BMWFanatics

BRUTE FORCE GETS A NEW FACE

When the refreshed 2023 G05/6 BMW X5 and X6 were revealed in early Feb this year, we had a suspicion that the X5M and X6M variants would follow suit. No longer waiting months for the Ms to break cover! Production is set to begin in April 2023 and a proper debut is set for the Concours d'Elegance.

The M Competition variants of the X5 and X6 continue to use the 4.4lt twin-turbo V8 but gain a 48v mild-hybrid system. A crankshaft-mounted electric motor, making 9 kW and 199 Nm integrates into the 8-speed auto transmission. We expected a bump in power owing to this, however; the refreshed models have the same total output as the pre-LCI by producing 460 kW of power and 750 Nm of torque. Thus, the extra "bump" would be received only when called upon.



The V8 engine was reworked with new components: cross-bank exhaust manifold, reinforced crankshaft drive, an electrically controlled blow-off valve for the turbos, a revised air intake duct, and a vane-type oil pump. An M Sport exhaust comes standard and has updated catalytic converters that reduce emissions. BMW also updated the transmission: shorter gear ratios for the first three cogs and a new cast-aluminium oil sump has cooling fins and increased fluid capacity.

BMW claims the hybrid assistance provides better performance when accelerating off the line and also improves fuel efficiency, but the brand isn't announcing specific mpg figures just yet.



The biggest changes to the new X5M & X6M however are from an aesthetic perspective. Their front ends now feature BMW's new open, blacked-out kidney grilles with horizontal slats. Larger, gaping air ducts, that would no doubt aid cooling. They also feature new, slimmer headlights with chevron-shaped DRLs. At the rear, all remains the same except for updated taillights. New exterior colors include Isle of Man Green metallic and Frozen Pure Grey metallic.

No pricing yet for the S.A market but as the current pre-LCI X5M and X6M Competitions stand at R2.9m and R3.0m respectively, we can expect a significant bump of about 10% on both models (roughly based on the UK market bump).

So.... if you're in the market for a large SAV, would you be sticking with the new X5M and X6M Comps? or looking elsewhere? .....💬💬

[SOURCE: BMW M]

BMW M's MOST POWERFUL COMPACT SEDAN

Thanks to the wonders of the interwebs, we're treated to a sneak peak of the all-new G80 M3 CS. Leaked ahead of its official debut, which will take place next week at the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Info is still quite scarce for this new addition to the G8x line up. But, using our keen sense of deduction and the leaked images provided, we can agree on a few points.

Seen here in Signal Green, BMW M has decided to blend some of the elements of the hardcore M4 CSL with its more "family-oriented" sibling.
The front end is a copy-paste of the M4 CSL's fascia with the updated grills, lower lip and twin vented hood. Also not forgetting the yellow DRLs (which seem to be making quite the comeback, I thought we were done with these in the 00's and 10's🙃).

As we move to the side, stance pretty much remains as the same as the M3 Competition. With just the addition of the ultra-lightweight wheel package lifted from the M4 CSL as well.

The least has been done to the rear of the car, as you simply wouldn't be able to tell the difference between this and any other G80 on the road - if you haven't read the badge that is. The only changes to report are... the addition of the CS letters to the badge...
BMW M has chosen not to give the M3 CS, the M4 CSL's ducktail-shaped boot. As this remains a CSL-only design (rightfully so). I did however expect an LCI1 facelift / updated set of taillights. As heading into 2023, the design itself will already be 4 years old and atleast time for its LCI.

From an interior perspective, the ultra-lightweight carbon fibre bucket seats, Alcantara trimmed steering wheel and middle rest bearing the CS badge have also been added to the cockpit. The rear seats remain as is but usure if the switch will be made to 2 bucket seats - a la M5 CS.

Rumoured to have the same power as the M4 CSL, the M3 CS will be packing 543hp. But still retains the M-XDrive system from the M3 Competition and 8 Speed Sports-Auto, which would make it blisteringly quick at the lights!
Other rumours are that BMW M will also shave the same amount of weight off this as the M4 CSL - 100kg. I really don't see this happening while still retaining the M-XDrive system and seat config of the M3, so we'll just have to wait and see.

No talk of pricing whatsoever yet but it's assumed the M3 CS won't be as expensive as the M4 CSL and should sit firmly between the G8x M Competition and the M4 CSL.

