What about the next generation BMW 5 Series?

What about the next generation BMW 5 Series?

by Evander Klum

To be launched in 2010, the next generation BMW 5 Series comes with an entirely new platform as well as a new exterior designs. Generally speaking, the design is entirely different from the E60 5 Series. The only resemblance is the "flame surfacing", as how BMW calls it. This is composed of concave and convex shapes.

These insights were according to Radovan Varicak, a BMW insider.

A car that is already on the pedestal, the sixth generation BMW 5 Series will have an excellent, particularly luxurious design which will be initiated by Adrian van Hooydonk, BMW's design manager.

In order to comply with stronger pedestrian protection laws and policies, the front-end will somewhat featue a more upright kidney grille. With unstretched head lights, the BMW 5 Series' "flame surfacing" will be clearly depicted in the engine hood's lines. Now, the rear roofline and C-pillar transcends more fluidly to the trunk lid. For a more impressive width, the parts of the tail-lights continue onto the trunk lid.

With an all new Chasis, the sixth generation 5-series has feature similar to double wishbones in the front, like on the new X5. The BMW chasis engineeers said this is to yield better control and road grip around corners. The adaptive shock absorbers is arranged to become more efficient and for the sake of active steering. This is done with the help of the trmendously fast Flex-Ray automotive network communications protocol. The Bavarian auto manufacturer will also be updating its iDrive system with an addition of another couple of programmable buttons.

The sedan is sporty enough. In fact it will come with a V10 motor. That is more power than the 507hp offered in today's edition.

The BMW insider said the auto maker is not closing its doors to the possibility of putting a similar technology as the full-hybrid system with an electric motor while the making of the model is not yet done.

With all these features, BMW fans will certainly be more excited for the launch of this new vahicle.

BMW, maker of quality BMW air filter, is the abbreviation for Bayerische Motoren Werke. It is translated in English as Bavarian Motor Works. It is an independent German company and at the same time manufacturer of motorcycles and automobiles. It is from where MINI and Rolls-Royce came from.

With the company slogan "The Ultimate Driving Machine", BMW is committed to be such through its inventions and innovations.

Is BMW Going To Buy Volvo?

Is BMW Going To Buy Volvo?

by Glady Reign

Earlier this year, the auto industry saw the luxury brand Aston Martin being sold by its owner, the Ford Motor Company. The sale took place as Ford is seeking funding for its turn around plan. The past years have been tough for the Dearborn, Michigan-based car manufacturer as they incurred their biggest loss in their storied history.

After the sale of Aston Martin to a consortium of buyers led by David Richards of Team Prodrive, there were talks about whether Ford will sell another brand that it owns under the Premiere Automotive Group. While there were talks then that the Jaguar may be the next brand to be put on the auction block, Ford declined to comment. Recently though, a part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group (PAG) is being reported to be taken over by German car company BMW.

Word has it in the auto industry that BMW is interested in buying the biggest brand under the PAG - Volvo. The Swedish brand may be suffering from reduced sales in the United States but it is still one of the most valuable brands that Ford owns. Talks about the possible takeover of BMW at Volvo came after BMW is reported to have requested for a complete breakdown of Volvo's financial status from a European bank. The said inquiry has raised the issue that BMW may be interested in purchasing Volvo from the struggling company. Experts in the industry agreed that BMW may be looking to expand their offering to consumers.

Another reason for BMW's interest in Volvo is the reported plan to further expand the MINI brand by sharing Volvo's platform with the small cars of the MINI brand.

Some industry insiders are reported to have said that Volvo will be a welcome addition to BMW's portfolio. The reputation of Volvo being a producer of safe cars as well as for producing vehicles with reliable parts such as Volvo motor mounts, suspension assembly, steering systems, and the likes will surely complement BMW's image of being a producer of cars built for driving pleasure. Both brands are also known for their concern for the environment and the two brands making developments together is seen as one of the reasons for BMW's rumored interest on Volvo. Although the auto industry is filled with these talks, Ford, Volvo and BMW have yet to make a comment on the issue.

This silence from the camps concerned has led to speculations among industry trend followers. It is predicted that if indeed BMW will acquire Volvo from Ford, the Swedish brand's larger vehicles will be delegated to BMW to share platforms with. On the other hand, smaller Volvo vehicles will be sharing platforms with the MINI brand which BMW has so far successfully revived. As Volvo's larger vehicles are merged with BMW's, these vehicles will be introduced to the market with either a rear-wheel or a four-wheel drive configuration. For smaller vehicles, they are believed to continue using the front-wheel drive configuration.

While these are merely speculations, they have a ring of practicality in them. If indeed Volvo is sold to BMW, Ford will have an additional short-term financial boost while BMW will have a strong brand under its portfolio.

