Newscarspro: Car Sport

New BMW 3 Series and 5 Series Sedan M Performance Parts Announced

Just the Facts:

BMW released a second wave of M Performance Parts for 2012-'13 3 Series and 2011-'13 5 Series sedans.

Parts include exterior, chassis and interior components.

The OEM modifications are available now at BMW dealerships.

WOODCLIFF LAKE, New Jersey — BMW released a second set of M Performance Parts for 2012-'13 3 Series and 2011-'13 5 Series sedans. They are available now at BMW's U.S. dealerships.

The first set debuted in May. This next wave includes exterior, chassis and interior performance components.

Starting with 3 Series aesthetics, the Bavarian automaker is offering a front splitter, rocker panel blades, carbon-fiber or black rear spoiler, diffuser, and side stripes as well as an M Sport retrofit kit for cars not equipped with that option.

A rear diffuser is available for 528i, 535i and 550i models and is joined by a carbon-fiber front splitter in early 2013. A 5 Series M Sport retrofit kit will also be available.

The 3 Series interior additions include a stainless steel footrest, floor mats, carbon-fiber parking brake handle and an electronic steering wheel. The flat-bottom, Alcantara steering wheel is available for automatic, sport automatic and six-speed manual variants, and gives drivers three different driving modes: Sport, Race and EfficientDynamics. Fuel economy and average speed data is provided in EfficientDynamics mode, while acceleration times and LED shift lights are some of the available features in Race and Sport modes.

A non-electronic steering wheel is offered in the 5 Series and a carbon-fiber trim package is also available solely for the midsize sedan.

A 3 Series spring kit lowers the ride height by 0.4 inch compared to M Sport models and 0.8 inch next to the standard setup, and BMW is selling a Brembo big-brake kit with four-piston front and two-piston rear aluminum calipers as well.

Those looking for more performance can follow up the increase in stopping power with a stainless steel exhaust available for 328i, 335i and 535i models.

BMW rounds out the list of M Performance Parts with lightweight 20-inch V-spoke wheels for the 5 Series and 20-inch double-spoke bi-color forged alloy for its compact sibling. The 5 Series dubs are wrapped in 245/35 front and 275/30 rear Bridgestone Potenza RE050 A run-flats, while the 3 Series gets Pirelli P Zero performance rubber, sized 225/35 in the front and 255/30 in back.

M Performance Parts are currently at dealerships, and pricing is available on BMW's accessory parts Web site.

Edmunds says: BMW just lengthened the holiday gift lists of some 3 and 5 Series owners by a few fun items.

2013 BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition Honors Racing Achievement Review

Just the Facts:

The 2013 BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition, which celebrates the German automaker's successful return to the European-based sedan racing series, will be sold in international markets.

The special-edition M3 starts at the U.S. equivalent of $129,331.

Only 54 units will be sold.

MUNICH, Germany — The 2013 BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition, which celebrates the German automaker's successful return to the European-based sedan racing series, will be sold in international markets.

The special-edition M3 starts at the U.S. equivalent of $129,331. A limited run of just 54 units will be produced.

BMW Motorsport returned to the DTM — which has been called "NASCAR with a German accent" — after an almost 20-year hiatus. Canadian driver Bruno Spengler won the drivers' title, BMW Team Schnitzer finished in the top spot in the standings and BMW claimed the manufacturer's honors.

The special-edition M3 is decked out in Frozen Black metallic exterior paint and is designed to look like Spengler's racecar. Other details include dark chrome trim and matte black wheels. A BMW M stripe dresses up the roof and trunk lid.

The door sill strips are said to replicate Spengler's helmet design. The package also includes the professional navigation system, M Drive, heated seats and park distance control.

Buyers get an unusual perk — a chance to attend the BMW M Fascination Nordschleife driver-training course under the guidance of Spengler.

Edmunds says: The perfect BMW for fans of Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters.

