BMW K 1600 GT wins International Bike of the Year award
At a press conference hosted by MotorWereld Magazine at the Brussels Motor Show, the BMW K 1600 GT was declared the 2011 International Bike of the Year. The new BMW K 1600 GT claimed a convincing victory with 41 points, against 32 points for the Ducati Diavel. Third place went to Aprilia’s naked Tuono V4APRC with 22 points, while fourth place actually went to the luxurious K 1600 GTL, which was scored separately and earned 18 points. Last year’s winner – the S 1000 RR – came fifth, making it three BMW bikes in the top five.
The 2011 International Bike of the Year (IBOTY) is selected by a jury of 25 of the world’s leading motorcycle magazines, who nominated a total of 23 new bikes. Now in its 27th year running, more than ever the IBOTY reflects a true global motorcycle marketplace with jurors from all continents and 30 countries throughout the world.
The IBOTY jury praised the BMW K 1600 GT as follows: “blending comfort, performance and the excellent use of innovative technology. The glorious six-in-line engine offers power, refinement and plenty of fun. Boasting every feature that you can dream of, from traction control, ABS, sat-nav, electronically-adjustable suspension, adaptive headlight to ride modes and much more make the BMW K 1600 GT the pinnacle of two-wheel touring. On the road the bike really shows what it is made of thanks to its responsive chassis and remarkably light handling. It’s a truly unique riding experience with the capability to awe the most demanding touring rider and surprise unsuspecting sports riders on their favourite, twisty mountain road.”
This is the second consecutive victory for BMW Motorrad in the International Bike of the Year after winning the highly-acclaimed award last year with the S 1000 RR sports bike. It’s also the first time in more than 10 years for a manufacturer to receive the IBOTY award back-to-back. As well as the RR and the K 1600 GT, BMW Motorrad has also enjoyed IBOTY wins with the R 1200 GS in 2004 and the R 1100 RS in 1993.
Magazines participating in the latest IBOTY were (in alphabetical order): Australian Motorcycle News (Australia), Auto By (Japan), Autocar India (India), Bike (Scandinavia, all editions), Bike (UK), Cycle World (USA), Der Reitwagen (Austria), Inmoto (Italy), KicXstart (the Netherlands), Kiwi Rider (New Zealand), La Moto (Spain), Maximoto (France), Moto Culture Asia (Malaysia and Singapore), Moto (Greece), Moto Journal (Canada, French speaking), Moto & Loisirs (Belgium, French speaking), Moto Mag (Israel), Motoraj (Czech Republic), Motoron (Turkey), MotoSi (Slovenia), MotorWereld (Belgium), PS Magazin (Germany), Revista Moto (Mexico), SuperBike (South Africa), Swiat Motocykli (Poland)
From left to right: Philipp von Sahr (president and CEO of BMW Group Belux), Marc De Groof (General Manager BMW Motorrad Belux) and Thierry Sarasyn on behalf of IBOTY and Chief editor of MotorWereld magazine
Results 2011 IBOTY
1) BMW K 1600 GT (41 points)
2) Ducati Diavel (32 points)
3) Aprilia Tuono V4 APRC (22 points)
4) BMW K 1600 GTL (18 points)
5) Kawasaki ZX-10R and BMW S 1000 RR (16 points)
6) Triumph Tiger 800XC (12 points)
7) Triumph Daytona 675R (8 points)
8) Kawasaki Z1000 (7 points)
9) Kawasaki W800 (6.5 points)
10) KTM 990 SM-T (6 points)
Mechanics Beyond Borders
Budds’ BMW Oakville Service Department recently donated $1,000 dollars for Mechanics Beyond Borders! Read the article below for more information on this great cause!
Steve Jobs Legacy Lives on with BMWs
Steve Jobs and his Apple products have forever changed and advanced consumer electronics, including in our beloved BMWs.
