Why Lexus Doesn't Lead the Pack in China

Even after a series of embarrassing recalls last year, Toyota Motor's (TM) Lexus managed to remain the No. 1 luxury vehicle maker in the U.S.—a spot it's held for 11 years running. In China, however, it's an also-ran. Lexus sold just a fifth of luxury leader Audi's tally last year in the world's biggest car market. It also trails BMW and Daimler's Mercedes.

To bolster Lexus's standing in China, Toyota is turning to the feature that cemented its early success in the U.S.: extreme customer service. Showroom amenities such as cappuccino machines, Wi-Fi, Lego tables for the kids, and airport shuttles for busy executives dropping off their cars for servicing—now-standard touches among luxe brands in America—took root in Lexus's signature tan and black dealerships in the U.S. during the 1990s.

To learn the latest in consumer coddling, Toyota is embedding two Chinese managers at Lexus's U.S. headquarters in Torrance, Calif. They'll stay a year to learn all aspects of the luxury brand's operations, rotating through sales, marketing, and customer service. Then they'll return to instruct Lexus colleagues back home. "The U.S. is the most sophisticated auto market in the world, in terms of our capabilities," said Mark Templin, head of U.S. Lexus sales.

The same can't be said for Lexus in China; "nothing stands out from Lexus's service," says Maggie Lin, a 32-year-old owner of a decorative stones business in Foshan who owns an imported Lexus RX sport-utility vehicle and an Audi A6 sedan. "I don't feel there's anything special compared with what Audi has been doing. They are more or less the same." Although Lexus sales in China grew 61 percent, to 49,000 cars, last year, Audi sold 236,000, says J.D. Power and Associates.

Lexus is adapting its models to fit local tastes. "Consumer needs are not all the same in each market," explains Takeshi Uchiyamada, Toyota's executive vice-president for research and product development. "In China, within the Lexus lineup we're introducing smaller-engine cars favored by Chinese customers." Examples include the recently added IS 250 sedan and IS 250C convertible, whose 2.5-liter engines are much smaller than the 3.5-liter found in the RX SUV popular in the U.S. Lexus plans to sell a new entry-level hybrid Lexus, the CT 200h, later this year that will have sportier handling than Toyota's Prius. The model, promoted as the "darker side of green," will compete with BMW's 1 Series, the Audi A3, and Mercedes's B-Class models.

John Zeng, a Shanghai-based analyst for J.D. Power, says Toyota is at a disadvantage because it imports all the Lexus cars it sells in China. Importers pay a 25 percent custom duty and a 17 percent value-added tax. There's also a consumption tax, based on engine size, that can reach 40 percent. That can make Lexus prices too high for younger buyers, Zeng says. "Toyota insists on producing Lexus in Japan," he says. "But if you want to achieve the volume of your competitors, you have to follow your competitors' strategy. BMW, Audi, Mercedes—they are all focused on localizing production of their models."

Analysts say Toyota has been reluctant to entrust non-Japanese plants with the luxury brand because they want to control quality and protect intellectual property. The automaker is also moving forward cautiously after a year of recalls globally for problems including quality glitches in Lexus models. "Especially now, we're not going all out to go as fast as we can in China," says Karl Schlicht, head of the brand's global product and marketing division. "We've learned a big lesson."

Lexus's underdog status is partly due to its later entry into China. It opened its first dedicated showrooms there in 2005, after beginning imports in 1993. Audi, the favored brand of Chinese bureaucrats, is owned by Volkswagen, which entered the market in 1985.

Globally, Lexus sales have failed to take off in major markets outside of the U.S. In Japan, sales reached 33,400 cars last year, about half the company's original target when the brand was introduced there in 2005. By contrast, Lexus's U.S. sales rose 6.2 percent in 2010, to 229,329. While worldwide sales rose 12 percent, to 410,000 cars, that's less than a third of luxury car leader BMW's deliveries of 1.46 million cars.

Even if Lexus becomes China's customer-service champ, it may not lure more buyers, says Beijing Mercedes owner Wang Jun. "The Chinese market is still a seller's market," Wang says. "People pay more attention to brand reputation, quality, and price rather than dealer services."

