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BMW showcases M2, M4 with M Performance Parts at SEMA

The halls of the Las Vegas Convention Center may be filled this week primarily with customized automobiles from one side of the Pacific or another. But that's not to say that European automakers can't come out to play too. Take these two custom rides from BMW, for example. They're each based on Munich's latest performance coupes, but taken further with the addition of extra M Performance parts. The larger, more potent, and more thoroughly revised of the two is based on the M4. For the SEMA show, the Bavarian automaker has fitted it with a carbon aero kit including new front elements, diffuser, and spoiler, as well as wing mirror caps. The side sills are done in plastic, and the grilles have been blacked out. The whole thing rides on a lowered coilover suspension, and features a new two-mode stainless-steel exhaust system with titanium silencer and carbon tips. Meanwhile, the interior is trimmed out in carbon fiber and Alcantara with new a steering wheel, shifter, pedals, and LED door projectors. The SEMA show also presents BMW with the opportunity to present its first M Performance parts for the new M2 coupe. The smaller model has been decked out with new grilles, carbon rear spoiler and mirror caps, as well as new suspension components and exhaust. The interior has similarly been done up with new control surfaces, carbon accents and Alcantara trim. Related Video: BMW at SEMA 2015. 03.11.2015 The Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA) in Las Vegas (Nevada, USA) is regarded worldwide as the leading trade show for customisation and sports tuning. The new products presented at SEMA to trade experts influence the entire scene and set trends. At this year's SEMA show from November 3rd to 6th 2015, BMW presents a selection of distinctively sports-oriented BMW M Performance Parts to the trade fair audience. Located on the lower level of South Hall (Stand 40247), trade fair visitors will see a BMW M Performance modified BMW M4 Coupe as well as the first BMW M Performance Parts for the new BMW M2 Coupe. What is more, the new "M Performance" inscription in dynamic technical design is to be seen on selected parts. The inscription reflects the increased dynamic flair of BMW M Performance as well as underscoring the essential functional orientation of all BMW M Performance Parts. Evidence of this is also to be seen in the new, extremely sporty parts and components with which BMW has fitted the demonstration vehicle.

Electric living with a BMW i3

Rarely in the 27-plus years I've been testing and writing about cars has any vehicle changed this much from my initial impression until I was later able to spend more time in one. Nearly two years ago, I got a brief test drive of the then-new BMW i3 EV on a selection of both flat and hilly, curvy roads west of Los Angeles the day before LA Auto Show press days. My impressions at the time were mixed: polarizing exterior and interior designs but roomy, easily accessible rear cabin; great twisty road handling but somewhat brittle rough-road ride; good performance but annoyingly strong (always on) regenerative braking. And there was no opportunity to test one with the optional range-extender (which BMW calls a "REx") engine. So I wanted an extended experience in a REx-equipped i3, and recently got one. And, I'm here to report that, driving it for a week like I owned it, the quirky i3 soon won me over. The quirky i3 soon won me over. The $42,400 BMW EV's unique, lightweight "LifeDrive" architecture features a Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) passenger cell on an all-aluminum chassis. Powered by a 22-kWh lithium-ion battery pack, its 170-hp AC synchronous motor spins out a healthy 184-pound-feet of torque through a single-speed transmission and offers three drive modes: Comfort, Eco Pro (which BMW says adds roughly 12 percent of range) and Eco Pro+ (another 12 percent). The optional rear-mounted 647 cc (0.65-liter) in-line 2-cylinder REx engine drives an electric generator, never the wheels. It increases the sticker price to $46,250 and curb weight from 2,860 pounds to 3,130 lb., and that 270-lb. weight penalty reduces its electric-only range from 81 to 72 miles and EPA-rated combined (gas-equivalent) fuel economy from 124 to 117 MPGe, and slows its 0-60-mph acceleration from 7.0 to 7.8 sec. But it nearly doubles the i3's official EPA-rated total range from an EV-only 81 miles to an EV-plus-gasoline 150 miles. The i3 arrived (from roughly 90 miles away) with its battery depleted but an indicated 75 miles of gas-powered range remaining. Wanting to experience it REx-only at first, I drove it on a 9.6-mile local trip and found little difference in sound or performance from what I recalled from that California battery-only test drive. When I returned home, however, the indicated gas range was just 55 miles, so I had used 20 miles of projected range in less than 10 local miles. My initial impressions were good, with a few quibbles.

MotorWeek fondly remembers the 2000 BMW M5

The Retro Review series from MotorWeek tends to reminisce about vehicles at are at least 20 years old and often from even further back. However, the show's latest recollection shines the spotlight on a fondly remembered sports sedan that's also a modern classic: the 2000 BMW M5. Years before BMW committed to downsized engines with turbocharging and shortly prior to the introduction of iDrive, the E39 M5 showed the Bavarian brand's engineering talents at their very best. By modern standards, the sedan's powertrain is almost antiquated. Up front, there's a big, naturally aspirated V8 that sends power to the rear wheels, and the only choice of transmission is a six-speed manual. But as MotorWeek explains, the tuning of the whole vehicle comes out to near perfection. This is a model that's definitely worth remembering.