The BMW Concept M4 Coupe was unveiled at the “Concours d’Elegance” in Pebble Beach on the 16th of this month. A peek into their vision of the future sports car.
Showing posts with label BMW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BMW. Show all posts
World Premiere of the BMW i3
The BMW i3 was launched today simultaneously in New York City, London and Beijing.
It is the first purpose-built plug-in electric production vehicle to be made primarily from carbon fiber.
Watch it here:
http://www.live.bmwgroup.com
It is the first purpose-built plug-in electric production vehicle to be made primarily from carbon fiber.
Watch it here:
http://www.live.bmwgroup.com
My 2013 EV Preview
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| Opel Ampera |
Based on what the media said that this year was going to be like, with one side, known as
Well, with more than 100.000 units sold from January until November, how does it look the EV market?
First fact: Pure electric cars (BEV) like Nissan Leaf aren't growing that much, if at all, range anxiety is a reality, price tags are still on the high side and they suffer the competition from improved gas powered cars and Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEV), which leads us to...
Second Fact: Until November, Plug-In Hybrids grew by more than 300%! Not only the Volt family removed Nissan Leaf from the #1 spot this year, but also Toyota Prius PHEV got in it's first year the #2 EV spot, leaving the Nissan in a surprising third place. And for the first time, there were more plug-in hybrid sales (55.000) than pure electrics (52.000). This leads me to think that people prefer to have a middle term between gas and electrics vehicles, even if they have to sacrifice the EV range.
Deep down, both ends of the spectrum were wrong, people didn't started to buy EV's just because they existed, but the electric thing isn't going away anytime soon, as sales keep growing in a steady pace, reaching more and more countries and next year there will be new manufacturers joining the party, with the existing ones reinforcing the investments, contributing for the EV market to grow from the 120.000 units of 2012 to some 180-220.000 by the end of next year.
Let's see some of these new models:
Cadillac ELR - Well, hello gorgeous! One of the most handsome cars to be launched this year and certainly the first Cadillac that doesn't remind of J.R. Ewing of Dallas
GM Springo - It's design didn't came from the future like a Fisker Karma, but being derived from a conventional car can be a quality, especially a popular one like the Chevrolet Sail, because it assures that it can be sold cheaper and in this case, "cheap" is an important asset. Although without a Chevrolet badge, this EV is part of GM's worldwide strategy and was made with the chinese market in mind. If it can crack that market, there's a open road to make it a major EV seller. But that is a big "if".
Renault Zoe - The fourth musketeer in Renault's charge in the electric market, this is the car that will decide if Carlos Ghosn push into BEV was visionary or not. A handsome B segment with 210 kms range for just 21.000 € (plus a monthly battery fee), apparently the Zoe as it all to become the best selling EV in Europe.
Ford C-Max Plug-In - This was launched just a couple of months ago and it's already making an impact on the US market, previewing a great 2013 for Ford on the EV front. Along with the Fusion Plug-in, these two cars will put the Blue Oval as challenger in the US market, preparing the way for a worldwide distribution and become Ford an EV global player.
Tesla Model S - If there is a poster car for the electric revolution, this is it. Great looks on the outside, spacious on the inside, powerful, and above all, with an unparalleled electric range, this is a car intended to be the best car in the world. It's not going to top ranking sales, but it will do wonders for EV visibility.For some reason Toyota and Daimler-Mercedes have agreed collaborations with start-up Tesla...
BYD Qin - Same goal as the Springo, different approach. Instead of a conventional design borrowed from a conventional gas powered car, this is one stands out (especially the back) and has a Plug-In Hybrid powerplant instead of a pure electric approach. Visually appealing
Roewe E50 - Finally someone other than BYD playing the Plug-In game in China. Despite a low-profile launch last December, this funky little hatch delivered a good starting month at 238 cars, so BYD could have a worthy contender here.
BMW i3 - The first true electric car from the bavarian maker, when it arrives to the market it will satisfy the ones who look for sporty DNA and the latest in technology (Built with carbon-fiber plastic), but don't mind to pay more for that. The question is how much more urbanites are willing to pay for it.
