History: BMW ///M logo colors explained

Since we just posted some bits from BMW’s history, we decided to stay on the topic and talk about the ///M logo, the three stripes that make M branded cars even more recognizable. So, let’s see what we can learn about the “M” today.

The first Red stripe represented Texaco, the famous American oil retail brand, who had partnered with BMW during the early days of M racing. Blue represented BMW and Bavarian region. The purple was used to represent the partnership and to allow for a nice transition between the two colors, blending as some may call it.

Once the BMW/Texaco partnership ended, BMW had to buyout Texaco for the rights to the red.

For those of you that are in the imaging or graphics field, here is something that I dug out, the color names and codes used in the ///M stripes:

Pantone:
Blue — Pantone Process Blue
Purple — Pantone 268
Red — Pantone Warm Red

Paint:
blue violett GLASURIT-BMW 4000
light blue GLASURIT-BMW 5002
red GLASURIT-BMW 353

RGB:
Blue — 0 138 201 (Hex: 008AC9)
Purple — 43 17 90 (Hex: 2B115A)
Red — 241 26 34 (Hex: F11A22)

Pantone = color process (order) used by printing shops to define colors.

Paint = in this case it is refering to a GLASURIT paint code. Or a specific mix of auto paints.

RGB = Red, Green, Blue. The same process your computer monitor or TV uses to make colors.

Stay tuned for our next BMW history lesson!

Thanks to Automarket for the inspiration!

Nissan Skyline R34 GTR Z-TUNE

Manufacturer: Nissan Motorsport (NISMO)

Scale: 1/1

Nissan Skyline R34 GTR Z-Tune

Nismo originally designed the concept of the Z-tune in 2002 when Nissan was putting an end to the R34 Skyline production. The first Z-tune was built in 2003, using a used 2002 Skyline GT-R V-Spec II. It was built with a concept RB26DETT 'Z1' engine. This engine was based on Nissan's Lemans GT2 and GT500 racing experiences. As with the racing vehicles a strengthened engine block and stroked crankshaft were utilized. The engine was also bored. With the new displacement of 2.8L and upgraded turbo-chargers the Z1 produced 370 kW (500 hp). The Z-Tune had a 0–100 km/h (0–60 mph) time in 3.2 seconds and has a top speed of over 195 mph.^{[citation needed]}

Nismo was then given the approval from Nissan to build Z-tune models for the Nismo anniversary. Nismo then purchased 20 used R34 GT-R V-Specs, each with less than 18,000 miles (29,000 km) on the clock, they were then completely stripped and were resprayed to a "Z-tune Silver," a special color exclusively for the Z-tune.^[17] For each of the 20 production models, the 2.8L engine was revised to allow it to reach 8000 rpm. The turbochargers were supplied by IHI in Japan. The engine is advertised as making as much as 370 kW (500 hp) (for warranty reasons). This second revision of the Z-tune engine is called the 'Z2'. The bodywork is designed with the same functional components used in Nismo's GT500 racing cars, such as engine bay vents on the hood and fenders, as well as wider fenders for wider wheels. The Z-tune is also improved with an aggressive suspension setup from Sachs, and a specially designed Brembo e brake system.

The entire car is essentially handmade, with the car being completely stripped and re-built from the chassis up. Engineers reinforced and stiffened the chassis seam welding in key areas such as the door seams and door frames and added carbon fiber to the strut towers and transmission tunnel and the engine bay, completely redesigning the suspension, drivetrain, engine, gearbox and other components so as to work at maximum efficiency and reliability as is expected of a road-going vehicle. Although Nismo planned on building 20 cars, they ceased production on only 19 (including 2 prototypes).^[18] The Z-tune is often regarded as the most expensive (prices for some have been known to exceed US$180,000) street legal GT-R ever built.^{[citation needed]}

Vorsteiner Release New Body Kit for BMW E90 M3 Sedan. (Real Car)

Vorsteiner Release New Body Kit for BMW E90 M3 Sedan

California-based Vorsteiner prefers working on the German brands BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche. Having already provided kit for the BMW E92 M3 (coupe) Vorsteiner has now released a new lightweight aero kit for the E90 M3 (sedan).

The package is made up of parts like a carbon-fiber add-on spoiler, a carbon fiber rear diffuser with three integrated fins and a carbon fiber boot lid with a lip spoiler. The latter acts to enhance down force and weighs over 35 percent less than the stock unit which is made of steel.

Thanks to these components the lighter-than-average Vorsteiner M3 sedan should be better placed to exploit BMW's factory 4.0-litre V8 with its 414 bhp (309 kW; 420 PS) and 400Nm of torque.

Source: Vorsteiner

Nissan Fairlady 350Z

Manufacturer: Realtoy

Scale: 1/60

Real Car Story.