Late model BMWs have seen everything from iPod and iPhone integration into BMW ConnectedDrive’s music, phone, and navigation functions, to many BMW related apps being developed specifically for the iPhone and iPad, to specific seatback mounts for the iPad. iPads are also much in use at BMW dealerships, most recently being integrated into processes such as lease returns.
Jobs has surely left a legacy we will all continue to experience with our BMWs. May he RIP.
The image above is an older photo of Steve Jobs on his BMW Motorcycle.
The M5 – A Look Back
We trace the lineage of the world’s most prolific super sedan from the car that started it all through to next year’s model.
How icons are made
The Jaguar MK.II may have been the first super sedan, but the BMW M5 is the most prolific. Introduced at the Amsterdam Motor Show in 1984, each generation since has combined a subtle four-door sedan shape with some of the finest engines the world has ever known. Before the M5, you had to choose: sports car or family car. Although it never sold in massive quantities (probably because of its relatively high price) it nevertheless created a niche that continues to grow. Other German automakers like Mercedes-Benz and Audi copied the M5 mould with great success, but so too did more budget minded manufacturers. Do you think we’d have the Subaru Impreza WRX STI or the Mazdaspeed 3 if the M5 hadn’t shown the world you can have driving thrills and a family too?
1985 M5
Generation: 1st
Handbuilt: Yes
Engine: 3.5-litre I6
About: It was based on BMW’s mid-size sedan, a car aimed at executives. Then, someone at the motorsport division had an inspired idea: put in an exotic six-clyinder engine originally developed for the M1 supercar. The result was the fastest four-door production car in the world. All cars were handbuilt by BMW M technicians. Only a few thousand were produced, making them a sought-after collector’s car these days. For the man with a family though, the only thing that mattered was now, finally, he could have fun behind the wheel and still get his kids to school.
The S38B35
The engine that powered the M5 was born for the racetrack. Transplanted from the M1 supercar and racer, and shoved into this innocuous family car, it made for explosive performance. To get the best out of it, you had to push it. The wonderful, raw mechanical sound it made can’t be matched by modern engies. Put simply: they don’t make ‘em like this anymore. And, if you ask us, that’s a sad thing. These days, plastic parts have replaced metal, and all that engineering is hidden underneath cheap covers.
Retrospect
Auto journalists get all nostalgic about this car for the reasons discussed in previous slides, and as much as I want to rave about it, the example I drove wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. By modern standards it’s not fast, and the driving position is awkward. On the (well-used) example I drove, the controls lacked the precision and feedback I’d heard so much about. But, the pull of this car is so great, that I want to give it a second chance.
1989 M5
Generation: 2nd
Handbuilt: Yes
Engine: 3.6 / 3.8-litre I6
About: Often a forgotten part of the M5 story, caught between the famous original and the cult-classic 3rd-gen car that came after. By this point, the M5 was far too large to be considered a sports car, and it firmly established itself as an Autobahn-stormer. It completely retained the formula of the original: luxury interior, lots of practical space, high-performance engine mated to an excellent chassis. These are bargains on the used market now, if you’re interested.
The straight six
This was the last M5 to use the venerable BMW straight-six. By this point, the engine was an old design and it was at the limit of development. Every possible horsepower had been eeked out. Each of these motors was hand-built by M technicians. Still, it marked the end of the straight-six era that made BMW the envy of every engine design department the world over. (Photo: RacingPowerplant.com)
Touring
This was the first generation of M5 to get a wagon bodystyle. Today, they are extremely rare and quite collectible among enthusiasts. What’s the one thing more practical than a sports sedan? A sports wagon. But, that’s a story for another day.
1998 M5
Generation: 3rd
Handbuilt: No
Engine: 4.9-litre V8
About: This was the first M5 that wasn’t handbuilt in Garching or Munich and it was also the first to use a V8 engine. It marked a significant departure from tradition, but nobody complained too much when they saw the results. Probably the best all-round M5 ever in terms of comfort and usable performance. In the photo, you can see just how, well, normal it looked. That was a big part of the appeal.
