bmw – ForceGT.com https://www.forcegt.com Car News, Car Reviews, Video Reviews, Tuning and much more. Fri, 15 Dec 2023 06:07:35 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.3.17 2023 BMW iX1 xDrive30 Review https://www.forcegt.com/car-reviews/2023-bmw-ix1-xdrive30-review/ Fri, 15 Dec 2023 06:04:43 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=105939 BMW is no stranger to electric cars. It’s first foray into the world of EV was in 1972 with the 1602e, a concept car that was used to lead a pack of long-distance runners at the 1972 Munich Olympic games. More test cars were produced by the German carmaker in the subsequent decades, but it …

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BMW is no stranger to electric cars. It’s first foray into the world of EV was in 1972 with the 1602e, a concept car that was used to lead a pack of long-distance runners at the 1972 Munich Olympic games. More test cars were produced by the German carmaker in the subsequent decades, but it wasn’t until the 2010s that the company got serious about EVs, with the i3 and i8 becoming some of the first series production BMW EVs.

Today, there’s a whole range of zero emission models in BMW’s portfolio, but the success of the brand’s EV strategy really depends on just one particular model. The iX1 is the smallest and most affordable BMW EV on sale right now. As a compact electric SUV, it competes in the fastest growing EV segment, currently dominated by the Tesla Model Y.

The iX1 comes in two flavours, the front-wheel drive eDrive20 xLine is priced at $78,900 while the better spec’ed, more powerful and all-wheel drive xDrive30 xLine costs $84,900. All prices exclude on-road costs and the latter is also available in M Sport trim at no extra premium.

At the price sensitive end of the EV market, the iX1 is a pricey option. Comparing equal rival models from the luxury space, the BMW is undercut by the Tesla Model Y, Lexus UX 300e and Volvo XC40 Recharge, leaving only the Mercedes-Benz EQA being the more expensive competitor. In the mainstream space, the Hyundai IONIQ 5 and Kia EV6 both cost less.

Has BMW got its iX1 pricing strategy right to disrupt the Model Ys dominance and fend off other luxury rivals? The answer lies much deeper below the iX1’s sheetmetal.

But for starters, the iX1’s design is worth some discussion. Essentially, the iX1 is the electric version of the third-generation X1 SUV, which in itself is a good looking vehicle with clean lines and neat detailing. The iX1’s styling is mostly similar to the X1, albeit with a closed off kidney grille which some may find a little tacky and plasticky.

Our test vehicle was xDrive30 xLine variant which came with a more subtle and elegant undertone compared to the M Sport grade. The test car’s San Remo Green metallic colour is quite unique and makes the car look bigger than it actually is.

The interior makes a really good impression the moment you hop inside. Contemporary design shines throughout the whole cabin, with a clutter-free dashboard blending in harmoniously with luxury detailing and sporty touches. There’s nothing excessive, unnecessary or unsightly about the interior. Build quality is exceptionally high, so are the materials used throughout. The Eucalyptus open-pore wood trim feels and looks like it came from a 7 Series flagship and the Mocha leather upholstery gives such a sense of warmth. This is no doubt one of the best interiors in class, and certainly trumps over the Model Y’s.

There’s some seriously clever packaging in here, too. The wireless phone charging pad, for instance, has a near vertical orientation so as to not take up too much space in the centre console. An adjustable flap keeps your phone secured in this position, nice. The dual cup holders in front of the charger are decent in size, so are those bottle holders in the door bins.

Being an EV, there’s no transmission tunnel underneath the centre console and so this frees up space for a large open storage shelf under the front centre armrest. The trade off is that the covered centre storage bin is too shallow and only good for storing keys, access cards and the odds and bobs.

The front seats are cocooning without being overly snug like those found in other small cars. They have massaging functions (optional) and are heated but sadly not ventilated. Both front seats have power adjustment but only the driver seat has memory function.

For a compact SUV, cabin space is generous throughout. We’re pleasantly surprised by the room offered in the back. Even those stretched in the legs have decent leg and knee room to be comfortable back there. Also, the lack of a centre hump is surely welcomed by the middle rear passenger.

