BMW 1-Series M Coupe Allegedly Laps the Nürburgring in 8:12" Making it Faster than E46 M3

The BMW 1-Series M Coupe is pretty fast on paper. Reaching the 60 mph (96 km/h) mark in just 4.7 seconds is no small feat, but nowadays, it seems that performance cars need to have a respectable “Ring” time under there belt to command respect. Now, a forum member of the 1Addicts fan site who calls himself "SteveD" claims that the Ring time for the 335-horsepower strong M model is 8 minutes and 12 seconds.

If true (and according to the Nürburgring lap times list posted on Wikipedia), this means the entry-level M model is 10 seconds faster than the E46 M3, on par with the E86 Z4 M Coupe, but 7 seconds slower than the E92 M3 .

Of course, just because something is posted on a forum, doesn’t necessarily make it true. However, it seems that “SteveD” is none other than Steve Davies, a UK journalist who writes for Skiddmark. When asked where did he received the info, "SteveD" wrote “directly from BMW when we filmed the car”.

And indeed, Skiddmark does feature a piece about the 1-Series M Coupe and it contains the information posted on 1addicts. Still, we’re going to take this one with a grain of salt until we have the official confirmation.

You can see how the 1 Series M Coupe's alleged 'Ring lap time compares with other models from BMW and other makers in the list below.

By Csaba Daradics

Nurburgring Lap Times as Posted on Wikipedia:

• E46 M3 CSL - 7:50

• E90/E92 M3 - 8:05

• E63 M6 - 8:09

• 1 series M coupe - 8:12

• Z4 M-Coupe - 8:12

• E60 M5 - 8:13

• Alpina B3 Biturbo - 8:14

• Z4 M-Roadster - 8:15

• Alpina Roadster S (Z4) - 8:15

• E46 M3 - 8:22

• 335i E92 Coupe - 8:26

Other Models Compared:

• 911 Carrera S PDK (997.5) - 7:50

• Audi R8 4.2 - 8:04

• Cayman S - 8:04 (by Walter Röhrl)

• Audi RS4 - 8:09

• Audi TT-RS - 8:09

• BMW 1 series M coupe - 8:12

• Aston Martin V8 Vantage - 8:13

• Mercedes C63 AMG PP - 8:13

• Corvette C6 - 8:15

• Cayman S - 8:16 (Sport Auto)

• Porsche Boxter S (987.5) - 8:18

• Lexus IS-F - 8:18

• 2010 VW Golf R - 8:23

• Audi S5 (2007) - 8:26

• Audi TT-S (2008) - 8:29

Source: Skiddmark , Via: 1Addicts

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http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/12/bmw-1-series-m-coupe-allegedly-laps_14.html

Prior Design Releases Widebody Kit for the E92 BMW 3-Series Coupe

German tuning firm Prior Design has unveiled a widebody kit for the E92 3-Series Coupe, which turns the bimmer into an M3 clone with a "hormonal disposition" [whatever that means...], for a base price of €2,999. While we're not sure about those "hormones", the exterior modifications look nice enough, so Prior's kit is definitely worth a look.

The body kit fits all E92 Coupes, except, of course, the genuine M3, and is a new development manufactured from Duraflex, "a very flexible and extremely stable material", according to the company.

Designers scrapped the old front bumper and fitted the car with a new piece featuring larger air intakes. They also changed the bonnet, but didn't go for the stock M3 look. Instead, they emulated the look of the M3 GT2 racecar's hood with integrated air vents.

Lowered side skirts continue the front's muscular look, alongside the widened wheel arches. At the back, you can find a new bumper complete with a diffuser, which can accommodate the M3 exhaust system and all E92 Coupe tailpipes, minus those found on the 335i. The latter can be opted with a specially designed stainless steel exhaust system, also mimicking the M3, priced at €1,499.

Furthermore, the body kit comes with boot-lid and roof spoilers, both of which are also available in carbon fiber.

An adjustable KW coil-over kit that lowers the car's ride height for a more aggressive stance, rounds off the package.

