September 18, 2010 will be the launch of the MINI Countryman in the UK market. The Countryman is the first MINI vehicle to have four doors, can seat five adults and the to run on four wheel drive. Overall, it offers more versatility and space. When launched, it will be available in seven models, two of which will offer ALL4. The Countryman will also lead MINI’s return to the World Rally Championship next year.

The market for Countryman

The demand for crossover vehicles has grown substantially in recent years:  drivers want the best of both worlds with normal saloon-like driving responses as well as the added versatility of soft off-road ability and the interior flexibility to cope with all the hobbies, shopping trips and activities that are such a huge part of busy modern family life.

As a result, MINI Countryman arrives in a growing segment that presents an opportunity to attract buyers from a wide range of competitive cars.  Not only will they find the flexibility their lifestyle demands but they will also discover the world of MINI, a world where practicality and versatility does not bring limitations on the fun that can be derived from driving.

“The Countryman models still pack in the driving thrills that put a grin on your face the way all MINIs do” said Lee Connolly, Product and Planning Manager at MINI UK.  “But the Countryman also brings new levels of space and versatility to the range that will attract not only existing MINI owners but also new customers.  We expect that the extra space will mean that around 80 per cent of Countryman sales will come from customers completely new to the MINI brand. Already we see the MINI Countryman being the benchmark in terms of residual values and lease company whole life costs. ”

Typically MINI yet topically different

One could not mistake the new Countryman for anything other than a MINI yet it is distinctly different to any that has gone before.  It is 374mm longer than a MINI Hatch (at 4097mm), 106 mm wider (at 1,789 mm) and 154mm taller (at 1561mm). Countryman offers 190 litres more luggage capacity than a MINI Hatch with the seats up (a total of 350 litres) and 1,170 litres with the rear seats folded flat.  For the first time ever a MINI has four wide-opening doors, passenger capacity for five adults and a flexible, activity-orientated interior packed with innovations.  All UK models will be built as five seat cars, although customers can specify the four seat option at no extra cost.

Featuring that typical ‘wheel at each corner’ stance with short overhangs, the Countryman not only has larger dimensions than its cousins but also a higher ride height.  This provides the commanding driving position preferred by many drivers with a 10mm higher ground clearance for soft off-road driving.

Many design characteristics are familiar such as the high window line surrounding the glasshouse while others are new interpretations of iconic features.  For example, the roofline with roof rails, the reinterpretation of the hexagonal radiator grille on the Cooper S models, and the prominent headlight units integrated into the bonnet.

The front of the Countryman is more upright projecting a confident ‘face’ which also offers improved pedestrian safety.  The wheel arches are more flared highlighting the robust nature of the Countryman as a true crossover and its soft off-road ability while the design of the wide-opening tailgate offers easy access to the large boot space.

Practical, flexible and fun interior

Inside the MINI Countryman is all about comfort, practicality and innovative style. The higher seating position offers better visibility for the driver and passengers, a feature particularly appreciated by children.   From the four wide-opening doors to the high-opening rear hatch, Countryman provides easy and comfortable access and it’s a dream to load.  The boot space of 350 litres is more than double that of the Hatch and 90 litres more than Clubman offers. With the rear seats folded flat the interior provides no less than 1,170 litres of load space.  Flexibility is not compromised but celebrated in the new Countryman range.

The multi-function rear seats are arranged with a 60:40 split base for the three rear seat passengers and both rear seat squabs are also individually adjustable, sliding back or forth by 130mm to make the best use of space.  The backrests, by contrast, are arranged in a 40:20:40 split that provides absolute flexibility with all three seatbacks capable of folding flat in any combination.

The interior is dominated by iconic MINI design characteristics such as comfortable yet grippy optional sports seats, the trademark central speedometer and neat, funky switch packs.  New elements of MINI design language are introduced with the elliptical interior door trims that continue from the front to the rear door and back.  Also new is the MINI Centre Rail system.  When ordered as a four seat configuration, In place of the conventional centre console the U-shaped Centre Rail runs from front to rear down the centreline of the Countryman  and opens up new, individual options for integrating all kinds of storage boxes, cup holders, power chargers, music players, mobile phones and other accessories such as a sunglasses case.  A user-friendly clip-in attachment system allows the MINI Centre Rail to be divided up as desired and each item can slide easily backwards or forwards for the convenience of all occupants. When ordered with the rear bench seat, as is standard in the UK, the Centre Rail stops between the driver and passenger seats.

