Motorcycle Rims Can Add Glamour To A Bike

Motorcycle rims are like a pair of sunglasses; they can add glamor and change the way your bike looks. But you should not limit the utility of the rims to their looks. The rims play a far more important role in the way your bike runs.

There are basically two types of motorcycle rims: solid and laced. In the solid rim, the spokes as well the rim are fused to form a single, circular plate. The metal used here is usually solid aluminum.

Laced rims, on the other hand, are the conventional spoke wheels where a series of spokes are fused to the rim. The spokes add structural strength to the rim and also give the bike an individual look.

The Billet Motorcycle Wheels are also a rage. Here, the wheel unit is carved out of a single block of aluminum. What is interesting is that using computer aided designing, you can carve out really intricate spoke designs. You can also opt for a chrome finish. Billet designs can dramatically alter the look of your machine.

So what kind of rim-wheel combination is best for you?.......

There is no doubt that it is the laced variety. When you have spokes that attach the rim to the hub, you get better impact absorption than a solid wheel. The absorbed impact is spread evenly across the rim over a wider area because of flexibility. A solid wheel on the other hand is not flexible, so the full impact is absorbed only at the point of impact.

You also need to consider maintenance. Keep your rims in mint condition to avoid corrosion as that can lead to weak points. Since wheels are subject to a lot of stress there is always the possibility of broken spokes and punctured tubes, not to mention mishaps.

It is also a good policy to use rim locks to make sure that the tires don’t slip off the rims. You should also make sure that the rim is always aligned. One easy way of doing this is to put the bike on the centre stand and then spin the wheels. Any lateral or vertical oscillation will immediately be noticeable. You can usually knock back a wheel into shape with a hammer and a small block of wood. But if you are not up to it, take it to a mechanic and get it done.

Remember: Keep the rim in shape and your bike will cut a great figure.

Author: James Gunaseelan writes articles & reviews for http://BharathAutomobiles.com ,India's No.1 Auto Portal

Motorcycle Rims Can Add Glamour To A Bike

What is a sports car? There have already been quite a few personal definitions to what a sports car sounds to them. However, for most people, a sports car is a BMW.



BMW now adds up yet another product to their still growing family of vehicles. And right now, the new addition is the 2006 BMW M. It is a roadster. And it just goes to show that BMW meant business for this car. Its past shows a colorful BMW tradition as well as an in-depth research before it was actually constructed. Just go through its stretched engine compartment, its long wheelbase, its short tail, and its two low set of seats that all in all provides a high powered and very passionate driving experience, and one would be able to picture that, indeed, BMW is yet on the road, again, to success......

What are the features of the BMW M roadster? Well, for power, it has a front engine and a rear wheel drive system. Its engine is a DOHC in line engine with 24 valves. It is an iron block with an aluminum head. It can displace 192 cubic inches or some 3152 cc. It also has the capacity to produce some 240 bhp at 6000 rpm. Aside form that, it also has a five speed manual transmission. The suspension is provided in two options. The first is the independent front suspension. It has damper struts, lower control arms, coil springs, and an anti-roll bar. As per the other one, it is an independent rear suspension with dampers, semi-trailing arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bars.

How large is the BMW M? It measures some 96.8 inches for its wheelbase. Its rear is 55.0 inches. It has a curb weight of 3084 pounds, plus a fuel capacity of 13.5 gallons. If you want to put in some cargo, you can always do so for it has a meager cargo capacity of 5.1 cubic feet.

The steering of this roadster is a rack and pinion one with variable ratio and is variable power assisted. It has a turning circle of 34.1 feet. The brakes are vented discs for both the front and the rear. There is also the anti lock braking system. As per the wheels and tires of this vehicle, the BMW M comes equipped with 17 x 7.5 inches front and 17 x 9.0 inches rear cast aluminum wheels. There also are 225/45ZR-17 tires for the front and 245/40ZR-17 tires for the rear. These are both Michelin Pilot SX MXX3 tires.