Further back, the boot has a capacity of 490 litres, down 50 litres on the engine-powered X1 due to the battery pack and electric motor but still of a decent size. Uncommon in this class, the 40:20:40 split folding rear seats afford good versatility. You can drop just the middle rear seat to carry long items such as a surf board while still keeping the outboard seats usable, or tumble them all to expand the boot space to 1495 litres.

In terms of standard equipment, the iX1 features dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, powered tailgate, adaptive LED headlights with high-beam assist and adaptive suspension. Our tester has been fitted with the optional $3,616 Enhancement Package which brings the aforementioned massaging function to the front seats, a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system and a panoramic glass sunroof.

On the technology front, the iX1 boasts a curved multi display panel consisting of a 10.25-inch instrumentation display and a 10.7-inch centre touchscreen. Both displays offer good customisability including map view on the instrument cluster. Along with the head-up display, the cockpit is one of the most advanced in class.

Satellite navigation and DAB+ radio are standard, so is wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto connectivity. There’re two USB-C ports at the front and two more at the rear. A 12V socket is fitted in rear centre console and another in the cargo area. As mentioned, a wireless phone charger is also featured.

Some may find that BMW has gone a step too far by integrating all climate control functions into the touchscreen but we don’t really mind it. The touchscreen is absolutely superb when it comes to clarity, responsiveness and ease of use. The climate menu and cabin temperature controls are always present at the bottom of the screen, with the buttons placed far apart enough for easy operation. You do, however, have to dive into the climate menu to activate seat heating and massaging functions. Alternatively, you could summon the voice control for these functions, which worked just fine during our test period.

The drive selector and media controls are located in the centre console, while the iDrive system is gone given the move to touchscreen, making this space a lot tidier. It’s also more comfortable to operate than before as you could rest your arm on the padded arm rest while your hand operates the switchgear.

The iX1 xDrive30 tested here is a direct EV equivalent of the petrol-powered X1 M35i xDrive. As such it has all-wheel drive courtesy of two electric motors, one on each axle. They are powered by a 66.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack stuffed in the floor. The electrical drive system outputs a total of 230kW and 494Nm, the latter figure is almost 100Nm more than the X1 M35i.

The sprint from 0 to 100km/h takes just 5.6 seconds, which is more performance than what most compact SUV owners ever need. The Tesla Model Y AWD Long Range is still quicker though, claiming 5.0 seconds for the same feat.

Being quick off the line isn’t what the iX1 is all about, for it delivers some of the best driving experiences offered by any EV. The drivetrain is refined, the steering is beautifully weighted and the pedals are nicely progressive. The AWD puts power down to the road neatly at every launch and once on the move the abundance of traction affords the iX1 with a secured, planted driving feel. Push the SUV further, the taut chassis and quick steering combine to deliver sharp, confidence inspiring dynamics, exactly what you’d expect from a BMW.

More often than not, sporty handling means compromised ride comfort. That’s not the case with the iX1. The SUV still rides with good compliance across varying road surfaces, thanks to the adaptive suspension and expertly tuned dampers. The ride and handling balance is just exemplary.

The iX1’s regenerative braking is also pretty good. In addition to having the ability to adjust the intensity of regenerative braking, it goes a step further by offering adaptive brake recuperation. Essentially, the car scans the traffic and road condition ahead and adjusts regenerative braking accordingly. On a stretch of empty road, recuperation is dialled right down to allow for coasting, and when a car is detected ahead or driving downhill recuperation becomes stronger thus slowing the car down. It’s like an adaptive self-braking feature and it works like a charm. Impressive stuff.

What isn’t is the range. With a claimed range of 440km on the WLTP cycle, it’s down substantially on the Model Y Long Range (533km). It also can’t match the Kia EV6 (484km) or Volvo XC40 Recharge Twin (485km). And when compared to its petrol-powered counterpart, the X1 M35i xDrive, it’s short as well, with the X1 capable of 692km. With nearly 500km travelled over varying roads and traffic conditions during our week-long test, the iX1 indicated an average consumption figure of 19.0kWh/100km. This equates to about 410km of range in the real world.

