In China, it’s the Year of the Tiger. In BMW-land, it’s the year of the M3. So in celebration of this happy coincidence, BMW has ticked the yes box for a limited run of the appropriately but unimaginatively titled M3 Tiger edition.

Twenty-five years of the M3 will be commemorated by a run of 250 ‘Fire Orange’ M3’s, with a metallic orange and black paint job, black 19-inch rims and badging, while the inside inverts the colours with black leather lashings and tiger heads embroidered into the seats.

Jump for joy, then…

Mercedes-Benz didn’t invent the four-door coupe – they just perfected it. The Mercedes-Benz CLS is already on its second edition and yet competitors have only recently begun to enter this niche. With the arrival of Audi A7 imminent, BMW wasn’t about to be left out. To counter their German rivals, they’ve put a sales date of 2012 on the production version of their 6 Series Gran Coupe concept.

Reported to be coming in the summer of 2012 by German publication Automobilwoche, it will trail the introduction of the next-generation 6 Series by one year. Engines are said to be a mix of gas and diesel, with a possible hybrid in the mix. Perhaps most importantly, the unique design cues that gave it such presence – things like the frameless doors and LED lighting – will be carried over to the production model. One feature that will probably not make it to showrooms are those trick exhaust tips, however. But never say never.

The King is dead, long live the King. BMW dropped us a line to say that the V10-powered M5 supersedan is no more. Production has officially ended for the E60 version of one the world’s best sports sedans after five years and 20,548 units. That’s even greater than the production numbers of its predecessor, the V8-powered E39 models, even though those versions had an additional year of production.

When it was first released in 2005 as a 2006 model, the E60 was a fairly outrageous automotive offering, with an exotic 5.0-liter V10 and 507 horsepower on tap. This generation of M5 introduced the world to a whole new set of superlatives as automotive journalists reached for their Roget’s to find a novel way to describe the acceleration, braking and handling. And now that the E60 is no more, the eulogies shall commence.

But BMW wants us to rejoice rather than lament the passing of the E60, for the new F10 BMW M5 is just around der Karussell. We’ve been seeing spy shots of the 2011 BMW M5 seemingly forever, and with its new twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 rumored to be producing 560 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque, performance should even be a step above the E60. That doesn’t mean we won’t miss the E60, however. The good news is that they should be getting even more affordable on the used car market.

A hole in the BMW ship has leaked brochure pics of the next 5 Series dressed in seductive M gear.

The brochure, which highlights the M Pack on a 5 Series Touring wagon, includes a sweeping front spoiler and bumper, same on the rear and side, chrome M exhaust, and several blingy 18in and 19in alloy wheel options.

Interiors are sporting M-embossed three-spoke sports steering wheel, sports seats and shift knob.

The M3 GTS. Well we’ve already drooled all over the first images, and now some of the specification and an indication of the hit to hip pocket is here.

The larger 4.4-liter V8 clocks 450 horsepower and 324 pound-foot via the 7-speed dual-clutch semi-auto to rear tyres only, as is the BMW norm. Beemer claim 0-60 mph in just under 4.4 seconds, and a limited 189 mph top speed.

Inside, the precursory roll cage is reinforced by full factory mounts for a proper cage, matching the six-point FIA standard belts in the two front seats.

The price for such race-prepped Deutschland luxury? Just $170,000 - before additional options.

BMW M3 GTS

BMW just dropped a new pic and lots of details on the new M3 GTS race car for the UK, and all we can say is, “we want.”

Press Release:

The BMW M3 GTS

• New high performance car destined for the UK
• The ultimate track day car with on-road capability

The history of BMW M3 motor sport is to be enriched following the confirmation that the next chapter in ‘M’ heritage is here. The most powerful version of the high-performance M3 Coupé, the BMW M3 GTS, features a 450hp engine that offers the ideal preconditions for use at club sport events, while still being road-legal. In addition to a larger and more powerful V8 engine, exclusive tuning of the seven-speed M Dual Clutch Transmission with DRIVELOGIC and modified suspension technology, the M3 GTS has also been specifically optimised with regard to aerodynamics and lightweight construction.

