BMW S1000RR stars in Black Eyed Peas music video

The BMW S1000RR makes an appearance in Black Eyed Peas' new music video, I'mma be rocking that body. The video is kind of cool, even if you aren't into their kind of music

G-Power A 725HP and 215MPH BMW 760i

In the tune-tastic world of G-Power, all stock BMWs are underpowered and sluggish and in need of some serious cosmetic makeup. Having already taken on the M5 sedan, M3 Coupe, M6 Coupe, Z4 Roadster and the X5M and X6M SAVs, just to mention a few, G-Power has now turned its tuning affection on Munich's flagship limo, the 760i and its long-wheelbase sibling, the 760iL.

Simply called the Storm, G-Power's latest achievement will be produced in a limited run of just 10 units worldwide and it promises to bring the rain on other tuning proposals like the 500HP Alpina B7.

Starting with the engine, G-Power's technicians fiddled around with the 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbochargers increasing maximum boost pressure from 0.5 bar to 0.9 bar. They also recalibrated the ECU, added larger injection valves and created an entirely new exhaust system.

The result is a maximum output of 725 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 1,000Nm or 738 lb-ft from 2,000 rpm, up from the stock engine's 544HP and 750Nm or 553 lb-ft.

Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a modified version of the 760i's eight-speed automatic transmission.G-Power claims that the Storm is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 4.2 seconds, to 200km/h (124mph) in 11.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 345 km/h or 215 mph.The engine modifications are accompanied by a new sports suspension that lowers the limo's ride height by 30 mm or 1.2-inches.The Storm also features a full body kit that includes a new bonnet made of Kevlar with air vents, unique front and rear bumpers and carbon fiber side skirts, boot lid spoiler and rear diffuser.The four tail pipes and the new 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels shod in Michelin rubber size 265/30 at the front and 295/25 at the rear, complete the exterior changes.G-Power only released a couple of renderings of the exterior, but the tuning firm said that it has refined the interior of the 760i with a new "ergonomically shaped" sports steering wheel, a different speedometer and carbon fiber trim for the door panels, central console and dashboard.The fully converted Storm 760i is priced at a hefty €365,000 or at today's exchange rates, US$495,500, while the long wheelbase 760il Storm, from €375,000 or US$510,000.

Wallpaper: BMW 760i

Chicago 2010 BMW ends three year Alpina B7 drought for 2011

2011 BMW Aplina B7

Not only will BMW not make an M7, but they even stopped making the incredibly-close-to-an-M Alpina B7 a few years ago. That car could hold its head high against competitors like the Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, Audi S8 and Bentley Flying Spur Speed, with extra horsepower, refined handling and unique looks setting it apart from standard 7 series fare. Sadly, that car was only produced from 2007-2008 and since '09 there's been nothing to fill the void.

Today in Chicago we saw a bright light on the horizon. Just in time to do battle with the upcoming Jaguar XJR, Porsche Panamera Turbo and the like, BMW unveiled the 2011 Alpina B7. Functional front and rear fascias and spoilers, 20-spoke, 21-inch Alpina wheels, hand-stitched "Lavalina" leather and Alpina badges and sills differentiate this from lesser 7s.

Underhood there's a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 with 500 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque – 100 hp and 66 lb-ft better than the 750i, with a 0-60 dash of 4.5 seconds. Available in short wheelbase for $122,875 or extended wheelbase at $126,775, it's a helluva car for helluva lot scratch. Press release after the jump and live gallery below.

Gallery: 2011 BMW Alpina B7

PRESS RELEASE

The 2011 BMW ALPINA B7 Sedan

BMW returns legendary ALPINA badge to North America.

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 8, 2010... BMW of North America announced today that the 2011 BMW ALPINA B7 sedan will join BMW's North American product range as the most dynamic 7 Series model. The BMW ALPINA B7 represents the second generation of ALPINA automobiles based on the BMW 7 Series to be offered in the US. The first BMW ALPINA B7 was offered as a limited edition for the 2007 and 2008 model years. Newly interpreted and based on the current BMW 7 Series platform, the B7 will again set the benchmark in terms of performance, refinement, technology, luxury and exclusivity.

Yielding exquisite levels of power and torque from the twin-turbocharged 4.4 liter V8, and in conjunction with the electronically-adjustable suspension with active roll stabilization, the new B7 promises to offer a spectrum of driving experiences so broad as to be unheard of in this class of automobiles. The evolution of the traditional 20-spoke 21" ALPINA CLASSIC wheels underline the fresh design language found throughout the B7 and impart it a distinctive appearance and powerful stance.

