�� BMW �� 2011 - �� 24

�� · #**116** 10-04-2011, 07:30 PM

Filed under: Motorsports, Convertible, Europe, BMW, Racing

2011 BMW Z4 GT3 - Click above for high-res image gallery

The 2011 BMW Z4 GT3 proved it can win races back in January when it took the overall victory at the Dubai 24 Hours. Never one to rest on its laurels, BMW took the car from the winners circle in Dubai and put it right back on a test track. After a good beating throughout March, BMW made aerodynamic and electronic tweaks to get the racer into absolute state-of-the-art shape for customer entries in 2011 GT3 competition.

The BMW Z4 GT3 resembles its production cousin in name and basic shape only. Most of its body panels have been significantly altered to keep the car slipping through the air and bolted to the road.

Under the hood, the production Z's six-cylinder heart has been ripped out and replaced with the same 4.4-liter V8 that sees duty in the M3. The V8 feeds power to the ground through a six-speed paddle-shifted sequential manual. Stuffing all that engineering know-how into the Z4 GT3 isn't cheap, either; the car retails at just north of $450,000. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2011 BMW Z4 GT3

[Source: BMW]

Continue reading BMW Z4 GT3 undergoes first round of customer tests

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aloneboy · #**117** 10-04-2011, 10:48 PM

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A company BMW Germany has unveiled its latest projects is the production of transmission component of the 8-speed change speed based on information received by the GPS satellites through GPS.
The crankshaft set way to change the speed based on the information system inspired by the form of GPS and road conditions to give the driver a smooth ride without any problems.
Said BMW also said it in the near future could be linked to auto transmission component 8-speed Bcamirp or radar sensors to predict and send data to the crankshaft, but BMW refused to give more information concerning the date of the addition of these techniques to her car.

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Speed
http://mycarspeed.blogspot.com/

nktis · #**118** 10-04-2011, 11:07 PM

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aloneboy · #**119** 11-04-2011, 11:36 PM

BMW Concept CS

BMW, Germany�s leading manufacturer of premium automobiles, will give the Big Apple and the rest of America a glimpse into the future of luxury vehicle design and performance with the North American debut of its Concept CS at the 2008 New York International Auto Show in Manhattan on March 19. The Concept CS is BMW�s vision of a unique four-door car that combines the exclusivity of a genuine luxury Gran Turismo with the thrill of a high-performance sports car -- offering a driving experience unlike any other.

Inside and out, the BMW Concept CS provides a new definition of powerful and expressive design, utilizing materials of the highest quality while combining stylish luxury with the most uncompromising ambience, full of class and value.

Through its design alone, the BMW Concept CS underlines the proven track record of the BMW brand in developing the most sporting and dynamic cars offering ample space for more than two occupants. The most spectacular rendition of this heritage is the BMW M5, which established a brand-new segment in the world of driving more than two decades ago and is acknowledged as the benchmark in high-performance sedan driving.

BMW is using the skills, knowledge and competence it has developed throughout its history to combine sporting performance and sophisticated luxury in an unprecedented new concept. Furthermore, the Concept CS is just the latest example of BMW�s successful strategy of consistently carrying-over the sporting four-door into the luxury performance segment.

Exterior design: where qualities typical of BMW all come together.
More than any other sedan in the past, the body design of the BMW Concept CS lends itself to optimum performance. The low-slung, dynamically stretched silhouette; the long engine compartment lid; and the stylish lines and contours accentuating rear-wheel drive technology simply perfect for sports driving, all set clear standards for supreme dynamics in a new dimension of outstanding vehicles. Through its luxurious presence, stylish elegance and challenging dynamism, the BMW Concept CS offers truly unique design language with highly individual aesthetic features never seen before.

The BMW Concept CS embodies the core values of the BMW brand, achieving superior dynamics and sophisticated elegance as a result of the authentic style and design of the car. The BMW Concept CS is a trendsetting vehicle leading into a new category of values typical and characteristic of the BMW brand.

Design culture and dynamics of the highest standard.
Offering a synthesis of features unique to the BMW brand, the BMW Concept CS introduces new, tempting attributes in a particularly demanding segment of the market. This unique model combines the qualities of a luxury sedan and a high-performance sports car, raising the bar to a new, unprecedented level. As a result, the BMW Concept CS adds an unparalleled touch of sporting dynamism to the conventional culture of a sedan, offering the driver and passengers the complete dynamic experience of such unique power on four full-sized single seats.

