BMWs X5 4X4 unvieled
• BMW has unvieled the X5, it's Merc ML rival. Based on early driving impressions, the new BMW is superior to it's arch rival. Like the Benz, the X5 will be built in the USA. Looking like a pumped up 5 series toruing on steroids, the X5 is said to combine on road dynamics and driving propeties very close to the standard BMW 5 series while being capable of going off roading.

Bond to drive Z8
• The Z8 will be James Bond's mode of transport in the new bond movie. The new hot BMW supercar will use be powered by the M5's outrageous 400hp V8 engine. By using high tech light materials, the Z8 promises a car not for the person with a weak heart. Styling evokes back to the famous classic BMW 507 Roadster and will be quite close to the Z07 concept car.

BMWs new 3 Series Coupe
• BMWs ever popular 3 series coupe will be replaced by April next year.The 323 and 328Ci will be released first followed by the 320Ci and last but not least, the 318Ci. Styling is very close to the saloon.

BMW releases the new 4X4!
• In it's bid not to be outdone by the Merc ML, BMW has released a new 4X4, codenamed E53.It shares its platform with the next Range Rover. Styling is clearly heavily derived from the 5 Series though it shares no bodypanels with the 5 saloon or toruing. Engine options include the current 3.5 and 4.4 litre V8 as well as the new 3 litre six, however, the new Range Rover will have BMW's V12(!!!) under it's bonnet. There are no plans for an M verion of this car.It's to be built alongside the Z3 Roadster in BMW's plant in the US. BMW emphasizes that this is a 'lifestyle' car, a car more for onroad use instead of offroad use, as the Range Rover will have better off-road capability. No news on the name yet but it might be named with a single letter together with a number (e.g. Z3, M3, M5) so, it might be X5(?).

More details on BMWs Hi tech new M5
• BMWs new M5 will use new hi tech electronics, allowing the driver to switch between 2 driving style settings. Each setting will alter completely the M5s character. The driver can choose either a sporting setup or a more comfort oriented setup. This will allow the M5 to have a dual role as a luxury car and a supercar. The New 5 litre, V8, equipped with double vanos technology is mated to a 6 speed manual gearbox, a modified version of the M3s gearbox. The car is capable of reaching 100km/h in 5.3s but the top speed is restricted to the usual 250km/h. BMW says that the new M5 is the fastest accelerating production BMW ever built.

BMW to update Z3 range
• BMW will update the Z3 range, probaly next year. The 1.9 litre 4 in the current range will be replaced by the super smooth 1.9 litre 4 in the new 3 series. BMW realises there is a demand for a more affordable 6 cylinder Z3, so it will drop the 2 litre, in line 6 in to the Z3 2.8 body. There might be one with the 2.5 litre 6, but only for the US market.

BMW to replace 8 Series with spiritual 6 Series successor.
• A secret 2+2 coupe, likely to use the legendery 6-series badge, is said to replace the slow-selling 8 series coupe. The hot new coupe draws heavily on BMW's strong sporting heritage with a range of powerful in-line 6 and V8 engines powering the coupe. It will also feature an optional 6-speed sequential manual and some new driving aids including a new acive suspension devise to surpress body roll on top-range versions. Production for the coupe will start in 2001 with the convirtable version starting a year later. The car uses a platform that was originally intended to be used on a small Bentley. It combines a modular chassis to be used on the nrext 7 series with suspension components and other costly parts from the current 5 series. To counter critsism that the 8 weighs too much, the new coupe will use a high percentage of aluminuim and magnesiun to keep weight down. Among engine options available, a new 3 litre six, which will replace the current 2.8 litre engine, which pumps out over 200hp. The coupe will also likely to get the improved 3.5 litre V8 and 4.4 V8. However the hottest version will likely carry the M6 badge. Using the outrageous engine set to make it's debut in the new M5 next year, the M6 will have a mind boggling 400hp.

