This decision sees MINI continue its success story in the world of rallying. In the 1960s, the MINI Cooper S caused a sensation with victories at the legendary Monte Carlo Rally. The company also tasted success on many occasions in the European Rally Championship. Having already demonstrated the sporty character of its models in many countries in the MINI CHALLENGE, the brand is now taking its presence in motorsport to a new level with the commitment to the WRC.

Ian Robertson, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG, responsible for Sales and Marketing, says: “I am delighted MINI will be represented on one of the most popular stages in international motorsport. The success enjoyed on the rally circuit has made a vital contribution to the image of the brand. MINI customers have always shown great interest in motorsport. I am convinced we will add a few more chapters to our success story in rallying. The MINI Countryman provides an excellent basis, from which to create a competitive racing car for the world championship. In Prodrive, we have a strong and experienced partner. We will work hard together over the coming months to ensure we get the project on track right from the word go.”

“This is a very exciting new motorsport programme,” said Prodrive Chairman, David Richards. “During the 1960s MINI captured the imagination of the world when the tiny car took on the might of V8 powered Fords and won what was then one of the toughest motorsport events, the 4000km Monte Carlo rally. I believe our new MINI will become a firm favourite of the latest generation of rally fans, just as it is adored by its millions of owners across the world. We already have a significant number of confirmed customer orders for the new MINI rally car with the first deliveries scheduled for the start of the 2011 season.”

MINI Countryman WRC MINI set to join World Rally Championship from 2011

Prodrive has been working on developing the MINI Countryman WRC since early 2009. The company was formed in 1984 by Richards, who won the World Rally Championship as co-driver to Ari Vatanen (FI) three years earlier. Based in Banbury (GB), Prodrive has developed into a leading independent company in the motorsport and automobile sector under Richards’ guidance, and today employs over 500 staff. Prodrive’s many successes currently include six overall victories in the World Rally Championship, five titles in the British Touring Car Championship and three class victories at the Le Mans 24 Hours (FR).

BMW was present when the World Rally Championship made its debut back in 1973. Achim Warmbold (DE) and Jean Todt (FR) tasted victory in their BMW 2002 at the Alpenfahrt Rally in Austria. However, MINI’s tradition in this discipline stretches back even further: Pat Moss (GB) clinched the first victory with the MINI 850 at the 1959 Mini Miglia National Rally. MINI ultimately enjoyed its finest hours at the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967: the MINI Cooper S celebrated three overall victories at the most iconic rallying event in the world. Paddy Hopkirk (IR, 1964), Timo Mäkinen (FI, 1965) and Rauno Aaltonen (FI, 1967) joined the list of winners at this prestigious event. In 1965, “Rally Professor” Aaltonen also won the European Rally Championship. Tony Ambrose (GB) and Mäkinen finished second and third to round off an excellent overall result for the MINI Cooper S. In addition, MINI drivers also enjoyed many individual wins at renowned rallies throughout Europe. The last BMW World Rally Championship victory was achieved in 1987 in Corsica by Bernard Béguin (FR) driving a BMW M3 which was built and run by Prodrive.

From 2011, over 40 years down the line, the MINI Countryman WRC will be charged with adding further chapters to this success story. It bridges the gap between the classic MINI concept and a contemporary Sports Activity Vehicle. The brand’s first model to feature four doors and a wide-opening tailgate, it offers more space – which can be used in a wide variety of ways – to go with its raised seating position and optimised ride comfort. Plus, the “go-kart” feeling for which MINI is a byword has been preserved and takes on a new dimension with the optional MINI ALL4 all-wheel-drive system. The MINI Countryman expresses the defining virtues of the brand in terms of design, premium quality, handling, efficiency and the scope for customisation – and does so in an absorbingly individual way.

The next step down from the racing version is the MINI Cooper S Countryman. With its twin-scroll turbocharger and direct injection now complemented by fully variable valve management, the 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in the range-topping model offers by far the best balance between output and fuel consumption in its displacement class. The engine generates an impressive 135 kW/184 bhp and allows the MINI Cooper S Countryman to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.6 seconds. Furthermore, the MINIMALISM concept sees wide-ranging technology designed to reduce fuel consumption and emissions – such as Brake Energy Regeneration, the Auto Start/Stop function, Shift Point Display and the need-based operation of ancillary components – fitted as standard and in model-specific combinations.

