Activity Stream

The world horsepower record for the E9X M3 S65 V8 currently stands at 773 wheel horsepower and belongs to Gintani as well as BimmerBoost.com, just do not expect it to stand for very long. At Bimmerfest 2013 Gintani had the BimmerBoost.com project E92 M3 on display. They worked tirelessly to get the car ready for the event and took it to the dyno the night before. On MS109 race gas and 18.5 pounds of boost the car was able to hit 773 wheel horsepower with the completely stock DCT transmission slipping at 7250 rpm. Looking at the dyno graph below it is easy to see where the clutches begin to slip. At about 4750 rpm the clutch slips a bit then grabs as the pull continues up to 7250 rpm where it slips again and is unable to hold the power as the car is run to its 8500 rpm redline. Regardless, 7250 rpm was enough for a new world record on the S65 V8 platform and overall on the E9X BMW platform. Gintani will be rebuilding the cars DCT transmission and once that is complete the car will be back on the dyno for a clean run to redline and another world record. Looking at the graph, the car should conservatively be capable of ~830 wheel horsepower at 18.5 psi with MS109. What will it do on FTW Purple and 24 psi? We will eventually find out. Enjoy the picture and graph below. There is a video included of the car at Bimmerfest 2013. A huge crowd was gathered around it. For some reason the announcer at Bimmerfest never notified the crowd that the world's most powerful E92 M3 was in the house and that a new world record had been achieved on the platform. I waited for hours for the announcement which was hand written and delivered to the announcer but to no avail. Additionally, the car did not win a single award despite being the E92 M3 on display that had the most work done to it. Perhaps it needed some tacky neon green trim and red roundels? Definitely odd and awkward considering the years of engineering that have gone into it and that Gintani was a sponsor of the event. Perhaps if a competitor was not the headline sponsor Gintani and this car would have received the acknowledgement that was deserved and earned? Congratulations to Gintani on raising the bar to where nobody else on the platform is able to tread. This car is just getting warmed up.

Oh yes, here we go the millionth time, the ever popular 335 versus M3 discussion. A user posted the video below of a bolt on DCT E92 M3 pulling a JB4 tuned 335i in the forums and the N54 fanboys went for the pitchforks and torches. For whatever reason 335 owners in particular seem to really want to attack the E92 M3 perhaps in justification of their own purchase. There is the typical "oh I didn't get an M3 because a tuned 335 is faster" nonsense that N54 fanboys tend to comfort themselves with in the never ending M3 versus 335 debate. Even though the 335 in this video may have more power and torque in tuned form which the fanboys love to point out the other side of the coin is that the M3's redline and transmission are a huge advantage. Gearing is an area the M3 simply has an advantage over the 335 in and the transmission makes a big difference as one can see the shift speed in lower gears is really what gives the M3 the gains it sees in the race early on. Up top, the tuned 335's horsepower advantage comes into play as the cars spend more time in gear negating the gear change advantage provided by the DCT allowing the 335 to inch up and close the gap. This video is a good real world example as without race gas or meth a 335 will struggle against a tuned M3 especially one with DCT. Of course 335 owners will point out they can upgrade their turbos. Then M3 owners will say they can supercharge. Then the debate escalates and escalate and there are dozens of pages to read of M3 and 335 owners essentially throwing feces at each other. BMW fans, just enjoy 335 versus M3 round 400,000 in the video below. M3 is the camera car.

Wow. That is exactly what came out of my mouth when I saw this supercharger kit at Bimmerfest. In all honesty, it was my main motivation for attending the event once I heard it would be there. Some people may be reading this and wondering what the big deal is as superchargers already exist for the M3. That is true, superchargers do exist, but they are all centrifugal style blowers. This is the world's first positive displacement supercharger for the S65 V8. Why is that a big deal? Because it's a completely different type of blower with completely different power delivery. This is the solution for those who complain about the M3's torque or for those who do not like the response down low of a centrifgual blower which needs rpm to make boost. This style of supercharger is always making boost, from anywhere in the rev range. That is what makes incorporating it on the S66 V8 difficult with its independent throttle bodies as positive displacement blowers usually are set to pull air through a throttle body not blow into it. The centrifugal blowers send air into a manifold. If a positive displacement were to use a similar setup it would be blowing air in while the throttle bodies attempted to close as it is always making boost. See the problem? The solution Harrop Engineering came up with was a manifold that fits in between the throttle bodies with a bypass valve fit that relieves pressure as needed and makes sure boost is not made as throttles are closing. Pretty trick setup eh? You can see the design in the photos and also how tight the packaging is. I do not even want to know how many hours were put in trying to get this all to fit. The blower employed is a TVS1740 unit from Eaton. This is a roots blower and likely will be set to 5.5 psi or so initially. Boost from this blower is different from a centrifugal and will be harder on the stock rods since it is at full boost right away. Expect horsepower in the low 500's to the wheels. Oh and see that little black box to the left of the manifold off a metal area at the inlet? There will be electronic boost control which is likely the first of its kind on a positive displacement setup although I am not able to confirm this. Different maps with different boost levels for different fuel? A possibility, yes. This is a big deal and an engineering feat for the S65. My complete and utter respect and that of this network to the guys at Harrop. There is still work to be done here. It is not quite ready although pricing is initially set at $12,990. There is still a lot of tuning to be done but this will be coming eventually. Pictures below, much respect Harrop and it was a pleasure meeting you guys at Bimmerfest. You were incredibly nice and answered all my (MANY) questions. Thank you:

Interesting claim here regarding the curb weight of the next generation F80 M3. Now the horsepower is expected to be in the 450 range. CAR Magazine claimed the car would have 444 horses so ~450 seems to be the right range. This not as big of a jump as the E46 M3 to the E92 M3 or the new F10 M5 to the previous generation E60 M5 but BMW only made about a 60 horsepower jump with the new M5 model at the crank although the horsepower numbers at the wheels point to far more. I would expect the same with the new M3 that for the wheel horsepower gains on the F80 to exceed the crank horsepower difference presented by BMW between the F80 and the E90 M3's. This power increase combined with a claimed weight loss by 220 pounds would make for an M3 that performs very well. The thing is, 220 pounds is a lot to shave off the F30. And if the F80 M3 undercuts the E90 M3 by 220 pounds that means it would weigh somewhere in the 33XX pound range. Owners have weighed their E92/E90 M3's in the 35XX pound range. Confusion arises that the E9X is heavy because BMW lists its European weight which includes a 75kg driver. BMW claims the current F30 335i weighs 3555 pounds. So, about what an E92 M3 weighs. That would mean if the rumor for 100 kg weight loss were correct the F80 M3 would undercut the F30 335i and E92 M3 by 220 pounds. That means weight less than an E46 M3 as well, not happening. What is more likely is that BMW will undercut the 3704 pound curb weight they provide for the E92 M3 putting the F80 M3 somewhere in the 35XX pound range or just about the exact same as the E90/E92. We will find out soon enough with the car expected at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Source

This is just flat out cool and heartwarming to see. In between the forum flame wars and endless bickering over car stuff the average woman thinks is insane there are some sweet things on the BMW forums. Ok, very few of those things but this is the kind of video that definitely shows enthusiasm for cars and what puts it over the top is that yes it involves a girl. A really damn cute one. And amazingly it proves BMW nerds on the forums actually can have an attractive girlfriend which might be the greatest lesson of all here. Basically this young ladies birthday is coming up and her boyfriend got her an Active Autowerke N52 exhaust for her birthday. She does not know it and the boyfriend films the surprise despite the "I look fat" objections. Her reaction is priceless and her "Vroom Vroom" quote would have me ready to propose. The video is below and warning there is some NWS (not work safe) language. And to the boyfriend, she did not just give you one. I think she just gave the entire forum a hard-on:

There are few pleasures equivalent to having a drivers car and a beautiful twisty road. That is exactly the type of thing the driver in the video below is enjoying. as he takes his E46 M3 down a beautiful twisty cliff side road with a great view of the ocean. The problem is when one pushes it too far and this video shows the consequences. Now the driver is not exactly going balls out but it goes to show you do not have to be to lose it on a road you may lack familiarity with. The driver simply takes a tight right hander poorly and understeers right off the road tumbling onto the cliffs below. The side impact airbag goes up immediately showing the level of sensitivity and safety the E46 M3 is built with. I'm not here to chastise this driver as I have done a very similar tumble also in an E46 M3 which gave its life to spare mine. This video is a reminder that things can get ugly very quickly behind the wheel. It's best to save it for the track and you do not have to be going 10/10's to lose it although this guy had quite a brisk pace using both sides of the public road. Know your road, know your car, know your surroundings, know your limits, and always dial it back more than dialing it forward. If you do not, this can happen and you may not be so fortunate.