What's next for BMW?
• 1999 - E53(off-roader), new 3 series coupe, new M5 & facelifted 7 series
• 2000 - Z07 & new M3
• 2001 - new 7 Series

BMW to fend of attack of new Merc S-class with imporoved and facelifted 7 Series
• BMW is preparing for the attack from Merc's new S-class, due out later this year, by improving the current 7 Series. Changes include more efficient engine tecnology and upgrades in equipment top go with a suttle facelift. Styling wise, the big bee-em gets similar headlamp design as the new 3 series and wider kidney grille and new bumpers. At the rear, theres a bit of chrome abbove the numberplate housing. The V8 engines gain the double vanos system and pre-catalysts mounted closer to the engine. this helps improve fuel comsumption and torque over the current engines. The V12 gets an 'HC absorber catalyst' which heats to temperatures of 300deg within seconds of ignition to reduce cold start emissions. The imporoved car will go on sale in 1999 with stability and traction control, hydraulic brake comtrol, tyre reassure control, a memory key function and small lights in the door handles. Options include a drivers seat with a massage function and a speach recognition device.

BMW to get Rolls Royce after all!
• In the wake of the surprise announcement this past week that Rolls-Royce will eventually become the property of BMW - and not Volkswagen, it’s believed that BMW will move swiftly to shift production from Crewe to an all-new site near Birmingham. In addition, a second Rolls-Royce model is likely to join the current Silver Seraph, according to German press reports. The German carmaker is believed to be considering relocating production to the same 460-acre industrial development on Hams Hall, near Birmingham, England, where it is already building an engine plant. Such a shift would create an additional 1,500 jobs, according to a report in the Sunday Times. The new BMW engine plant is slated to open by the year 2000, while Rolls-Royce car production is set for the 2003 model year. The new plant is expected to be smaller than the existing Volkswagen AG-owned Rolls-Royce Motors factory in Crewe, which employs 2,500. The German newspaper Die Welt reported on Friday that BMW plans to make a second model under the Rolls-Royce brand. A company spokesman told the paper that the new model would be introduced in 2003, the same year BMW takes over the brand from VW. It seems that RR plc, the company which still owns the rights to the Rolls Royce brand, refused to let VW use the famous name because has lisenced automotive use of the name to BMW for stg pds 40 million.

BMW likely to pull the plug on RR/Bentley engine and componentry supplies
• Now that VW has bough RR/ Bentley, BMW is likely to cease supplies of all engines and other components to the British company. Currently, the Rolls Royce Silver Seraph and Bentley Arnage uses 30% of BMW components. This will give VW a hard time to source new engines and other components for the Silver Seraph and Arnage. Well, good luck VW!

BMW's new mid-engined exotic!
• It's sleek, sexy and It'll be here by the year 2002, if they get the green light from BMW's top brass. If it goes into production, It'll be the 2^nd mid-engined BMW car, the first being the famous M1 built 20 years ago. Engine-wise, the new supercar might be using a high-tech in-line 6 engine, following in the tradition of the M1. The 6, being lighter than a V8 or a V12 allows the car to be lighter and more nimble. Low weight is a key factor in this car. Target weight is 1'000Kg, thats less even than McLaren's F1 roadcar. The M1 was desidned by famous italian designer, Giorgetto Guigiaro, the new car will be a complete in-house effort. All BMW studios have been asked to submit proposals. According to reports, the new engine 'sqeezes' out 375hp from a mere 3.6 litres. Bearing in mind that it is a normally aspirated in-line 6 engine, this is a very high output. Tech delights include direct injection and ignition, BMW's patented VANOS tecnology....etc. Performance wise, the new car [yet to be named], will at least equal, if not exceed it's famous predecessor. Also, it is said that if it gets the green light for production, only 1'000 units of this car will be built.

More details of the new BMW M5
• The New M5 is expected in 1999(next year!). It uses a heavily modified version of the 4.4 litre V8 unit in the 540i, BMW claims that over 95% of the the engine is new. It produces a mind boggling 400hp @ 6500rpm. Torque is claimed to be 369Ib ft produced at 3800 rpm. BMW claims a 0-60mph time of 5.4 seconds, which makes the new M5 the fastest BMW saloon ever produced. Top speed, however, is limited to the usual 250Km/h, although the M5 is claimed to be capable of nearly 300Km/h is it isn't limited. Outside, suttle changes have been made, a new front bumper with a huge air-dam.New clear indicators and the most noticable change would be in the rear where anybody will notice 4 exaust pipes sticking out of the rear bumper. BMW's DSC or Dynamic Stability Control is standard...the M5 is the first M car to be equipped with traction control(I wonder why...). It is said to use a modified version of the current M3's gearbox, a six speed manual. An improved version of the SMG will be available at a later date. The M5 is said to lap the Nurburgring circuit under 8m 30s, some 10 seconds quicker than the smaller M3.

