PressClub Global · Article.
Tue Jun 27 00:01:00 CEST 2023 Press Release
The MINI Cooper S 3-Door is not only known for its sportiness and performance, but also catches the attention with its Zesty Yellow exterior color. When combined with the multitone design white roof, it leaves a lasting impression on the streets of Zurich.
The MINI Cooper S 3-Door boasts an engine output of 178 hp and a top speed of 235 km/h, delivering the thrilling driving experience that MINI is known for. With its sports automatic transmission, this car offers a pleasurable drive for sporty drivers, bringing fun and excitement to everyday journeys.
Postcard Story. The MINI Cooper S 3-Door.
PressClub Global · Article.
Tue Jun 27 00:01:00 CEST 2023 Press Release
The MINI Cooper S 3-Door not only impresses with its sportiness and performance, but also stands out from the crowd with the exterior color Zesty Yellow. In combination with the roof in multitone design in white leaves a lasting impression on the streets of Zurich.
The engine output of 178 hp and a top speed of 235 km/h ensure typical MINI driving fun. In combination with the sports automatic transmission, the MINI Cooper S 3 door is a pleasure for sporty drivers and brings fun and adrenaline to everyday driving.
BMW M Team WRT begins preparation for WEC with BMW M Hybrid V8
Munich. BMW M Motorsport is gearing up for its return to the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Last week, BMW M Team WRT successfully conducted the first test drives with the BMW M Hybrid V8. The rollout of the test car took place on May 27th at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing.
The initial test drives were led by BMW M works driver Nick Yelloly, who brought his experience from the BMW M Hybrid V8’s participation in the North American IMSA series. Yelloly, along with his teammate Connor De Phillippi and BMW M Team RLL, secured the first IMSA win for the BMW M Hybrid V8 at Watkins Glen and achieved two podium finishes in previous races.
The first test days took place at Aragón, Spain, with the BMW M Hybrid V8 running smoothly for three days. BMW M works drivers Jesse Krohn, Maxime Martin, Sheldon van der Linde, and Dries Vanthoor all took turns behind the wheel. Additionally, the members of the BMW Junior Team and BMW M works drivers Dan Harper and Max Hesse conducted a functional test over the weekend.
In the coming weeks and months, BMW M Team WRT will continue with numerous tests to prepare for the start of the FIA WEC season in March 2024. The aim is to have as many BMW M works drivers as possible providing feedback to the engineers.
Reactions to the test kickoff:
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “The first test drives were a very good start to our WEC preparation. The BMW M Hybrid V8 performed well and provided valuable insights to our engineers and the team. Thank you to everyone involved for making this successful start possible. The experiences gained from the IMSA series races with BMW M Team RLL have been instrumental in our preparation. While the start has been successful, there is still a lot of work to be done. We are highly motivated for the upcoming challenges.”
Vincent Vosse (Team Principal BMW M Team WRT): “This is a big step and a milestone for the team. Representing BMW at Le Mans in the top category is a dream come true. We have the best manufacturer and the best team behind us. The rollout and testing went smoothly, and it was an important first step in our preparation for the 2024 season. I want to thank everyone involved.”
Jesse Krohn (BMW M works driver): “The test was an incredible experience for me. It was my first time driving a prototype and working with the WRT team. They met all my expectations, and it was one of the smoothest tests of my career. I thoroughly enjoyed driving this great car and contributing to the program. It’s all about gathering important data in these initial tests.”
BMW M Team WRT begins preparing for WEC with rollout and initial test drives of the BMW M Hybrid V8
The countdown has begun for the return of BMW M Motorsport to the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Last week, BMW M Team WRT successfully completed the first test drives with the BMW M Hybrid V8. The rollout of the test car for the 2024 WEC season took place at the BMW Group plant in Dingolfing, Germany.