While the iX1 may require more frequent charging, it supports DC fast charging at up to 130kW. At this charge rate, the battery is replenished from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. One interesting feature of the iX1 is the ability to precondition the battery before a charge when using the built-in navigation to locate a suitable charger. We did not get to test this feature out, but theoretically the car can accept a charge at 130kW with no ramp-up, shortening charge time further.

Standard 11kW AC charging is also accepted, with an optional 22kW home charger available from BMW at a cost of $1199 plus installation. Owners get three years complimentary ChargeFox subscription for free charging throughout the ChargeFox charging network.

The iX1 is covered by a five-year factory warranty with no cap on kilometres and three years of included roadside assist.

Verdict

Design & Comfort

8.5/10

Performance & Handling

8.0/10

Quality

8.5/10

Economy

7.5/10

Equipment & Features

8.0/10

OUR SCORE

4.1/5

+ Plus

  • Well packaged
  • Luxuriously appointed
  • Strong EV performance without the quirkiness

Minus

  • Pricier than most rivals
  • Shorter range than similar Tesla models
  • Some climate controls hidden in touchscreen

Overall

The BMW iX1 is one of many EVs on the market today that are based on their respective engine-powered counterparts, as opposed to built-from-the-ground-up EVs like Tesla’s and Polestar’s.
We usually don’t have much expectations from the former group. However, the iX1 manages to impress on nearly all fronts, delivering a highly satisfying electrically propelled drive without losing the kind of sporting flavours or luxury appointments expected of a BMW.

While the asking price is steep and the driving range is shorter compared to rivals, the iX1 is a desirable compact SUV that is definitely worth considering for anyone wishing to jump on the EV bandwagon.

2023 BMW iX1 xDrive30 Pricing and Specification

Price (Excl. on-road costs): From:

$84,900

As tested:

$88,516 (with Enhancement Pack)

Warranty: 5 years/Unlimited kilometers
Country of Origin: Germany
Service Intervals: Variable
Power unit Dual electric motors, lithium-ion battery

230kW / 494Nm

Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
Power to Weight Ratio (kW/t): 114.4
0-100km/h (s): 5.6
Combined Fuel Consumption (L/100km): Claimed: 18.3kWh/100km

Tested: 19.0kWh/100km

Body: 5-door SUV, 5 seats
Safety: 5-star ANCAP, 7 Airbags, Parking Assistant, Surround View, Tyre Pressure Sensor, Emergency Stop Signal, Hill Descent Control (HDC), ABS, BA, TCS, EBD
Dimensions (L/W/H/W-B) mm: 4500/1845/1642/2692
Kerb Weight (kg): 2010
Towing Capacity (kg): Braked: 1,200kg / Unbraked: 750kg
Entertainment: 10.7-inch colour touch display, 6-speaker (12-speakers Harman Kardon optional), Bluetooth/USB, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto

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2023 BMW M2: specification, price and photos https://www.forcegt.com/news/2023-bmw-m2-specification-price-and-photos/ Wed, 12 Oct 2022 11:08:51 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=103746 The all-new second generation 2023 BMW M2 has been officially unveiled today, combining compact dimensions with powertrain and chassis technology from the latest BMW M3 and M4 to create a new iteration of the baby M car. Availability of a six-speed manual alongside an eight-speed automatic transmission, the new M2 continues to appeal to the …

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The all-new second generation 2023 BMW M2 has been officially unveiled today, combining compact dimensions with powertrain and chassis technology from the latest BMW M3 and M4 to create a new iteration of the baby M car.

Availability of a six-speed manual alongside an eight-speed automatic transmission, the new M2 continues to appeal to the pure enthusiast while maintaining its unique offering in the segment.

The BMW M straight-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology that powers the new M2 has been upgraded to produce 338kW of power at 6,250rpm, 36kW more than before. It develops a peak torque of 550Nm which is produced between 2,650 and 5,870rpm. The TwinPower Turbo unit revs to a maximum of 7,200rpm.