BMW gripped by Supercar Fever!!!
• BMW is rushing to enter a mid-engined supercar, hot on the tail of VW and Mercedes. Insiders describe the new car as an 'intelligent, ultra-light, mid-engined sports car'. 3 in-house divisions have submitted proposals for the new car. The target weight?...a low 1000Kgs, 140kg less than the Mclaren F1 roadcar. Another question would be the engine.....two odvious choices would be the forth coming F1 V10 or the ultra-powerful V8 from the Z07 Roadster but it could also use a lightweight six, codenamed S80. But if you're already drooling, this Ferrari basher is not due till 2002...so start saving.....

Rolls Royce releases the Silver Seraph - With a BMW engine!
• Rolls Royce's latest car, the Silver Seraph has a few things in common with the 750iL...it uses the same climate control system but more importantly, it uses the 750's 5.4 litre V12 engine. The new Bentley cars will use a twin-turbo version of BMW's 4.4 litre V8.

BMW's Future
• 1998 - New 3 Series saloon and Z3 Coupe will be released.
• 1999 - 3 Series touring and coupe will be released. Together with the E53 and Z07 Coupe.
• 2000 - The 3 Series Cabrio and compact will be relased in the same year as the Z07 Cabrio.
• 2001 - The New 7 Series will be released.

BMW's 4X4 spotted!
• BMW will release it's 4X4 to deliver a knockout blow to the Mercedes M-Class. Codenamed E53, it will make it's debut at the Detroit Motorshow next January. Styled by American, Chris Bangle, the new 4X4 continues the cooperate BMW family look and it looks like a 5 Series touring[on steroids!]. Unlike the Benz rival, the E53 has a unibody construction. BMW has ensured that it's 4X4 gives the right klind of driving experience. It has spent lots of time running it around the Nurburging. Attention is especially given to ensure that the E53 has a low Center of gravity and ensuring that the E53 is car-like in response. Highlights include an adaptive air suspension[developed with Land Rover]. It will be available with BMW's 24valve 2.8 litre, in-line 6 and the 4.4 litre V8....rumoured also, there might be a mighty M version of the E53 to compete with the Merc ML55. There is no word yet on where the E53 will be built. [pictures will be posted, check back soon...]

New M3 Due in 3 Years time!
• The new BMW M3 has been given the green light for a year 2000 launch. It has been confirmed that the hottest model in the new 3 Series line-up will retain the in-line 6 engine but it'c capacity will rise from 3.2 litres to 3.4. Power and torque will rise to 340hp and 270ib ft respectively. Along with this extra power, the chassis of the 3 series will also be reduced in weight by using more aluminium components. BMW engineers admit that they looked at using a reworked version of the 4.4 litre V8 but in the end the straight six got the green light. A lack of spacing between each cylinder has hampered efforts to increase the capacity even further. The M3 will make it's debut in the E46 coupe body (said to be considerably sleeker than the current model)followed by a saloon, cabriolet and perhaps even a touring version. The world might see the new M3 at the Geneva Motor Show in 2000.

