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Video: BMW lifts the viel a little more on M5
<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sedans/" rel="tag">Sedan</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/videos/" rel="tag">Videos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/video-bmw-lifts-the-viel-a-little-more-on-m5/#continued"><img alt="BMW M5 teaser video" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/m5-630.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 4px 0px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;"> BMW M5 teaser video - Click above to watch video <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/video-bmw-lifts-the-viel-a-little-more-on-m5/#continued">after the jump</a></div> <br /> After the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/03/video-bmw-teases-new-m5-barely/">quick teaser</a> clip <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> unveiled for the next-generation <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/m5">M5</a>, we've been itching to get a better look at the machine. Fortunately for Bimmer-addicts everywhere, the automaker has been so kind as to serve up a lengthier video of the new menace frolicking through the snow. BMW President Kay Segler is even on hand to introduce the super sedan, as well as his company's new initiative to get fans of his brand to submit their M5-inspired stories. We gather that the tales will be collected for a marketing stunt when the vehicle gets an official unveil.<br /> <br /> As you may recall, word has it that BMW has parted ways with the luscious V10 of old in favor of a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that kicks out a raucous 560 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque. All of that muscle gets dumped on the rear wheels.<br /> <br /> Rumors have dusted up that the big 10-pot isn't the only bit of tech to get left behind with the new generation change. Buyers may not be able to get their hands on a manual transmission with the new M5 debuts, either. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/video-bmw-lifts-the-viel-a-little-more-on-m5/#continued">Hit the jump</a> to check out the clip.<br /> <br /> [Source: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNiu1r_PZLE&featu re=player_embedded">YouTu be</a>]<p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/video-bmw-lifts-the-viel-a-little-more-on-m5/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Video: BMW lifts the viel a little more on M5</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/video-bmw-lifts-the-viel-a-little-more-on-m5/">Video: BMW lifts the viel a little more on M5</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNiu1r_PZLE&featu re=player_embedded>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/video-bmw-lifts-the-viel-a-little-more-on-m5/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19868190/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/04/video-bmw-lifts-the-viel-a-little-more-on-m5/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> أكثر... |
Has the Ring Taxi been retired for good?
<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><a href="http://bridgetogantry.com/2/index.php?option=com_cont ent&view=article&id=167:b mw-ring-taxi-end-of-the-line&catid=1:news&Itemid= 300053"><img alt="BMW M5 Ring Taxi" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/12441bmwring-taxiimages13.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 4px 0px;" /></a><br />
<br /> If you've ever been to the Nürburgring, you'd have been wise to take a ride in the Ring Taxi. Operated by OK Speed Marketing on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw">BMW</a>'s behalf, the Ring Taxi offers you the opportunity to fly around the vaunted Nordschleife in an <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/m5">M5</a> piloted by <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/sabine+schmitz">Sabine Schmitz</a> or another from BMW's talent pool. Or "offered," we should say, as reports come in that the program may be drawing to a close.<br /> <br /> Since the program's start in 1986, some 90,000 passengers have enjoyed the experience, clocking more than 400,000 miles over the course of over 300,000 hot laps. But with financial constraints apparently coming to bear, OK Speed Marketing is reportedly canceling the Ring Taxi program due to an apparent lack of profitability. Which is a shame, because from what we hear, the combination of Sabine, an M5 and the Ring added up to one heck of a wild ride.<br /> <br /> Looking on the bright side, however, it appears that some unknown entity is looking to pick the idea of the Ring Taxi back up... though it wouldn't seem likely to keep the same name. We'll let you know what we hear.<br /> <br /> [Source: <a href="http://bridgetogantry.com/2/index.php?option=com_cont ent&view=article&id=167:b mw-ring-taxi-end-of-the-line&catid=1:news&Itemid= 300053">Bridge to Gantry</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/has-the-ring-taxi-been-retired-for-good/">Has the Ring Taxi been retired for good?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://bridgetogantry.com/2/index.php?option=com_cont ent&view=article&id=167:b mw-ring-taxi-end-of-the-line&catid=1:news&Itemid= 300053>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/has-the-ring-taxi-been-retired-for-good/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19870372/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/has-the-ring-taxi-been-retired-for-good/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> أكثر... |
Spy Shots: BMW i8 spotted winter testing