Volkswagen e-Up! - VW is coming late to the electric party, but it hopes to make an entrance with a splash and one of the first models will be this, an electrified version of the tiny Up!. With a promised price tag of 24.000 €, the e-Up! will help EV's popularity in Europe and especially in Germany, EU's largest market.
Volvo V60 Plug-In Hybrid - One of the favorite combos in Europe are station wagons with a diesel engine, so it isn't rocket science to think that adding electricity to that combination can be a sales success, so Volvo went for it and the first 1.000 units were sold even before the first car was delivered. The carmaker expects to sell 5.000 units in 2013, but i think that in this case actual sales will be stronger than the manufacturer's forecasts.
The new MINI Paceman
Four versions of the all-new MINI Paceman is set for UK launch in March 2013.
This coupé version of the Countryman goes from a 0-62mph of just 7.5 seconds. The unique design features include upright front grille, with hexagonal radiator grille and broad chrome surround along with the blacked-out pillars creating a ‘floating’ roof. However, the most distinguishing feature is it's roof which gently slopes towards the rear of the car, ending at the integrated spoiler.
This coupé version of the Countryman goes from a 0-62mph of just 7.5 seconds. The unique design features include upright front grille, with hexagonal radiator grille and broad chrome surround along with the blacked-out pillars creating a ‘floating’ roof. However, the most distinguishing feature is it's roof which gently slopes towards the rear of the car, ending at the integrated spoiler.
The four versions of the car includes two petrol and two diesel. All have powerful four-cylinder engines with a six-speed manual gearbox, or the optional six-speed automatic with Steptronic function for manual control.
For those who want4 wheel drive, MINI’s ALL4 system is available on the Cooper D, SD and Cooper S Paceman models.
MINI Cooper Paceman:
1.6-litre Petrol engine 122bhp
0-62mph in 10.4 seconds,
fuel economy of 47.1mpg
CO2 emissions of 140 g/km.
MINI Cooper S Paceman
1.6-litre Petrol engine tuned to deliver 184bhp.
0-62mph in 7.5 seconds.
Fuel economy is 46.3mpg
CO2 emissions are 143g/km.
MINI Cooper D Paceman
1.6-litre 112bhp turbocharged Diesel engine
0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds.
Fuel economy 64.2mpg
CO2 emissions 115g/km.
MINI Cooper SD Paceman
2.0-litre 143bhp Diesel engine.
0-62mph time is 9.2 seconds.
Fuel economy is 61.4mpg
CO2 emissions 122g/km.
A John Cooper Works Paceman version will also be coming soon.
Prices will start at £18,970 on the road.
Would you like to own a used Olympics BMW?
Some great news for all Beemer fans here in the UK. BMW plans to sell off most of their Olympic fleet cars. This includes the 320d and 700 520d EfficientDynamics as well as the new 1 Series ActiveE electric vehicles, MINI E (electric vehicle) and 5 Series ActiveHybrids.
The great news is that there are more cars then their dealers here in the UK can distribute and more than 50% might go up for auction, where some lucky fellow might be able to get them at a bargain (or maybe not). No cofirmation yet as these are all rumours.
It's about time to upgrade my old car for a new one and a Beemer would be ideal. Not sure whether I can afford the Olympic cars even though they are used. I would love to try out the 1 Series ActiveE electric vehicles or Minie Es.
An electric car is an option I am considering for my daily commute to work as we have free recharging points in our car park. I was really jealous when I learnt that several bloggers in Malaysia had been given Nissan Leaf cars to review for a few weeks. That's another car I would love to try out.
The great news is that there are more cars then their dealers here in the UK can distribute and more than 50% might go up for auction, where some lucky fellow might be able to get them at a bargain (or maybe not). No cofirmation yet as these are all rumours.
It's about time to upgrade my old car for a new one and a Beemer would be ideal. Not sure whether I can afford the Olympic cars even though they are used. I would love to try out the 1 Series ActiveE electric vehicles or Minie Es.