As BMW ventures into high and advanced technology as well as great performance in their sports cars and other upcoming vehicles, http://www.accessoriesgiant.com never stops delivering top of the line BMW replacement parts as part of its commitment to its loyal customers worldwide. Rallying behind BMW’s philosophy of producing only the best in the industry, Auto Accessories Giant with its wide array of impressive BMW accessories gives it customer’s genuine quality BMW products at guaranteed low prices.

Author: Shane Morgay is a 34-year-old native of Ohio. She love cars and knows detailed information about them. She has a collection of miniature car collectibles and would love to have these collectibles become real ones. She works for a car part supplier most days of the week. Visit http://www.accessoriesgiant.com/bmw.html for more information about his Giant Accessories BMW

BMW M-Series

If you are like most people you spend a lot of time stuck in traffic. According to statistics U.S. drivers spend about an average of 47 hours a year in traffic, and in large urban areas, drivers can spend more than 60 hours a year.

That is why a growing number of drivers are finding they can reduce time and increase comfort by using technology that helps them find and chart the best route to their destination by adding GPS navigation systems to their vehicles.......

A GPS, or Global Positioning System, is a device that uses satellite technology to pinpoint the location of a receiver. This GPS receiver will provide the driver with important information such as location, estimated time, and recommend a route to a destination. These systems have become so sophisticated that some have added the benefit of playing music. Simply download the desired files onto the hard drive and users can have their music library wherever they go.

Here at Car Lectroinics.com we carry a varied to fit everyone’s needs. Whether you are looking for city, off-road driving, or hiking trails, we carry them all. Is portable or an installed unit better for you? How easy is the screen display to read? And car the unit provides information on current traffic conditions? These are some of the questions you may want to ask yourself before looking at our wide array of items.

Author: Bertram Van Strander, III. Being a car enthusiast for 38 years has its advantages. We have seen, purchased and tried almost everything new to come along. And experience is the best teacher. That’s why I started http://www.CarLectronics.com This way I can do it right!

Navigation Devices or GPS Systems

Car Buying Tips: Five Things You Need To Know To Avoid Hidden Fees And Additional Costs

Before purchasing your next car, you're going to want to check for hidden costs, add-on fees, and other charges. You could end up spending hundreds, even thousands, of dollars over the lifetime of your loan.

Once you've found the car you want, it's time to sit down with your sales rep to negotiate the terms of your contract. After a little back and forth on price, figuring out your interest rate, and calculating your monthly payment, you're ready to sign on the dotted line, right?

Not so fast.

When you read the fine print you may find that additional fees and charges have found their way into your contract – including add-ons you didn't necessarily ask for.

Most car buyers are so focused on getting the best interest rate and negotiating the most affordable monthly payment that they're unconcerned with the fine print of the contract. By the time they get to the step where they review and sign the paperwork, if the sales rep is throwing industry terms at them that they don't fully understand, they're becoming exhausted from the entire process and just want to get it over with.

Here are a few insider tips to make sure you don't regret signing those papers......

1.) Read the Fine Print

While this seems pretty obvious and self-explanatory, it's amazing how trusting the consumer can be. Honestly, the last time you bought a car, did you read and fully understand the contract before you signed it? Probably not. Most people don't.

Some unscrupulous car dealerships are betting on that. Because most people don't read the fine print, some sales reps can slide in additional, undisclosed charges or extras with huge mark-ups to their profit.

Also, make sure there are no blank spaces on your finance contract that can be filled in later – wherever there are blank spaces, write in "$0" or "N/A."

2.) Typical Extras

Most of us are familiar with learning about the standard features of an automobile and then figuring out which additional features we are willing to pay extra for, but here are some extras to look out for when reviewing your contract:

* Rust proofing
* Extended warranty
* Fabric protector
* Car alarm (including Lojack, a device police use to find your car if you report it stolen)
* Paint sealant
* Credit life insurance
* GAP
* Window etching

The value of such extras depends on individual customer needs and situations. If the sales rep attempts to tell you that some or all of these extras are standard for every vehicle on the lot, ask to order your car from the factory, or suggest the dealership trade with another dealer that hasn't pre-packaged their vehicles.