The build-up of power is accompanied by a richer soundtrack generated by the M-specific exhaust system with electrically controlled flaps.

The sports coupe completes the sprint to 100km/h from rest in just 4.1 seconds with the eight-speed automatic transmission and in 4.3 seconds with the six-speed manual gearbox.

Powering on, 200km/h arrives in 13.5 seconds (automatic) or 14.3 seconds (manual). The limited top speed of the new M2 can be raised from 250km/h to 285km/h by specifying the optional M Carbon Experience.

The new M2 rides on 19-inch M light-alloys at the front and 20-inch items at the rear, with customers able to choose double spoke designs in either black or bicolour styles.

The new M2 is set to launch in Australia in the first half of 2023 with the highest level of standard specification.

2023 BMW M2 Specification:

  • 19”/20” M light alloy wheels
  • Active M Differential
  • Adaptive LED headlights incl. High Beam Assistant
  • Adaptive M Suspension
  • Alarm system
  • Ambient light
  • Automatic climate control, 3-zone
  • BMW Head-Up Display
  • BMW Live Cockpit Professional with 12.3” Instrument Display and 14.9” Control Display w. BMW Operating System 8
  • BMW M 50 year anniversary badging (available until March 2023 production)
  • Comfort Access system (incl. BMW Digital Key for 8-speed M Steptronic transmission)
  • Connected Package Professional
  • DAB+ digital radio
  • Driving Assistant
  • Active cruise control with Stop&Go (automatic transmission)
  • Electric seat adjustment
  • Leather ‘Vernasca’ Upholstery
  • harman/kardon Surround Sound System
  • Lumbar Support for driver and front passenger
  • M Compound Brake, Blue (also available with red high gloss callipers)
  • M Drive Professional
  • M high-gloss Shadowline with extended contents
  • M interior trim finishers Carbon Fibre
  • M Lights Shadowline
  • M seat belts
  • M Sport Seats for driver and front passenger
  • Metallic paintwork
  • Parking Assistant
  • Seat Heating for driver and front passenger
  • Smartphone integration with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
  • Steering wheel heating
  • Storage compartment package
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system
  • Tyre repair kit
  • Wireless smartphone charging

Equipment program

M Carbon Experience: $14,500
Package comprises the following:

M Carbon bucket seats
– 10.8kg weight reduction

– Cut-outs in the rear seat backrest, side sections and functional belt guides for
multi-point seat belts

– Visible carbon surfaces across back sections

– Removable headrest cover for additional helmet space

– Trimmed in Leather ‘Merino’ upholstery with exclusive highlights

BMW M Driving Experience Advance 1
– Voucher for BMW M Driving Experience Advance 1 course at BMW Driving Experience

M Driver’s package
– Vmax increase from 250km/h to 285km/h
– Voucher for BMW M Driving Experience Advance 2 course at BMW Driving Experience

Paint finishes (all no cost options):

Non-metallic

Alpine White
M Zandvoort Blue

Metallic

Black Sapphire
M Toronto Red

M Brooklyn Grey

Alloy wheels (both no cost options)

  • 19″/20″ M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 930 M with mixed tyres, Jet Black
  • 19″/20″ M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 930 M Bicolour with mixed tyres

Upholstery

Leather ‘Vernasca’ (both no cost options)

  • Black with exclusive highlights
  • Cognac with décor stitching

Leather ‘Merino’

  • Black with exclusive highlights (included with M Carbon Experience package; see above)

Interior trim 

M ‘Carbon Fibre’: Standard equipment
(Incl. CFRP inserts in steering wheel and CFRP gearshift paddles on steering wheel)

Price (Excluding on-road costs): $119,900

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BMW Z4 updated with fresh face and added equipment https://www.forcegt.com/news/bmw-z4-updated-with-fresh-face-and-added-equipment/ Thu, 29 Sep 2022 10:54:09 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=103702 The updated 2023 BMW Z4 roadster will launch in Australia early next year with a host of key revisions. The open-top two-seater will feature fresh design accents for the exterior, newly available paint finishes, a new alloy wheel design and an expanded range of equipment to boost its appeal. BMW Australia will continue its existing …

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The updated 2023 BMW Z4 roadster will launch in Australia early next year with a host of key revisions.