<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/coupes/" rel="tag">Coupe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hybrids/" rel="tag">Hybrid</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/sports/" rel="tag">Performance</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/tech/" rel="tag">Technology</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/diesel/" rel="tag">Diesel</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-i8-spy-shots/#3954447"><img alt="BMW i8 Spy Shots" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/02-630.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; margin: 4px 0px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;"> BMW i8 Spy Shots - Click above for high-res image gallery</div> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> doesn't seem to be too engaged in trying to hide what the company's new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/i8">i8</a> supercar will look like when it arrives - in fact, it's been so kind as to leave the label on one of its prototypes. Our keen-eyed spy photographers managed to snap a few quick photos of the vehicle dashing through the snow in northern Sweden during a little cold-weather testing. The machine you see above will be the reigning monarch of the Bavarian automaker's new sub-brand, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/23/report-bmw-i-wont-be-limited-to-evs/">i</a>, once it debuts.<br /> <br /> Based on the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/vision%20efficient%20dyna mics">Vision EfficientDynamics</a> concept that starred at the 2009 <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/frankfurt motor show">Frankfurt Motor Show</a>, the vehicle is said to pack 2+2 seating, a 0-62 mph time in the 4.8 second range and fuel economy of over 62 mpg U.S., along with a supercar price tag. Look to fork over around $200,000 when this beastie touches down.<br /> <br /> There's been some indication that BMW will forgo the thrifty diesel engine of the concept in favor of a turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline mill to work in coordination with a hybrid system. While that's bad news bears for diesel fans, the fact that BMW is gearing the platform toward gasoline means that this vehicle will more than likely show up on American shores.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-i8-spy-shots">BMW i8 Spy Shots</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-i8-spy-shots/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-1299594570_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-i8-spy-shots/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/02-1299594571_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-i8-spy-shots/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/03-1299594572_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-i8-spy-shots/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/04-1299594573_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-i8-spy-shots/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/05-1299594574_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /> [Source: CarPix]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/spy-shots-bmw-i8-spotted-winter-testing/">Spy Shots: BMW i8 spotted winter testing</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 10:57:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/spy-shots-bmw-i8-spotted-winter-testing/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19872060/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/spy-shots-bmw-i8-spotted-winter-testing/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> أكثر... |
Spy Shots: First pics of BMW's all-new i3
<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/spyphotos/" rel="tag">Spy Photos</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/hatchbacks/" rel="tag">Hatchback</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/electric/" rel="tag">Electric</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/luxury/" rel="tag">Luxury</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-bmw-i3/"><img alt="2013 bMW i3" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/02-bmw-i3-spy-cp-mar-630op.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; margin: 4px 0px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;"> 2013 BMW i3 - Click above for high-res image gallery</div> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW</a> engineers are busy putting their new line of i-branded vehicles through the winter-ringer, and in addition to <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/spy-shots-bmw-i8-spotted-winter-testing/">testing the i8 hybrid halo</a>, the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/i3/">i3</a> has been spied taking to the snow.<br /> <br /> The shape of the i3 decidedly un-BMW, with its upright, pedestrian-friendly nose, slab sides and bulbous back end. The taillamps fitted to the prototype obviously aren't production-spec, while the thin tire and wheel combo are doing double-duty, blending winter grip with low rolling resistance. The overall shape is rather anonymous, but we're digging the sloped roofline and massive greenhouse, which should make visibility that much better.<br /> <br /> Although BMW has confirmed that the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/02/bmw-teases-megacity-ev-first-volume-production-vehicle-with-car/">passenger cell will be made of carbon fiber</a>, the rest of the chassis is likely to employ plenty of aluminum to keep the curb weight in check. What we don't know is what kind of powertrain is fitted underneath and which wheels are driven. Our sources indicate that the i3's architecture will be rear-wheel drive, but there's <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/16/rumormill-bmw-megacity-to-get-optional-range-extender/">still some question whether the smallest i will be a hybrid or an EV</a>. If it's the latter, expect a 0-60 mph time of around 10 seconds and a range that tops out near 100 miles. Sales are slated to begin in late 2013, right after the range-topping <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/tag/i8/">i8</a> hits the market.<br /> <br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-bmw-i3/">Spy Shots: BMW i3</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-bmw-i3/#3955495"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/01-bmw-i3-spy-cp-mar_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-bmw-i3/#3955496"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/02-bmw-i3-spy-cp-mar_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-bmw-i3/#3955498"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/03-bmw-i3-spy-cp-mar_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-bmw-i3/#3955499"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/04-bmw-i3-spy-cp-mar_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/spy-shots-bmw-i3/#3955500"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/05-bmw-i3-spy-cp-mar_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/spy-shots-bmws-i3/">Spy Shots: First pics of BMW's all-new i3</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/spy-shots-bmws-i3/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19872561/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/spy-shots-bmws-i3/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> أكثر... |
