Showing posts with label Spied. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spied. Show all posts

Sunday, 20 October 2019

The 2019 BMW X6 Spied Looking A Lot Less Ugly

Or is it the other way around?

Now that the all-new, fourth generation BMW X5 has arrived, it’ll soon be time for the next X6 to debut. And, lo and behold, our spy photographers just caught an advanced prototype testing outside of BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina, production facility. The third generation X6, new X5, and upcoming X7 will all be manufactured here. Sharing the X5’s CLAR architecture, the 2019 X6 will be more spacious inside for passengers and cargo alike, while its exterior will take on a more elegant appearance.

These photos clearly show a vehicle that looks a lot like a larger X4, featuring a more streamlined, less jagged look than the outgoing X6. For some, today’s X6 has a slightly awkward-looking appearance, but it seems like BMW has fixed that. The prototype you’re looking, though covered in camouflage, clearly has the X4’s general shape. We can expect to see the same engines offered in the new X5 under the hood, which includes a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six with 335 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque in the xDrive40i. The xDrive50i has a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 465 hp and 479 lb-ft, and both engines are paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

At some point, the X5 will be offered with a diesel option, but it’s too soon to know whether that’ll carry over to the new X6 as well. The new BMW X6 will likely debut very soon, right around the time the latest X5 hits dealerships. We’ll have to wait until after the new X5 M premieres to see the next X6 M, but chances are both will be unveiled by this time next year.

Monday, 14 October 2019

New BMW X6 M Spied Looking Fast And Nimble

Apparently, it tackled the Green Hell surprisingly well for a large SUV.

In our last sighting of the new BMW X6 M, a prototype was spotted cruising roads in the Austrian Alps. This time, our spies have caught the high-performance SUV being put through its paces around the gruelling Nurburgring. While the Green Hell may not seem like a natural habitat for a large and heavy SUV, our spies were impressed with how the X6 M performed considering its size and weight. After all, even if the new X6 M is lighter than its predecessor, it’s still not exactly going to be lightweight. Despite this, there was very little body roll during testing, suggesting its lower and stiffer suspension is doing its job.

Aesthetically, the new X6 M should look a lot less ugly than the outgoing model. The prototype is still covered in a hefty amount of camouflage, but we can still see its sleek coupe-style roofline and large kidney grille inherited from newer BMW models, which arguably looks more suitable on a large SUV like the X6 M and the new X7. To distinguish it from the standard model, the X6 M gains some massive air intakes and flared wheels, resulting in a more aggressive appearance.

Under the hood, the new BMW X6 M is expected to be powered by the M5’s twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8. In the M5 Competition, the engine produces 617 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, so we’re expecting the X6 M to have a similar level of power. There could even be an M Competition version if BMW’s recent comments are anything to go by. The new X6 will go on sale in 2019, so the M version probably won’t arrive until the following year.

Thursday, 10 October 2019

SPIED: BMW 8 Series Convertible Drops Its Top In The Sun

We also get a good look at the high-tech interior.

The beautiful BMW 8 Series will finally break cover on June 15 at the Le Mans 24 hour race. In the meantime, our spy photographers have snapped some new shots of the gorgeous grand-tourer in prototype form for us to salivate over. While we’ve already seen plenty of exterior shots showing both the coupe and convertible in various stages of camouflage, this is the first time we’ve seen the convertible go topless now that spring is here – and it looks even better with the roof down.

Even with so much camouflage disguising the details, we can already tell the 8 Series will be quite the stunner. Judging from these latest snaps, the 8 Series appears to be nearly complete since the final production headlights have been fitted with integrated daytime running lights. At the back, the taillights still appear to be placeholders, while the four-tailpipe exhaust system has been neatly integrated into the bumper with trapezoidal cutouts. Now that the retractable soft top roof has been lowered, we can also see the convertible will be offered with a rear windshield installed behind the front seats.

There also appears to be vents in the front headrests, suggesting that BMW could offer an alternative to Mercedes’ airscarf system. We also get a sneak peek inside the 8 Series Convertible's high-tech cabin. The latest spy shots reveal the grand-tourer will feature a three-spoke steering wheel, while a large infotainment screen dominates the top of the center console. Look closely, and you can also see an iDrive controller. Being the flagship coupe in the BMW range, the 8-Series will no doubt have a fully digital instrument cluster and an upgraded infotainment system running BMW Operating System 7.0, which was recently previewed.

BMW is remaining tight-lipped about possible powertrains, but the 8 Series is expected to launch with a range of engine options including a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder for the base model with around 335 hp, and a more powerful 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 developing 455 hp. BMW has also confirmed a high-performance M8 will join the line-up. The range-topper is expected to borrow the M5’s 4.4-liter V8 tuned to deliver over 600 horsepower.