Rare 1961 Ford Gyron Model Fetches $40,000 at Auction

Just the Facts:

A rare "presentation" model of the 1961 Ford Gyron fetched $40,000 at a December auction, commanding nearly four times its estimate.

The futuristic concept car debuted at the 1961 New York Auto Show and featured two wheels mounted along the car's centerline and a gyroscope for stability.

The car was never produced because the cost of the gyroscope was "prohibitive," according to Wright auction house.

CHICAGO — A rare "presentation" model of the 1961 Ford Gyron fetched $40,000 at a December auction, commanding nearly four times its estimate.

The buyer was not identified. The model was estimated to fetch $10,000-$15,000 and belonged to Joe Oros, the chief designer of the original Ford Mustang.

The futuristic concept car debuted at the 1961 New York Auto Show and featured two wheels mounted along the car's centerline and a gyroscope for stability. Wright auction house noted in a statement that the full-size Gyron was destroyed in a fire at the Ford Rotunda in 1962 in Dearborn, Michigan.

The car was never produced because the cost of the gyroscope was "prohibitive," according to Wright.

The Gyron predicted the advent of satellite navigation systems, car phones and automated highways. It also featured foot pedals for the driver and passenger to share in the operation of the vehicle.

The Gyron concept was conceived by designer Alex Tremulis, the man who also crafted the Tucker, a rear-engine sedan with a Cyclops Eye — a third headlight — that has become the stuff of automotive folklore.

Edmunds says: It may have only been a scale model, but the Ford Gyron at auction is a significant piece of American automotive history.

Unique Ford GT40 Race Set for Goodwood Revival

Just the Facts:

A groundbreaking one-model race for classic Ford GT40s is set for the 2013 Goodwood Revival in the United Kingdom next September.

The dedicated race marks the 50th anniversary of the genesis of the Ford GT40 program.

The race grid is to feature up to 30 significant and authentic GT40s — a feat that has never been accomplished before.

GOODWOOD, United Kingdom — A groundbreaking one-model race for classic Ford GT40s will be one of the highlights of the Goodwood Revival next September here.

The Whitsun Trophy race for the 2013 Goodwood Revival on September 13-15 will mark 50 years since the start of the Ford GT40 program and Goodwood, true to form, is planning something pretty special.
"The plan for the GT40-only race at next September's Goodwood Revival is to have a full grid, meaning up to 30 GT40s competing in total," said Gary Axon, a Goodwood spokesman. "This has never been achieved before, and should be something quite exceptional."

Although the Ford GT40 program didn't begin on the track until 1964, work on the car started a year earlier with the development of Eric Broadley's Lola Mk6 GT in England.

After Ford had planned to buy Ferrari and was snubbed by Enzo Ferrari at the last minute, the GT40 was created by an incensed Henry Ford II specifically to take on and beat Ferrari at Le Mans.

This it ultimately achieved, winning the famous 24 Hours race four years running between 1966-'69.

This year at the Goodwood Revival, the organizers set up a stellar reunion between the prewar German "Silver Arrows" — Mercedes-Benz versus Auto Union — for the first time since 1939 and many were wondering how on earth Goodwood could ever top that.

By coming up with this unique Ford GT40 race, Goodwood has successfully answered that question, in style.

Edmunds says: Goodwood turns on the magic again with this exceptional Ford GT40 race.

Sergio Pininfarina Exhibit Set for Ferrari Museum

MARANELLO, Italy — An exhibit honoring the life and works of the late Sergio Pininfarina, who has been called the chief custodian of Italian styling in cars, will debut in late October at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy.

Pininfarina, who died in July, ran the most famous Italian design house for almost 50 years. The exhibit will showcase Pininfarina's cars, including the Pinin, an experimental Ferrari with four doors. The event includes Pininfarina and the races, Pininfarina and the concept cars, and Pininfarina and the Gran Turismo cars, said show organizers in a statement.