Report: BMW plans to sell 30,000 i3 models a year
<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/conceptcars/" rel="tag">Concept Cars</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/euro/" rel="tag">Europe</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/electric/" rel="tag">Electric</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle/"><img alt="BMW Megacity EV" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/bmw-megacity-concept.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; margin: 4px 0px;" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-size: 10px; font-style: italic;"> BMW Megacity EV - Click above for high-res image gallery</div> <br /> When <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw/">BMW</a> launches the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/21/bmws-new-eco-sub-brand-to-be-called-i/">i3</a> in 2014, it reportedly hopes to move 30,000 of the electric city cars a year. That number is derived from BMW's stated target of matching the volume of its lower-production Mini models.<br /> <br /> The i3, formerly known as the Megacity Vehicle, will launch alongside the i8 plug-in hybrid as the first offerings from BMW's new i subbrand. The i8 is based on BMW's 2009 Vision EfficientDynamics Concept. The i8 will fill the sports car market segment for i.<br /> <br /> There's no definitive word on pricing yet, but BMW sources have reportedly told AN it expects to price the i3 somewhere north of 40,000 Euro, though presumably it would be significantly cheaper if it reaches North America.<br /> <br /> <div class="postgallery"><p><s trong>Gallery: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle">BMW Megacity Vehicle</a></strong></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/p90063249_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/p90063248_thumbnail.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/p90061198highres_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/p90061197highres_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/photos/bmw-megacity-vehicle/"><img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/p90061196highres_thumbnai l.jpg" alt="" title="" /></a></div><br /> [Source: <a href="http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110226/ANE/110229885/1193#ixzz1FvjMHCwy">Autom otive News</a> - sub. req.]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/report-bmw-plans-to-sell-30-000-i3-models-a-year/">Report: BMW plans to sell 30,000 i3 models a year</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 08:01:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110226/ANE/110229885/1193#ixzz1FvjMHCwy>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/report-bmw-plans-to-sell-30-000-i3-models-a-year/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19870847/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/report-bmw-plans-to-sell-30-000-i3-models-a-year/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> أكثر... |
Followup: 'Ring-Taxi reportedly very much alive, just changing to BMW M3
<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/rumormill/" rel="tag">Rumormill</a></p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/followup-ring-taxi-reportedly-very-much-alive-just-changing-t/"><img alt="ring taxi" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/12441bmwring-taxiimages13.jpg" style="border-style: solid; border-width: 0px; margin: 4px 0px; width: 630px; height: 422px;" /></a><br />
<br /> Ring Taxi fans rejoice, because <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/08/has-the-ring-taxi-been-retired-for-good/">rumors of its death</a> may have been exaggerated. Sort of. It appears that OK-Speed-Marketing, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> and other parties involved have different takes on the matter.<br /> <br /> Bimmer enthusiast forum M3Post.com states that BMW is merely switching from the <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/m5">M5</a> to the new <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/model/m3">M3</a>. BMW will continue to supply driving talent from its Driving Experience program as well. Over on Bridge-to-Gantry, however, it's being reported that OK-Speed-Marketing is moving away from BMWs altogether. It will continue to operate the official Ring Taxi service with a Porsche 911 997 Clubsport and Mini John Cooper Works in its Ring Taxi stable. Either way, it sounds like you'll still be able to pay someone to haul you around the Nordschleife at giggle-inducing velocities, and that's good news no matter how you slice it. <em>Thanks for the tip, Felix!</em><br /> <br /> [Source: <a href="http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=498515" target="_blank">M3Post</a>, <a href="http://bridgetogantry.com/2/index.php?option=com_cont ent&view=article&id=167:b mw-ring-taxi-end-of-the-line&catid=1:news&Itemid= 300053" target="_blank">Bridge-to-Gantry</a>]<p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/followup-ring-taxi-reportedly-very-much-alive-just-changing-t/">Followup: 'Ring-Taxi reportedly very much alive, just changing to BMW M3</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=498515>R ead</a> | <a href=http://bridgetogantry.com/2/index.php?option=com_cont ent&view=article&id=167:b mw-ring-taxi-end-of-the-line&catid=1:news&Itemid= 300053>Read</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/followup-ring-taxi-reportedly-very-much-alive-just-changing-t/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19872916/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/followup-ring-taxi-reportedly-very-much-alive-just-changing-t/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> أكثر... |
Opinion: Is BMW becoming too soft?
