World Car Awards top three

Following the announcement of the World Car Awards finalists at the beginning of February, the jurors have voted once again to decide the top three candidates in each category.



There’s now a short wait until the New York International Auto Show, which begins on 22 April, to find out the winners.



The three models up for each award - in alphabetical order - are:



2011 World Car of the Year



· Audi A8

· BMW 5 Series

· Nissan Leaf

BMW 5 Series Saloon

The outsider here is probably the Audi, but whether enough jurors have been swayed by the Leaf remains to be seen. Many might have been reluctant to give their votes to the Nissan because, despite its green credentials, it nevertheless represents first generation electric car technology which comes with associated issues of purchase price, recharging time and range.



2011 World Performance Car



· Ferrari 458 Italia

· Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG

· Porsche 911 Turbo

Ferrari 458 Italia

It’s difficult to foresee the Ferrari not winning this category.



2011 World Car Design of the Year



· Alfa Romeo Giulietta

· Aston Martin Rapide

· Ferrari 458 Italia

Aston Martin Rapide

Perhaps the surprise here is that the Citroën DS3, which was in the top ten shortlist, hasn’t make it through to the top three. Naturally this is a very subjective category but, from an aesthetic perspective, surely the Aston Martin just about beats the other contenders?



2011 World Green Car



· BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition

· Chevrolet Volt

· Nissan Leaf

Chevrolet Volt

This award is hard to predict, because the three finalists represent three very different technologies: internal combustion, range extender and pure electric. However, because the Volt combines the benefits of battery power with a total absence of range anxiety, it deserves to clinch the title.



Related post:

World Car Awards finalists

BMW launches new package for the Z4 2012

BMW introduced a novelty in Geneva, Switzerland For further options, Z4 roadster, the German company launched a package of special design for the model. The special kit was named Pure Balance Design and includes changes in body paint, and new details inside the vehicle.

In the photos, the BMW Z4 has earned a metallic paint color Mineral White, who "gives an impression of brightness, in the literal sense. " Other colors will be available by the brand, both for cars with metallic paints and solid.

The interior of the Z4 with the package passed by Pure Balance minor adjustments and received sport seats, leather color Cohibra Brown, a console with black leather upholstery, and wood details.

2013 BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Live Geneva Motor Show 2011

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Live

BMW Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Live interior

The concept study is presented as a two-seater roadster inspired visually to the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics of 2009. This is evident from the strong emphasis on the width of a horizontal lamp and flat kidney. A special feature of the exterior of the BMW ConnectedDrive Vision is the door concept. Inspired, it is of the electro-mechanical retractable doors of the BMW Z1 1988th This one is driving, even with open doors possible and allowed. The new Geneva-study is the idea to extend them. Two sliding door elements - one inside, one outside - will disappear when the door opening in the vehicle body and thus allow the entry. While the outer shell moves forward, the inner shell disappears in a counter-movement in the rear of the vehicle. Even the BMW ConnectedDrive Vision is driving with an open outer door, a central aspect.

K 1600 GT and GTL prices

BMW Motorrad has announced UK prices and specifications for its six-cylinder K 1600 GT and GTL super-tourers, ahead of their showroom launch on 19 March.

The recommended retail prices are shown for each of the four available versions. These include VAT and delivery, but dealer on-the-road charges will be extra.





K 1600 GT - £14,950



Standard specification:

· ABS

· Self-levelling Xenon headlight

· LED indicators and brake light

· Heated grips

· Heated seats

· Optional low seat

· E-Gas with three engine power modes

· Cruise control

· 5.7” high quality LCD dashboard display

· Electronically adjustable screen

· Colour-matched panniers

· Centre stand





K 1600 GT SE - £15,765



Standard specification, in addition to K 1600 GT:

· Adaptive Headlight

· Tyre Pressure Control

· Dynamic Traction Control





K 1600 GTL - £16,515



Standard specification, in addition to K 1600 GT:

· Integrated audio system

· Comfort windshield

· Colour coded top box

· Comfort footrests

· Chrome body kit





BMW K 1600 GTL E - £17,315



Standard specification, in addition to K 1600 GTL:

· Adaptive Headlight

· Tyre Pressure Control

· Dynamic Traction Control





The options list shouldn't be too extensive given the already high equipment levels, but it will include a GPS navigation system and Electronic Suspension Adjustment II.

