U-SPY: Carscoop Reader Snags a Fleet of BMW Prototypes in Austria

The BMW Group is quite busy these days as the Bavarian automaker is developing a raft of new models, ranging from the upcoming Megacity electric-vehicle and the MINI Coupe and Roadster, to the next generation of the 3-Series and the production version of the Vision ED concept sports car.

Carscoop reader Andras from Hungary was vacationing in Obertauern, Austria when he spotted this convoy of BMWs comprising of both masked prototypes and normal production cars, including a sedan in full body cladding. Check out Andras' photos and story after the jump.

Andras Deak's Scoop:

"I am currently in Obertauern, Austria for my holidays and discovered a small parking place dedicated to BMW. I walked there to check the cars and took some pictures.

There were 4 "cooling boxes" for cars. At the parking area I recognized a heavily camouflaged next-gen BMW 3-Series (possibly a hybrid version), the brand new X3 with some light camouflage (also possible hybrid version) and several 5-Series... Note that all the cars were plugged into something which looked like an electric charger to me.. Maybe a plug-in hybrid?

The interior of the next-gen 3-Series looks like all the new BMWs these days. It looked like a small 7-Series from the inside. The navigation screen is huge. I could see several fingerprints on the screen (maybe touchscreen?), but also an iDrive controller..."

Köszönöm for the pictures Andras!

G-Power Transfers BMW M5 Hurricane RR Supercharger Tech to the E85 Z4 Roadster

German tuner G-Power has decided to share some of the technology found on the 800-horsepower M5 Hurricane RR and M6 Hurricane RR with the masses by offering a modified version of the supercharger system on the [previous generation] E85 BMW Z4 as well as the E46 Series with the 3.0-liter straight-six engine. On both models, the redesigned SK Plus supercharger system replaces the previous ASA TM3 supercharger.

The geometry of the compressor has been modified as has the housing, resulting in a more efficient build-up of boost in the middle rev-range. With a 0.3 bar pressure boost, the SK Plus kit increases output by 55 ponies, to 286 hp and 345 Nm (255 lb-ft). Thanks to the extra oomph, the tuned Z4 accelerates from standstill to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.4 seconds.

To be able to wring out every bit of performance delivered through force induction, the German tuner recommends customers to specify their cars with a 9-way adjustable coil-over sport suspension. 20-inch multi-spoke Silverstone Diamond alloys, wrapped around in 245/30 front and 285/25 rear Michelin tires, can be ordered, too. For a more ferocious roar, G-Power can provide a new, hand-built rear silencer, with matching tail pipes.

Granted, these changes don’t transform the Z4 SK Plus into a Hurricane killer, but the tuner charges only €2.500 (VAT excluded) for the performance upgrade, which as we mentioned previously, is also available for the E46 BMW 3 Series.

BMW 335i Convertible Receives a Power-Boost from ATT TEC

German tuning shop ATT TEC is trying to further close the performance gap between the BMW 335i and M3 Convertibles with the release of a new sport package that includes two stages of power upgrades. ATT TEC's basic kit, which is priced at €2,355, takes the 335i's standard 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight six from 306 HP and 400 Nm of torque to 345 HP and 481 Nm.

For €4,130, ATT TEC will boost the engine's output to 362 HP and 536 Nm while the new exhaust system that's included in this package will inform your friends of the changes under the hood.

The performance package is complemented by M3-style front fenders (€1,843 unpainted or €2,440 in your car's body color) and a set of 20-inch multi spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires size 245/30 ZR20 up front and 285/25 ZR30 at the rear (€3,475).

BMW 335i Convertible Receives a Power-Boost from ATT TEC

German tuning shop ATT TEC is trying to further close the performance gap between the BMW 335i and M3 Convertibles with the release of a new sport package that includes two stages of power upgrades. ATT TEC's basic kit, which is priced at €2,355, takes the 335i's standard 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight six from 306 HP and 400 Nm of torque to 345 HP and 481 Nm.

For €4,130, ATT TEC will boost the engine's output to 362 HP and 536 Nm while the new exhaust system that's included in this package will inform your friends of the changes under the hood.

The performance package is complemented by M3-style front fenders (€1,843 unpainted or €2,440 in your car's body color) and a set of 20-inch multi spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires size 245/30 ZR20 up front and 285/25 ZR30 at the rear (€3,475).

BMW 335i Convertible Receives a Power-Boost from ATT TEC

German tuning shop ATT TEC is trying to further close the performance gap between the BMW 335i and M3 Convertibles with the release of a new sport package that includes two stages of power upgrades. ATT TEC's basic kit, which is priced at €2,355, takes the 335i's standard 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight six from 306 HP and 400 Nm of torque to 345 HP and 481 Nm.

For €4,130, ATT TEC will boost the engine's output to 362 HP and 536 Nm while the new exhaust system that's included in this package will inform your friends of the changes under the hood.

The performance package is complemented by M3-style front fenders (€1,843 unpainted or €2,440 in your car's body color) and a set of 20-inch multi spoke alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport tires size 245/30 ZR20 up front and 285/25 ZR30 at the rear (€3,475).