2012 X3 Voted “Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year" by Auto Bild

Amidst an impressive start on the international automotive markets, the new BMW X3 has rapidly become the shooting star in its segment. Winning the title of “Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year 2011” awarded by the specialist car magazine “Auto Bild Allrad” is current proof of the new BMW X3’s exceptionally high degree of popularity. The success in the reader survey conducted by Europe’s biggest-selling specialist journal for four-wheel drive cars is already the BMW X3’s second title victory this year. Only a few weeks ago, readers of the magazine “Off Road” voted the Sports Activity Vehicle “Off-road Vehicle of the Year 2011”. With this double success, the new BMW X3 is quick in following the traces of its predecessor, which, in 2006 and 2007, was able to secure the readers’ vote of both periodicals twice in succession.

For the eleventh time now, readers of “Auto Bild Allrad” were asked to name their favourite models from those available on the German car market. In nine categories, there were more than 130 four-wheel drive vehicles to choose from. The new BMW X3 promptly secured first place in the category “Off-road vehicles and SUVs ranging from 25,000 to 40,000 Euros”. The associated title of “Four-Wheel Drive Car of the Year 2011” was awarded during a festive ceremony in Frankfurt on 24 March 2011.

With a captivating design, a unique combination of sportiness and efficiency as well as the largest and most variable luggage compartment in the competitive environment, the BMW X3, which has been on sale in Germany since November 2010, yet again sets standards in driving pleasure, versatility and premium quality. Compared to the predecessor model, with which BMW established the concept of the Sports Activity Vehicle in this segment, it offers a noticeable increase in space, even more efficient engines, optimum motoring comfort and a widened choice of innovative equipment features. Both at the front and at the rear the new BMW X3 convinces through outstanding travel comfort and a high-class ambience. With a 550-litre loading capacity, which can be increased to 1,600 litres, and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, the vehicle’s carrying capacities also set new benchmarks for the segment.

In the spring of 2011, the engine portfolio for the new BMW X3 will comprise two petrol engines and two diesel engines with a power output ranging from 135 kW/184 bhp to 225 kW/306 bhp. Depending on the engine variant, the new BMW X3 features an eight-speed automatic transmission either as standard or as an option. The still unique, intelligent four-wheel drive system xDrive has been optimised even further. Electronically controlled power distribution ensures not only supreme traction and maximum road stability on slippery surfaces, but also superior dynamics on the road, thus providing that unmistakable driving pleasure that is so typical of BMW. Moreover, the new BMW X3 shoots way ahead of competition thanks to an extensive choice of innovative equipment features, driving assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive. For example, the new BMW X3 is the only model in its class to be optionally fitted with a Head-Up Display and offer in-car Internet access.

Jaguar XKR-S Details and Specs

Amongst all of the amazing cars revealed at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, we liked the Jaguar XKR-S best of all! This hardened more powerful version of the XKR GT is the best version of the car, and a very very cool car.

Now Jaguar released full details and specs of the car, as well as its pricing which is £97,000 when ordering opens in September. The car is powered by an uprated supercharged AJ-V8 Gen III R direct-injection engine produces 550PS and 680Nm of torque. This power means it can go as fast as 300 kph with 0-60mph reached in just 4.2 seconds.

Others features of this car we should mention before getting into the details include active sports exhaust delivers an authentic, race-car inspired soundtrack, lightweight advanced aluminium body architecture to maximise performance, agility and economy, bespoke suspension changes front and rear for ultimate precision, control and driver appeal, unique styling which is more of a facelift really, revised interior with 16-way adjustable memory sports seats with carbon-fibre effect leather, and…

Now buckle up for an extensive tour of the XKR-S. Everything you want to know about this super Jag is mentioned here!

Introduction

Making its debut at the Geneva Motor Show 2011, the XKR-S is the most extreme expression yet of Jaguar’s passion for building beautiful, fast cars. For the first time with a series production car, Jaguar gains entry to the exclusive ‘300kph club’ thanks to the effortless performance of the supercharged 5.0-litre AJ-V8 engine. A revised fuelling map means the direct-injection powerplant now produces 550PS and 680Nm of torque. Extensive recalibration has ensured that power delivery and performance are seamless, contributing to a 0-60mph time of 4.2 seconds. The Performance active exhaust encourages and rewards the enthusiastic driver with dramatic, motorsport-inspired aural feedback.

