BMW 1M First Drive by AutoExpress

First reviews of the new BMW 1 Series M Coupe are starting to pour in. From the UK, AutoExpress magazines brings out a review of the 1M in Black Sapphire. Here is an excerpt from their review:

As with all BMW’s M cars – with the exception of the CSL and M3 GTS – this is no stripped-out racer. Thumb the starter button and the 335bhp 3.0-litre turbocharged six-cylinder engine – an uprated version of the unit from the 135i – barks into life. And as soon as you pull away, it’s clear that this is a very agile, driver-focused machine. Throttle response is sharp and the steering, although heavy, is full of feel.

Extend the six-cylinder unit to the 6,500rpm red line in the lower ratios, and you’re rewarded with savage response and a zingy, metallic engine note. An M Dynamic Mode also offers a more flexible engine set-up, which can switch between relaxed and torque-oriented or tuned for maximum power at the touch of a button – but that’s as gizmo-laden as the 1-Series M Coupé gets.

….

With its compact dimensions, this is a sports car that’s nimble and quick to respond to steering, brake or throttle inputs – and as a result, it’s a real pleasure to drive at any speed.

NYAS 2011: Nissan Leaf wins 2011 World Car of the Year – ahead of 5 Series and Audi A8

As we predicted, Nissan Leaf won the 2011 World Car of the Year, besting the Audi A8 and the BMW 5 Series. Today, at the 2011 New York Auto Show, Brian Carolin, Senior VP for sales and marketing at Nissan, accepted the award. “It’s a great honor. The Nissan Leaf truly is a game changer.”

The award shows once again the importance of electricvehicles and future mobility, and the trend will continue in the next years. Fuel efficient vehicles are slowly becoming the core product of large automakers and a bet that can transform many companies.

In the World Green Car award, Chevrolet Volt won takes the top spot ahead of BMW’s 320d and the Nissan Leaf. The World Car Design award went to the Aston Martin Rapide, defeating the Alfa Romeo Giulietta and the Ferrari 458 Italia. The Ferrari 458 Italia was named the winner of the World Performance Car category, defeating the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Porsche 911 Turbo.

A jury of sixty-six distinguished international automotive journalists selected the following top ten finalists in both categories by secret ballot, based on their experience with each candidate as part of their professional work. The jury members constitute a balance of representation from Asia, Europe, North America, South America, as well as other parts of the world.

BMWBLOG Attends X1 and X3 Gala Launch with our friends at BMW Toronto

BMWBLOG had the pleasure of attending BMWToronto’s X1 and X3 gala launch, and it proved to be an auspicious occasion, indeed.

Ushered into the all-glass building from the valet, I was welcomed to a night of fine foods and deserts, flowing drinks and good conversation.  Of course, there were two guests of honor present, and both rocked BMW’s famed “xDrive” all-wheel-drive system.

To the well-dressed Canadian guests, all-wheel-drive is an important feature and its inclusion on the X1 and X3 bodes well for future sales in the Canadian market.

The new X3 has taken the market by storm, and it could well go on to become one of BMW’s most important cars in the market.  The X3 xDrive28i starts at $41,900 MSRP in Canadian dollars, equipped with one of the lightest six-cylinder engines in its class – thanks to magnesium construction of the cylinders and crankcase.  This inline 6 produces a healthy 240hp and 221 lb-ft of torque with average consumption of 9.5 l/100km.

The X3 xDrive35i starts at $46,900 and comes equipped with the brilliant N55 twin-scroll single-turbo inline 6.  For those with a hankering for more power and speed, this engine will be the choice with 300hp and 295 lb-ft of torque available from only 1,300 rpm.  Note that consumption is actually lower for the turbocharged 35i model, with average consumption totaling 8.8 l/100km.

After a seat behind the wheel, trading opinions and thoughts with other guests, and careful observations while circling both cars with beer-in-hand, it’s clear that BMW have two winners on their hands.  We appreciate BMW Toronto’s top notch hospitality and we look forward to reporting National sales figures for these ‘X cars’ in both Canada and the USA.

Standby for future Drive Reviews brought to you exclusively by BMWBLOG – your online authority for BMW Group news and reviews.

Shanghai 2011: More photos of BMW M5 Concept – Including Interior

More photos of the new BMW M5 Concept surface from the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show. BMW chose the Chinese venue to host the world debut of the new F10 M5. Along with exterior photos, for the first time, we manage to get a look inside the car. Before the rumormill starts churning, we would like to point out that the interior design of the F10 Concept will vary from the production version, so use these photos as a starting point only.

The new F10 M5 launches at the end of this year as a 2012 model. The car is powered by a new TwinPower V8 turbocharged engine that is rumored to produce between 560-565 horsepower. Official figures will be released shortly. Only transmission confirmed at this time is the seven-speed M double-clutch transmission with Drivelogic. A manual offering is rumored to be offered only for the North American market.

