The new BMW 6 Series Coupé is equipped with a special Bang & Olufsen high-end Surround Sound system. This stands for supreme listening pleasure on every seat. Watch the development of this Sound system.

A report by New Scientist says that BMW is planning to use a kind of touchscreen fabric in their future models. Researchers at the Polytechnic School in Montreal have developed a flexible polymer-based fiber with electrical properties that can be woven into existing fabrics. BMW can use this creativity amongst their vehicles to product a minimalist yet boundless interior.

The electrical properties change depending on where the fabric is touched, and finger touches or slides on different areas can be programmed to control air-conditioning or change the volume of the stereo. The same kind of touch sensitive technology has already been seen in the dashboard of the Vision ConnectedDrive Concept at the 2011 Geneva auto show.

Source: New Scientist

Here is a great video showing off the amazing abilities of the 2013 BMW M5 on the track with BMW DTM driver Augusto Farfus Jr. During the downshifts and the drifting, the M5 really sounds great and makes you want to drive it. Enjoy!

For more information on BMW M, contact:

Munich Automobiles Singapore
30 Teban Gardens Crescent Singapore 608927
Showroom: 6899 6996 Service center: 6566 7666

http://www.munichauto.com.sg

BMW announced their ConnectedDrive Connect (CDC) semi-autonomous driving system back in August, but the company has just released a new video of it in action. While the video is in German, there are English subtitles and it shows some fairly relaxed engineers taking their hands off the steering wheel and letting the car drive itself. The ConnectedDrive Connect works on pre-mapped highways by pinpointing the car’s position and the location of surrounding objects. Once everything has been determined, it controls the braking and acceleration like an advanced cruise control system.

However, when the car senses it is behind a slowpoke, it looks for an open lane where it can safely merge at speeds up to 130 km/h (81 mph). If an opening is found, the system will steer the vehicle into that lane, pass the slower vehicle and return to its original lane.

As Dr. Nico Kaempchen explains, “Our main challenge was to develop algorithms that can handle entirely new situations. In principal, the system works on all freeways that we have mapped out beforehand with [a] centimeter accuracy.” He goes on to say CDC ensures the car “adheres to all traffic laws” and sticks to the speed limit.

Sympatico.ca got the opportunity to test drive a MINI Countryman John Cooper Works Prototype in Kuhtai, Austria. The general verdict was great in terms of performance, comfort, quality, and functionality. Here is an excerpt of the review:

Thanks to decent weight balance and an all-wheel-drive system that can transfer the majority of power to either the front or rear wheels, the Countryman JCW feels playful and well balanced through corners. This car is never intimidating or scary no matter how high you dial up the driving tempo. Even if you will never look out the side windows while drifting through corners like MINI’s WRC race car drivers, it’s exciting and slightly naughty to know that – with a bit of talent and cup-holders full of bravery – you can.

What sets Mini’s raciest offering apart from the competition in this sporty utilitarian segment (it would be an insult to call this car an SUV) is the efficiency it delivers whilst turning out such crazed performance.  We don’t have official numbers, but expect the 2013 MINI Countryman JCW to deliver near-Countryman S economy numbers, 9.4 L/100 km city and 7.6 highway. Compare that with the 12.0/9.4 mileage offered up by the competitive Subaru WRX hatchback, and you can see the balanced performance value of the Mini.

…..

Conclusion
If you write cheques with your heart, then you may want to distance yourself from Mini’s new Countryman JCW. Of course, if you write cheques with your brain, this car may still hold power over your pocketbook because it delivers the efficiency, practicality and utility to make it a well-rounded daily driver.

When sitting beside its nearest competitors, this Mini has the performance to thrash at Subaru’s WRX hatchback, the efficiency to best Hyundai’s respected Tucson, and enough style and verve to obliterate the Tiguan. If you can swallow that expected steep price tag of 45,000 Canadian dollars. In fact, this Mini’s closest competition may come from within the fold: the $31,150 Countryman S model offers plenty of driving excitement at a bargain value next to the JCW.