Extra products can add thousands to the negotiated price of the vehicle. Most products fill a customer need that when priced and disclosed correctly and can add real value to the whole transaction.

The problems with extras occur in two areas. First, when the sales rep doesn't spend the time necessary to determine which products fit the specific needs of the customer. Rather than suggest specific extras individually priced, the sales rep lumps all the products together and pushes you to buy them as a package.

Second, unscrupulous sales reps can add thousands of dollars to the amount financed for these products, but not disclose the price increase until the last possible moment, when the financing contracts are being signed.

3.) Documentation and Administration Fees

Federal, state, and local governments are pushing more and more of their regulatory cost onto the local dealerships. In an effort to offset some of these fees and services dealers are required to perform, most add, a documentation or administration fee to the total cost of the transaction. Depending on state and local regulations, fee adding $100 to $150 seem reasonable and cover most of these additional items. These services include:

* Duplicate Title Fees
* Notice of Security Interest (to perfect lien)
* 30-day Permits
* Federal terrorist matching data bases
* Federal information privacy requirements
* State vehicle id verification
* Highway Patrol Inspections for out-of-state titles
* Registering leases at customer's county of residence
* Carfax
* FedEx charges/Shipping charges
* Additional title addendums
* Truth in lending record retention

Some dealers have taken up the practice of marking up documentation and administrative fees and are now charging as high as $300 to $500 per sale. A few are even higher. The charge for most of these fees seems to be more based on getting a customer to pay extra after the customer has finished negotiating, not the average amount it cost to get most deals through various state and federal regulations, as implied.

4.) Ask for a Menu System Disclosure

The best disclosure method I've seen in years involved using a menu system. On a separate sheet of paper the rep produces a document that includes:

• The negotiated price of the vehicle or trade difference
  

• The additional price of suggested extras (these can be shown as various option packages that may save money when bought in combination and as individually priced options)
  

• New totals initialed by both parties

This procedure makes sure that any suggested extras are properly explained and disclosed. It also allows the customer time to consider each item separate from the longer and potentially confusing finance documents. The final numbers from the menu should get carried over directly to the finance document.

5.) Other Costs

When buying a car, remember that there are other "hidden" costs (or, costs that aren't usually considered), that go beyond the dealership.

During the lifetime of your vehicle, you're going to have to pay for registration and tags, taxes, insurance, oil changes and fuel every year, and periodically pay for maintenance and repairs. Older models (cars more than 3-5 years old) may cost less up front, but you will likely need to factor more maintenance and repair costs into your budget than if you bought a newer model. While new models need fewer repairs and maintenance work, you will have to pay more up front.

Your wallet does not have to go through the ringer the next time you decide to visit a new or used car dealer. You can protect yourself from blindly signing into an unfavorable car deal by doing your homework, going to a car dealership with a good reputation, being prepared, asking questions, and double checking behind your sales rep.

Author: Scott Conklin is president of Conklin Cars, a Salina new/used car dealer, Hutchinson new/used car dealer, and Newton new/used car dealer in Kansas

Car Buying Tips: 5 Things You Need To Know To Avoid Hidden Fees And Additional Costs

We all have used batteries in the course of our everyday lives, whether consciously or unconsciously. With gadgets and technology, we often completely forget that batteries are everywhere. Until they stop working, that is! It’s a little different with larger high-powered batteries. They are used and recharged and require maintenance. With the coming of the electric vehicle as a viable driving alternative, the conversation must soon turn to the realities of the electric vehicle battery. Of immediate concern are capacity, size and weight.

Now this article has as its focus the size of electric vehicle batteries. For example, a standard vehicle battery is measured in inches (9 x 12 x 7). The car battery market is well established and at the present time, size is inextricably tied to capacity. The real issue is power for acceleration and maintaining speeds above 10-15 mph which require lots of amperage (Amps). So, in the case of electric cars, more capacity means more amps and more amps require more electric vehicle batteries. This is where size plays a part; it’s about the space needed for sufficient battery storage....