So, what are your thoughts?? Will this be a success for the G8x lineup? OR, a sales disaster like its F8x counterpart? Which was (quite frankly) the least desirable of its gen on launch, due the hefty price tag and minimal improvements...💬💬

[SOURCE PICS: DRIVEAU]

BMW M's NEW FLAGSHIP

BMW M's rise to fame in the production car market can be attributed to a few key principles:

Take your Dad's stock cooking saloon...
- Drop in a more powerful (and sometimes lighter) engine.
- Get the handling dynamics in check by fiddling with suspension and chassis configs, so you can rip through the twisties at full chat.
- Throw on a beautifully designed body kit - that's also functional, to set it apart from its stock sibling.
- Insert ///M badges on every nook & cranny, so that you'll know without doubt that you're driving an ///M (this also increased Hp exponentially, who woulda thought!)
Add all of these up (minus my exaggeration, LOL) and you've got yourself a daily Sport's Saloon that would embarrass the "Supercars" of its day.

Fast forward MANY years and BMW's performance division seems to be headed in a totally different direction.
Introducing the BMW (G09) XM - BMW's first bespoke M car since the M1. Which for the most part, is neither of the above... But, is this a bad thing?
The short answer is NO.

The XM isn't based off any pre-existing BMW model and was designed solely to be an M car. However, it still utilizes a modified version of the CLAR platform - because, why mess with perfection? Debuted in 2011, the CLAR platform was modified over the years to house a possible 48v mild-hybrid config, PHEV config or fully electric drivetrain. The PHEV config was chosen for the XM, utilizing the all-new S68 4.4lt V8 Twin-Power Turbo engine, mated to an electric motor which is integrated into the 8-speed Sports Auto transmission. Making it BMW's first hybrid M car! An exciting development for the future as the XM will act as a production "test mule" for electrified M cars to come, like the 2024 M5.





From a performance perspective, the XM is undoubtedly BMW's most powerful production car, boasting 644 Hp and 800 Nm of torque. Not to be outdone though... BMW will also release a special edition: XM "Label Red", that'll push these figures out of bounds, to a whopping 738 Hp and 1000 Nm of torque! Impressive figures to say the least. But much needed, if you're going move a 2.8-ton building around...🤭





The interior is nothing short of spectacular, using some the most high-quality materials on offer, you'll never say this interior is "boring" like BMWs of old. Employing yet another first for BMW, as it separates the front and rear cabin, using different design language for each.
The Front passengers are treated to a traditional BMW cabin, with the new iDrive 8 infotainment system, comfy sport seats and a vintage leather-wrapped dash.
While the rear cabin features stylish and luxurious M "lounge" seats in Merino Leather, along with a 3D prizm-shaped hoodlining & ambient lighting to finish.




For the exterior, BMW went for a more angular design, as opposed to their other SUVs. The large kidney grills illuminate with "Iconic Glow", flanked by split headlights, like that of the X7 and 7er. BMW logos are engraved into each corner of the upper section of the rear window, and the aggressive-looking taillights wrap around the sides. Stacked quad exhaust tips and integrated diffuser give the rear bumper a race-esque look. 23" wheels are standard on the XM but an optional 22" wheel package is also available - for the first time, the option wheel is a smaller diameter😅.

Swipe through the gallery to view more of this beast! And try the XM - DESIGN YOURS configurator to see what you can come up with... just be prepared to spend upwards of R3.5m on one!😜

[SOURCE: BMW M]

PURE AGGRESSION

Adro Inc. or Aerodynamic Development Race Optimization, is a design house out in California that manufactures high quality aerodynamic body kits.

Fairly new to the game, they're backed by a powerful design team with over 30 years of combined experience in aerodynamics and carbon tuning. Working mostly on OEMs prior to Adro, 2 members of the team are responsible for many concept cars from Hyundai, Mercedes & Mercedes-Maybach, just to name a few.

The founders share a passion for the quality, aesthetics and performance of race cars. This filters through to their designs, which are stylish and flow cohesively with each vehicle’s original design DNA. Servicing mostly KDMs and JDMs with their aftermarket body kit offerings, Adro has expanded this to USDM and GDM as well - specifically the F8x platform. They've since continued this with the G8x platform.

The kit comprises all-new design aerodynamic components:
- Replacement front bumper
- Front bumper lip
- Side skirts
- Rear diffuser
- Swan Neck boot wing

The kit is set to debut at SEMA and is available at a discounted rate over the retail price for a limited time only. Adro have also collaborated with Brixton Forged for the custom setup on debut, sporting a set of 20" CM5-RS Ultrasport+ Forged wheels. This rounds off the complete package perfectly, IMO! 👌

Let's hear your thoughts on yet another take to redesigning the controversial G8x front end... Have they improved or gone backward?? 💬💬

Unofficially named the G87 M2 (likely though), the all-new 2023 M2 was slated to debut a mere 3 weeks from now.