Inspirational engines – powerful responses and supreme economy in equal measure

At launch the Countryman range will include three petrol – MINI One, Cooper and Cooper S – and two diesel models – MINI One D and Cooper D – as well as two ALL4 all wheel drive models, the Cooper D ALL4 and Cooper S ALL4.  Each model is equipped with an entirely new generation of power units.  The petrol engines are the new 1.6 litre four cylinder power plants already announced for the Hatch, Convertible and Clubman models in spring 2010 and feature the BMW Group’s considerable expertise in marrying free-revving, refined and efficient driving characteristics.

The petrol engines all feature Variable Valve Timing (VVT), similar to the BMW Valvetronic system, and produces more torque low down and aids response and efficiency.  The Cooper S model also benefits from a twin-scroll turbocharger and direct fuel injection that gives blistering performance with modest fuel economy and low CO² emissions.

The diesel models are powered by an all-new  BMW 1.6 litre four cylinder, the N47 turbocharged unit that employs all the BMW Group’s proven prowess with compression ignition engines.  The lightweight aluminium engines use common-rail direct injection and a turbocharger with variable turbine geometry.  Both are fitted with a diesel particulate filter and an oxidation catalytic converter.  These state of the art diesel power units set the highest standards, not only for performance and response but also for fuel economy and low emissions. The Cooper D Countryman will be available with an automatic transmission in March 2011.

All MINI Countryman models drive through a six speed manual gearbox.  A six speed automatic transmission is available as an option for the petrol-engined cars.

Rumor has it that the new BMW M6 project will not push through. The lack of spy photos do nothing to refute those rumors. But sources say that BMW M’s flagship will still push through and will be unveiled in 2012.

The new BMW M6 will be based on the next generation F12/F13 6 Series. Design lines and treatment will be of the usual M treatment. It will also carry wider rear fenders and the usual four-tailpipe exhaust system common to M models.

There are no specific details about the powerplant yet, but rumor has it that it will be a twin-turbo V8 engine producing around 600 horsepower. The power will be exclusively directed to the rear wheels thus resulting to an impressive acceleration.

Perhaps more details about the BMW M6 will surface next year, but for now, let’s look at these renderings:

Source: MCQueen from BimmerToday

BMW.SG has just launched the all new BMW ///M Owners Club discussion area – powered by Munich Automobiles.

This is currently an open forum, and aims to serve all discussions pertaining to BMW M models, owners, news and events happening within the BMW M community in Singapore.

Munich Automobiles is on board BMW.SG as a valued partner and I’m sure you’ve already seen a number of their updates and participation recently. We’re really glad to have them on board and we look forward to many great years together.

We will also be posting M related news posts in this folder, so watch out for these in the upcoming future. Till then, post on!

Please visit the discussion area here: BMW M Owners Club Forum

The BMW M1 Homage made its world premiere back in April 2008 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in celebration of the 30^th anniversary of the BMW M1. Until now, it is one of the most stunning concept cars that BMW has ever built. The thing that makes the BMW M1 Homage unique is that it tells so much about the M1′s rich history.

The original 1970 BMW M1 designed by Giorgio Giugiaro was a car of superlatives because of its extraordinary capabilities for the race track. Paul Bracq’s BMW Turbo is a revolutionary concept car which showed what BMW can do in the future of automobile design. These two cars were the inspiration of the BMW Group Design team for the BMW M1 Homage.

The BMW M1 Homage celebrates rich heritage of the BMW design tradition. It merges the old proportions of the M1 with a futuristic style of BMW engineering precision, as represented by the sharp design lines. This is an unforgettable taste of BMW M’s future.