The initial test drives were led by BMW M works driver Nick Yelloly, who has extensive experience with the BMW M Hybrid V8. Yelloly previously raced with the BMW M Hybrid V8 in the North American IMSA series, where the vehicle has already achieved success this season. The BMW M Team RLL, including Yelloly and teammate Connor De Phillippi, celebrated their first IMSA win with the BMW M Hybrid V8 at Watkins Glen, USA.
Following the functional test, the BMW M Hybrid V8 underwent three days of test drives at Aragón, Spain. The car performed without any problems, allowing the team to gather valuable data. BMW works drivers Jesse Krohn, Maxime Martin, Sheldon van der Linde, and Dries Vanthoor took turns behind the wheel. Additional functional tests were conducted by the members of the BMW Junior Team and BMW works drivers Dan Harper and Max Hesse.
In the upcoming weeks and months, BMW M Team WRT will continue to carry out numerous tests to prepare for the start of the FIA WEC season in 2024. The goal is to have as many BMW works drivers as possible providing feedback to the engineers.
Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed his satisfaction with the test kickoff, stating that it was a successful start to their WEC preparation. He thanked everyone involved in making it possible and emphasized the motivation to continue working hard throughout the rest of the year.
Vincent Vosse, Team Principal of BMW M Team WRT, described the test as a big step and a dream come true for the team. He expressed confidence in their partnership with BMW and praised the team’s hard work in preparing the car. Vosse thanked everyone involved and looked forward to the preparation for the 2024 season.
Jesse Krohn, a BMW M works driver, shared his excitement about the test and his first outing in a prototype. He praised the WRT team’s working methods and teamwork, describing it as one of the smoothest tests of his career. Krohn expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the program and gather important data.
BMW M GmbH confirms development of a new BMW M5 Touring
The next generation of the BMW M5 is entering the practical phase of its development process. The prototypes, though disguised, clearly display their high-performance nature. BMW M GmbH has officially announced that a Touring variant of the new BMW M5 will join its model range in 2024.
The Touring variant, like the sedan, will feature a newly developed partially electrified drive system. This will provide M-typical performance and a finely tuned chassis that enhances driving dynamics and agility. BMW M GmbH sees this as a step towards electrification, with hybrid drive systems being introduced in their high-performance cars.
For nearly 40 years, the BMW M5 has been the epitome of driving dynamics, agility, and precision in the high-performance sedan segment. The BMW M5 has achieved this through evolutionary progress, racing development expertise, and groundbreaking innovations in areas such as drive, suspension, aerodynamics, and lightweight construction.
The new BMW M5 Touring will build upon this legacy, with exciting innovations to deliver an even more exhilarating driving experience.
The first BMW M5 Touring was introduced in 1992, based on the second-generation BMW M5 Sedan. Since then, it has represented a combination of high performance and everyday practicality. In 2007, BMW M GmbH introduced a Touring variant for the fourth-generation BMW M5. The recent successful launch of the BMW M3 Competition Touring with M xDrive further demonstrates the appeal of this special vehicle concept in the premium mid-range segment.
Testing of the new BMW M5 Touring prototypes will commence soon, with various road and track tests planned to ensure an ideal balance between sporting performance and comfort in real-world driving conditions.
BMW M3 Touring: fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 10.4 – 10.1 WLTP; CO2 emissions in g/km combined: 235 – 229 WLTP.
BMW M GmbH confirms development of a new BMW M5 Touring
The next generation of the BMW M5 is now in the practical phase of development, with prototypes undergoing test drives on public roads, BMW Group proving grounds, and racetracks globally. BMW M GmbH has also confirmed the addition of a Touring variant to its model range, combining high-performance capabilities with long-distance comfort and spaciousness. Both the sedan and Touring versions will feature a newly developed partially electrified drive system, enhancing driving dynamics and agility. BMW M GmbH is embracing electrification, installing hybrid drive systems in its high-performance cars. For almost 40 years, the BMW M5 has been the benchmark for driving dynamics in high-performance sedans. The new generation aims to push the boundaries even further with innovative technologies. The first BMW M5 Touring was launched in 1992, followed by a Touring variant of the fourth-generation M5 in 2007. The success of the BMW M3 Competition Touring further emphasizes the appeal of this special vehicle concept. Prototypes of the new BMW M5 Touring will undergo testing in urban traffic, country roads, motorways, and even on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife.