The open-top two-seater will feature fresh design accents for the exterior, newly available paint finishes, a new alloy wheel design and an expanded range of equipment to boost its appeal.

BMW Australia will continue its existing two variant line-up via the Z4 sDrive20i and M40i, with both providing a balance of performance and efficiency from their turbocharged petrol engines and eight-speed sport automatic transmissions.

Delivering a fresh and sporting look to the front fascia of the new Z4 is a new BMW kidney grille design that features horizontal slats and new front apron side air curtain intakes.

Complementing the new face is a new 19-inch alloy wheel offering. The M light V-spoke style 772 M Bicolour Jet Black matte wheels with a diamond polished edge add to the Z4’s aesthetic and sporting allure.

The revised M Sport Plus package now integrates M Lights Shadow Line, which replaces chrome touches for the headlight element surrounds with black.

Three new metallic exterior colours are also available, including M Portimao Blue, Thundernight and Skyscraper Grey.

Under the bonnet, the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine powers the Z4 sDrive20i M Sport with 145kW and 320Nm, while the punchier 3.0-litre inline 6-cylinder turbo petrol engine motivates the flagship z4 M40i with 285kW and 500Nm.

2023 BMW Z4

Key updates for the 2023 BMW Z4, which add to and enhance the existing specification and equipment offering, are summarised below:

Three new metallic paint colours:

  • M Portimao Blue
  • Thundernight
  • Skyscraper Grey

One new alloy wheel design:

  • 19″ M light alloy wheels, V-spoke style 772 M Bicolour Jet Black matte

M Sport Plus package

Z4 sDrive20i: $3,500
Z4 M40i: $2,500

  • 19″ M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 799 M Bicolour
  • M Sport Brakes, Blue or Red
  • Tyre Pressure Indicator
  • Adaptive M Suspension
  • M Seat Belts
  • M High-Gloss Shadow Line with extended contents, featuring the following in Black High-Gloss:

– Kidney Grille frame

– M Lights Shadow Line

– Tailpipe trim

– Inserts in front bumper (M40i only)

– Rollover protection bar (M40i only)

– Mirror caps in body colour (M40i only)

Precision Package

Z4 sDrive20i: $3,600

  • Steering Wheel Heating
  • Lumbar Support for driver & front passenger
  • Ambient Lighting
  • Adaptive LED Headlights
  • Harman Kardon Surround Sound System

 2023 BMW Z4 line-up:

Variant Powertrain Max. Power
(kW)
Torque
(Nm)
0-100km/h
(secs)
 

Price

Z4 sDrive20i
M Sport
2.0L TwinPower Turbo
4-cylinder inline petrol engine, RWD
145 320 6.6  

$90,900

Z4 M40i 3.0L TwinPower Turbo Petrol
6-cylinder inline petrol engine, RWD
285 500 4.1  

$133,900

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2023 BMW X1 pricing and specification https://www.forcegt.com/news/2023-bmw-x1-pricing-and-specification/ Tue, 02 Aug 2022 10:13:27 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=103402 Australia will receive the third-generation BMW X1 in the fourth quarter of this year with the sDrive18i and xDrive20i the first to arrive. Priced from $53,900 and $65,900, respectively, the new X1 is $6,000 dearer than before and will debut BMW’s new Features on Demand, where buyers subscribe to features like heated seats via the …

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Australia will receive the third-generation BMW X1 in the fourth quarter of this year with the sDrive18i and xDrive20i the first to arrive.

Priced from $53,900 and $65,900, respectively, the new X1 is $6,000 dearer than before and will debut BMW’s new Features on Demand, where buyers subscribe to features like heated seats via the BMW ConnectedDrive store.

The sDrive18i is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 115kW and 230Nm of torque, an increase of 12kW and 10Nm. The engine is connected to a seven-speed dual-clutch Steptronic transmission driving the front wheels, with fuel consumption rated at 6.5L/100km.

