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BMW C.L.E.V.E.R. Concept

BMW just released official pictures of its co-developed three-wheeled, natural-gas powered micro-car called CLEVER (Compact Low Emission VEhicle for URban Transport). Although nothing official yet, but this concept that was funded by the European Commission (Fifth Framework Programme) could base the C1 successor, marrying the worlds of cars and motorcycles. Partners in the C.L.E.V.E.R project included:

BMW
Technical University of Berlin, Institute for Land and Sea Transport (TUB), Berlin, Germany
Cooper-Avon Tyres Ltd, Melksham, Great Britain
ARC Leichtmetall Kompetenzzentrum Ranshofen GmbH (LKR), Ranshofen, Austria
IFP
TAKATA-PETRI AG, Berlin, Germany
University of Bath, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Institute for Power Transmission and Motion Control, Bath, Great Britain
Universität für Bodenkultur Vienna, Institute of Transport, Vienna, Austria
WEH GmbH, Illertissen, Germany

The CLEVER concept, a €3.3 million (US$3.9 million) effort, is an enclosed two-seater that combines the safety of a microcar, and the maneuverability of a motorcycle, while being less polluting than other vehicles as it runs on compressed natural gas.

Its strengthened frame will protect the driver in a crash and the vehicle will have a top speed of approximately 50 mph. The 230cc BMW engine—modified by Institut Français du Pétrole (IFP) to use natural gas—produces 12.5 kW (17 hp) of power and maximum torque of 15.5 Nm at 6,300 rpm.

Fuel consumption is estimated to be 2.4 liters/100 km gasoline equivalent (98 mpg US), with 59.5 g/km of CO₂ emissions. The compressed natural gas is stored in two removable gas bottles providing a range of 150 km (93 miles).

A problem with three-wheel vehicles with a symmetrical wheel layout is the tipping moment when cornering, which cannot be controlled at high speeds if the vehicle has a short wheelbase. To solve this problem the vehicle’s center of gravity can be moved towards the center of the corner—just as a motorcycle does when it corners.

The do this, the vehicle is a cabin tilter, with the system designed by the University of Bath. The cabin with the front wheel is connected to the power unit and the two rear wheels by a pivot bolt. The rotary movement of the cabin is produced by two hydraulic cylinders (actuators) that are installed between the cabin and the power unit. The actuators create the rotary angle of the cabin of +/-45° relative to the vertical power unit.

Classic Find: BMW 2002 Turbo with Only 20k Miles

As well as bringing you the latest auto news from around the world, we also like to take a break from time to time to share with you some classic finds like this extremely rare 1975 BMW 2002 Turbo that we discovered on a Japanese dealer site. Built essentially as homologation special, the 2002 Turbo was launched at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show with production lasting a little over a year.

Overall, just 1,672 examples of the 2002 Turbo rolled off BMW's production line between 1973 and 1975 making the specific model one of most sought after bimmers by collectors and fans of the marque alike. This particular 2002 Turbo is listed as having only 33,000km or about 20,000 miles on the odo.

The crown-jewel of the 2002 Series was not only BMW's first road-going model fitted with a turbo, but it was also the first production car in Europe to feature a turbocharged engine. The 2.0-liter forced-induction four cranked out 170 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 240Nm or 177 lb-ft of torque.

Equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox, the rear-wheel drive Bavarian coupe could reach 60mph (96km/h) from standstill in around 7.5 seconds and go on to a maximum speed of 210km/h or 131mph.

If you're getting a bit of that '2002' nostalgia feeling, just click here to check out our special post on the forefather of the modern day 3-Series Coupe.

Link: Bingo

Hartge Presents New Tuning Program for the BMW 116d

If you're looking for a bit more oomph for your new BMW 116d, you may want to check out Hartge's latest tuning program for the entry-level diesel version of the three- and five-door 1-Series hatchback. The specific package consists of performance improvements that come in the form of an upgraded ECU that boosts the 2.0-liter turbo diesel's output from 115HP and 260Nm of torque to 143HP and 315Nm (232 lb-ft).

There's also a sport suspension kit that adds new springs which lower the 116d's ride height by 25mm as well as a sport exhaust system. And if you're still not content, Hartge will have no problem upgrading your bimmer with a numerous aero parts and a new set of alloy wheels and tires.

2010 BMW X5 Facelift Shows its Face in new Spy Shots

We've just landed these fresh spy shots of the extremely subtly facelifted BMW X5 SUV that was caught testing without any camouflage at all. And truth to be said, there's no need for any type of body cladding as the only styling change compared to the current model is the newly designed front bumper with larger air-intakes that house the repositioned fog lights. And yes, the new bumper is identical to the one found on the X6 SAV.