Since the first BMW M Showroom in the world has opened in the country, it’s about time that BMW M’s stunning M1 Hommage made its Singaporean debut. We are delighted to announce the BMW M1 Hommage show car has arrived in Singapore.

Take advantage of this chance to see the BMW M1 Homage in on diplay as an attraction of the BMW M Showroom for M owners and fans:

When: 4^th September to 21^st September, 2010

Where: BMW M Showroom at Munich Auto

BMW is the official automobile sponsor of the Podium Lounge F1 Party, a high event profile for the rich and upperclass guests. The BMW M1 Homage will be there as well:

When: 22^nd September to 26^th September, 2010

Where: Ritz Carlton Hotel

For inquiries, please contact Veronica Chua at veronica.chua@munichauto.com.sg.

http://www.munichauto.com.sg

Our friends from Munich Automobiles, the people behind the first BMW M Showroom in the world, is proud to announce yet another milestone: the launch of their BMW M Power Facebook fan page!

This fan page will be a comfortable way for BMW M owners and fans to get recent news and updates about BMW M Cars in the region. Exclusive events and announcements from Munich Automobiles will also be posted through this social channel.

Get to share the love for BMW M cars with other enthusiasts by becoming a fan of the Munich Automobiles – BMW M Power Facebook fan page today. Just click the like button on top of the Facebook page and get ready to experience BMW M Power at its finest.

Festive Joy. The BMW Lifestyle Collection.

• 03.09.2010
• Press Release

Munich. There are surprises for adults and children alike – from Snow Racer sleds to USB sticks, from watches to back packs. The extensive BMW Lifestyle Collection includes gift ideas for both young and old, and it’s available at selected BMW dealerships and on the Internet at www.bmw-shop.com.

>> Hot on the slopes: the BMW Snow Racer.
Every child who finds this speedster under their Christmas tree will hope that winter never comes to an end. The BMW Snow Racer,with its smooth, replaceable metal runners, is pure winter joy. The sporty sled isn’t just quick off the mark and a stunner on the slopes – it also offers safe fun in the snow. Its precise steering mechanism with suspension soaks up small bumps as you go and the non-slip wheel, which has a limited steering lock, prevents overly risky manoeuvres. An ergonomic seat and broad runners where kids can place their feet ensure a stable sitting position. And the horn on the steering wheel means that you can warn Sunday strollers to get out of the way.

This combination of fun, safety, and high-quality materials (the BMW Snow Racer is made of cold- and UV-resistant plastic) has been safety-approved by TÜV Rheinland. The silver Bobby Bob in BMW Motorsport design is suitable for children from four to ten years old.

Facts and figures:

BMW Snow Racer

Weight: 6 kg

Max. load: 50 kg

>> A bag that’s full of joy: the BMW Joy back pack.
Santa Claus would be well advised to upgrade to a BMW Joy back pack for Christmas. The specially ventilated, thickly padded back of the BMW Joy back pack makes it exceptionally comfortable to wear. Different sized compartments lined with fleece provide room for documents, drinks, computer equipment, and other travelling items. With premium black coloring, decorated with Joy lettering, and also coming with a bag tag and BMW badge, its outside is as much fun as its inside.

>> Time to celebrate: the BMW Classic ladies’ watch.
The BMW Classic ladies’ watch shimmers in its classical look. Its elegant black dial, with three white hands and date display, is enclosed in a 30 mm stainless steel casing that is water resistant up to 10 atm. The fastener and clasp are made of the same fine metal and, offset against a black leather strap, a classic look is emphasized. A discrete BMW logo on the dial, and the laser-engraved BMW logo on the back of the precision Swiss Quartz mechanism, complete this decorative piece. The watch is supplied in a high-quality leather case.

Facts and figures:
BMW Classic ladies’ watch
Material: stainless steel, leather

>> Motorsport for the little ones: the BMW M3 GT2 in toy form.
The BMW M3 GT2 asconvertible version for children – this kid’s racer is a perfect replica of the legendary BMW racing car. Even subtle details like the M logo on the doors and the sponsor’s branding beneath the radiator grill have been reproduced. Little racing car drivers can sit comfortably on their BMW M3 GT2’s adjustable seat.