Size is not the only challenge with the use of electric vehicle batteries. With our existing technology, with size comes weight and this further complicates electric vehicle efficiency. Having a car full of batteries leaves little room for people, additional payloads and everyday shopping items. We’re already used to golf carts; now we’re seeing the two seater electric vehicles coming into its own in urban areas. We haven’t solved all the problems yet, but the process has finally begun – people are now considering driving electric vehicles, battery issues aside. Alternative lifestyle isn’t just for hippies anymore.

People are changing their opinions, with growing concern about environmental impact, economic sustainability and the rising cost of dependence on oil-based fuels. All these factors are playing their part in what could become a great national transformation. Hybrids are bridging the gap while an old industry reinvents itself. Eventually the electric vehicle battery issues will resolve themselves. Meanwhile, take a quiet stroll and think about what a quiet, peaceful ride in the fresh air would be like. You never know, we might even enjoy slowing down to stop and smell the roses.

Author: Kerry Ng is a successful Webmaster and publisher of The Hybrid Cars Blog. Click here for more helpful information about Hybrid Cars: http://www.hybridcarsinfoblog.com/electric-car-engine

Electric Vehicle Battery Sizes

Thanks to the Chrysler Group’s relationship with Mercedes – both companies are owned by DaimlerChrysler – the automaker markets a successful group of full size, rear wheel drive cars powering the Dodge and Chrysler brands. Tapping Mercedes technology in the form of their suspensions, rear differentials, and automatic transmissions three vehicles, including the Dodge Magnum, are now gracing North American highways with their “can’t miss” presence. The Dodge Magnum wagon, as the first vehicle based on the LX platform, has successfully erased most people’s concept of what a “station wagon” should be. With its menacing front end, rakish body lines, and abundant hauling capacity the Magnum is no mere “mom mobile” instead, the car is a true sport wagon. Taking that theme to the extreme is the Magnum SRT8, the ultimate fusion of sport wagon and muscle car.

When it comes to engines, Magnum owners have plenty of choices. From the 2.7L V6 powering the SE, to the 3.5L V6 found underneath the hood of the SXT, to the explosive intensity generated by the 5.7L Hemi V8 that comes with the sporty R/T, Magnum owners have a variety of choices not found in many vehicle’s of its class. Thinking that some Dodge fanatics would want even something more powerful than the R/T, the brand released the SRT8 in 2005 which features a 6.1L Hemi V8 that bangs out an extraordinary 425 horses and 420 lb.-ft of torque. Add on the 20 inch aluminum wheels, firm up the suspension, and equip the model with bigger brakes and you have one untamable Magnum!

Even with its added luster, the Magnum SRT8 isn’t keeping Dodge devotees from pimping their rides to help them achieve the look and feel that they want. Some popular, highly desirable aftermarket parts for the Magnum SRT8 include:






Cool/Cold Air Intake Systems – If you want even more horsepower and improved torque, then an air intake system for your Magnum is in order. Airaid and Dub Air are two brands that have effectively created systems that have been specifically made for your Magnum SRT8. With the Airaid you have a choice of two models; the premium version comes with a Ram air scoop for added good looks. Both Airaid systems bump up horsepower by 14 and torque by 17, while the Dub Air produces near equal power improvements as well. Enjoy the throaty tone of an air intake system with your SRT8!



Performance Exhaust Systems – The Magnum SRT8’s exhaust system is adequate, but a Magnaflow Exhaust maximizes performance with its cat-back design and stainless steel properties. You get a rich exhaust tone, see horsepower and torque increase by 16 and 19 respectively, and you get a lifetime warranty with your Magnaflow exhaust system. Yes, the same stainless steel used by Boeing and Airbus in their jets is the steel that is used by Magnaflow.

Of course, many enthusiasts are installing both the performance intake system and the exhaust system to help them achieve the ultimate driving experience that a Dodge Magnum SRT8 can possibly offer to them.

Yes, there is nothing “station” about the Dodge Magnum, a car with the potential to effectively haul people, haul stuff, and to haul ass!

Author: Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance writer for Premier Truck Accessories: http://www.premiertruckaccessories.com a leading retailer of SRT aftermarket products for the Dodge Magnum SRT8: http://www.premiertruckaccessories.com/srt8.html including performance air intake and exhaust systems: http://www.premiertruckaccessories.com/srt8combo4.html . Please stop by our online shop today to explore our huge supply of performance parts and accessories.