Though that's the only visible styling change on this particular prototype model, our sources state the production model will also feature a subtly revised rear bumper, new alloy wheel designs and updated trim in the interior.

The X5's engine line up will remain for the most part unchanged with the exception of the new 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo diesel unit that makes 306 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and a peak torque of 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) at just 1,500 rpm while there's also talk about the revised 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six petrol that generates 326HP in its latest guise, up from 306HP.

VIDEO: BMW X6M 555HP V8 Turbo on the Race Track

Here's some new video footage of BMW's M-badged X6 SAV on the race track. Like its X5M twin, the X6M comes with a new 4.4-liter twin - turbo V8 engine delivering a maximum output of 555 horsepower and a peak torque of 680Nm or 501-lbs/ft. Power is distributed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission with the Bavarian firm claiming that it's high-performance crossover accelerates from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in just 4.7 seconds. Hit the jump to watch the video or click here to read more about the X5M and X6M.

G-Power Supercharges the BMW M3 E46 and Z4M to 450HP

This time, BMW 'super tuner' G-Power has turned its attention on two previous generation 'M' sports cars, the M3 E46 and the Z4M with the presentation of a somewhat tamer performance package than what we're used to from the German company. At the heart of the tuning program is a new large ASA TM I 20 centrifugal supercharger that boosts the M3 and Z4M 3.2-liter straight-six engine's output from 343HP and 365Nm to 450HP and 450Nm or 331.9 lb-ft of torque.

The 107 horsepower boost helps improve acceleration from standstill to 200km/h or 124mph from the standard M3 E46 Coupe's 18,1 seconds to 14,7 seconds, making it even faster than the current 420HP-strong M3 V8 that needs 15.8 seconds for the same sprint.

To improve road handling, the performance package for both the M3 E46 and Z4M include a continuously height-adjustable G-Power coil-over suspension RS with nine selectable settings each for bound and rebound.

The M division sports cars ride on lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels shod in Michelin Pilot Sport tires (245/30 ZR 20 at the front and 285/25 ZR 20 at the back) that allow a top speed of more than 300km/h or 187mph.

Though not included in the basic package, G-Power also offers a sports rear muffler that produces a deeper and more sonorous tone.

BMW to Celebrate X5's Tenth Anniversary with Limited Edition Model

It's been ten years since BMW rolled out its first ever SUV model, the first generation X5 and to commemorate the occasion, the Bavarian firm will be releasing a special edition version of its second-gen X5.

Highlights of the limited production 'X5 Edition 10' will include a unique gray metallic finish, newly styled 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in beefier rubber, specific trim and upholstery options as well as a panoramic sunroof and of course, an array of commemorative badges inside and out.

More details and photos (the X5 pictured above is the Security model) are expected to be released closer to the special edition model's launch date this fall.

New BMW X6 xDrive35i and xDrive50i M Sport Packages Include Significant Power Upgrades

This fall will see the introduction of a new M Sport package for the BMW X6 xDrive35i and xDrive50i turbocharged gasoline models. What's interesting about this package is that, unlike other M Division kits that comprise mainly of styling upgrades and quite often slightly more aggressively tuned suspension and different wheels and tires, this one actually adds much in the way of performance.

More specifically, the M Sport Package sees the X6 xDrive35i gaining the same tweaked version of the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six found on the 740i that produces 326HP at 5,800 rpm and 450Nm of peak torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. That's an additional 20HP and 50Nm of torque compared to the standard X6 xDrive35i.

The X6 xDrive50i (damn those marketing folks at BMW and their over-complicated naming systems...) gets an even greater power boost as the 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8's output is lifted from 408HP to 446HP. In comparison, the new X6 M model's 4.4L V8 turbo makes 555 horsepower.

If we translated the German press release correctly (if not, we'll be much obliged if our German readers could take a look at it below and make any necessary corrections or/and additions), the M Sport Package for the X6 SAVs will also include a body kit, 20-inch alloy wheels and a sportier interior trim.

For the record, the vehicle pictured above is the 555HP X6 M variant as the Bavarian automaker did not disclose any photographs of the X6 with the M Sport Package.

Mature Tuning: IND's BMW M3 Coupe E92 Dakar Yellow Project

Not really fans of extreme mods here at Carscoop preferring a more mature approach when it comes to tuning. That's why we like IDN's latest take on the BMW M3 Coupe with the Dakar Yellow project. The subtly modded M3 comes with selected black accessories that includes 18-inch HRE alloy wheels shod in 275/35 R18 Nitto rubber all around and a Vorsteiner front lip spoiler and rear diffuser, which seem to work pretty well with the Dakar Yellow paint job.

Our only objection in terms of styling concerns the smoked tail lights but overall, the E92 looks the part and stands out without being obnoxious. IDN's M3 finished project car also features a KW suspension kit and custom made Brembo brakes.