BMW M3 Touring: Fuel consumption in l/100 km combined: 10.4 – 10.1 WLTP; CO2 emissions in g/km combined: 235 – 229 WLTP.
UPDATE: BMW M Hybrid V8 celebrates historic first victory at IMSA race in Watkins Glen.
Watkins Glen. The BMW M Team RLL has secured the win in the 6-hour race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Watkins Glen in the USA. Connor De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly finished in second place but were later awarded first place due to a technical violation by the first-place Porsche. This marks the first-ever victory for the BMW M Hybrid V8, with the last BMW prototype win in North America dating back to 1999 at Sebring with the BMW V12 LMR.
Reactions to the victory:
Andreas Roos (Head of BMW M Motorsport): “Wow! This is a historic day for BMW M Motorsport and a significant milestone for our LMDh project. Congratulations and thank you to everyone involved in this program. While we would have preferred to win on the track, this success is a well-deserved reward for the hard work put in by our team. I’m particularly proud of our consistent strong performance throughout the weekend, setting the top times and earning our first victory in the GTP class.”
Nick Yelloly (#25 BMW M Hybrid V8, 1st place): “I’m incredibly happy for the team. They have worked hard and truly earned this victory. We have been steadily improving, and although winning on the track is our preference, we gratefully accept this victory. It’s not only the first win for the BMW M Hybrid V8 but also my first in the IMSA series, making it even more special for all of us.”
Note to the editors:
Please refer to the initial version of the press release for further race details and Augusto Farfus’ response to his accident.
Second Place Finish for BMW M Hybrid V8 in Dramatic IMSA Race at Watkins Glen
The BMW M Team RLL came close to securing their first victory with the BMW M Hybrid V8 at the 6-hour race of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in Watkins Glen, USA. However, in a thrilling final phase, Connor De Phillippi, who was leading the race, lost time while lapping and had to settle for second place, behind the Porsche #6. Nonetheless, it was still a fantastic result for the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8, driven by De Phillippi and Nick Yelloly. The LMDh prototype demonstrated its potential to win the race on its own merits. In the GTD class, Paul Miller Racing secured a podium finish with the BMW M4 GT3 after a remarkable comeback.
In the GTP class, the two BMW M Hybrid V8 cars started the race from fifth and seventh positions due to the cancellation of qualifying caused by heavy rain. Unfortunately, in the very first turn, Augusto Farfus lost control of the #24 BMW M Hybrid V8 and crashed into the barriers, resulting in significant damage that prevented the car from being repaired during the race. Farfus and his teammate Philipp Eng were forced to retire early.
During the first hour of the race, De Phillippi collided with a spinning Cadillac, damaging the front of the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8, which had to be replaced. However, De Phillippi and Yelloly managed to fight their way back from the back of the GTP field with a strong pace and took the lead in the final hour of the race. Only in the last few minutes, as they encountered heavy traffic with lapped cars, did De Phillippi’s lead diminish. With just five minutes to go, he conceded to the charging Porsche. Despite missing out on victory, the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8 crew achieved their third podium finish of the season.
In the GTD class, Paul Miller Racing made an impressive comeback. After facing early technical issues with the #1 BMW M4 GT3, drivers Madison Snow, Bryan Sellers, and Corey Lewis fell three laps behind. However, they strategically utilized the yellow flag periods to make up the deficit and eventually finished in second place on the podium. In the GTD-PRO class, Bill Auberlen, Chandler Hull, and John Edwards were involved in a rollover incident five minutes before the end of the race. Luckily, Auberlen emerged uninjured. The incident led to a final yellow flag period that determined the outcome of the race. In the GTD class, the #96 BMW M4 GT3 driven by Robby Foley, Patrick Gallagher, and Michael Dinan finished in 13th place.