The Nissan 350Z is a two seat sports car that was manufactured by Nissan from 2002–2009 and marks the fifth generation (codename:Z33) of Nissan's Z-car line. The 350Z entered production in late 2002 and was sold and marketed as a 2003 model. The first year there was only a coupe, as the roadster did not debut until the following year. Initially, the coupe came in base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring and Track versions, while the roadster was limited to Enthusiast and Touring trim levels. The Track trim came with lightweight wheels and Brembo brakes, but its suspension tuning was the same as all other coupes. The Nissan 350Z has been succeeded by the370Z for the 2009 model year.

Background.

After the Nissan 300ZX was withdrawn from the U.S. market in 1996, Nissan initially tried to keep the Z name alive by re-creating the240Z the following year. The car was conceived by Nissan's North American design team in their free time, and the concept was introduced in a four state Road Show in July 1998 to various car media, dealers and employees. Yutaka Katayama, regarded as the "Father of the Z" unveiled the Z concept sketch to the public when he received a motor industry award. The design, representing a modern vision of the 240Z, did not please the original 240Z designer Yoshihiko Matsuo, who compared it to the Bluebird andLeopard.^[1][2]

The 240Z concept was produced for the Detroit Motor Show for the following August and September. Nissan was unhappy with the first design as they felt the original 200 bhp (149 kW; 203 PS) 2.4 L engine known as the KA24DE that was going to be assigned made the car feel underpowered, they also felt the car was considered too "retro" or too "backward" resembling a futuristic 240Z; thus, a redesign was commissioned. During a press conference in February 2000, president Carlos Ghosn announced plans to produce the car as he felt the new model would help to assist the company's recovery.^[1]

Z Concept was unveiled in Detroit Motor Show two years later, which was similar in body shape but with a new front end. The car then underwent a minor redesign and was eventually assigned the VQ35DE engine, hence becoming known as the 350Z.^[1]

Nissan GT-R

Manufacturer: Realtoy

Scale: 1/60

Real Car Specifications

2007-2010

The Nissan GT-R is powered by the VR38DETT engine, a 3,799 cc (3.8 L; 231.8 cu in) DOHC V6 with plasma transferred wire arc sprayed bores.^[17] Two parallel Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) turbochargers provide forced induction.^[18] Production vehicles produce a manufacturer-claimed engine output of 485 bhp (362 kW) at 6400 rpm and 434 lb·ft (588 N·m) at 3200-5200 rpm.^[19] The engine also meetsCalifornia Air Resources Board Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) standards.^[20] A curb weight of 1,730 kg (3,800 lb) or 1,736 kg (3,830 lb) with side curtain airbags is achieved using a jig welded steel chassis with aluminum used for the hood, trunk, and doors.^[21] A rear mounted six-speed BorgWarner designed dual clutch semi-automatic transmission built by Aichi Machine Industry^[22] is used in conjunction with theATTESA E-TS system to provide power to all four wheels and along with Nissan's Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC-R) to aid in stability. Three shift modes ^[23] can also be selected for various conditions.^[24]

• Horsepower: 480 bhp (360 kW) at 6400 rpm; 485 bhp (362 kW)**
• Torque: 430 lb·ft (580 N·m); 434 lb·ft (588 N·m)**
• Redline: 7000 rpm
• Drivetrain: Premium Midship AWD
• Curb weight: estimated 3,820 lb (1,730 kg)*
• Top Speed: 193 mph (311 km/h)*
• Drag coefficient: 0.27*
• MSRP: US$80,790 to $84,060^[25]***

* manufacturer claimed

** 2010 model year for North America

*** 2011 model year for North America

2010-present (facelifted)

• Horsepower: 395 kW (530 hp) at 6400 rpm
• Torque: 612 N·m (451 ft·lbf) at 3200-6200 rpm, 662 N·m (488 ft·lbf) with temporary 'boost' button
• Drag coefficient: 0.26* (~10% improvement in downforce)*
• MSRP: US$89,950 (Premium) or $95,100 (Black Edition)^[26]****

* manufacturer claimed

**** 2012 model year for North America

1968 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet.