Both short- and long-wheelbase models will be offered. The BMW ALPINA B7 will make its North American premiere at the 2010 Chicago Auto Show in February, and go on sale at authorized BMW Centers in Spring of 2010. Pricing will be announced closer to the on-sale date.

ALPINA and BMW. A history of synergy.

ALPINA – a name famous in Europe and the wider world for putting a particular performance accent on BMWs, though not yet so well-known in North America. BMW – a name famous all over the world for motor vehicles of performance, quality, luxury and safety.

The two companies, both at home in the German state of Bavaria, have a long history of working together to produce special BMW automobiles. Burkard Bovensiepen, son of the founder of ALPINA Business Machines and an enthusastic racing driver/engineer, began his automotive career path in 1961 by developing a dual-carburetor setup for the just-introduced BMW 1500 sedan. It was a predictive beginning: to take an already fine-performing BMW (which also just happened to be a practical sedan) and making it perform even better.

By 1964, BMW had officially recognized ALPINA's contribution to BMW performance. Not long thereafter, Burkard Bovensiepen founded the ALPINA company – ALPINA Burkard Bovensiepen KG – that continues today, creating special versions of BMW automobiles that offer a particular brand of performance for discriminating auto enthusiasts. Yet outside the circle of dedicated BMW enthusiasts, ALPINA has kept a low profile in North America. In addition to racing versions of BMWs, ALPINA has developed a progression of BMW-based cars based on 3, 5, 6, 8, Z4 and Z8 models and offered them on a limited-production basis. ALPINA is located in the small Bavarian city of Buchloe, some 50 miles southwest of Munich, BMW's headquarters

Source: AutoBlog

BMW M3 Competition Package

BMW M3 Competition Package

BMW is hell-bent on incorporating its EfficientDynamics systems into every model in its line-up, and the latest recipient is the M3, which will come equipped with Auto Start Stop this spring. According to BMW, the system, which cuts the engine when the M3 comes to a stop, reduces emissions and fuel consumption by up to eight percent.

BMW will also begin offering a Competition Package for the M3 coupe and sedan in Europe, which includes 19x9-inch wheels, a suspension lowered by 10mm and a revised Sport traction control setting. A carbon fiber rear spoiler and front apron flaps are included in the package, and can be ordered separately for older M3s.

A new M Sport package for the X5 will debut alongside the Competition M3 at the Geneva Motor Show, comprised of a 19- or 20-inch wheels wrapped in specially developed tires, a new front fascia with larger air intakes, "satinized aluminum" window surrounds, M leather steering wheel, footrest and a few interior tweaks. All the details, along with new Individual packages for the X5 M, X6 M, 5 and 7 Series sedans, are available in the press release below the fold.

Gallery: BMW M3 Competition Package

AC Schnitzer gives the BMW X1 a once-over

AC Schnitzer X1 E84

The Westphalians at AC Schnitzer have done a number on the diesel BMW X1 to come up with the AC Schnitzer X1 E84. The range of changes, options, and badging – especially the badging – is extensive. But the crux of the tuned crossover is that the 1.8d model goes from 143 horsepower to 171, and the 2.0d goes from 177 hp to 210.

Your super schneller X1 will look the part with a comprehensive aerodynamics package outside and carbon goodies inside, including a Schnitzer logo'd cover for the iDrive controller. And it is promised as the "new standard in driving pleasure" because of a new suspension kit. Schnitzer's full info on the X1 E84 is in the press release after the jump, and you can get a high-res view of it in the gallery below. Stay tune for all of our live pics and info from Geneva.

Gallery: AC Schnitzer BMW X1 E84

PRESS RELEASE

New Standards in Driving Pleasure
Quality and Emotion: The BMW X1 by AC Schnitzer

The X1 is the latest welcome addition to the compact vehicles segment, and brings the characteristic BMW "Driving Pleasure" to this class. With an extensive range for the BMW X1, the AC Schnitzer version now celebrates its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show 2010.

The BMW X1 is available with choice of a 6-cylinder petrol engine and three 4-cylinder diesel power plants. Here again, AC Schnitzer is setting totally new standards for driving pleasure in the premium compact segment. The BMW X1 xDrive23d has been upgraded from a 150 kW/204 HP diesel engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo and Common Rail injection to 240 HP. The 2.0 d and 1.8 d units in the BMW X1 also feature Common Rail injection and a turbocharger, and with the AC Schnitzer tuning package achieve 210 and 171 HP respectively. Naturally, the power upgrades are available for both the sDrive and xDrive versions. The AC Schnitzer engine styling including capacity logo is available for vehicles with and without performance upgrade.

