Search the Community
Showing results for tags 'bmw'.
-
Sometime this year, there were rumours that Mercedes-Benz was seriously considering a two-door performance model as a possible rival to Porsche's 911 and they might also revive the SLC model (codename R190) name and use it for this particular application. Now it seems that the automaker has been given the green light to produce it which is slated for production by 2015. Not many details were revealed about the new SLC except for its powertrain. Initially rumoured to use one of AMG tuned engines, the front-engined SLC will feature an all-new 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine instead. The new engine is part of Mercedes' future generation engines. These new engines will have a 500 cubic centimetres per cylinder displacement. This means that Mercedes-Benz could either use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, a 3.0-litre V6 or a 4.0-litre V8 engine in their future cars. Expected horsepower will be lower than the SLS AMG. Not known to us is what badge will the SLC use as nowadays Mercedes car labels have long lost the bearings of the actual capacity under the bonnet. (For example, the new E250 has a 1.8-litre engine) The new SLC will also be smaller in size compared to the SLS AMG. It will first be offered as a coupe and a roadster version will be offered if demands are high enough. The car will utilise Mercedes' current 7-speed dual clutch transmission and expect much light weight parts, such as aluminium, to be utilised interiorly. The original SLC life span didn't last long compared to other Mercedes Benz's models and a revival will increase the automaker's model line-up and place them in fierce contention with rival German manufacturers like Audi and BMW. Photo credit: Ultimate Car Page and Concept Carz
-
[extract] Earlier this year, there were rumours of BMW
-
BMW files patent for its electric turbocharger design
FaezClutchless posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
The usage of a turbocharger on an electric motor is nothing new. Many aftermarket tuners have done it and some automakers have experimented on it. But no company have ever implemented it on a production vehicle. BMW has now filed a patent for its electric turbocharger design and they may be the first automaker to use such technology. BMW recently filed a German patent for its electric turbocharger design and implementation wise, it may take a while before we get to see it being used on their production vehicles. But at least, we know that someone or some company is developing such technology. Before I continue on how the electric turbocharger works, let me explain a little about turbochargers and also on small turbo vs. a big turbo, for those who don -
[extract] On the 22 Oct 2011 edition of the Straits Times, the BMW 520i has been officially launched in Singapore. I was surprised at how quickly the model made its way here as it went on sale in Europe just a few weeks ago. Perhaps, the Singapore market is gaining BMW
-
The F30 BMW 3-series - Too evolutionary and not revolutionary enough
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] By now most of you would have known that BMW has launched the replacement for the E90 BMW 3-series. This new model, code named F30 internally and what most BMW enthusiasts will call it, is basically an evolution of the E90. All one has to do is graft on the new nose from the A-pillar onwards and keep the whole rear end and you get a F30 bmw 3-series. Critics are calling it a minor update of the 3-series and not -
We normally see laser lights used on numerous applications such as barcode scanners, optical disc players, laser lighting displays and etc. What if it was applied onto vehicles as headlights? That would look really nice, especially in the dark. BMW recently announced that they are moving towards advanced lighting technology and they showcased it onto their i8 concept car at the recent 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show. Now, BMW announced that we will see laser headlights (part of BMW
-
Owning or seeing a car that is beyond 20 years of age is something rare on this island and even if you get to see one, it would probably be in a poor condition. In a small Canadian town there are two 20 year-old cars that were left untouched. Want to know more? Read on. In Oakville, Ontario there is a BMW dealership that has been abandoned for more than two decades. Inside its showroom lie two mint-looking BMW cars, frozen in time. Local reports showed that this particular dealership had its licence revoked, for unknown reasons, in 1988. The company shifted to Toronto and set up a new dealership there which closed in 2002. The owner seems not interested in selling the place, including its inventory and had left everything behind intact. Located inside the showroom are two cars, an E28 5-series and an E24 635 csi, in rather mint condition. Probably some parts have given way, such as rubber seals and other mechanical parts. An interesting find was that the 635 csi has only double digits on its odometer. The interior design of the showroom and the furniture left inside also suggests that they were something from the 1980s. And that is not all; around the back is the workshop left behind similar to the showroom. Inventory, tools and parts remained completely untouched. It is as though as this is the place where time has forgot. Photo credit : Jalopnik
