Tag: BMW

  • The LA Motor Show: Best of the debuts

    2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe Black SeriesAs the curtain drops on another year, the motoring industry will conclude the last 12 months with the final major motor show of the year which is being showcased in Los Angeles from November 30. Over 40 new cars will make their debuts from a whole range of manufacturers over the course of the 10 days the exhibition is open.

    Based in the heart of the city at the LA Convention Centre, the motor show will see such cars as the Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series and BMW’s new i4 Concept being revealed. Low key cars will also make their public debuts and the following is a few of the best of what to expect from the LA Motor Show.

    Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series

    The Stuttgart outfit has already wowed us this year with the C63 AMG Coupe Black Series which offers raw performance for the road through Mercedes’ 6.2 litre V8 and the addition of aero parts to make the car look positively ferocious. Now, the same treatment has been given to the brilliant SLS which boasts an increase in power of 59bhp, meaning it now produces 622bhp and an even more explicit exhaust note thanks to a change of materials from steel to titanium for the exhaust system itself.

    BMW i4 Concept

    After already showcasing their i3 and i8 models, BMW will now reveal another in its electric line-up and is expected to be a compact sports coupe to fit between the i3’s city car and i8’s sports car credentials. The i4 could very well use the i3’s running gear and is expected to have just the two seats available in the cabin, whilst sticking to the hybrid mantra of its electric sister models and feature the same 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-charged hybrid system. Low fuel and emissions is key for the range and with the i8 having a proposed 78mpg, the i4 should be easily be able to match it, if not offer more.

    Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost

    Targeted directly at the US market, Ford will put on display the new EcoBoost Fiesta in LA and show off its capabilities as a frugal petrol-powered vehicle. The Fiesta’s three-cylinder engine will emit just 114g/km of CO2, but offer 123bhp on tap and its weight saving under the bonnet should enable more than capable handling. When it goes on sale next year, the EcoBoost Fiesta will be the only three-cylinder car available in the States as Ford look to challenge the hybrid market with a petrol-powered car that can achieve around 60mpg, but still offer fun driving dynamics, as well as helping those in Europe too who look to compare fuel cards.

    Volvo S60 Polestar Concept

    Another exciting LA Motor Show debut is Volvo’s new Polestar model, the S60, which follows on from the C30 Polestar Concept that excited many a motoring journalist with its manic capabilities. The S60 Polestar features a 3.0-litre straight-six offering a massive 508bhp; over 200bhp up from the standard S60. That’s enough to get the four-door saloon from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds. A widened chassis, uprated brakes and a four-wheel drive system all make the car a very intruiging prospect indeed.

    About the author: Sam Bisby writes for UK Fuels who offer fuel card solutions for those looking for a great deal when comparing fuel cards.

  • Hamann BMW 6-Series Upgraded with M Aerodynamic Package

    Hamann-BMW-6-Series-M-THUMBGerman tuning company Hamann introduced a special M aerodynamic kit for the new BMW 6-Series – the F12/F13. The BMW itslef has much to offer. The top of the range – the 650i, produces 407 hp (300 kW) generated from its N63 V8 engine.

    This means acceleration from a stand still to 100 km/h in just less than 5 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h while the max torque is 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) at 1750-4500. Now the car is even more appealing thanks to the Hamann’s aerodynamic components, which are adapted to the original M aerodynamic front and rear valances.

    At the front it is utilized a competition front spoiler, which enhances the down-force. On the other hand, at the back an insert for the rear bumper offers space for four exhaust tail pipes. The other improvements here are regarding the font bumper, rear spoiler, tailgate cover and side skirts.

    Source: Hamann

  • BMW ePatrol Concept Takes Part in Los Angeles Design Challenge

    BMW-ePatrol-Concept-THUMBAnother very exciting concept for the L.A. Autoshow just appeared, but this time from the powerful German brand BMW. For the creative competition they had to create the ultimate 2025 highway patrol vehicle, which is the BMW ePatrol Concept. The vehicle gives a glimpse into the forceful power of innovation and future thinking.