The BMW M3 GT2 is available for racing drivers from three to five years old – in two versions. There’s a motorized version with a maximum speed of 2.5 m/h, forward and reverse gears, and a 1.5-hour driving time before being recharged. With the pedal version, the diminutive drivers determine the speed and rest periods for themselves.

Facts and figures:
Motorized version
Weight: 12.5 kg
Pedal version
Weight: 8 kg

>> The key to data storage: the BMW USB stick
Would you like a BMW for Christmas? Wouldn’t it be nice to find a little package containing a BMW key beneath your Christmas tree? The BMW USB stick looks like a genuine vehicle key but, in reality, it’s an original data-storage device for when you’re on the go.

The BMW USB stick boasts exceptional design, functionality, and unique details: a gentle click on the trunk-button slides out the well-protected USB plug, making the stick ready for storing up to 8GB of data. At the risk of mistaking it for your vehicle key, you should nevertheless take the BMW USB stick with you in your car – especially when it’s loaded with your music along with other documents and photos. The stick fits perfectly into the BMW USB audio port or the USB port of other modern navigation systems. Simply plug it in, turn on your audio system, and enjoy your own personal music mix while you drive.

The upcoming 6 Series was spotted again. This time, it is seen in a blue convertible version. The F13 6 Series is expected to be revealed in the next few months. The grill and duct work of the front bumper is also nicely seen on these photographs together with its gorgeous long silhouette.

* Limited production run of 100 units, exclusively for the Australian market
* Design enhancements focus on sporty highlights of the M3 Coupé and M3 Sedan
* Additional sports-oriented specification as standard

03.09.10 – Melbourne. BMW Group Australia today announced the introduction of a limited-edition BMW M3 Coupé and Sedan, designed specifically for the Australian market and aimed at the brand’s most sports-oriented driving enthusiasts.

The Pure Edition offers sporty enhancements to highlight the athletic appeal of this iconic sports car at an attractive price.

Highlights include 19” M Double-spoke light alloy wheels finished exclusively in Black High-Gloss with 245/35 R19 tyres up front and 265/35 R 19 tyres at the rear, bonnet air intake in Black High-Gloss, BMW Individual kidney grille in Dark Chrome, BMW Individual side gills in Dark Chrome, and BMW Individual exhaust tips in Dark Chrome.

This special edition is offered in Alpine White and Black, however customers can also select from a multitude of metallic colours as cost options, including Le Mans Blue, Silverstone, Space Grey, Melbourne Red, Jerez Black, Mineral White and Interlagos Blue.

Standard upholstery is a unique and distinctive Anthracite cloth with Black leather combination to extend the sporting theme into the interior of the vehicles. Headrests are crafted from black Novillo leather and are embossed with the BMW M symbol.

The M3 Sedan and M3 Coupé Pure Edition with manual transmission are available to order in the limited production run of 50 units each from $135,000* and $148,300* respectively. The first customer deliveries are expected early in 2011.

The BMW M3 features a 309 kW V8 engine. Peak torque is 400 Nm. The BMW M3 Coupé sprints to 100 km/h in 4.8 sec (4.9 sec for the Sedan), while fuel consumption for both models in the EU test cycle is 12.4 litres/100 km.

All M3s, including the Pure Edition, feature the signature variable M differential lock – with up to 100 per cent locking action with fully variable action whenever required – which provides perfect traction for the rear wheels.

Brake Energy Regeneration as well as Automatic Start / Stop function are also standard across the entire M3 range, as well as high-performance ventilated and perforated compound disk brakes.

Like other M3 Coupés, the Pure Edition also features a lightweight carbon-fibre roof.

* Manufacturer’s Recommended List Price is shown and includes GST and Luxury Car Tax (LCT) but excludes dealer charges, stamp duty, statutory charges and on-road charges which are additional and vary between dealers and States/Territories. Customers are advised to contact their nearest BMW dealer for all pricing inquiries.

Caradvice.com took the BMW X5 M to a test drive. The verdict? The BMW X5 M has mind-blowing acceleration, transmission, sound, steering feel, handling, braking, space, seats, and HUD. Here’s an excerpt of their review.

