	Fiesta	27,924
2	Ford	Focus	24,435
3	Vauxhall	Corsa	20,536
4	Vauxhall	Astra	17,250
5	Volkswagen	Golf	17,101
6	Volkswagen	Polo	12,214
7	Vauxhall	Insignia	11,904
8	Peugeot	207	10,335
9	BMW	3 Series	10,141
10	Nissan	Qashqai	9,253

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BMW Concept M5

BMW has revealed the 2012 M5 - albeit in ‘concept’ form - ahead of its debut at this month’s Shanghai motor show.

Performance figures have yet to be released, although BMW has confirmed that the V10 engine of the previous generation E60 M5 has been ditched in favour of a twin-turbo V8 for the new F10 model.



This is expected to be an adapted version of the 4.4 litre unit already seen in the X5 M and X6 M, and BMW is promising increased power combined with a 25% reduction in fuel consumption and emissions.



Drive to the rear wheels will be via a seven-speed M double-clutch transmission, while a specially calibrated active differential has been engineered to minimise wheel spin and maximise traction.

Visually, all of the usual M5 styling cues are present. These include subtly widened wheel arches housing bespoke 20” forged alloy wheels, neat front wing gills and reworked front and rear aprons that are designed to aid both cooling and aerodynamics.



The interior remains a mystery for now though. The blacked-out glass of the concept suggests that it’s probably still work in progress.



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