    The futuristic patrol cars should be created on the following set of criteria: future needs for advanced technology; speed and agility on future freeway systems; creativity of the solution; and meeting a specific region’s emission standards and environmental sensibility (including maintenance and recyclability).

    Initially the work of the designers began through the envisioning a 2025 scenario. There will definitely be more traffic, faster vehicles, and vehicles with alternative drive trains. In addition, the design team was inspired by the partnership between a patrol officer and their canine. The clogged highways today and in the future brought the attention on a solution to increase accessibility.

    In short, the BMW ePatrol Concept focuses on a modular structure and drone technology that improve both teamwork and accessibility. The main structure can deploy three drones. Firstly, the top drone is positioned above the main structure and is a flying drone. The other two are one wheel vehicles attached to the rear.

    In the case of a pursuit, the patrol officer sitting in the two passenger main structure can use either the flying drone or one of the single wheel drones to chase the suspect and report back data to the main structure.

    There is an option when all three drones are being utilized. Then, the main structure can continue to function. Furthermore, all drones have added protection thus sending an impulse to another vehicle and disabling it.

    The exterior design of the BMW is also impressive. The designers achieved powerful stance with an aerodynamic aesthetic and flowing lines. On the other hand, the interior design was inspired by a woven structure made of aluminum wire inside carbon fibre and polymer resin.

    Moreover, it is visible that the seats create a significant connection between driver and architecture. Next, the interfaces within the interior are touch screen and in order to bring about enhanced protection to the patrol officers, windows are not included in the vehicle.

    At last, instead of windshield there is a large screen which can communicate crucial information like accidents or route information, and the large screen in the interior serves as a monitor on which data from the drones can be displayed.

    Source: BMW

  • BMW M6 Coupe F12 [video]

    BMW US has released a nice video for the fans, where a brand new 2012 M6 Coupe (F12) with Matt Mullins behind the steering wheel is raced over special paper to create unique autographs for M fans across the world with the help of specially applied ink to the tire treads.

    The new M6 is powered by twin-turbo V8 4.4-liter engine delivering 560HP (412 kW) and 680Nm (502 lb-ft) of torque. The engine is mated to a 7-speed M Double Clutch Transmission. 0-100 km/h in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph) – electronically limited. When fitted with the optional M Driver’s Package, top speed can be increased to 305 km/h (189 mph).

    The shock absorbers are electro-hydraulically operated trough the car’s Variable Damper Control (VDC) again with three settings. Driver aids come in many abbreviations such as DSC, ABS, CBC and DBC but thankfully all can be overridden with the very important M Dynamic Mode (MDM) which allows you to do what one must do with an M car – wheel spinning, oversteer and other tire-destructive activities.

    Enjoy the video!

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYuk64NMYLM

    Source: BMW via Youtube

  • IND BMW E92 M3 and F10 M5

    The specialists from IND have transformed recently not one but two BMW models, and probably inspired by the book “50 Shades Of Grey” have made them in distinctive and outstanding exterior color.

    The first model that needed to be changed was the E92 M3 one and although the owner wished initially only for some small improvements, the car eventually ended up with new grey-silverfish exterior color and unique combination of wheels.

    Here the M3, was equipped with the Lamborghini Rosso Vik BBS FI wheels and ESS Supercharger manifold, which made the perfect contrast with the new skin of the E92. Inspired by the great results they have achieved, the IND professionals continued the same tuning philosophy on the BMW F10 M5.

    Despite that this one took more introverted approach, they have given it unique modified appearance. Here the combination is achieved with Eisenmann exhaust and 3D Design aero parts, and custom painted HRE wheels are the center piece of the car.

    Firstly, HRE’s matte bronze finish was chosen as a base; then was applied a real gold leaf insert inside the HRE logo found in the spoke of each wheel, along with the HRE center cap. The last step was to utilize the custom clear coat to allow the original matte bronze finish to truly shine.

    Source: IND

  • BMW is The Most Reliable Brand in the UK for 2012

    BMW is the most reliable car company in the UK… and not only there. Still, this is according to a survey of the 50 largest contract hire and leasing companies in the country.

