Sure there are many other notable steering wheel, pedal and shifter sets, namely from Fanatec and Thrustmaster, but the G27 is perhaps the best bang for your money as you can often find it in the US$210-$230 region, occasionally even less.
Upon receiving the G27, that little tuning voice in my head told me that I should customize the stock steering wheel and shifter.
You can find plenty of modifications for the G27 online (GTPlanet is a good place to start) with aftermarket steering wheels and shifters (i.e. Momo or Sparco), but I wanted something different and at the same time, more economical with the ability to easily reverse the mods without damaging the device.
So, after shopping around at eBay, I decided to go with a BMW theme for both the steering wheel and the gear knob.
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The tweaking starts under the hood with a Hartge power kit and a sports exhaust system that improve upon the standard model's 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six lifting output from 335hp (340PS) to 396hp (401PS) at 5,850 rpm and maximum torque from 450Nm to 530Nm (391 lb-ft) at 2,950 rpm.
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Currently, we're looking forward to the presentation of the production versions of the i3 hatchback and the i8 sports coupe, both of which have been spied on several occasions.
Until the time comes for BMW to either inform us about its future plans or better yet, tease us with a concept model, we have a study to show you. It's called the BMW i-FD and it was created by independent industrial designer Feliciano Ruy-Díaz from Valencia, Spain.
The young designer says that the inspiration for the styling of the i-FD came from the work of renowned Spanish architect and structural engineer Santiago Calatrava as well as the forms of ancient Greek armor and the lines of a white shark.
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The first thing you'll need to know about the next M3 saloon and its two-door siblings (rumor has it they may be named M4), is that the current model's 4.0-liter naturally-aspirated V8 will give its place to a smaller displacement six-cylinder engine that will follow the example of the M5 employing the use of turbochargers.
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In the latest edition of his online show, DRIVE, Chris Harris sat in the driver's seat of the new BMW M Performance car and took it for a test drive.
Before you watch the video after the break, we'll remind you that the M550d xDrive sports a 3.0-liter inline-six diesel with three turbochargers sending 381PS (375bhp) and a monstrous 740Nm (546 lb-ft) of peak torque to all-four wheels through a standard 8-speed automatic for a 0-100km/h (62mph) sprint time of just 4.7 seconds.
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The clip starts with a message that reads: "The following is a high performance ad designed with BMW M5 drivers in mind. Those that don't drive an M5 may prefer to view it in slow motion. Just press the white button on your PVR remote."
You can see the ad in action in the video that follows below the break.
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The new F10 M5 is the latest model from the Bavarian manufacturer to be tuned by Hamann Motorsport and it will be officially revealed in Geneva this week.
Starting with the styling package, the front and rear wings have been enlarged by 25 and 30mm respectively on each side, while the M5 also gets new front and rear bumpers that are said to reduce lift, side sills, and roof and boot lid spoilers.
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The ACS5 Sport Saloon benefits from an upgraded version of the M5's 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 with software tune and a custom exhaust system that do their part to lift output from 560hp and a peak torque of 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) to 612hp and a massive 790 Nm (582.6 lb-ft).
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The tune is based on the 328i, which in stock form is fitted with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four churning out 240hp and 350 Nm (258.1 lb-ft), allowing for a zero to 100km/h (62mph) sprint time of 5.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 250km/h (155mph).
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The M3 Limited Edition 500 does not feature any mechanical changes: it is still powered by the normally aspirated 420HP V8 which transfers power to the rear axle via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. So, no change in performance or handling (as in the hardcore GTS for example) compared to the stock model then.
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However, don't expect any prizes for guessing the power source as it's a well-known fact that all upper level BMW M models are motivated by the same or in some cases, mildly modified version of the brand's 4.4-liter bi-turbo V8 engine.
We anticipate that it will be the same unit found in the brand-new M6 Coupe and Convertible models with the internal designation S63Tü.
And while there's always the possibility of BMW M engineers fiddling around with the electronics to push out a few more ponies, chances are it will deliver the same output at 560-horses (412kW) between 5,750 and 7,000 rpm, and a peak torque of 680Nm (502lb-ft) from 1,500 to 5,750 rpm.
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The car was created for Bulgarian footballer Kostadin Stoyanov who currently plays for CSKA Sofia.
Vilner redid the 5-Series sedan's interior in white leather for the outer parts of the seats, sections of the door panels, the center console and the lower part of the dashboard while it chose black Alcantara for the headliner and the center portions of the seats.
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2012 BMW 640i Coupe All the 6-series one needs—even though no one needs a 6-series.