It has however leaked ahead of this debut, in a rather peculiar colour to match. Seen here in Zandvoort Blue, the all-new M2 features styling similar to it 2 series counterpart. (Not sure if this is a good thing or not yet... but) Unlike its more aggressive looking siblings, the M3 & M4, it retains the same headlights and grills are shaped in the same fashion as the stock cooking 2er.
It does however gain a more aggressive racing style front bumper with square ducting. These styling queues continue at the rear, with the addition of quad exhaust pipes and a very subtle boot spoiler. Finished off with ///M mirrors, lifted from the M3/4, a carbon fibre roof (only offered on the CS previously) and widened fenders all round, to give it the typical ///M stance.

All reports have suggested the G87 M2 will be powered by a detuned version of the S58, packing atleast 450-460Hp. This should still be plenty and a dream in the twisties!

This base model will surely be followed by an M2 Competition, and maybe M2 CS/CSL. We'd ofcourse like to see a CSL though, esp with that old school wing🤪🤪...

We're expecting the official debut to happen on October 11th, so keep an eye out for this! In the mean while, let us know your thoughts in the comments... 💬💬




Render by kolesa.ru, which was actually not too far off at all!


[SOURCE IMAGES: IG: @wilcoblok]

UNLEASHING THE BEAST

For those who've been living on the moon and aren't aware, the CSL moniker is back and more striking than ever!

The all-new M4 CSL was unveiled back in May of this year, with a limited production of just 1000 units worldwide. The CSL boasts many improvements over its sibling, the M4 Competition, all of these forming part of a complete package. Thus, options on these special models are quite limited - reduced further on the CSL to just: paint colours and seats options.
Of the myriad of colour options in BMW's palette, it was announced that the CSL is only to be offered in 3 colours (as opposed to the previous gen's 2):
Frozen Brooklyn Grey Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic and Alpine White III.

Fast forward to July and BMW has already begun delivering production models to customers. This particular customer M4 CSL is seen in Black Sapphire Metallic, surely the best colour option of the 3... (completely unbiased opinion ofcourse). Also featuring the 1pc carbon fibre seat option!

Rumours are that 15 of these special editions are headed to our shores - 5 in each colour. Quite looking forward to seeing these beasts on the road and track very soon!!👌

[SOURCE PICS: @shotbyardi & @mb.gt3csl]

3D DESIGN WORKS THEIR MAGIC ON AN M LITE

Most are already familiar with 3D Design, but if you're not, the Japanese tuning company offers up some of the most high quality and comprehensive exterior, interior & overall performance tuning kits in the BMW sphere (which now includes Mini & the A90 Supra as well).

The M Lite chosen for their treatment is the M440i Gran Coupe. A great looking car, if you can see past the stock front fascia. On to some of the most beautiful lines - that simply put, can only be found on a GC.
These updates, however miniscule they may seem, all come together to make the stock M440i look a lot more striking!

The kit consists of:
A 3pc front lip, which visually lowers the front end and gives it more aggressiveness, blacked-out front grills, all new side skirts and fender gills. And for the rear, a combination of a more aggressive diffuser, boot spoiler and quad exhaust make it far sportier than before!
The interior also gets some minor changes in the form of aluminum foot pedals and updated carbon fibre paddle shifters.
Lastly, 3D Design finishes off the aesthetics with a beautiful set of 20" forged wheels, which in my opinion, ooze form + function.

On the performance side of things:
3D Design has gone for a more minimalist approach - A lowering kit to get the stance in check, their own full-length exhaust system with quad carbon fibre tips. And finally, a mild tune which bumps the power up to 437 horses - almost 55hp more, over stock.

I'll be the first to admit when the new 4er was released, it didn't strike me as "beautiful". Till now, I kinda think its more angry, than pretty.
But I have to say, after seeing the changes this 3D Design kit has made to the overall look of the 4er, its a winner in my book!

THE FIRST-EVER BMW M3 TOURING IS HERE​

Dubbed the G81, the first-ever BMW M3 Touring represents the Fourth body variant in BMW M's line-up of high-performance models in the premium midsize class.
As BMW M GmbH puts it, "The M3 Touring combines authentic motor sport feeling with a very distinct character and a broader spread of practical qualities."
With definite emphasis on "practicality" as this will go down as one of the most practical performance models in the midsize class, ever.

The BMW M3 Touring will be produced alongside the BMW M3 Sedan at BMW Group Plant Munich. And thus shares all the same powertrain technology with it's sibling.
No changes on this front (besides, why mess with a winning recipe?) the M3 Touring packs the 375 kW/510 hp version of the in-line 6 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, coupled with the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission. Power is delivered to all 4 wheels via the M xDrive AWD system. The latest addition is therefore available exclusively in the Competition spec with M xDrive.

The most notable changes in the cabin over the M3 sedan (apart from the extra boot space, ofcourse) is in the cockpit area, as the new M3 Touring is equipped with BMW's iDrive 8.0 infotainment system including all-new BMW Curved Display.
And like the M3 Sedan, the M3 Touring can also be equipped with the beautiful (but optional) Carbon M bucket seats.