Andreas Roos, Head of BMW M Motorsport, expressed his excitement about the battle for the lead and congratulated the #25 BMW M Hybrid V8 team on their fantastic podium finish. Brandon Fry, Vice President of IMSA Operations and Technical Director BMW M Team RLL, noted that the team showed great potential to fight for wins and podium finishes this season with the BMW M Hybrid V8. Connor De Phillippi, who finished in second place, expressed his frustration at losing the victory so close to the finish but remained optimistic about the team’s progress and future success. Nick Yelloly, also finishing in second place, was pleased with the podium result and believed it boded well for the rest of the season. Augusto Farfus took responsibility for the accident and apologized to his teammate and the team.
34th BMW International Open: Lawrence wins after an exciting finish
Thriston Lawrence from South Africa emerged as the champion of the 34th BMW International Open at Golfclub München Eichenried. It was a thrilling final round, with Lawrence securing a one-shot lead with a brilliant birdie on the difficult 17th hole. Max Kieffer was the top German finisher, securing third place. The tournament attracted 51,500 visitors throughout the week and featured three hole-in-ones. Additionally, a total of 99,000 Euros were raised for the “Eagles for Education” initiative.
Lawrence recorded scores of 71, 69, 66, and 69 to finish the tournament at 13 under par (275 shots). His victory marks his fourth title on the DP World Tour. Ilka Horstmeier, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, People and Real Estate, Labour Relations Director, commended Lawrence for his impressive performance under challenging conditions on the Championship Course. Horstmeier also praised the exciting tournament week, which included 59 eagles and three hole-in-ones, resulting in the donation of 99,000 Euros for “Eagles for Education”. This initiative aims to promote equal opportunities and educational equality.
The BMW Group pledged to donate 1,000 Euros for every eagle scored during the BMW International Open. The funds raised were distributed to the “JOBLINGE” and “Kick ins Leben” organizations, with whom BMW has a longstanding partnership. In recognition of outstanding sporting achievements, BMW also made a 10,000 Euro donation for each hole-in-one. The “Eagles for Education” fundraising began with a 10,000 Euro donation from BMW on behalf of prominent players during the practice round, including Gareth Bale, Thomas Müller, Haotong Li, and Yannik Paul.
Starting the final round four shots behind Joost Luiten, Lawrence experienced a rollercoaster of a day. He recorded six birdies in the first 13 holes but also had five bogies. However, Lawrence finished strongly with birdies on the 15th and 17th holes. In contrast, Luiten managed only one birdie and three bogies, leaving him trailing Lawrence by one shot heading into the 18th hole. Despite a long birdie putt that had the potential to force a play-off, Luiten narrowly missed, allowing Lawrence to claim victory.
Reflecting on his win, Lawrence acknowledged Luiten’s struggles and his own consistent performance on the last four holes. He expressed pride in maintaining his composure and revealed that Ernie Els, the only previous South African winner of the BMW International Open, had been his idol and a significant influence on his career. Lawrence also mentioned the support he received from Els’ junior foundation.
Adrian Meronk, Rikuya Hoshino, Daniel Hillier, and Max Kieffer finished tied in third place at 11 under par. Kieffer, as the top German player, expressed disappointment at not seizing the opportunity for victory but praised the spectacular finish on holes 16, 17, and 18. He expressed his love for the BMW International Open and vowed to return in the future for another attempt at victory.
The best-placed amateur in the tournament was Jonas Baumgartner from GC Hösel, who finished tied in 52nd place. Baumgartner described making the cut as an amateur as a fantastic experience and emphasized the valuable lessons he learned throughout the week.