Meanwhile, the xDrive20i pumps out 150kW of power and 300Nm of torque, courtesy of its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol mill and an increase of 9kW and 20Nm over the outgoing model. Its dual-clutch transmission sends power to all four wheels and is claimed to return an average of 7.4L/100km.

The new X1 has undergone a growth spurt, measuring 53mm longer, 24mm wider and 44mm taller than its predecessor on a 22mm longer wheelbase. Boot space has also increased by 35L with the second row up.

Underneath, BMW says the suspension and damping systems have been extensively upgraded to improve long-distance comfort.

Inside, the X1 and iX1 are the latest BMWs to receive the brand’s new BMW Operating System 8 and the Curved Display, which brings a 10.25-inch digital instruments cluster and 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

As BMW OS 8.0 supports greater use of voice prompts via its BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, the iDrive controller has been banished from the X1’s cabin.

Other feature highlights include:

  • 18-inch wheels
  • Adaptive LED headlights
  • Automatic tailgate
  • BMW Live Cockpit Professional
  • Comfort Access
  • Connected Package Professional
  • Head-up Display
  • M headliner
  • Remote software updates
  • Driving Assistant Plus with Active Cruise Control
  • Parking Assistant Plus
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The xDrive20i adds:

  • 19-inch wheels
  • Driving Assistant Professional with Steering and Lane Control System
  • Heated front seats
  • Electrically adjustable front seats

There are two optional packages available. The Enhancement Pack ($6,000 on sDrive18i, $4,000 on xDrive20i adds:

  • Metallic Paint
  • Panoramic sunroof
  • Harmon Kardon sound system
  • Sliding rear seats
  • Driving Assistant Professional (sDrive18i)
  • Power front seats (sDrive18i)

The M Sport Pack ($3,000 and xDrive20i only) adds:

  • 19-inch M Sport alloy wheel
  • Adaptive M suspension
  • M Aluminium Hexacube interior trim
  • M leather steering wheel
  • M high gloss Shadow Line trim
  • M high gloss roof rails

The petrol engined BMW X1 will be joined by the electric iX1 xDrive30 in the first quarter of 2023.

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Next-gen BMW M2 takes shape ahead of October launch https://www.forcegt.com/news/next-gen-bmw-m2-takes-shape-ahead-of-october-launch/ Thu, 16 Jun 2022 11:10:41 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=103214 With just a few months remaining until the world premiere of the new BMW M2, the final test phase in the development of the new high-performance car is in full swing. In keeping with its affinity with the racetrack, the car’s driving dynamics were subjected to an intensive test at the Salzburgring in Austria. The …

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With just a few months remaining until the world premiere of the new BMW M2, the final test phase in the development of the new high-performance car is in full swing. In keeping with its affinity with the racetrack, the car’s driving dynamics were subjected to an intensive test at the Salzburgring in Austria.

The new M2 shares many performance parts with the M3/M4, including its engine and transmission. With the twin-turbo 3.0-litre inline six cylinder engine in the M3/M4 producing 375kW and 650Nm, we can expect the M2 to share the same figures if not dialled down a little – for hierarchical reason.

Purist will be pumped to learn that the M2 will be offered with a six-speed manual gearbox alongside the eight-speed automatic. Adaptive M chassis and rear-wheel drive will also be on the spec sheet, so will the powerful brake system from the M3/M4.

The sporty appearance of the new BMW M2 is rounded off by a selection of special equipment options, including a carbon roof to reduce weight. M carbon bucket seats for the driver and passenger, also available as an option, emphasise the racing look of the new BMW M2.

The BMW M2 will have its world premiere in October, with market launch to follow in April 2023.

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BMW M2 CS Racing enlisted as latest MotoGP Safety Car https://www.forcegt.com/news/bmw-m2-cs-racing-enlisted-as-latest-motogp-safety-car/ Tue, 15 Feb 2022 09:30:32 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=102854 BMW M is adding its M2 CS Racing-based safety car to the MotoGP’s fleet. Fitted out with special livery and extra light bars for its new role, the car features a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six that produces up to 331kW (444hp/450PS) depending on the setup. Compared to the road-going M2 CS, the track-only M2 CS Racing …

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BMW M is adding its M2 CS Racing-based safety car to the MotoGP’s fleet.