The XKR-S is not merely the quickest Jaguar ever but also the most agile, responsive and driver-focused. The pinnacle of the XK range builds on feedback gathered from the supercharged XKR and has been developed to extend the performance parameters of the car. This new harder-edged character allows the enthusiastic driver to explore the outer limits of the car’s dynamics without losing the refinement and usability for which Jaguar is famous. The structural integrity of the lightweight aluminium platform allowed the suspension to be reworked with bespoke components for increased stiffness without a commensurate loss in either refinement or Jaguar’s legendary ride comfort. A reworked aluminium front suspension knuckle and revised rear geometry are allied to stiffer springs and dampers, lightweight forged alloy wheels and recalibrated steering effort to minimise any response delays and produce a more connected and agile driving experience.

The performance of the XKR-S is reflected in both its interior and exterior styling, which feature exclusive new paint colours that reflect Jaguar’s racing heritage. As with competition Jaguars of the past, the exterior of the XKR-S adheres to the principle of form following function. In addition to the styling changes and in order for it to achieve 300kph, the XKR-S was the subject of extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics development work. The resulting changes reduced front and rear lift by more than a quarter and optimised lateral aerodynamic stability.

The performance intent of the XKR-S is clear from the moment the driver enters the cabin thanks to new cosseting Performance seats with prominent shoulder wings for close support during hard cornering. The seats feature 16-way adjustment, memory and heating functions while a new three-spoke steering wheel provides the perfect interface between car and driver.

Styling

Unique, new front-end design with twin nacelles, side intakes and carbon-fibre splitter.
Extended side sills emphasising the 10mm lower ride height.
New rear apron incorporating a carbon-fibre diffuser.
Unique to the XKR-S is a rear wing with carbon-fibre centre section.
Ian Callum, Design Director, Jaguar Cars: “The styling of this car isn’t about image, it’s about true performance. Like other iconic Jaguars before it, the styling has been driven by geometry and aerodynamics for genuine design purity. The physics required to achieve 300kph have led the aesthetic; if you don’t like the way it looks, you probably won’t like the way it drives either.”

The first Jaguar designed entirely under the aegis of Design Director Ian Callum, the XK has received awards worldwide for its elegant appearance. Now further styling changes keep the XKR-S at the forefront of modern sports car design. Slimmer, LED headlights, more compact main air intake and vertical side power vent all contribute to a more purposeful front-end appearance. At the rear of the car the famous Jaguar ‘Leaper’ now takes pride of place in the centre of the bootlid.

The XKR-S also required aerodynamic modifications to achieve its 300kph top speed in the unruffled manner expected of a Jaguar and has been designed solely with an eye for purity of line and singularity of purpose. As the XKR-S approaches its top speed, there is a requirement to channel air cleanly over, around and under the car in order to maintain stability and ensure balanced downforce front and rear. An overall reduction in lift of 26 per cent has been achieved.

The necessary revisions were made after extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics work, proven through wind tunnel testing and are unique to this flagship of the XK range. The most dramatic changes have been applied to the front of the car, radically altering its appearance and lending it a more assertive look. A new bumper design features near vertical feature lines running down from the edges of the oval air intake and supporting the new carbon-fibre splitter and lower spoiler. At the extreme edges of the front fenders, vertical slots channel air down the sides of the car and along the wider sills for increased high-speed directional stability.

In order to balance front and rear lift, the XKR-S features a separate rear wing, a first for the XK range. This addition, with its carbon-fibre centre section, works in concert with the similarly constructed Venturi structure underneath the rear bumper.

The assertive new appearance of the XKR-S is subtly highlighted by some carefully chosen details exclusive to this model. Exterior trim is finished in gloss black, complemented by 20-inch Vulcan lightweight forged alloys in a dark technical finish.

The XKR-S is available in a range of five paint colours, two of which evoke Jaguar’s competition heritage: Italian Racing Red and French Racing Blue.

Like the lining of a bespoke suit, the finishing touch is provided by the brake calipers, available in either red or gunmetal and emblazoned with the ‘Jaguar’ name.