An electric car is an option I am considering for my daily commute to work as we have free recharging points in our car park. I was really jealous when I learnt that several bloggers in Malaysia had been given Nissan Leaf cars to review for a few weeks. That's another car I would love to try out.
Bad news for BMW
As the Official Automotive Partner for the London 2012 Olympic, BMW has been taking full advantage of the association. However, a new report from Which? the UK consumer group, has some damning findings.
The BMW 3 Series Convertible and the BMW 5 Series Touring were listed among the top 5 cars likely to be off the road due to faults. The soft top convertible was listed as the worst spending nearly 3.5 days in the repair garage and it was also among the highest in terms of annual repair costs.
The best cars - i.e, cars with the least breakdowns are
1. Honda Jazz
2. Toyota Avensis
3. Suzuki Swift
4. Kia Picanto and the
5. Peugeot 107.
The BMW 3 Series Convertible and the BMW 5 Series Touring were listed among the top 5 cars likely to be off the road due to faults. The soft top convertible was listed as the worst spending nearly 3.5 days in the repair garage and it was also among the highest in terms of annual repair costs.
The best cars - i.e, cars with the least breakdowns are
1. Honda Jazz
2. Toyota Avensis
3. Suzuki Swift
4. Kia Picanto and the
5. Peugeot 107.
Sportiest Mini
There’s new exclusive MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS GP content on "The Source" app on Facebook.
Check it out
Check it out
BMW to build engines for the BMW i8 in Coventry
Some more good news for the city of Coventry in the UK. BMW has decided to build the next generation three-cylinder petrol engines for the BMW i8 plug-in hybrid sports car at their Hams Hall factory.
Read More: BMW's vote of confience in Hams Hall plant
Read More: BMW's vote of confience in Hams Hall plant
BMW i8 Concept Spyder
The BMW i8 Concept Spyder is an open-top two-seater plug-in hybrid powered by an eDrive drivetrain. It combines a high-performance electric motor and petrol combustion engine.
It has upward-swivelling, windowless doors and a transparent tailgate. The sports car is based around BMW's innovative "LifeDrive" architecture.
It has upward-swivelling, windowless doors and a transparent tailgate. The sports car is based around BMW's innovative "LifeDrive" architecture.
New BMW M6 Coupé and BMW M6 Convertible
The M6 Coupé is available with a petrol engine and goes from 0-62mph in 4.2 secs. It costs £93,795 (OTR). On the other hand, the M6 Convertible takes 4.3 secs to go from 0-62mph and costs £98,995 (OTR).
BMW M5 to be launched in Canada in 2012
updated: 17th Dec 2011
Another North American BMW news:
Just found out from the BMW Canada website that the new BMW M5 will be launched there in 2012. The car is the latest update - the 5th generation of one of the most popular sport sedans in the World (BMW claims it to be the most "most successful high-performance sedan in the premium segment of the executive class").
The new BMW M5 is powered by a eight–cylinder V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology developing 412 kW/560 hp, which can take the car from 0–62mph in 4.4 seconds,
The engine is mated with a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, and Active M Differential.
Exterior details including twin dual–tailpipes and subtle M shaped rear spoiler.
Check out the clip of six lucky guys who get the change to test drive the car at the Nordschleife, Nürburgring.
Click the link for more news about BMW Canada
Another North American BMW news:
Just found out from the BMW Canada website that the new BMW M5 will be launched there in 2012. The car is the latest update - the 5th generation of one of the most popular sport sedans in the World (BMW claims it to be the most "most successful high-performance sedan in the premium segment of the executive class").
The new BMW M5 is powered by a eight–cylinder V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology developing 412 kW/560 hp, which can take the car from 0–62mph in 4.4 seconds,
The engine is mated with a seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission with Drivelogic, and Active M Differential.
Exterior details including twin dual–tailpipes and subtle M shaped rear spoiler.
Check out the clip of six lucky guys who get the change to test drive the car at the Nordschleife, Nürburgring.
