Showing posts with label BMW. Show all posts
Showing posts with label BMW. Show all posts

2011 BMW High Performance 2 Sport

2011 BMW High Performance 2 Sport2011 BMW High Performance 2 Sport Picture

When BMW Motorrad presented the BMW HP2 Sport in autumn 2007, a dream came accurate for abounding boxer fans. Not alone is the BMW HP2 Sport still the sportiest and best able alternation assembly collapsed accompanying of all time tailored to accommodated the needs of aggressive two-cylinder sports riders – its abundant absolute capacity acclimated up to now alone in motorsports which entered alternation assembly for the aboriginal time on the HP2 Sport are absolutely fascinating.

Now BMW Motorrad is afterward up with the road-licensed “HP2 Sport Motorsport” appropriate model.

The HP2 Sport accomplished abundant successes in array of contest all over the apple in the accomplished 3 years, amid added things with the BMW Motorrad Works Team in called Endurance Apple Cup races. The antagonism boxer took allotment in acclaimed 24-hour abstract such as Le Mans or Bol d'Or.

Like the branch machines the fairing, ammunition tank, bank bench, advanced mudguard and agent addle-brain are corrective in the BMW Motorsport colours Alpine White, Lupine Blue brownish and Magma Red. The artificial aluminium auto are in Lupine Blue brownish at the advanced and Alpine White at the rear. In accession this absolute appropriate copy with the blooming and atramentous alpha cardinal areas on the bank anatomy as able-bodied as the branch sticker set is visually actual abutting to the acknowledged BMW Motorrad Motorsport works motorcycle.

The HP2 Sport Motorsport has the aforementioned abstruse base as the HP2 Sport launched in 2007. The collapsed accompanying agent able with bifold aerial camshafts and high-engine-speed able cam followers acclimated for valve operation delivers 98 kW (133 hp) at 8750 rpm. Best torque is 115 Nm at 6000 rpm, best agent acceleration actuality 9500 rpm.

The stainless animate bankrupt arrangement runs beneath the agent and generates the consummate clear boxer complete from a silencer which is aerodynamically able-bodied placed beneath the bank bench.

A added absolute antagonism affection is the about-face abettor in affiliation with the carefully synchronised gearbox which permits fast upshifting after accepting to accomplish the clamp or stop accelerating. In adjustment to about-face the about-face arrangement for motorracing if required, a corresponding barter burden sensor is accessible as an option.

The accessories and abeyance of the BMW HP2 Sport Motorsport additionally appearance motorracing technology. The bounce elements of the Öhlins sports abeyance are absolutely adjustable and a Brembo braking arrangement with radially anchored monoblock four-piston anchored callipers ensures optimum deceleration alike in boxy motorracing conditions.

Optimum ergonomics are ensured by the adjustable bottom blow system, the casting aluminium adjustable handlebar ends as able-bodied as the radial-hand Magura instruments. The accepted 2D dashboard, which stems anon from MotoGP racing, provides the addition with accepted advice as able-bodied as with lap times and added motorsports accordant data.

Lightweight architecture was a above agency in designing all components. This not alone includes the independent advanced allowance and the independent rear fabricated of carbon or the weight-optimised artificial wheels, but additionally hidden capacity such as the failing architect acclimated in motorsports.

With a dry weight of alone 178 kilograms (199 kg absolutely fuelled according to the DIN norm), the BMW HP2 Sport Motorsport provides antic administration and abundant motorsports potential, be it on country anchorage or on the racetrack.

As an advantage BMW Motorrad offers ABS abnormally acclimatized for sports use. An added burden sensor in the advanced anchor ambit permits added acute anchor adjustment and prevents the ascendancy assemblage from absolution the advanced anchor too aboriginal back weight is taken off the rear caster suddenly. The ABS can additionally be deactivated for racetrack use.

2011 BMW X3 xDrive35i: Retain youth with racy SUV

A Peg Perego Duette child stroller. The pair of Old English mastiffs you're dog-sitting indefinitely. A glee club. A metamorphosis of priorities has dropped one or more of these into your world, and suddenly your slick little two-seater won't work for you anymore.