The F10 M5 delivers what one expects from an M car: aggressiveness, sportiness and elegance. The front spoiler takes the M5 a step further than the 5 Series models with the popular M-package, three large air intakes, blacked out grille and discreet rear spoiler located on the boot lid serves to optimize the car’s aerodynamics.

Inside, the interior is clearly influenced by the new 5 Series Sedan design cues. The typical M elements will make their way into the F10 M5, including the M shifter and wheel, pedals, M logo on door sills and others.

The M5 Concept will go through minor changes when it goes into production later this summer, the side mirrors will be replaced, just as with the previous M5 Concept, and BMW will also offer different wheels. The car will debut in the US in Spring 2012 and we anticipate a starting base price near the $100,000 mark.

Hyundai QarmaQ

Hyundai has presented at the Geneva Show the series model i30 hatchback and the new QarmaQ concept.The crossover Concept, which has been announced in a sketch published a few weeks ago by Hyundai, brings an important change of approach in what concerns the materials used in its composition.
While the traditional cars use metal and glass, QarmaQ is assembled from plastic materials made by GE Plastics. The QarmaQ concept is the result of the cooperation between the 2 companies and brings, as novelty, a vista of the kind that only a view from the chopper gives, because of the great surface of the plasticized windows from the car's body.
By integrating GE's polycarbonate glazing wrap-around and the GE Lexan windscreens, the body weight of the cars is reduced by almost 50 %. A unique technology characterizes Lexan screens: Exatec Technology. It' s a technology through which a thin, protective layer of glass is deposited on the screen, which helps when protecting from scratching or effects of humidity. The material, much lighter than traditional glass used in automotive industry, also increases the impact resistance and both occupant and pedestrian safety. When talking about pedestrian safety, we can also mention the system that uses deformable sections under the concept's body panels, which is able to absorb crush energy in case a collision with a person may happen.
GE Plastics' High Performance Thermoplastic Composite (which is used for the horizontal body panels) manages to also save some weight. 900 recycled plastic bottles have been used when manufacturing other body panels.
The new concept is a showcase of 30 new technologies that will be found in the future Hyundai models. The car is the result of the hard work of Hyundai Motor Europe's Design and Technical Center and it has been engineered in cooperation with GE Plastics. It will be ready to roll in 2008 to 2014.

2010 Toyota NORI Concept Design

The Toyota NORI is a vehicle that uses an eco-friendly and alternative source of energy to help preserve the earth’s natural resources. The word ‘nori’ is a Japanese word that means “seaweed”, stating that this vehicle is made with focus on reducing its weight.

The Toyota NORI, other than being a fast car is also an economy friendly car. Instead of using corn and/or soy, seaweeds are used instead as bio-plastics to lessen the effect on the food chain. Its body and its chassis are built as one making it lighter. This car runs with a set of electric wheel motors with a detachable battery set.

Similar to other vehicles this car also uses solar energy which is captured through woven solar cells into its PODULAR. This solar energy serves as back-up energy in case of emergencies. The eco-friendly source of energy together with environment friendly materials makes it one of the cars of the future.

2008 Honda FC Sport Concept

Today, Honda FC Sport design study model, a hydrogen-powered, three-seat sports car concept, at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show. "The Honda FC Sport explores how to satisfy automotive performance enthusiasts in a world beyond petroleum," said Dan Bonawitz, vice president of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "People who love sports cars will still have a reason to love in a hydrogen-powered future."

The most noticeable thing about this car is the low-cut profile body designed to introduce a more higher-technology appearance with sculpting and molding that combines a more linear shape in front of the vehicle that has been tapered into geometric, hex forms in the rear. If you would have to choose a electric scooter to this supercar, just think about that decision and refund your money.

2010 Honda Air Concept Design

The coastal Honda Air and its concept design is Honda’s answer to the growing environment friendly sports car market of the modern day.

It is a cruiser designed for the bold and lively lifestyle with its compressed air and pneumatic regulator system engine for power, external air-flow and turbo vacuums for tank pressure regeneration for an extended range and boost for an estimated 100 miles. The chassis also functions as the master tank, and all components are mounted on the chassis to reduce car weight.

Other weight reduction features in the car include a hub-less drive and wheel system, urethane tires, glass reinforced seating panels and skeletal sub frame parts, which brings down the model’s weight to less than eight hundred pounds. The Honda Air’s structure is also designed maintains the human packaging of the roller coaster for a better open air experience, and for added safety of occupants, vegetable based polymer panels and fairings are added.

While further testing and development for the model is still under way, the car weighs under 800 lbs; in addition to the powerful pneumatic propulsion system, the new Honda Air aims to exemplify a zero emission and eco-minded car that is fun to drive.