Performance/Powertrain

Third generation of the award-winning AJ-V8 all-aluminium powerplant with twin-vortex Roots-type supercharger.
Revising the fuelling map boosts power and torque to 550PS and 680Nm.
Spray-guided direct injection delivers precisely measured quantities of fuel into the cylinder heads at 150bar.
Variable timing system on all four camshafts features actuation rates of more than 150 degrees per second.
Russ Varney, Chief Programme Engineer, XK: “With the XKR-S we have exploited the inherent capabilities of the aluminium architecture to its fullest extent to create a track-capable performance derivative extending all car’s attributes and delivering an irresistible ‘smile of satisfaction’ response from the driver.”

Astonishing engines have always formed the strongly beating heart of Jaguar’s road and race cars from the record-setting straight-six in the XK120 to the smooth V12 that made the XJ12 the fastest four-door in the world when it was launched.

The AJ-V8 joined this illustrious list from the moment the first one was fired into life but in the XKR-S it is presented in its most potent form to date. Now in its third generation and with the addition of supercharging, the all-aluminium quad-cam powerplant delivers not only extreme performance but also tremendous efficiency thanks to the technologies incorporated into it, including spray-guided direct injection (SGDI) and dual independent variable cam timing (DIVCT).

Fuel is delivered directly to the centre of the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 150bar by the centrally-mounted six-hole spray-guided injection system in order to maximise fuel-air mixing and improve responsiveness, particularly at low speeds. It has also allowed an increase in compression ratio from 9.1:1 to 9.5:1 to improve fuel economy while multiple injections reduce the warm up phase to increase catalyst efficiency and reduce emissions.

Each of the four camshafts features a variable timing system which rather than being controlled by oil pressure, are activated by the positive and negative torques generated by the movement of the intake and outlet valves, allowing for a smaller, more efficient oil pump to be fitted, further reducing fuel consumption. The VCT units respond up to three times faster than previously with actuation rates of more than 150 degrees per second at every point in the speed range, making this the most responsive engine Jaguar has ever built, with no gaps in its power delivery.

Like the car itself, the AJ-V8 features aluminium architecture with the high pressure die-cast lightweight block augmented by cast iron liners and cross-bolted main bearing caps which contribute to refinement to match its power. The four-valve cylinder heads are now constructed from recycled aluminium to reduce the environmental impact of engine manufacture.

Nestling in the ‘V’ of the cylinders is the Roots-type twin vortex supercharger and its two intercoolers that help provide the XKR-S with such urgent motive power. This sixth-generation forced induction unit is 20 per cent more thermodynamically efficient than its predecessor, while the intercoolers feature their own water-cooling circuit to reduce the temperature of the pressurised air to optimise power and efficiency.

The surfeit of power produced by this system meant that it was a relatively simple matter to liberate an extra 40PS and 55Nm over the standard XKR. Remapping the engine’s fuelling characteristics and increasing exhaust gas flow through the use of an active exhaust system has lifted total output of the 5.0-litre V8 is now 550PS and 680Nm, making it the most powerful Jaguar road engine ever made and allowing the XKR-S to hit 60mph in 4.2 seconds and breach the magical 300kph barrier with ease.

The Performance active exhaust system that helps provide such spirited performance also produces a thrilling motorsport-inspired soundtrack to aurally reward the enthusiastic driver.

Handling

Incredibly light and rigid with a kerb weight of 1753kg and torsional stiffness of 28,400N per degree
New aluminium front knuckle increases stiffness by 0.13 Deg/kN
Front and rear spring rates increased by 28 per cent
New 20” Vulcan wheels and Pirelli P-Zero tyres reduce unsprung mass by 4.8kg
Rewritten stability control software optimises the system for enthusiastic driving
Jaguar High Performance Braking System fitted as standard
Mike Cross, Chief Engineer, Vehicle Integrity: “This car encompasses everything a performance Jaguar should be; as capable, precise and thrilling on a wet Welsh B-road as it is at the Nürburgring. Every response delay has been minimised in order to give the car a more connected feel in the manner in which it steers, handles, stops and goes.”

Jaguar pioneered the use of aluminium construction for series production cars, exploiting the metal’s low mass and high tensile strength to maximise benefits in terms of performance, agility, fuel consumption and emissions.