Drawing up a list of direct competitors for the K 1600 - in terms of specs, price, concept or technology - is pretty much impossible.



An obvious candidate would be the six-cylinder Honda Gold Wing but, at £23,125, it costs way more than the BMW.



The £18,395 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic is much closer on price and yes, it is a touring bike. Apart from that though, it’s a very different animal which generally appeals to a totally separate customer base.



Related posts:

2012 Honda Gold Wing

BMW K 1600 GT and GTL

2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

BMW officials has announced that a new Vision ConnectedDrive Concept Vehicle will be showing up at the Geneva Motor Show and that it will “revolutionize driving in terms of comfort, infotainment and safety. The two-door roadster’s "layered" appearance evokes the EfficientDynamics concept from 2009, while its asymmetrical layout brings back memories of 2001’s X Coupe concept. Just as the former previewed a wild, forthcoming production car and the latter ushered in the Bangle design era, the 2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept provides a glimpse of BMWs to come.

2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

” BMW is only offering up a few details on this concept, but judging by its name, we expect a vehicle that will include the latest car-to-car communication features. It is an efficient and technologically advanced roadster, not sacrificing anything in terms of driving pleasure. It is unclear whether the model is related in some way with rumors of a future BMW roadster, smaller than Z4, or is a natural development of the GINA concept, but the new model is said to predict the future appearance of the BMW series vehicles.

Official BMW representatives said: “In 2011 the automobile industry is celebrating the anniversary “125 yeas of the automobile,” reason enough to not only look back, but also to look forward. Connectivity is one of the key fields of tomorrow’s world. And of course, we at BMW are proud to be among the pioneers of connected driving: for example, with the first on-board internet access in 2008, the first iPod integration in 2004, or the first ultrasound-based park distance control PDC in 1991.”

2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

“2011 is also the year in which we are setting course for the future. Initial insights are already available to you now in the Future Lab from BMW Vision ConnectedDrive. Or soon right here, with an extraordinary vehicle concept, which will once again revolutionize driving in terms of comfort, infotainment and safety. Exactly as you have come to expect from BMW.”

Some rumors suggest that the model will have a “3D interface” that will relate to the driver, with a futuristic design. The second feature is visible and will go in the direction of future BMW models. Instead, it is unclear how much influence the future creation of the BMW model, since the differences between the current range and the concept presented in Geneva 2011 are quite large, which hampers a rapid transition.

2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

The layered surfaces are enhanced with fiber-optic lighting effects that highlight the different functions and sections of the 2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept car. It certainly isn't possible to design a car like this with just a few pen strokes. And it is a remarkable and potentially trend-setting approach that is every bit as daring as the one taken by BMW design ten years ago with the X Coupe.

The windshield acts as the medium for a three-dimensional head-up display, and additional information is shown on the monitor behind the steering wheel. Tellingly, the layer that displays relevant driving information is christened the "safety layer," and it is fed by plenty of watchful sensors. A larger zone that also encompasses the passengers is called the "infotainment layer," and it offers movies, music, and internet access. Passengers also get their own display with nav and music info, which can then be sent to the driver’s attention at the press of a finger.

The 2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept design and technology of this spectacular roadster are aimed at making the vehicle an integral part of a networked world. Comfort, safety and the infotainment experience in the vehicle can be precisely optimized by the innovative functionality, individually tailored to suit the requirements of both the driver and passenger. New technologies and design concepts are employed to add even more facets to the unmistakable BMW driving pleasure.

 2011 New BMW Sports Cars Vision ConnectedDrive Concept

New spy photos of BMW M5 2013

At the moment the car passes through the winter tests somewhere in Scandinavia where they are made and the latest spy photos.


The premiere is planned for this fall of the Frankfurt Motor Show. It is now known that "hot five" will replace its current naturally aspirated engine V10, with bi-turbo V8 with a volume of 4.4 liters and an estimated 570 hp power

To remember that now the current model offers a capacity of 500 hp Now the future of the M5 engine can be seen in other "hot" version of "petition" - Alpina B5 Biturbo.