To this issue, online consumers affirmed that they could not see for selling Volvo to BMW. One point raised is the fact that Volvo has been helping Ford and Ford has been helping Volvo since the car maker from Dearborn has acquired the Swedish company. Some consumers pointed out that selling Volvo will not make sense for Ford since even if Volvo is posting reduced sale in the United States, the brand is turning a profit globally. It was also pointed out that Jaguar may be the one that Ford needs to sell although at the brand's state right now, it is hard to find a company willing to purchase a dying brand. No matter what BMW has in mind for requesting Volvo's financial status, the rest of the world needs only to wait since a sale such as this (if ever) will be hard to conceal from the rest of the industry.

BMW Motorrad's Neck Brace System To Boost Road Safety

BMW Motorrad's Neck Brace System To Boost Road Safety

by Anthony Fontanelle

The German automaker BMW has worked with African Physician Chris Leatt to produce a device to reduce the risk of neck and spinal cord injuries for motorcycle riders.

The Neck Brace System of the German automaker is made from a mix of Kevlar, carbon fibre and fibre-glass which is a good combination that could deliver supreme strength. The system also is comfortable to wear. This is because a soft, gentle and impact-absorbing foam layer that is placed between the hardened outer casing and the rider. To easily slip the Neck Brace System around the neck, like a collar, two rapid action fasteners are fixed at its side. These fasteners allow for simple handling and easy adjustment.

The Neck Brace System was developed by BMW Motorrad in partnership with South African physician Leatt and his team of accident researchers, bio-mechanics and surgeons. It provides protection by offering a restraining effect if the rider's head moves greatly forwards, backwards, or to the sides. The rider is also given able to retain freedom of movement needed for riding, with any risk of over-stretching of the neck, in any given direction, significantly reduced. Injuries arising from forces coming down from the helmet to the spine are absorbed by the corrugated edging that surrounds the BMW Motorrad's system. In essence, the innovative system is engineered to provide optimum protection for the spine during an accident.

Conrad Parker, the National Aftersales Manager of BMW Motorrad, said: "The BMW Neck Brace System is a revolutionary move in terms of motorcycling safety, and is the biggest step forward for rider safety equipment since the introduction of body-armour, the back protector and full-face helmets." He added, "The launch of this system reinforces BMW Motorrad's goal to make motorcycling as safe as possible by incorporating new technology in the Rider Equipment range. I am in no doubt that riders the world over will put safety first and welcome the benefits this protective equipment offers."

BMW, an independent German company and manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles, is the parent company of Rolls-Royce and MINI car brands. The company also was the owner of Rover. It stands by the slogan "The Ultimate Driving Machine."

The German automaker has always had a tight and loyal community following. This is because of its etched philosophy for quality. Auto parts like the BMW antenna, radiators, engines, and other auto equipment are carefully designed and assembled to ensure durability and performance. The automaker is one of the few that support product lines to their limits thus providing 'spirited driving' in certain operation manuals.

In the summer of 2001, the company even went further by starting the BMW Films website and offering some sporty models being driven to extremes. These videos became very famous within the enthusiast community and have illuminated a lot of auto owners searching for a sporty or fun car. However, despite the overwhelming success, BMW Films were taken offline on October 21, 2005.

At present, the German automaker is concentrating on producing product lines that are sure to catch the attention of the aficionados. The company is also absorbed in formulating new innovations to further enhance road safety and limit injuries relating to road accidents.

BMW Sales: Creeping Once Again

BMW Sales: Creeping Once Again

by Anthony Fontanelle

The BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd is confident of having another good year, selling more cars than it did in 2006. "We have started well in 2007 with sales growing 37 percent quarter on quarter to hit 535 units in the first quarter," said the managing director Wolfgang Schlimme. "We have been growing for the last four years. Overall sales growth since 2003, when we sold 2,176 vehicles, was about 60 percent," added Schlimme.

Year 2006 was the group's best year ever. The company sold a total of 3,472 vehicles. "We are going in the right direction and setting our priorities in terms of model line-up, availability and pricing. These are the reasons we are different from others. This has led us to continue growing in the past few years against the trend in the auto industry," noted Schlimme.

This year, BMW has launched a bunch of new models - the 325i Sports, 3 Series Coupe, Z4 M Coupe, X3 and the new MINI. Schlimme said that the pace would continue as the group strongly believed customers should have access to the very latest and best of BMW models as soon as right-hand drive versions became available. He also noted that the new X5 will be launched soon.

The BMW 3 Series is an entry-level luxury car which has started production since May 1975. It was the successor to the 2002 coupe, retaining much of that car's styling while adding a more powerful 2.0 L 110 horsepower engine and other performance enhancements. The model, equipped with cream-of-the-crop BMW auto parts, is the automaker's best selling automobile and it is the one accounting for about 40 percent of all automobiles sold in 2005.

