BMW Reveals UK Pricing for M3 Coupe Special Edition

This summer, BMW will launch a limited-run, special edition version of our favorite 'M' car, the M3 Coupe that will be available in most markets in four different color combinations. For some reason, the non-metallic Black finish will not be offered in the UK where buyers will have to do with three color options including Alpine White, BMW Individual Dakar Yellow and BMW Individual Monte Carlo Blue. On-the-road pricing for the M3 Coupe Edition models in Britain has been set at £53,435 (about $87,934 or €61,800 at today's exchange rates), or a £2,500 premium over than the standard M3 Coupe.

Aside from the special exterior colors and upgraded interior trim and upholstery, the M3 Coupe Edition models also feature a dark chrome shadow-colored kidney grille, side vents, bonnet vents and twin exhaust tailpipe along. The 10mm lower ride height and the new 19-inch double-spoke light-alloy wheels in silver as standard and with black gloss finish as an option, round off the changes.

G-POWER's BMW M3 Coupe Tornado with 500HP Supercharged V8

Even the most recent BMW M3 with its 420HP V8 engine can't escape from the tuning claws of G-Power. However, if you've been following the latest news from the German tuning firm, you will probably be surprised with the somewhat modest upgrades that G-Power has incorporated into the M3 Coupe Tornado. The most significant change concerns the addition of tailor-made 'light' supercharger from ASA with a moderate 0,3 bar boost. Along with a new intercooler and a performance exhaust system, the 4.0-liter V8's output increases from 420HP and 400Nm to 500HP and 480Nm (354-lbs/ft).

G-Power says that the supercharged M3 Coupe with the 6-speed manual gearbox can accelerate from standstill to 200km/h (124mph) in just 13.5 seconds compared to the standard M3's time of 15.8 seconds. Customers can opt for the removal of the electronic speed limiter, in which case the M3 Coupe Tornado can reach a top speed in excess of 320km/h or +199mph..

The M3 Coupe Tornado also comes with a height-adjustable coil-over suspension with nine selectable settings each for bound and rebound while the car rides on Michelin Pilot Sport tires -255/30 ZR20 in front, 295/25 ZR20 in the rear- mounted on lightweight 20-inch Silverstone alloy wheels. The kit is complemented by a new four-pipe muffler made from stainless steel or optionally, from titanium which is 14,5kg or 32-lbs lighter than the factory part.

Unlike other G-Power models like the M6 Hurricane CS and the X5 Typhoon, the M3 Coupe Tornado does not feature any exterior upgrades other than the rims. The German firm does however update the interior with carbon-fiber trim, a new speedometer with the G-Power logo, an aluminum pedal set and optionally, a special leather treatment.

Bad Boy BMW M3 Coupe 'Darth Maul' by MW Design

If you're the type of person who loves 'bad boy' cars, then this blacked out BMW M3 Coupe may very well be what you have been waiting for. Created by Canadian tuner MW Design, the modified M3 which bears the nickname 'Darth Maul' is a project still in the works. As you may have guessed, we're quite impressed with what we're seeing in the photos- the same can be said about the car... Up until know, the folks from MW Design have concentrated most of their efforts on the M3 Coupe's exterior.

The Bavarian coupe has been outfitted with a new front bumper with custom orange highlights that also adorn the new carbon fiber side vents and the carbon fiber rear diffuser. A set of 20-inch Modulare alloy wheels in a black finish with orange caps that are wrapped in 245/30 tires up front and 285/25 tires at the back along with a pair of carbon fiber mirrors, a blacked out grille and darkened tail lamps complete the package.

For the record, we think that the factory grille and tail lights would have created a more contrasting effect, but that's just our personal take.

The only other upgrades that the project car has received for now, are a set of H&R sport springs, but the crew at MW Design said that there are more mods in the work including a sport exhaust system.

source: http://carscoop.blogspot.com

BMW's Paris Show Highlights Include EfficientDynamics X3, New Engines and AWD for 5-Series

BMW has released details of what it will be presenting at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Alongside the world premiere of the Concept 6 Series Coupé, 2011 X3 SUV and 5-series Touring are new engines, AWD and phone tech for the 5-series and an Efficient Dynamics version of the X3.

The Bavarian automaker is touting standard electromechanical servotronic steering (which adjusts the responsiveness of the steering depending on the vehicle's speed) along with optional Drive Dynamic Control, adaptive headlights, HUD and a "top view" rear view camera available across its 2011 X3 range.

An EfficientDynamics variant of the X3 with stop-start technology and a six-cylinder engine / eight-speed automatic transmission combo will also be shown, but will not be available in the US and Canada.

BMW will also unveil several new engines for its latest 5-series range, including a 3.0-liter in-line six 525d producing 204 hp (150 kw) and a 528i with 258 hp (190 kw) for the Touring (wagon). A twin turbo straight-six 535d diesel with an impressive sounding 300 hp (220 kw) will also be offered in both body styles.

An all-wheel-drive derivative of the 5-series sedan and Touring called xDrive - which will be available with both 535i and 530d engines - will also be officially launched (again, not available in the USA and Canada). xDrive will also be available as an option on all Gran Turismo models and as a sedan-only 550i model.

The 5-series will also get the options of a hands-free tailgate from Q2 2011 and ConnectDrive, which allows Blackberry and iPhone integration. Now you can read and dictate emails from the comfort of the driver's seat, while your back seat passengers take advantage of the wireless internet access. No word on pricing information, of course.

New accessories for the M3 focused on the areas of aerodynamics and the interior, along with M-sport packages for the 5-series sedan / Touring and X3 SUV will also debut in Paris.

By Tristan Hankins