Sunday, September 15, 2024

Lotus Teases Its New Electric Sports Car

The so-called Theory 1 debuts later this week.

Which Stellantis Brands Have the Highest Potential?

Carlos Tavares has given each brand a of them a ten-year period to determine their viability. Will they all survive?

BMW M Hybrid V8 Achieves First Overall Podium in FIA WEC


Huge cheers in Fuji! BMW M Team WRT celebrates first podium for the BMW M Hybrid V8 in FIA WEC.

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September 15, 2024

Fuji. Sensational Sunday for BMW M Team WRT in Fuji (JPN)! In the seventh and penultimate race of the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) season, the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 achieved the first overall podium for BMW M Motorsport in the history of the World Endurance Championship. Raffaele Marciello (SUI), Dries Vanthoor (BEL), and Marco Wittmann (GER) first celebrated second place together on the podium and then with the entire team, which did a perfect job over the weekend. There was also a champagne shower in the LMGT3 class. Ahmad Al Harthy (OMA), Maxime Martin (BEL), and Valentino Rossi (ITA) topped off a spectacular comeback from twelfth on the grid to third place on the podium.

The BMW M Hybrid V8 impressed at the foot of Mount Fuji in the practice sessions and achieved the best time of the day on Friday. In qualifying, Vanthoor then secured the best start position for the hypercar to date with third place in car #15. In the race, Wittmann improved to second place at the start, which he and his fellow drivers managed to hold onto until the finish with a flawless performance. The previously best season result for the #20 BMW M Hybrid V8 was sixth place at Imola (ITA). This time, Robin Frijns (NED), René Rast (GER), and Sheldon van der Linde (RSA) were not lucky. As early as the second lap, Rast had to avoid an accident in turn one and was hit by debris, which damaged the front so severely that it had to be changed. That cost two laps and any chance of a top result, although the pace of car #20 was very good.

In the LMGT3 class, both BMW M4 GT3s managed spectacular comebacks after disappointing qualifying sessions from twelfth and sixteenth on the grid. At times, both vehicles were on course for the podium. Ultimately, the crew of car #46 celebrated third place, while in the #31 BMW M4 GT3, Augusto Farfus (BRA), Sean Gelael (INA), and Darren Leung (GBR) finished tenth after an unprovoked collision and decreasing pace towards the end of the race.

Comments after the 6 Hours of Fuji:

Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “A mega weekend for us at Fuji! First podium for BMW M Team WRT and the BMW M Hybrid V8 in our debut season in FIA WEC – simply fantastic. Congratulations to the crew of car #15 and the drivers Raffaele Marciello, Dries Vanthoor, and Marco Wittmann! After already having the pace to compete at the front at COTA, the BMW M Hybrid V8 here at Fuji has shown from the first lap that it is capable of a top result. That we could secure second place and thus the podium this time makes me incredibly happy for everyone who has invested a lot of work into this project. I would like to thank them very much. Unfortunately, car #20 was very unlucky here and had no chance of a good result after the early incident. On the LMGT3 side of the garage, we experienced a fantastic race. After qualifying did not go optimally, both cars had great races and made up many positions. Congratulations to Ahmad Al Harthy, Maxime Martin, and Valentino Rossi on the podium! Unfortunately, car #31 fell back due to an unprovoked collision while in a good position.”

Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “Finally! We have finally arrived where we want to be. With the #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, we were fully engaged all weekend. Its an incredible feeling. Everyone did an exceptional job. I am overjoyed for the team, which has been giving their all for this project for a year and a half. Now we have reaped the deserved reward. The result gives everyone a boost. Unfortunately, car #20 had an unavoidable contact. Otherwise, both cars would have been on the same pace. In the LMGT3 class, we didnt have the fastest car, but we were able to work a bit of magic in terms of strategy. The drivers and the team gave an excellent performance, and now to stand on the podium, we didnt dare to dream of that at the beginning of the weekend.”

Raffaele Marciello (BMW M Team WRT, #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, 2nd place): “Its great for the project and everyone at BMW M Motorsport to have secured the first Hypercar podium in WEC, especially for Vincent Vosse and Andreas Roos, who pushed so hard. Weve seen progress throughout the season. After Austin, we thought this track might not be the best for us, but the improvements we made paid off. Its a big boost for us drivers and the team. Its not just about the podium – its about being able to compete at the front and perform well. Thats a great feeling.”

