Archive for October 2011
Oct 19th, 2011
Official Release: With the introduction of MINI Connected in 2010, the BMW Group became the world’s first carmaker to allow the application-based and extensive integration of the Apple iPhone into its models. Available as an option, MINI Connected links up with a simple USB connection and the MINI Connected App to turn the smartphone into a central interface for infotainment inside, and relating to every aspect of, the car. This technology has provided the launch pad for an all-new in-car infotainment experience. In spring 2011 this interface and app were also made available for BMW vehicles in the form of BMW Apps and BMW Connected. Added to which, the BMW Group has since expanded the app concept to include the internet-based services from BMW Online (available since 2001) and, this summer, also BMW Live. Other compatible apps – and therefore services – from third-party providers can also be integrated into the concept and used in BMW and MINI vehicles.
continued →
Oct 18th, 2011
America’s best selling BMW model gets a full makeover.
For the first time the US will see the same on-sale date as Europe when it comes to a 3 Series sedan. Production of the F30, as it is known internally, begins in earnest the first week of December for US spec cars. The new 3er will go on sale globally February 11, 2012. Some sources indicate that the Munich plant has already ended the production of the previous generation E90 and the retooling is beginning in order to begin production November, 1. The car will be sold as a 2012 model in the US since production is beginning in 2011.
continued →
Oct 18th, 2011
The current capabilities of BMW ConnectedDrive include innovative functionality and a multitude of features which network the driver, the vehicle and the outside world. New products, now available in the Original BMW Accessories range, enable the BMW driver to upgrade his existing vehicle with solutions and features to provide networked driving. These accessories provide additional, complementary opportunities to equip a BMW automobile with ConnectedDrive functionality, heightening (networked) driving pleasure still more. From now on, new innovative connectivity accessories will be available indulging the drivers of many of the current BMW models with the ability to take advantage of mobile Apple devices, securely and comfortably, in their vehicles. The new range of Original BMW Accessories includes the BMW Station for the Apple iPhone, the iPhone app BMW Link, the WLAN adapter BMW Car Hotspot and the BMW Apple iPad Station.
continued →
Oct 17th, 2011
Updated: Problem solved. Our suspicions have proven true and Insideline didn’t quite get the whole story. According to Autoblog and their sources at BMW (good ones we hear) the F31 3 Series wagon WILL come to the US.
The US wagon saga continues with yet another quote from a BMW executive. However in contrast to BMWNA recently retired CEO Jim O’Donnel, BMW Board member Ian Robertson thinks that a 3 Series wagon doesn’t work financially in the US. Insideline is quoting Mr. Robertson as saying that BMW has no plans to import the forthcoming her wagon. It sounds like a stake in the heart of the F31 for the US market but we can’t help but feel a little suspicious given that the article doesn’t directly quote Robertson as saying the F31 is dead in the US.
continued →
Oct 17th, 2011
The new 3 Series is a looker, it follows the new rules of BMW design and as is typical of modern cars; it looks better in real life. The interior is sensational and is a leaps and bounds better than the outgoing model. The new “lines” are an easier way for buyers to spec cars with a specific look or driving style in mind- almost like having four different car options in some ways.
Oct 17th, 2011
During the launch of the new 3 Series at the BMW Welt in Munich we had a few minutes with BMW’s Chief Designer, Adrian van Hooydonk. During our discussions he was very candid and expressed his feelings on the new car and where it fits in the lineup. He also touched on how the exterior design was influenced by regulations.
As BMW’s chief of design he signed off on the final version of the car but it is the board that must give the final approval. This all new car is viewed internally and by much of the media as an evolutionary change when compared to the exiting E90 platform.
Adrian happily explained the basic idea of the BMW sedan models and how they are all members of the BMW family and are easily recognizable as such. The 3,5, and 7 all feature BMW’s traditional twin kidney grills, the Hoffmeister kink and the creases on the hood that flow off of the Roundel. Each model uses these elements as individuals but all are “unmistakeable as BMW”.
continued →
Oct 16th, 2011
The F30 release marches on. Today we have the full international brochure on the new car. It’s not market specific (and in fact what we see here will differ greatly from US market offerings), but it’s worth a look just the same. Specifically this is the best way to see how BMW has broken up the three lines (modern, luxury, and sport) within all the various options. But don’t expect those three lines to make it the US. More on that later.
You can grab it after the break.
continued →
Oct 16th, 2011
It’s not quite the highly acclaimed BMWUSA.com configurator but it is the best (and most complete) version we’ve ever seen from BMW’s international site BMW.com. Well worth a click.
continued →
Browse Pages:
« Previous Page — Next Page »
« Previous Page — Next Page »