Click the link for more news about BMW Canada
BMW i3 and i8 at LA show
BMW recently showed of their i3 and i8 Concepts at the 2011 LA Auto Show.
Both the i3 and i8 cars are part of BMW's "Project i" and is a separate brand.
First unveiled at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the i3 is expected to go into mass production in 2013 and available for delivery by the end of the year. The car will be BMW's first zero emissions mass produced vehicle.
On the other hand, first announced in 2010 and also unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW i8 is a hybrid and sporty looking car. The car will be available in 2014. SO far no news on expected prices as yet.
Both the i3 and i8 cars are part of BMW's "Project i" and is a separate brand.
First unveiled at 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the i3 is expected to go into mass production in 2013 and available for delivery by the end of the year. The car will be BMW's first zero emissions mass produced vehicle.
On the other hand, first announced in 2010 and also unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the BMW i8 is a hybrid and sporty looking car. The car will be available in 2014. SO far no news on expected prices as yet.
The new BMW M5
The BMW M5 will be launched on Nov 19 and according to news reports, will be priced at at £73,040. Check out the video of the new BMW M5 being put through its paces.
The car is powered by a 560hp 4.4-liter Twin-Turbo V8 rear drive engine. The car is said to have a a top speed of 190mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
The car is powered by a 560hp 4.4-liter Twin-Turbo V8 rear drive engine. The car is said to have a a top speed of 190mph and goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
The new BMW 3 series and buying used BMW cars
Last month BMW officially announced that the new BMW 3 Series Saloon would be launched here in the UK on 11 February 2012. There would be be four trim specifications, namely Sport, Modern, Luxury and ES/ SE.
Prices start from £24,880 (OTR) for the 316d ES Diesel model.
In case you were not aware, the BMW 3 series remains their best selling model. Even if you can't afford to buy a new model, there are so many affordable used cars out there in the market. Though you can sometimes get a fantastic bragain from private sellers, there are several risks involved. It is always better to buy from trusted dealers as they offer several advantages over private sellers including warranty, minimum MOT, finance options and also to avoid the risk of being sold a stolen car. In fact there is a large co-operative of Trusted Dealers BMW (used).
The trusted dealers site has a huge range of second-hand BMWs for sale which you can search by post code and your budget. So if you are thinking of buying a second hand BMW 3 series model from a trusted dealer, check out Trusteddealers.co.uk
Building a hands-free future
Why was he driving like this? Probably because he was deeply engrossed in a conversation on his cell phone.
Where I live, using a handset while driving has been illegal for over a year. You cannot talk, you cannot text, you cannot “Facebook”, you cannot Tweet — even if you're stopped at a red light. This makes perfect sense to me. As a driver, your primary responsibility is to control the vehicle. And yet I see people texting on the freeway, talking on their cell phones, and doing who knows what else on an alarmingly regular basis.
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| The QNX-powered BMW ConnectedDrive system |
This is the tip of the iceberg. Integrating the handset with the infotainment unit is going to change the way you interact with your car. Intelligently designed apps, combined with multi-modal human machine interfaces, will let you Tweet or update Facebook using speech recognition, keeping your eyes on the road.
Without taking your hands of the wheel, you’ll be able to call a friend and decide that you want to go to dinner, do a local search to find out what’s available, check a restaurant review on Yelp, make a reservation, text your friend back with the time and place, and aim your navigation system at the restaurant. And you’ll be able to do it using natural language. None of this “please say a name” stuff.
Seems futuristic? It’s not. People are working on it today. In fact, QNX-based systems, such as Toyota Entune, already offer a taste of this hands-free and highly personalized future.
The new BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch
The new BMW 1 Series Sports Hatch will be launched on 17 September. The car is the only rear-wheeldrive car in its class. Available in a variety of different trim levels with different specifications, namely, ES, SE, Sport and Urban models.
Prices will range from £19,375 OTR for the ES model to £24,720 OTR for the diesel engine Sport and Urban models.
Prices will range from £19,375 OTR for the ES model to £24,720 OTR for the diesel engine Sport and Urban models.