Dries Vanthoor (BMW M Team WRT, #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, 2nd place): “An incredible race. The first podium for BMW M Motorsport in FIA WEC is a fantastic achievement. This is a very special moment for everyone who has worked so hard on this project. Considering where we started this season, and now seeing where we stand, its huge progress. Second place is great, but were not quite where we want to be yet – thats a victory.”

Marco Wittmann (BMW M Team WRT, #15 BMW M Hybrid V8, 2nd place): “Its a great feeling for us drivers, for the entire team, and for BMW M Motorsport. That we have now achieved our first WEC podium with this project is fantastic. We gave strong performance throughout the weekend – in practice as well as in qualifying – and had a good pace in the race. We drove flawlessly and had a successful start. Looking at where we started and the progress weve made, we can really be proud. The first podium feels incredibly good, and the entire team has done a fantastic job. Im super happy. Now we want to achieve a similarly strong result in Bahrain to conclude the season.”

René Rast (BMW M Team WRT, #20 BMW M Hybrid V8, DNF): “There was an incident in turn 1 in lap two. I tried to avoid it and went straight on. At some point, parts flew onto my car – I think even a rear wing from a Porsche – and that tore off the flicks at the front. Something also broke under the car. As a result, we lost time because we had to change the nose which took two laps. That practically ended the race for us. Nevertheless, the second place for the project, Team WRT, and BMW M Motorsport is a huge success. The pace was there in both cars. Im absolutely thrilled for everyone, especially for Vincent Vosse and Andreas Roos, and for all those working in the background who have invested so much time over the past months. It feels really good.“

Valentino Rossi (Team WRT, #46 BMW M4 GT3, 3rd place): “We are so happy! It feels very good after our DNF in Austin two weeks ago. This race was hard but Ahmad, Maxime and I did a fantastic job in our stints and our team made once again the perfect strategy and the perfect pitstops. It is our second podium this season and we are very happy!”

Augusto Farfus (Team WRT, #31 BMW M4 GT3, 10th place): “Difficult race for us. We lost pace and we will investigate what happened exactly. We could not fight for a better result and unfortunately the championship is gone. Let’s now fight for the vice-championship title!”

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Saturday, September 14, 2024

Thursday, September 12, 2024

2025 Volkswagen Taos: This Is It

Exterior design changes come with tech updates and more power under the hood.

Hyundai and GM Could Develop and Build Cars Together

The two have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore combustion cars, EVs, and more.

Stellantis Dealers Blame CEO for the 'Disaster'

The US Stellantis National Dealer Council thinks the American brands are facing "rapid degradation."

The BMW M5 Touring's Carbon Upgrades Give the Illusion of Lightness

M Performance Parts tailored to the super wagon make the ultimate family car stand out even further.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024

2025 Bentley Flying Spur: This Is It

With a new hybrid V-8, it’s the most powerful sedan Bentley has ever built.

X5 M Performance Brakes Upgrade


The upgrade features front 4-piston and rear single-piston red calipers, paired with 395mm front and 398mm rear semi-floating brake discs.
Beyond the performance benefits, the M Performance braking system has been designed and manufactured by BMW specifically for their vehicles.
This means the components are a direct fit, ensuring seamless integration and compliance with local vehicle inspection standards.

Remember to drop by my iCARMIX website for more info:
https://icarmix.com/?s=g05&post_type=product

This Volkswagen Car Seat Looks Like It Has a Jacket

Pull the zipper and there's a different upholstery underneath.

Italy Says the EU's Combustion Engine Ban Is 'Absurd'

Government officials believe there's a real risk the European car industry could collapse.

Monday, September 9, 2024

World’s BIGGEST BMW 1M Meeting


Misha shares the video of the biggest BMW 1M meeting at the Nürburgring.

Ram Just Recalled 1.2 Million Pickup Trucks

The recall affects half-ton trucks back to 2019 for problems with the stability control system.

USA! USA!: Watch Romain Dumas Rip a Ford Galaxie Around Goodwood

At the Goodwood Revival, Minis, Alfas, and Jaguars have few answers for the muscle of a big-block Ford.

Sunday, September 8, 2024

It's Amazing Just How Far All-Terrain Tires Have Come

When comparing the new BFGoodrich T/A KO3 tires to the revamped Falken Wildpeak A/T3W off-roads, it's clear both are very versatile.

Happy 50th Birthday, Lamborghini Countach

Even after all this time, it still looks like a car from the future.

The Original Ford Mustang Indy Pace Car Had a GT40 Race Engine

It wasn't fast enough to pace the field with the stock V-8, so it got a major bump in power.