"Some of the most stunning cars from motorsport history can be seen here," organizers said. "A 250 LM, the last overall winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the 250 SWB Stirling Moss drove to win the Touring Trophy and the experimental Formula 1 Sigma, suggested by Pininfarina in the 1960s, which will be presented next to today's F1 Ferrari."

Pininfarina, whose death merited coverage on the front page of The Wall Street Journal and other publications, put his stamp on everything from the 1985 Ferrari Testarossa to the Cadillac Allante.

A New York Times obituary said he "stood as the chief custodian for Italian styling in cars."

"His firm designed prototypes for models that sold about 50,000 units a year by the mid-1980s, compared with about 500 in the early 1960s, and the success gave him freedom to design not only 'affordable' cars but high-end and even one-of-a-kind vehicles for the very wealthy," the newspaper said.

Pininfarina told The New York Times in 1981: "I am a lucky man, because I design cars for a few people. So in my life, I always design what I like."

The exhibition kicks off on October 26 and runs through January 7.

Just the Facts:

An exhibit honoring the life and works of the late Sergio Pininfarina, who has been called the chief custodian of Italian styling in cars, will debut in late October at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy.
Pininfarina, who died in July, ran the most famous Italian design house for almost 50 years.
The exhibit will showcase Pininfarina's cars, including the Pinin, an experimental Ferrari with four doors.

Ferrari Wades Into Political Controversy With F1 Cars

NEW DELHI, India — Ferrari will display the flag of the Italian Navy on its cars at this weekend's Indian Formula 1 Grand Prix to support two Italian sailors charged with killing Indian fishermen.

"Ferrari pays tribute to one of the outstanding entities of our country, also in the hope that the Indian and Italian authorities will soon find a solution to the situation involving two sailors from the Italian Navy," said Ferrari in a statement on Wednesday.

The case has sparked outrage in India, according to media reports.

The sailors were part of a military team protecting a cargo ship from pirate attacks when they fired on the fishermen's boat off the Indian coast in February. Italian officials say the sailors mistook the fishermen for pirates. The sailors are awaiting trial in India. Italian officials say they should be tried at home.

Just the Facts:

Ferrari will display the flag of the Italian Navy on its cars at this weekend's Indian Formula 1 Grand Prix to support two Italian sailors charged with killing Indian fishermen.

"Ferrari pays tribute to one of the outstanding entities of our country, also in the hope that the Indian and Italian authorities will soon find a solution to the situation involving two sailors from the Italian Navy," said Ferrari in a statement on Wednesday.

The case has sparked outrage in India, according to media reports.

Aston Martin DBR 9 Sport

The Aston Martin DBR9 is a racing car by Aston Martin Racing, first built in 2005. The name DBR9 is derived from the original 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning DBR1 car, named for then-owner David Brown, which not only won the 24 Hour race in 1959 but also the World Sportscar title.

Based on the Aston Martin DB9 road car, the DBR9 retains the chassis, and the engine block and cylinder heads of the road car's V12 engine. The rest of the car is re-engineered for high performance competition use. The DBR9's bodywork is a blend of optimum aerodynamic performance and the styling of the DB9 road car. All the body panels are constructed from carbon fibre composite (except the roof) to minimize the weight of the car. To complete the aerodynamic body, the bottom of the car is flat all the way from the front to the rear diffuser. To optimise rear downforce a carbon fibre wing has been added. The car goes from 0-60 mph in 3.4 seconds.

For the 2007 24 Hours of Le Mans, Prodrive made modifications to the DBR9 design in order to not only improve performance, but also to increase driver comfort in the cockpit. Due to new regulations put into place by Le Mans organizers, the DBR9 required the installation of an air conditioning unit in order to prevent overstressing drivers. Prodrive went further by putting a heat-resistant white roof on all new cars to assist in keeping cockpit temperatures down. Performance modifications included the removal of two cooling vents from the bonnet of the car due to no longer being necessary.