Specifications BMW 640i Coupe
BMW’s U.S. engine lineup is a model of flexibility and simplicity. The company fits its regular-production models with a naturally aspirated inline-six, a turbocharged inline-six, or a twin-turbocharged V-8. (Starting this year, the naturally aspirated six is being replaced by a turbocharged four-cylinder, and there’s also a low-volume 12-pot available only in the $138,000 760Li. But that’s it for complications.) All are smooth and powerful, among the best mills on the market. With those three basic packages, BMW powers the 1-, 3-, 5-, 6-, and 7-series, the X3, X5, and X6, and the Z4. We rarely complain about any pairing of powerplant and vehicle.
What we have in the 640i is a new combination of existing parts, but a combination that is in no way surprising. The BMW 6-series, freshly redesigned for 2012, shares most of its underpinnings with the 5- and 7-series sedans, both of which are available with a turbocharged inline-six. With ever-tighter fuel-economy standards looming, the 640i is as expected as someone ducking when you take a swing at his face.
As a big coupe, the 6 is a machine for broadcasting its owner’s greatness. Or at least that’s what we’d use it for. If you’re a bigger person than we are, though, and just want to look good, drive around surrounded by BMW’s best interior yet, and do so for as little money as possible, there’s no reason not to do it in a 640i. Except maybe—okay, we’ll say it again—the steering.
AC Schnitzer has unveiled their tuning program for the BMW 5-Series GT at the Geneva Motor Show. In an effort to make the ‘wagden’ (half wagon, half sedan) look more appealing, Schnitzer added front and rear spoilers, a ventilated hood, aggressive side skirts, a redesigned rear fascia, chrome exhaust tips, and new wheels (available in a number of different styles, in sizes ranging from 19- to 22-inches). Inside, the company installed aluminum pedals, velour footmats, and a new cover for the i-Drive controller.
On the performance side, the engine in the 530d has been tuned to produce 286 HP (213 kW / 289 PS) – an increase of 41 HP (31 kW / 42 PS). Schnitzer also added a twin rear silencer and a specially tuned sports suspension.
Engine V8, Aspiration twin turbochargers, HP 540 hp, 0-62 mph 4.5 seconds, Top Speed 199 mph
With this concept vehicle, the Aachen-based tuning specialist AC Schnitzer is demonstrating new and unusual aspects of driving pleasure. With a performance upgrade from 407 to 540 HP, the AC Schnitzer engineers are pushing the boundaries of the possible - for greater dynamics and efficiency. The driving performance is at thoroughbred sportscar level: the sprint from 0 - 100 kph takes just 4.5 seconds, and the top speed is around 320 kph. A glance under the bonnet with the AC Schnitzer engine and engine bay styling shows just who is responsible for the revolutionary refinement. The AC Schnitzer limited slip differential with up to 75% effect ensures that the tremendous power reaches the point where it is needed.The AC Schnitzer twin sports rear silencer with chromed "Sports Trim“ tail pipe trims left and right combines exciting appearance and sound.
What does the sophisticated driver expect from perfect brakes? Perfect braking of course! With the AC Schnitzer high performance brake system with 8-piston fixed calipers left and right, and an 8-piece kit of brake pads and caliper holders for the front axle, all expectations of optimum deceleration and maximum stability are amply fulfilled. And the driving dynamics leave nothing to be desired. The AC Schnitzer racing suspension guides the saloon perfectly through the corners.
The AC Schnitzer tuning specialists will be focussing on the reactions to the new aerodynamic components for the body of the 5-series saloon. As well as the familiar AC Schnitzer front spoiler and chromed front grille, a new carbon front spoiler centre part gives the ACS5 Sport S Saloon an even more striking aspect. The carbon air ducts for the brakes left and right ensure adequate ventilation for the high performance brake system, and the new AC Schnitzer carbon side skirts clearly enhance the side view of the concept vehicle. The engine bay is ventilated by the bonnet vents from the current AC Schnitzer range. Together with further accessories already available, such as the AC Schnitzer rear roof spoiler, the rear spoiler and the rear skirt extension, new elements such as the AC Schnitzer sports wings left and right with Chromline Set and the carbon rear diffusor contribute to the great appearance. The AC Schnitzer loading sill protection film and the BiColor film trim harmoniously complete the sporting elegance of the body conversion. Possible and probable reactions to such a well-equipped vehicle are envious glances, which the proud driver seated behind the AC Schnitzer sports airbag steering wheel with painted spokes can enjoy in the new AC Schnitzer sports mirror.
