0 The new BMW Z4

The new BMW Z4 is out. In case you are wondering what's new. Well, it's the first BMW with a retractable Hard-Top roof. I wonder why it took them so long. The Mercedes SLK has had retractable hardroofs for a long time.

Anyway, the two-piece, electro-hydraulically operated Retractable Hard-Top roof can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds.

There is a choice of three six-cylinder engines. Their flagship model features the International Engine of the Year winning 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged engine. It produces 306hp at 5,800rpm, and the car goes from zero to 62mph in 5.2 seconds (5.1 seconds for a Double Clutch Transmission-equipped car) and on to an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.



The new BMW Z4 is slightly larger than its predecessor measuring 148mm longer at 4,239mm and 9mm wider at 1,790mm, and according to their news release, means "greater interior space and luggage capacity". Apprently, this means that the boot is large enough to stow a full set of golf clubs. As for driving comfort, bigger drivers can feel less cramped as there is more head and elbow room.

The new roadster is also offered with Adaptive M Suspension. Electronically controlled dampers allow for three different configurations and can lower the ride height by up to 10mm for a more dynamic drive.

Other new features include their latest generation of the iDrive - BMW Professional Multimedia Navigation system.

Prices of the new Z4 start from £28,645 (OTR ) for the sDrive23i.

Detail: The new BMW Z4

0 Revolutionary concept from BMW

Ever wonder how BMW comes up with their concepts?

The first video of a series presenting a revolutionary concept by BMW appeared on the BMW-web.tv site.

According to what I heard, it's strange because it doesn't fall in any predefined car types - it's not a sedan, nor a SUV or even a station-wagon.



Thanks for the info Markus.

Detail: Revolutionary concept from BMW

0 BMW Concept 5 Series Gand Turismo

You might recall that I blogged about the new BMW concept. Well, I found out that it's called the BMW Concept 5 Series Gand Turismo.

Here's the first footage of the car:

Detail: BMW Concept 5 Series Gand Turismo

0 Two new Minis unvieled

Two new MINI's were unveiled today - the MINI Coupé and a twin. They will be built at the BMW factory in Cowley, near Oxford.

Watch their crazy launch video:



Both cars will be at the IAA - International Motor Show from September 17th onwards.

Detail: Two new Minis unvieled

0 The BMW i8

The BMW i8 plug-in hybrid is the perfect dream car for me - an eco friendly high-performance sports car. It features a passenger cell made from carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) and BMW eDrive technology that enables it to be driven on electric power alone.

Here are some pics from Frankfurt:

Detail: The BMW i8

0 2014 BMW M4 Concept

The BMW Concept M4 Coupe was unveiled at the “Concours d’Elegance” in Pebble Beach on the 16th of this month. A peek into their vision of the future sports car.

Detail: 2014 BMW M4 Concept

0 World Premiere of the BMW i3

The BMW i3 was launched today simultaneously in New York City, London and Beijing.

It is the first purpose-built plug-in electric production vehicle to be made primarily from carbon fiber.

Watch it here:




http://www.live.bmwgroup.com

Detail: World Premiere of the BMW i3

0 BMW M5 Nighthawk

The limited edition BMW M5 Nighthawk. Limited to only 10 units for the Japanese market.

Detail: BMW M5 Nighthawk

0 3rd gen BMW X5

Check out the third generation of the BMW X5  This Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) combines performance and luxury. The new model has enhanced aerodynamics, a few new engine variants, adaptive chassis options and a range of customisable design packages.

Detail: 3rd gen BMW X5

0 The new MINI Paceman

Four versions of the all-new MINI Paceman is set for UK launch in March 2013.

This coupé version of the Countryman goes from a 0-62mph of just 7.5 seconds. The unique design features include upright front grille, with hexagonal radiator grille and broad chrome surround along with the blacked-out pillars creating a ‘floating’ roof. However, the most distinguishing feature is it's roof which gently slopes towards the rear of the car, ending at the integrated spoiler.

The four versions of the car includes two petrol and two diesel. All have powerful four-cylinder engines with a six-speed manual gearbox, or the optional six-speed automatic with Steptronic function for manual control.

For those who want4 wheel drive, MINI’s ALL4 system is available on the Cooper D, SD and Cooper S Paceman models.

MINI Cooper Paceman:

1.6-litre Petrol engine 122bhp

0-62mph in 10.4 seconds,

fuel economy of 47.1mpg

CO2 emissions of 140 g/km.

MINI Cooper S Paceman

1.6-litre Petrol engine tuned to deliver 184bhp.

0-62mph in 7.5 seconds.

Fuel economy is 46.3mpg

CO2 emissions are 143g/km.

MINI Cooper D Paceman

1.6-litre 112bhp turbocharged Diesel engine

0-62mph time of 10.8 seconds.

Fuel economy 64.2mpg

CO2 emissions 115g/km.

MINI Cooper SD Paceman

2.0-litre 143bhp Diesel engine.

0-62mph time is 9.2 seconds.

Fuel economy is 61.4mpg

CO2 emissions 122g/km.

A John Cooper Works Paceman version will also be coming soon.

Prices will start at £18,970 on the road.

Detail: The new MINI Paceman

0 BMW Zagato Roadster concept

The BMW Zagato Roadster, made it's official debut at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance yesterday. This collaboration between BMW and Zagato is based on the BMW Z4 35iS.

Enjoy the pics. What do you think?

Detail: BMW Zagato Roadster concept

0 Would you like to own a used Olympics BMW?

Some great news for all Beemer fans here in the UK. BMW plans to sell off most of their Olympic fleet cars. This includes the 320d and 700 520d EfficientDynamics as well as the new 1 Series ActiveE electric vehicles, MINI E (electric vehicle) and 5 Series ActiveHybrids.

The great news is that there are more cars then their dealers here in the UK can distribute and more than 50% might go up for auction, where some lucky fellow might be able to get them at a bargain (or maybe not). No cofirmation yet as these are all rumours.

It's about time to upgrade my old car for a new one and a Beemer would be ideal. Not sure whether I can afford the Olympic cars even though they are used. I would love to try out the 1 Series ActiveE electric vehicles or Minie Es.

An electric car is an option I am considering for my daily commute to work as we have free recharging points in our car park. I was really jealous when I learnt that several bloggers in Malaysia had been given Nissan Leaf cars to review for a few weeks. That's another car I would love to try out.

Detail: Would you like to own a used Olympics BMW?

0 Bad news for BMW

As the Official Automotive Partner for the London 2012 Olympic, BMW has been taking full advantage of the association. However, a new report from Which? the UK consumer group, has some damning findings.

The BMW 3 Series Convertible and the BMW 5 Series Touring were listed among the top 5 cars likely to be off the road due to faults. The soft top convertible was listed as the worst spending nearly 3.5 days in the repair garage and it was also among the highest in terms of annual repair costs.

The best cars - i.e, cars with the least breakdowns are

1. Honda Jazz
2. Toyota Avensis
3. Suzuki Swift
4. Kia Picanto and the
5. Peugeot 107.

Detail: Bad news for BMW