The sporting potential of the BMW M3 GTS is underlined by a power-to-weight ratio that has been lowered to 3.4kgs per hp. Featuring a transmission and suspension configuration which has been optimised for the racetrack, the BMW M3 GTS accelerates from zero to 62mph in a mere 4.4 seconds. The car covers the standing kilometre in just 22.5 seconds before going on to a 190mph top speed.

Dr. Kay Segler, CEO of BMW M GmbH, said: “The BMW M3 is an icon and internationally synonymous with the highest level of dynamics. Our aim was to develop a model variant that would prove its outstanding potential both on the road and at club sport racing events. The BMW M3 GTS is pure M feeling, embodying the brand values in a highly concentrated form.”

Enhanced drivetrain
The power required by this unique vehicle is delivered by a high-revving eight-cylinder engine taken from the ‘standard’ BMW M3 range that has then been enhanced with an increase in displacement, power output and maximum torque.

The engine’s displacement has grown from 3,999cc to 4,361cc and this has been achieved by a cylinder stroke that has been extended from 75.2mm to 82mm. The enlarged combustion chamber has resulted in a power output increase from 420hp to 450hp with peak power attained at 8,300rpm. Maximum torque has also been increased by 40Nm to 440Nm and is available at an engine speed of 3,750 rpm.

Characteristic features derived from motor sport include the crankcase designed as a bedplate construction and made of a special aluminium-silicon alloy, individual throttle butterflies, knock sensors featuring ionic-current technology and a dynamically optimised wet-sump oil supply that has been adapted from the original power unit. The lightweight sports exhaust system developed for the BMW M3 GTS with model-specific primary catalytic converters and titanium rear silencers ensure optimum exhaust flow.

The M Dual Clutch Drivelogic gearbox developed for the BMW M3 range is standard on the M3 GTS. However, compared to the original transmission the gear shift characteristics have been exclusively tuned to the modified engine featured in the BMW M3 GTS. This seven-speed transmission shifts gears without interruption of power for rapid yet smooth acceleration.

High-performance suspension with adjustable racetrack set-up
The car’s suspension technology, also derived from motor racing, is based on the front and rear axle construction featured on the ‘standard’ BMW M3 Coupé. However, the BMW M3 GTS features a rigidly bolted rear suspension subframe with adjustable height. The car, thus, can be lowered by up to 16mm at the front and 12mm at the rear. It also features separately adjustable dampers. Moreover, camber on the front and rear axles is also variable.

The high-performance brake system featured on the BMW M3 GTS has been designed as a fixed-calliper construction and comprises six pistons per calliper on each of the front wheels and four pistons per calliper on each rear wheel. Compared to the ‘standard’ BMW M3, the brake discs are 18mm larger in diameter at the front and 30mm larger in diameter at the rear.

Specific tuning of the stability control function DSC+ (Dynamic Stability Control Plus), including ABS and the M Dynamic Mode (MDM), make allowances for the increased dynamic potential of the BMW M3 GTS. The unique vehicle comes with intermediate tyres on 19-inch matt black M light alloy wheels featuring a Y-spoke design.

Optimised and adjustable aerodynamics
In order to optimise air stream and for on-demand adaptation of downforce characteristics, the BMW M3 GTS is fitted with a motor racing-oriented front apron and rear wing elements. These offer the possibility to adapt the car’s aerodynamic characteristics according to the racetrack profile and other motor sport requirements. The geometry of the front apron air deflectors can be varied as can the position of the rear wing. The rear wing assembly is based on the corresponding component featured by the BMW 320si in the World Touring Car Championship.

Any colour so long as it’s orange
The BMW M3 GTS will only be available in a unique orange colour. Additional model-specific features are the matt black exterior components such as the BMW kidney grille, roof trims and alloy wheels as well as the side gill elements made of dark anodised chrome.

