Yet another X6 report, this time on the X6 hybrid, the first hybrid to be
commercailly introduced by BMW (the Bavarians have been doing extensive work on a hydrogen-powered vehicle
Frankfurt Auto Show: X6 Hybrid
Sept. 11, 2007
BMW's X6 crossover is getting double the attention at the Frankfurt auto show — with the simultaneous debuts of a regular model plus a hybrid model.
With the ActiveHybrid X6, BMW's first-ever hybrid, the automaker set out to prove fuel efficiency and sporty driving dynamics do not have to be mutually exclusive.
The technology is the result of a joint project with General Motors and DaimlerChrysler. The ActiveHybrid X6 can be driven on electric power only, on combustion power only, or on a combination of the two. BMW claims fuel efficiency that is 20% greater than that of a comparable gas-only vehicle.
A major highlight is BMW's two-mode active transmission, which has a mode for setting off and driving at low speeds, and a mode for higher speeds. It is based on the concept of a continuously variable transmission.
The ActiveHybrid's styling differs from the regular X6, in particular, by foregoing big air scoops on the front for engine cooling, and by a lower aluminum plate on the back that moves to cover the exhaust pipes when in electric mode
The rear protector plate moves to cover the exhaust pipes when the ActiveHybrid X6 is in electric mode.
The ActiveHybrid X6 is the latest — and probably the biggest — step in BMW's EfficientDynamics program, which seeks to find energy-saving efficiencies wherever possible.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
M goes V (as in V8)
following report is form Autobahn report, detailing
the new V8 engine (a first) for the BMW M3. There's also an update
on the M5 tourer (Europe only - so far)
Preview: The First V8-Powered M3
May 1, 2007
With BMW's first V8-powered M3 due out in less than a year, Autobahn Report figured it's time to put together our preview of this most potent road rocket.
Also, as BMW released information and photos over the course of several weeks, we figured they need to be compiled. Much of what you read here is verbatim from our other news items, albeit now in one spot.
The new M3 sports a high-revving V8, a stiffer and more balanced chassis, performance-built body work and 18-inch wheels in the M division's trademark multi-spoke design.
The M3's first-ever V8 engine
For the first time, the M3's beating heart is a V8. From 4.0 liters of displacement, the F1-inspired eight-cylinder generates 420 horsepower — breaking through the magic 100-horsepower-per-liter mark with 105, truly exceptional for a normally aspirated motor.
Horsepower for the North American model is expected to be a tad lower at 414.
Torque is 295 pound-feet at 3,900 RPM, with 85 percent on tap by 6,500 RPM.
True to its M lineage, this V8 is a high revver with a shrilling red line of 8,400 RPM.
As with other M cars, the tachometer has a variable warning band that informs the driver of the engine speed currently available. Yellow and red lights move up the gauge as oil temperature rises.
At 440 pounds, the aluminum engine is one of the lightest eight-cylinders in the world — and is even 33 pounds lighter than the six-cylinder in the previous M3.
Other features include low-pressure double VANOS variable valve timing, eight individual throttle butterflies, ion-flow technology and brake-energy regeneration.
Europe Gets M5 Wagon
Jan. 9, 2007
Its headlamps look like evil eyes, its twin kidney grille like fire-breathing nostrils, and its lower air dam like a sinister grin ready to devour anything that gets in the way — imagine this monster quickly filling your rearview mirror.
It's BMW's M5 'Bahn burner. What you won't know until it blasts past is — don't blink — not only can it haul ass, it can also haul five humans and 58.2 cubic feet of their stuff.
Yes, on the back of this Bimmer is a large cargo hold. BMW has issued a wagon version of the M5 for the European market.
Like its sedan brethren, the M5 Touring corrals 507 horses of award-winning V10 underhood, stampeding on the asphalt via a seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox with launch control.
A variable M differential makes the best use of power, transferring up to 100 percent to the rear wheel with the most grip.
The Touring catapults from standstill to 62 MPH in a scant 4.8 seconds, 0.1-second off the sedan, on the way to its electronically limited top speed of 155 MPH. BMW says 200 MPH would be possible without the limiter.
Drivers can customize their M5 experience through iDrive, saving preferences for power, gear shifting, suspension, traction control, head-up display and the active seat bolsters. Then at the touch of the M steering-wheel button, a combination can be called up — mild, mean or somewhere in between.
Trademark M styling includes a big front air dam, pronounced side sills, M badging, quad tailpipes and slim-spoke alloy wheels
the new V8 engine (a first) for the BMW M3. There's also an update
on the M5 tourer (Europe only - so far)
Preview: The First V8-Powered M3
May 1, 2007
With BMW's first V8-powered M3 due out in less than a year, Autobahn Report figured it's time to put together our preview of this most potent road rocket.
Also, as BMW released information and photos over the course of several weeks, we figured they need to be compiled. Much of what you read here is verbatim from our other news items, albeit now in one spot.