The platform underpinning the XK range makes the car one of the lightest and most rigid in its class with a kerb weight of 1753kg and torsional stiffness of 28,400 Newtons per degree. This fundamental strength allowed Jaguar’s Vehicle Integrity team, led by Mike Cross, to develop the dynamic attributes of the XKR-S to the full, without affecting refinement. Every Jaguar achieves an unrivalled mix of sporting appeal and luxurious comfort and the XKR-S is the most driver focused Jaguar ever made.

Taking the solid foundation of the aluminium architecture as a starting point, both front and rear suspension systems have been upgraded. The double wishbone front suspension has been comprehensively revised with a new aluminium steering knuckle that significantly increases camber and castor stiffness by 0.13 degrees per Kilonewton to transform the accuracy and weighting of the steering for greater levels of connection, feedback and precision. The Active Differential Control has been reprogrammed to reduce steering sensitivity at the very high speeds of which the car is capable, increasing stability and driver control.

Rear suspension geometry has been revised with rear wheel steer optimised for maximum agility while spring rates have been increased at both ends of the car by 28 per cent. Bespoke software for Jaguar’s Adaptive Damping has been written for the XKR-S, ensuring both total body control and maximum traction and grip.

Wheel sizes have been increased with the unique lightweight forged Vulcan 20-inch alloys now having a width of nine inches at the front and 10.5-inches at the rear for greater precision and grip. The new wheels wear Pirelli P Zero tyres measuring 255/35 R20 at the front, 295/35 R20 at the rear. This combination has reduced overall unsprung mass by 4.8kg with a commensurate improvement in handling and dynamism.

The Dynamic Stability Control System has been reworked to maximise the benefit of these wider tyres. In Trac DSC mode this utilises specific traction, stability and eDiff settings to alter slip thresholds, differential torque distribution and intervention levels to allow the experienced driver to explore the outer edges of the performance and handling envelope.

The XKR-S is equipped as standard with Jaguar’s High Performance Braking System. Lighter and more powerful, this features cast iron and part aluminium monobloc calipers for a combination of power, stability and feel. The brake discs – measuring 380mm at the front and 376mm at the rear – are internally ventilated to provide repeated, fade-free stopping power. In combination with pad surface increases of 44 per cent front and 31 per cent rear the system provides total security and confidence on both road and track. Stopping distance from 124mph has been improved by 2.7 per cent over the already impressive XKR.

Interior

The cabin of any Jaguar is always a uniquely special place in which to spend time and the XKR-S meets all expectations from the moment the driver enters to be greeted by the red Start button pulsing like a heartbeat. When pressed, the engine fires with an rich, deep reverberation and the Jaguar Drive Selector rises from the centre console as a point of first contact to begin the process of bonding man with machine.

The interior of the XKR-S has been subtly refreshed with a host of new trim materials including ebony soft-feel paint for the switches and gloss black finish to the centre console. The model will also be exclusively available with a Dark Linear Aluminium finish as an option to the wood veneers.

A new leather-wrapped, multi-function steering wheel has also been added, providing a beautiful, tactile interface between car and driver as do the bright, Jaguar-embossed, stainless steel pedals.

Exclusive to the XKR-S are the new Performance front seats with an integrated head restraints and increased lateral and squab support to hold driver and passenger securely and comfortably in place during the high speed cornering of which this car is capable. The 16-way adjustment of squab, cushion, lumbar and bolster elements is supplemented by memory and heating functions.

The sense of occasion offered when driving the XKR-S will be heightened by the new carbon leather accents covering the seats, featuring unique contrast micro-piping and stitching combinations in Reims Blue, Red and Ivory. Duotone combinations of Charcoal with Tan and Charcoal with Red are also available.