According to experts, however, both cars will have quite different exhaust systems and technologies of fuel injection. M5 is expected to have a new dual-clutch transmission, while B5 is an automatic gearbox with eight grades.

Electric BMW 1 Series

Following 2009’s Mini E, BMW has announced its second all-electric car. Based on the 1 Series Coupé, the BMW ActiveE is powered by an electric motor that produces 165 bhp (123 kW / 168 PS) and maximum torque of 250 Nm (184 lb/ft).



That’s sufficient to get the ActiveE from rest to 62 mph (100 km/h) in nine seconds - surprisingly sluggish for an electric car, given the instant torque that’s usually available. Top speed is limited to 90 mph (144 km/h), undoubtedly in the interests of preserving battery charge.

Whereas the Mini E lost its rear seats and a big chunk of boot space to its battery pack, the ActiveE retains the same four-seat accommodation as a ‘normal’ 1 Series Coupé. Luggage capacity shrinks from 370 to 200 litres though, thanks to a rear-mounted electric motor and control unit. The liquid cooled lithium-ion batteries meanwhile take the spaces previously occupied by the fuel tank, transmission and engine.

BMW has said that the ActiveE will have a range of 100 miles (160 kilometres). In an effort to maximise the time between recharges, the ActiveE’s accelerator has an intermediate position that allows it to ‘glide’ using its own kinetic energy. Also, when the driver takes their foot completely off the accelerator pedal, the motor becomes a generator that sends charge to the battery while creating braking torque to slow the car down.



When the inevitable range anxiety sets in, Eco Pro mode can be selected. This turns down the heating and air con and sends less energy to the electric motor, all to help the batteries last longer. The situation can be monitored via the battery charge and energy use dials, which replace the conventional fuel gauge and rev counter.



The ActiveE will make its first appearance at next month’s Geneva International Motor Show, but it won’t be entering series production. Rather, just over 1,000 examples will be built for field trials in Europe, the United States and China, with feedback being used for the BMW Megacity Vehicle project.



As with the Mini E, BMW UK is planning to lease the ActiveE to a limited number of customers who will have to apply to participate in the programme. There’s no word yet on the monthly cost, but seeing as it was £330 for the Mini E, don’t expect the ActiveE’s payments to be any less than that.

BMW ConnectedDrive Vision in Geneva: Exciting networked

With an exciting study and other BMW innovations in luggage to travel to Geneva Motor Show (3 to 13 March 2011). The highlight at the booth of Bayern will be without doubt the BMW ConnectedDrive Vision, which gives the brand an outlook on the possibilities of networking in the car.

The concept study is presented as a two-seater roadster inspired visually to the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics of 2009. This is evident from the strong emphasis on the width of a horizontal lamp and flat kidney. A special feature of the exterior of the BMW ConnectedDrive Vision is the door concept. Inspired, it is of the electro-mechanical retractable doors of the BMW Z1 1988th This one is driving, even with open doors possible and allowed. The new Geneva-study is the idea to extend them. Two sliding door elements - one inside, one outside - will disappear when the door opening in the vehicle body and thus allow the entry. While the outer shell moves forward, the inner shell disappears in a counter-movement in the rear of the vehicle. Even the BMW ConnectedDrive Vision is driving with an open outer door, a central aspect.

World Car Awards finalists

Sixty-six jurors from across the world have completed a first round of voting to determine the 2011 World Car Awards finalists.



With four different awards up for grabs, the shortlist models - in alphabetical order - are:





2011 World Car of the Year

• Audi A1


• Audi A8


• BMW 5 Series


• BMW X3


• Jaguar XJ


• Jeep Grand Cherokee


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Nissan Leaf


• Porsche Cayenne


• Volvo S60 / V60

Obviously, this is the big prize. Each of the finalists will be judged on ‘overall merit, value, safety, environmental responsibility, emotional appeal and significance’, a combination that has lead to some previous winners being very worthy but also just a bit dull.