2010 Morgan Aero SuperSports

The 2010 Morgan Aero SuperSports version will be launched marking the 100 years of Morgan Motor Company.

The Morgan Aero SuperSports is a luxury car and the interiors features electronic technology, hand stitched leather and hardwoods to give a better look and good driving comfort. The highlights in the car are its aluminum outer panels and aircraft body style that displays the skills of the craftsmen.

The car was manufactured due to its high demand in the market and a limited edition of this model would be manufactured. The car consists of two detachable roof panels that allow fresh air and gives a good driving experience.

The body of the Morgan Aero SuperSports car is of less weight which consists of a V8 engine with an option of 6-speed manual and automatic transmission. The car reaches the speed of 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds and the cost of the car is £127,000.

Specifications

Vehicle Type: - production car, 2-door convertible
Configuration: - Front Engine/ RWD
Engine: - V8
Displacement: - 4600 cc
Transmission: - 6-Speed Manual and 6-Speed Automatic
Torque: - 367 lb-ft @ ---- rpm
0 -60 mph: - 4.2 seconds
Price: - £127,000

2008 Morgan AeroMax

After 2 years of their debut at the 2006 Geneva Auto show and besting themselves as one of the most discerning customers, the Aeromax coupe has showed its entire series production at the Morgan factory. Similar to the Aero 8, the AeroMax can go from 0-60mph in 4.2 secs and reach a maximum speed of 170 mph.

After a two year intense period of production development, and a number of minor improvements to the overall design, the first customer to AeroMax was delivered. Using different mixes of technology and high quality materials, AeroMax is assembled with care and dedication by craftsman and women in Malvern.

2008 Morgan Aero 8

In the year 2008, Morgan started a production line of new 4.8 liter V8 version of the Aero 8. The new engine adds 13% more power, raising output to 367bhp and accelerating from 0-60 mph in less than 4.2 seconds and top speeds of 170 mph.

The automatic is usable either as a full one or a more relaxed driving experience. The efficiency of this new engine and gearbox combination delivers the extra power and performance with a reduction in CO2 emissions.

The efficiency for a new repositioned fuel tank and better weight distribution has significantly increased the luggage space and larger air intakes and exits on the wings.

2010 Mercedes-Benz BIOME Concep

When Mercedes-Benz first started, their cars made an impact when they hit the race track. Mercedes-Benz is known as an innovator committed to introducing the highest level of performance to the consumer. With the 2010 Mercedes-Benz BIOME Concept car, Mercedes-Benz wanted to impart their vision of being in complete Zen with nature.

The vehicle was conceptualized as an organic hybrid that produces its own oxygen. The car will run on bio-nectar fuel that comes from nature, and will be completely in harmony with nature in all aspects.

The BIOME Concept may be far from actualization, but the ideal of being ecologically friendly is not far from the chosen standard of the masses. If the car ever makes it into mass production, one thing the future owners are sure to appreciate is its biodegradability and low cost of maintenance.

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz BIOME could be what the future is in the eyes of Mercedes-Benz.

2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe

The newest addition to the Mercedes-Benz C-Class series is the C-Class Coupe. This classy sports coupe combines fun, comfort and driving efficiency for a target market of professionals aged between 35 and 45.

The Coupe still shares the distinguishable styling of the C-Class and adds features of its own. The long bonnet, steep windscreen, stretched out roof and short tail end gives it the powerful and sporty look.

Even with its sporty features, the C-Class coupe is still a comfortable four-seater with a high quality interior finish. Customers of the C-Class have interior color options of brown ash burl, black piano-lacquer or nougatine burr walnut wood.

An astounding feature of the Coupe is that it provides internet access for the occupants. When the vehicle is stationary, the occupants are able to browse the internet, search for driving directions or seek assistance from the Mercedes-Benz Online Services website.

There are five models of the C-Class available. The C 180, C 250 and C 350 have petrol fueled engines, while the C 220 CDI and C 250 CDI are the diesel variants. All of the models offer high performance while still being exemplary economical. The top variant C 350 with a V6 petrol engine has an average fuel consumption of 6.8 liters per 100 km.

2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster is the third generation roadster of the Mercedes-Benz. Its engines are powered up with all-petrol aspiration. It is also equipped with a seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox, and a steel suspension to ensure dynamic handling capabilities. It runs with a speed of 6000 rpm and that has a 3L and 24v petrol capacity.

It consists of two-seat roadsters with Formula One inspired styling and stowaway hard tops that turn the cars into closed coupes in just 22 seconds with the touch of a button. Called the Magic Sky Control, the vario-roof switches light to dark with a touch of a button.

The SLK300 is the entry-level offering with a 228-hp V6 mated to a six-speed manual or optional seven-speed automatic. A more powerful SLK350 boasts a 300-hp V6 teamed with a seven-speed automatic. Safety features on all SLK models include six airbags (front, side and knee), stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist, and the "mbrace" emergency communication system.