While the conventional sedan focuses primarily on driving comfort, the BMW Concept CS sends out a clear message of active, dynamic driving. With the generous feeling of space in this four-door being supplemented by a sporting and low seating position enjoyed not only by the driver and front passenger, but also by the rear passengers on their own single seats, it is a message that reaches all of the car�s occupants. For this reason alone, the BMW Concept CS is the ultimate vision of a sports car for the ambitious driver, while simultaneously offering passengers the same experience of sporting performance and luxurious pleasure.

Individual style.
The innovative, unique driving experience offered by the BMW Concept CS is appropriately reflected by all the car�s interior features, the design of the interior and through the perfect interaction of the various technical innovations. The ambience of the interior is indeed just as unique as the character and body design of this one-off sporting four-seater, offering all the occupants a brand-new experience of aesthetic style and design.

The innovative design and finish of both the surfaces and controls are further accentuated by the use of top-quality materials. Unnecessary opulence is replaced by highly focused luxury, together with an exemplary standard of detail and elegance. The precision that has gone into the development and production of all the vehicle�s components is apparent at very first sight, fully expressing BMW�s dedication to supreme performance in every respect.

Style and unique aesthetics of BMW.
Measuring 200.8 inches in length, the BMW Concept CS is dominated by dynamically flowing lines. From the BMW kidney grille standing out powerfully to the front, the eyes of the beholder move back along the low-slung and sleek engine compartment lid, subsequently meandering along the side-line and roof-line, all the way to the deliberately short rear-end with its clear-cut air flow spoiler.

The dynamically stretched silhouette of the car proudly boasts a wide range of features typical of such a particularly sporting, avant-garde automobile. All of these features augment the vehicle�s excellent aerodynamics as well as a low center of gravity, helping to promote superior agility on the road. And at the same time, the carefully modeled transitions between the body sections are a clear symbol of the car�s nimble character and performance, despite its size.

Four doors with a unique, sporting and low body line.
The sporting, low-slung silhouette of the car is further accentuated by a body height of just 53.5 inches. An important additional feature is the gentle taper of the roof-line at the rear, serving again to smoothly stretch the proportions of the entire car.

As seen from the side, the car�s reinterpreted contour line serves to emphasize the technical concept of rear-wheel drive, a crucial component of dynamic performance on the road. Subdividing the silhouette of the car into various sections, the contour line stretches from the beginning of the A-pillar in a gentle, rising movement all the way up above the front door, gradually petering out beneath the rear side window. Then the contour line starts again in the lower section of the rear door, first running parallel to the wheel cut-out in a powerful arch. From there the rear contour line is continued as a straight line also rising slightly up to the rear end of the car.

The roof-line, which tapers out gently to the rear, also provides a brand-new effect when looking at the car from the side, adding a touch never seen before on a sedan. The striking contour of the C-pillar, in turn, provides an additional visual highlight of attractive clarity. The transition of the C-pillar into the rear section of the car tapers out at a lower angle than the steeper rear window, rising up from its base point. This creates a unique expression of classic notchback design highly individualized and varying according to your angle of vision. At the bottom, the C-pillar offers a new, enhanced interpretation of the reverse line sweeping to the front, known by tradition as the �Hofmeister kick.� And last but not least, a gentle and extremely attractive light-edge stands out above the side window precisely where the C-pillar merges into the roof-line.

Characteristic front-end design consistently enhanced.
The front-end design of the BMW Concept CS is a particularly striking example of the consistent enhancement of BMW�s design language. Here the BMW kidney grille stands out as a powerful element typical of the BMW brand and naturally a famous icon of body design, giving the car its unique look and emphasizing the flow of air into the engine. Indeed, the kidney grille is not only the central element of the front end, but it is also the dominating element in the design of the entire front end.

Through its dimensions alone, as well as its slightly inclined position, the kidney grille establishes a clear link to classic BMW sports cars. All further elements at the front of the car are angled in the direction of travel and designed as a genuine sculpture around the kidney grille, with all directly adjacent surfaces being modeled in a concave design.