Tuned BMW XM Label Red v M4 CSL: DRAG RACE


Interesting video. Tunes always make it difficult to judge a cars performance but still pretty cool

Saturday, September 7, 2024

Up Close With Senna's Monaco-Winning McLaren

Just south of Seattle, a former crown jewel of McLaren's historic collection finds a new home. Check out this car's fascinating history.

Trying To Revive a Crashed V-10 BMW M5 Seems Like an Absolute Nightmare

This rare six-speed manual BMW M5 was just begging to be saved. But hidden engine damage makes things way harder.

Introducing the BMW M5 G90 MotoGP Safety Car


Since 1999, BMW M has provided the fleet of high-performance safety cars for motorcycle racing’s premier class as the “Official Car of MotoGP™.” The latest highlight in this fleet, the BMW M5 MotoGP™ Safety Car, will debut this weekend.

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Milan. Since 1999, BMW M has provided the fleet of high-performance safety cars for motorcycle racing’s premier class as the “Official Car of MotoGP™.” The latest highlight in this fleet, the BMW M5 MotoGP™ Safety Car, will debut this weekend. It was unveiled on Thursday evening during a special customer event for the introduction of the new BMW M5 model range at the House of BMW in Milan, Italy, by Sylvia Neubauer, Vice President of Customer, Brand, and Sales at BMW M GmbH together with Massimiliano Di Silvestre, CEO of BMW Italia, that hosted the event. With this innovative lead car, BMW M GmbH continues to rely on cutting-edge hybrid technology, as it did with the BMW XM Label Red Safety Car. The BMW M5 Safety Car will make its racetrack debut on Saturday at the Grand Prix in Misano.

“We are in the midst of our 26th season of BMW M as the ‘Official Car of MotoGP.’ We are proud of our long-standing partnership with MotoGP rights holder Dorna Sports, and we have always aimed to ensure safety with the most innovative high-performance automobiles when the world’s best motorcycle racers take to the track. We are continuing this tradition with the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car,” said Sylvia Neubauer at the unveiling.

The new safety car is based on the BMW M5 (energy consumption, weighted, combined: 1,7 – 1,6 l/100 km [166.2 – 176.6 mpg imp] and 25,5 – 25,0 kWh/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions, weighted, combined: 39 – 37 g/km according to WLTP; fuel consumption with discharged battery: 10,3 – 10,2 l/100 km [27.4 – 27.7 mpg imp] according to WLTP; CO2 classes: weighted, combined B, with discharged battery G), which had its world premiere in July at the Goodwood Festival of Speed and will be launched globally in November. This top-class model with electrified drive is perfectly suited for use as a safety car. Under the bonnet, a model-specific version of the M HYBRID system combines a high-revving V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor to deliver a maximum output of 535 kW/727 hp. This M Power is transmitted to the road via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and M xDrive all-wheel drive. Numerous other M technologies ensure perfect driving dynamics in all situations.

The production model already impresses with its exterior. The M-typical design for high-performance automobiles has been reinterpreted, with wide wheel arches and side skirts, a sculpted front apron, and model-specific surface design in the C-pillar area giving the BMW M5 an athletic appearance. The BMW M5 Safety Car for MotoGP™ also features a special graffiti-design livery.

“This special livery is derived from the design of our BMW M Hybrid V8 race cars, which BMW M Motorsport competes with in the FIA World Endurance Championship with races like the 24 Hours of Le Mans and in the IMSA series in North America,” explained Sylvia Neubauer at the presentation. “This perfectly embodies our commitment to hybrid technology. This connection between the BMW M Hybrid V8 and the BMW M5 is a perfect example of our BMW M philosophy: born on the race track, made for the street.”

As with all safety cars, BMW M GmbH has made specific modifications for racetrack use. Numerous BMW M Performance Parts have been installed, including carbon front attachments, an aramid rear diffuser, carbon side skirts, carbon-titanium tailpipe trims, and a carbon fuel filler cap.

Special features include the safety car roof bar, a front splitter, Recaro seats, 6-point racing harnesses, a fire extinguisher, and a fuel suction pump for overseas transport. On Saturday (7th September), the new BMW M5 MotoGP™ Safety Car will hit the track for the first time at the Gran Premio Red Bull di San Marino e della Riviera di Rimini at Misano.

Among the numerous guests at the presentation in Milan was Valentino Rossi. As a nine-time motorcycle world champion, he is well acquainted with BMW M’s involvement in MotoGP™, and after switching to four wheels, he has been celebrating successes as a BMW M works driver in the BMW M4 GT3 since the 2023 season.