This is the kind of thing BimmerBoost is all about. A balls to the wall BMW build that just screams badass. You take an E82 1-Series, swap in an S54 motor out of an E46 M3, build it, turbo it, and then stare in awe of a custom widebody 800+ wheel horsepower 1-Series. This build comes to us from Europe and the owners friend posted on his behalf. Keep in mind English is not his first language so excuse any of the grammar/spelling errors below. Check out the pictures, video, and details. Much respect to our Scandinavian friends for this build, epic. Hi guys :) I've been a die hard E30 (Turbo) enthusiast for the last 8-9 year (still is..), but as time has come and gone and rust has increased the E30s to very high TLC vehicles my mind has started to drift.. So then, over the last few years my thoughts has compiled over to the 1 series, more spesific the 1 series Coupe, E82 chassi. I've long dreamt up potensial setup's for an upcomming trackday car. I can just imagine the traction this thing has compared to a super sensetive tire ripping (witch isn't to bad of a deal) E30. But when a friend of mine decided to sell his Opel Omega trackcar (with M20 500hp turbo engine) in spring 2012 and go to Germany and collect a brand new stripped E82 shell straight from the factorys stock - my eyes went wide open! :) I've now followed his project closely and taken pictures and vids to document the build and he has asked me to post it as he isn't to keyboard happy. What he has build is a 2012 E82 Coupe with somewhat untraditional combo with E92 M3 suspension and S54B32 turbocharged setup to drive in the scandinavian "Gatebil Extreme" racing series witch starts in May this year. This is a "no limits" class for those who wants to go mental, and alot of them are basicly trashing around the track, not everyone is as concerned with low trap speed. 50/50 show / racing. This is a very rare and unique build at least up here in Scandinavia, I don't know about in the states but haven't seen to much of them in BMW magazines yet. The car was as mentioned collected brand new from the factory line at BMW as a clean stock shell in spring of 2012, then it was sendt over the border to Sweden to fit a WRC FIA heavy duty rollcage. After he got it back he prepped the chassis and fitted front and rear subframe from E92 M3 and fitted custom K-sport E92 M3 spec coilovers, K-sport 356mm and 330mm brakes front/rear, E30 carbon dash, dashlogger, Sparco bucket seats and 6 point harness. The bodykit is a special made glasfiber kit from rallycross. It needed at lot of TLC and love to fit correctly. The doors, rear and front fenders including front and rear bumper is GF and roof, hood, trunk and inner fenders are carbonfiber. He also made a fully removable front for quick servicing. I made a little teaser film of it last time I was around the shop. I will make another full pedal to the metal version once it hits the track. It was dynoed a week ago (runs on E85) and mapped successfully up to 1.3 bar/ 19 PSI. We also had a little 'incident' with a tire explosion straight at the end with a brand new low bugdet tire. It didn't like 300km/h on the dyno and suddenly regaining traction.. bang! Due to traction slip we didn't get any solid read on power, but the boost normally means aprox 800whp at 1.3 bar on E85. For now the cams are just in reassemble spec timing, so we have to fiddle a little more with them to lower the spoolup of the turbo witch at this point is a little slow as these are VANOS setting, and with the vanos blocked off this only becomes high reving settings, with noe help from the low and middle power band witch the VANOS usually takes care of with active cam rotation. Specs: Chassis: - 2012 make factory new bodyshell - Glassfiber bodykit and doors - Carbonfiber hood, roof, trunk, inner fenders and dash Suspension/subframe: -E92 front and rear subframe incl diff and electric steering -Custom K-sport E92 M3 spec coilovers -K-sport 356mm front and 330mm rear brakes -Custom exhaust with twin pipes -noname wheels Interior -Sparco bucket seats and 6 point harness -E30 carbondash -Dashllogger -Pedalbox -Hydraulic handbrake Engine: -S54B32 fully forged block internals , CP pistons, H rods, ARPs ++ -Stock cylinder head w/blocked and removed VANOS -PPF S38 turbo tubular manifold with S54 flange -Homemade aluminium 5mm plenum -Turboservice T4 SX1000 turbo -Megasquirt EMS -Tilton 3 disc clutch -6 speed E46 M3 transmission Here is the chassis from the doors of the factory Then to Sweden and Rallyprodukter roll cage build Completed: Fully stocked before season.. Teaser:

Great video here showing the difference in naturally aspirated potential between the S65 V8 and the S85 V10. What makes this interesting is both motors are very similar even sharing parts like the pistons and rods as the 4.0 liter S65 V8 in the M3 is based off the 5.0 liter S85 V10 in the E60 M5. It really is the same motor with two cylinders lopped off. This video illustrates what that extra liter of displacement means in naturally aspirated form especially up top on the highway. Now, this E92 M3 is a 6-speed manual which if the M3 has a poor driver will be at a disadvantage versus the SMG in the E60 M5. A DCT would definitely fair better and it is unknown what tune is on the M3. Clearly not a very strong one or Evolve's own. The Evolve Stage 2 M5 simply walks away. The car has in addition to the Evolve tune a full RPI GTS exhaust, RPI scoops, and BMC filters. The M3 is only stated to have the "unknown" tune and that it is a 6-speed manual. The video clearly illustrates just how much stronger the S85 is versus the S65 thanks to its displacement advantage. The M3's weight advantage does not mean too much versus the M5 in a high speed roll where top end horsepower simply rules in this 30-200 mph sprint. I have personally run my bolt on DCT M3 versus a Dinan tuned Stage III M5 with RPI scoops from a roll and the result was much closer with the M3 having the advantage from a stop that the M5 could not overcome. Up top though in a high speed roll, the S85 simply will always have more horsepower as it is capable of 122-123 mile per hour trap speeds with full bolt ons versus about 117-118 for the M3. Assuming great density altitude of course. Video below.

Well it is a changing of the guard and the end of an era of dominance for BMW at the International Engine of the Year Awards. 2013 marks the end of the N54 twin turbo inline-6 and S65 V8 appearing on the list. The S65 V8 lost this year as not only is the E9X M3 at the end of its model run but the more than worthy McLaren M838T took home the award in the 3.0 to 4.0 liter category. The S65 V8 ends its run with 5 straight awards in the 3.0 to 4.0 liter category. The BMW N54 in the 2.5 to 3.0 liter category was replaced by the Porsche 2.7 liter direct injected flat-6 which sees duty in the 981 Boxster and Cayman. The N54 dominated its displacement category with six straight wins. The only other BMW motor above 2.0 liters to have six straight victories in its category is the S54 from the E46 M3. The BMW N13 currently has the most with 7. The N54 finishes as the most awarded six cylinder BMW motor in history when its six straights victories for its displacement class are also added to its win in the Best New Engine award category as well as two overall International Engine of the Year awards. That means nine awards total for the motor exceeding the eight the BMW S54 received but one less than the S85 V10 which overall has the most with 10. BimmerBoost believes the S54 is the superior motor but things like efficiency are very important to the panel and the N54 is more fuel efficient than the S54. It is not just performance that rules with the judging panel. The BMW N20 makes the list for the second year in a row in the 1.8 to 2.0 liter category where it is very deserving. The upcoming 360 horsepower 26 pounds of boost turbo four cylinder Mercedes M133 which will see duty in the CLA45 AMG is the only motor likely to rival it in this category. The BMW N13 gets its seventh straight award in the 1.4 to 1.8 liter category making for the only BMW motor to exceed 6 straight victories in its class. Excellent work and worthy of admiration certainly. Congratulations to BMW although BMW brought home four total awards last year. BMW remains well in first place as the most awarded engine manufacturer in the International Engine of the Awards in the competitions history.

Very nice numbers here from Sound Performance with their turbo E46 M3. Now that Horsepower Freaks is officially dead and people are fighting over what remains the door is open for tuners to take the reigns of the turbo E46 M3 market. Sound Performance appears to be one of those stepping up to fill the void and this is quite a way to do it. How does 1070 wheel horsepower and 830 pound-feet of torque at the wheels on a Mustang dyno sound? This is definitely one of the stronger E46 M3's out there as although they exist there is just a handful in the four digit wheel horsepower area. Very impressive and much respect. Specs: 1071whp & 831wtq @ 33psi SP Built 10:1 CR S54 engine Precision 7675 CEA .96 A/R FSR tubular manifold ProEFI Standalone EMS Dyno video below:

Some interesting information was posted in the N20 section of the BimmerBoost BMW forums regarding the durability of the N20 motor. Now, the motor is becoming very popular and is winning multiple awards and rightfully so as it is currently the best factory 2.0 liter turbo four cylinder in production. The keyword there being factory as apparently it is not going to be a stout aftermarket tuning platform at least not yet. Take the information you are about to read as unconfirmed but from an interesting source. There are companies that stress test engines for OEM's. One of these companies has been testing the N20 apparently. The advice given is not to go beyond Stage 2 on the N20 which means a slightly more aggressive tune on the factory turbocharger. Why? The N20 head apparently cracks at around 331 pound-feet of torque. That is not exactly a whole lot of torque in the turbo tuning game especially considering the motor puts out an underrated 258 pound-feet from the factory. Apparently the engine is just running very hot and multiple heat cycles are creating problems. BMW behind the scenes is supposedly trying to correct the issue. For whatever reason BMW seems to have a reputation for problems with new motors. S54 bearings, S65 bearings, and the next BMW new motor issue looks to be the N20 head cracking. The story is that one of the lead designers and engineers for the N20 was flown out to the USA to inspect the findings for himself. It is doubtful BMW would do that unless there was something of substance to this. This same company also apparently tested other BMW motors including turbo motors such as the N54 and N55 when they were new and they did not run into these head issues. So what is going to happen? Well, right now it is not recommended for N20 owners to push their motors too far which they can't anyway as there are not aftermarket turbo options out just yet. BMW will likely resolve the problem with a new head which will mean for those with the N20 there will either be a recall or there will be a BMW part number option to get the new head. We will have to wait and see what happens but N20 owners should be aware of the potential issue especially if intending to tune as BMW is unlikely to say anything until they have to.

This is not much of a race or comparison. The Audi R8 4.2 V8 simply gets annihilated. It really is not even a comparison as this Audi needs to be a V10 model for this to even be remotely interesting. A stock E92 M3 DCT and the Audi R8 is a good race as is (with the M3 edging it out) and with bolt ons the R8 is easily pulled. With a supercharger the result is as you see here with the M3 putting several bus lengths on the R8 V8 4.2. The M3 seems to get a jump but it does not matter either way, simply a beatdown. The R8 owner needs turbos or a V10 model. Impressive how fast the Evolve supercharged M3 is however. Video below.