    BMW has repeated its double victory in the 2011 FN50 survey coming top as most reliable car manufacturer as well as having three cars in the top 10 with first place taken by the 3-Series. Other premium models have also moved up – the VW Golf is one place higher and the third-place Audi A4 is five positions higher than in 2011.

    The BMW 1-Series and Ford Focus scored equal points to achieve joint 8th place, while the final place in the top 10 is taken by the BMW 5-Series, proving the latest version of the car is as reliable as its predecessor.

    Tim Abbott, managing director at BMW UK commented:

    “To have three of our biggest selling cars in the top ten is a fantastic achievement and our customers will take great heart from realising they not only drive a class-leading car in terms of efficiency and driving pleasure but also one that is the most reliable too”.

    2012 Top 10 most reliable cars: (2011 position in brackets)
    1 BMW 3 series (1)
    2 Volkswagen Golf (3)
    3 Audi A4 (8)
    4 Honda Civic (-)
    5 Honda Accord (2)
    6 Mercedes-Benz C-Class (-)
    7 Audi A3 (4)
    8= BMW 1 Series (-)
    8= Ford Focus (-)
    10 BMW 5 Series (10)

    2012  Top 10 most reliable car manufacturers: (2011 position in brackets)
    1 BMW (1)
    2 Audi (2)
    3 Honda (3)
    4 Volkswagen (4)
    5 Toyota (5)
    6 Ford (8)
    7 Skoda (10)
    8 Mercedes-Benz (7)
    9 Nissan (6)
    10 Volvo (-)

    Source: BMW

  • 2012 Gran Turismo Top 3: Audi RS6, BMW M6 and Chrysler 300C SRT

    The latest video from Dragtimesinfo includes some races from 2012 Gran Turismo Top 3. The fastest vehicles of 2012 in this class are Audi RS6, BMW M6 and Chrysler 300C SRT, of course tuned ones.

    The first start is between the 300C SRT-8 Supercharger (NOS) with 880HP and a powerful 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL600 Kleemann Stage 2 with 700HP. The Mercedes made awesome start, but the Chrysler caught it quickly and finished the 1 mile race in just 28.086 seconds with 315.23 km/h.

    The seconds start is between Porsche 911 Turbo (996) 9ff with 900HP and BMW M6 ESS (NOS) with 900HP. This time the Porsche won the race with 27.035 seconds and 310.61 km/h compared to the 27.978 seconds and 304.31 km/h for the BMW.

    The last start is between Audi RS6 Sportmile 800 with 800HP and Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 SL with 570HP. The Audi obliterated the Lamborhigni. The time of the RS6 is 27.309 seconds with 304.05 km/h.

    Check out the full video and comments below.

    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHqIwrcOF0k

  • 2012 BMW 1-Series 116d – 2.7 l / 100 km

    The new 2012 BMW 1-Series 116d has achieved sensational fuel economy. The 116d EfficientDynamics five-door Hatchback entered into the RAC Future Car Challenge 2012. The small BMW has achieved an outstanding103mpg over the 64-mile Brighton to London route, winning the Best Internal Combustion Engine class in the process.

    The route included a lot of miles of uphill section and busy London traffic. Still, the organisers measured staggering 39% improvement over the official 3.8 liters per 100 km (74.3mpg) combined economy figure. The interesting challenge was first introduced in 2010 to showcase low energy use vehicles, which includes electric, hybrid, hydrogen and low-emission conventional petrol and diesel cars.

    The reason for such results is a suite of BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies, which are designed to maximise fuel economy and lower emissions.

    Although the 116d EfficientDynamics is so economical, it boasts decent performance and driving pleasure. It is powered by a 1.6 liter diesel with 114HP (84kW). 0-100 km/h in 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 195 km/h (121 mph).

    The 2012 BMW 116d EfficientDynamics is priced from £20,885.

    Source: BMW

  • G-Power BMW G1 V8 Hurricane RS – 314 km/h [video]

    The mighty BMW 1-Series tuned from G-Power boasts 600HP and 580Nm of torque.

    The power comes from a V8 4.0-liter supercharged engine. This is enough for reaching a top speed of over 330 km/h (205 mph) and staggering acceleration. 0-100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds. However, the test driver Christian Gebhardt from sportauto.de managed to it “just” 314 km/h (195 mph), because he drove a prototype with a top speed limiter in the ECU.