Source: Sympatico.ca

From BMWBlog .com – To find out more interesting BMW news and stories, visit their site here.

Rumor has it that MINI has greenlighted a number of new vehicles to add to their fleet. Unfortunately, the MINI Rocketman was not one of them.

The Rocketman made its debut in a 3.1 seater concept form last year at the Geneva Motor Show and was initially approved for mass production to cater to the urban market. The new mini-MINI was supposed to create a new entry point for the company, with a range of three-cylinder engines on offer, lightweight materials throughout and an all-electric version in the pipeline.

Rumor has it that this was cancelled because of high development costs related with the new platform and current regulations, including stability, handling and crash performance. However, we take this information with a grain of salt. Who knows, Rocketman might just push through.

Autocar says that the all-new BMW M6 will be the most powerful super-coupé in BMW’s history. The new M6 will be unveiled this year at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show with sales beginning in 2013.

A BMW insider revealed to Autocar that the M6 will make use of the same engine as the F10 M5 delivering 560 horsepower and 501 lb-ft of torque ( 680 Nm) at 1500 rpm. Rumor has it that the M6’s rear-drive chassis has been tuned extensively at the Nürburgring and it has the dynamic proficiency to cope with prodigious power outputs.

The vehicle M6 will feature carbon fiber roof and body panels that will help with weight savings. A carbon-ceramic brake system and lightweight ally wheels are also part of the package. This might just be the BMW M super sports car that enthusiasts are waiting for.

Source: Autocar

Rendering: LeftLaneNews

For more information on BMW M, contact:

Munich Automobiles Singapore
30 Teban Gardens Crescent Singapore 608927
Showroom: 6899 6996 Service center: 6566 7666

http://www.munichauto.com.sg

In what seems like the blink of an eye, the BMW 5 Series range has established itself as the best-selling model in the executive segment. A convincing balance between dynamics and ride comfort, exemplary efficiency, premium quality and innovative equipment features has earned both the Sedan and the Touring versions their huge popularity.

Added to which, sporty yet elegant design and agile handling have helped fuel the fascination associated with the brand. And now the arrival of the BMW M Performance Automobiles aims to accentuate the sporting aspects of the BMW 5 Series’ character. The BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring capture the imagination with performance figures that leave their diesel-powered class rivals firmly in the shade. And they combine these leading values with the efficiency drivers have come to expect from diesel BMW cars.

The sporting focus of the BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring is highlighted by bespoke modifications to power transfer, chassis and design components. These upgrades bear the signature of BMW M GmbH, which uses its development expertise to mould the two models into extraordinarily harmonious overall packages. The outstanding power of the tri-turbo straight-six diesel engine is translated into thrilling driving dynamics with impressive precision.

This allows the 5 Series-based BMW M Performance Automobiles to offer the driver not only supreme diesel power, but also remarkably agile handling and predictable, controllable responses when exploring their dynamic limits.

Most powerful engine of its kind, sportiest diesel models in the segment.

The new and globally unique M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology gives the six-cylinder in-line diesel engine powering the BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp and peak torque of 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft). The engine’s instantaneous and sustained wave of torque allows it to lay down benchmark performance values for diesel-powered executive cars. The BMW M550d xDrive Sedan goes from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds, while the BMW M550d xDrive Touring records 4.9 seconds for the same sprint. The duo also display addictive elasticity at higher speeds thanks to their engine’s vast reserves of power. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) in both cases.

The diesel technology developed exclusively for the BMW M Performance Automobiles also gives the new arrivals a convincing head start in terms of efficiency. The Sedan offers fuel economy figures of 6.3 litres per 100 kilometres (44.8 mpg imp) in the EU test cycle, while the Touring achieves 6.4 l/100 km (44.1 mpg imp). CO2 emissions are 165 grams per kilometre for the BMW M550d xDrive Sedan and 169 g/km in the case of the BMW M550d xDrive Touring. Standard-fitted BMW BluePerformance technology also allows the two models to meet the stipulations of the EU6 exhaust standard.