So let me offer a suggestion: Check out BMW's redesigned 2011 X3 xDrive35i.
It's not necessarily the best all-around vehicle in the luxury compact SUV segment, which includes the Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK and Acura RDX. But without question, this second-generation X3 is the fastest, sportiest and most fun to drive of its peers.
In short, the fun of owning an all-wheel-drive BMW X3 xDrive35i is inversely proportional to the fun of saying its name. The loaded example I tested has a sticker price of $53,015.
The bulk of the fun comes from this X3's engine. The 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder unit is a paragon of turbocharged goodness and puts out 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. A variation of this engine is in numerous other BMWs — including the company's Z4 roadster and its full-size 740i sedan — so the power plant is certainly up to the challenge in the X3.
BMW says the X3 35i will scoot from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, which is creeping into sports car territory. Consider that the Lincoln MKX I recently reviewed, no slouch itself and a competitor to this BMW, needed 7.2 seconds to hit the same speed.
Helping the X3 35i's prodigious acceleration is the fact that its engine's maximum torque is available from 1,300-5,000 rpm. This wide range means that almost any time you mash the gas pedal, you can expect instant gratification.
Not only does the X3 35i move forward like a sports car, but it sounds like one too. The sharp engine note is a tenor fresh from adolescence, and it can be a bit intrusive for a luxury SUV when cruising about town.
Shift the eight-speed automatic transmission into its Sport mode, and you hear more of the engine. This is because in Sport, the tranny lets the engine get closer to its 7,000-rpm redline before changing gears.
Drivers can also shift the transmission manually using the gear shift knob, though pulling the lever back to upshift is counter to nearly every other setup I can think of. The X3 35i I tested took the manual shifting one step further with optional paddle shifters as part of the $1,250 Sport Activity package.
The transmission's eight speeds, the last two of which are in effect overdrive gears, help the X3 35i achieve an EPA rating of 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. Over 500 miles of testing, I saw an average of 19 mpg.
Further sporty pretensions come in the form of BMW's Dynamic Damper Control. This electronic system, seen elsewhere in BMW's lineup, offers drivers three modes: Normal, Sport and Sport Plus.
Each setting progressively dials up throttle responsiveness, suspension firmness and steering input while incrementally delaying the point at which the stability control intervenes.
After a week with the X3 35i, I found keeping the system in Sport mode to be just the right fit. Normal mode kept the throttle too hesitant and slow to respond. Sport Plus was a peach during particularly aggressive driving but kept the suspension too firm for daily use.
Buyers looking to get into a BMW X3 without paying the 35i's $41,925 base price have the X3 28i as an option. This non-turbocharged version starts at $37,625 and has 240 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque from its inline six-cylinder engine. It shares the X3 35i's eight-speed transmission.
Both X3s are larger than their predecessor, gaining 3.4 inches of length, 1.1 inches of width and about half an inch in height. This larger package is wrapped in a shell that's unquestionably better-looking and more upscale than the original X3.
The front shows off broader and more confident shoulders while the back looks like a BMW X5 that's been shrink-wrapped. More than a few X3 owners will delight in their new cars being mistaken for their larger and more luxurious cousin.
The X3 interior is best described as disciplined luxury; the inside of competitors such as the Infiniti EX35 or Volvo XC 60 are more sumptuous and inviting.
That's not to say the X3's cabin isn't comfortable or well-made. It just follows the X3's overall mantra of favoring sport over other facets.
In typical BMW fashion, the X3's dashboard is Teutonic simplicity at its best. Four analog gauges show drivers only what they must absolutely know. A small digital screen mounted too low at the bottom of the dashboard shows the trip computer, stereo information or directions from the optional navigation system.
At the top of the center console sits a gorgeous eight-inch screen that is the main display for the navigation system and backup camera, both of which are included in a $3,200 Technology package.
While as helpful as most navigation systems on the market, this one suffered from overly complicated menus and sub-menus. Also, the voice guidance seemed out of sync with what the display was showing. For best results, put the dear lady on mute.
Aside from a larger-than-normal blind spot, the rest of the cabin is superb. The seats are comfortable. There's plenty of headroom and legroom for all passengers, but cargo room is a little below average for this segment.
They say the true definition of compromise is when both parties are unhappy with the result. Clearly BMW didn't get the memo. Whether it's a lifestyle change or a spousal edict forcing you out of a sports car and into something more practical, consider the X3 xDrive35i.
Just make sure those mastiffs don't get carsick.
———
2011 BMW X3 XDRIVE35I:
—Base price: $41,925 (including destination charge)
—Price, as tested: $53,015
—Powertrain: 3.0-liter, DOHC, 24-valve inline turbocharged six-cylinder; eight-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode and manual shifting
—Horsepower: 300 at 5,800 rpm
—Torque: 300 pound-feet at 1,300-5,000 rpm
—0-60 acceleration: 5.5 seconds
—Curb weight: 4,222 pounds
—Wheelbase: 110.6 inches
—Overall length: 183.0 inches
—EPA fuel economy: 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway
—Final thoughts: Your sports car is showing.

BMW Insider Says All-new 2012 M5 will offer All-Wheel-Drive Option


Revealed in concept car guise at the recent Shanghai auto show, the new BMW M5 will not only be the first turbocharged M5 to hit the streets, but also the first one with an optional all-wheel drive system, or at least that’s what an unnamed company insider told British car magazine, Autocar. The company official said the all-wheel drive model will be built around the upcoming V8-powered M5 sedan, but didn’t go into any further details on the technical specs. Read more »

Italdesign’s Sexy BMW Nazca M12 Concept Could be Yours for $1.1 million


One of the most memorable concept models from the decade that brought us grunge, the internet, Playstation and the Prius, is Italdesign’s series of BMW Nazca supercar studies. Designed by the great Giorgetto Giugiaro who was also responsible for BMW’s production M1 sports car, the Nazca M12 made its debut in 1991 and was followed in by a more hardcore version called the Nazca C2 in 1992 and an open-top Spider C2 model in 1993.

