Separate from BMW, Alpina had a strong presence at this year’s iteration of the Geneva Auto Show, and the B6 Gran Coupe was of particular interest for the US market.

Not so long ago, the model was finally announced for sale in North America.

Alpina B6 Gran Coupe xDrive

Wearing a price tag of $118.225, the Alpina B6 Gran Coupe will first arrive on the new continent in April, when it will be on display at the 2014 New York International Auto Show. Following the event, the vehicle will become available for purchase.
Continue Reading →

Today, if you are least a bit interested in BMW and tuning, you have heard about Alpina and their great builds.

But where did it start? Where are the roost of the the industry leading aftermarket specialist?

Alpina 3.0 CSL

Well, some 40 years ago, the guys from Alpina had a great idea about working with BMW in order to bring to life a special 3.0CSL. Needles to say, the car was a success and from that point on, Alpina went on to full collaboration with the German car maker, eventually making it as a standalone manufacturer.
Continue Reading →

Not everyone is taking a slow approach when it comes to revealing their product, or at least this is what I can say about the latest build from AC Schnitzer.

While only online, the tuner has unveiled their F15 BMW X5 M50d build, a project with an insane amount of oomph.

F15 BMW X5 M50d by AC Schnitzer

Just how much more power are we talking about? Well, after AC Schnitzer was done with the vehicle, the power output hit 430 Hp, up from 381 Hp. The improvement come thanks to an ECU remapping and a new exhaust system. For better control, a new suspension system was also installed.
Continue Reading →

There is nothing like a nice backstage footage of our favorite manufacturers, too see exactly how the creative process works and grasp as much of the underpinnings of the vehicles as we can.

As you might have guessed, we are about to present to you one such video, featuring the Yokohoma store of the aftermarket specialist Studie AG.

Studie AG video tour

I guess the name is not quite as wide spread as others such AC Schnitzer or 3D Design, but Studie AG is, in fact, one of the leading tuning companies in Japan. The video tour takes us through the shop itself, while also covering the pit are and the car lot.
Continue Reading →

Sometimes, a good tuning can be all about adding just that one small detail that the manufacturer may have forgotten during the assembly process.

And when it comes to Bimmers, few models really need an upgrade, be it aesthetic or performance wise.

3D Design BMW 435i M-Sport

Then again, tuning is also about setting yourself apart, adding not what is needed but what each individual wants. 3D Design is one aftermarket specialist that does its best to provide for those that really want that extra something on their ride.
Continue Reading →

Fans of performance motoring would find themselves infatuated with the BMW M3. The benchmark in this sector in terms of a mixture of performance, practicality and aesthetic appeal, the M3 has earned respect worldwide. Launched in 1985 by BMW’s in-house Motorsport division, the M3 has created a vast legacy throughout four previous model generations.

BMW F80 M3

With the addition of the next generation F80 M3 and F82 M4 imminent, we were curious as to which of the older generation sports saloons had earned the most affection amongst owners and enthusiasts.

BMW F82 M4

In a survey conducted amongst 248 avid petrol heads and BMW enthusiasts, the hierarchy of the previous generations was concluded as ranked below. Whilst some argued that the only real comparison with each M3 is with its contemporary competitors, a clear favourite was chosen.
Continue Reading →

I love the work Duke Dynamics does with the Bimmers that fall into their hands, even if they mostly deal with aesthetics, and don’t bother with performance.

A recent product involves the E89 BMW Z4, for which they built a wide body kit that seems to integrate with the Z4 seamlessly.

E89 BMW Z4 by Duke Dynamics

The wide body kit has all the makings for a great build. New panels all around, with a special attention to the wheel arches, which have been widened to accommodate those 20 inch wheels we love so much. Then the vented hood adds some more Duke Dynamics style to the E89 BMW Z4.
Continue Reading →

There are a few tuners out there that have managed to set themselves apart from the herd, and with this kind of success, they have earned their place not just as great aftermarket specialists, but as a great manufacturer overall.

Alpina has earned its place among the top tuners of the moment, and as it should be expected, they will also be present at the Geneva Motor Show.

Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo Cabrio

Their center piece has already been leaked, and it’s the Alpina B4 Bi-Turbo Cabrio. As the name would suggest, the vehicle is based on the BMW 4 Series Convertible, and after Alpina was done fiddling with it, the 3.0 liter twin turbo engine is capable of unleashing some 410 Hp and 600 Nm of torque.
Continue Reading →

If there is one type of cars America loves, it’s big, powerful trucks, with a penchant for pickups.

Unfortunately, BMW is not building any, so lovers just have to convert Bimmers to suit their needs.

E91 BMW M3 Touring conversion

Second in line are the Touring conversions. While BMW did something about these, the M Division has never touched one. And while I can perfectly understand the reasoning behind this, there are a few out there that still long for such a vehicle.
Continue Reading →

The new BMW i3 is unlike any other current BMW on sale. It is, along with the new, hybrid i8, a novel venture by BMW into the electric vehicle (EV) market.

The i3 maintains BMW’s rear-wheel drive tradition but instead of the M-powered brutishness of a V8 under the bonnet, there is a 168bhp electric motor that generates an amazing amount of torque; 184lb-ft of torque to be exact, which produces instant power without the lag of a turbo.

The i3 is revolutionary because it aims to smash its competitors, in terms of power outage, range and value for money. While not entirely obvious, the i3’s competitors consists primarily of the Nissan Leaf, which is a small, 5-door, family hatchback and the Renault Zoe.

BMW i3

Firstly, the Nissan Leaf is the most popular electrical, common-use vehicle in the world today. By the middle of 2014, Nissan will have sold over 100,000 Leafs globally making it the highest volume electrical vehicle in the world. In terms of fracturing the market, Nissan’s rivals have a lot of catching up to do.
Continue Reading →