Significant functional features add further meaning to this special look of the car, with the BMW kidney grille serving as the primary supply of air to the engine. The two recesses in the front side panels, in turn, help to cool the brakes on the car. And since a power unit befitting the dynamic character of such a sports sedan will likely require an ample flow of cooling air, the need for an extra-large kidney grille is apparent.

Applying the philosophy that �form follows function,� the contours on the engine compartment, so typical of a BMW, have developed into a genuine sign of distinction born out of technical needs and requirements. As a further design highlight, the powerdome on the BMW Concept CS, extends over the power unit as a particularly large, almost awe-inspiring design feature.

The engine compartment lid is supported at either side by headlight units merging flush into the design of the car and resting flat on the side panels, extending far back into the front wings�with the slender space above the extra-large wheel arches accentuating the agility and accordingly, the athletic performance of the car.

Innovative headlight technology.
The BMW Concept CS offers particularly innovative technology within its dynamic, low-slung headlight units, which generate a powerful and consistent light beam. Innovative reverse-projection LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) bundle their light on a reflection area from where the beam is conveyed smoothly, consistently and with utmost precision to the road ahead. This provides a particularly homogenous area of illumination without the slightest dazzling effect, since the oncoming motorist does not look directly at the projectors.

The short front overhang of the body creates yet another sign confirming the sporting concept of the car, showing the connoisseur clearly that the engine may be placed behind the front wheel suspension. Obviously, such arrangement of the engine serves once again to make the car particularly agile and dynamic on the road.

The extra-large wheel arches offer space for big 21-inch wheels � again exceptional proportions alluding to an extremely high standard of steering precision and tracking stability. The rear wheel arches are powerfully chiseled to perfection even more than the wheel arches at the front, with the car growing wider towards the rear end, again symbolizing the transmission of power to the rear wheels so typical of BMW.

Dynamic roof-line guiding your eyes � and the air flowing by.
The sculptural design language of the BMW Concept CS body allows unique interplay between concave and convex surfaces, reflecting and guiding the light on and around the car in exactly the right way. For example, the exterior mirrors�through their design alone�blend harmoniously with the side-view, repeating the overall look and lines of the car. The door handles are integrated into the flanks of the BMW Concept CS even more discreetly. Housed within a chrome-bar running to the rear at the height of the contour line, the door handles are controlled by sensors, moving out only when really needed.

Yet another innovation in the design of this sedan is the centerpiece along the roof line of the BMW Concept CS, which is slightly drawn in at the rear. This exceptional contour design, visible only from behind, but nevertheless unusually powerful in its look, optimizes the flow of air in and around the roof area. This aerodynamic feature enhances the overall sporting impression of the car and simultaneously serves as yet another example of sculptural design and perfection.

Sculptural design for truly unique style.
Given all these features, the BMW Concept CS is a modern counterpart to the conventional notchback design of a �regular� four-door. Indeed, never before on a sedan have the individual body sections merged so smoothly into one another, creating a low-slung and stretched appearance. Additional light effects around the C-pillar enhance the impression of all-round visual perfection from every angle when admiring the transitions. These features alone exemplify BMW�s philosophy to express supreme design culture through perfect precision and style in every respect.

The much lower flow of the C-pillars, compared with the position of the rear window, again serves to emphasize the flowing transitions from one body section to the next. Viewed from the side, the entire car has the lightness of a coupe, but with only a slight change of perspective the same vehicle can be appreciated for capturing all the
style of a classic four-door. The rear end is dominated by various design features that emphasize both the wide track and the aerodynamically optimized rear look of the car.

Moving up at the rear, the two tailpipe rings are integrated into the rear air dam. At night, the BMW Concept CS is characterized by slender rear lights emitting a homogeneous, low-slung and therefore strikingly harmonious lighting effect.

With its design language absolutely authentic and convincing to the last detail, the BMW Concept CS offers all the exhilaration of a new design culture. Therefore, the impact of this sporting four-door is not only a result from individual highlights, but also from the overall look of the car�accentuating its complete character so convincingly. The car�s dynamic potential is indeed expressed both by its proportions and lines, symbolizing both power and a dynamic, forward-moving urge. And last but certainly not least, the BMW Concept CS boasts a particularly sophisticated elegance through the great care and diligence applied in turning innovative design culture into reality.

