G-Power Transfers BMW M5 Hurricane RR Supercharger Tech to the E85 Z4 Roadster

German tuner G-Power has decided to share some of the technology found on the 800-horsepower M5 Hurricane RR and M6 Hurricane RR with the masses by offering a modified version of the supercharger system on the [previous generation] E85 BMW Z4 as well as the E46 Series with the 3.0-liter straight-six engine. On both models, the redesigned SK Plus supercharger system replaces the previous ASA TM3 supercharger.

The geometry of the compressor has been modified as has the housing, resulting in a more efficient build-up of boost in the middle rev-range. With a 0.3 bar pressure boost, the SK Plus kit increases output by 55 ponies, to 286 hp and 345 Nm (255 lb-ft). Thanks to the extra oomph, the tuned Z4 accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.4 seconds.

To be able to wring out every bit of performance delivered through force induction, the German tuner recommends customers to specify their cars with a 9-way adjustable coil-over sport suspension. 20-inch multi-spoke Silverstone Diamond alloys, wrapped around in 245/30 front and 285/25 rear Michelin tires, can be ordered, too. For a more ferocious roar, G-Power can provide a new, hand-built rear silencer, with matching tail pipes.
Granted, these changes don’t transform the Z4 SK Plus into a Hurricane killer, but the tuner charges only €2.500 (VAT excluded) for the performance upgrade, which as we mentioned previously, is also available for the E46 BMW 3 Series.

By Csaba Daradics

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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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BMW 330i Coupe Revived from the Brink, Returns as E46 Pickup Truck

One member of the E46fanatics forum has recently proven just how much of a fanatic he is by creating this E46-based modern El Camino. The most surprising aspect is that its creator spent less than $10,000 total on the project.

Starting out with a totaled E46 330i Coupe (optioned the ZHP performance package, no less), forum member bodycustom1 originally intended to just repair the car. Then his father walked into the shop gave him a different idea: lob off the remains of the rear end and tack on the bed from a Chevy Colorado.

Instead of keeping the bed separate, which was the original idea, the project snowballed a bit and now includes a more fabricated and streamlined body with a custom rear window, shortened sunroof track, and BMW gas cap integrated into the shortened bed (the width was A-OK).

This may enrage BMW purists all day long, but other car fans out there should be able to move beyond the "destruction" of this BMW coupe and see a nice utilitarian vehicle that was saved from the crusher.

[If you like the 330i El-Camino, then check out this Aussie-made BMW M5 Ute here]

By Phil Alex

Source: E46fanatics , Via: Jalopnik

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BMW Confirms Hybrid Variants of Next 3-Series and New FWD Subcompact

In a conference call earlier today regarding the company's interim report for the period ended 30 September 2010, Dr. Norbert Reithofer, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG confirmed plans to offer the next generation of the 3-Series as well as the firm's upcoming front-wheel drive subcompact with hybrid powerplants.

"We will continue to update our model range," said Reithofer. "This includes other hybrid offerings such as the new BMW 5 Series Sedan with hybrid drive starting in 2011. The next generation of the BMW 3 Series will also include hybrid models."

The F30 3-Series, pictured here testing in prototype form, is expected to enter the market in 2012 first as a four-door sedan, with the Touring, Coupe and Convertible models to follow shortly after.

The Bavarian firm's next model will be an entry-level, front-wheel drive model in the supermini-segment. It will sit under the current 1-Series in BMW's lineup, meaning the latter could be renamed as the 2-Series.

"In the future, we intend to participate even more in the growth of the small car segment," said Reithofer. "This is why we are also planning to offer smaller BMW models – positioned below the BMW 3 Series – with front-wheel drive. These models with front-wheel drive will also be made available to our customers with a hybrid engine."

BMW plans to cooperate with the PSA Peugeot-Citroen Group for the development of the FWD Hybrid model's drivetrain components.

"Our cooperation is focused on developing and producing components for hybrid front-wheel drives. Additional economies of scale will be achieved by pooling certain purchasing activities. I am talking specifically about e-drives, generators, and power electronics that control the interaction between a battery and electric drive," Reithofer added.

The entry-level FWD series could make its market debut as early as 2012.

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GM Confirms Entry-Level Cadillac to target BMW 3-Series, will be built at Lansing

We've known for a while that Cadillac plans to expand its line-up with new models including a smaller than the CTS entry-level sedan, and by doing so, target the likes of the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes C-Class.

Today, General Motors announced the new small Cadillac will be built at the Lansing Grand River assembly plant. The company said it plans to invest $190 million for this purpose, which will result in the creation of 600 jobs and the addition of a second shift.

"America's fastest-growing luxury brand this year is about to get even more competitive with the addition of an all-new small luxury car," said GM Chief Executive Officer Dan Akerson. "This investment demonstrates GM's commitment to Cadillac and to a strong U.S. manufacturing base."

In a telephone interview for Autonews, Cadillac spokesman Nick Twork confirmed that the car will be a direct rival to the German competition. "We will have a car positioned below the CTS in our lineup to compete with the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes Benz C-Class" Mr. Twork said.

However, those were the only details Mr. Twork would provide, as he wouldn't reveal the new model's name, nor a launch date.

That leaves us with the rumored 2012-2013 time frame for the introduction of the smallest rear-wheel drive Cadillac.

Source: Autonews & GM