<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/marketing-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing/Advertising</a>, <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/category/bmw/" rel="tag">BMW</a></p><img alt="Happiness is the corner BMW ad" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/03/bmw-happiness.jpg" style="border-width: 0px; border-style: solid; margin: 4px 0px;" /><br />
<br /> "Happiness isn't around the corner. Happiness <em>IS</em> the corner." So said an ad for BMW created in 1996 for the Z3. In the TV version (see the video at the very bottom <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/#continued">after the break</a>), a heavy-metal music track underlined the idea, which was carried over to magazines and billboards.<br /> <br /> I'm reminded of that ad, one of the more perfect expressions of the BMW brand I have ever seen, this week as I take in the Bavarian automaker's plan to launch vehicles powered by "alternative" powertrains under the "i" sub-brand: as in, yes, iPad, iPod, iMac. So far, I'm not hearing about Apple filing trademark infractions. It is, I believe, also "i" as i <a href="http://autoblog.com/tag/isetta">Isetta</a>, the last time BMW brought out a mini city car. "I" for innovation probably figures into the choice, as well.<br /> <br /> <div style="border: 0px dotted black; margin: 5px; padding: 2px 3px; color: rgb(153, 0, 0); line-height: 120%; font-size: 1.5em; float: right; width: 220px; text-align: center;"> <strong>The campaign was literally meant to attract more people who were not necessarily driving enthusiasts to the brand.</strong></div> BMW has brand issues. Take the Super Bowl on Feb. 6. <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/02/07/video-bmw-super-bowl-commercials-champion-diesel-and-america/">BMW ran two ads</a> in the big game for a cost of between $5 and $6 million. One ad was to push diesel engines. Another was to push the fact that all <a href="http://autoblog.com/model/x3">X3</a> crossovers are now being built at BMW's plant in South Carolina. "Designed in America. Built in America," says the voiceover at the end of this ad. How about using the big game to push the core of your brand equity - driving excitement. How about an ad that says: "aspire to own and drive this marvelous machine."<br /> <br /> Something has gone horribly wrong at BMW. And I think I know what it is. Back in 2006, then- BMW marketing director <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/26/breaking-jack-pitney-bmw-north-america-marketing-vp-dead-at-4/">Jack Pitney</a> (who tragically died in 2010) shared with me a Powerpoint strategy showing how far too many people, in his mind, weren't considering a BMW because they were intimidated or otherwise put off by the performance image of the brand. It was this finding that led BMW to first do a corporate ad campaign touting BMW's independent ownership, and then the softer "Joy of Driving" campaign that ran most of last year. It was literally meant to advance a "softer side" of BMW, and attract more people who were not necessarily driving enthusiasts to the brand.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/#continued">Continue reading...</a><p><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Opinion: Is BMW becoming too soft?</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;backgr ound:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/">Opinion: Is BMW becoming too soft?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.autoblog.com">Autoblo g</a> on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 17:29:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/forward/19858225/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a> | <a href="http://www.autoblog.com/2011/03/09/opinion-is-bmw-becoming-too-soft/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a> أكثر... |
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