AMS Performance is going after the AMG scene pretty hard. They recently sponsored BenzBoost.com and are making waves in the M157 63 bi-turbo scene holding the wheel horsepower record as of right now. Boosted performance is not all AMS is up to as the M156 in the W204 C63 AMG is getting their attention in naturally aspirated form. Their AMS "Alpha C" package managed a very respectable 484 wheel horsepower on a dynojet in SAE correction. Please keep in mind these are the preliminary numbers and AMS is still in the testing phase. More details such as pricing and everything including with the Alpha C package will come when it is ready for official release. Until then, enjoy the dyno graph and video below.

I had the pleasure of meeting the guys from Maximum PSI at Bimmerfest this year. I met Mike and Luke and told Mike I was from BimmerBoost.com. Mike seemed pretty tired (likely from working on the car for the show) and drank his coffee while Luke was more than happy to do a quick interview in the car and go over the features as well as answer all my questions. I tend to ask a lot of questions very quickly and Luke was happy to answer them all. Now what we have seen thus far is Stage I and II turbo setups on the stock DME from Max PSI on the E46 M3. In Stage II trim the car has shown an impressive 697 wheel horsepower on MS109 race gas. They also are already in the 10's in the 1/4 mile with the with the car. Now I was sure to ask about the timeslip and if they planned to hit the strip again as it looked like past the 1/8 mile the car had some issues killing the top end. I was told the car was pulling timing and they would be heading back out as soon as it was possible. So expect to see more timeslips from the Stage II setup soon. Now, what I was pleased to learn was that Stage III and Stage IV built motor setups are next on the agenda. 697 wheel on the stock motor is with MS109 and they plan to match that output with the Stage III on pump gas meaning 700 whp all the time. The Stage IV setup will go beyond that with race gas and E85 maps. What that puts down we will just have to wait and see . Quick video below along with pictures from the Max PSI booth. Thanks again to Max PSI for taking time to answer my questions and for blazing a new trail for turbo E46 M3's.

Here is the BMW Gran Lusso Coupe concept with styling courtesy of the famed Pininfarina Italian design house. The coupe is definitely striking in design with led taillights across the the rear of the car and BMW i8 inspired headlights. The squinted headlights, big grille, and front bumper give the car a sort of facial expression. It's an interesting styling take and definitely different while at the same time feeling very BMW. However, this is not Pininfarina's most beautiful work. With a twin turbo V12 borrowed from the 7-Series under the hood the car definitely will have some power. And likely quite a bit of heft as well. This is the closest concept we to what a modern 8-Series would look like that we have ever received from BMW. Do not expect the 8 to come back, this is just a one-off for fun apparently. Pictures and press release below. BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé. Cernobbio, 24 May 2013. BMW and Pininfarina are two of the most tradition-swathed names in the motoring world. Each is a byword for cutting-edge technology, style, dynamics and aesthetics. With the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé, the two time-honoured companies are unveiling the outcome of their first collaboration at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2013. The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé is a one-off and represents the exclusive interpretation of a luxurious BMW Coupé as seen through the eyes of Pininfarina. Working in close consultation, the two design teams have created a new automotive persona brimming with character and ready to join the high-end luxury class – typically BMW while sporting the distinctive signature of Pininfarina. With the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé, the BMW Design team took up exclusive design aspects such as luxury and elegance and fed them into a creative exchange with long-established specialist car designer and manufacturer Pininfarina. In this elaborately created one-off, the renowned companies BMW Group and Pininfarina joined forces to bring an idea to fruition: "The appeal of this collaboration with Pininfarina is that you get another, very different and special angle on facets like luxury and exclusivity," notes Karim Habib, Head of BMW Design. "The Italian company, after all, has always been a byword for these criteria in particular, demonstrating time and again its keen sensitivity and exceptional finesse in these areas. In Pininfarina we have found the ideal partner to lend shape to this vehicle concept." "The result of this cooperative venture is far greater than the sum of its parts," says Fabio Filippini, Head of Design at Pininfarina. "When two such tradition-rich and experienced brands join forces to turn a vision into reality, something utterly new and exciting emerges. From start to finish, this project was defined by a mutual respect for the identity of the other company." Consummate elegance. The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé adds a new dimension to the BMW claim to exclusivity. This painstakingly created one-off captivates the viewer at first glance. Liberal surface areas and taut contours are the distinguishing elements of an elegant car body. Typical BMW proportions – a long wheelbase, stretched bonnet and set-back greenhouse – imbue the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé with imposing dynamics even when stationary. At the same time the car exudes balance and harmony: BMW values such as technology, dynamics and precision are complemented by the skilled craftsmanship of Pininfarina to create a very special holistic experience. "The BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé has an extraordinary impact. It expresses hallmark BMW values such as luxury and sheer presence in a highly elegant form," says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. "I admire the reductive clarity and precision in Pininfarina's design. Their expectations for the end result have been just as high as ours, and their understanding of design perfectly complements the BMW design DNA for a vehicle of this kind." Dynamic presence – the front view. With its broad, wheel-focused stance, the front of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé radiates sheer presence and dynamics. The hallmark double-kidney grille and the road-focused headlights with their suggested twin circular look reveal at a glance the family bond with BMW. At the same time the distinctive Pininfarina elements have been interpreted with Italian finesse to lend the front end a special flair. The trademark BMW kidney grille forms the central element of the front-end design, and all surfaces and lines take their bearings from it. It symbolically points to the engine at the heart of the vehicle, its size reflecting the power of the V12 unit nestling behind it. The "kidneys" are angled towards the road, citing the typical BMW "shark nose" and lending the front end an even more dynamic look, particularly when seen from the side. Viewed up close it discloses highly accomplished detail work: the front part of the bipartite kidney grille is made of matt-sheen aluminium, while behind it an identically shaped part in high-gloss black adds visual depth and makes for an exciting contrast of materials. Above the kidney grille the bonnet stretches across the front of the car, its subtle contours appearing to emanate from the BMW emblem and lending the bonnet a dynamic elegance. The flat headlights underline the road-focused look associated with a BMW and round off the "face" of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé. Their dynamic contours are in perfect harmony with the classic BMW twin circular look in an interpretation that leaves them open at the top. The use of LED technology creates a technically premium impression while adding a striking depth to the headlights. The eye-catchingly sporty front apron concludes the front end of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé as it dips towards the road. The flat, one-piece air intake accentuates the breadth of the front, an impression reinforced by chrome trim that adds a classy touch. The air intake is larger at the wheels and draws attention to the car's wide, sporty track. Just above the road surface, discreet Pininfarina lettering points to the contributing partner from Italy, like a signature on a work of art. Elegant sculpture – the side view. The designers at BMW and Pininfarina set particular store by creating the right proportions. The car's surfaces display the elaborate form language of BMW while being sculpted with a clarity that is hallmark Pininfarina. Within a powerfully present silhouette, convex taperings on the side add a dynamic elegance and give the body a tautly athletic shape. At the same time the reduced, precise contours stretch the vehicle and underline its exclusivity with a contemporary touch. The high shoulder line extends almost horizontally along the entire side of the car, imbuing the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé with stature and presence. Above it the long roof line flows elegantly into the rear to define the short tail end. Below the shoulder line, a striking countersweep to the roof line emanates from the Air Breather behind the front wheel. Ascending towards the rear, it lends the back section of the car a light and dynamic appearance. All the lines have been designed with keen sensitivity: as they trace their course they become stronger or weaker and, through the changing play of light and shadow, show off the surrounding surfaces to their best effect. Numerous details accentuate the elegance of the side view. The matt-sheen embellishment behind the front wheel adds a stylish accent as it integrates the side indicator. Another signature BMW detail is the Hofmeister kink – the eye-catching forward bend in the window graphic that is perfectly integrated into the surrounding play of lines. Behind it the V12 logo indicates the powerful engine within the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé. Pininfarina lettering in the side panel points to the definitive role played by the Italian design company in creating this vehicle, with the Pininfarina logo above it indicating that the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé was also built by Pininfarina. The exclusively designed 21-inch wheels perfectly augment the sporty, elegant statement made by the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé. Five trios of graceful yet powerfully sculpted spokes display a strong visual depth through the application of matt-sheen aluminium, black and black chrome. As such the wheel design blends an elegant multi-spoke style with the sportiness of five-spoke rims. Sophisticated stance – the rear view. The elongated side profile leads to a slender and elegant tail end. Striking horizontal elements imbue the entire rear end with a very broad, flat impression. At the same time, the generous surface design of the rear lends it a powerful presence. Between the surfaces, precise contours and horizontal lines break up the rear aspect, resulting in a clever interplay of light and shadow that partitions the entire design and brings it alive. An eye-catching detail is the transition from the roof to the rear lid: two elaborately shaped struts extend the roof pillar towards the rear, ensuring an elegantly fluid transition of the roof line into the tail section. Extending from the sides, the tail lights embrace the rear end in a single sweeping gesture that brings the side and rear together visually. The tail lights reveal elaborately detailed workmanship and lend the BMW L-shape a slender, almost filigree interpretation. They are set – jewel-like – within high-grade trim in matt-sheen aluminium. A particular highlight is their open design, allowing air to flow through them. A contemporary take on classical values – the interior. The interior of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé takes up the accomplished fusion of modern elegance and authoritative dynamics as displayed by the exterior. Here the melding of sportiness, exclusivity and comfort makes for a unique interior experience. The fluid underlying geometry of the interior design by BMW takes on an individual character courtesy of the Pininfarina touch. With a special colour concept, choice materials and geometrical details in the doors, centre console and dashboard binnacle, Pininfarina lends further emphasis to signature BMW elements such as the driver focus and layering principle, while accentuating the sporty character of the interior with a fine instinct for cutting-edge and elegant details alike. The four-seater luxury coupé rolls out an exclusive ambience to welcome driver and passengers. The front and rear seats from the Pininfarina drawing board embrace all occupants with sporty side supports while providing the highest levels of comfort. From the driver's seat, a sideward glance will initially reveal the hallmark BMW driver focus: all driving-related functions and controls are slightly angled towards the driver to be within optimal ergonomic reach. The horizontal alignment of the surfaces and lines of the dashboard create an expansive sense of space. The doors take up the flow of lines and invest them with greater dynamics as they follow their course, while the door handles cite the incisive shape of the tail lights as well as the side-panel embellishments as they bring these styling cues into the interior. The rear of the cabin likewise boasts spacious design, with legroom in the back seats of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé almost on a par with that of a large luxury sedan. Select materials and top-quality craftsmanship. The exclusive colour and material concept is one of the stand-out features of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé and eloquently reflects its unique character. Extensive handcraftsmanship further enhances the interior ambience. Finest leather and kauri wood aged more than 48,000 years lend the cabin of the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé a special aura. The high-grade leather from the Foglizzo leather factory – in black and a light shade of Tobacco Brown – creates a warm, exclusive ambience. Metal highlights in black chrome set a technical counterpoint to the extensive application of natural materials. All the wood elements in the cabin are sourced from a single piece of kauri wood selected by the Italian timber experts of Riva 1920 exclusively for the BMW Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé. Kauri wood has a unique grain and shifts in colour from gold to red to brown, depending on the incidence of light and angle of view. Simply polished and oiled, it exudes a particular warmth and naturalness in league with the exclusive leather surfaces of the interior. Native to New Zealand, kauri wood is among the rarest timbers in the world. Its special character derives from the fact that the toppled kauri trees have been preserved in swamps for millennia and can be processed like fresh timber after being retrieved from the fossil swampland. The roof liner of finest Italian virgin wool features the striking "Principe di Galles" pattern. This grey plaid strikes a bold contrast to the traditional materials used for the doors and dashboard. The brown leather seats also pick up on the pattern in their all-round piping. Allowing extra light into the interior is an oblong aperture in the roof liner which is additionally illuminated by white LEDs. In the footwell areas, a soft deep-pile carpet in dark grey adds to a subtle sense of wellbeing. Another interior detail are the freestanding B-pillars, whose elegant design when viewed from the outside creates a homogeneous glazed area and frameless doors that appear very light. Pininfarina. Pininfarina ranks as one of the most time-honoured names in automotive design. What began in the 1930s as a "carrozzeria" building one-offs and limited editions, alongside the visual refinement of high-end automotive technology, has today become one of Italy's leading design companies. Its operating spectrum stretches far beyond automobiles to include product and industrial design. Through numerous collaborations with a wide range of carmakers, Pininfarina has established itself as a style-defining partner. Simplicity and harmony in look and feel, perfect proportions and innovative functionality are the hallmarks and underlying concept of each and every Pininfarina design.