There’s something completely self-indulgent about hauling your family across the countryside at warp speed, all while sitting in complete luxury. Meet the latest addition to the M stable: BMW’s X5 M. Yes, it’s the sound that really impresses.

This M has a deep bellowing growl that sounds nothing like its naturally aspirated V8 brethren. The M3 has a crisp, wailing roar, sounding exactly like a V8 should at lower RPM, while it gets better and more trumpet-like as it spins to over 8000rpm. The X5 M’s is completely different, due in part to its two turbochargers which alter its acoustics. It’s more of a warbly, horizontally-opposed-style sound, with a distinctive thumping beat that ascends very quickly as you flex your right foot.

With 4.4-litres of capacity and two, twin-scroll turbochargers, the X5 M will crank out 408kW and a massive 680Nm from just 1500rpm. You can feel it, too. This SUV will haul from 0-100km/h in just 4.7 seconds – that makes it the equal quickest SUV on sale in Australia today, a title it shares with Porsche’s much more expensive (and smaller) Cayenne Turbo. Because peak torque is delivered from such a low rpm, the X5 M is fantastically tractable, pulling in sixth gear by just breathing on the accelerator. In fact on part throttle, its drivability is brilliant, as it’s a sinch to thread through gaps in the traffic with its near instant response.

We say “near instant” because there’s a hint of softness as the turbos spool up – we’re talking milliseconds here – but for the size of the engine and for having two snails hanging off it, it’s effectively lag-free. As you paddle through the ratios there’s a fantastic, deep “whump!” from the exhaust and a hefty shove as the car whacks in the next gear behind the engine. Alternatively, you can just leave it in Sport mode. The beauty is Sport mode downshifts as you brake, setting the car up for the next corner with a lower ratio ready to go. It’s so intelligent that after using it for a while, we left the paddles alone, and just let the automatic think for us. Sport mode also keeps the revs up, always maintaining boost for the two turbochargers nestled in the banks of the V-configuration.
But the automatic is has a split personality. Sport will whack each gear in, making for very quick changes, yet in normal mode, it’s as smooth and seamless as any six-speed should be. Driving it normally, you’d be forgiven if you couldn’t feel the changes, nor detect what kind of engine lurks under the bonnet. Perfect for keeping the drive smooth and the family happy.

Although it launches harder than any other SUV you would have ever felt (and will have you giggling like a four-year-old) it piles on speed in such a linear fashion that it’s hard to keep track of how quick it actually is. And it’s the top end where your eyes will be wide open. It does not let up. Ever.

Source: Caradvice

A navigation system is one of the most popular options given to a customer when buying a car. Have you ever wondered how the BMW’s navigation system compares to other cars?

Well, BMW’s US$2,100 navigation system offered for their 3 Series fleet. It adds a traffic display and BMW iDrive system with a lot of shortcut buttons. Kicking tires puts the BMW 3 Series navigation system into the test and comparison. Here is an excerpt of their review:

On Wednesday, we laid out plans to take several navigation systems — the pricey factory systems in an Acura TSX, a BMW 3 Series and an Infiniti G37, plus a $180 handheld Garmin Nuvi 255W — and see how they dealt with a range of simple and challenging routes. We started easy, then threw in everything from pit stops and missed exits to recently constructed highways and brand-new housing developments.

The results were illuminating. By day’s end, each of the systems had stumbled at least once. But when we tallied the evaluation, BMW’s Harman-supplied system won the day.

The Winner: BMW 3 Series

All four systems took recently completed sections of the I-355, and all four found a new subdivision in Plainfield, Ill., though the BMW’s showed a few more roads than the others. In the end, the 3 Series’ system put us on the most expedient routes, even lopping off some time at the end. After a rough start, it completed the evaluation with few of the G37’s wrong-headed instructions and none of the smaller routing issues the TSX and Garmin incurred. It’s not the cheapest or most feature-packed system, but for simply getting the job done, BMW’s system won the day.

Source: Kicking Tires