For more information about BMW M GmbH, the involvement as the ‘Official Car of MotoGP™’ since 1999, and the new BMW M5, see: www.bmw-m.com

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Not Even the Mighty RS7 Can Keep Up With the Ioniq 5 N in a Drag Race

Audi's mighty Quattro all-wheel drive impresses against the EV performance car, but in a straight line, it's the Hyundai that wins.

Friday, September 6, 2024

Full Forged Wheels by Atomic Wheels


Hello All,

We are glad to start offering our Full Forged Wheels for the BMW community and we are starting from the G generation of M vehicles.

Here are [AWzz] for BMW G80 and G82.

Available in staggered setups:

19×9.5" +14mm (front)
20×10.5" +12mm (rear)

and

20×10.0" +14mm (front)
20×11.0" +14mm (rear)

Here are weights:

19×9.5" – 21.7 lbs
20×10.0" – 22.5 lbs
20×10.5" – 23.2 lbs
20×11.0" – 23.9 lbs

They are currently in manufacturing and will be shipped around the end of February. We have opened pre-ordering on our website and it costs $100/set.

If you decide not to proceed, simply let us know and we will cancel your order and refund the deposit without questions.

Please let us know if you have any questions.

We are located in Dallas, TX
Phone: 214.225.8585
Website: atomic-wheels.com
Email: info@atomic-wheels.com

Here's Your Chance to Own an Ultra-Rare Jaguar XJR-15 Race Car

Jaguar only built 16 examples of the V-12, manual-powered race cars.

45% Power Increase on G87 M2 w/ OPF Delete, Downpipe and Tune!


It still baffles us how capable the S58 and G8X platform is.

45% increase in power from stock with an OPF delete, Downpipe and a tune.

We took the AUTOID G87 M2 to Areeve performance to get a proper tune after seeking to squeeze out more than a tuning box offered.

Result: 710HP / 866NM

The 2025 Audi A3 Goes Quattro-Only, Adds Torque

The hot S3 gains 22 horsepower.

Thursday, September 5, 2024

BMW to Launch Production Hydrogen Vehicle in 2028


+++ BMW and Toyota jointly developing next generation of fuel cell technology +++ BMW to launch first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle in 2028 +++ Both companies are promoting hydrogen infrastructure development +++

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Munich. BMW plans to launch its first-ever series production fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in 2028, thereby offering customers an additional all-electric powertrain option with zero local emissions in a BMW. The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation are pooling their innovative strength and their technological capabilities to bring a new generation of fuel cell powertrain technology to the roads. Both companies share the aspiration of advancing the hydrogen economy and have extended their collaboration to push this locally zero-emission technology to the next level.

The BMW Group’s leading development expertise in electric drive technologies is once again demonstrated by its relentless efforts to advance hydrogen fuel cell technology and its embracing of a technology-openness approach in order to provide customers with a range of mobility solutions for the future.

“This is a milestone in automotive history: the first-ever series production fuel cell vehicle to be offered by a global premium manufacturer. Powered by hydrogen and driven by the spirit of our cooperation, it will underscore how technological progress is shaping future mobility,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG. “And it will herald an era of significant demand for fuel cell electric vehicles.”

Koji Sato, President and Member of the Board of Management (Representative Director) Toyota Motor Corporation, said, “We are pleased that the collaboration between BMW and Toyota has entered a new stage. In our long history of partnership, we have confirmed that BMW and Toyota share the same passion for cars and belief in ‘technology openness’ and a ‘multi-pathway’ approach to carbon neutrality. Based on these shared values, we will deepen our collaboration in efforts such as the joint development of next-generation fuel cell systems and the expansion of infrastructure, aiming for the realization of a hydrogen society. We will accelerate our efforts together with BMW and partners across various industries to realize a future where hydrogen energy supports society."

Shared powertrain technology utilized across individual models to offer attractive FCEV options.

The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation will jointly develop the powertrain system for passenger vehicles, with the core fuel cell technology (the individual third-generation fuel cells) creating synergies for both commercial and passenger vehicle applications. The result of this collaborative effort will be utilized in individual models from both BMW and Toyota and will expand the range of FCEV options available to customers, bringing the vision of hydrogen mobility one step closer to reality. Customers can expect the BMW and Toyota FCEV models to maintain their distinct brand identities and characteristics, providing them with individual FCEV options to choose from. Realizing synergies and amalgamating the total volume of powertrain units by collaborating on development and procurement promises to drive down the costs of fuel cell technology.

BMW will launch its first hydrogen-powered production model in 2028.