Thirteen German players, including two amateurs, successfully made the cut at the 34th BMW International Open. Marcel Schneider, Max Schmitt, Matti Schmid, Thomas Rosenmüller, Hurly Long, Velten Meyer, Marc Hammer, Jannik de Bruyn, Philipp Mejow, Michael Hirmer, and Marcel Siem were among the German contingent. Notably, a record-breaking 21 German players participated in the tournament.
The final standings of the BMW International Open 2023 can be found in the PDF document titled “Final standings”.
Sheldon van der Linde and Schubert Motorsport Achieve DTM Podium Finish in Zandvoort
Zandvoort. The 2023 DTM season saw its first podium finish for the BMW M4 GT3, with Sheldon van der Linde and Schubert Motorsport securing second place in the first of two races in Zandvoort (NED). In the second race, Marco Wittmann from the Project 1 team fought hard for a podium spot but ultimately finished fourth by a narrow margin. Dries Vanthoor, standing in for René Rast at Schubert Motorsport, also had a solid performance, securing a top-ten finish in the opening race. This event took place at the dune circuit in Zandvoort, marking the second event of the season.
The weekend started well with a promising first qualifying session on Saturday morning. Van der Linde and Wittmann secured second and third fastest times, respectively, giving them good starting positions for race one. Vanthoor qualified 16th.
In race one, van der Linde posed the biggest challenge to Maro Engel, the eventual winner from the Mercedes team. Van der Linde’s impressive performance earned him second place, securing his first podium of the season. Wittmann initially stayed close to van der Linde but dropped two positions after the pit stop. He finished fifth, his best result of the season so far. Vanthoor showed determination, starting from 16th on the grid and finishing ninth in the #33 BMW M4 GT3.
The second qualifying session on Sunday was disrupted by two crashes, causing the remaining three minutes to become unpredictable. Wittmann qualified seventh for race two, Vanthoor 14th, and van der Linde had to settle for 17th position.
Wittmann and van der Linde demonstrated their skills in race two, thrilling spectators with daring overtakes and impressive comebacks. Wittmann fought his way to fifth place and climbed to fourth after the pit stop. He continued battling for a podium spot until the end, narrowly missing the top three. Nevertheless, fourth place was his best result of the season. Van der Linde climbed from 17th to tenth place. Unfortunately, Vanthoor had to retire due to a puncture caused by a collision at the start. The race was won by Ricardo Feller from Audi.
The third race weekend of the 2023 DTM will take place from 7th to 9th July at the Norisring (GER).
Reactions from the DTM weekend in Zandvoort:
Sheldon van der Linde (BMW M4 GT3, Schubert Motorsport): “I am thrilled to be back on the podium yesterday, which was definitely the highlight of our season so far. It was unexpected, which makes it even sweeter. This result puts us back in the championship mix, although it’s still early days. It demonstrates that we have a strong package and motivates us to strive for more podium finishes. I can’t wait for Norisring in two weeks.”
Marco Wittmann (BMW M4 GT3, Project 1): “It was a much better weekend for us compared to the season opener in Oschersleben. We collected some good points with fifth and fourth place finishes. As a new team, we need to keep working hard to challenge for podiums and be at the front. Our battles in the races showed that we have found a positive race pace with a great balance and setup. There are areas where we still need to improve, but overall, it was a step forward with two strong results. We fought hard and gave it our all.”
Dries Vanthoor (BMW M4 GT3, Schubert Motorsport): “Overall, it was a fun weekend, and I was delighted to make my DTM debut. While the results weren’t what we expected, we did our best to fine-tune the car for my performance. It’s challenging to join a different racing series and team and immediately deliver a good performance. However, we had a fantastic race yesterday, coming back from 16th to 9th. Unfortunately, today’s qualifying was disrupted, forcing us to start from the back. I suffered an early puncture due to a touch in the race, but that’s part of racing. I had a great time working with the team and enjoyed the weekend with Sheldon.”