The interior: an outstanding driving experience on all four seats.
The interior of the BMW Concept CS also offers dynamism of a completely new standard resulting from the combination of exclusive elegance and sophisticated refinement. In designing the interior, the innovative technique of layering the individual surfaces and components provides an unprecedented combination of function and style. The appropriate use of joints and seams, together with layered surfaces, creates new options in the arrangement of functional elements for both ventilation and illumination. And at the same time, the layering concept offers new possibilities to clearly express the class and value of the materials used, as well as highlight the precise design of the car�s interior through contrasting colors and the structure of different materials.

Featuring height-adjustable collar elements directly integrated in the seats, the four full-sized sports seats meet all the needs of personalized entertainment and communication, thus raising the experience of quality within the interior to an unprecedented standard.

Interaction of innovative design and exclusive materials, together with the use of a highly expressive color scheme, gives the interior of the BMW Concept CS a unique touch of luxury based not on simple opulence, but rather on perfect quality.

The design of the interior accentuates the truly outstanding driving experience in a unique ambience. An unprecedented flair of exclusivity and individual style is created by implementing a brand-new concept for subdividing the cockpit into various sections, as well as unparalleled standards in the choice of materials and in the quality of finish. Additionally, the dedication to maintaining the interior�s sportiness can be seen in the arrangement and finish of the four single sports seats, and the design of the controls and instruments.

An invitation to active motoring.
The driver-oriented cockpit immediately shows the motorist that he or she is in control of everything happening at the wheel. As with the arrangement of all the controls and instruments, the design and layout of the cockpit is an invitation to active driving. A clear example of this straightforward philosophy can be seen in the short distance between the steering wheel and the shift lever, while in their design, the sports seats combine a touch of lightness with the sporting elegance of the finest leather. The low-slung seating position and the clear structure of the instruments evoke the wish to really experience and savor the dynamic potential of this unique car.

Lots of space, lots of support: sports seats also at the rear.
The BMW Concept CS presents the vision of an automobile proudly offering all its qualities to the driver. The unique thrill of riding in the car is obviously felt most by the driver, however the sheer driving pleasure offered in the process is also shared among all the occupants. Just like the front-seat passenger, passengers seated in the rear will also appreciate and cherish the sporting and active driving experience offered by the BMW Concept CS�via rear sports seats. And thanks to the single seat concept, elbow freedom on the rear seats is just as good as on the front passenger�s seat. The center console flows back smoothly all the way to the rear, serving as a comfortable armrest, while at the same time offering additional storage space. In all, the passengers sitting at the rear enjoy a brand-new, truly innovative ambience unmatched by the conventional style of a �regular� four-door model.

Cultivating the flow of joints and seams: layering the interior design.
The combination of features previously regarded as incompatible within the BMW Concept CS represents a complete departure from conventional standards. Indeed, the BMW Concept CS opens up a new era in many areas, providing the unique combination of sporting performance and stylish elegance also coming out clearly in the design of the interior.

The BMW Concept CS represents a new milestone in refined interior design, applying an innovative layering technique developed by BMW to provide unprecedented interplay of the various interior elements. Instead of large surfaces and connections with their transitions�which are typically characterized by a change in materials and colors�the layering technique distinguishes the various surfaces flowing into one another, with clearly defined seams taking on a functional role, for example in the arrangement of light sources and venting nozzles. The result is a very refined effect of light and shade making a significant contribution to the exclusive overall look and impression of the interior.

In contrast to the design of the body, which incorporates flowing lines, generous surfaces and harmonious interplay of concave and convex elements in order to capitalize on light effects, the layering concept of the interior design mainly uses shade effects and changes in structure. Wherever individual surfaces in the structure of the cockpit do not meet on the same level, there are separate zones that keep away from the direct flow of light � while providing the right space for the inconspicuous arrangement of various functions. The recesses and superimposed surfaces provided in this way offer appropriate space for ambient illumination as well as the arrangement of air vents. Dazzle-free interior lighting and discreet shade effects upgrade the entire flair
of the interior and create a kind of light, hovering effect.

