Tag Archives: BMW

Tuning

X5 Protection VR6 is a new armored vehicle on the market

A few months ago, BMW unveiled a refreshed edition of its superpowerful SUV, the BMW X5. This muscle car is now also offered as an armored vehicle called the X5 Protection VR6.

The BMW X5 is powered by a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 engine with 523 hp (385 kW) and 553 lb-ft (750 Nm) of torque. It reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.9 seconds, which is significantly faster than the standard M60i which accelerates in 4.2 seconds, with a top speed of more than 210 km/h (130 mph). The difference is obvious, and the reason is primarily the additional weight of the vehicle (total weight is unknown).

At first glance, the armored X5 does not differ from the standard model. Even the two M bars behind the front double kidney radiator grille, the M side mirrors in high-gloss black, the roof racks from the BMW Individual package, as well as the two pairs of tailpipes typical of the M exhaust system are retained. So, the sporty look was kept as the first line of defense.

Additional bulletproof equipment includes steel panels on the doors, side frame and bulkheads, an armored trunk partition and an aluminum shrapnel shield under the body, a self-contained tank housing that can seal damage and prevent leaks should the tank be damaged. There is also a new suspension and brake system, to help support the extra weight of the vehicle.

Inside, the cabin is equipped with luxury, so that the passengers can enjoy the ride. The seats are upholstered in Sensafin leather, and additional equipment includes a 14.9-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch screen in front of the driver, an intercom system for communicating with the environment, optional LED blinkers in the radiator grille, rear and roof blinkers with a horn, as well as roof antenna with additional receiver for digital radio. BMW offers a special driver training program for all customers.

Source: BMW

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2024 X5 Protection VR6 is a new armored vehicle on the market
Tuning

MH3 3.5 Turbo based on the first generation BMW M3

Manhart recently founded the Classic department, for the restoration and modification of legendary sports cars that, 30 years ago, were the top of the range. Their latest project is the MH3 3.5 Turbo based on the first generation BMW M3.

MH3 3.5 Turbo is powered by a replacement 3.5-liter in-line six-cylinder engine with 405 hp (298 kW) and a mighty 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission and a Drexler locking differential. As a reminder, this engine delivers a standard 330 hp (243 kW) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. The first generation BMW M3 is powered by a 2.3-liter engine with 200 hp (147 kW) and 177 lb-ft (240 Nm) torque.

The car is wrapped in Vinyl Matt Green with decal set in order on the front and rear bumper and splitter. It is equipped with MANHART turbocharger and intercooler, new exhaust system, carbon front spoiler lip, rear spoiler with carbon wing, MANHART suspension kit by H&R, locking differential by Drexler with additional cooler, MANHART brake system with 330×32 millimeter discs with four-piston Brembo fixed calipers at the front and rear brake discs combined with the E30 M3’s OEM floating calipers. It is mounted on 19″ MANHART Concave One wheels wrapped in 215/35 R19 front and 245/30 R19 rear tires.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in Cardinal Red leather that also covers the door panels. The BMW badges have been replaced by Manhart badges. In front of the driver is the Momo steering wheel.

Performance data and project cost have not been released.

Source: Manhart

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MH3 3.5 Turbo based on the first generation BMW M3
News

BMW built a test site worth 300 million euros

BMW is one of the companies that works extensively on the electrification of its cars but also on the development of autonomous driving, and their new investment worth 300 million euros is a new test site for the development of autonomous driving and parking technologies.

This is not the first test site for autonomous driving that BMW has built. The German car manufacturer owns four other test sites in Aschheim, Munich, Miramas (France) and Arjeplog (Sweden). The test site is 600 hectares in size and allows BMW to test all kinds of different driving conditions such as those in the city, the countryside and the highway.

So far, BMW’s self-driving prototypes have covered about 70,000 kilometers including high-speed maneuvers on highways, braking tests, stops at traffic lights, and other tests. All test vehicles have drive-by-wire technology, which allows for perfectly consistent pedal control. When brake tests are performed, the vehicles are moved slightly to ensure that the results are not affected by small pieces of tire that may be left on the road.

The training ground is equipped with an advanced water management system that collects rainwater and uses it for on-track needs. Also, care was taken of the animal world by installing a control system for the amphibians that live in this area, which allows them to cross safely.

Source: BMW

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BMW built a test site worth 300 million euros