The new BMW 7 Series, official launch in Canada
Budds’ will be hosting a small, exclusive event highlighting the new 7 Series. If you are interested in attending, please contact me directly, cars@budds.net.
From time to time, a benchmark in progressive automotive technology is set anew. Witness such an occasion as the new BMW 7 Series prepares to enter the market. This fifth generation luxury sedan, from the world’s most successful purveyor of automobiles, demonstrates the fusion of all-encompassing luxury with unparalleled driving dynamics.
Goodbye Mr. Bangle
After 17 years with BMW, Chris Bangle has handed in his resignation. According to the press release below, the 52 year old will be pursuing personal “design-related endeavours beyond the auto industry…while maintaining strong ties with BMW.”
The vacant Director of BMW Group Design position will be filled by Adrian van Hooydonk, with immediate effect. Van Hooydonk has been Bangle’s right-hand man since 2004 and has been with BMW since 1992, including a five year stint with BMW subsidiary DesignworksUSA.
Mr. Bangle has taken quite a bit of heat from critics over the years, including a ‘Stop Chris Bangle’ online petition and even death threats. I believe that design should challenge convention. And good design should change convention. Chris Bangle has done both.
Spoiled by BMW
Darryl and I travel a number of times each year and when we require a rental vehicle, we use it as an opportunity to compare the BMWs and MINIs that we are lucky enough to drive on a regular basis to other offerings in the marketplace.
For this trip, from the Vancouver airport to the Four Seasons in Whistler, we rented a new 2008 mid-sized cross-over vehicle. A sort of car-truck hybrid. (My intention in writing this story is not to bash a company or any specific car so I think I will keep the make and model to myself.) It was large and spacious enough to transport 4 of us with all of our luggage and some ski equipment. It is about a 2 and a half hour drive with the traffic, so it gave us plenty of time to really experience what the vehicle was all about.
Here is what I missed most about my BMW:
Next Generation Z4 Prototype Testing
A very cool video that provides insight into what goes in to building a new BMW model.
BMW X6 Diesel tuned up by MCCHIP
Another month, another tuner that takes on a BMW X6 project. We have seen Hamann earlier this month pimping out an X6 and in November, it was Lumma’s time to come out with their own X6 version; and of course, the famous german tuner AC Schnitzer was the first one to showcase their own X6 Falcon.
Following the same trend, another tuner MCCHIP, takes a different approach on a BMW X6 xDrive35d. Their focus was on offering an X6 model with a lower ride height, closer to a sedan. Their X6 was lowered 40mm up front and 30mm in the back, sitting on all-black 20 inch wheels.
Named, the White Shark, the MCCHIP X6 gets a power upgrade which boosts the diesel’s power up to 340hp (254kW) and 487lb-ft (660Nm) of torque, making the BMW X6 White Shark with 46hp (34kW) and 59lb-ft (80Nm) more powerful.
The re-flashing also raises the max speed from the factory-limited 148mph (238km/h) up to 156mph (251km/h).
Pricing? Not too shabby considering the improvements, the ECU reflash costs just €849 ($1,160) in Germany, while the lowering kit, new black chrome grille and other small exterior tweaks are set at €1,266 ($1,730).
Is this the BMW CS Concept/8-Series/GT ?
November 4th represents the day when BMW fans’ hopes to see a hig-end luxury car were shuttered by BMW. The highly-acclaimed and admired CS Concept was officially cancelled by BMW’s Board of Directors due to financial reason and the current economical climate.
Even though the project received the axe, we did learn that the CS Concept might make its return in the future, most likely as under the Rolls-Royce brand. The CS Concept was rumored for months to take on different name conventions, starting with CS, then the revival of 8 Series or even GT.
The fellows at Autobild spotted two photos of what it seems to be a model based on the new 7 Series but with some differences, especially on the front-end.
EnI, a member of Germancarzone, as someone close to BMW, confirms that the CS Project is still going on, but most likely, it will emerge as a baby Rolls-Royce.
I was told although BMW GT project had been ready to begin the initial testing when BMW Board of Directors decided not to offer this car under BMW but under RR badge. Of course RR design is far from being ready; the design process has just begun. But the BMW-like CS prototypes are starting the testings as scheduled – until RR design is ready.�
THE most amazing 2009 BMW Z4 wallpapers
The 2009 BMW Z4 has definitely become one my obsession these days. If I have already been a huge BMW fan, now I am a bigger one even. The 2009 Z4 is one of those cars that makes you fall in love with the BMW brand, a love that can and many times, will continue for many years to come.
The official 2009 BMW Z4 photos were already stunning and breathtaking, but these new Z4 wallpapers that just became available to us, are just from another world. We have always knew that BMW has top notch cars, but we have to give huge props to their marketing and art departments as well, the artists at BMW that managed to find the right combination between the car and its surrounding.
Trust me, after you will see these photos in full resolution, you will most likely agree with me.
Continued
Tommy Bahama’s Pre-Christmas Sale
Hi Everyone,
As a follow up to the e-mail campaign – Our partnership with Tommy Bahama allows us to pass on great opportunities to you, our loyal customers.
The New 2009 Z4 Breaks Cover
BMW has released some new videos of the 2009 BMW Z4, their latest Roadster that made waves for the past twenty-four hours.
They started with an overall footage of the Z4, continued with Adrian Van Hooydonk explaining the exterior design and now we’re moving onto the interior design and engine.
Once again, expect more videos within the next few hours or days and hopefully we will see the new Z4 in other colors as well.
Videos After the Jump.
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2009 10 Best Engines list – BMW 335 Diesel Engine wins
Wards Automotive Group announced its 2009 10 Best Engines list and BMW takes two of the top ten spots. The already double award-winning 3.0 liter twin-turbo engine takes one of the spots and the newly US launched, the 3.0 liter turbocharged diesel engine found in the 335d is the other winner.
A great recognition again for BMW and good PR for the new diesels launched in the US. With an impressive MPG average and still keeping the joy of driving, the 335d is BMW’s bet for next year. An increased diesel awareness will be beneficial for the automakers that are looking more and more into developing cleaner and more efficient engines.
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