In addition to the standard Carbon-Fibre Reinforced Plastic roof on the BMW M3 lightweight components are used on the centre console and door panels, while polycarbonate side windows at the rear and a polycarbonate rear window reduce weight. By dispensing with the rear seats and reducing acoustic insulation further weight is saved. Finally, the car features a new thin-walled lightweight racing exhaust system with new primary catalytic converter with titanium silencers. Thus the unloaded weight of the BMW M3 GTS is just 1,530kgs (DIN) including roll bar and M Dual Clutch Drivelogic transmission – 70kgs less than a similarly specified ‘standard’ BMW M3 Coupé. Automatic climate control and an audio system are available as options.

The interior of the BMW M3 GTS reflects a predominant focus on optimum performance and the highest level of safety on the racetrack. The range of equipment includes thoroughbred racing bucket sets, carbon interior trims and an Alcantara M steering wheel. Door and sidewall linings in the rear compartment are also made of Alcantara.

The BMW M3 GTS is equipped as standard with a roll bar fitted behind the B-pillars with an optional roll cage extension. Additionally supplied six-point safety seat belts for driver and front seat passenger and a fire extinguisher complete the range of standard equipment.

Production of the BMW M3 GTS for the UK market in right-hand-drive form will commence from January, 2011. The on-the-road price will be announced a later date.

Ends

Yesterday we brought you the racing version of the already fast Aston Martin Rapide four-door sedan. Today we have spy pics of another hotter-than-hot sedan, the BMW M5. More specifically, it looks to be the new F10-based 2011 BMW M5, out for some tire testing. Spy photographers caught the bahnstormer while it was being shepherded by the folks at Pirelli so that explains the mismatches wheels and tires.

Rumor has it there will be a slightly more Earth-friendly, boosted powerplant in the engine bay, as everyone in Europe seems to be moving towards two fewer cylinders with a power assist coming from a supercharger or turbocharger. In this case it’s likely to be a 578-horsepower, twin-turbo V8 replacing the monster 5.0-liter V10 in the current edition. We’re expecting to get a look at the real thing at this year’s Paris Motor Show, but until then you can take a gander at the pic above, and click on it to see a small gallery of additional images.

[Source: Autoblog.com]

We’re still crossing our fingers, hoping BMW doesn’t end up calling this 1 Series special an “M1.” After all, the BMW M1 was the stuff of adolescent dreams – a low-slung supercar with bodywork that made people think Maserati more than M-Sport. If you think there’s something a bit sacrilegious about using that moniker for a subcompact coupe that starts out as BMW’s lowest rung model in the U.S. you’re not alone.

To be honest, we’re actually starting to come around on this one, especially after seeing some spy pics of it on the ‘Ring. Just check out that wickedly wide rear axle and the massive fender flares being used to cover the rubber out back. With those mods sticking out like a sore thumb, it might be easy to miss the other changes, like the new front fascia that borrows heavily from the current M3.

We’re still not sure what to expect in the engine bay, though a modified version of BMW’s new single-turbo inline-six found in the 135i would be a pretty good bet. Even better is the news that BMW has already promised a limited-slip diff on this new model. This souped-up 1 Series might get the M1 badge or could be labeled a 1 Series M or even something else, like M135, but whatever BMW decides to call it, we’ll be standing in line to drive it.

As much as we loved the hot new Alpina B7 that debuted at this year’s Chicago Auto Show, we hear there is something even better around the bend. At next week’s New York Auto Show, BMW will debut an all-wheel-drive version of that B7, equipped with BMW’s xDrive setup.

Like the rear-drive Alpina B7, the xDrive version will be available in both the short- and long-wheelbase form. Although the official pricing hasn’t been released,  xDrive adds about three grand to the cost of a regular non-Alpina 7 Series. We’ll be there next week to get some live shots and to hopefully fill in a few more details.