    Besides the engine swap, the G1 V8 comes with a set of huge 20” alloy wheels, stainless sports exhaust system, a full coilover suspension and some weight reduction thanks to a carbon fiber hood and a trunk lid.

    The car also has brutal carbon ceramic brakes in order to handle all that power coming from the engine.

    Check out the full specs below.
    httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbvsJZy4ZBE

    G1 V8 HURRICANE RS

    • 600 hp / 441 kW at 7.800 rpm (+ 240 hp / 176 kW)
    • 580 Nm at 3.900 rpm (+ 80 Nm)
    • V-max: >330 km/h
    • 0-100 km/h: 4,4s
    • 0-200 km/h: 12,7s
    • G-POWER conversion to M3 V8 engine incl. stainless steel exhaust system
    • G-POWER conversion to DCT gear box
    • G-POWER M3 S65 supercharger system SK II
    • G-POWER 20’’ SILVERSTONE DIAMOND wheel set
    • G-POWER bonnet and boot lid made from Carbon fibre
    • G-POWER coil-over suspension GM1-RS Clubsport
    • G-POWER Ceramic braking system

    Source: G-Power

  • The White Warrior: SR Auto BMW 650i Vossen VVS-CV1

    SR-Auto-BMW-650i-Vossen-VVS-CV1-THUMBThe latest SR Auto tuning is on the outstanding BMW 650i. Being a BMW 6 Series model, this car is a mystery to some and a challenge to most, simply because of its unique size and place in the brand’s family.

    Nevertheless, SR Auto BMW 650i Vossen VVS-CV1 is even more challenging and appealing because it is equipped with Vossen VVS-CV1 rims. Bringing forth the staggering stance, these matte silver machined finished rims, fearlessly fitted on 22 x 9.0 / 22 x 10.0 wheels.

    On the other hand, the BMW itself has more to offer. This 650i generates 407 hp (300 kW) from its N63 V8 engine. That means the acceleration from a stand still to 100 km/h happens in less than 5 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h while the max torque is 600 Nm (443 lb-ft) at 1750-4500.

    Source: SR Auto

  • Teased: 2012 Kahn BMW X6 Wide Track Edition

    2012-Kahn-BMW-X6-THUMB2012-Kahn-BMW-X6-651-1Details and specifications around 2012 Kahn BMW X6 Wide Track Edition are going to be revealed in the coming weeks ahead. However, the designer has just released some photos of the unique tuning, which are worth seeing.

    This BMW X6 is ambitiously redesigned and has received an imposing makeover and plenty of visual presence. As we can see it runs on unique set of “shoes”: Kahn’s RS-XF alloy wheels. Additionally, there are present the wide wheels arch extensions and side skirts, the new aggressive front bumper with voluminous air intakes and a new ventilated replacement hood.

    The interior of the BMW is more than outstanding and in my opinion a true masterpiece. Black and carbon quilted and perforated leather with contrast stitching can be seen all throughout it. There is also the leather and alcantara steering wheel, quilted leather centre glove box, speedo and rev counter and much more.

    Source: A.Kahn Design

  • Eisenmann BMW F30 3 Series Equipped With New Exhaust System [VIDEO]

    Eisenmann_F30_THUMBEisenmann BMW F30 3 Series, equipped with new exhaust system, reaches now higher standards. Since its official launch, the dynamically designed saloon made a good impression on the road. The same impression continues now and we are more than sure it will last long!

    However, the sports exhaust system specialists from Eisenmann decided to make it even better. They have created handmade sports mufflers for the four-cylinder diesel versions of the emblematic BMW model. In addition, they have added sports Turbo petrol version 328i.

    The sports mufflers are available with either two or four round 76 millimetre end pipes. On the other hand, for the 328i, there is an optional extra: intermediate muffler and a sound pipe. Both make the sound of the turbo engine more aggressive and appealing for the car enthusiasts.

    A video featuring the sound of the new exhaust system can be viewed below:

    httpv://youtu.be/e4NG7RiINV4

    Video Source: YouTube

    Source: Eisenmann