-
[extract] The Volkswagen Group aims to be the biggest car manufacturer by 2018. In an effort to reach that goal, Volkswagen will release a range of all-new models from within the group in the near future. One of those new models is a medium sized sports sedan dubbed the
-
Fancy a 710bhp BMW M3? If you do then I suggest that you head over to the nearest G-Power dealer and ask for the G-Power BMW M3 Tornado RS. For about 35,000Euros G-Power will give you 710bhp and 700Nm of torque for you to play around with or you just simply need those figures to show off to your friends at the local bistro. I also wonder if the price includes the orange and black paintjob. It should as it costs nearly as much as a brand new 330i. In one of the slickest power upgrades this side of a supercharged E60 M5, this E92 BMW M3 gets a supercharger system that is called the SKIII
-
[extract] Electronics companies are amongst the fiercest rivals when it comes to protecting their patents. That
-
BMW EfficientDynamics Challenge - Bangkok to Chiang Mai in 1 tank
Stockholm-Syndrome posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] BMW EfficientDynamics Challenge 2011 So similar to what we did last year in Bali, BMW decided to hold another one of its signature EfficientDynamics Challenge with the Singapore journalists again. Only this time round, it -
BMW held their Innovations Xpo 2011 from the 9 to 11 September 2011, at the Keppel Island Plaza. The Xpo served to showcase BMW's EfficientDynamics and ConnectedDrive technologies feature in their cars. There was also a special sneak preview of the all-new 1-Series, which is scheduled to be launched in Singapore by the end of this year. The all-new 1-Series features a brand new 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, which will power both the 116i and 118i models when they are launched. According to Mr Neil Fiorentinos, Managing Director of BMW Group Asia, the new engine "combines instantaneous power delivery of up to 14 and 27bhp more than their respective predecessor models, while demonstrating exemplary fuel consumption of up to 10 per cent." The highlight of the Xpo, however, was the five demonstration stations that displayed the various BMW technologies now available on their cars. Three of the stations were dedicated to BMW's XDrive system that are found on their all-wheel-drive vehicles, showcasing the way torque is transferred between the wheels during various situations, as and when power is required. The other two stations demonstrated BMW's Connected Drive technologies, with the Park Assist function that helps with parallel parking, and the Active Steering and Surround View, which took drivers on a short obstacle course to showcase the various cameras on the car that assist with identifying road obstacles. These technologies only serve to make driving an easier and fuss-free experience, and it's good to know that they will be commonplace in future BMWs.
-
BMW 1 Series Performance Accessories concept car is something I'd avoid
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] BMW has brought out the new BMW 1 Series Performance Accessories concept car for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. It basically has the usual bells and whistles that you would find in any tuning kit. This means a different front and rear bumpers, new side skirts, bits of carbon fiber here and there, sports suspension to get that lowered tuned look, the larger wheel and tire combo, interior retrim, M sport steering wheel and lastly, a BBK -
The scariest BMW 1 Series coupe on earth lives in Singapore
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
This must be the most famous BMW 1 Series M coupe (or bodykitted 1 Series Coupe) in the world today. The reason I am stating so is that it has been featured in not one, not two but about five automotive forums, blogs and websites. The thing that makes it a worthwhile feature on Myautoblog.org is the fact that this ultra scary, ugly or ___________ (fill in the blank with what you think it is) BMW 1 Series coupe is that is hails from good ol' Singapore. So far this 1 Series coupe has made its appearance on worldcarfans.com, teamspeed.com, bmwblog.com, whatadrive.blogspot.com, bmwforum malaysia and facebook appearances. Could this monster be a viral phenomenon or an internet hit? Does anyone over in Mycarforum's forums know the chap who owns this beastly, ghastly toothpaste white 1 Series coupe? If you do, keep the information to yourself. I rather admire his masterpiece from afar. Where did he get his inspiration from? The different coloured M power homage rims front and rear, the liquidpaper white-out head lights and tail lights and that roof spoiler from a 1990s Ford Escort Cosworth must have been concocted after one of those weekly beer sessions coupled with prescription drugs and slightly dubious a.k.a very illegal substances to get a little tipsy. Are those light mods even legal in the first place? I know I am being a little extreme. But I honestly cannot help it. But let's look on the bright side. This car has made the Singapore tuning scene famous. Or totally infamous. source: teamspeed via worldcarfans via whatadrive -