The MINI Cooper S Countryman and MINI Cooper D Countryman can be ordered as an option with MINI ALL4 permanent all-wheel drive. Here, an electromagnetic centre differential positioned directly on the final drive varies the distribution of power seamlessly between the front and rear axles. In normal driving conditions up to 50 per cent of the drive is sent to the rear wheels, in extreme situations as much as 100 per cent. The result is a new, traction-led expression of the agile handling for which MINI is famed.

Via | RallyBuzz

According to the release on NHSTA’s website, the 5-Series Gran Turismo’s fuel level sensor within the fuel tank can become wedged against the tank. If this occurs, then the fuel gauge in the instrument cluster will display a larger amount of fuel than what’s actually in the tank.

The German automaker has not yet provided details on the fix nor a notification schedule on the recall. Concerned owners of the affected models can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

via | Carscoop

Via | AutoBlog

So why was Porsche so (reportedly) hot under the collar over the ad? Turns out they’re not threatened by the Nissan’s performance. Rather, they object to the use of their logo in the ad, which was done without permission.

In the end, it didn’t come to a legal wrangle because Porsche approached Nissan and demanded it stop use of the logo, which Nissan did, changing it simply to the Porsche name. Legal action was threatened, at one point, however, according to the Guardian, so it wasn’t a completely amicable transaction.

Where will the next round of the Porsche-Nissan battle royale be held? And who would you choose to win in a brand-versus-brand throwdown? Let us know in the comments below.

via | Motorauthority

BMW’s M-Division is one of the best, if not the best performance tuning company in the world. They have created so many masterpieces, such as the M3, M5, and M6. Each one of those cars are a thrill to take for a drive and they have the ability to make the most dull daily commute exciting.

Now, the M-Division is at it again with the 1-Series. We have never been huge fans of the 1-Series, as it has never looked that great to us and it’s very cramped inside. Not to mention the car is pretty pricey. Yet, slap an M badge on it and it doesn’t matter how ugly it is, it’s going to be a great little vehicle.

The same can be said with the Audi A3. It’s better looking than the 1-Series, but it’s still not a car that we would recommend. That being said, the RS3 is something that we would go out and buy tomorrow.

Nether one of these has been released to the public yet, but that won’t stop us from doing a small comparison test now will it.

We’re not really sure if the M1 will be called the M1, but we do know that some sort of fast 1-Series is on the way. We have seen this vehicle testing on the road and at the track and we were honestly disappointed.

Take a look at the renderings of the car and then look at the spy shots. A bit sad isn’t it? We loved the look of the M1 renderings, but what BMW did was take the normal 1-Series and add some fender flares and M badges.

We know that the point of the M car is that it looks the same as the normal model, but come on BMW, the 1-Series didn’t look that good to begin with and now it just looks a bit gaudy.

The front end of the BMW will get a trapezoid grille, flanked by two intakes that will help cool the brakes. The larger front grille will allow air to flow into the high-performance intercooler. The headlights will get that typical M look to try and beat home the point that this car is far more powerful.

Around back, the rear valance/diffuser will look a bit like the one on the 135i, but with open ducks for aero purposes. The M1 will get the typical M quad exhausts and the roof will be carbon fiber.

The Audi is the same way, but it does look better at least. From the spy photographs, the RS3 doesn’t look that much different than the normal A3. There are the usual RS badges on the grille and bigger fender flares, but that’s about it. It actually doesn’t look too bad.

The RS3 will have a winden body, which the current S3 doesn’t offer. The air intakes will be huge and there will be oval exhaust pipes that will highlight the RS3’s exterior. Inside, the RS3 will get the flat-bottomed steering wheel and racing seats.