Dodge Magnum SRT8

It was 1969. And what an amazing year it was! The Beatles’ world renowned hit Come Together was at the top of the music charts along with Johnny Cash’s A Boy Named Sue, Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, and the 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS, now a classic muscle car, was born. The Chevy Chevelle SS met the demands of muscle car enthusiasts for small cars with powerful motors. Its sporty fast-back body style which was first concocted in the redesign of the 1968 models gave it a touch of class as did the new design of the tail lights. Chevelles are mid-sized cars meeting the median between small sports cars and large family cars.




The 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle line was the first to have the SS 396 option available but it wasn’t perfect as it resulted the 396 became known for poor handling as it required stiffer springs and shocks than earlier models. Later in the year, the 396 option was replaced with a 402 cubic engine, supposedly due to emission standards. Even in light of the minor imperfections in its initial release, the Chevy Chevelle SS was an incredibly popular muscle car in its time and became one of the very best sellers of all times.

Limited edition Chevelles were a favorite amongst drag racers due to the powerful engine options, 427s, that could be special ordered. Limited edition Chevelles are few and far between in this day and age, but if you find one, they are worth a pretty penny. Classic car enthusiasts and speed demons alike admire these beauties.


Chevelles were first released in 1963 with a standard 327 cubic-inch V8, 300 horsepower engine. However, at that time the Pontiac GTO has a 389 that was unmatched. Chevrolet responded to the competition over the years by gradually increasing the power of their motors.

Chevy continued to produce Chevelles until 1973.

If you go to car shows where muscle cars are featured, you are sure to see 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS models because collectors absolutely love them. They are fast, high-performing cars as well as being practical size-wise which makes them pretty unique. The 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS is a car that is appealing to both classic car collectors and racers. Its got style, its got speed and its incredibly durable making it a muscle car classic that just about anyone would be honored to own.

Sponsored by: http://www.balootisme.com

Author: Jason Tarasi is a muscle car enthusiast who runs the Muscle Car Monster Website, where members can buy and sell muscle cars for free through the site's online classifieds. http://www.musclecarmonster.com

1969 Chevrolet Chevelle SS

The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe has been designed and crafted by Chevrolet the automobile manufacturer with family safety in mind. Just like any other vehicle from Chevrolet, the 2007 Tahoe has made it a point to be able to perform well as well as provide safety before a crash, during a crash, as well as after a crash. This vehicle comes in three trim levels that comprise of the LS, the LT, and the LTZ.

The 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe is one of the first creations of General Motors as per new full size sport utility vehicles. The interior layout of this vehicle is quite symmetrical and very engaging. It also incorporates a build quality that is vastly superior to any other previous vehicles crafted by the company. The vehicle had dropped off the hard plastic trim framing controls and put in its place modern and cohesive construction that provides and exudes a more European look. The new interior holds beautiful import materials thus providing a premium-touch surface and a tasteful element in styling. As per noise, this hubbub from the road and the wind is well hidden and kept away from its passengers. It holds the capacity to absorb persistent surface degradation. The whole vehicle is very rattle-free.



As per the company’s leaning towards safety, they have included several features so as to showcase their efforts in providing extreme safety during inevitable accidents, crashes, and collisions. Antilock brake systems, or also known as ABS, has been designed so as to assist in maintaining steering control. This system does this by reducing wheel lockup during hard braking on slippery surfaces. The StabiliTrak Electronic Stability Control System has been added in so as to improve vehicle stability especially on slick surfaces. When this feature senses that the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe is not responding to steering input, it automatically adjusts the engine torque and brake pressure at each wheel so as to assist the driver in getting the Tahoe back on track. Other safety features include Daytime Running Lamps, the OnStar system, the Lower Anchors and Top tethers for Children, or LATCH, system, frontal air bags, side-impact airbags, head-curtain side air bags, and front air bags with passenger sensing system.