After successfully testing the BMW iX5 Hydrogen pilot fleet worldwide, the BMW Group is now preparing for series production of vehicles with hydrogen drive systems in 2028 on the basis of the jointly developed next-generation powertrain technology. The series production models will be integrated into BMW’s existing portfolio, i.e. BMW will offer an existing model in an additional hydrogen fuel cell drive system variant. As FCEV technology is another electric vehicle technology, the BMW Group explicitly views it as complementing the drive technology used by battery electric vehicles (BEV) and next to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and internal combustion engines (ICE).

A new level of partnership.

The BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation can look back on over a decade of trusting and successful collaboration. Building on this, the companies are now extending their cooperation to accelerate innovation of next-generation fuel cell powertrain systems and pioneer this new technology.

Shared vision of advancing the hydrogen economy.

The pathway to realizing the full potential of hydrogen mobility includes its use in commercial vehicles and the establishment of a refuelling infrastructure for all mobility applications, including hydrogen-powered passenger vehicles. Recognizing the complementary nature of these technologies, the BMW Group and the Toyota Motor Corporation are supporting the expansion of both hydrogen refuelling and battery electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Both companies are encouraging sustainable hydrogen supply by creating demand, working closely with companies that are building low-carbon hydrogen production, distribution, and refuelling facilities.

The BMW Group and Toyota Motor Corporation are advocating the creation of a conducive framework by governments and investors to facilitate the early-stage penetration of hydrogen mobility and ensure its economic viability. By promoting the corresponding infrastructure, they aim to establish the FCEV market as an additional pillar alongside other powertrain technologies. Furthermore, the companies are seeking regional or local projects to further drive the development of hydrogen infrastructure through collaborative initiatives.

Benefits of hydrogen-powered technology.

Hydrogen is recognized as a promising future energy carrier for global decarbonization. It acts as an effective storage medium for renewable energy sources, helping to balance supply and demand and enabling a more stable and reliable integration of renewables into the energy grid. Hydrogen is the missing piece for completing the electric mobility puzzle where battery electric drive systems are not an optimal solution.

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BMW Will Launch a Hydrogen Car in 2028

It's teaming up with Toyota to make it happen.

New Nissan Silvia Sports Car Officially in the Works

Although work has started, a production version has yet to be approved.

Monday, September 2, 2024

Trip to the Italian Alps 2024


Hi,

i want to share some pictures from our trip to the Italian Alps with 3x BMW G87 M2, BMW M3 Touring, Lotus Emira, BMW 140ix, Toyota Supra

I hope you like it.

Some rollers at the beginning

Trip to the first meeting point

Hahntennjoch

Timmelsjoch

Jaufenpass

The New Audi Q5 Has an Extra Brake Light

The fourth brake light is different in Europe than in the United States.

Stellantis Won't Sell or Kill Any of Its 14 Car Brands After All

The original plan to keep all of them for 10 years is still in place

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Drifitng an AWD Car on Pavement Requires Every Ounce of Commitment

More grip on entry means you need to be going a whole lot faster to get sideways. Here's how to do it right, according to the experts.

The 2025 Ford F-150 Ditches Its Iconic Keypad

It's no longer offered from the factory on 2025 F-150 models, but you can still get it as a dealer accessory for $455.

Flight Green G80


Whats up G8x fam!
Absolutely in love with the G80! Wanted to share some pics and some videos

Car started out as Alpine white with Yas Carbon bucket interior (which I absolutely drool over) 6mt

Mods so far:
Ferrada Wheels – 20×10 20×11 FR11s in Storm Grey

Freshfilm.co – Flight Green colored PPF whole car wrap (some love the color, some hate it, I absolutely love it! haha)

Milltek Corp – 102mm single mid pipe to their Axleback

Suvneer motorsports carbon fiber –
Grille, Front Lip, Side skirts, 3 pc F1 style diffuser with their under tray add on, rear trunk lip spoiler

Eibach – front springs only (I am not happy with how high it is, need to change up the springs)

IND – Yellow DRLs

Next mods:
lowering it more soon on different suspension
wanting to try out a valve controller like SST or something
more aggressive rear truck wing
possibly a deep vented hood
possibly doing a different PPF color to change it up for next year!

https://youtube.com/shorts/VQrFR_MQs…pW166NlUGKgwDs

https://youtube.com/shorts/htY1O5sVj…Y7D1SVqHcLAqPM

Watch in Awe as This Acid-Dipped Porsche 911 Sheds Away Years of Paint

This is the most satisfying way to prep a car for paint.