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BMW i3 takes to the track, circles it in a way you don't expect

So, who wants to see a BMW i3 race around a track. That's what we thought. It's not a long video, but it is entertaining, and the way the urban EV does a 'loop' at second 25 certainly caught out eye. The i3 is scheduled to go on sale in the US later this year and will start at $41,350. The diminutive electric vehicle has a top speed of 93 miles per hour and can hit 62 mph in 7.2 seconds. We found it a hoot to drive, but we're not sure if hardcore BMW performance fans will totally 'get' this car's performance. The i3 is great at what it does, but it wasn't born to hit the race track. After seeing this video, though, we want a crack at it, skinny wheels and all. You can get a behind-the-scenes glimpse here, where Chris Neff writes, "The i3 basically turns in on itself. This is one sharp turning radius, take a look at 24 seconds into the video. We were actually trying to get the i3 to do doughnuts, but the computer would not let the rear brake loose, still, you can see how it held and how sharp we were turning....about 27 times in a row." Watch all 49 seconds below. And wonder with us if whatever aerial device was used to get the shot that ends at four seconds in was destroyed just after the video cuts away.

BMW Competition Edition: 'ultimate version' of M5

BMW isn't waiting to see how much power the upcoming Mercedes-AMG E63 will have and is firmly placing itself at the top of the performance list with a new edition of the M5. BMW claims the M5 Competition Edition is the ultimate version of the sedan and will be limited to 200 models. BMW has confirmed that the vehicle will only be sold in Europe, which makes sense as the automaker just announced a US-only edition. The Competition Edition utilizes the same platform as the M5 with the Competition Package. The M5's twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 receives an updated ECU and an increase in boost pressure for 40 more horsepower and 16 pound-feet of torque. The special edition now puts out 600 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque. With the M dual-clutch transmission as standard, the sedan takes 3.9 seconds to get to 62 mph from a standstill. The M5 Competition Edition also benefits from all of the go-fast goodies found in the Competition Package, which include: a recalibrated differential, special steering calibration, a reprogrammed M chassis control system, and an upgraded and lowered suspension. The limited-edition model will be finished in two body colors, Carbon Black and Mineral White, both of which are metallic, while the exterior is adorned with carbon fiber. The rear diffuser, spoiler, and mirror caps are all finished in carbon fiber, with the kidney grilles and side gills wear a "M5 Competition" badge. A unique set of black wheels wrapped in performance tires rounds out the exterior touches. On the inside, the M5 Competition Edition is finished in Merino Black leather with contrast stitching in Opal White. Even the floor mats, which are black, have Merino Opal White bordering. "///M5" is prominently embroidered on the performance seats' headrests, while the carbon-fiber interior trim bears a plaque (one to 200) to indicate the vehicle's limited quantity. All of the special editions will come with a Bang & Olufsen stereo system in addition to a host of high-tech features. The M5 Competition Edition is currently available for approximately $142,696 or roughly $42,000 over a M5 with the Competition Package. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2016 BMW M5 Competition Edition News Source: BMWImage Credit: BMW BMW Special and Limited Editions Performance Sedan limited edition

BMW gearing up for Sochi Olympics with bobsled documentary [w/video]

BMW might be a German brand, but that isn't keeping its US branch from helping out Team USA as the 22nd Winter Olympics gets set to kick off in Sochi, Russia next month. We last reported on BMW's partnership with Team USA's bobsled team in November of 2012, but with barely a month until the opening ceremony, it's about time we hear something new about the team's progress. And that's exactly what's going to happen when Driving on Ice airs this Sunday afternoon. The documentary charts the progress of the Team USA/BMW partnership to redesign the team's two-man bobsled for an event in which the USA hasn't captured gold in since 1936. And if you're concerned that this will be nothing more than a long advertisement for BMW, then you'll enjoy knowing that the program has more to do with the Team USA bobsledders than with the automaker. Even the trailer stars a number of team members and coaches, along with BMW DesignWorks USA's Michael Scully, lead designer on the program. There's a short preview embedded below, so if you just can't wait for next month's Olympics to kick off, you'll want to tune into NBC at 12:30 pm (Eastern time). Scroll down to watch the video preview and check out the full press release from BMW. BMW Slides into 2014 Winter Olympic Year with Announcement of U.S. Olympic Marketing Campaign, Bobsled Documentary. "Driving on Ice," a Film About BMW's Redesign of the Team USA Two-man Bobsled, to Air This Sunday on NBC. Woodcliff Lake, NJ – January 3, 2013... BMW of North America, the Official Mobility Partner of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), today announced its U.S. Olympic marketing campaign for the Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games which includes a series of Olympic-themed advertisments, consumer and retail activations, social and digital media executions, and a national drive campaign to benefit Team USA. In addition, a documentary on BMW's complete redesign of the U.S. two-man bobsled entitled "Driving on Ice" will air this Sunday, Jan. 5 at 12:30 p.m. EST/11:30 a.m. CST on NBC. "Driving on Ice" chronicles BMW's collaboration with the USA Bobsled & Skeleton Federation (USBSF) to deliver a fleet of six new two-man bobsleds, applying the automaker's world-class design and engineering expertise to help Team USA chase its first Olympic gold medal in the event since 1936.