The new cars’ outstanding balance between driving pleasure and fuel consumption can be credited to the impressive efficiency of the new diesel powerplant and the spread of BMW EfficientDynamics technology fitted as standard. The BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring benefit, among other things, from the pace-setting efficiency of an eight-speed Sports automatic transmission with long high gears, precisely graded responses and minimal converter slip. Another standard feature, the Auto Start-Stop function, switches the engine off automatically when the driver stops at junctions or in congestion. And the ECO PRO mode activated using the standard Driving Experience Control switch helps the driver maintain an economical and relaxed driving style through tweaks to the engine management, accelerator responses and gearshift program. In addition, ECO PRO mode regulates the output of electrically operated functions such as the climate control, heated seats and exterior mirrors to provide extremely efficient energy management. The BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring also come with Brake Energy Regeneration, need-based operation of ancillary units, active air flap control and a disengageable air conditioning compressor.

The global success of the BMW X model concept is rooted in a level of sporting flair unmatched by any other all-wheel-drive car with off-road capability. The powerful engines, advanced chassis technology and BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system ( whose primary talent, in addition to maximising directional stability and traction on loose ground and in adverse weather conditions, lies in enhancing dynamic performance through corners) of the BMW X5 and BMW X6 provide driving pleasure beyond the reach of their segment rivals. Plus, the six-cylinder in-line diesel versions of the Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupe, in particular, impress with surprisingly low fuel consumption and emissions given their construction and performance capability.

The launch of the BMW M Performance Automobiles adds another layer to the BMW X models’ reputation for presence, poise and efficiency. With the most powerful diesel in the BMW engine line-up and the optimisation of power transfer, handling and aerodynamic balance for which M is renowned, the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d set new standards in their class in terms of sporting performance, conceptual harmony and efficiency.

M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology: an efficient route to enhanced sporting performance.

Increased diesel power and an M-specific set-up make the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d even more assured performers. The engine developed for the BMW M Performance Automobiles generates maximum output of 280 kW/381 hp and peak torque of 740 Newton metres (546 lb-ft), making the two BMW X models the envy of every other diesel-engined model in this segment. The BMW X5 M50d races from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.4 seconds, while the BMW X6 M50d brings that time down to 5.3 seconds. Both models also benefit from the immense reserves of power provided by their diesel engine when it comes to short sprints at higher speeds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph) in both cases.

The two models’ frugal approach to fuel use offers further evidence of their impressive abilities. At 7.5 litres per 100 kilometres (37.7 mpg imp) and 7.7 l/100 km (36.7 mpg imp) respectively in the EU test cycle, the average fuel consumption figures of the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d are only slightly above those for the existing diesel variants of the two models.

CO2 emissions stand at 199 grams per kilometre for the BMW X5 M50d and 204 grams per kilometre for the BMW X6 M50d.

Outstanding efficiency is a characteristic the eight-speed Sports automatic transmission in the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d shares with the new diesel engine. Added to which, BMW EfficientDynamics technology guarantees intelligent energy management. Brake Energy Regeneration, the need-based operation of ancillary components and a disengageable air conditioning compressor are all standard.

BMW xDrive: intelligent control, optimised to enhance dynamics.

The BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive system uses an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch to distribute the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels variably and according to the situation at hand. Indeed, drive can be switched between wheels in a split-second to optimise traction, directional stability and driving dynamics. xDrive and the DSC stability control system work together to provide advance analysis of the driving situation ahead. The ability to detect the danger of drive slip at an early stage and counteract one or several spinning wheels by varying the distribution of power has helped earn xDrive its status as an intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

In normal driving situations drive is sent predominantly to the rear wheels, accentuating the renowned handling characteristics of BMW cars. The M-specific set-up of the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d has been optimised to enhance dynamics, helping it to retain a rear-wheel bias under dynamic cornering. Even when the car is stable through corners, a larger proportion of the engine’s power is channelled to the rear axle to enhance agility and stave off understeer.