BMW releases details & Pictures on the new 3Series
• BMW has released for, the first time, pictures and details of the new 3 Series. At first glance, the car looks like a shrunken 5 Series but closer examination shows that BMW has taken steps to battle criticism of the conservetive looks of the 5 and 7 Series. The radican headlamp and tailamp treatment shows that BMW hasn't lost its design flair. Under the new and extremely attractive skin, are radical changes which is said to make the new car even more a drivers car than it's already accomplished predecessor. The suspension system is made of aluminium, as in the 5 Series, to make the car respond better. The suspension is, claimed by BMW, to save an impresive 30kg from the kerb weight. Dimensionally, the new car is 40mm longer at 4470mm. It's wheelbase has been extended by 35mm to counter criticism that the previous 3 was short on legroom. The longer wheelbase also allows BMW designers to incorporate a larger rear door for easy entry. BMW has also abandoned plans to make the 3 front wheel drive. Engines include the 118hp and 142hp 1.8 litre, 4 cylinder engines, the 150hp, 170hp and 193hp 6 cylinder engines. At launch, the 3 will be offered with either a 5 speed manual or 5 speed automatic gearbox. The Steptronic will be offered for the 6 cylinder models. The new Coupe, touring, compact and cabriolet is not likely to reach the showrooms before 1999.

BMW shows successor to the 507 Roadster
• At the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, BMW showed a concept of a modern interpertaion of the classic 507 Roadster. A car considered by many to be a BMW legend. They call it the Z07 Coupe and Roadster. As expected, the car uses the engine from the new M5. It is also a technological masterpiece. Using Aluminium and carbonfibre throghout the car.

Z3 Coupe and new M5 Unvieled
• The public got it's first view of BMWs new M5 and Z3 Coupe at the recent Frankfurt Motor Show. More details will be available soon.

Details on the NEW M5
• An all new 4.8 litre V8 with double VANOS variable inlet and exaust timing and 400hp will live under the bonnet of the new BMW M5. The new engine is based on a heavily reworked version of the 4.4 litre V8 already used in the 540i, 740i/iL and 840Ci. It is said to be significantly more flexible than the last M5's 340hp 3.8 litre in-line 6. With 400hp and close to 380ib ft of torque,the M5 is said to outperform it's alrady quick predecessor. It is said to do 0-60MPH in 5.2s and has the usual restricted top speed of 250Km/h. Secret testing at the Nimburgring confirms the potency of the M5. Sources say that the prototype lapped the 10 mile circuit in 8mins 5sec, 15 seconds quicker than the current 321hp M3 Evo. Changes to the standard 5 series include upgraded brakes, steering, suspension, large rims and a new gas filled dampers and liquid filled brushes aimed at providing the best compromise between ride and handling. BMW also plans to use the heavily modified M5 platform for an radical new roadster. However, due to some problems with the engine and gearbox, BMW will be delaying the launch for as long as 12 months.

Hot Z8 Roadster!!
• BMW is preparing a Z8 Roadster,said to be the replacement for the rather unsuccesful 8 series range.The car will have a mixture of styling and performance which,insiders say,would put it up aganist very exotic cars such as Ferrari's F355 Spider.The new roadster would hit the showrooms by early 2000.It uses the platform of the current 5 series but selected components such as brakes steering and a 6 speed manual transmission taken from the new M5 which is due out early next year. The base model would be powered by the 4.4 litre V8.The top of the range model will be powered by the M5's new 4.8 litre V8.Weight is targeted at 1800kg and is promised to have staightline performance which will outstrip every current BMW including the M Roadster. 0-100km/h in 4.0sec and a limited top speed of 250km/h is expected.Earlier ,BMW had plans to power the flagship model with a detuned version of the engine which now powers the Mclaren F1 roadcar.It was dropped because of cost and packaging reasons. It might also have a folding aluminium hardtop,similar to the one fitted to the Mercedes SLK.The body of the car will also use 2 different meterials,steel and aluminium.The car will also be fitted with the latest and most advanced in automotive technology.Limited numbers will be produced each year so this will ensure of it's exclusivity.Can't wait for this one!

BMW says yes to the NEW M5!!!!!
• BMW has given the green light for the new M5.The replacement for the legendary M5 will be powered by a V8 engine,propably a modified version of the 540i's engine,with at least 400hp.To beat off any challange from Audi's new S8 and Mercedes's E50 AMG.Despite this high power output,BMW will still limit the M5's top speed to 250km/h.The car is also said to be quicker than the 321hp M3,so expect 0-100km/h in less than 5 seconds.It will also propably use a six speed sequential gearbox.

More to come soon! Check back often.

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