This isn't even a race folks, it's an epic beatdown. An F10 M5 with a Manhart Racing "Stage 4" package just absolutely crushes a W204 C63 Black Series from a roll. A tuned F13 M6 with this same package was shown recently beating down a tuned Audi RS6 as well. All the Stage 4 package from Manhart Racing consists of is an ECU tune, exhaust, downpipes with cats still in place, and Gruppe M carbon airboxes. So bolt ons turn the M5/M6 into a monster? Now the S63TU twin turbo V8 will obviously see gains with an ECU but tune, intake, and exhaust but what is being depicted here is insane. GermanBoost network member @Pea was at the event where these Manhart tuned M5/M6's were running and he was not allowed to run them as they were making excuses. Were the opponents hand picked to make the M5/M6 look faster? A P31 C63 AMG recently beat a stock F10 M5 in a half mile roll on race yet here we see a tuned M5 absolutely crush a C63 AMG Black Series? A tuned M5 should win, no doubt about that, but not by instant bus lengths. The C63 never sounds like it is in the right RPM and actually sounds like the transmission has to kick down a gear before accelerating essentially giving the M5 a giant jump. This is yet another video from the same source that wants to portray the M5 and M6 as faster than they truly are. This would not be the first time a race was staged by this person for this purpose. Notice we never see videos of the tuned M5's or M6's at the events losing? Well, that's because Manhart sponsors the forum where these videos are published and it's much better for sales to show the cars doing what you see here below. Come to your own conclusion.

Great video here of three runs at the PBIR (Palm Beach International Raceway) between a McLaren MP4-12C and a Porsche 911 Turbo S PDK. Oddly enough, the McLaren seems to rip the 911 Turbo out of the hole on the runs despite not having all wheel drive. It's fast, very fast in the first run turning a 10.6@134 to the 911's 11.0@125. On the second run the McLaren gives the 911 Turbo the hit and seems to just barely run it down but the times are similar with a 10.6@133 for the McLaren and 11.0@126 for the 911 Turbo. The 911 Turbo S is a terror on the drag strip having shown a 10.7@127 in stock form and even a 10.6@129. That was in seemingly better weather though and the Florida PBIR strip isn't the fastest when temps start to heat up. This MP4-12C likely has the new software update which bumps output by 25 horsepower. On R-Compound rubber we have seen a 10.3 1/4 mile out of the car completely stock. It's simply quicker and faster than the 911 Turbo S, video below.

Evolve get a good amount of business from customers running forced induction kits from tuners that compete with them. The cool thing about Evolve is that does not bother them as they will still tune it for you unlike many other tuners and it does not matter what platform it is or if it happens to be one they directly compete in. Evolve simply will do a custom tune just as someone asks and that is how it should be as in reality the hardware and engine belong to the owner of said car, right? In SAE correction on a dynojet the VF570 kit put down a respectable 450 wheel horsepower at 9 psi with Evosport headers and an exhaust system. The issue with many of these supercharger kits is that they are a one size fits all but not call motors are equal. Break in, fuel, how it is driven, elevation, etc., all affect it. Apparently the default VF tune which comes with the kit on this particular car was running a bit too rich. How rich? Well, apparently quite a bit on the rich side as look at those gains through the curve. It would be nice to see the air/fuel graph not blocked out but that might open up a can of worms and create friction between the two companies. Regardless, the owner said he is happy and that he now understand why the fuel tank would empty so quickly with the VF tune. Nice work by Sal@?u=1803"]evolve . Graph is below.

The F10 M5 exhaust note simply is underwhelming to put it mildly from the factory. When is the last time BMW ever needed synthetic sound inside the cabin to compliment their factory M5 exhaust system? The answer is never. Fortunately, GermanBoost Network vendors IND-Distribution, AMS Performance, and Eisenmann are here to remedy the situation giving the F10 M5 the exhaust the bark and aggression it is supposed to be have to begin with. The F10 M5 in the video below features the Eisenmann Race Exhaust system with 102mm exhaust tips. AMS Performance catless downpipes compliment the Eisenmann rear section. The exhaust note of the F10 M5 becomes markedly more aggressive and dare it be said the S63TU actually sounds pretty good. Check out the video below below, great stuff from IND with their project F10 M5 which we will be seeing a lot more of as AMS gives it further upgrades. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/video/embed?video_id=549917048379931" width="1280" height="720" frameborder="0"></iframe>

Well, no surprise here. Porsche continues to embrace the dual clutch transmission making the PDK standard and the only option on their new GT cars such as the GT3 and GT2. It started with the 991 GT3 getting the PDK transmission only with no manual option and now the 991 GT2 and GT2 RS will take the same route. Even the new 991 Turbo does not have a manual transmission option meaning the PDK dual clutch is the only way to get it. Purists may not like it but the GT2 is going to be a beast with 552 horsepower, rear wheel drive, and a dual clutch transmission. The GT2 RS is set to go up to 620 horsepower. 9 second car stock? With drag radials a high 9 second 1/4 mile certainly sounds within reach. Do not expect it until 2015 though. Source

Some great results here from AMS Peformance with an M157 equipped E63 AMG at the drag strip. This car has the preliminary Alpha 9 package from AMS which AMS has shown a dynograph of claiming 787 horsepower at the wheels which is more than any other tuner thus far on the M157 V8 platform. This package on the E63 AMG resulted in a 1/4 mile run of 10.786@135.78 and a 60 to 130 mile per hour sprint of 6.58 seconds. Now, 787 wheel horsepower is the most horsepower shown on the platform but this did not result in the quickest or fastest M157 1/4 mile which still belongs to Renntech with a 10.6@137. It is going to be interesting to see if AMS intend to hit the strip again after some tweaks. Additionally, would be great to see more details from AMS regarding their package. Video and 60-130 graph beow.

Great runs here between two motors we are going to see going head to head for some time to come, the S63TU V8 and the M157 V8. Both are twin turbo, both are direct injected, and both are V8's positioned against each other in each respective manufacturers lineups. The CLS63 AMG is stock with the Performance Package and the F10 M5 has downpipes. From a stop, the cars are quite close surprisingly basically going neck and neck when launch control is used. From a roll it is close as well with the M5 edging out just a bit in the lower gears likely due to the DCT but up top the Benz slowly starts to reel it in. It's a close run and these cars are very evenly matched. Enjoy the video below.