BMW announced its sponsorship agreement with the Standard Chartered Marathon 2011 at a press conference recently, and there are interesting stuff in store for runners thanks to the tie-up. The most eye-catching aspect of the partnership is the tantalising prize of a brand new BMW X1 sDrive18i for one very lucky participant of the marathon. If you're an avid runner, and could do with a new car, simply sign up for the marathon, and then register yourself as part of Team BMW, and take part in their events in the lead up to the race. That will put you in the running for the draw. Of course, the catch is, you must actually compete in and finish the marathon to have a chance of winning the car. But if that is of no problem to you, then why not give it a go? More details at www.teambmw.com.sg
-
BMW has emerged as the top selling car brand in Singapore for the first half of 2011, followed closely by rivals Mercedes-Benz The Bavarian carmaker led the German charge by selling 2,479 cars in Singapore for the first half of 2011, a 2.3% increase over the same period in 2010. Rivals Mercedes-Benz was second with 1,943 cars sold from January to June this year, a 0.4% rise. Long-time leaders Toyota/Lexus are now third, with 1,678 units shifted in Singapore in the first half of 2011, a massive 52.5% decrease. This can be attributed to a major reduction in COE quota and the subsequent rising COE prices, especially in Category A where Toyota has been the dominant player over the past few years. With COE prices reaching new highs, premium carmakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz now have the advantage as buyers are less hard hit by the rising COE prices. The trend can also be seen downwards, with fellow German brands Volkswagen and Audi rounding off the top five. Volkswagen sold 1,548 cars from January to June 2011, a remarkable achievement despite it being a minor 1.7% decrease from 2010. Audi shifted 986 cars during the same period to end up fifth, a 4.4% improvement. The rest of the top 10 saw major decreases for several Korean and Japanese marques, with Kia, Hyundai, Honda and Nissan all seeing significant drops in 2011 compared to 2010. Kia sold 584 cars, down by 72.2%, Hyundai shifted 524, decreasing by 70%, Honda saw a fall of 67% with 503 cars sold, and Nissan recorded 446 sales, down by 73.6%. The final spot in the top 10 was taken by Volvo, which leapfrogged Porsche with a 7.6% increase in sales for the first half of 2011, having sold 376 cars. In terms of models, the BMW 5-Series was the top seller, with 1,268 units sold. This was significantly ahead of the second placed model, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, which sold 962 cars. Toyota
-
BMW 1 Series and 3 Series get a London 2012 transformation
Blogger posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
[extract] To celebrate BMW -
The all new F20 BMW 1 Series - Ugly? Maybe, but much better than the old one
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
By now photos of the 2012 BMW 1 series F20 have made their rounds through all the automotive websites and I have to say that this car is actually better looking than the model it replaced. Let me explain further why this new car is much better than the earlier version, the E81, in terms of styling. Firstly, is not styled by Chris Bangle. Any BMW not styled by Chris Bangle is a good BMW (with the exception of the 1st generation BMW Z4 which is messy with all the lines here and there, but still proportionate). Chris Bangle who has now quit the automotive industry (for the moment) gets his inspiration from an architectural philosophy called Deconstructivism. Now while that is all fine and dandy with buildings like the Guggenheim, in America or the Vitra Design Museum in Germany, a car with such a design tends to be too messy. Too many cris-crossing lines. Like the designer basically took an axe and started slicing the prototype clay models to get the look (example -
Yes. It is already in the works and the people from AutoExpress have rendered these images as to how the 4 series will look like in 2014 when it is to be released. Its meant to 'complement' the 3 series range and to battle for supremacy with the Audi A5 Sportback. Originally thought to be a 3 series variant called the GT (as with the 5 series GT), BMW have decided to go with the 4 series to pitch the new car between the 3 and 5, obviously. But they have used the 5 Series GT as a base, only miniaturized it to become a smaller GT which is rather ugly. Supposedly, consumers are meant to experience a more 'premium' feel in the 4 series compared to the 3 but in other words, it just shouts to the world that you can't afford a 5. Underneath, there will be a stretched version of BMW's new rear-wheel drive system to optimize the interior space and the bootlid can either be opened like a hatchback or a conventional boot. However, don't expect serious performance like the 3 series offers, this is meant to soothe your brow as your drive along in comfort. Suspension setups will not be as hard as the 3 series as the focus is mainly on the passengers' comfort. All Wheel Drive X versions will also be available while the powerplant will either be the latest latest four and six-cylinder petrol and diesel units, including the new 245bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol introduced on the X1.
