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We’re back but a week since our last show with a look ahead at 2012 and some improved audio quality and another big 60 minute show. But more importantly we tell you how to properly order an F30 and what those “Lines” really are.
After the F30 we move onto the Detroit and Geneva Motor shows and what to expect at each. But what about M? 2012 will initially be the year of the M5 and then as things warm-up a drop-top with close to 600 hp. We break-down what to expect from the new halo M car – the M6. Finally I admit to temporarily putting an E60 M5 into limp mode due to cold weather and a little impatience.
On January 9th 2012 the automotive world will converge on Cabo Hall, Detroit Michigan (like in Frankfurt above). This coming North American International Auto Show is going to be a spectacular event, not for the venue itself but for the number of production cars making world premieres as well as the Concept cars that will shape the future landscape of automobiles as we known them.
From the American big three to the Germans and Japanese, each company from those respective nations is said to be showing something that will come to market within the next year. BMW, not to be upstaged by the competition has some significant vehicles that will make their first appearances as well as showcasing the future of the BMW brand in North America. The following is what we believe to make appearances.
Take note, with this release BMWi has officially begun acting as a stand alone entity under the BMW brand. Subtle yes. But an important moment. Now onto the surprisingly interesting press release.
Official Release: BMW i is about the development of visionary vehicles and mobility services, inspiring design and a new understanding of premium that is strongly defined by sustainability. With BMW i the BMW Group is adopting an all-embracing approach, redefining the understanding of personal mobility with purpose- built vehicle concepts, a focus on sustainability throughout the value chain and a range of complementary mobility services. (photo gallery and full release after the break)
Richard Kim, the lead exterior designer on both the i3 and i8 had the best job in the world; to re-imagine the automobile. In the i3 and i8 he’s done just that by celebrating the technology that has made them both possible. In this interview (courtesy of Drivestv.com) he goes into details as we see them on-screen. It’s perhaps one of the best presentations as to why these cars are truly different that we’ve seen.
We’ve just returned from the Frankfurt IAA and to say that the BMW Hall is overwhelming is an absolute understatement. The scale of BMW’s home auto show venue is immense. Imagine an auto show floor stateside and then think that the size of that entire building is around the size of BMW’s own in Frankfurt- it is that enormous. BMW didn’t disappoint its fans in its presentation of its newest offerings and future concepts; offering a wide range of vehicles, all presented in the ideals of Efficient Dynamics. Our cameras were able to capture it all so be sure to check out the gallery.
Last month BMW spent a full week in and around Chicago shooting the recently introduced BMW i3 and i8. Today we have the official results of the photoshoot. In person both cars looked great. However it was the i8 that literally stopped traffic. Check out the full gallery after the break.
BMW has been testing automated driving vehicles for some time. A few weeks ago we even got a test “ride” in an automated 3 Series around Laguna Seca. To call the experience bizarre would be an understatement. Now they are taking to the streets and testing in real world applications.
Official Release: Motorway A9 from Munich to Nuremberg – and as usual – there is a high volume of traffic. But despite the stress of the situation, the driver sits calm and relaxed behind the wheel. Why? Because the car is highly automated, i.e. it brakes, accelerates and passes other vehicles on its own, while also monitoring and adapting to the prevailing traffic conditions. And the second reason why? Because Dr. Nico Kämpchen, Project Manager of Highly Automated Driving at BMW Group Research and Technology, has already completed nearly 5,000 test kilometres with his team. In order to offer drivers comfortable and safe vehicles in the future, equipped with the most modern assistance systems available, the engineers at BMW Group Research and Technology have been working for many years on the development of electronic co-pilots to support automated driving in specific situations – for example the BMW TrackTrainer tested on the race track, as well as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and the Emergency Stop Assistant. To further understand the potential offered by these systems, as well as their limitations, researchers are ready to take their next major step: developing advanced driver assistance systems for the motorway.
BimmerFile is dedicated to bringing you the most interesting news, links and reviews related to the BMW brand and it's vehicles.
We believe in the old school BMW ownership experience. We believe in garage nights with a six pack and some friends. We believe in 2002s, in E30 M3s and E34 540s with the 6 speed. We believe in progress in both design and engineering but we haven't lost sight of what made the brand and its products great all those years ago. And yes, we believe in the manual transmission.
We long for the days of the wave and for the days of roll-up windows. Yet we love the gadgets on the inside and the xenons on the outside.
In short, we can't get enough of BMWs. This is BimmerFile.
Sections: BimmerCast, F30 3 Series, i3, i8 Jan 2nd, 2012 12 Comments 