In addition, Performance Control enhances the handling agility of the BMW X5 M50d, while Dynamic Performance Control does a similar job for the BMW X6 M50d. As soon as the front wheels of the BMW X5 M50d start to push excessively to the outside of a corner, the control electronics of xDrive and DSC team up to brake the rear wheel on the inside of the bend as required. The loss of forward propulsion is balanced out by an increase in engine power, the intervention of Performance Control ensuring precise turn- in. Power distribution can be varied to an even greater degree in the BMW X6 M50d, which comes as standard with Dynamic Performance Control. This system reroutes engine output from the inside rear wheel to the outside rear wheel around a corner if the system detects an imminent risk of understeer. Dynamic Performance Control also counteracts oversteer in its early stages, switching drive from the outside rear wheel – which is experiencing particularly high centrifugal forces – to the inside rear wheel. Dynamic Performance Control also steps in to stabilise the car when the driver takes his foot off the accelerator, ensuring precise and agile turn-in and enabling extremely dynamic acceleration out of corners.

M-specification chassis set-up produces accurate steering and precisely controllable handling. The chassis technology underpinning the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d is based on a double-joint spring-strut front axle and integral rear axle. This arrangement offers the ideal platform for a sporty handling set-up which also achieves high standards of ride comfort. Both models also feature air suspension with automatic self-levelling at the rear axle. The support mounts, elastokinematics, spring and damper system, and Servotronic mapping of the hydraulic steering – among other things – have been modified to imbue the chassis set-up of the two BMW X models with hallmark M characteristics.

Stronger body mounting reduces roll, which in turn optimises steering accuracy through corners. At the same time, the linear build-up of lateral forces for which M cars are renowned enables precisely controllable handling up to the limit. The M-specification tuning of chassis components extends to the electronically controlled dampers and active anti-roll control function of Adaptive Drive, which comes as standard on the BMW X6 M50d and is available as an option for the BMW X5 M50d. Meanwhile, the large-format braking system – with 385-millimetre front discs and 345-millimetre rear discs – provides powerful and consistent braking, even under heavy loads.

Exclusive design features: aerodynamically optimised body, sporty interior ambience.

Exclusive exterior and interior design features for the two BMW M Performance Automobiles based on the BMW X models provide clear visual differentiation, optimised aerodynamic balance and enhanced driving pleasure. Its powerful presence and distinctively three-dimensional contours make the body-coloured front apron a genuinely eye-catching item. To optimise the supply of cooling air to the power unit, the spaces normally reserved for foglamps on regular BMW X models take on a new role as air intakes, and these large surfaces offer a tantalising hint of the engine power lurking behind the scenes. Horizontal bars in the colour shade Ferric Grey metallic course across their surface. The race-inspired air-channelling flaps sited below the side air intakes optimise the cars’ aerodynamic balance at high speeds.

Titanium-coloured vertical bars for the BMW kidney grille, exterior mirror caps in Ferric Grey metallic, a model badge on the tailgate and BMW High-gloss Shadow Line trim for the side window surrounds and exterior mirror bases add further model-specific touches. The BMW X5 M50d comes as standard with 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in V-spoke design, the BMW X6 M50d with 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design. Both models are also available with optional 20-inch M light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey metallic developed exclusively for the BMW M Performance Automobiles and fitted with mixed tyres. The powerful appearance of the BMW X5 M50d is given additional presence by wheel arch extensions and bespoke side sills and kick plates, while the athletic stance of the BMW X6 M50d is underlined by a bonnet sporting a striking powerdome as standard. Both models also boast a muscular rear apron with the embellishers for the exhaust tailpipes integrated left and right.

The sporting driving pleasure served up by the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d is summed up in their interiors by door sills bearing the “M Performance” lettering, the inscription “M50d” in the instrument cluster, a gearshift lever with M logo, an M leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles, an M driver’s footrest, a BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite and Brushed Aluminium Shadow interior trim strips. Both models are also fitted as standard with exclusive Alcantara/Nappa leather M sports seats offering electric adjustability and a memory function. The black seats are adorned with white contrast stitching and an embossed M logo.