Interior
Still just as luxurious as you’d expect on the inside. This ain’t no lightweight special. You get A/C, power everything, leather, wood, sunroof and several stereo options.
Technology
When the third generation car made its debut in 1998, navigation was just over the horizon. That allowed BMW to make a simple, clean and classic design for the dash that has stood the test of time extremely well.
394 horsepower
Compact and strong. It was the most powerful engine ever to grace the front of an M5 up until this point. Back when it came out, 400 hp was near supercar levels of grunt. The horsepower race was on, and BMW wasn’t about to let its flagship sedan loose out to anybody.
2005 M5
Generation: 4th
Handbuilt: No
Engine: 5.0-litre V10
About: The one and only generation of the M5 powered by a V10 engine. As you can guess, the horsepower race was more competitive than ever. It had four more cylinders compared to the original M5, and double the horsepower. Yup, this monster made 500 hp. It was large and heavy, but still frighteningly quick. Gearboxes on offer were a seven-speed SMG auto, or six-speed manual. High-tech overload. But was it a step too far? What was next? V12?
The V10
It didn’t run into the redline until over 8,000 rpm and it’s undoubtedly one of the most exotic engines ever from BMW. It could propel the considerable girth of the M5 from 0-100 km/h in well under five seconds. If you had a need for speed and a family, there really wasn’t any reason to get a Porsche or a Ferrari – they were hardly any faster.
Touring
The 4th generation M5 came in wagon “Touring” configuration, but unfortunately it was never sold in Canada. To date, it is only the second generation of M5 to come in wagon form. Given the mandate of the car (practical performance) it’s actually surprising BMW doesn’t do a wagon model every time.
2012 M5
Generation: 5th
Handbuilt: No
Engine: Twin-turbo V8
About: Sleeker, more fuel efficient, and more powerful than the old V10 car. M division is taking a surprising turn and moving to smaller, turbocharged engines. Instead of a V10 engine, this car will have a V8, plus a pair of turbos. Proof that BMW reached just a bit too far with the old model. Will this be the best one yet? We’ll find out soon.
560 horsepower, 502 lb-ft of torque
It’s the same motor found in the recent X5 M and X6 M SUVs. The bespoke, handmade motor in the original M5 that was bred for racing, but this engine was built to haul large SUVs around suburban streets. Is it just us or has some of the romance been lost there?
Check out Budds’ Performance Group at: http://www.buddsperformance.com/
Budds’ BMW is a sponsor of the 2011 MacKids Invitational Golf Tournament
Budds’ BMW has always made an effort to support the community by getting involved with local charities. That said, it is with great enthusiasm that we announce that Budds’ BMW Hamilton and Budds’ BMW Oakville is a sponsor of the 2011MacKids Invitational Golf Tournament.
The tournament, which raises money for Hamilton’s McMaster Children’s Hospital, will take place on September 11th and 12th at The Rosseau, a beautiful JW Marriott Resort and Spa in Muskoka, Ontario. To participate in the tournament, players must pledge or donate a minimum of $5,000. Proceeds from this year’s event will go towards the Essentials for Excellence for Diagnostic Imaging program at the hospital.
We are thrilled that Darryl and Matthew will be participating in the event. If you would like to sponsor Darryl or Matthew and support the McMaster Children’s Hospital, visit the Budds’ BMW Hamilton website at http://www.buddsbmwhamilton.com/. Good luck, guys!
The MacKids Invitational has been extremely successful in previous years. Last year, the tournament raised enough funds to help Dr. Mark Taropolsky and his team of world class surgeons treat Neuromuscular and Neurometabolic disorders in children. There was even some money left over to make significant facility and equipment improvements around the hospital.
