BMW’s R 1250 GS is among the hottest journey bikes of the trendy period. Everyone from informal riders who contemplate journeys to their native Starbucks an “adventure,” to die-hard adventurers who go on multi-day journeys off the grid respect this German marvel of engineering. Needless to say, when BMW unveiled its successor, the R 1300 GS, the journey world went nuts.
As is the case with BMW, all of its bikes are extraordinarily good at doing what they’re designed to do. In the case of the brand new R 1300 GS, it lately proved itself as an distinctive off-road performer. Nevado Ojos del Salado, located on the border of Argentina and Chile, is the very best lively volcano on this planet with an elevation of 6,893 meters. It was exactly the peak and thrill of this problem that allured BMW, because it despatched a fleet of brand name spanking new R 1300 GS journey bikes to climb the volcano.
BMW Motorrad didn’t do it alone, although. It had the help of famend tire specialist Metzeler, who provided the off-road targeted rubber for the bikes that partook within the problem. The staff of riders consisted of Christof Lischka, BMW’s Development Manager, in addition to Salvatore Pennisi, the Test and Technical Director of Metzeler. Seasoned riders similar to Michele Pradelli, Italian Extreme Enduro Champion and InMoto tester, and Motorrad take a look at rider and journalist Karsten Schwers, have been additionally a part of the staff.
The bikes have been geared up with Metzeler Karoo 4 tires, among the many finest on the subject of off-road efficiency for big adventure bikes. According to BMW’s official press launch, the bike showcased its prowess in all circumstances – from sporty efficiency on twisty roads, long-distance touring talents, and naturally, its resilience within the face of difficult, typically excessive circumstances. In complete, the staff was capable of ascent the Rock Channel in a powerful 19 hours and 22 minutes, with a complete elevation of 6,027 meters, or 19,773 toes.
Commenting on the profitable journey, Lischka said in BMW Motorrad’s official press launch: “With this extreme ride up to more than 6,000 metres, the new BMW R 1300 GS has shown what it can do and what it is made for. It masters off-road and adventure riding as well as a sporty pace on tarmac and long tours. Even in standard trim with off-road tyres. It was important for us to emphasise these core competencies of the new GS once again with this expedition.”
As you’ll in all probability anticipate, ascending at such elevation exposes you and your tools to some totally harsh circumstances. The greater you go, temps drop and the oxygen thins. For reference, temps can hit as little as -20ºC, or -4ºF. As such, getting ready not simply the bikes, however your bodily situation for a experience like that is of utmost significance.
BMW’s efficiency division is not going to observe Mercedes-AMG’s technique of providing downsized engines for its models. Instead, BMW M will maintain its present inline-six and V8 motors till it will definitely strikes to electrical powertrains. No three- and four-cylinder mills with electrical motors and batteries are being thought-about, BMW M’s boss Frank van Meel confirmed in a current interview.
Commenting on many alternative matters to CarExpert, van Meel mentioned placing a smaller engine beneath the hood of a full-blown M mannequin together with huge batteries merely “would not be the right way” for the corporate. Electrification will play a job within the transition to completely electrical M automobiles – take the XM with its electrified 4.4-liter V8 for instance – however electrical motors may have a supporting position within the course of.
“That’s not the best way we see it as a result of we wish to have a robust base engine anyway. So, for us, going to smaller combustion engines together with larger batteries wouldn’t be the proper manner. For us, then the step might be to go purely electrical instantly. And try this in a correct manner,” van Meel informed the web publication.
And what about these purely electrical M automobiles? Apparently, they are not coming to market anytime quickly as van Meel believes the EV know-how will not be prepared but for a track-focused machine – one that may present “continuous power output in a significant way.”
“It has to do one or two laps [of the Nurburgring Nordschleife] at full speed, actually, then with the battery, if you go, let’s say over 250 kilometers per hour, you won’t get any much further anyway. So that’s currently the restriction,” the CEO added.
BMW recently filed a trademark for the name “iM3,” which combines their electric “i” and performance “M” badges, suggesting a potential hot EV. However, BMW M boss Frank van Meel has refuted these rumors.
In an interview with Top Gear, van Meel firmly stated that the company would “never” use i and M badges together on the same vehicle, describing it as “Mission Impossible!” He emphasized that even if the vehicle were electric, the company would not combine the i and M badges.
Despite this, van Meel noted that a performance EV with a pure M badge could potentially be developed, emphasizing that it would be called an M without an i. He explained that the M badge is not about technology, but rather about a promise, motorsports, and emotion.
While the iM3 may not come to fruition, BMW already has four M-badged EVs – the iX M60, i4 M50, i5 M60, and i7 M70. Additionally, the company unveiled a quad-motor performance prototype in 2022 based on the BMW Neue Klasse electric platform. This electric platform is likely to spawn a performance EV, even if it won’t bear the name iM3.
Motor1 has reached out to BMW USA for a comment and will provide updates accordingly.
If you’ve been eagerly awaiting BMW’s launch of the new 2024 R 12 and R 12 nineT, your day has finally arrived. Both the cruiser and the roadster have the same brand new 1,170cc air and oil cooled boxer engine as their hearts. Like most families tend to do, they have both similarities and differences between them, so let’s take a closer look.
Engine
Both the 2024 BMW R 12 and R 12 nineT share the same dual overhead cam, air and oil cooled 1,170cc boxer engine. Bore and stroke are 101.0mm by 73.0mm, and the compression ratio is 12.0 to one.
The engine is tuned slightly differently to suit each bike’s needs. On the R 12, it makes a claimed 95 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 81 pound-feet of torque at 6,000 rpm. For the R 12 nineT’s purposes, it makes a claimed 109 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 85 pound-feet of torque at 6,500 rpm. On both the R 12 and the R 12 nineT, it’s mated to a six-speed gearbox and uses a shaft final drive.
On both the R 12 and the R 12 nineT, the airbox has now been relocated to sit under the seat.
Chassis
The frame on the new R 12 family is a steel trellis bridge design, with a bolt-on rear subframe. Suspension consists of an upside-down 45mm telescopic front fork that offers rebound and compression adjustability on the R 12 nineT. In the rear, you’ll find an aluminum Paralever swingarm with a central shock and rebound damping adjustability.
In the braking department, you’ll find a pair of radially mounted four-piston fixed calipers up front that grab a pair of 310mm floating brake discs. The rear brake setup involves a two-piston floating caliper and a single 265mm brake disc.
Both the R 12 and the R 12 nineT get a pair of cast aluminum alloy wheels, but they’re sized differently to suit each application. On the R 12, you’ll find a 19-inch front and a 16-inch rear wheel. On the R 12 nineT, you’ll find a pair of 17-inch wheels at both ends.
Dimensions
As you might expect, the dimensions differ slightly between the R 12 and R 12 nineT. Here are those differences, side by side.
2024 BMW R 12
2024 BMW R 12 nineT
Wheelbase
59.8 inches
59.5 inches
Caster
5.2 inches
4.4 inches
Rake
29.3 degrees
27.7 degrees
Length
86.6 inches
83.9 inches
Width
32.7 inches
34.3 inches
Seat height
29.7 inches
31.3 inches
DIN unladen weight
500 pounds
485 pounds
Fuel capacity
3.7 gallons
4.2 gallons
Electronics and Rider Aids
Both the 2024 BMW R 12 and R 12 nineT feature a round analog gauge shape, as befits each of their personalities. The R 12 gets a single round gauge (speedometer only; no tachometer), while the R 12 nineT gets a double round gauge setup (because a roadster demands a tach). BMW notes that an accessory second gauge is available for the R 12 as an option.
A digital display option is also available to replace the round gauges on either the R 12 or R 12 nineT with a 3.5-inch micro TFT display, which includes a feature that BMW calls “Pure ride mode.” If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like having a whole bunch of extra information that you don’t need cluttering up your dash, then you’ll appreciate the simplicity of only displaying the speed, ride mode, and which gear you’re in.
Both the R 12 and R 12 nineT feature ride modes, but once again, they differ from one another. The R 12 nineT gets Rain, Road, and Dynamic modes, while the R 12 gets Rock and Roll modes instead. Dynamic Traction Control and Engine Drag Torque Control both come standard across the R 12 range.
Additional Features
Keyless ride is now a standard feature on the 2024 R 12 and R 12 nineT. They also both come with USB-C and 12V sockets, LED lighting all around, and BMW’s Intelligent Emergency Call feature.
BMW Connected Ride control is an available option, which lets you connect your smartphone to your R 12 or R 12 nineT via Bluetooth. Additional optional equipment includes Headlight Pro, Hill Start Assist Pro, and Shift Assistant Pro.
Colors, Pricing, and Availability
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Both the R 12 and the R 12 nineT will come in your choice of three color options in the North American market.
The 2024 BMW R 12 will be available in Blackstorm Metallic (standard), Aventurine Red Metallic (optional), or Option 719 “Thorium” in Avus Silver Metallic (optional).
If the 2024 BMW R 12 nineT is more your speed, the color options are Blackstorm Metallic (standard), San Remo Green Metallic (optional), or Option 719 “Aluminum” in brushed aluminum and Night Black (optional).
As with all BMW Motorrad offerings, a vast array of OEM parts, accessories, and options are available straight from the factory to kit your R 12 or R 12 nineT out the way you want.
Pricing has not yet been announced for the 2024 BMW R 12 and R 12 nineT, and will be announced closer to their launch dates according to BMW North America. Both bikes are expected to launch in the US sometime in Q1 of 2024.
What do you think of the new 2024 BMW R 12 and R 12 nineT? Are they everything you’d hoped? What do you like? What would you change? Let us know in the comments.
The founder of Cruise has resigned, and we’re taking a look at BMW’s upcoming electric revolution.
This is AM Drive, Motor1’s daily look at the news you need before you get in your car.
Kyle Vogt, CEO Of Cruise, Has Resigned
Kyle Vogt, the co-founder of General Motors’ Cruise autonomous driving unit, has stepped down as the CEO. In a series of posts on Twitter, Vogt reflected on the company’s achievements, including providing more than 250,000 driverless rides since its establishment in 2013. The 38-year-old executive expressed his intention to spend more time with family and explore new ideas in the future.
Vogt’s resignation comes after a challenging period for Cruise. An accident involving a robotaxi and a pedestrian in San Francisco led to the suspension of Cruise’s driverless permits by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, prompting a halt in activities across the United States. These events were followed by layoffs announced by GM at its self-driving unit.
These recent developments at Cruise highlight the ongoing challenges in achieving completely self-driving and trouble-free vehicles, despite significant investments in the industry. According to Bryan Reimer, a research scientist at the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics and MIT AgeLab, Level 5 autonomy may never be achievable. However, significant progress has been made, with BMW and Mercedes receiving Level 3 certification for their top models, the 7 Series and S-Class, in addition to Tesla’s Autopilot.
BMW Projects 50 Percent Of 5 Series Sales In Europe Will Be The i5
From 2010 to 2016, BMW’s global GT3 contender was the Z4, which achieved significant victories including a win at the 2015 24 Hours of Spa. This powerful machine was equipped with a 515 horsepower M3-sourced V8 engine. Despite the success of the Z4 GT3, BMW enthusiasts often wondered why there wasn’t a road-legal version of the car. Fortunately, a Z4 GT3 with a different engine can now be driven on public roads.
This modified Z4, showcased at the SEMA event, was built from the ground up. The body was sourced from Lithuania and underwent extensive repairs and refitting due to previous damage. However, the most fascinating aspect is what lies under the hood, or rather, the lack thereof.
In the video displayed above, you can see that the Z4 has no hood. Instead, it features a 4.0-liter V8 engine, which has been replaced with a supercharged Mercedes V12 engine. The creator of the project admitted to deliberately aiming to provoke both Mercedes and BMW enthusiasts with this unconventional choice. Surprisingly, fitting the enormous V12 engine did not require any modifications to the chassis, with only a few tubes in the engine bay needing to be repositioned. However, the exhaust manifolds required extensive work.
While the engine starts and runs, the car has not yet been tested in action. The interior of the Z4 GT3 resembles that of a race car, complete with a roll cage, removable steering wheel, and bucket race seats. Despite its racing aesthetics, it also features a fully upholstered dashboard, air conditioning, and power steering to ensure driver comfort during long hours behind the wheel.
BMW’s first attempt to set a new record at Pikes Peak didn’t go as planned. The hybrid SUV crashed during the run in June. The automaker made a second run on September 21, and it was much more successful. The XM now holds the record for the fastest hybrid production SUV to run the course, which you can watch above.
Professional racing driver Matt Mullins piloted the BMW XM Label Red up the hill in 10 minutes, 48.60 seconds. While the time is impressive, the XM trailed the Lamborghini Urus Performante without a hybrid powertrain when it completed the course last year in 10 minutes, 32.06 seconds. It still holds the outright record among production SUVs.
BMW’s recent attempt to charge customers for activating pre-installed hardware options, such as heated seats, received backlash from the automotive industry. BMW sales and marketing chief, Pieter Nota, explained that although customers didn’t actually pay double, the perception led to negative sentiment. As a result, BMW decided to discontinue this practice.
Instead, BMW will now focus on charging for software upgrades. However, the company has faced criticism in the past for attempting to charge £295 for accessing Apple CarPlay functionality. Eventually, BMW reversed this decision as well.
This time, Nota stated that features like driving assistance and parking assistance will be available for buyers as optional upgrades. According to Nota, customers are accustomed to paying for such features in other areas.
The 2023 BMW M4 CSL is a symbol of precision, passion, and performance, marking BMW’s M division’s 50th anniversary and showcasing the brand’s rich legacy.
With a powerful twin-turbo inline-six engine producing 543 horsepower, the M4 CSL can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 191 mph.
The M4 CSL sets itself apart with its focus on shedding weight, featuring carbon-fiber construction, lighter components, and aerodynamic design, all contributing to its exceptional driving experience.
2023 marks a significant milestone for BMW’s M division, celebrating half a century of precision, passion, and performance. For fifty years, this division has fine-tuned, refined, and redefined the essence of being a Bimmer. Adorning this year’s M-badged models are unique emblems of the brand’s rich legacy. Amidst this illustrious backdrop emerges a beacon of automotive prowess: the 2023 BMW M4 CSL.
The latest M4 CSL garners accolades and admiration, asserting itself as the epitome of the M division’s offerings. Evoking memories of the iconic V-8-powered E90-generation M3, this new marvel commands attention. Its character is unparalleled, breathing life and soul into the road beneath its tires. Every curve, roar, and twist speaks volumes of its unmatched essence, making it a standout in today’s M-badged marvels.
Optimized for performance, the M4 CSL’s design philosophy embraces a trifecta of shedding weight, honing the chassis, and surging power, all wrapped up with a price tag that mirrors its exclusivity. Behind the wheel, it promises a drive and an unforgettable journey, a testament to BMW’s commitment to excellence over the years.
When you hear “CSL,” think Competition, Sport, and Lightweight. These three words capture the essence of the M4 CSL, with only a thousand of them serving as a tribute to BMW’s dedication to these ideals. Every one of these cars has a passion for precision and performance.
How did BMW achieve such an impressive feat? By meticulously refining the M4’s twin-turbo inline-six engine. It now boasts an impressive 543 horsepower, stepping up by 40 horses from the M4 Competition. This powerhouse propels the M4 CSL from a standstill to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, eventually reaching its peak at an electronically governed speed of 191 mph. The M4 CSL is the perfect blend of engineering marvel and sheer passion from BMW’s M division.
A Masterclass In Craftsmanship: Every Pound Counts
The heart of the CSL’s allure lies in its unwavering commitment to cutting weight. “Leicht,” the German term for “light,” manifests throughout this BMW variant. In its quest to craft a more aerodynamic vehicle, BMW shaved an impressive 240 pounds from the standard M4. A significant chunk of this reduction, about 99 pounds, is attributed to its striking carbon-fiber seats, which, though high on aesthetic appeal, do not prioritize comfort.
The weight reduction journey didn’t stop there: lighter springs, struts, wheels, and carbon-ceramic brakes contributed to a 46-pound loss, while the omission of soundproofing reduced another 33 pounds. Additional alterations, like a redesigned kidney grille and titanium exhaust, further streamlined the car, rounding its weight to 3,640 pounds.