Under the hood of the RS3 there is rumored to be a 340 horsepower turbocharged five-cylinder. On top of all that power, the RS3’s motor cranks out 332 pound-feet of torque. Needless to say, this thing is going to be a rocket. We can estimate that this car will hit 60 miles per hour in 4.6 seconds.

One of the bonuses of using a five-cylinder motor is the unique sound. While the new motor will not share any of the design with the old Audi five-cylinder motors, the noise will remain, giving the Audi a leg up on the BMW.

The M1 will pack a bit more power, but that is the way with these things work in the German power war. The M1 is rumored to have a N55 twin-scroll turbocharged six-cylinder motor that will produce around 345 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque.

The Audi’s higher torque number should give it the edge off the line, but the BMW’s superior horsepower output will help it gain back some of the ground it lost as the drag race nears the end.

We’re still a bit in the dark about suspension and weight, but as soon as we hear something we will be sure to let you know. Both cars will most likely get independent front and multilink rear suspension with a harder setup than the current S3 and the 1-Series.

It seems the RS3 takes this early comparison test, but BMW does have trick up its sleeve, a topless version of the M1, as you see below. Now this is really a big rumor, but if BMW does make it and it’s as fun to drive as the coupe version, BMW will put a dent in Audi’s sales.

via | TopSpeed

via | Carscoop

Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion and we’d really like to hear what you have to say about the aesthetics of the new BMW X3. We are waiting you to share your thoughts in the comments section.

via | Carscoop

BMW is apparently requiring all owners to sign a “maintenance agreement” that insists the M3 is never polished or waxed, ran through an automatic car wash or even strongly rubbed. Additionally, BMW politely asks that you immediately remove bugs, bird droppings, tree sap and fuel spills with a soft sponge, and naturally, dealers are more than willing to sell you appropriate products for maintaining the matte finish.

According to enthusiast site Bimmerfest, BMW explicitly states the M3’s warranty won’t cover any damage due to owner neglect and it notes that all exterior repairs must be performed by a BMW-authorized shop. What’s more, if you don’t sign the agreement, no Frozen Grey M3 for you. That’s a lot of disclaimers. All of which could be easily solved for less if you simply went down to your local custom vinyl shop and wrapped your (decidedly less expensive) standard M3 in a 3M coating. But how do you put a price on exclusivity?

Via | AutoBlog

The transformation wasn’t easy. BMW sent the car through innumerable trials on the tracks and trails of the motorsports world, and the mean little 3 Series quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with on the grid.

BMW has commemorated its wicked child’s birthday by recounting the tale of the car’s conception. Don’t worry: it’s a lot less repulsive than listening to your parents yak on about how you came around. The tale is filled with the origins of the car’s 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, including where the engineers managed to source parts and the like. It’s well worth your time if you’ve got a second. Check past the jump for the full tale and the high-res gallery below for for the M3’s stunning quarter-century as chronicled in photos.

Via | AutoBlog

Mixing performance, comfort and every-day luxury, Alpina’s line of modified cars have a reputation for being some of the best in the business and with five different 5-Series based Alpina models being developed in the last 35 years, the experience is certainly there.

Alpina’s latest effort sees the same 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 from the recently revealed B7 Bi-Turbo fitted into the engine bay of the latest 2011 BMW 5-Series. It develops 507 horsepower at 5,500 rpm, with maximum torque of 516 pound-feet of torque from 3,000 to 4,750 rpm. Additionally, fuel economy for the European combined cycle comes in at a very reasonable 22 mpg–not bad for a performance V-8.

Sending drive to the rear wheels is an eight-speed automatic, which has been adapted and tested in cooperation with its manufacturer, ZF. The end result is a 0-62 mph time of just 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 191 mph.

To go with the new drivetrain are a set of high-performance ventilated brakes measuring in at 14.7 inches in the front and 14.6 inches in the rear. These work together with an adjustable suspension set-up and 20 inch light alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires.

Other touches differentiating the Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo from the standard BMW 5-Series include a full bodykit, double-ended exhaust pipes and some new interior trim.

The new Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo made its world debut over the weekend at the 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK, but there’s no word yet if whether the car will be offered locally.

via | Motorauthority