By Csaba Daradics

Prices:

Widebody body kit: from EUR 2,999.-

Bonnet: EUR 1,390.-

Rear spoiler: EUR 299.-

Roof spoiler: EUR 299.-

Front spoiler lip: EUR 449.-

M3 style exhaust system: EUR 1,499.-

Assembly and paintwork: Price on application

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http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/11/prior-design-releases-widebody-kit-for_16.html

Bill Caswell to Convert E30 BMW into Baja Racer During SEMA Show

E30s seem to be popping up everywhere lately. After the impressive electric 3-Series from VST Conversions, we now have word that one Bill Caswell and his late 1980's E30 will be at SEMA thanks to Miller Electric Mfg. Co.

The "rally racer and ultimate DIY enthusiast" made news in March when he took on $100,000+ competition in an old 318i during Rally Mexico. While at SEMA, Bill will be converting a 1989 BMW 3-Series coupe [E30] into an off-road Baja blaster in order to compete in the SCORE Baja 1000's Sportsman class (starting November 17th). Now that's hardcore.

Here's a breakdown of Bill's SEMA welding schedule prior to tackling the rally: roll cage on day 1, front cage/suspension on day 2, rear cage/suspension on day 3, and "accessories" on day 4. Day 4's work will include finishing the main cage and crafting other Baja racing necessities such as a front brush guard, fuel cell, light bar, and more.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co.'s marketing VP Tim Swanson says, "Bill's passion for racing combined with his desire to create fits nicely with our vision...Rally and Baja racing requires a diverse skill set, from detailed fabrication and welding to high-speed driving. We're looking forward to watching Bill build and race the Miller car."

If you're interested, definitely follow the live updates on Bill's build during SEMA (which can be found at the link below).

By Phil Alex

About Bill Caswell (from Miller Electric Mfg. Co.):

Formerly a finance banker from Chicago, Caswell left his job in 2009 to focus on rally racing, competing in several races in the U.S. in cars that he built, modified and fabricated himself. Caswell made a name for himself in March of this year by placing third in the Rally America class of Rally Mexico, an FIA-sanctioned event run concurrently with World Rally Championship in Corona, Mexico.

Link: Miller

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http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/10/bill-caswell-to-convert-e30-bmw-into.html

BMW Confirms Return to DTM from 2012 with M3 after 18 Years Hiatus

BMW has officially confirmed its return to the German Touring Car Masters (DTM) starting from 2012, almost two decades since its departure from the series in 1994. The Munich-based marque said it took the decision after the positive nature of discussions in recent months with the DTM umbrella organization ITR e.V. and the other manufacturers represented in the touring car series on issues regarding the future technical regulations, and the long-term internationalization of the championship.

The company said it plans to make its racing comeback to the series with the M3 model as the firm's basic DTM vehicle.

Dr Klaus Draeger, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG with responsibility for development, says: "The return of BMW to the DTM is a fundamental part of the restructuring of our motorsport activities. With its increased commitment to production car racing, BMW is returning to its roots. The race track is the perfect place to demonstrate the impressive sporting characteristics of our vehicles against our core competitors in a high-powered environment. The DTM is the ideal stage on which to do this."

BMW has won the touring car series twice in the past with Eric van de Poele (BE) and Roberto Ravaglia (IT) who celebrated two DTM titles with the original E30 M3 back in 1987 and 1989, while before that, Volker Strycek (DE) won the DTM premiere in 1984 in the 635 CSi.

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http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/10/bmw-confirms-return-to-dtm-from-2012.html

Tuning: BMW 135i Coupe GTS-Wannabe

The 450-horsepower limited production BMW M3 GTS was the inspiration for this customized 135i Coupe that was created by Ontario-based dealer, Parkview BMW. The hotted up small coupe is finished in the same Fire Orange paintwork as its bigger brother and features a full set BMW Performance Parts including the aerodynamic kit, carbon fiber diffuser, mirror caps, spoilers and rooftop (we're assuming it's a foil wrap), and black alloy wheels shod in wider tires.

The car's interior has also been enhanced with numerous parts such as an Alcantara sports steering wheel, carbon fiber trim, M gear knob and aluminum pedals. It remains unknown if the dealer made any performance upgrades. Check out the pictures below and tell us what you think.

Via: 1addicts

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http://carscoopcar.blogspot.com/2010/10/tuning-bmw-135i-coupe-gts-wannabe.html