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BMW M3 and M4 will rock 430 hp from twin-turbo six with standard manual [w/video]

We're not sure which spec we're most intrigued by for the new BMW M3 and M4: the twin-turbo six-cylinder with 430 horsepower and "far beyond" 369 pound-feet of torque, the 3,300-pound curb weight or the standard six-speed manual transmission with automatic throttle blipping on downshifts. That engine is fitted with both Valvetronic and Double-Vanos, twin-wire arc-spray coating in the cylinders instead of liners to save weight, a track-ready cooling system with additional radiators, a forged crankshaft, dry-sump lubrication and a magnesium oil sump. BMW says its "high revving concept" has a redline beyond 7,500 rpm.
In the M4, it will be pulling a coupe with "a weight of just under 1,500 kilograms," which is 3,300 pounds to you and me. That number is said to include no driver and 90 percent fuel, but we're still waiting on the exact number and specs. BMW says it's "around 80 kilograms lighter than a comparably equipped predecessor model," putting the power-to-weight ratio at something like 7.68 pounds per horsepower at the same time as it helps reduce fuel consumption by 25 percent. The use of carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) for the roof, drive shaft (with no center bearing), trunk and front strut brace, and forged aluminum for suspension components, have aided in the weight loss. This time around, the sedan - the M3 - will also get a CFRP roof.
The default option will be a six-speed manual.

BMW i3 REx can be hacked to offer more miles, AM radio

If you're a BMW i3 REx owner who's willing to risk voiding your warranty, there's a low-level hack that offers up an interesting question. Which is worth more, an extra 20 miles or so of range from the gas-powered range extender or the ability to listen to local sports, like, for example, the iconic Vin Scully on Los Angeles Dodger broadcasts? The choice might be easy for Dodger fans, but it could be a bit more challenging anyone ready to make a road trip. The i3 REx is considered a zero-emissions vehicle under the odd rules from the California Air Resources Board (an important category for automakers) because the miles provided by the gas-powered range extender are about equal to the single-charge range of the vehicle's battery, Green Car Reports says. Some enterprising folks have figured out how to modify the software to tweak the car's capabilities. That means that instead of being able to put in only 1.9 gallons of fuel at a time into the tank, you can put in 2.4 gallons, allowing for that extra 20 miles of driving range. Additionally, the i3 REx's software suppresses AM radio because of potential electromagnetic interference from the electric drivetrain. But, again, that can be reversed with a few tweaks to the software. We need to give out a warning, though: messing with these sorts of software settings is a good way to void your warranty. So, if you're in LA and thinking about enjoying that Dodger (or, dare we say, Giant) broadcast and a few extra driving miles, make sure to figure in all of the factors. Related Video: Featured Gallery BMW i3 Coupe Concept: LA 2012 View 18 Photos News Source: Green Car Reports Green BMW Electric California warranty range extender software

2015 BMW 4 Series convertibles recalled to fix airbag programming woes

A problem with the airbags on the 4 Series convertible has promoted BMW and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to issue a recall for some 2,000 vehicles across the United States. The issue, according to the notice below, relates to the driver's side front airbag, whose timing for deployment may be off. And if the airbag doesn't deploy at the right time in the event of a crash, that's more likely to result in an injury. As a result, BMW of North America is calling in 2,067 vehicles – specifically the 428i, 428i xDrive, 435i and 435i xDrive convertibles of the 2015 model year and manufactured between October 22, 2014, and February 27, 2015. Those units will simply need to have the software in the airbag control module reset, and will begin undertaking that process in April.Related Video: Report Receipt Date: MAR 13, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V148000 Component(s): AIR BAGS Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,067 Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 428i Convertible, 428i xDrive Convertible, 435i Convertible, and 435i xDrive Convertible vehicles manufactured October 22, 2014, to February 27, 2015. Due to a programming error, the driver's front air bag deployment timing may be incorrect. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 208, "Occupant Crash Protection." CONSEQUENCE: If the driver's front air bag deployment timing is incorrect, there is an increased risk of personal injury in the event of a vehicle crash. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the air bag control module with corrected software version, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in April 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.