Acoustically, the sporting driving experience is enhanced by the AC Schnitzer sports rear silencer for the petrol X1 xDrive 28i (in development). Visual elegance is provided by the chromed "Racing" tailpipe trim which is also available for all other models.

The superb driving behaviour of the BMW X1 with its focus on agility, precision and handling is the direct result of the sophisticated suspension technology used on the extremely solid body structure. AC Schnitzer has built on this and with its suspension spring kit and an aluminium strut brace, ensures the perfect balance between sporting performance and driving comfort.

The AC Schnitzer aerodynamics package is far more than mere decoration, although it harmonises effectively in the overall concept. The front spoiler and rear skirt extension, in combination with the rear roof spoiler, improve downforce and ensure additional ground adhesion. Engine bay venting is optimised by the AC Schnitzer Bonnet Vents. These are enhanced further with chromed centre webs available as an option. In aesthetic terms, the AC Schnitzer aerodynamic conversion emphasises the expressive styling and reveals to the observer on first glance the universal sporting ambitions of the X1 by AC Schnitzer.

Impressive design elements also lend a sporting and youthful note to the interior of the BMW X1 by AC Schnitzer. These elements include silver "Exclusiv" carbon interior trim, illuminated leather gear knob, aluminium gear knobs with or without digital gear display, "Black Line" aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, aluminium handbrake handle and pedal set, foot rests and velours foot mats.

The finishing touch comes from a set of attractive wheels, so the X1 retains its stylish appearance not only on twisty or changing terrain, but also outside a fashionable cafe. An ideal choice is the brand-new Type VIII wheel in 19". The new wheel with its 5 double spokes in BiColor Finish is an evolution of the well-known Type VI wheel, and complements perfectly the styling language of the BMW X1. AC Schnitzer Type IV wheels in silver or in BiColor in 18, 19 or 20 inch, together with the Type VI rim in 18", complete the range available for the BMW X1.

Active Autowerke BMW M3

Active Autowerke BMW M3

The BMW M3 is already one of Germany's best Autobahn burners, but U.S.-based tuning company Active Autowerke has taken BMW's pride-and-joy M car to the next level.

Active Autowerke has made a few minor tweaks to the engine by way of a performance software upgrade. We're told that the M3 is now producing around 470 horsepower versus the stock car's 414 (which still isn't anything to raise your nose at). Autowerke's Signature Series Performance Package also includes things like a modified rear exhaust, short shift kit, and performance brake pads. Additionally, the folks at KW have fitted an upgraded coilover system for better suspension dynamics, meaning the coupe should be a bit more lively than the stock car we're used to.

Visually, Autowerke has partnered with Vorsteiner to add a new carbon fiber front bumper, upgraded rear diffuser, and a carbon fiber boot lid, giving the custom M3 a much more aggressive road presence. The wheels, made by ADV.1 and distributed by Avus Performance, can be built to many different size specifications, as well as being offered in either matte bronze and matte gunmetal. We'll take those hot 14-spokes, please.

*UPDATE: While the original information about this hotted-up M3 was sent to us by a spokesperson for Avus Performance, we have now learned that the car was, in fact, tuned by U.S.-based Active Autowerke using additional parts from the Vorsteiner and KW companies. Avus Performance is simply the distributor of the ADV.1 wheels pictured on the M3.

Gallery: Active Autowerke BMW M3

2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6 on the dyno, results disappointing

2010 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid

Wait a second here, isn't it a bit antithetical to strap a hybrid vehicle on a dyno to measure it for horsepower? Well, in some instances we might be tempted to agree – though our curious side tells us it's always good to know how much power any particular automobile makes – but definitely not in the case of the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6.

After all, BMW itself proclaims that this vehicle is the most powerful production hybrid ever offered with 480 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque. Claims such as this must, MUST we say, be tested. Fortunately for us, the chaps over at Inside Line happen to have a dyno at their disposal, along with the aforementioned hybrid SUV. So, how'd it fair?

Measured output at the wheels came in at 368 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque. Now, it's expected that all vehicles will make a good bit less power at the wheels than at the engine's flywheel, which is how they are rated from the factory. But in the instance of the X6 Hybrid, it made way less than expected given its prodigious claimed figures.

There are all sorts of explanations as to why the BMW ActiveHybrid X6 may not have made as many pound-feet as expected, and you can find some of them by reading Inside Line's summary here. Acceleration tests are promised, meaning we may get an answer about those elusive few ponies soon enough. Finally, click here to read our own impressions after driving the monster hybrid SUV last November.

Gallery: First Drive: 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid X6