Technical Specifications

ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION
Engine Capacity (litres) 5.0
Engine Capacity (cc) 5000
Cylinders 8
Valves per Cylinder 4
Compression Ratio 9.5:1
Bore/Stroke (mm) 92.5/93.0
Bore/Stroke (inches) 3.64/3.66
Final Drive Ratio 3.31:1
Transmission 6-speed automatic
1st 4.17:1
2nd 2.30:1
3rd 1.52:1
4th 1.14:1
5th 0.87:1
6th 0.69:1
Rev 3.40:1
PERFORMANCE
0-60mph (seconds) 4.2
0-100kph (seconds) 4.4
0-100mph (seconds) 8.7
100-180kph (seconds) 7.6
Top Speed (mph/kph) 186/300
Max. Power (BHP@rpm) 542
Max. Power (PS@rpm) 550
Max. Power (KW@rpm) 405
Power to Weight Ratio (BHP/ton) 309
Power to Weight Ratio (PS/tonne) 314
Torque (lb ft@rpm) 502
Torque (Nm@rpm) 680
Torque to Weight Ratio (lb-ft/ton) 286
Torque to Weight Ratio (Nm/tonne) 388
Aerodynamics (Cd) 0.34
ECONOMY
Urban (mpg) 15
Urban (l/100km) 18.9
Extra Urban (mpg) 33
Extra Urban (l/100km) 8.6
Combined (mpg) 23
Combined (l/100km) 12.3
City EPA 15
Highway EPA 22
US C-H Combined (US mpg) 17
Fuel Tank Capacity (litres) 74.0
NEDC Combined CO2 (g/km) 292
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase (inches) 108.3
Wheelbase (mm) 2752
Front Track (inches) 61.4
Front Track (mm) 1560
Rear Track (inches) 63.3
Rear Track (mm) 1608
Overall Length (inches) 188.7
Overall Length (mm) 4794
Overall Width excl. mirrors (inches) 74.5
Overall Width excl. mirrors (mm) 1892
Overall Height (inches) 52.0
Overall Height (mm) 1312
Turning Radius (metres) 10.9
WEIGHT
EU: Kerb Weight (lbs) 3865
EU: Kerb Weight (kg) 1753
Federal: Lightest Weight (lbs) 3968
Gross Vehicle Weight (kg)
1800

G-Power Presents 725-hp BMW X6M

The power-crazed mentalists at G-Power tuning center released the most powerful package yet for BMW X6M with a whopping 725 horsepower. That is a full 170 hp more than the standard car.

To gain that power they have basically re-engineered the X6M’s 4.4 liter biturbo V8. They even redesigned the Typhoon S body kit on this car for a better air flow for the engine.They’ve enlarged air intakes in the front skirt and the made new vents in the bonnet.

Then there’s some modification on engine mapping, including removal of the top speed limiter and a full stainless steel G POWER system (also available in titanium) that delivers the necessary reduction in exhaust gas pressure and is complemented by a new exhaust manifold. Optimised connecting channels also run between the turbochargers and cylinder heads to minimise pressure and shock losses.

The result is 725 hp at 6,000 r/min and over 1000 Nm of torque as of 1,500 r/min. The torque actually had to be limited to 890 Nm because that’s the maximum the gearbox can take. Still, it can sprint to 100 km/h takes just 4.2 seconds, and reach top speed of more than 300 km/h.

As mentioned the car also gets a revised version of G-POWER TYPHOON wide-body kit with large air intakes and a carbon fiber vented bonnet. The widened fenders are filled with forged 3-part G-POWER SILVERSTONE RS aluminium wheels measuring 11×23 and 12×23 inches (also available in 22-inch), wrapped in 315/25 ZR 23 high-performance tires and tamed by G-POWER sports springs that lower the car by 30mm.

G-Power has been too busy with the technicalities to upgrade the interior of this car, but if you request they can provide personalization programs with handmade leather and Alcantara upholstery.

2011 BMW 1-Series M Coupe Safety Car

BMW will once again serve as the Safety Car for MotoGP events, but this time, the X6M was shown the door while the new 1-Series M Coupe was dressed up to play the part.

The BMW Safety Car is a one-off model built especially for this race series, with only the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 340 horsepower and drivetrain being kept from the original model. The goal for the transformation of the car was weight loss. The M Coupe Safety Car received a carbon fiber reinforced bonnet with additional large air vents and polycarbonate side and rear windows. A lightweight titanium race exhaust system was also used to reduce the car’s overall weight. On the boot lid, there is an adjustable rear wing to provide the requisite downforce, while the aerodynamically honed front apron features an additional splitter integrated on the underside of the apron.