Other features of the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe include bumpers, power doors, black door handles, halogen fog lamps, a luggage rack with center rails, heated mirrors, a rear parking assist, 17-inch aluminum wheels, cargo mats, cargo shades for the third row, a cruise control, climate controls, an electric defogger, a remote keyless entry, an adjusted and tilt wheel steering column, a sunroof, sun visors, temperature control and a theft-deterrent system among many others.


Whether having a journey on extreme conditions or on sleepy town roads, the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe deserves excellent maintenance so as to be able for this vehicle to continuously offer the best functionality and longevity. Maintenance involves taking care of its parts as well as involving replace worn out parts. Worn out parts could jeopardize the health of the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and could pose to be a danger for its driver and passengers. Excellent and quality Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet car parts could be found at Auto Parts Discount’s online store. http://www.carpartswholesale.com is one of the leading online stores where owners can get guaranteed high quality parts at low prices.

Author: Joe Thompson is the owner of a successful auto body shop in Ferndale, California. This 38 year old is also a prolific writer, contributing automotive related articles to various publications. His site is Auto Parts Discount http://www.carpartswholesale.com/cpw/chevrolet-car-parts.html

2007 Chevrolet Tahoe

Build a Bike from Scratch or Refurbish with Custom Chopper Parts?

There's been a lot of publicity about custom built choppers, but is building a motorcycle from the ground up the right thing for you? Building custom choppers from scratch or from custom bike kits can definitely be a gratifying journey, but you must be certain that you're prepared for the amount of work, skill, and perseverance it will take to build a bike from nuts and bolts. If you're not sure you want to go the road of custom bike kits, there is a middle ground between a complete build and a stock bike through refurbishing with custom parts.

Custom bike kits:

If you want full bragging rights or a really unique design, custom bike kits are probably the best choice for you. With custom bike kits, you can choose a frame and get all of the necessary parts in one package while still having full reign on every ounce of the customization.

Whether starting from scratch or from custom bike kits, there really are no design limitations unlike when refurbishing a stock bike with custom parts. The more unique the bike, the higher it's resale value will be if you ever decide to part with it. Unlike stock bikes that are a dime a dozen and lose resale value, custom bikes hold or even increase in value.

The potential downside is that even if you're using custom bike kits, building a motorcycle from the ground up is not as simple as many kit manufacturers and producers of DVD training guides make it out to be. Starting from custom bike kits and working your way up is going to be a challenge-which isn't a bad thing, but something you'll want to be honest with yourself about. If you think you won't see the project through for one reason or another, you can still build a killer bike by customizing a stock bike with custom chopper parts.

Refurbish with custom chopper parts:

With the right custom chopper parts, you can easily give an old bike a completely custom look without the time and frustration of building every single intricate element. Refurbishing with custom chopper parts also means that you're going to experiencing the freedom of your bike a lot sooner than those who chose custom bike kits.........


When choosing a bike to refurbish with custom parts, the most important thing to look for is the frame style. There are chopper parts that can easily replace just about anything on an existing bike, but the frame is essentially the backbone of the bike and won't be easy to replace. The gas tank however, is among the custom chopper parts that can be replaced and can make a big impact on the overall look and feel of your bike. Find a shop that will paint your tank with your design concept and you're well on the way to owning a bike that reflects your personality.

Other chopper parts that make a major impact in the overall look and feel of the bike are the wheels, tires, mirrors, exhaust, pedals, and handlebars. A brief look at the huge number of styles of custom chopper parts out there are you'll soon realize that it's feasible to completely change the personality of a stock bike with a few select custom chopper parts.

The decision to build from scratch, from custom bike kits, or to refurbish with custom parts is as unique as every individual is. If your goal is to get out there on the open highway and enjoy the freedom of riding, you may want to spend less time in the garage and make your bike your own with a few select custom chopper parts. On the other hand, if motorcycles are your life, if you want to challenge yourself, or if you desire to create a truly unique machine, then building a bike from the ground up is probably the route you'll want to take.