Well, well, well, BMW responds to the criticism as well as the competition to the F10 M5 with a facelift for the 2014 model which includes a Competition Package option. The standard car is 560 horsepower but the Competition Package option boosts this output to 575 horsepower which is a direct response to Mercedes-Benz and AMG with the facelifted E63/CLS63 AMG sporting an all wheel drive option and an optional 585 horsepower. The power boost is one part but the suspension is also revised with the Competition Package. New springs, dampers, and stiffer sway bars. The F10 M5 is lowered by 10mm. The Active M Differential receives revised tuning for better traction. The stability control programs have also been remapped. These are great improvement and it is nice to see BMW forced to acknowledge the F10 M5 was not exactly as good as it could have been out of the box and seemed lacking compared to previous M models. Will these changes improve it greatly? We will see, hopefully the exhaust sound is improved as well as the steering response. Definitely a step in the right direction, press release below. Newly-available Competition Package spearheads subtle refinement for 2014. Woodcliff Lake, N.J. – May 18th 2013, 6:00pm Eastern Time . . . For five generations, the BMW M5 has served as the reference standard in the special business of ultra-high-performance sedans. In each generation since the mid-Eighties, the M5 has joined race-bred chassis components and Olympic levels of power with linear control which can only be developed through years of laps around the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife in the Eiffel Mountains. Now, paralleling the launch of the 2014 BMW 5 Series Sedan and 5 Series Gran Turismo, BMW M’s hot-rod sedan receives an exciting evolutionary impulse. Subtle styling updates, new color choices, enhancements to interior and lighting, and a new Competition Package with 575 horsepower (preliminary) are the key highlights of the 2014 M5 Sedan update. The essential BMW M5 is driven by a 4.4-liter V-8 engine with patented M TwinPower Turbo technology and a peak output of 560 hp in standard form. This power is managed through the standard 7-speed M Dual-Clutch Transmission (M-DCT) or optional 6-speed manual transmission (North America only), Active M Differential at the rear axle, and aluminum-intensive suspension, all of which are precisely tuned to perfect harmony by BMW M’s 41 years of race-bred experience. Competition Package: New for 2014. There are sport sedans, and then there is the BMW M5. For more than a quarter-century, the M5 has been the four-door sedan which provides levels of performance previously accessible only to super-sports cars. Perhaps this claim was best proven in reality when a production-based, second-generation M5 Sedan won the IMSA Bridgestone Supercar Championship not just once in 1994, but again in 1995. It was, of course, the only 4-door car in the entire field of racers. To celebrate the M5’s competitive driving spirit, BMW M GmbH will offer the new Competition Package as an option for the M5 and its M6 siblings starting with the 2014 model year. The Competition Package specifically distills handling properties under the principle applied to all BMW M automobiles: fine-tune the suspension to match the performance of the engine, and achieve responsiveness that makes the car precise and controllable in all driving situations. The Competition Package boosts output by 15 hp / 11 kW to 575 hp / 423 kW (preliminary) in the high-revving V-8 engine with M TwinPower turbo technology that powers the BMW M5, BMW M6 Coupe, BMW M6 Convertible and BMW M6 Gran Coupe models. At the same time, the developers at BMW M have extensively tuned the chassis set-up. Along with new coil springs and damper calibrations, anti-sway bars have also been stiffened. For the BMW M5, these adjustments have resulted in a lowering of the car by around 10 millimeters, which lowers the center of gravity (CG) and roll center. The potential inherent in the rear axle design – based on the race-derived principle of the rear axle subframe being rigidly bolted to the body – and the even more precisely calibrated bushings for the front axle are exploited with the Competition Package. 0.1 seconds have been shaved from the standstill to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint time and 0.2 seconds are saved when accelerating from zero to 200 km/h (0-124 mph). Cornering dynamics and flexibility are also enhanced – something noticeable in everyday driving but best experienced on the race track. In particular in conjunction with the optional M Carbon Ceramic Brake system, also available on the M5 for 2014, all the driving dynamics attributes associated with BMW M automobiles are experienced at the highest level. The Active M Differential on the final drive – standard on all M5 and M6 models – receives a unique tune when the Competition Package is specified, resulting in further-improved traction. The new rack-and-pinion steering with the M-specific Servotronic variable assist function, moreover, has more-direct programming to enable firm and secure contact with the road while further increasing the agility of the vehicle during cornering. Beyond these enhancements, the M chassis control system has been adapted to the Competition Package suspension profile. With the Competition Package, the M Dynamic Mode (MDM) of DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) is re-mapped for even sportier handling characteristics and higher thresholds of intervention. The Competition Package additionally includes unique 20-inch M light-alloy wheels along with a sport exhaust system featuring M quad tailpipes finished in Black Chrome that lend an unmistakable look and the sound to the car. Design. A striking element in the appearance of every BMW is the “kidney grille”, which now features the M5 model designation and whose slats cite the double-spoke design of the M light-alloy wheels. In addition to standard Xenon Adaptive headlights, there is now the option of Adaptive LED Headlights which emit a particularly bright white light generated by a pair of LED units situated horizontally in the middle of each light ring. A standard feature on the BMW M5 are the new-design 5 Series tail lights with strikingly thin LED light strips that generate a high contrast and add to the unmistakable night-time look. The hallmark M feeling is also conveyed by the M leather steering wheel, whose new design likewise takes visual cues from the double-spoke wheels. The interior of the sedan has also gained an increase in volume of the storage compartment under the armrest in the center console area. The Central Display of the standard-fitted iDrive4.2 Navigation system now features chrome trim on the sides. The iDrive4.2 controller now features a touchpad surface allowing, for example, characters to be entered when programming a destination for the Navigation system. As of July, BMW Individual will be offering a range of new exterior colors for the BMW M5 including Pyrite Brown Metallic, Frozen Blue Metallic, and further BMW Individual Frozen paintwork finishes, as well as exclusive leather shades (Cashmere Beige and Nutmeg). The further extended range of features from BMW ConnectedDrive also ensures that the 2014 BMW M5 is in pole position when it comes to intelligent connectivity. Innovative driver assistance systems and mobility services optimize safety and comfort while driving as well as the use of infotainment programmers. BMW Apps is now standard on all 5 Series models for 2014.

Finally, an intake option for F10 550i owners. Dinan released their carbon fiber intake which is designed to funnel cold air as a "ram air" style intake positioned at the front grille opening. Performance gains are claimed to be 10 horsepower and 8 pound-feet of torque but in typical Dinan fashion you are expected to take their word for it as no dynograph is presented to support their claims. Additionally, Dinan says software is required for the intake. At $2,699 this is not a value product. And at that price point support for the performance gains is expected. Just because the name is Dinan does not mean they are somehow above showing performance parts actually give you an increase in performance. Still, people will likely be buying this due to a lack of alternatives on the market. For now this is only available for the F10 550i but BimmerBoost does not see a reason why all N63 and N63TU BMW's can not have this applied. Pictures below.

The new batch of turbo motors from AMG make a lot of torque and those turbos combined with fairly large displacement produce quite a bit of heat. The factory cooling system features a water-air intercooler for this reason to keep temps down but the OEM Mercedes-Benz design has the intercooler system tied into engine coolant system. Not hard to see how this is not the most efficient setup possible and how the cooling system can become overwhelmed. Weistec improves the performance of the factory intercooler by separating it from the engine cooling system. The M157 cooling kit includes a dedicated performance heat exchanger, trunk mounted ice tank reservoir, and all the necessary fittings and lines. Essentially, this leaves the factory system now dedicated to just cooling the engine rather than the engine and intercooler. Also, the factory factory heat exchanger is positioned between the radiator and AC condenser meaning heat radiating from those elements will affect it. The Weistec unit is mounted where it can get cool air from the grille above the bumper beam. Another great performance product from Weistec Engineering for your AMG, get it here for $1999.99: http://www.weistec.com/m157cooling.html Key Features: Separates Intercooler from Engine Coolant High Performance Heat Exchanger Optimal Heat Exchanger Placement Weistec Trunk Ice Tank for Greatly Increased System Capacity All Hardware, Lines, and Fittings Included

