Hamann Builds a BMW Z4 M Roadster [E89]

Hamann, creator of some of the world's more excessive BMWs, is going to be releasing a tuning kit for the E89 Z4.
The lowered Hamann Z4 features the usual tuner appointments: a new front bumper with integrated LEDs, side skirts, a spoiler, and rear apron. All standard fare, until you realize how mean they make the Z4 look.
Wearing a Hamann sports exhaust and electronically tuned to 360 horsepower (265 kW), the car will reach a de-limited 177 mph (285 km/h). Torque peaks at a hearty 398 lb ft (540 Nm).
The wheels shown here are Edition Race Matte Black pieces, and these specific 20-inch forged pieces cost €7,640 (with tires).
Inside, Hamann threw in a shift knob and floor mats for good measure.
For a better look at the finer details, have a look at some of the pics below.

By Phil Alex

Larger-than-life BMW Ad Resides over Hong Kong Audi Dealership

The BMW/Audi ad war continues, and the latest attack recently took place in Hong Kong. BMW marketing picked up some prime ad space above an Audi dealership, and it looks as if the building owner is making a double-edged killing. Floor space to Audi and wall space to BMW? Genius.
Now if only the owner could get Mercedes to shoot a commercial there, they'd have the German luxury trifecta in their pocket.

By Phil Alex

Source: Chris Junker / flickr , Via: Worldcarfans & Jalopnik

Bavarian Cops Testing BMW X3 Police Car

The Bavarian State Police has begun testing a prototype version of the BMW X3 fitted with all the necessary equipment to patrol the German highways. The all-wheel drive X3 police car is powered by a 218HP turbocharged six-cylinder diesel engine and comes equipped with more LED lights than a Las Vegas Christmas tree show. You can check out the rest of the pictures right after the jump.

2011 BMW M5 Sedan [F10] Rendered Again

From Alpine325Ci, the 'Bimmerpost' artist who created last week's pretty 6-Series photoshop (and those previous M5 renderings), comes another look at the next BMW M5.
As we can see, his take on the big M retains the new 5's attractive snout while gaining the M division's dumbfounded-expression front bumper and more aggressive skirts.
The mirrors also get a little tweak, and it wouldn't be a stretch to believe the F10 M5 would be coming with that carbon fiber roof.
As for technical specs, BMW will use a version of the X5M's twin-turbo 4.4 liter V8 that would probably put out more than the 555-horsepower it currently makes. This is a sports sedan, after all, in a very important segment image-wise. The less comparison to those sell-out X5s and X6s from M,the better.
Drive trains are likely to include BMW's DCT dual clutch transmission and, depending on demand, a no-cost manual option.
The F10 M5 is set to enter the market in 2011.

By Phil Alex

Via: Bimmerpost

Thanks a lot, X6: BMW is Contemplating a Smaller X4 Crossover

Could a smaller Sport Activity Coupe (SAC) be coming from BMW? According to Autocar, the answer is "yes". Fans of the X6 should be pleased. Everyone else? Sorry.
Said to be called the X4, it would be to the X3 what the X6 is to the X5: a four-door, four seat coupe-ish thing based more around style than functionality.
Considering that the X4 would share the X3's platform, expect similar power trains to the X3. That means the most recent versions of BMW's inline-sixes: naturally aspirated, turbo'd, and (hopefully) diesel.
The fact that this is being discussed begs the question: with the X4 a possibility (due to the "success" of the X6), could an X1-based X2 coupe be far behind, and if yes, what are your thoughts? Have your say in the comments section below.

By Phil Alex

*All photos: BMW X6