For the BMW 1-Series M Coupe to fully cope with the track life, it received a high performance suspension system with an adjustable race track set-up, a sport tuned chassis, and special 19" wheels with tires measuring 255/35 at the front and 285/30 at the rear. The original brakes from the 1-Series have also been replaced by a six-piston fixed-caliper racing brake system.

The interior has also been adapted for the race series. A rollover cage was bolted behind the B-pillar and new front racing bucket seats were put in as standard with 6-point safety belts. The M steering wheels has also been modified with Alcantara dressing. Additional weight was shed with the removal of the rear seats.

BMW Motorsport presents the teams for its DTM project

BMW Motorsport heralds a new era on its way entering the DTM. Development of the car has been running at full speed in Munich for some months now, as has the central preparation for the logistics and assembly of the race cars. Three teams, each lining up with two BMW M3 DTM cars, will be responsible for the races themselves.
BMW Motorsport has enjoyed great success in production car racing in the past with both BMW Team RBM and BMW Team Schnitzer, and all those involved are hungry for more of the same. In Reinhold Motorsport GmbH they are joined by a new team still in its fledgling stage, but which boasts individual members with a vast wealth of motorsport experience.

Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director, says: “In recent months we have worked very intensely on the DTM project. The agreement with the teams was of paramount importance. We were pleased with the high level of interest and numerous applications and presentations received from a number of professional teams. The concepts presented by BMW Team RBM, BMW Team Schnitzer and Reinhold Motorsport GmbH ultimately convinced us. This is an excellent team line-up for BMW. For us, it is important that all three teams have absolute equal rights. We are looking forward to cooperating over the coming years – and hope to enjoy great success together.”
Bart Mampaey, Team Manager of BMW Team RBM, says: “The DTM is one of the toughest and the most popular racing series in the world for production cars. From a sporting point of view this poses a great challenge – but an appetizing one. We are honoured to be able to continue our successful cooperation with BMW Motorsport, which has yielded many WTCC titles, in the DTM. We still have a lot of work ahead of us over the coming months, and are now looking forward to getting to grips with the project.”
Stefan Reinhold, founder of Reinhold Motorsport GmbH, says: “In April last year, BMW announced its intention to compete in the DTM. From this day on, we have always wanted to be a part of this project. Shortly after the announcement, we presented our concept to BMW in Munich, and started to work on meeting the prerequisites for any potential cooperation. We are very proud to have been given the nod. To be part of the BMW Motorsport family with immediate effect and to strive for DTM success together is simply fantastic. We can hardly wait to get started and to vindicate the huge amount of trust BMW has placed in us.”
Charly Lamm, Team Manager of BMW Team Schnitzer, adds: “We are really looking forward to tackling the DTM project together with BMW. Schnitzer Motorsport has enjoyed a successful past in the DTM and achieved many victories together with BMW. However, past success is no guarantee that we will also be victorious in the future. The bar is set really high in DTM, and our preparations will be intensive to meet this challenge. Every team is highly motivated and the anticipation is mounting every day as we get closer to the start of the 2012 DTM season.”
BMW Team Schnitzer will run two BMW M3 GT cars for BMW Motorsport at the major endurance races in Europe and Asia. BMW Team RBM is involved in BMW customer racing projects, including the development of the BMW 320 TC and the further development of the BMW Z4 GT3.
Mario Theissen says: “While the preparation for this year’s involvement on the endurance racing circuit with the BMW M3 GT is in its final phase, the DTM project has picked up pace over the past few months. In naming the teams, we have taken the next step. As well as developing the car, it is now a matter of assigning tasks and establishing structures and processes. The cooperation between BMW Motorsport and the teams, as well as that between the team bases and the race track, must be well established. Only then will we make a statement regarding the driving line-up.”

BMW unveils new 650i as bit of sports car heaven

BMW unveils its newest refined sports car, the 650i Coupe, a third-generation that the brand says drives better than the last.

It arrives with a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-8 engine producing 400 horsepower. It can be paired with either an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Either way, expect 0 to 60 miles per hour in in 4.8 seconds.

"This is the only car in the segment to offer the combination of top-class sporting ability, exclusive touring comfort and a (big) luggage compartment," BMW writes.

The 2+2, arriving in the U.S. this fall, also has BMW's latest entertainment system.
Other features include a rear-view camera, the ability to parallel park itself and an infrared pedestrian detection system for night driving.