Well that was fast! Just two days ago an article was posted on BimmerBoost stating the F15 reveal would be coming any day now and here it is. Introducing the new 2014 F15 X5. The new SUV will be available later this year (as spyphotos correctly projected) and will be available as xDrive35i, xDrive50i, and xDrive35d models. The 35i will have the N55 turbocharged inline-6 while the xDrive50i gets the updated N63TU V8 with 445 horsepower. This decision for why BMW updated all the "50" engine models to the N63TU but skipped over the X5 and X6 now makes complete sense as it is an incentive to get the "new" SUV which obviously was to be available fairly soon. It will be interesting to see if the X6 gets the same motor or if they will wait for the next generation X6 although with the X6 making its debut a couple years after E70 X5 its replacement likely is still a couple years off. Only BMW knows what will happen. There is no announcement on a new X5M but with the heated luxury performance SUV segment expect to see BMW slap an M badge on the X5 again. The question will be whether it gets the uprated S63TU V8 out of the F10 M5 and F12 M6. So the X5 gets the new motor but what is also interesting is that the F15 xDrive50i is 230 pounds lighter than the E70 xDrive50i. That makes for a curb weight of 5149 pounds. Not light, but at least it reverses the trend of new BMW models continually getting heavier. It's a step in the right direction but new BMW's are still pretty damn fat and this is nowhere near as aggressive as the 800 pound weight loss Audi is targeting for the next generation Q7. Still, with just how big the new X5 looks it's nice to see it did not get a big weight gain. BMW played it safe with the styling which is very familiar but slightly fresher. It seems to lose a bit of the aggressive rear stance of the outgoing E70 however. As the spyvideo from two days ago showed, the F15 incorporates the 4-Series style sidevent. It's somewhat tacky but that is what BMW is using to tie their new models together for whatever reason. Pictures and press release below. All-New BMW X5 Sports Activity Vehicle The vehicle that launched an entire segment set to enter its 3rd generation again setting the standard for luxury, versatility and driving dynamics Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 29, 2013 6:00pm EDT/3:00pm PDT... It isn't often that an automobile manufacturer gets to launch an entirely new vehicle segment, but that's exactly what BMW did in 1999 when it introduced the world's first Sports Activity Vehicle – the BMW X5. Two generations and some 1.3 million vehicles later, the BMW X5 is set to enter its third generation. As its predecessors have done before, the all-new 3rd generation X5 will again set new standards for luxury, versatility and – because it is a BMW first and foremost – driving dynamics. The all-new BMW X5 will offer a new model and a first for the original Sports Activity Vehicle, the X5 sDrive35i, which marks the first time that an X5 model has been offered with rear-wheel drive. It, along with the X5 xDrive35i, will be powered by BMW's multi-award winning 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six. The V8-powered X5 xDrive50i will use BMW's latest 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8. It offers improvements in horsepower and torque, while at the same time improving efficiency. These models will arrive in US showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2013. Based on its popularity over the last several years, a new BMW Advanced Diesel model will join the line-up a few months later. The 2nd-generation X5 xDrive35d features a new 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder diesel engine. It will provide the abundant torque for which BMW Advanced diesels have become renowned while offering significant improvements in efficiency over its predecessor. All models will be equipped with BMW's latest 8-speed automatic transmission. As was true of its predecessors, the all-new BMW X5 will be produced exclusively at BMW's production facility in Spartanburg, SC. Among the attributes that have set the BMW X5 apart in the automotive landscape has been its unique blend of sporty, elegant exterior design and luxurious, flexible interior ambiance. Those attributes have been enhanced with an entirely new design, inside and out. For customers looking to add an additional element of individuality to their new X5, the Luxury Line, xLine or M Sport will be available, as will two Interior Design Packages – Ivory White and Mocha Brown. Class-leading driving dynamics have been a hallmark for the BMW Sports Activity Vehicle from the very beginning and the new X5 is no different. BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive can be complemented by Dynamic Performance Control as part of the optional Dynamic Handling Package. The Dynamic Handling Package also includes Active Roll Stabilization providing an additional edge to the X5's sporty handling attributes as well as Dynamic Damper Control and a rear-axle air suspension. Adaptive M suspension, available as part of M Sport, also includes Dynamic Damper Control and rear air suspension with more sports-oriented suspension tuning. Exterior design: dynamic flair that unmistakably marks it as nothing but a BMW X5. Signature BMW design features combine with undeniable presence and versatility to lend BMW X models their distinctive appearance. This design language has been given a contemporary and eye-catching update for the new BMW X5. The proportions of the 3rd-generation Sports Activity Vehicle are once again defined by a short front overhang, long wheelbase, upright A-pillars and the short distance between the front axle and the leading edge of the front door. The three dimensional design of the BMW kidney grille, set within the triangle of the dual round headlights and front foglamps, and the bumper's X-shaped contour lines also identify it as a member of the BMW X model family. The new BMW X5 has a broad-set kidney grille that extends all the way to the headlight clusters, which extend from the kidney grille all the way into the front fenders. The hallmark four round headlights are trimmed by LED accent rings. To provide a new look, the light rings are flattened along the bottom edge and overlapped at their top edge. Sweeping chrome inserts and the prominently three-dimensional design of the lights underline the car's sophisticated character. LED front foglamps are standard. The optional Adaptive LED Headlights are identified by the horizontal light sources in the center of the light rings. All X5 models are equipped with standard Adaptive Xenon headlights. The front apron, with side air intakes positioned far to its outer edges, accentuates the wide track and planted stance of the new BMW X5. The striking underbody protection elements also provide a nod to its robust character. Drag-reducing Air Curtains make their debut on a BMW X model. These vertical apertures guide the incoming air around the wheel arches, where it creates a curtain of air over the wheels before making a controlled escape through the Air Breathers in the side of the front fenders. The design of the flanks reflects the BMW X5's power and sporting ability. Precisely drawn lines rising up towards the rear build a wedge shape draw attention to the dynamic character of the X5 and break up the taut surfaces around the front fenders, doors and rear wheel arches. The resulting light and shadow effect brings out the athleticism and agility of the Sports Activity Vehicle. The upright nose of the X5, with its forward-thrusting BMW kidney grille, cuts an arresting figure from the side. The familiar BMW swage line rises steadily from the headlight units, through the door pulls and into the tail lights. It combines with the character line extending from the upper edge of the Air Breathers and another, more obvious crease above the side skirts to stretch the figure-hugging surfaces of the car's flanks powerfully to the rear. The subdivision between the muscular body and the passenger compartment, whose large windows lend it a light and spacious feel, is clearly visible from the rear as well as from the side. Horizontal lines on the two-section tailgate and around the rear apron emphasize the width and robust stance of the new BMW X5. The thin, three-dimensional LED light strips of the two-section, L-shaped rear lights create a striking night-time look. Plus, the new BMW X5 is the brand's first model to feature Aero Blades. These black air-channelling elements are contiguous with the roof spoiler and help it to optimize the car's aerodynamic properties. The versatility of the new BMW X5 can be seen in the standard black roof rails while the exterior paintwork can be ordered in a choice of 11 colors, among them the new Sparkling Brown Metallic as well as Mineral White Metallic. Interior design: high-quality materials, luxurious ambience, cutting-edge functionality. The interior of the new BMW X5 is both elegant and spacious. The horizontal structure of the layered surfaces underlines the broad sweep of the instrument panel and reflects the impressive amount of space available on board. The three-dimensional design of the surfaces also generates vibrant contrasts. The interior materials selected for the new BMW X5 also play a role in shaping the exclusive onboard ambience. The trim strip and accent strip extend into the front door panels and are picked up again in the rear door panels. Plus, the standard Poplar Wood Trim now sits atop a high-gloss black surface, which is bordered on its lower edge by an accent strip in Pearl Gloss Chrome. For the US market, the standard BMW Navigation system, with touchpad, includes a freestanding 10.2-inch Control Display Monitor. The displays for the climate control and ventilation systems feature black panel technology. The Dakota leather seat surfaces are standard on the X5 xDrive50i and can be specified as an option on six-cylinder models. Exclusive Nappa leather with extended features can be specified as part of the Interior Design Packages. Customers can choose from up to eight upholstery colors. Personalization: Luxury Line and xLine for the exterior. Two new Lines for the exterior and interior of the new BMW X5 can be ordered as an alternative to the standard specification, enabling a new level of personalization. Each Line represents a harmonious blend of design, colors and materials. M Sport is also an alternative for those that wish to accentuate the sporting character of the new X5. The Lines also encompass the new-look remote control key with redesigned operating buttons. xLine: presence and robustness With stylistic underbody protection elements in brushed stainless steel, newly designed air intake bars in matt silver and a rear trim strip which, like the kidney grille bars, comes in matt silver, the xLine adds distinctive touches to the exterior and emphasizes the SAV character of the new BMW X5. This xLine also includes exterior mirror bases and B-pillar and C-pillar trim in high-gloss black, as well as Satin aluminum line exterior trim for the side windows. Roof rails are available in a choice of Satin Aluminum or high-gloss finish. Also included are a sport steering wheel, aluminum running boards and 19-inch Orbit Grey wheels – 20-inch Y-spoke wheels with mixed-sized performance tires are available as an upgrade. Luxury Line: modern and distinctive. The Luxury line for the exterior includes stylistic underbody protection elements and wheel arch surrounds painted in the respective body color, black kidney grille bars with high-gloss chrome fronts, T-shaped bars for the outer air intakes and louvers for the lower aperture, plus a chrome trim strip for the rear apron and Chrome Line Exterior adornments for the side windows. The exterior mirror bases, B-pillars and C-pillars all feature high-gloss black trim. Roof rails are available in a choice of Satin Aluminum or high-gloss finish. Also included are a sport steering wheel and 19-inch V-spoke wheels – 20-inch Y-spoke wheels with mixed-sized performance tires are available as an upgrade. M Sport: provides the right look and feel for the performance-oriented driver. M Sport offers the performance-oriented driver a particularly dynamic look and feel for the new BMW X5. Exterior touches include an M-aerodynamic body kit, Shadowline trim, high-gloss roof rails and 19-inch M-Double Spoke light alloy wheels. 20-inch M-Double Spoke wheels with mixed-sized performance runflat tires are available as an upgrade. The interior includes an 8-speed sport automatic transmission with shift-paddles, M-sport steering wheel, anthracite headliner, M foot rest and door sills, Aluminum Hexagonal trim and sport seats. Multi-contour seats can be specified as an alternative. An M Adaptive Suspension may also be specified as an upgrade. Two Interior Design Packages offer additional opportunities for personalization In addition to the Lines, two Interior Design Packages – Ivory White and Mocha – offer additional possibilities for personalizing the new BMW X5. The Ivory White Interior Design Package features Ivory White Nappa Leather upholstery. The dashboard is covered in Atlas Grey leather with contrast stitching for both the seats and dashboard. It includes Fineline Oak Wood trim, although other trims may be specified as an alternative. The Mocha Interior Design Package features Mocha Brown Nappa Leather upholstery. The dashboard in this case is cover in Black Nappa leather with contrast stitching for both the seats and dashboard. The featured trim is Fineline Pure Wood Trim, although other trims may be specified as an alternative. Flexible interior, greater versatility with seating for up to seven. With its luxurious ambience and enhanced ride comfort, spaciousness and seating comfort, the new BMW X5 advances the standard set by its predecessor. The newly designed seats for the driver and front passenger ensure a high level of long-distance comfort and impressive lateral support. Multi-contour seats, which are standard on the X5 xDrive50i, and sports seats are available as an option on six-cylinder models. Comfort seats are now available for rear passengers as is seat heating. The rear comfort seats come with bespoke upholstery, backrest adjustment through 10 degrees and 3.1 inches (80 mm) of fore/aft adjustment. The rear comfort seats can be specified either as an individual option or together with the optional third row of seats. The two additional seats are easy to access thanks to an Easy Entry function and a grip plate by the C-pillar. They can be lowered separately into the load compartment floor and come with inertia-reel seat belts. The folding backrest of the second-row seat can now be split 40 : 20 : 40, which allows load capacity to be increased in stages from 23 cu.ft. – 66 cu.ft. (650 – 1,870 litres), based on EU measurements. That represents up to seven percent more volume than its predecessor. Additional storage compartments and door pockets which can accommodate 1.5-liter bottles up front and one-liter bottles in the rear contribute to the X5's functionality both in day-to-day use and on longer journeys. The new BMW X5 again comes with a split two-section tailgate. The lower element can be folded down horizontally to form a single level with the load surface. Power tailgate operation for the upper section is a standard feature. And now, for the first time, the tailgate can be closed as well as opened using the remote control and, at the touch of a button, from the driver's seat. Multi-award winning 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six powers new X5 sDrive35i and X5 xDrive35i The new X5 sDrive35i and X5 xDrive35i will be powered by BMW's 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-6 engine (internally known as N55). It develops maximum output of 300 hp at 5,800 rpm, with peak torque of 300 lb-ft available all the way from 1,200–5,000 rpm. The N55 engine was the first BMW inline-6 to combine turbocharging, High Precision direct fuel injection, and Valvetronic variable intake technology. It features a single, mid-sized turbocharger with a "twin-scroll" housing to boost performance and minimize response lag. Using Valvetronic for the first time on a turbocharged inline-6 allows the engine to "inhale" air more efficiently for combustion with virtually no delay and with reduced pumping losses. The new X5 xDrive35i will accelerate from 0 – 60 mph in 6.2 seconds, 0.2 seconds quicker than its predecessor. Thanks to a lower curb weight and other EfficientDynamics measures it is also expected to be more efficient (EPA mileage estimates will be available closer to launch). BMW X5 xDrive 50i features the latest TwinPower Turbo V8 The 4.4-liter V-8 engine (N63) that powers the current X5 xDrive50i receives an upgrade for its successor. The unique "reverse-flow" engine, whose two turbochargers are positioned in the V-area between the cylinder banks is well known for producing an instantaneous and sustained wave of power, making it a delight for the enthusiast driver. This new version of the engine adds BMW's Valvetronic variable valve timing to the list of specifications. As a result, the new version of the engine (N63TÜ) develops a maximum 445 hp between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm (a 45 hp increase), and makes peak torque of 480 lb-ft between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm (a 30 lb-ft increase). This newest TwinPower Turbo V8 powers the new X5 xDrive50i from 0-60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, 0.4 seconds quicker than its predecessor. Thanks to the addition of Valvetronic, lower curb weight and other EfficientDynamics measures, the new X5 xDrive50i will also see significant efficiency gains (EPA mileage estimates will be available closer to launch). New X5 xDrive35d benefits from the latest BMW Advanced Diesel technology