This layering philosophy is continued in the design of the instruments themselves, with the displays in the instrument cluster presenting various functions and information on different optical levels. This again creates the impression of superimposed surfaces serving to: first, clearly structure the information offered; and second, to generate an impression of three-dimensionality.

Color design rich in contrasts, high-quality materials.
Utilizing powerful color contrasts to generate a dynamic ambience full of vitality reflecting the dynamic driving experience, BMW�s designers have created unmistakable highlights through the choice of materials and colors for the BMW Concept CS interior. High quality, refined leather in sophisticated brown forms a powerful contrast to surfaces in elegant off-white. Finished in matte tan, this leather is indeed to be admired not only on the seats, but also on the instrument panel, the upper doorsills and the outer edges of the roof lining. Around the armrests and in the door panels themselves, this change in colors accentuates the dynamic lines of the interior created by the design and shape of individual elements.

As a further innovative highlight, the roof lining in the BMW Concept CS is accentuated not only through a contrasting color scheme, but also by finishing the outer flanks of the roof lining in leather as well. Ambient light bands stretching out along the entire length between the windshield and rear window, add yet a further touch of luxury inside the car.

Drawing cues from the exterior design, the flowing structure of the interior surfaces shows special care and diligence in the transitions from one section to another. As an example, the leather trim on the center console and the door entry area extends far down into the footwells.

The leather trim on the dashboard continues in a slender band extending harmoniously into the door linings. The dashboard also uses a newly developed metal structure literally �embracing� the various surface elements. This material�particularly attractive in its structure, cool color and feel�surrounds the circular instruments in the cockpit, together with the other features and elements.

Yet another innovation is the use of high-tech ceramics for the controls and instruments. And as a symbol of solidity and value, the BMW iDrive Controller is also made of a special ceramic material.

Unparalleled and typical of BMW: the BMW Concept CS.
The unique flair pampering both the driver and his passengers within the BMW Concept CS is an equally clear expression of a new culture in body design. Both outside and inside, the BMW Concept CS conveys the same message, telling the world that the experience of driving a sedan now comes in an entirely new rendition. With the presentation of this new concept car, BMW is not only entering a brand-new segment of the market for the first time, but is also setting the milestone with a brand-new type of car. The four-door luxury Gran Turismo enters a new dimension of driving in new style and with new features.

A new experience of dynamics and ambience; exemplary quality in design and finish; extreme precision in the dimensions of the car; and concentrated luxury within the interior � these are the features that characterize the BMW Concept CS. And at the same time all this bears clear testimony to the superior know-how and competence of BMW�s engineers and designers in creating such truly emotional automobiles.

The sum total of such qualities in the BMW Concept CS can be created only on a sound foundation of firmly defined values: innovative power, sporting performance, aesthetic design, an open frame of mind and full awareness of quality. For decades, BMW has consistently applied these values in the development of outstanding sedans and dynamic sports cars. And now these values are concentrated even more than before in an unprecedented manner in the BMW Concept CS.

Speed

http://mycarspeed.blogspot.com/2011/...oncept-cs.html

�� · #**120** 12-04-2011, 01:00 AM

Filed under: Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Jeep, Toyota, Volvo

Wards Automotive 10 Best Interiors of 2011 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Wards Automotive takes its 10 Best Interior awards seriously. The industry mag tested 51 vehicles to come up with this year's winners, which span three luxury vehicles, three economy cars, a sport sedan, a minivan, a family sedan and an SUV. Ward's AutoWorld Editor-in-Chief Drew Winter says the publication has never tested so many vehicles, adding, "Every auto maker wants the freshest, highest-quality interior possible for all the vehicles they sell."

Showing just how much the world of interiors has changed over the years, Chrysler was the only automaker to take home two awards, thanks to the Dodge Charger and Jeep Grand Cherokee, while Kia and Hyundai could technically say the same since the Elantra and Optima each took home honors. At the same time, both Toyota and Lexus were shut out, as was Honda's Acura luxury brand and Mercedes-Benz.

Among the first-time winners for 2011 are the Ford Focus Titanium and Chevy Cruze. Click on the image above to browse through all 10 winners, or you can head over to Wards Automotive for the complete scoop.

Gallery: Wards 2011 10 Best Interiors