-
These are the first official pictures of the all-new BMW M5, which is based on the latest generation of the 5-Series, the F10. The huge air intakes in the front bumper, side vents in the front wings bearing the M logo, 20 inch wheels with 265/35 front and 295/30 rear ZR-rated tires, and twin tailpipes at either end of the rear diffuser separate the top-of-the-range 5 series from its lesser brethrens. The 2012 M5
-
After the 1 Series has been released on the internet, the next car in the BMW range to be unveiled is the king of compact luxury sedan, the 3 Series. As we are nearing to its launch at the September Frankfurt Motorshow, BMW continues to peel away the disguise on the latest F30 prototype. BMW has been rather conservative with the design of the 3 Series since the introduction of the E36 in 1990, and the new F30 is no exception. The styling of the F30 is a clear evolution of the current E90 3 Series, borrowing certain elements from the 5 Series such as the stronger belt line and a lower and more aggressive front end. Under the bonnet, the new 3 Series will be powered by a range of turbocharged gasoline engines, as evident in the just-released 1 Series. The 1.6 liter direct-injected turbocharged engine will be providing the driving force for the new 316i and 318i. It produces 136hp and 170hp in the 316i and 318i respectively. On dear, I can forsee CAT A COE shooting through the roof. The 3-Series will also get BMW
-
The good die young: BMW 1 Series M Coupe set for an early demise
Rigval posted a blog entry in MyAutoBlog
So what does the 'M' in a BMW stand for? Marketing. Yes, marketing and not motorsport. The reason is that BMW has stated in a recent report by TheDetroitBureau.com that the BMW 1 series M coupe will only have a one year run. One measly year? One year for a car that enthusiasts deem to be the spiritual replacement to the BMW E30 M3. And it was only launched and previewed in Singapore at the end of January. Of course BMW said that they will only make 2,500units of the car and we all know a manufacturer like BMW would find it easy to produce that many limited run units in a year. But the question is, is the M Division into selling cars that are actually the 'Ultimate Driving Machines' or up to market forces? The reason I stated market forces because the report also stated that BMW admitted that less than a thousand units of the 1 series M Coupe will be produced instead of the 2,500 units that was slated for production. It also looks like M series 'enthusiasts' aren't really interested in being nostalgic with a car that is as small as the E30 M3 and lighter as well as nimbler than the current V8 powered E92 M3. I suppose those that can afford an M series BMW wants more than that and this is the reason the 1 series M Coupe seems to be selling badly. This is usually the case with cars like these. Enthusiasts harp on and on about it but no one actually wants it. Or maybe enthusiasts are those that are already old, dying, with a bad left foot and can only use an automatic or are young and poor? It looks like Sales and Marketing or sales numbers has won instead of actually wanting to carry on building a proper motorsport type of car like this one. One year is too short a time to be just chopping a car from the sales catalog. Whatever the case, expect the 1 series M Coupe to be highly collectible (and ultra rare) after this. news source:autoblog.com -
Information regarding the 2012 BMW 1 Series has leaked onto the web, ahead of its unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show. These official photos along with the first details showed up on a German website called Motor Traffic, as BMW has yet to make an announcement. Seen here in a 5 door format, the new 1-Series evolves from the current model
-
BMW leads the way in car head light technology as it announced two new lighting technologies. First up is the Dynamic Light Spot, which is an enhancement of the already available Night Vision System. Currently, the Night Vision System can recognize pedestrians and animals on the road, and warn the driver if necessary. The Dynamic Light Spot system goes one step further by using an infrared sensor to detect any animals or pedestrians that are 100 meters (328 feet) in front of the vehicle. When something is found, a beam of light is focused on the object to alert the driver. Another innovation is the glare-free high beam assistant, which adjust the car's high beam based on the position of other vehicles. If a car, truck, motorcycle or bicycle is recognized, the light beam is masked in the area of this vehicle by a mechanism. As a result, the high beam can be left on during the whole night with the glare-free mechanism making sure not to bother other vehicles. BMW is planning to include the Dynamic Light Spot functionality as a part of the special BMW Night Vision system. However, the German automaker did not indicate the expected date of rolling out the glare-free high beam assistant to the production models.
-
BMW is designing its upcoming family of diesel and petrol engines to share more standardized parts. These new engines, in 1.5 liter, 2.0 liter and 3.0 liter capacities, will share a common engine block design and other parts. "Our goal is to have 60 percent of components shared between engines based on fuel type, and 40 percent commonality between gasoline and diesel engines," said BMW's head of development for inline engines, Harald Unger, at a press event recently. This initiative should help to reduce cost of production. Parts and design features to be shared included fuel intake, variable valve timing mechanisms, injectors, turbochargers and exhaust systems as well as mounting points for both longitudinal and transverse configurations. BMW's new family of engines will also be highly-standardized in terms of displacement, adhering to a paradigm of 500 cc (cubic centimeters) per cylinder with the same standard engine block design. The displacements of the engine family will be 1.5 liter (3-cylinder), 2.0 liter (4-cylinder) and 3.0 liters (6-cylinder), for both petrol and diesel units. The new standardized paradigm will not apply to the larger engines such as the V8, V10 and V12 units, which will continue to have individual characteristics. The new crop of power plants will also feature TwinPower Turbo technology. TwinPower technology features twin-scroll turbocharging coupled with direct-injection and variable valve management that delivers greater output and efficiency from a smaller engine. The technology debuted back in 2009 on the 3.0 liter inline six-cylinder gasoline unit fitted to the 5-Series GT. The technology is also used on other models and larger displacement power plants.