The AC Schnitzer ACS5 Sport S saloon appears at the Geneva Motor Show with full leather trim in BiColor, painted interior trim strips and racing bucket seats with AC Schnitzer logo, which form part of the overall concept for the interior. The AC Schnitzer range already contains the
The BMW i8 Concept and the fascinating approach that underpins it embody the vision of a sustainable contemporary sports car brought to life. Its innovative plug-in hybrid concept combines the modified electric drive system from the BMW i3 Concept – fitted over its front axle – with a high-performance three-cylinder combustion engine producing 164 kW/220 hp and 300 Nm (221 lb-ft) at the rear. Working in tandem, they allow the two drive systems to display their respective talents to the full, delivering the performance of a sports car but the fuel consumption of a small car.
Acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in under five seconds combined with fuel consumption in the European cycle of under three litres per 100 kilometres (approx. 94 mpg imp) are figures currently beyond the capability of any vehicle powered by a combustion engine of comparable performance. Thanks to its large lithium-ion battery, which can be charged from a domestic power supply, the BMW i8 Concept can travel up to 35 kilometres (approx. 20 miles) on electric power alone. Added to which, the 2+2-seater offers enough space for four people, giving it a high level of everyday practicality.
The emotional design of the BMW i8 Concept ensures its qualities are clear for all to see. Its dynamic proportions give the BMW i8 Concept the appearance of surging forward before it even turns a wheel and lend visual form to its extraordinary performance.
Driving dynamics.
As with the BMW i3 Concept, layering again serves as the central design element of the interior and exterior. The individual vehicle components are also clearly visible from the outside, the black and transparent Life module clearly setting itself apart from the silver-coloured body components around it. This layering approach lends the BMW i8 Concept an extremely technical and cutting-edge appeal.
The BMW i3 Concept is an uncompromisingly sustainable vehicle designed for urban areas. Driven purely by electric power and purpose-built to meet the demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility, it embodies an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting.
All-electric – the BMW i3 Concept.
At the same time the abundant torque is delivered over a very large rpm range, resulting in very smooth power delivery. The single-speed gearbox provides optimal power transmission to the rear wheels and accelerates the BMW i3 Concept to an electronically governed 150 km/h (93 mph) without loss of power. The electric drive also allows for deceleration by means of the accelerator pedal. After the driver eases up on the accelerator, the electric motor acts as a generator, converting the kinetic energy into electricity which is then fed back into the battery. Energy recuperation generates a braking effect which makes a significant contribution to vehicle deceleration.
Compact and powerful – the electric motor.
Range extender increases the driving range.
MWDesign Project BMW e89 Z4 “White Flame”
The intermittent color blocked pinstripe theme was run from the nose of the vehicle, closely following the bold character lines of E89 Z4. Our friends at Blitzgear carefully laid two silver pinstripes in a near intersecting style, highlighting the two main character bulges on the side of the car. This had to be carefully planned out as pinstripes often go terribly wrong. Some of the key characteristics of the R-11’s pinstripe were translated onto the rear rollbars of the Z4. They were first painted alpine white to match the body with the striping and red triangle pattern applied afterward.
The red/black sport striping continued onto the large 20×9F / 20×10.5R Forgestar F10 wheels with classically styled stepped lips. A neutral painted silver face, carbon fiber center cap and polished outer lip was selected to match the factory silver and chrome kidney grills. Our long time partners at Toyo Tires sponsored the project vehicle with a set of Toyo T1-R in 245/30/20 F 285/25/20 R configurations, perfectly balanced to handle the various weather conditions in Vancouver, BC.
For the rear diffuser section, we opted for the factory M-sport 3.5is piece. This was painted in alpine white to match the body with a contrasting grey lower trim. To up the performance and fill the large new diffuser, we fitted a Milltek 2×100mm Catback Exhaust System and powdercoated the entire system matte silver in a ceramic-like finish. To complete the power upgrades, a Dinan Stage II ECU upgrade to 400hp and OEM BMW Performance big brakes are coming on the next phase.
The aerodynamic components of Kelleners Sport are designed to minimise wind resistance and ensure maximum down-force at high speeds. The MS front spoiler lip and the three-part MS grill insert made of electro polished stainless steel underscore the aerodynamic qualities of the car and create a supplementary visual impact. Naturally, this does not affect the BMW air curtains, which improve the aerodynamics by channelling the air stream around the front wheels. Visually, the improved agility is accentuated by decorative strips on the bonnet, roof and side sills.