While we'd think it appeals to a very niche market, I believe the the M3 Touring may tip the scales in the argument of: SUV vs Compact Sedan.
You'd basically have access to the best of both worlds - Compact M-typical Performance & Drivability coupled with Everyday Usability+++
Meaning: Take the kids to school and straight to the track thereafter, with enough space in the boot for all your cumbersome luggage and a mother in-law or 2...
Seems like a no-brainer to me... 💬💬














[SOURCE: BMW M]

THE CSL NAME MAKES IT'S RETURN

If most of you are following our social media (shameless plug, IG: @bmwfanaticsza), you probably would have seen the leaked images we posted yesterday.

However, let me introduce to you (officially), the all-new BMW M4 CSL!!!🙌 A racecar, for the road...

The Bavarians have gone through the G82, top to bottom, to give us a track-focused special edition, which can also be used as a daily driver - should you be willing to forego a few of your creature comforts. In this day and age, I agree, there aren't many this car would appeal to, especially with it's hefty price tag...
But (and there's always a but) I can assure you, this new CSL is more than just a ///Marketing tool!

Still powered by the S58 lump, BMW's M division has tweaked the boost on the M4 CSL's turbos to produce a whopping 30.5 PSI, at peak. This, coupled with a new cooling system, translates to 543hp - an increase of 40hp over the M4 Competition.
All power is sent to the rear wheels by an 8-speed automatic transmission and existing driveline from the Competition, with a tweaked M differential. The M4 CSL will unfortunately NOT be offered with a manual transmission (BOOOOOOOO!!!!).

The CSL was also put on a diet, shaving an immense 108kg off the Competition spec. By way of: removing the rear seats, replacing the driver & front passenger seats with 1pc Fixed Carbon Fibre seats (optional BTW), lightweight sound deadening & carpets. Newly designed CFRP centre console, CFRP front grilles, Carbon Fibre vented hood, Carbon Fibre Ducktail bootlid, lightweight forged wheels, and lastly, a titanium race exhaust.
It's also worth mentioning that BMW has ditched their standard roundels in favour of the OG Motorsport roundels (as seen first on the KITH Editions), for their 50th year Heritage. And updated the taillights to beautifully designed Laser units.

The chassis and suspension was also fettled with by BMW M. As it now sits 10mm lower than the Competition, with CSL-optimized springs, further adaptive damping software and new stabilizer-bar tuning.

All this translates to the M4 CSL running a (current) best of 7:20(15.677) at the Nordschleife - the fastest ever BMW to lap The Green Hell...

The M4 CSL will be limited to 1000 units worldwide, with rumours of 15 of these headed to our shores. We expect the price tag to be in excess of R3m.

So what do you think of the new M4 CSL. A modern take on a legend? OR, just another "Edition" in the line-up?....💬💬



LOOOOOOOOOOOVE THIS SHOT!!!



















[SOURCE: BMW & CarAndDriver]

CLASSY, TWEAKED STYLING

The 7th-gen 3 series has finally undergone its Life Cycle Impulse (LCI). Seen here in M Sport guise, with some subtle, yet classy updates. When the pre-LCI was revealed, the opinion was quite unanimous that this is probably one of the most beautiful 3 series models produced and a fitting replacement for the F30.

BMW has kept it this way and resisted throwing on a set of extra large grilles and tiny headlights, like the X7 LCI and new 7er. THANK YOU BMW!!!
The exterior styling is more G30 LCI-esque, with updated front & rear bumpers, employing a more angular design. And updated headlights with larger, flipped DRLs - a baby G30 if you will. No taillight update yet though.

The interior also received some subtle AND not so subtle updates... owing to the largest iDrive Screen ever fitted to a 3 series. Which combines the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and 14.9-inch touchscreen, into one very large curved display. The dashboard had to be altered to accommodate this, with slimmer air vents and reduced amount of buttons. As the new 3 Series now runs BMW's latest iDrive 8 infotainment system, making most of these buttons part of the touch-screen controls. The gear shifter has also been replaced by a toggle switch / selector.

The engine line-up remains unchanged. The 320i & 330i are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-lt inline 4, while the 330e pairs that motor with a plug-in-hybrid system. For 2022 the M340i gained a 48-volt mild-hybrid system paired with its turbo inline 6, carrying over as well. Every model is available with an optional xDrive (market dependent), and each uses an eight-speed automatic.

No pricing has been received for the South African market yet, but you can expect it to be as eye-watering as the current line-up is.

In my opinion, these are some suitably beautiful updates, to an icon in BMW's line-up and will change the perspective that BMW's design team have "gone too far" (for the 3 series anyways...).
Let us know your thoughts on the new 3er in the comments... 💬💬










[SOURCE: CNET]