Fitted out with special livery and extra light bars for its new role, the car features a twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six that produces up to 331kW (444hp/450PS) depending on the setup. Compared to the road-going M2 CS, the track-only M2 CS Racing gets upgrade Drexler mechanical limited-slip differential with separate cooling, tweaked ABS and DCS, ZF Sachs dampers, adjustable anti-roll bars, and new engine mounts amongst others.

While it may soon be superseded by the impending launch of the brand-new M2, the M2 CS Racing is still a potent high-performance two-door coupe capable of fulfilling its new role.

It’s also not the first time an M2 has been used as a MotoGP safety car, as a non-CS version was enlisted in the 2016 season. In fact, BMW M has been a regular supplier to the race since 1999. Other than the M2 CS Racing, this year’s fleet includes the M3 Competition, M4 Competition, M5 CS and M8 Competition Gran Coupe safety cars. MotoGP also uses the X5 M Competition as a Medical Car.

The M2 CS Racing MotoGP Safety Car will make its inaugural run at the Grand Prix of Qatar on March 6.

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BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe H&R lowering springs and spacer package https://www.forcegt.com/tuning/bmw-4-series-gran-coupe-hr-lowering-springs-and-spacer-package/ Thu, 27 Jan 2022 10:43:43 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=102783 The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe brings an extra set of doors for added practicality, without looking any less sexy than its coupe sibling. The stretched 4 Series variant not only carries over much of the coupe’s front fascia and rear styling, but also retains the coupe’s swooping roof line for a low slung, elegant …

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The BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe brings an extra set of doors for added practicality, without looking any less sexy than its coupe sibling. The stretched 4 Series variant not only carries over much of the coupe’s front fascia and rear styling, but also retains the coupe’s swooping roof line for a low slung, elegant look.

But the ultimate sleek, hunkered down stance, nothing beats a set of lowered suspension. And that’s where suspension specialist H&R comes in. The H&R lowering springs drops the 4 Series Gran Coupe by up to 40mm at the front axle and up to 35mm at the rear.

The result is a sportier look without the unsightly gap between the wheel arch and tyre. The springs are designed to work with the factory fitted M Sport suspension and adaptive dampers. According to H&R, the lowering springs give a flatter and sharper handling around corners without compromising ride comfort.

For those keen to go a step further, the tuner also offers a set of wheel spacers to complement the lowering springs. The spacers push the wheels out by 6mm, making them perfectly flush against the fenders, giving the 4 Series Gran Coupe the best stance possible.

The sport springs for the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe cost 327 euros while the wheel spacers will set you back a further 64 euros.

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2022 BMW M2 to be offered with manual https://www.forcegt.com/news/2022-bmw-m2-to-be-offered-with-manual/ Wed, 27 Oct 2021 09:11:38 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=102463 Enthusiasts rejoice! The 2022 BMW M2 will be offered with a six-speed manual when it enter production from December 2022. Set to be based on the recently unveiled 2 Series’ G82 chassis, the G87 M2 will be powered by the familiar S58 engine borrowed from the current M3 and M4 pair. However, the 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged …

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Enthusiasts rejoice! The 2022 BMW M2 will be offered with a six-speed manual when it enter production from December 2022.

Set to be based on the recently unveiled 2 Series’ G82 chassis, the G87 M2 will be powered by the familiar S58 engine borrowed from the current M3 and M4 pair. However, the 3.0-litre, twin-turbocharged inline-six will be detuned from its current 353kW to 339kW in order not to undercut its larger siblings.

Despite the power trim, the second-generation M2 will still be significantly more powerful than the current model’s N55 twin-scroll, single turbo inline-six which pumps out 272kW.

No xDrive all-wheel drive system is expected, either, with power sent exclusively to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission or a six-speed manual.

