BMW TwinPower 4 cylinder spawned a "25i" guise

In somewhat an expected move, BMW has released another state of tune for their 4 cylinder TwinPower turbocharged engine series, the N20. Complementing the current "20i" and "28i" guises is the new "25i" guise, which kicks out a familiar 218bhp@5000rpm and 310Nm@1350-4800rpm. In comparison, the "20i" version delivers 184bhp/270Nm while the "28i" version pumps out 245bhp/350Nm.

The N20 is a new series of small capacity engine utilizing its TwinPower turbocharged concept. The engine makes use of twin-scroll turbocharger, high precision injection, Valvetronic and double VANOS. It is part of BMW engine downsizing initiative where the punch of the bigger capacity engine is delivered by forced-fed small capacity engine, while retaining the small engine fuel efficiency.

The engine was launched with the updated BMW 1 series as part of the extended engine availability for the 5 door version of BMW compact hatchback. In this application, the 125i is capable of 6.5 seconds sprint to 100 km/h for the 8-speed automatic version en route to its 243 km/h top speed. Fuel efficiency is quoted as 6.4L/100km and CO2 emission of just 154g/km. It is then just a matter of time before the new F30 325i and F10 525i badge make an appearance!

In a simultaneous move, the 1 Series has been given new diesel engine too. The first one is the 116d EfficientDynamics Edition, while the other one is 125d. The 1.6L 116d ED emits an impressive 99g/km of CO2 and deliver 116bhp@4000rpm and 260Nm@1750-2500 rpm. Diesel consumption is quoted as 3.8L/100km. The performance figure is 10.5 seconds century sprint and 195 km/h top speed. This engine is offered too on F30 316d where performance is quoted slightly differently with 11.3 seconds 100 km/s sprint and 202 km/h of top speed.

Power-hungry environmentalist should however look for 125d. With a petrol-rivalling 218bhp@4400rpm, and V8 rivalling 450Nm of torque delivered between 1500-2500 rpm. The 2.0L turbo-diesel engine is sufficient to sprint the F20 to 100 km/h in 6.5 seconds and a 240km/h of top speed. Fuel consumption is rated at 4.8L/100km and  126g/km of CO2 for the 8 speed automatic version. More after the jump.

BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo gets an M-Sport treatment

While the new BMW 3 Series F30 gets its M-Sport package unveiled during the car launch, it took BMW 2 years to offer the same package for its BMW 5 Series GT. The M-Sport package for 5GT comprises a range of aerodynamics, suspension and interior enhancement which were developed specifically for this model.

The exterior part included under M-Sport package consist of new front and rear bumper design together with more pronounced sills skirting. At the back , dark chrome tailpipes made an appearance. The 19" V-spoke M alloy wheels are paired with lowered M-Sport suspension which promised more taut handling. 20" twin-spoke rims are available too.

For the interior, the M-Sport 5GT gets the customary sports seat upholstered in fabric/alcantra, M leather steering wheel, M driver foot rest, M sill plates, Palladium Grey interior trim strips and BMW Individual anthracite roof lining. For 550i GT, the interior is upholstered in Dakota leather.

More after the jump.

2012 BMW 3 Series F30 Lines - Photos and Specs Details.

All the details on BMW 3 Series F30 trims and lines - Modern, Luxury, Sport and M-Sport

The new BMW 3 Series F30 is available in Modern, Luxury and Sport Lines as well as M-Sport Package. Each Line has their own unique customization of exterior and interior detailing. The four posts below explained each of  the lines with their specification and photos. Click to be linked to each Line.

BMW 3 Series F30 M-Sport photos and details -> All the detail of F30 M-Sport

BMW 3 Series F30 Sport Line photos and details -> All the detail of F30 Sport Line

BMW 3 Series F30 Luxury Line photos and details -> All the detail of F30 Luxury Line

BMW 3 Series F30 Modern Line photos and details -> All the detail of F30 Modern Line

Enjoy the photos and start dreaming!

2012 BMW 3 Series F30 M-Sport photos and details

Typically, the M-Sport package does not accompany the launch of new BMW car. But for the 2012 F30, the much sought after M-Sport package is displayed together with the standard model. However, this is more of a  preview as the package can only be ordered from the third quarter of 2012.

Its dynamic character is emphasised by the exclusive M Sport body colour of Estoril Blue metallic, a special aerodynamics package with numerous body components, chromium exhaust pipe finishers, modified suspension settings and M Sport light-alloy wheels with a diameter of 18 or 19 inches. Front and rear bumpers, sill covers in body color and a striking diffuser insert in Dark Shadow Metallic on the tail underline the sporting character of the M Sport package, exploiting its visual effect to the full. The M Sport package also come with suspension kit and lower the car by 10mm with stiffer spring, damper and stabilizers. 

More detailed photos after the jump.