Schlimme pointed out that BMW was also a pioneer in new technology, having launched an in-built global positioning system and night vision system for its cars. "A key decisive factor for our success here is our dealer network. At the end of the day, it is not our team in Cyberjaya but our service advisers, sales representatives and management of BMW dealers that provide first impressions and create long-lasting customer relationships for us. The biggest sales success for BMW is contributed by our dealers," he said.

At present, the automaker has 13 dealerships in the country, with another outlet to be opened by year-end in Damansara in the Klang Valley. "Our dealer network is one of our priorities in the day-to-day business. Our dealers are consistently upgrading their existing facilities, capacities and competence for customer convenience," Schlimme said.

To support its dealers, the German automaker is providing architectural consulting, workshop equipment consulting, communications and marketing as well as the availability of demo cars. "We are in the background, supporting and making the dealers' sales and after sales capabilities as strong, competent and credible as possible. This is how it should be," Schlimme stressed.

Over the years, the German automaker along with its partners had invested over RM250mil in the country. The aftermath of the said partnership is the three most essential regional facilities in the country. These facilities play an essential role in realizing the company's goals for the region.

"We are enlarging our training offerings at the centre, which services 14 markets. Our group data centre provides information technology structure support to BMW organizations globally. It also serves the group's worldwide network for specific competences, for example, in the global plant logistics system," Schlimme said.

The BMW group will also start providing its customers a one-stop sales and financing resource, with the completion of its purchase of SimeLease (M) Sdn Bhd and its subsidiary, SimeCredit (M) Sdn Bhd. The two companies, which will be called BMW Lease (M) Sdn Bhd and BMW Credit (M) Sdn Bhd, will allow the company to promote innovative finance solutions to customers via the BMW global network.

Audi S5 Reviewed in Fast-Autos

Audi S5 Reviewed in Fast-Autos

by John Hartley

A completely new model, the Audi S5 is the top of the 5 Series, a brand new range which is filled out with the A5 models. All look very similar, and provide good performance in a neat package. Stiff competition for the BMW 3 series coupe, but can it compete with the BMW 650i, Jaguar XK or Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG? Possibly.

In any event, the Audi S5 is a sleek looking coupe, with a front end reminiscent of the R8, and a semi-fastback roof line, and just discernible swept lines up and over the front and rear wheels. It is a smart looking car, and one that will blend in well at the country club. Like almost all Audi designs, the S5 and A5 are smart, balanced designs with some neat features, but there is nothing shocking, nothing very exciting about the shape.

V-8 power, 354 bhp

But what about performance? Well, Audi has picked its V-8 to give enough power to see off many competitors, although this is not the most powerful version of this superb engine. For the S5 it is rated at 354 bhp at 7,000 rpm, with 325 lb ft (440 Nm) torque at 3,500 rpm, against the 420 bhp of the RS4.

So it is not as fast as it might be, but still packs plenty of oomph, taking the S5 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, which is true supercar territory, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. This really puts it up with some heavy metal, although it is nowhere as quick as the Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG, which has 480 bhp on tap from a massive 6.2 liter engine.

On the other hand, the straightline performance of the Audi A5 is slightly better than that of the BMW 650i and Jaguar XK, and up there with the likes of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and Porsche 911 Carrera.

The V-8 is coupled to a six-speed manual box in the S5. More important, Audi has adopted a front:rear torque split of 40:60% for the center differential. This means that in the normal state the car will not understeer strongly like the front-biased split of some Audi quattros. This means the car will handle nearer neutral, which is good.

Also new is the double-wishbone front suspension and trapezoidal multi-link rear suspension which will ensure good tracking and handling.

Jaw-Breaking Cars At The 2007 Geneva Motor Show

Jaw-Breaking Cars At The 2007 Geneva Motor Show

by Ryan Thomas

Geneva is not the capital of Switzerland however it did not divest the territory of the European and its cosmopolitan feel. But when Geneva Motor Show arrives, the territory radiates nothing short of breathtaking and the cars jaw-breaking. The said show showcases latest production vehicles, concept cars, supercars and sports cars.

An auto aficionado may not probably get enough of the offers of the Geneva Motor Show nonetheless there are few autos that could make him astonished for awhile. The anticipated show stars in the said show include the Saab Aero X concept, the Rinspeed zaZen, and the Porsche 911 GT3.

The Saab Aero X concept is one of the biggest surprises in the auto show. Inspired by the aviation heritage of the automaker, the concept car features an enormous canopy encircling the front windscreen, roof and doors that tilts and rotates forward. The style is resorted to by Saab to allow access to the cabin. To some, the concept car from Saab is deemed an extraordinary supercar.