The new BMW X5 xDrive35d features an all new inline six-cylinder diesel engine offering an even better balance between performance and fuel consumption than the outgoing diesel. The 3.0-liter engine, whose BMW TwinPower Turbo technology comprises VNT turbocharging and common rail direct injection, now develops maximum power of 255 hp and maximum torque of 413 lb-ft which is delivered between 1,500 and 3,000 rpm. In spite of the slight reduction in output from its predecessor, the new BMW X5 xDrive35d has a 0-100 km/h (62 mph) sprint time of 6.9 seconds (preliminary), making it just as quick or quicker. With the latest technology and the addition of an 8-speed automatic transmission, the new model is expected to post significant improvements in efficiency (EPA mileage estimates will be available closer to launch). The new X5 xDrive35d uses the latest in emission reduction technology. Lower nitrogen oxide limits are met using a close-coupled NOX adsorber catalyst and an SCR catalyst with urea (AdBlue) injection. BMW EfficientDynamics: eight-speed automatic and ECO PRO mode with new functions. All models in the new BMW X5 lineup feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, whose high internal efficiency, precision and short shift times help to improve both efficiency and responsiveness. The optional eight-speed sport automatic transmission, offers a new "launch control" function, a high-precision traction control system which allows engine power to be translated as efficiently as possible into road speed when accelerating from a standstill. In ECO PRO mode, the engine management, accelerator response and transmission characteristics are systematically tailored to support a particularly fuel-efficient, low-rpm driving style. At the same time, ECO PRO mode also programs electrically powered functions like the climate control, heated seats and heated exterior mirrors for extra-efficient energy management. In ECO PRO mode, a coasting function periodically decouples the engine from the rest of the powertrain whenever the driver eases off the accelerator at speeds between 30 – 100 mph without then applying the brakes. This allows the new BMW X5 to coast without engine braking, for maximized fuel efficiency. In conjunction with the standard Navigation system, highly fuel-efficient ECO PRO navigation routes can be selected. When the navigation system is activated, the Proactive Driving Assistant function also tells the driver exactly when to ease off the accelerator when approaching corners or a speed-restricted section of road, in order to save fuel. Along with the additional ECO PRO mode functions, the new BMW X5 also comes with many other BMW EfficientDynamics features. These include Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop, on-demand operation of ancillary units, Electric Power Steering, and a variety of weight- and drag-reducing features. Along with other measures, use of ultra-high-tensile steels in the body structure, thermoplastics in the front fenders, aluminum in the hood and magnesium in the instrument panel support all help to reduce curb weight. Intelligent lightweight design also means that the increase in standard equipment compared with the previous model does not translate to increased vehicle weight. The curb weights for the new X5 xDrive35i and X5 xDrive50i are reduced by approximately 170 and 230 lbs respectively. The BMW X5 also offers best-in-class aerodynamic design. Air Curtains, the Air Breather system, vertical aero blades at the rear window, air deflectors on the front wheel arches and a range of other detail improvements reduce the drag coefficient (Cd). Chassis: adjustable for driving condition and one's mood. Sports Activity Vehicles are a vehicle segment created by BMW. Their combination of confident, sure-footed all-road traction and sporty but comfortable driving dynamics has made them a global success. The new BMW X5 once again raised the bar, incorporating refinements to the all-wheel-drive system and chassis technology. Using the standard Driving Dynamics Control switch on the center console, the drive settings can be matched to the requirements of the moment or to different driving situations. The COMFORT, SPORT, SPORT+ and ECO PRO modes, which can be selected at the press of a button, allow the driver to customize the accelerator response characteristics, the power steering characteristics, the characteristics of the automatic transmission and also Dynamic Damper Control, if equipped. On vehicles with the Dynamic Handling Package, the characteristics of the active roll stabilisation system and the Dynamic Performance Control can also be tailored. The suspension packages available for the new BMW X5 cater to individual requirements in terms of comfortable or sporty driving styles. With the Dynamic Damper Control + automatic rear self-leveling suspension option, electronic control logic adapts the damping characteristics to changing road conditions and driving situations. Two different damping modes can be selected using the Driving Dynamics Control switch. The same functionality is also provided by the Adaptive M suspension, available as part of M Sport. In this version, SPORT or SPORT+ modes offer extra-firm suspension and damping characteristics. Finally, the Dynamic Handling Package maximizes both comfort and dynamics. This option combines the components of Dynamic Damper Control, automatic rear self-leveling suspension, Dynamic Performance Control, and Active Roll Stabilization. The new BMW X5 features standard Electric Power Steering. Active Steering is available as an option. In addition to varying the power assist, Active Steering also adjusts the steering input required to turn the wheels in relation to vehicle speed. This reduces the steering effort required when parking and provides precise response and feedback at high speed. The electromechanical parking brake with Auto Hold function is once again standard on the new BMW X5. The powerful braking system offers stable and consistent braking performance even under heavy braking, assisted by Dynamic Stability Control (DSC). Among other functions, the DSC system includes the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC), Dynamic Brake Control (DBC) and the Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X). Other functions include Brake Assist, the Brake Standby feature, Start-Off Assistant, Fade Compensation, the Brake Drying function, trailer stability control and Hill Descent Control (HDC). BMW xDrive in the new BMW X5: intelligent all-wheel drive, with optional Dynamic Performance Control. All models of the new BMW X5, except the X5 sDrive35i, are equipped with xDrive full-time intelligent all-wheel drive, which actively manages the drive power split between the front and rear wheels at all times. The latest version of the xDrive power divider boasts optimized efficiency and a three pound (1.4 kg) reduction in weight. xDrive's control logic uses information about road speed, wheel speeds, steering angle and accelerator position to accurately interpret both the driver's intentions and what the vehicle is actually doing, and then apportions power front-to-rear in order to get as much power as possible to the road. BMW xDrive maximizes both traction and stability whatever the road and weather conditions, and also offers improved cornering dynamics by working to help counteract oversteer or understeer before the driver is even aware of the need. If xDrive is combined with Dynamic Performance Control, the drive power split can be even more finely controlled. The electronically controlled DPC is integrated into the rear differential. In combination with xDrive it takes handling dynamics and directional stability to new levels. Dynamic Performance Control, which is available as part of the optional Dynamic Handling Package, seamlessly varies the drive power split between the rear wheels (torque vectoring), with significant benefits in terms of steering response and road-holding at all speeds. The stabilizing action of Dynamic Performance Control remains in effect even when the driver lifts off the accelerator while cornering. All-wheel-drive models come with a new xDrive status display in the control display boasting 3D graphics. This feature shows real-time information about body roll and pitch. A compass display is also shown in the instrument cluster. More innovations to assist the driver and underpin services: the BMW ConnectedDrive range for the new BMW X5. A large range of BMW ConnectedDrive driver assistance systems and mobility services are available for the new BMW X5. They improve active safety, convenience and the infotainment experience and offer best-in-class standards of intelligent interaction between the driver, vehicle and external environment. Safety: Active Driving Assistant and Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go. The new Active Driving Assistant safety package includes Lane Departure Warning, which alerts drivers to an imminent unintended lane departure, and a pedestrian and collision warning system with braking function, which detects vehicles in front and, at speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h), also detects pedestrians who are on a potential collision course with the vehicle. If a hazard is detected, visual and audible warnings are given and the brake system is primed in order to reduce stopping distance. At speeds up to 37 mph (60 km/h), moderate "hazard" braking is applied to reduce vehicle speed and alert the driver to a critical situation. The ACC Stop & Go enhances comfort and safety in slow-moving and stop-and-go traffic. This system maintains a safe following distance at any speed up to 130 mph (210 km/h). A combination of a front camera and full-range radar sensors registers preceding traffic or stationary vehicles. If the driver fails to react to a warning of an imminent frontal collision, ACC Stop & Go + Active Driving Assistant automatically brakes the vehicle all the way to a standstill if necessary. A new function, the Traffic Jam Assistant, is due to be incorporated in this package from December 2013 production onward. At speeds up to 25 mph (40 km/h), this function not only controls following distance but also keeps the vehicle on track. The Traffic Jam Assistant keeps the vehicle in the center of its lane by providing active steering input. BMW Assist eCall, which is standard including a 10 year subscription, includes enhanced Automatic Collision Notification, with automatic vehicle location and BMW's groundbreaking Urgency Algorithm. The current generation of this system relays important information to the BMW Call Center in the event of a crash, such as vehicle position (accurate within feet), chassis number, vehicle model, vehicle color and data from the onboard sensors. The system also detects how many people are traveling in the vehicle, which airbags were activated and the intensity of the impact. Jointly developed with the William Lehman Injury Research Center in Miami, BMW's Urgency Algorithm synthesizes all the available crash data in order to provide first responders with a prediction of the likelihood of severe injury. Arming first responders with this information has the potential to save precious minutes in a critical situation. BMW ConnectedDrive technologies also enhance safety at night. Adaptive Xenon Headlights with turning lights are standard. Adaptive LED Headlights and the Automatic High Beams, which automatically dim the high beams in the face of oncoming traffic, are available. Night driving can be made even safer with the available by BMW Night Vision. This system now detects warns the driver not only about pedestrians but animals as well. The system relays a real-time video image to the control display which shows people, sizeable animals and other heat-radiating objects even if they are outside the headlight beam, and provides a warning if there is a collision risk. Comfort: innovative driver assistance systems and unique services. In the new BMW X5, the full-color BMW Head-Up Display, which projects important information onto the windshield, now includes even more additional information. When needed, telephone contact lists and entertainment programs can also be projected into the driver's direct field of view. Also new, and due to become available for the X5 by December 2013, is the latest generation of the BMW Parking Assistant. This helps the driver look for suitable parallel parking spaces and precisely maneuvers the vehicle into a parking space, not only by steering but also by operating the accelerator and brake pedal and selecting the appropriate gear. When the system has been activated at the press of a button, the new BMW X5 can park itself automatically in a selected parking space. Ease of maneuvering is enhanced by the Rear-View Camera, which is standard on the X5 xDrive50i, and the Surround View system, which now provides a 360-degree view of the vehicle and its surroundings on the control display. The Panorama View front and rear monitoring function, provides a better view of cross-traffic when merging from an exit with poor visibility. Other features which are available for the new BMW X5 include the Speed Limit Info system, which shows any speed limits or overtaking restrictions for a particular road in the instrument cluster. Also available, the optional Active Blind Spot Detection system assesses the traffic situation on multi-lane roads in order to prevent critical situations when pulling out to overtake. When performing an intentional lane change, the driver is warned by a visual signal and a steering wheel vibration if another vehicle is hidden in the driver's blind spot behind or alongside the BMW X5. The BMW Assist Convenience Plan offers Concierge Services which the BMW ConnectedDrive customer can use to make hotel reservations, search for addresses and telephone numbers or check opening times, to name just a few examples. The plan also includes critical calling, enabling the driver to get help placing a call if their cell phone is not accessible or functioning. It also includes a dictation function that converts spoken notes into text, which can then be forwarded as an SMS or email message. Advanced Real Time Traffic Information is standard, supplying drivers with precise real-time traffic information and congestion reports. Infotainment: connectivity for office, entertainment and social media applications. Based either on a comprehensively integrated smartphone or on a built-in SIM card, BMW ConnectedDrive offers access to a wide range of mobility services and web-based services for office, travel and infotainment applications. A hands-free system with USB port is standard on the new BMW X5. The BMW ConnectedDrive Office functions allow emails, appointments, contact lists, calendar entries and notes to be shown on the control display. BMW Apps is standard on the new X5. BMW Apps enables the driver to be more seamlessly connected than ever before using their Apple iPhone. Vehicle compatible apps like the BMW Connected App can be downloaded from the iTunes store, allowing customers to access Twitter and Facebook updates, listen to internet radio from around the world with Web Radio, and access their calendar all using the BMW iDrive controller and screen. The Last Mile feature helps users receive directions for walking from their BMW to their final destination and then finding their way back to their parked vehicle. Additionally, popular services like Pandora, MOG, Stitcher and Aupeo can be easily and safely streamed into and controlled by the BMW vehicle interface today. Other services like Audible, Glympse, Rhapsody and TuneIn will be integrated soon. The flexible design of BMW Apps allows unprecedented integration of smartphone functions, taking the in-car integration of iPhone, entertainment and online functions to a whole new level. BMW Apps adopts the familiar BMW display and controls to ensure that all functions can be operated comfortably, simply, safely and intuitively while minimizing driver distraction. Extensive standard specification and high-end optional equipment for more driving enjoyment. The exclusive driving experience in the new BMW X5 is reflected not only in the luxurious interior but also in the extensive standard specification and wide range of high-end optional extras. For the US market, the standard equipment list for all models now includes BMW Assist eCall with 10 year subscription, BMW Navigation with Advanced Real-time Traffic, BMW Apps, Mobile Office, Heated Seats, Park Distance Control, power tailgate, LED fog lights, auto dimming mirrors, storage compartment package and panoramic moonroof. Additional standard features include a two-zone automatic climate control system, Bluetooth hands-free system, automatically dimming rear-view mirror and Dynamic Cruise Control with braking function. The X5 xDrive50i also features Rear View Camera and multi-contour seats as standard equipment. In addition to the standard hi-fi sound system, audiofiles can choose either the optional Harman Kardon Surround Sound System or the Bang & Olufsen High End Surround Sound System. The B&O system features a 1,200-watt amplifier and 16 speakers. A newly developed rear-seat entertainment system with DVD drive and two tablet-style monitors is also available. Additional available features include a sports leather steering wheel, heated steering wheel, four-zone automatic climate control, doors with Automatic Soft Close function, Comfort Access and aluminum running boards. The all-new 3rd-generation BMW X5 will arrive in US showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year as the TwinPower Turbo inline six X5 sDrive35i and X5 xDrive35i as well as the TwinPower Turbo V8 X5 xDrive50i. The BMW Advanced Diesel X5 xDrive35d will follow in early 2014. Information, images and video are available at www.bmwusanews.com.