The new M3 sports a high-revving V8, a stiffer and more balanced chassis, performance-built body work and 18-inch wheels in the M division's trademark multi-spoke design.
The M3's first-ever V8 engine
For the first time, the M3's beating heart is a V8. From 4.0 liters of displacement, the F1-inspired eight-cylinder generates 420 horsepower — breaking through the magic 100-horsepower-per-liter mark with 105, truly exceptional for a normally aspirated motor.
Horsepower for the North American model is expected to be a tad lower at 414.
Torque is 295 pound-feet at 3,900 RPM, with 85 percent on tap by 6,500 RPM.
True to its M lineage, this V8 is a high revver with a shrilling red line of 8,400 RPM.
As with other M cars, the tachometer has a variable warning band that informs the driver of the engine speed currently available. Yellow and red lights move up the gauge as oil temperature rises.
At 440 pounds, the aluminum engine is one of the lightest eight-cylinders in the world — and is even 33 pounds lighter than the six-cylinder in the previous M3.
Other features include low-pressure double VANOS variable valve timing, eight individual throttle butterflies, ion-flow technology and brake-energy regeneration.
Europe Gets M5 Wagon
Jan. 9, 2007
Its headlamps look like evil eyes, its twin kidney grille like fire-breathing nostrils, and its lower air dam like a sinister grin ready to devour anything that gets in the way — imagine this monster quickly filling your rearview mirror.
It's BMW's M5 'Bahn burner. What you won't know until it blasts past is — don't blink — not only can it haul ass, it can also haul five humans and 58.2 cubic feet of their stuff.
Yes, on the back of this Bimmer is a large cargo hold. BMW has issued a wagon version of the M5 for the European market.
Like its sedan brethren, the M5 Touring corrals 507 horses of award-winning V10 underhood, stampeding on the asphalt via a seven-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox with launch control.
A variable M differential makes the best use of power, transferring up to 100 percent to the rear wheel with the most grip.
The Touring catapults from standstill to 62 MPH in a scant 4.8 seconds, 0.1-second off the sedan, on the way to its electronically limited top speed of 155 MPH. BMW says 200 MPH would be possible without the limiter.
Drivers can customize their M5 experience through iDrive, saving preferences for power, gear shifting, suspension, traction control, head-up display and the active seat bolsters. Then at the touch of the M steering-wheel button, a combination can be called up — mild, mean or somewhere in between.
Trademark M styling includes a big front air dam, pronounced side sills, M badging, quad tailpipes and slim-spoke alloy wheels
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
3 series in Automobile mag
The latest issue of US aficionado amgazine, Automobile, has ranked the
original M3 as one of the 25 Greatest cars of all Time.
Bimmer rivals making the cut include the 1955 Benz 300SL, aka the Gull-Wing,
the Jaguar E-Type and the Porsche 911 Carerra RS.
Elsewhere in the issue, available on newstands, the new 335i successfully takes on
both the new Mercedes C-Class and the newly overhauled Cadillac CTS.
original M3 as one of the 25 Greatest cars of all Time.
Bimmer rivals making the cut include the 1955 Benz 300SL, aka the Gull-Wing,
the Jaguar E-Type and the Porsche 911 Carerra RS.
Elsewhere in the issue, available on newstands, the new 335i successfully takes on
both the new Mercedes C-Class and the newly overhauled Cadillac CTS.
another X6 pic
here's alink to yet another picture of what is rapidly
becoming my latest obsession: the forthcoming BMW X6,
this one courtesy of Automobile magazine (US)
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_frankfurt/2007_bmw_x6_concept/photo_01.html
becoming my latest obsession: the forthcoming BMW X6,
this one courtesy of Automobile magazine (US)
http://www.automobilemag.com/auto_shows/2007_frankfurt/2007_bmw_x6_concept/photo_01.html
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Flickr flubs
having some difficulties moving the new 6-series models
from my flickr.com page to this blog, but as soon as those
resolved will be posting for your viewing pleasure and comment.
Also, I'm renewing some work in relation to Revz TV
from my flickr.com page to this blog, but as soon as those
resolved will be posting for your viewing pleasure and comment.
Also, I'm renewing some work in relation to Revz TV
Bimma Jam
The call is still going out to BMW owners and enthusiasts
to hit me up regarding the Bimma Jam owners& enthusiasts
Club.
We're looking to do some media on Pwoer 106FM's Auto World
programme soon. Listen out for that.
to hit me up regarding the Bimma Jam owners& enthusiasts
Club.
We're looking to do some media on Pwoer 106FM's Auto World
programme soon. Listen out for that.
Friday, September 07, 2007
New look 6
Yes, this may be ths cart before th horse, but following is a text report
from car enthusiast blog, thecarconnection.com on extra touches to the new 6 series. Photo to follow soon.
from car enthusiast blog, thecarconnection.com on extra touches to the new 6 series. Photo to follow soon.
