Tag Archives: BMW

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BMW M2 Track Package Teased with GT3-Style Wing and 2026 Launch

BMW’s M division continues to redefine what a compact sports car can achieve. In just under three years, the G87-generation M2 has already undergone two power upgrades, and now the relentless pursuit of performance shows no signs of slowing. With the launch of the 523-horsepower M2 CS still fresh in the rearview mirror, BMW is now teasing an even more focused variant—this time wearing the label “Track Package.”

Caught testing near the Nürburgring in unmistakable Sao Paulo Yellow, this latest M2 prototype is believed to preview a more circuit-oriented iteration of the coupe. Sporting a towering rear wing that wouldn’t look out of place on a Porsche 911 GT3 or Cayman GT4, the camouflaged test mule hints at a serious aerodynamic overhaul. Despite BMW’s attempts to obscure the changes with their signature swirl camo, the intent is clear: the M2 is gunning for track supremacy.

What’s especially intriguing is that BMW has retained the rear seats—visible through the rear glass—suggesting that this Track Package model will still be road-legal and street-friendly. That points to a balanced dual-purpose machine: capable of setting blistering lap times while still being practical enough to drive to and from the track. A more stripped-out, hardcore variant, possibly wearing the coveted CSL badge, may still be in the cards for the future.

Compared to the already extensive M Performance Parts catalog—featuring carbon fiber add-ons, centerlock wheels, coilover suspension, and the infamous stacked-tip center-exit exhaust—the upcoming Track Package appears to push even further. While BMW has yet to confirm whether it will be sold as a full kit or à la carte, early indicators suggest it will go well beyond aesthetic tweaks.

Under the skin, expect a comprehensive suite of mechanical refinements. BMW M has hinted at “serious upgrades” arriving in 2026, which likely include chassis stiffening, revised suspension geometry, and upgraded brakes. These enhancements should trim lap times even further, possibly bringing the M2 below the 7:25 mark around the Nürburgring Nordschleife—a tantalizing prospect given the M2 CS already bests the Audi RS3 by 7.6 seconds on the same course.

With rumors of xDrive and CSL variants also swirling, the G87 M2 is shaping up to be one of the most thoroughly developed M cars of the modern era. From its humble beginnings as an entry point to the M lineup, the M2 is now a full-fledged track weapon, blurring the line between street car and motorsport machine.

As we await the official unveiling, one thing is certain: BMW is squeezing every last drop of performance from the M2—and the best may still be yet to come.

Source: BMW, @wilcoblok via Instagram

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BMW Group Closes the Loop with Recycled 3D Printing Materials in Production

In a significant stride toward circular manufacturing, the BMW Group is transforming waste into value by repurposing used 3D printing powder and old plastic parts into new, high-quality components. This bold move not only enhances production efficiency but firmly aligns with the company’s sustainability vision.

At the heart of this innovation is BMW’s Additive Manufacturing Campus in Oberschleißheim, a technological nerve center where research, production, and training in 3D printing converge. Here, up to 12 tonnes of previously discarded powder and plastic waste are reprocessed annually into filament and granulate — essential raw materials for 3D printing. The recycled filament, wound onto spools like wire, feeds Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) printers, while granulate is utilized in Fused Granulate Fabrication (FGF) for larger tools and parts.

From Idea to Implementation: A Circular Milestone Since 2018

The journey began in 2018 with the “bottleUP” project, a BMW Start-up Accelerator initiative that explored repurposing PET bottles for 3D printing. Within a year, the team moved from concept to pilot-scale filament production using industrial waste. By 2021, BMW’s Predevelopment Non-Metals team, led by project manager Paul Victor Osswald, successfully printed the first auxiliary production devices from their own recycled materials.

“I’ve been involved with this project from the very beginning, and I’m thrilled to see how far we’ve come,” said Osswald. “The use of waste powder and discarded 3D printing components is a key element of a functional and efficient circular economy.”

Empowering the Global Production Network

The Additive Manufacturing Campus is not just a production site — it’s a global hub that distributes recycled filament and technical expertise to BMW Group plants worldwide. Each location receives a tailored support package that includes compatible printer recommendations, validated parameter settings, and extensive training opportunities. This ensures consistent print quality across the board, no matter the site.