It is official, Quaife has a limited slip differential upgrade available for the C207 Mercedes-Benz E550 models. With the torque the M278 twin turbo V8 generates a limited slip differential becomes necessary to maintain traction and definitely will improve putting the power down in corners especially as well as the straightline or low traction conditions (rain, snow). The diff is a direct replacement for the factory open differential. It will not interfere with the electronics or cause any malfunction lights. The differential will also eliminate a degree of torque steer from the factory open diff. Quite simply, it's a great upgrade for the rear wheel drive E550 coupes. The diff comes with a lifetime warranty and will be available in July. Great of Quaife to take care of a definite need for C207 E550 owners.

The video below of a 741 horsepower Audi RS3 in action shows absolutely bonkers acceleration all the way up to a very impressive 234 mile per hour top speed. That begs the question though of if the video is legitimate or staged. There are multiple camera angles showing the driver as well as the speedometer and tachometer but there is no external view. Due to the lack of a view showing the car actually doing the run some people are questioning the legitimacy. The AudiBoost take is that the video is legitimate as one can see the outside through the drivers side window. The scenery sure moves by in a hurry and it looks like this guy is doing this in freezing conditions as well (due to the snow shown as well as temperature readout) making for quite a ballsy run. Hopefully more media is posted about this car as it simply flies.

The new F10 M5 has a very weak exhaust note from the factory. The car just does not have that M motor exhaust punch one would expect. It is actually so bad BMW has to fake the engine sound over the internal speaker system. Fortunately F10 M5 owners aFe Power has you covered so your M5 no longer has to fake having some real growl. There are photos and a sound clip below of the full system on an F10 M5 at Bimmerfest and this is the best sounding exhaust I have heard either online or in person for the S63 V8 motor. aFe also had its intake on display for the F10 M5 which is coming along with the exhaust system. No power gains or claims yet, this is somewhat of an early teaser aFe allowed BimmerBoost to leak out. What was learned though was that the exhaust system will have two different styles of tips available and will be straight pipe from the downpipes back (which are also in the works) and the system does not give a CEL. Expect very reasonable pricing in the $4XXX range which compares incredibly well to systems on the market such as RDSport which is priced at an absurd $8,028. No pricing information on the intake yet but expect details to come soon when it is officially released. Pictures and sound clip below.

Very impressive results here and nice to see some big numbers from supercharged S62 V8's. This car here is using the RMS supercharger kit which obviously features a supercharger (Vortech YSI) and RMS associated hardware including what is one of the most beautiful plenums in the BMW aftermarket. This E39 M5 features a built motor S62 V8 with low compression pistons and forged internals which can handle more boost from the YSI allowing for an impressive 669 wheel horsepower. Buckhead Imports did not mention what fuel they used although at 22 psi of boost for this run one would assume 100+ octane race gas. It will be interesting to see if they spin the YSI anymore than they are but these are some great results and it is nice to see more built motor supercharged S62 V8's. Great work by Buckhead Imports and a solid system from RMS: