In the tune-tastic world of G-Power, all stock BMWs are underpowered and sluggish and in need of some serious cosmetic makeup. Having already taken on the M5 sedan, M3 Coupe, M6 Coupe, Z4 Roadster and the X5M and X6M SAVs, just to mention a few, G-Power has now turned its tuning affection on Munich's flagship limo, the 760i and its long-wheelbase sibling, the 760iL. Simply called the Storm, G-Power's latest achievement will be produced in a limited run of just 10 units worldwide and it promises to bring the rain on other tuning proposals like the 500HP Alpina B7. Starting with the engine, G-Power's technicians fiddled around with the 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbochargers increasing maximum boost pressure from 0.5 bar to 0.9 bar. They also recalibrated the ECU, added larger injection valves and created an entirely new exhaust system. The result is a maximum output of 725 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 1,000Nm or 738 lb-ft from 2,000 rpm, up from the stock engine's 544HP and 750Nm or 553 lb-ft. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a modified version of the 760i's eight-speed automatic transmission. G-Power claims that the Storm is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 4.2 seconds, to 200km/h (124mph) in 11.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 345 km/h or 215 mph. The engine modifications are accompanied by a new sports suspension that lowers the limo's ride height by 30 mm or 1.2-inches. The Storm also features a full body kit that includes a new bonnet made of Kevlar with air vents, unique front and rear bumpers and carbon fiber side skirts, boot lid spoiler and rear diffuser. The four tail pipes and the new 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels shod in Michelin rubber size 265/30 at the front and 295/25 at the rear, complete the exterior changes. G-Power only released a couple of renderings of the exterior, but the tuning firm said that it has refined the interior of the 760i with a new "ergonomically shaped" sports steering wheel, a different speedometer and carbon fiber trim for the door panels, central console and dashboard. The fully converted Storm 760i is priced at a hefty €365,000 or at today's exchange rates, US$495,500, while the long wheelbase 760il Storm, from €375,000 or US$510,000.
The BMW Sequence GT is the brainchild of Seungmo Lim, a graduate student at Pforzheim University in Germany. Lim explains that the "Electric Gran Turismo Sequence" project started out with two questions: 1) "How important is the appearance of green cars?", and 2) "What is 'Efficient dynamics'?" "In other words these two questions mean, 'What kind of qualification does a blue or green car have to have in order to get a BMW badge in the future?'" I've got no idea, so it's good that he came up with an answer: Combining "driving pleasure with blue architecture." The concept would make use of wheel-mounted motors (optimizing space) while featuring new kidney placement (for motor-cooling and BMW-ness). With those oddly-placed kidneys and nose prongs, the Sequence sure is interesting to look at. Lim says, "Another important feature of Sequence is a big twisting surface starting from front fender to the shoulder. It gives the car a very characteristic and dramatic appearance." The designer also has high hopes for the future by making use of Better Place's recharging system, which ideally "allows you to drive into the station where a machine, installed under the ground, changes the battery within one minute. The station then uses solar panels to recharge the batteries without any emissions." I guess now Hollywood has a car for a Minority Report sequel.
In the tune-tastic world of G-Power, all stock BMWs are underpowered and sluggish and in need of some serious cosmetic makeup. Having already taken on the M5 sedan, M3 Coupe, M6 Coupe, Z4 Roadster and the X5M and X6M SAVs, just to mention a few, G-Power has now turned its tuning affection on Munich's flagship limo, the 760i and its long-wheelbase sibling, the 760iL. Simply called the Storm, G-Power's latest achievement will be produced in a limited run of just 10 units worldwide and it promises to bring the rain on other tuning proposals like the 500HP Alpina B7. Starting with the engine, G-Power's technicians fiddled around with the 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbochargers increasing maximum boost pressure from 0.5 bar to 0.9 bar. They also recalibrated the ECU, added larger injection valves and created an entirely new exhaust system. The result is a maximum output of 725 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 1,000Nm or 738 lb-ft from 2,000 rpm, up from the stock engine's 544HP and 750Nm or 553 lb-ft. Power is transferred to the rear wheels through a modified version of the 760i's eight-speed automatic transmission. G-Power claims that the Storm is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h (62mph) in just 4.2 seconds, to 200km/h (124mph) in 11.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 345 km/h or 215 mph. The engine modifications are accompanied by a new sports suspension that lowers the limo's ride height by 30 mm or 1.2-inches. The Storm also features a full body kit that includes a new bonnet made of Kevlar with air vents, unique front and rear bumpers and carbon fiber side skirts, boot lid spoiler and rear diffuser. The four tail pipes and the new 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels shod in Michelin rubber size 265/30 at the front and 295/25 at the rear, complete the exterior changes. G-Power only released a couple of renderings of the exterior, but the tuning firm said that it has refined the interior of the 760i with a new "ergonomically shaped" sports steering wheel, a different speedometer and carbon fiber trim for the door panels, central console and dashboard. The fully converted Storm 760i is priced at a hefty €365,000 or at today's exchange rates, US$495,500, while the long wheelbase 760il Storm, from €375,000 or US$510,000.
Geneva Preview: AC Schnitzer Treats the new BMW X1 SUV
After showing us all sorts of alloy wheel designs for the new BMW X1, AC Schnitzer announced today that it will celebrate the world premiere of its complete tuning package for the Bavarian automaker's compact SUV/Crossover at next month's Geneva Motor Show. The main event of the German company's tune are the new upgrades for the X1's diesel powerplants. With these kits, output of the xDrive23d's 2.0-liter twin-turbocharged unit raises from 204HP to 240HP; the "s" and xDrive20d's 2.0-liter turbo from 177HP to 210HP and the "s" and xDrive18d's 2.0-liter turbo from 143HP to 171HP. Those that opt for the xDrive28i with a 258HP straight-six petrol will have to do with a new sport exhaust system only. Along with the improved engines, AC Schnitzer also offers a sport suspension and a choice of 18-, 19- or 20-inch alloy wheels in various designs. For the X1's exterior, AC Schnitzer has readied a package that comprises of a front spoiler, rear apron, bonnet vents and a roof spoiler. Interior upgrades come in the form of special carbon-fiber trim, illuminated leather gear knob, aluminium gear knobs with or without digital gear display, a unique aluminium cover for the i-Drive system controller, aluminium handbrake handle and pedal set, foot rests and velours foot mats.
Starting with the engine, G-Power's technicians fiddled around with the 6.0-liter V12 bi-turbochargers increasing maximum boost pressure from 0.5 bar to 0.9 bar. They also recalibrated the ECU, added larger injection valves and created an entirely new exhaust system.