What’s striking is that 2011’s entire crop is from premium or, in the case of the Volvo and Jeep, semi-premium manufacturers. Even the Nissan isn’t exactly mainstream, given its relatively high price.

The Leaf could well repeat its 2011 European Car of the Year victory, but it does tend to divide opinion. There are those who believe it almost makes petrol or diesel cars obsolete, while others won’t back an all-electric car until both battery range and the recharging infrastructure improve.







It’s hard to see either the SLS AMG or Cayenne winning, given their comparative lack of environmental responsibility. The BMW 5 Series has to be a contender given its all-round ability, but it would be good to see the Jaguar XJ clinch it, simply because it represents such a brave departure from previous generation XJ models.



Audi’s A1 probably ticks all the boxes. However, it’d be a shame for it to win because it’s essentially a tarted-up version of last year’s World Car of the Year, the Volkswagen Polo.





2011 World Performance Car

• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi RS 5 Coupe


• Cadillac CTS-V Coupe


• Ferrari 458 Italia


• Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera


• Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG / CL 63 AMG


• Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG


• Porsche 911 GT2 RS


• Porsche 911 Turbo


• Renault Mégane Renaultsport 250

This category is wide open, as it includes everything from a compact hot hatch to numerous supercars for the jurors to choose from. Audi has won the performance car award three times in the past five years, but it’ll be a surprise if the feat is repeated with the RS 5.









2011 World Car Design of the Year

• Alfa Romeo Giulietta


• Aston Martin Rapide


• Audi A7


• Citroën DS3


• Ferrari 458


• Honda CR-Z


• Kia Sportage


• Nissan Juke

There were originally fifty-one candidates in this category, which is expected to ‘highlight new vehicles with innovation and style that push established boundaries’ - a demanding set of criteria.

On that basis, the Aston Martin would seem to be a strong challenger, but arguably it’s the Nissan Juke that truly stands out as a unique design.



The shortlist was decided by a panel of five design experts but, as with all of the other awards, it’s now solely up to the jurors to arrive at a winner.







2011 World Green Car

• BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition


• Chevrolet Volt


• Hyundai Sonata Hybrid


• Mercedes-Benz B-Class F-Cell


• Nissan Leaf


• Smart electric drive

Three environmental experts were asked to draw up the finalists for this award based on emissions, fuel consumption and the power plant technology employed.

Perhaps the Leaf stands a stronger chance of winning this category, but it may be the case that more jurors consider the Volt’s range extender concept as being more practical for everyday use.







But with its 109 g/km and combined cycle 68.9 mpg (4.0 l/100km), the 320d Efficient Dynamics Edition proves that cars with a traditional internal combustion engine can still be impressively green.







The next stage is that during February the jurors will vote again, but this time just on the finalists.



Following that ballot, the top three cars in each category will be announced at the Geneva International Motor Show on 1st March.



Then, bringing the process to a close, the 2011 World Car Awards winners will be declared during the New York International Auto Show in April.

BMW 1-Series GTR racer by Senkyr Motorsport

This BMW 1 series Coupe GTR by Czech racing team Senkyr Motorsport is based on the E82 1-Series.

There's a reason it looks so much like an M3 GTR - the 1-Series coupe chassis was used to create a car similar to the Senkyr Motorsport's own E92 M3 GTR (see last 3 photos) by adapting it for the wide body kit featured here.

Powering the 1-Series Coupe GTR is a twin-turbo 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder engine with a Senkyr intercooler. Total output is 300 kW (408 PS / 402 bhp) at 7200 rpm. Transmission is a 6-speed sequential Holinger RDS6 gearbox.

The racer features a KW Competition 3-way coilover suspension and KW springs.

Wheels are supplied by BBS Motorsport in 10 x 18-inch front and 12 x 18-inch rear wrapped in 270/650/R18 and 300/650/R18 tires, respectively.

G-Power BMW M5 Hurricane GS

G-Power has unveiled the new Hurricane GS, which is the world's fastest LPG-powered vehicle.