It is not clear whether BMW will carry over the current M2’s six-speed manual or utilises the newer unit from the M3/M4. Similarly, it remains to be seen whether BMW will carry over the existing seven-speed dual-clutch or switch to its new ZF-built eight-speed torque converter automatic.

While the 2022 M2 will feature an all-new outlook, it will use parts derived from the current model, including its electronic limited-slip differential and re-tuned suspension. An optional carbon fibre roof and adaptive dampers will be on offer.

With manuals getting ever rarer by the day, the M2 along with the M3 and M4 will be the only models available with three pedals in BMW’s current line-up.

Sales of the highly anticipated G87 M2 is expected to start in 2023.

Note: BMW M240i shown

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BMW M4 dropped on H&R lowering springs and spacer package https://www.forcegt.com/tuning/bmw-m4-dropped-on-hr-lowering-springs-and-spacer-package/ Tue, 24 Aug 2021 11:53:26 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=102160 The BMW M4 may have the most controversial kidney grille ever, but it sure isn’t short on performance. Packing a 3.0-litre twin turbo six-cylinder in-line engine with up to 375kW of power and 650Nm of torque, the rear-wheel drive sports car can dash from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. Already equipped with an M body …

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The BMW M4 may have the most controversial kidney grille ever, but it sure isn’t short on performance. Packing a 3.0-litre twin turbo six-cylinder in-line engine with up to 375kW of power and 650Nm of torque, the rear-wheel drive sports car can dash from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds.

Already equipped with an M body kit and widened fenders, the BMW M4 looks raw and imposing straight out of the factory. The only thing left to do, perhaps, is to throw in a set of lowering springs.

And that’s where suspension and chassis specialist H&R comes in. Specially tuned to work with the factory adaptive dampers, the springs lower the M4 by up to 30mm at both axles. The subtle drop is enough to set off a properly aggressive stance, eliminating any unsightly gap between the tyres and the wheel arches.

As the spring rates are the same as the factory specifications, the tuner says ride quality is not compromised while handling is improved and roll is reduced in corners. It’s also claimed that all suspension components are German made and have been TÜV tested and certified to guarantee durability and high performance.

H&R is also beefing up the M4 with a set of wheel spacers which push the wheels outwards by 11mm, ensuring they sit properly flush with the wheel fenders. Combined, the lowering springs and wheel spacers give the M4 a much more aggressive, hunkered down look, with the 20-inch M lightweight wheels now filling up the wheel arches nicely.

The sport springs for the BMW M4 costs 444 euros while the wheel spacers will set you back a further 94 euros.

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Facelifted 2022 BMW 3 Series leaked https://www.forcegt.com/news/facelifted-2022-bmw-3-series-leaked/ Tue, 27 Jul 2021 11:31:40 +0000 https://www.forcegt.com/?p=101942 The BMW 3 Series G20 has been around since 2019. In a model’s lifecycle, this means a mid-life facelift is almost due. While we have not seen anything official from BMW so far, a leak has surfaced from China. And the leak is for what’s claimed to be the actual updated 2022 BMW 3 Series …

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The BMW 3 Series G20 has been around since 2019. In a model’s lifecycle, this means a mid-life facelift is almost due.

While we have not seen anything official from BMW so far, a leak has surfaced from China. And the leak is for what’s claimed to be the actual updated 2022 BMW 3 Series sedan.

The snaps appear to be taken in a workshop, with a white 3 Series hoisted and parts strewn on the floor. The 3 Series’ kidney grille is removed, but the front bumper wears a new design, so are the headlights.

 

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A post shared by Sugarchow (@sugardesign_1)

If this is all too challenging for the brain’s imagination, creative studio Sugar Design has pieced everything together to produce a realistic rendering of the freshened up 3 Series.

The revised headlight cluster gives a bolder appearance, beefed up by the widened intake of the front bumper. The overall front fascia is one that is both aggressive yet classy, exactly how we like it.

While we hope we are really looking at the real thing here, nothing is concrete until BMW drops the official photos, which we expect will happen sometime late this year or in early 2022.

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