Under the bonnet of the supercar is a twin-turbo V6 engine that runs on 100 percent bioethanol fuel and produces 400bhp. The fuel is sustainable energy source that diminishes CO2 emissions. If the supercar is produced, it will be engineered to showcase four-wheel drive and hit 62mph from rest in 4.9 seconds. Nevertheless, an enthusiast could not think anymore about the car figures, its stunning look could capture just anybody's attention at once or without them even knowing about it.

Another arresting car is the Rinspeed zaZen. The extraordinary concept car from Rinspeed needs no further description. With its single piece transparent teardrop Porsche 911-based roof design, no one would doubt its potentials for a head-turner car.

The innovative roof of the zaZen was developed by Bayer Material Science using high tech plastics. The roof of the concept car could have stolen the headlines these past few days but seeing it up close is more than stunning. Rinspeed calls the roof of the vehicle a 'crystal skin' for this is where millions of tiny Swarovski crystals are embedded in the surface. The Swarovski crystals are also featured on the front and rear lights, as well as the side indicators. The use of crystals is one of zaZen's factors that made it dazzling. Inside the concept car are transparent sports seats and a delicious mango orange finish.

Many jaws will definitely be slackened by the Porsche 911 GT3. The car is equipped with neater nose and more stunning. The Porsche 911 GT3 is a high performance version of the 911. The car is based on the automaker's GT3 race car.

Other cars that may turn show stars include the Audi A5, BMW M3, Dodge Demon concept, Fiat 500, Ford Mondeo, Honda Small Hybrid Sports Concept, Kia ex_cee'd concept, Maserati GranTurismo, Mazda Hakaze concept, MINI Clubman, Toyota Hybrid X and the Vauxhall Corsa VXR.

At the said motor show, Nissan will be unveiling equally-gorgeous updated version of the 350Z. The thrilling sports car from the automaker features the next generation 3.5 V6 engine. About 80 percent of major engine parts are new. To improve responsiveness and acceleration, Nissan brake caliper is integrated to the car's system.

With cars like these, no passionate aficionado would dare miss this year's Geneva Motor Show.

2007 World Green Car Award Finalist: The VW Polo BlueMotion

2007 World Green Car Award Finalist: The VW Polo BlueMotion

by Benjamin Hudson

The Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion sold in the European market was named as one of the finalists for the 2007 World Green Car of the Year. More than 40 automotive journalists from all over the world selected the top three finalists for this year's award. The other two finalists for the 2007 World Green Car of the Year award include the BMW Hydrogen 7 and the Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC.

According to a Volkswagen Group official press release, "The Polo BlueMotion is Europe's most economical five-seat automobile, offering the equivalent of 60 miles per gallon. The key to the Polo BlueMotion's efficiency is the optimization of an already economical package. Incorporation of longer ratio gears in the standard five-speed manual transmission, application-specific light weight alloy wheels, and lower rolling resistance 165/70 R14 tires all contribute to increased fuel economy. The lightweight body structure has enhanced aerodynamics to further improve its efficiency. The Polo BlueMotion doesn't ask its owners to compromise, as its sprightly performance and sporty chassis dynamics provide the "fun to drive" element inherent in Volkswagen's brand DNA."

Introduced at the 2006 Geneva International Auto Show, the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion hatchback model features a 3-cylinder TDI engine delivering 80 hp (59 kW) at 4,000 rpm and develops a maximum torque output of 144 lb.-ft. (195 Nm) rotating at engine speeds of 2,200 rpm. The engine significantly offers improved fuel efficiency with only 3.9 liters of fuel consumption. In addition, the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion made it as a finalist in the 2007 World Green Car of the Year award because of the low exhaust (CO2) emissions provided by the 3-cylinder TDI engine. The reduced CO2 emissions was achieved, thanks to the engine's advanced systems including turbo diesel fuel direct injection, optimized exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), improved EGR cooler, and electrically powered EGR valve with VW valve cover and VW valve cover gasket. The engine is connected through a standard 5-speed manual gearbox.

Exterior highlights of the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion incude side flasher lamps integrated in the outside rearview mirrors, rear spoiler, radiator grille insert, front and rear bumpers in sporty design, side trim strips, sill panel, 14-inch "Jerez" alloy wheels with 165/70 R 14 performance tires, and the "BlueMotion" badge at the rear.

Inside, the Volkswagen Polo BlueMotion comes with four spoke steering wheel, indicator lamps and service interval indicator, seat stripes in "Popcorn" or "Select" pattern, and electric window lifts. In addition, advanced active and passive safety systems are also available as standard equipments including driver and front passenger air bags with front passenger airbag deactivation switch, side air bags for driver and front passenger, height adjustable 3-point automatic front safety belts with belt tensioners, rear head restraints, and antilock braking system (ABS) with convenience braking assist (BA).