Among the other items of standard equipment fitted on the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d are xenon headlights with LED daytime driving lights, Cruise Control with braking function, 2-zone climate control, a rain sensor, the Radio Professional and the iDrive control system. Highlights of the options list include Comfort Access, automatic tailgate operation (standard on the

BMW X6 M50d), a glass/panoramic sunroof, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, a trailer coupling, a heated steering wheel, active seats, navigation systems with hard disk storage and high-quality audio and rear-seat entertainment systems. Customers can also order the BMW X5 M50d with a third row of seats, while the BMW X6 M50d is available with optional Adaptive LED Headlights.

The range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive offers a wide selection of options designed to optimise convenience, safety and the use of infotainment functions. The BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d can be specified with equipment including Park Distance Control, a rear-view camera with Top View, Adaptive Headlights, the Head-Up Display, High-Beam Assistant, Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function, and Speed Limit Info. Other innovative technologies enabling the link-up of the car with the outside world and the integration of mobile devices give drivers access to the BMW Assist service (including Advanced Emergency Call with automatic position finding and BMW Online), as well as unrestricted in-car internet usage. Real-Time Traffic Information, meanwhile, gives the driver extremely extensive and precise traffic information. Among the benefits of the likewise optional Apps function is access to online services Facebook and Twitter.

For more information on BMW M, contact:

Munich Automobiles Singapore
30 Teban Gardens Crescent Singapore 608927
Showroom: 6899 6996 Service center: 6566 7666

http://www.munichauto.com.sg

Powered by M. The new BMW M Performance Automobiles mark a completely new category of automobiles.

BMW has revealed the BMW M Performance Automobiles first four models. The premiere of the BMW M Performance Automobiles marks the creation of a new category of car fitting in between the normal series and the M Power series. The most noticeable part of the cars is the 3.0 liter six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with three turbochargers, a maximum output of 381hp at 4,000-4,400rpm and peak torque of 740Nm at 2,000-3,000rpm. The redline is at 5,400rpm.

The BMW M550d xDrive and BMW M550d xDrive Touring are the first two models in the lineup. The BMW M550d xDrive Sedan accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 4.7 seconds, while the BMW M550d xDrive Touring covers the same sprint in 4.9 seconds. The top speed of both is an electronically limited 250km/h. Standard-fitted eight-speed Sports automatic transmission comes with gearshift paddles on the steering wheel and is given model-specific settings. Meanwhile, BMW xDrive improves the cars’ cornering dynamics, as well as enhancing traction and directional stability.

The other two models are the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d, which use the engine three-turbocharged engine providing a maximum output of 381hp and peak torque of 740Nm. The engine is linked to an eight-speed Sports automatic transmission with enhanced gearshift dynamics and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system. The BMW X5 M50d accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, the BMW X6 M50d in just 5.3 seconds. The top speed of both is an electronically limited 250km/h.

The BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d also underline their dynamic tendencies in the form of model-specific body features, which optimise both the supply of cooling air for the engine and the cars’ aerodynamic properties. 19 inch (BMW X6 M50d: 20 inch) M light-alloy wheels are also fitted as standard on these models. 20 inch light-alloy wheels in Ferric Grey developed exclusively for the BMW M Performance Automobiles can be specified as an option, plus Ferric Grey metallic exterior mirror caps and air intake bars.

BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d are fitted standard with air suspension on the rear axle and self-levelling. Adaptive Drive is standard on the BMW X6 M50d and available as an option for the BMW X5 M50d. M model lettering is found on the door sills and boot lid. In the case of the X5/X6 M50d, there is also M Performance badge in the instrument cluster and engine cover.

The four vehicles will make their official debut at the Geneva Auto Salon 2012 in March, and will not be available in the US. he M550d sales begin in Germany on May 12 followed by the X5/X6 M50d on June 16. The prices for the German market are as follows; the BMW M550d xDrive is € 80,800, the BMW M550d xDrive Touring is € 83,750, BMW X5 M50d is € 82,300 and the BMW X6 M50d is € 85,800. All prices are including VAT (19%).

Source: GTSpirit