Carbon fiber doesn’t just rest beneath you; it’s everywhere. The M4 CSL boasts a carbon-fiber hood, trunk, and roof, with the same material gracing the interior fixtures and trim. The back? Don’t expect a traditional seating area. Instead, you’ll find a minimalist space for storing helmets and other racetrack essentials.
Beneath this carbon exterior lie adaptive CSL-specific dampers, anti-roll bars, and steering hardware. These enhancements are not for the faint-hearted, transmitting every nuance of the road directly to the driver. Even when juxtaposed with the robust M4 Competition, this BMW’s chassis exudes an aura of being encased in resilient titanium strands.
Aesthetic complements like the LED Headlights with Laserlight, accented in a captivating yellow, and innovative taillights employing laser technology fortify its aggressive demeanor. Alloy wheels, measuring 20 x 10.5 inches and wrapped in 285/30R Y performance tires, underscore its racing lineage. Every detail, down to the CSL badging and bespoke upholstery with contrast stitching, pays homage to a high-octane legacy.
Driving Essence: The M4 CSL’s Raw And Inviting Interior
The M4 CSL’s interior is a refreshing deviation from today’s pervasive high-tech trends. Here, you won’t be met with a sprawling touchscreen or the intricate iDrive eight interface. Instead, BMW deliberately crafts an environment that channels the driver’s attention to the engine’s roar and the sheer joy of carving out paths on winding roads. The prevalent use of carbon fiber in the cabin underscores this focus on performance, while tastefully placed M and CSL badges are subtle reminders of the pedigree you’re seated within. To elevate the sporty ambiance, red accents artfully punctuate the space.
While the emphasis is on driving purity, BMW hasn’t overlooked creature comforts. The M4 CSL has an automatic gearbox, ensuring seamless transitions between power surges. Features like keyless ignition and electric power steering offer ease of use, providing undisturbed driving experience. Audio and cruise controls are conveniently positioned on the tilt and telescopic steering wheel, wrapped in a tactile mix of suede and carbon fiber.
The tech suite provides a perfect balance between utility and non-distraction. The rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors heighten situational awareness. Wireless charging keeps devices powered, and the universal remote transmitter simplifies daily routines. Thoughtful touches like front cupholders, door pockets, single-zone front climate control, and the electro-chromatic rearview mirror make each drive in the M4 CSL an effortless pleasure.
The Apex Of Speed – The Fastest BMW On Sale In the USA In 2023
Edmunds
The 2023 BMW M4 CSL proudly dons the crown as the fastest BMW road car. With its exceptional engineering, this limited-run CSL version blends power, precision, and agility, offering an unparalleled driving experience. Priced at $140,895, (sold out) it’s an investment in exhilaration and an invitation to the extraordinary.
For those who missed out on the opportunity to claim one of the exclusive 1,000 M4 CSLs destined for global markets, the 2023 M4 Competition emerges as a tempting alternative. While it may not fully match the CSL’s prowess, it proudly showcases BMW’s 50th-anniversary emblem, a symbol steeped in heritage and a promise of remarkable performance.
In closing, the 2023 BMW M4 CSL celebrates BMW’s illustrious past while pointing the way toward an exhilarating future. As passionate automotive enthusiasts, let’s continue to revel in and treasure these automotive marvels. They prove the zenith of human innovation and an unrelenting desire to redefine the limits.
The BMW X2, the sportier sibling of the X1, is set to receive a second generation. Several prototypes of the crossover have been spotted testing in various locations across Europe, indicating that its official debut is imminent. In a teaser video released by Domagoj Dukec, the head of BMW’s design department, we get a glimpse of the new X2, revealing some interesting design details.
The video shows the X2 from the side, showcasing its coupe-like profile with a sloped roofline and an angled rear hatch. A static spoiler adds a finishing touch to the rear end. As the vehicle rotates, we get a view of the front end, where the illuminated radiator grilles catch the eye. The grilles have a different shape compared to the current X1, resembling those seen in the facelifted X6, albeit with slightly different proportions. The headlights feature C-shaped LED daytime running lights.
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