Other features include Power Decklid Lock/Unlock, Valet Lockout, Locking Fuel Filler Door, Vehicle Theft, Vehicle Anti-Lockout, Vehicle Anti-Lockout, Brake Assist (BAS) Electronic Brake Assistance, Front Power Outlet, Audio and Navigation Pre-Wiring, Radio Antenna, AM/FM Radio, Automatic Headlights, Projector Beam Halogen, Daytime Running Lights, Sport Side Skirts, Automatic Climate Control, HVAC Rest Mode.

The SLK is available in 11 different colors such as Arctic White, Black, Capri Blue Metallic, Hampton Sand Metallic, Iridium Silver Metallic, Mars Red, Obsidian Black Metallic, Palladium Silver Metallic, Quartz Blue Metallic, Steel Grey Metallic, Storm Red Metallic colors.

2011 Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class 800 Widestar

Powered by a 12-cylinder biturbo engine, the 2011 Brabus Mercedes-Benz G-Class 800 Widestar is capable of producing a rated energy outlay of 800hp. Its Widestar wide-body on 23-inch Platinum Edition Brabus forged wheels sets this powerful off-road vehicle visually apart from other cars in its class, literally.

Like other Mercedes G-Class cars, this 5-door beauty is masterfully crafted by hand. All the high-tech components are carefully put together manually, piece by piece. And as in other special models made by Brabus, the 800Widestar is available with a package-full of luxurious apparatus.

The 4-wheel drive 800 Widestar, with its reinforced 5-speed involuntary delivery transmission, can sprint to 62 mph from 0 in 4.0 seconds. With a limiter, the top speed is 149 mph but without a limiter, this off-roader can reach 168 mph.

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz Brabus 800 Widestar comes equipped with the highly-advanced Brabus Ride Control stable cessation for that pure sporty handling and smooth sailing. The magnificent Brabus cessation system involuntarily checks adjustments. When the automated car sensors detect a possible road mishap based on parameters such as speed, parallel acceleration and steering angles, the car automatically switches to a safe driving mode in a matter of milliseconds.

2011 Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 700 Biturbo

Powerful, breathtaking, sporty and elegant – this is what best describes the 2011 Brabus Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 700 Biturbothat made its grand world debut at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.

With the new 700hp twin-turbo Brabus engine dressed up in a wide body version Widestar, this car defines a new phase in the roster of automobiles under the super sports category. The 8-cylinder, 4-valve biturbo engine is highly advanced and specifically designed for a lightning fast rev. Aesthetically designed with dedicated development in its refinement by elite interiors, this car can reach 340 kph as its top speed.

The 7-speed transmission Speedshift DCT results to quite an awesome performance. In merely 3.7 seconds, this sports car can sprint from 0 to 100 kph and can reach 200 kph in 10.2 seconds. This places this automobile at par with the most powerful super sports cars in the world.
The ultra-modern Brabus components work perfectly together with its engine management system that was recently developed and incorporated in to the system. The ultra-modern engine delivers tremendous power smoothly and complies with the stringent emission restrictions set by Euro V standards.

The interiors are all custom-tailored, masterfully crafted exclusively and individually in any desired leather. This has been a special Brabus tradition for more than 30 years.

2011 Ford Mustang RTR

The 2011 Ford Mustang RTR Package is a set of body and performance enhancements meant for the vigorous and energetic driver. The performance upgrade package for the 2011 Ford Mustang includes unique 19 x 9.5-inch rims, Ford Racing Falken FK452 tires, a pair of Ford Racing Mufflers, and a Ford Racing handling pack composed of racing-tuned dampers and springs.

The body upgrades for the new 2011 Ford Mustang RTR have been intricately planned to maximize handling and car stability. The steel seat belts are now firmer and wider, providing the driver with more stability during high-velocity driving. The frame of the car has also been tuned with a high-tension, high turn-up construction to assist the driver in controlling the vehicle at tremendous speeds.

To augment the car’s aerodynamic capabilities, the RTR package also includes a front mounted chin spoiler with diffuser and supports, a rear diffuser, a rear mounted aluminum spoiler and rocker splitters. All of these upgrades allow the car to cut through air resistance with ease, reducing drag to a minimum.

Finally, the package includes distinctive RTR racing stripes along with interior detailing patterns, comprised of original RTR floor mats, a shifter knob and emblems. This guarantees to turn heads whenever the automobile speeds by.

The entire package was pioneered by Vaughn Gittin Jr., who competed in the Formula Drift series driving the Monster Energy/Falken Tire 2011 Ford Mustang GT. It was then assembled in affiliation with the Michigan-based Classic Design Concepts, recognized for excellent quality and style. This package is available at exclusive dealerships only.