Based on the BMW M5 (E60), the GS features an SK II package with an LPG conversion, two ASA superchargers, a water-cooled intercooler, and a remapped ECU. Thanks to these modifications, the 5.0-liter V10 engine produces 660 PS (485 kW / 650 hp) and 650 Nm (479 Nm) of torque. This enables the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 11.4 seconds, and onto a top speed of 333 km/h (207 mph).

While G-Power touts the fact that LPG is "50% less expensive per litre than petrol," the package costs a whopping €33,571.43 ($43,400) - excluding installation. Of course, if that hasn't dissuaded you, at least your CO2 emissions will be cut by roughly 15%.

The previous title holder for fastest LPG car was the AC Schnitzer GP3.10 GAS POWERED BMW 3-Series Coupe (E92) which achieved 318.1 km/h (197 mph).

Business Car of the Year

UK publication Business Car has announced the winners of its 2011 Awards, which were voted for by readers rather than being decided by a jury.



It was a successful haul for the BMW Group as it took top honours in six out of the thirteen vehicle categories, as well as being declared overall manufacturer of the year. Clearly desirability, solid residuals, decent fuel economy and low CO2 emissions are all attributes that continue to keep both drivers and fleet managers happy.





Business Car Awards 2011 winners



Vehicle categories



Manufacturer of the Year: BMW



Business Car of the Year: BMW 5 Series

Green Model of the Year: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics

City Car: Fiat 500

Supermini: Mini

Lower Medium: Audi A3

Upper Medium: BMW 3 Series

Executive: BMW 5 Series

Luxury: Jaguar XJ

Large 4x4: BMW X5

Small 4x4: Audi Q5

Mini-MPV: Volkswagen Touran

MPV: Ford S-MAX

Sporting Car: Audi R8



Service supplier categories



Service Supplier of the Year: Lex Autolease



Accident Management: The AA

Daily Rental: Enterprise

Fast-Fit: Kwik-Fit Fleet

Insurance: Aviva

Leasing and Fleet Management: Lex Autolease

BMW to contest ILMC

BMW has confirmed its plans to compete in the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup with the M3 GT2.

Following the withdrawal from the World Touring Car Championship by the BMW works entries at the end of last season, drivers Andy Prixaulx and Augusto Farfus have been redeployed to the ILMC programme and will contest all seven rounds.



For the European races and the Chinese event, where two cars will be run by BMW Team Schnitzer, they will be joined by Jörg Müller as the third regular driver.

Meanwhile, in North America, BMW Team RLL (Rahal Letterman Lanigan) will be fielding a pair of BMW M3 GT2s in every round of the American Le Mans Series.



At the two ALMS races that also form part of the ILMC - Sebring and Road Atlanta - regular BMW Team RLL works drivers Dirk Müller and Dirk Werner will be supported by Prixaulx and Farfus, plus American drivers Bill Auberlen and Joey Hand.

Intercontinental Le Mans Cup 2011
Round	Event	Country	Date
1	Sebring 12 Hours	USA	19th March
2	Spa-Francorchamps 6 Hours	Belgium	8th May
3	Le Mans 24 Hours	France	11th - 12th June
4	Imola 6 Hours	Italy	3rd July
5	Silverstone 6 Hours	UK	11th September
6	Petit Le Mans (Road Atlanta)	USA	1st October
7	(Circuit TBC) 6 Hours	China	12th November

BMW leads Turbo petrol engine with four cylinders, a - debut in the X1 xDrive28i

While Audi has long been on turbo petrol engine, BMW has not a single program in the current model four-cylinder petrol engine with turbocharger. Now the changes: In the X1 xDrive28i from the spring of 2011 no longer operates the 258-horsepower three-liter six-cylinder, but a turbocharged four-cylinder with 245 horsepower - a further step towards downsizing.

The new engine delivers 245 hp at 5,000 rpm. The maximum torque of 350 Newton meters is 40 meters higher than the Newton six-cylinder. It is also already in place until 1250 at 2,600 rpm. This requires the X1 xDrive28i with the standard six-speed manual 6.1 seconds for the sprint to 100 km / h, with automatic, it is 6.5 seconds. This latter variant just 0.3 seconds faster than the old version of the X1 xDrive28i, which is offered with automatic transmission.