The Campus’s knowledge-sharing network has also grown rapidly, enabling BMW sites to innovate independently. One such example is Plant Debrecen in Hungary, which will soon launch its own 3D printing facility, drawing on the experience of its sister plants.

Efficiency on the Ground: Real-World Applications

3D printing is now integrated into every BMW Group production facility, with several hundred thousand components produced each year. The applications are diverse — from safety enhancements and ergonomic aids to fitting tools, templates, and complex fixtures.

  • In Munich, 3D-printed components help align the steering rod during the “marriage” of the chassis and body — a crucial moment in the vehicle assembly process. The parts are temporarily installed, guiding components precisely and then removed for reuse.
  • In Berlin, BMW Motorrad uses bespoke 3D-printed pedestals for trim decor application. These fixtures lock the parts securely in place, ensuring accuracy and repeatability.
  • At Plant Dingolfing, workers designed their own 3D-printed screw holders for cordless tools, minimizing the risk of losing screws during assembly and improving workflow efficiency.

Fast, Flexible, and Future-Proof

The beauty of 3D printing lies in its flexibility. Production teams can respond rapidly to new challenges, with some parts printed and installed within hours. This not only cuts lead times but also reduces potential assembly line downtime. The technology fosters a culture of on-site creativity, empowering employees to solve problems in real time.

BMW’s approach exemplifies how advanced manufacturing can harmonize innovation, cost-effectiveness, and environmental responsibility. With recycled filament forming a key piece of its production puzzle, the company proves that cutting-edge technology and circular economy practices can — and should — go hand in hand.

As Osswald and his team continue to push the boundaries of additive manufacturing, one thing is clear: BMW is not just printing parts — it’s printing the blueprint for the future of sustainable automotive production.

Source: BMW

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BMW M3 EV Spied at Nürburgring—Here’s What We Know

The inevitable electrification of BMW’s M division is accelerating, and the icon that defines the brand’s high-performance DNA—the M3—is next in line. Recent spy shots from the Nürburgring reveal that the first fully electric BMW M3 is no longer a distant promise but a fast-approaching reality.

For the first time, an electric M3 prototype has been caught wearing what appears to be its production-spec body. Despite some strategically placed camouflage and deceptive panels on the hood, fenders, and trunk, the general shape and details are unmistakably M3—aggressive, athletic, and purposeful.

The prototype was spotted entering BMW’s M Test Center at the Nürburgring, where it’s expected to undergo further high-speed development. And it seems BMW isn’t holding back. The mule was being pushed hard, evident from a detail visible in a close-up image: a single rear brake disc—on the right side—turned blue from heat, a trait typically associated with titanium components under extreme stress.

Curiously, only that one brake disc showed signs of thermal abuse, raising questions. Was it a result of brake binding? Inadequate cooling? Or could it signal something more sophisticated, like BMW testing torque vectoring or a new vehicle dynamics controller that selectively brakes the inside wheel to aid rotation? Given that the Nordschleife runs clockwise, this could explain the heat buildup on the right rear.

Adding to the intrigue is the pale blue glow surrounding the charging connector, suggesting that the car is using finalized production hardware. The presence of production wheels, parking sensors embedded in temporary bumpers, and blue-painted front calipers (a hallmark of M cars) all point to a vehicle nearing the end of its pre-production journey.

Underneath that partially camouflaged shell lies something more potent than ever. Sources from Autoblog suggest the electric M3 will deliver between 700 and 750 horsepower, likely through a quad-motor setup or a dual-motor configuration with advanced torque distribution. Carbon-ceramic brakes, while not seen on this prototype, will be offered optionally—gold-painted calipers will distinguish them when equipped.

The electric M3 is expected to roll on 20-inch wheels as standard, with a staggered setup (20-inch front, 21-inch rear) available for enhanced performance and grip. Interestingly, BMW may introduce flax fiber composite materials in this model—an eco-conscious, lightweight alternative to carbon fiber—highlighting the brand’s push toward sustainability alongside performance.

While the sedan will launch first, sources suggest that a Touring wagon variant is also in the pipeline, though not yet officially confirmed in internal documentation.

Production is scheduled to begin in March 2027, but the full reveal could come as early as mid-2026. One thing is certain: the future of the M3 is electric, and it’s looking fast, focused, and thoroughly futuristic.

Source: Autoblog