The hospital, which is currently in the middle of a major five year transformation, is committed to delivering the best care possible to all of its patients. The funds raised by the golf tournament will go towards purchasing state-of-the-art equipment, which will help improve the calibre of care given by the hospital’s dedicated staff.
If you would like to learn more about the event, visit http://hamiltonhealth.ca/event/2011-mac-kids-invitational.
Are you participating in the MacKids Invitational? Share your comments with us!
BMW 3rd Most Popular Brand Worldwide in 2011
BMW is excited to announce that it has been ranked the 3rd most popular brand in the world in 2011 by RankingTheBrands.com! The website collects worldwide brand rankings to determine its overall standings. The RankingTheBrands’ top 100 list positions a brand depending on the number of rankings it has received worldwide and what position it held. Coming in third, following Apple and Google, BMW has moved up six spots from last year. But with incredible, award-winning vehicles like the BMW 5 series, BMW X3, BMW Z4 and BMW X6, are you really surprised?
Clearly, the BMW brand is successful and sustainable. It is known for manufacturing some of the most reliable high-performance luxury cars. New or used, every BMW vehicle delivers.
There are a lot of different reasons why people love BMW. Here at Budds’ BMW, we have a few favourite reasons of our own:
• Every BMW vehicle offers a unique balance of comfort and handling that sets the bar for luxury cars.
• When it comes to styling and technology, BMW doesn’t play it safe. With lavish interior materials and high-tech features likeiDrive, BMW vehicles are anything but dull.
• BMW has an amazing leasing program, which makes driving a luxury vehicle more affordable.
• No matter which BMW car you drive, you can expect excellent performance. Tested on the harshest roads in the world, BMW vehicles are built to deliver excellent handling and precision.
• BMW offers eco-friendly vehicles, like the BMW ActiveHybrid 7 and the BMW ActiveHybrid X6.
Obviously, these are just a few reasons why we think BMW is a brand worth loving (and vehicles worth driving). But we want to know why you love BMW.
What makes BMW your top choice when it comes to cars? Leave your comments below!
A collection of BMWs to be featured in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
The Mission: Impossible film series is known for heart-stopping action sequences filled with wild stunts and thrilling car chases. So far, we’ve seen ex-IMF agent Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) drive countless state-of-the-art cars like the Audi TT Roadster in Mission: Impossible 2 and the Lamborghini Gallardo in Mission: Impossible 3. Ethan Hunt’s vehicle of choice in Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol? The captivating 2014 BMW i8.
The BMW i8 hybrid sports car, formerly known as the EfficientDynamics concept, will be debuting as a production car at the end of 2013, with deliveries beginning in early 2014. The 1.5 litre 3-cyllinder turbo-charged engine producing 163 hp and 214 lb-ft torque, plus 2 additional electric engines make sure the BMW i8 lives up to its nickname “the supercar of the future.” Its revolutionary design and high-tech features aren’t so bad, either.
Among the other BMW vehicles to be featured in the film is the all-new BMW 6 series convertible, which will be featured in a gripping car chase scene. Equipped with all the latest features and backed with a TwinPower turbo V8 engine, this BMW convertible is show-stopping.
The movie (which comes out this December), will give you the urge to drive a BMW If you don’t feel like waiting, you can come into Budds’ BMW Oakville for a test drive! We sincerely hope the BMW i8 comes to Canada—who wouldn’t want to be like Ethan Hunt?
Canadian Couple takes “cool” journey in Reconnecting with Canada: The North
We recently came across this thrilling or should we say “chilling” story of a Canadian husband and wife who travelled together on their BMW F 800 GS motorcycles, riding on some of the toughest roads in the world. Joe Lloyd and his wife Flora travelled 10,000 km through the frozen tundra of Canada’s Northwest Territories, from Victoria to Tuktoyaktuk. Now the couple is sharing their adventure with their documentary series called Reconnecting with Canada: The North.