Author: Jireh Cycles who specialize in aftermarket and custom chopper parts. For more information you can visit http://www.JirechCycles.com

Custom Chopper

The Race Car Inspired BMW M3

BMW and Mercedes are locked in a pitched battle for the right to call themselves the top luxury automotive brand in the world. With Lexus making inroads, neither make can afford a misstep. For BMW, part of their future fortunes will rest on models such as the soon to be released BMW M3. Intrigued? Please continue reading for an overview of this race inspired compact car.


German premier automotive maker BMW continues to maintain its hold as the top selling luxury auto brand in the world. Battling with archival Mercedes-Benz year in and year out for the highest laurels, BMW continues to constantly tweak its existing line and add new vehicles to its line in a bid to stimulate and strengthen customer interest. One area where BMW has found much of its recent success is with its race car inspired line of vehicles, the M Series. Since 1979 various Motorsports [M} tags have been affixed to vehicles that have been developed by the BMW Motorsports division, including the BMW M3 a car based on BMW’s popular 3 Series. Today, BMW engineers are hard at work on developing an all new BMW M3 and, if all of the auto buzz is correct, very few cars will be able to keep up with this 400 hp road commander. Please keep reading for a closer look at the all new, soon to be released, BMW M3.

A pitched battle in autodom continues to gather force pitting German automaker against German automaker. Legendary Mercedes-Benz is taking on heralded BMW for the right to call themselves the top selling luxury brand in the world. For years, the honor belonged exclusively to Mercedes-Benz, but a recent stumble on Mercedes’ part coupled with a surge of new products from BMW has placed BMW in first place. Not far behind the two is Lexus, the luxury division of Toyota, but for now the battle remains a fight between these two German automakers.

For luxury car enthusiasts, the BMW-Mercedes rivalry has been a win-win battle as both automakers have been pouring engineering funds into their vehicles. Neither automaker is resting on their past achievements; instead both are pressing forward to add the latest safety features including Mercedes’ Night Vision Assist and BMW’s impact absorbing bumpers which absorb stronger impacts without damaging the vehicle’s main body. Safety is one of the chief concerns for consumers when selecting a particular luxury brand according to all of the leading automotive industry surveys.

For BMW, its latest automotive project has been a closely guarded secret until very recently. Camouflaged spy shots of the all new BMW M3 have been circulating on the internet for some time now but only since June has a pre-production version of a fully unclothed BMW M3 been spotted. It was seen navigating the twisting roads of Southern California according to The Car Connection, the vehicle information and shopping site.

For BMW enthusiasts, news of a BMW M3 pre-production sighting means one thing: BMW will soon announce the date in 2007 when its latest M Series car will be available in dealer showrooms.

Right now, the current BMW M3 is still based on the fourth generation 3 Series which was replaced in 2006. The new BMW M3 will be based on the latest generation body frame and feature some notable improvements over the previous BMW M3 model including:

A larger, more potent V8 engine with an output of 400 horses. Currently, the BMW M3 features an inline six engine with a 333 horsepower output. The new model is expected to rocket from start to 60 in under 5 seconds, topping out at 155 mph.......



A six or possibly seven speed manual transmission.

A longer wheelbase for better weight distribution.

Styling cues from the BMW M3 will find its way to the new model from front wing vents to twin exit exhausts along with the ubiquitous M series recognized emblems.

For Mercedes enthusiasts they can point to the soon to be released 2007 C Class, which is the direct competitor for the BMW 3 Series, as evidence that DaimlerChrysler will not let BMW out of its crosshairs anytime soon. A new AMG [motorsport] version of the C Class will follow, ratcheting up what is certain to a pitched battle to be enjoyed by compact luxury car devotees worldwide.

Additional competitors to the BMW M3 include the Cadillac CTS-V, the Audi RS4, and the Lexus IS. Prices have not been set for the new M3, but they can be expected to top out at around $60,000 fully equipped.

Author: Matthew C. Keegan is a freelance automotive writer covering classic, current, and future models for All About Bimmers: http://www.allaboutbimmers.com. You can find quality BMW M3 and BMW M5 SAV parts and accessories: http://www.allaboutbimmers.com/m3.html and at http://www.allaboutbimmers.com/m5.html at the All About Bimmers shop.

BMW M3