Manufacturer: Matchbox

Scale: 1/60

1967-1968

The 1967 model year Mustang was the first model to feature a major redesign with the installation of a big-block V8 engine. The overall size, interior and cargo space were increased. Exterior trim changes included concave taillights, side scoop (1967) and chrome (1968) side ornamentation, square rear-view mirrors, and usual yearly wheel and gas cap changes. The high-performance 289 option was placed behind the newer 320 hp (239 kW) 390 cu in (6.4 L) FE engine from the Ford Thunderbird, which was equipped with a four-barrel carburetor. A 390 GT engine, and a 4-speed manual transmission recorded quarter mile times of approximately 13 seconds and trap speeds of over 105 mph (169 km/h). During the mid-1968 model year, a drag racer for the street could be ordered with the optional 428 cu in (7 L) Cobra Jet engine which was officially rated at 335 hp (250 kW) all of these Mustangs were issued R codes on their VIN#'s.^[22]

The 1967 and 1968 models discontinued the "Pony Interior" in favor of a new deluxe interior package, which included special color options, brushed stainless steel (1967) or woodgrain (1968) trim, seat buttons, a tilt steering wheel, and special interior paneling. The 1968 models that were produced during 1968 were also the first year to incorporate 3 point lap belts as opposed to the standard lapbelts The air-conditioning option was fully integrated into the dash, the speakers and stereo were upgraded, and unique center and overhead consoles were options. The fastback model offered the option of a rear fold-down seat, and the convertible was available with folding glass windows. Gone too was the Rally-Pac, since the new instrument cluster had provisions for an optional tachometer and clock. Its size and shape also precluded the installation of the accessory atop the steering column.^[23]

The California Special Mustang, or GT/CS, was visually based on the Shelby model and was only sold in Western states. Its sister, the 'High Country Special', was sold in Denver, Colorado. While the GT/CS was only available as a coupe, the 'High Country Special' model was available in fastback and convertible configurations in 1966 and 1967 and only as a coupe in 1968.^[22]

The Mustang fastback gained popular culture status when used in the crime thriller Bullitt (1968). Lt. Frank Bullitt, played by actor Steve McQueen, drove a modified Highland Green 1968 Mustang GT fastback with 390 cu in (6.4 L) 4V engine, chasing two hitmen in a black 1968 Dodge Charger in the film's car chase through the streets of San Francisco.^[24]

Volkswagen Beetle

Manufacturer: Matchbox

Scale: 1/57

Real Car General History.

The Beetle was officially designated as the Volkswagen Type 1 and was marketed in Europe by the designations Volkswagen 1100, 1200, 1300, 1500, or 1600 – denoting its engine size. The model became widely known in its home country as the Käfer, German for "beetle", and the model ultimately took the same nickname in English.

In the 1950s, the Beetle was more comfortable and powerful than most European small cars,^{[citation needed]} having been designed for sustained high speed on the Autobahn. It remained a top seller in the US, owing much of its success to high build-quality and innovative advertising,^{[citation needed]} ultimately giving rise to variants, including the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia and the Volkswagen Type 2 van.

Along with cars including the Morris Minor, Fiat 500, Renault 4CV and Dauphine, and Citroen 2CV, the Beetle pioneered the modern continental economy car – and later served as the benchmark for the initial two generations of North American small cars, the first wave which included compact cars such as the Chevrolet Corvair and Ford Falcon and the later wave of subcompact cars such as the Chevrolet Vega and Ford Pinto.

The Beetle had marked a significant trend led by Volkswagen, Fiat and Renault whereby the rear-engine, rear-wheel drive layout had increased from 2.6 percent of continental Western Europe's car production in 1946 to 26.6 percent in 1956.^[4]The 1948 Citroen 2CV and other European models marked a later trend to front-wheel drive in the European small car market, a trend that would come to dominate that market. In 1974, Volkswagen's own front-wheel drive Golf model succeeded the Beetle, and in 1998 VW introduced the "New Beetle", built on the Golf platform with styling that recalled the original Beetle.

In a 1999 international poll for the world's most influential car of the 20th century the Beetle came fourth after the Ford Model T, the Mini, and the Citroën DS.^[5

2001 Volkswagen Beetle RSI

Manufacturer: Realtoy
Scale: 1/60

Special editions
Beetle RSi (2001-2003)

It is a limited (250 units) version of New Beetle. It included a 224 PS (165 kW; 221 hp) 3.2 litre VR6 engine,[6] a 6-speed gearbox, and Volkswagen's four-wheel drive system 4motion, Remus twin-pipe exhaust. It was rumoured Porsche tuned the suspension but this was carried out in-house at VW Individual. The suspension was greatly altered at the rear, with geometry more geared to the race track and a rear cross brace behind the rear seats, 80 mm (3.1 in) wider fenders, unique front and rear bumpers, a rear diffuser, large rear wing, and 18x9 OZ Superturismo wheels with 235/40ZR-18 tyres. Inside, it was trimmed in carbon fiber, billet aluminum, and bright orange leather. The front seats were Recaro racing buckets. Notable disadvantages found were loud cabin noise and low rear tire life.
Curiously, in Mexico, although being a country very attached to Volkswagen, there are RSis that have not been sold since 2001. This is probably due to its US$58,000 price tag, and because Mexico is the country where many Beetle RSis stayed (20 cars).