1-series launch
Below is a nexcerpt from my review of the high-profile launch of the BMW 1-series line in Jamaica (The model only hit the US last year
BMW's big bash - 1-Series debuts in Jamaica
SUNDAY - SOCIAL
Michael A Edwards Observer writer
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Substitute an alloy composite suit for Armani or Lacroix, 17-inch alloy wheels for (Manolo) Blahnik pumps, add a strut and purr supplied by a four cylinder power plant and place said model on the expertly simulated catwalk (complete with klieg lights) on the lawns of the Terra Nova and Sterling Motors BMW hottest new model was ready for its close-up on Friday last.
Once again, Jamaican aficionados of the BMW marque saw a model launched on our shores before our counterparts in North America. The I-series comes to Jamaica, ushering in a new era for the compact class, its manufacturers understandably claim.
The curious, the serious and all others in between gathered to get visual conformation of those claims and to kick the run-flat tyres (standard, along a tyre defect indicator).
They also were treated to a typically engaging testimonial from first-class raconteur and bon vivant, Sterling General Manager Dennis Wheatley. Wheatley recounted his part in a 28-car testing line that wended its way from Denmark across a Scandinavian causeway and into Sweden and the BMW Proving Grounds. There, he continued, the I-Series proved its mettle against a number of major European competitors such as Vauxhall and Alfa Romeo.
He was preceded by Anthony Bell, of corporate parent Lascelles/Wray & Nephew, who gave his own sight-only testimonial of the car, and Marketing Manager Wayne Miller, who further primed the audience with descriptions before the grand unveiling.
Among the standard and [optional] available features he outlined were two-stage brake lights, park distance control, constant monitoring indication of when worn parts should be replaced, the company's now famous iDrive control concept*, sports seats with pneumatic backrest width, a starter button as opposed to the traditional turnkey ignition, keyless easy access*, Bluetooth mobile phone interface* with hands-free kit and operation via multi-function steering wheel.*
Appetites suitably whetted, the supermodel, sporting a quartz gray metallic finish, made her entrance. The audience lost no time in stepping inside to absorb that heady new-car aroma, grip the multi-function steering wheel and run their hands over the other controls as well as the -optional- leather upholstery.
BMW's big bash - 1-Series debuts in Jamaica
SUNDAY - SOCIAL
Michael A Edwards Observer writer
Sunday, November 07, 2004
Substitute an alloy composite suit for Armani or Lacroix, 17-inch alloy wheels for (Manolo) Blahnik pumps, add a strut and purr supplied by a four cylinder power plant and place said model on the expertly simulated catwalk (complete with klieg lights) on the lawns of the Terra Nova and Sterling Motors BMW hottest new model was ready for its close-up on Friday last.
Once again, Jamaican aficionados of the BMW marque saw a model launched on our shores before our counterparts in North America. The I-series comes to Jamaica, ushering in a new era for the compact class, its manufacturers understandably claim.
The curious, the serious and all others in between gathered to get visual conformation of those claims and to kick the run-flat tyres (standard, along a tyre defect indicator).
They also were treated to a typically engaging testimonial from first-class raconteur and bon vivant, Sterling General Manager Dennis Wheatley. Wheatley recounted his part in a 28-car testing line that wended its way from Denmark across a Scandinavian causeway and into Sweden and the BMW Proving Grounds. There, he continued, the I-Series proved its mettle against a number of major European competitors such as Vauxhall and Alfa Romeo.
He was preceded by Anthony Bell, of corporate parent Lascelles/Wray & Nephew, who gave his own sight-only testimonial of the car, and Marketing Manager Wayne Miller, who further primed the audience with descriptions before the grand unveiling.
Among the standard and [optional] available features he outlined were two-stage brake lights, park distance control, constant monitoring indication of when worn parts should be replaced, the company's now famous iDrive control concept*, sports seats with pneumatic backrest width, a starter button as opposed to the traditional turnkey ignition, keyless easy access*, Bluetooth mobile phone interface* with hands-free kit and operation via multi-function steering wheel.*
Appetites suitably whetted, the supermodel, sporting a quartz gray metallic finish, made her entrance. The audience lost no time in stepping inside to absorb that heady new-car aroma, grip the multi-function steering wheel and run their hands over the other controls as well as the -optional- leather upholstery.
Observer article on new 7
Inlcudd is a link to my Observer article following
the launch, in 2006, of the new 7-series.
http://jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/html/20050917t150000-0500_88533_obs_a_dignitary_on_wheels_.asp
the launch, in 2006, of the new 7-series.
http://jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/html/20050917t150000-0500_88533_obs_a_dignitary_on_wheels_.asp
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Bimmer owners unite!
Send in your photos and testimonials about your BMW car/s.
I'd like to geta BMW owners club going by year-end
I'd like to geta BMW owners club going by year-end
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