This documentary shows how the pair and their support team overcame unimaginable weather and road conditions, braved frightening cold temperatures of almost -50°C, ice roads and even a head-on collision that shattered the front of Joe’s BMW F 800 GS. “On this trip, the bikes were absolutely amazing! They would start without any coaxing down to the -30°C mark,” says Joe.
During the documentary, Joe also mentions that when the weather hit below -30°C they counted on the BMW X5 to give their motorcycles a jumpstart. “The X5 is another BMW product that should really get a mention in all of this. It was flawless the entire way as well,” says Joe.
If you’re looking to watch an amazing true story of one couple’s quest and how they got to experience Canada in all its glory, check out Reconnecting with Canada: The North. You can watch the episodes; see photos and news from the expedition here.
First BMW 1 M Coupe – European Delivery Highlights!
If you’ve visited the Budds’ BMW Facebook Page or Twitter feed recently, you’ve probably seen the photos from one of the most exciting events that we have had at the dealership. A Delivery of a BMW 1M from Europe to Canada. We are so thrilled that Derek (a loyal Budds BMW customer) was willing to share the delivery process with us and all the Canadian BMW fans out there.
Here are some of the highlights of his journey, plus photos and video footage of this stunning 1M!
Derek’s thoughts about the 1M
“This car does what you want it to do. For around town (wonderful), BLVD cruising (wonderful), highway cruising and sitting at a light looking great…Wonderful. This thing carries great amounts of speed so effortlessly, it’s just nutty. More power will make it accelerate more quickly; and wait until you feel this thing stick. It sticks. And this is the part I want explore.
The 1M belies its true weight and size. It feels like a GTI in size, but gosh it’s not a GTI. R32ish maybe, but its lighter feeling and more fun. The seats fit me well! Especially with the leg supports extended and the bolsters in the sides of the upper part correctly adjusted.
The 1M has a very firm suspension. I found it similar to a E46 with a Very Good Coilover, only quieter. The fast ratio steering, the firmness of the suspension and grip of the tires makes for a go-kart type drive. It doesn’t have the big heavy serious feel like a 996 or even a Boxster (although I’ve owned a Boxster and they are pretty amazing, too, just slow). The big difference between this and an E46 on Coilovers is this one soaks up the bumps so effortlessly and although you can feel the big wheels and tires out there at the corners, the chassis and shocks are keeping them under control. You can tell they’re working to keep them under control, but they’re doing it happily. The gauges are SO easy to read, but you BMW customers are used to stunning gauges. The factory wheels, cleaned and polished are stunning against the black car.”
Here are some photos and videos of Derek’s M1 delivery…
If you ever wondered whether Euro Delivery was worth the effort...you have to try it. The people at BMW have been simply amazing organizing this delivery and have even invited me to the M-Studio to meet with the Engineers who designed the 1M! What an amazing experience....
“The Black M3 Competition Coupe behind the 1M was a great comparison. This was the first time I'd seen a BMW 1M, and had ordered it "fingers crossed" that I'd like it. I saw the orange at Detroit and Toronto, and liked it, but didn't know if I could love it year in and year out. After seeing these two cars together I was very happy with the colour...and the car too! The athletic look of the 1M is stunning.”
"Inside the BMW Museum, and from inside the BMW Welt. This sign on the floor of the Welt was not really obvious; I walked over it several times without noticing...until I was up three floors!”
“Heading to the BMW M-Studio! BMW Canada and Budd's BMW worked with BMW M-Studio to arrange a meeting with the engineering staff who created the 1M. What a treat!”
"As a parting gift, the whole Engineering staff for the 1M signed a Dealer Poster for the 1M as a gift to take home."
Derek’s Video Footage
Exhaust at Start up and some Throttle Blips
BMW 1M Coupe Exhaust Sound 1st Gear to 2nd Gear from Outside the Car
Budds’ BMW would like to thank Derek for coming in to see us and sharing his new pride and joy with the Budds’ family. Want to read the full story? See the forum here.
Budds’ BMW is Connected