Now, one of the Nazca concepts has been put up for sale by a dealer located in the Czech Republic. The car seen here is based on the body of the 1991 Nazca M12 but features an Alpina-prepped 5.7-liter V12 engine (sourced from the 750i / 850i of the era) producing 379HP.

Read more »

Mercedes Benz planning GLC and GLK to take on BMW’s X1 and X3 in India

The BMW X1 has opened-up an all new segment in the Indian SUV market. The BMW X1 is placed as an entry-level premium SUV. The BMW X1 is priced between Rs 22 lakh to Rs 29 lakh ex-showroom Delhi. Other manufacturers including Audi are now scrambling to launch a product in this segment. Audi has plans of the Q3 which could be launched by 2012.

Mercedes Benz has been fairly quite since the launch of the BMW X1. But now, even Mercedes Benz is planning a SUV in the entry level segment. According to The Hindu, who are quoting Mr. Peter Honegg, MD and CEO Mercedes Benz India saying that the X1 rival from Mercedes Benz will arrive in 2013-14.
The Mercedes Benz GLC will take on the X1 in India. The GLC will be primarily front-wheel-drive to keep the costs down and will feature an inline 4 cylinder engine mated to a 7 speed automatic. The GLC crossover will come packed with the latest safety features as well and Mercedes Benz will try to make this the car’s USP.
Secondly, Mercedes Benz is also weighing in on the GLK to take on the BMW X3. As we all know, BMW is the current leader in the premium segment in terms of sales. Mercedes Benz will be keen to get on top once again. At the moment GLK is only available with left-hand-drive hence, Mercedes will have to wait for the new model to arrive before launching it in India.
All said, we will see a host of SUVs driving in to the Indian market which will offer premium luxury at an affordable price. BMW has sold 338 units of the X1 in the months following January 2011 till March 2011. Demand for the X1 is so high that BMW is struggling to keep up with the orders. This shows how much potential the segment has to offer and hence automakers like Audi and Mercedes Benz will try to capitalize on it.
Until the Q3 and the GLC arrive, BMW will have the upper hand but, only if they manage to keep the waiting period for the X1 under control. BMW has already begun scaling up the current capacity at the Chennai plant. The company plans to setup a second plant in the country which will come online after 2015 and cars like the next-generation X3 and X1 will roll out from the new facility.

BMW 3-Series Still Top Dog despite Strong Competition


In the ingloriously named, “small premium car segment”, the BMW 3-Series is king. A good all-rounder with sporting pretensions and cred, a nice assortment of engine and equipment options, and perhaps most importantly, a variety of body styles including a coupe and station wagon derivative that have ensured its market supremacy.

All 3-Series models are doing their bit to keep sales high. According to a study released by R.L. Polk & Co., from 2008 through this past February, the 3-Series sedan covered around 60 percent of the model's retail registrations, with the coupe, convertible and station wagon versions accounting for the rest of the sales.

Read more »

BMW 3-Series Still Top Dog despite Strong Competition


In the ingloriously named, “small premium car segment”, the BMW 3-Series is king. A good all-rounder with sporting pretensions and cred, a nice assortment of engine and equipment options, and perhaps most importantly, a variety of body styles including a coupe and station wagon derivative that have ensured its market supremacy.

All 3-Series models are doing their bit to keep sales high. According to a study released by R.L. Polk & Co., from 2008 through this past February, the 3-Series sedan covered around 60 percent of the model's retail registrations, with the coupe, convertible and station wagon versions accounting for the rest of the sales.

Read more »

Top Five Posts as of 5-1


This week, the Civic post, 2012 Honda Civic shown, continues to lead the pack by an almost two to one margin over the second most popular post of the week by page views, 2012 ZL1 reveals Chevy performance Camaro-style.

This week's Jeep love comes from the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 defines SUV high performance (right) that comes in at number three.

The BMW Vision is a go post announced the production of BMW's striking Vision concept which will be known as the i8. (Here is the post announcing the new BMW "i" sub brand - above)

The Top Five for this week is completed by the Quick Look: 2012 Ford Focus post.

Check out posts at sister site
uautoknow.net - Classic.

Don't forget to check out the uautoknownet channel at YouTube.

Top Five Posts as of 5-1


This week, the Civic post, 2012 Honda Civic shown, continues to lead the pack by an almost two to one margin over the second most popular post of the week by page views, 2012 ZL1 reveals Chevy performance Camaro-style.

This week's Jeep love comes from the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 defines SUV high performance (right) that comes in at number three.

The BMW Vision is a go post announced the production of BMW's striking Vision concept which will be known as the i8. (Here is the post announcing the new BMW "i" sub brand - above)

The Top Five for this week is completed by the Quick Look: 2012 Ford Focus post.

Check out posts at sister site
uautoknow.net - Classic.

Don't forget to check out the uautoknownet channel at YouTube.