Friday, 4 October 2019

SPIED: Next-Gen BMW 8 Series Coupe And Convertible Caught In Germany

BMW's latest big car, the 8 Series Coupe and Convertible, has been caught by spies in Germany wearing a little less camouflage than we've seen previously. As interesting as the 8 Series' exterior design may be, our spy was adventurous enough to run up to the side of the Coupe and nab a few shots of its instrument panel, which now features completely digital gauges thanks to a wide format TFT screen. The new BMW 8 Series will debut this June at Le Mans, reports Motor1.

Saturday, 1 June 2019

Next-Gen BMW M3 Spied Sliding Round The Ring

BMW’s test driver shows off his sideways driving skills in these latest next-gen M3 spy shots.

The Competition versions of the M2 and M5 may be stealing the spotlight right now, but don't forget there will be a new BMW M car on the block in a few years. We’re talking of course about the brand-new BMW M3, which is expected to debut either in 2019 or early 2020. Truth be told, not much is known about BMW’s upcoming sports sedan, codenamed the G80, but we’ve been treated to new images of it in action after our spies caught a test driver powersliding an M3 prototype around the Nurburgring. For “work” purposes, of course.

Welcome to the life of a test driver everyone. There’s a good chance the next-gen M3 could adopt the M5’s xDrive system giving the ability to switch between all- and rear-wheel drive, though nothing is official yet. Alternatively, it could be reserved for a higher-end model. Clearly though, it’s the rear wheels that are getting a workout in this test session. This is still a very early production prototype, as evidenced by the two different sets of wheels and brake calipers that don’t match. Thick layers of camouflage prevent us from analyzing the styling details, though the larger wheel arches suggest it will be wider than the current model.

In terms of powertrains, rumors suggest the sixth-generation M3 will be powered by an upgraded version of BMW M’s twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder unit mated to either a standard six-speed manual or an optional eight-speed automatic. Other rumors have suggested it will be a mild hybrid with a 48-volt electric system. Power output could also increase to 500 horsepower, which would be a welcome increase over the current 453-hp M3 CS. While the all-new M3 won’t break cover until next year at the earliest, the standard next-generation 3 Series is expected to debut before the end of this year.

Saturday, 23 February 2019

New BMW 4 Series Convertible Spied Looking Stylish With Soft Top Roof

Like the new Z4, the next-gen BMW 4 Series Convertible will ditch the current model’s folding hard top.

BMW recently updated the 4 Series coupe and convertible for the 2018 model year with new standard LED headlights and reshaped bumpers to freshen up the styling as well as improved handling thanks to stiffer suspension. A next-generation model is just around the corner, and our spies have sent us the first images of the all-new BMW 4 Series Convertible loaded on a transport truck.

BMW seems to be going back to its roots, as the new 4 Series Convertible prototype has ditched the current model’s arduous folding hard top roof for a more stylish soft top just like the new Z4. As well as improving the looks, the soft top will make the new BMW 4 Series lighter and cheaper to produce, while offering more luggage space when the roof is open.

The prototype is extensively covered in camouflage preventing us from getting a closer look at the details, but the grille appears to have the same shape and size as the one found on the new Z4. We wouldn’t be surprised if the front and rear fascias share styling cues with the reborn 8 Series.

The new 4 Series Convertible will be based on BMW’s CLAR platform, which should result in a significant weight reduction, a more spacious cabin, and a bigger trunk. As for powertrains, BMW is likely to continue selling the 4 Series with a choice of four and six-cylinder engines in the US.

The current model is available with either a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that produces 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and a 3.0-liter 6-cylinder with 320 hp and 330 lb-ft. Both the next-gen 4 Series Coupe and Cabrio are expected to go on sale in 2020.

Wednesday, 6 February 2019

Hardcore BMW X4 M SUV Spied At The Nurburgring

The M-powered X4 is expected to pack at least 450 horses under the hood.

BMW recently unveiled the new second-generation X4 to capitalize on the current coupe-style crossover craze, featuring refreshed styling, less weight, and an abundance of new tech. The range-topping M40i performance model packs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six delivering 360 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque - that’s enough power to enable the crossover to hit 0-62 mph in 4.8 seconds and a 155-mph top speed. Its performance is respectable, but by no means potent. Good thing, then, that the hot BMW X4 M is coming.

Our spy photographers recently caught the high-performance SUV flexing its muscles at the Nurburgring, and while it’s covered in camouflage, there are plenty of styling cues suggesting we’re looking at the hardcore X4. At the front is a more aggressive front fascia with a restyled bumper, larger air intakes, and intercoolers for the turbochargers. Its larger wheels and tires, beefy brake calipers, and cross-drilled rotors are also easy to spot - clearly, this is not a standard BMW X4. Further highlighting the X4 M’s sporty credentials are quad exhaust tips, prominent lip spoilers at the rear, and signature BMW M mirrors. Of course, the full-fat X4 M won’t just have cosmetic changes.

Under the hood, the performance SUV is expected to pack the same 3.0-liter, twin-turbo inline-six engine as the M3 and M4, which will reportedly send at least 450 horsepower to all four wheels through an automatic transmission. 0-62 mph should take around four seconds in the hardcore X4. The new X4 is arriving in dealerships in July, so the M version should go on sale later this year.