mika
Still Wondering
TodayÔÇÖs Birthdays / Calendar
brianbucket.com
Bikers a boon for local economy
motoinsight.it
BikeExpo08: Moto Morini 1200 Sport
aprilianews.com
Black Dorsoduro
motoblog.it
Motoblog live @ Bike Expo ÔÇô Aprilia gallery
motoblog.it
Helmet artist Robert Forgren
motoblog.it
Special: Busa Gulf by Hank Young
sfgate.com
Harley-Davidson FXDF Dyna Fat Bob ÔÇô HarleyÔÇÖs new bike is a departure of sorts
currant.com
With new bike, Buell realizes a dream
rep-am.com
Ride-CT: Revving up in Waterbury
gizmag.com
Yamaha unveils RossiÔÇÖs 2008 YZR-M1 MotoGP machine
caradisiac.com
MotoGP ÔÇô Indy: A race over the program
roadracingworl.com
1200cc Twins approved for 2008 AMA Superbike Challenge
BMW Sauber F1
BMW Motorsport
classicrallies.com
ItÔÇÖs time to enter Great Race Texas 2008
classicrallies.com
Book Review: Pekin to Paris: The Ultimate Driving Adventure!
germancarscene.com
CHICAGO AUTO SHOW 2008: NEW VAN FROM VOLKSWAGEN ESPECIALLY FOR THE US MARKET
If they could just explain women for mebut first things first.
motoringfile.com
Car resale values explained
BMW GROUP RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN: All-New BMW X6 Named "Best Production Truck" At Eyes On Design Awards At 2008 North American International Auto Show
01/17/2008
All-New BMW X6 Named "Best Production Truck" At Eyes On Design Awards At 2008 North American International Auto Show
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 16, 2007... Just two days after its worldwide debut, the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe was named "Best Production Truck" at the EyesOn Design Awards at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Held each year, the EyesOn Design Awards recognize major design achievement in the automobile industry, and recipients are selected from among all new concept and production vehicles making their debut at the Detroit show.
"We are excited to receive this prestigious award; to be acknowledged by such an esteemed panel of judges - each design masters in his own right - is an honor. As the world's first Sports Activity Coupe, the X6 is a truly innovative automobile design, as is demonstrated in the powerful presence of the vehicle," said Anders Warming, Head of Exterior Design for BMW, who accepted the award on behalf of the BMW Group. "BMW will continue to seek dynamic design concepts that push the envelope, create new market sectors and bring the automobile industry in directions it's never been before."
The BMW X6's design combines the sporting elegance of a large BMW coupe with the powerful presence of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle, offering unique features and performance ability in a combination unmatched by any other vehicle. It offers all the DNA of a genuine BMW Sports Activity Vehicle, interpreted however, in a brand-new, extremely sporting style. Indeed, the design language of this new model is the authentic visualization of the outstanding driving characteristics offered by the BMW X6, mainly through intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology and Dynamic Performance Control.
Various design features typical of BMW also stand out in the vehicle's details, ranging from the BMW kidney grille to the dual round headlights optically "cut off" at the top and the powerful contour line along the side, all the way to the horizontal lines at the rear emphasizing the sheer width of the vehicle.
The EyesOn Design Awards support the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology's mission to assist and educate the visually impaired, help preserve vision by public and professional education and support research related to the eye.
The Mini ClubmanÔÇÖs appearance in Detroit was of interest in the PressClub Middle East
NEW MINI CLUBMAN FEATURED AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW IN DETROIT
01/14/2008
New Member of MINI Family Offers Flexibility, Fun and Performance
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 13, 2008... The 2008 MINI Clubman, an all-new addition to the MINI model line, is featured at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI. With a little more room in the back and an innovative door configuration, the eagerly anticipated MINI Clubman defies convention in its concept and style. This all new addition to the MINI family will go on sale in the US February 16th, 2008 as both a Cooper and a Cooper S model. The MINI Cooper Clubman will be offered with a MSRP of $20,600, while the MINI Cooper S Clubman will come with a MSRP of $24,100. Both prices include a $650 Destination charge.
The MINI Clubman paves the way into a totally-new market segment, offering new opportunities for the MINI brand and showcasing, yet again, MINI's leadership in the premium small car segment. With its hallmark design elements, the MINI Clubman is clearly a MINI from every angle. Yet it is the MINI Clubman's unique rear-end design and new proportions that distinguish it from other members of the MINI family and make it unlike anything else on the road today.
Compelling Design and Five Doors in a Brand-New Configuration.
MINI is well known for its combination of successful attributes - a truly unique design; agile driving characteristics; premium quality; a high level of safety; a wide range of customization options, and outstanding efficiency. Now the all-new MINI Clubman offers another compelling attribute - an additional 9.45 inches in body length and wheelbase extended by 3.15 inches that helps create more space in the rear legroom area. What makes the MINI Clubman truly unique is its innovative five door configuration with the conventional driver's and front passenger's door supplemented by an additional rear-hinged door on the right-hand side of the car and the two split-rear doors in the back.
The MINI Clubman extends an open welcome to rear-seat passengers with the "Clubdoor", a rather ingenious door configuration on the right side of the vehicle. The Clubdoor swings open in the opposing direction relative to the main passenger door to dramatically increase the access to the rear seating area. Behind the front seats, the new MINI Clubman offers remarkable rear seating comfort and flexible use of space. Rear seat passengers now enjoy 3.15 inches more legroom compared to the MINI hardtop. Without an exterior handle, the Clubdoor is integrated unobtrusively into the body design of the MINI Clubman and for safety, can only be opened with the adjoining front door open. The MINI Clubman comes to the US in a four passenger configuration.
The split-rear doors at the back of the MINI Clubman are another unique design element of the MINI Clubman and open up to offer easy and convenient access for larger parcels and equipment such as sports gear. In addition to increased functionality, the split-rear doors represent a modern interpretation of an authentic detail seen on MINI's classic forerunners. The rear doors are further highlighted with the C-pillars painted in a contrasting silver or black finish. Inside, the generous luggage compartment may be further extended with a flexible rear seat configuration, offering very easy and convenient loading options thanks to the two rear doors.
The MINI Clubman is the modern successor to the legendary classics Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman, and Mini Clubman Estate. However, the MINI Clubman retains all the functionality, handling and performance characteristics that one expects in a thoroughly modern MINI.
Enhanced Function With MINI Performance and Driving Characteristics.
MINI has developed the new MINI Clubman specifically for the active and passionate individualist wishing to consciously stand out. The MINI Clubman retains its sporting character, while offering new and flexible options in interior use and practical value. Despite its slightly longer proportions the MINI Clubman retains MINI's typical "wheels at the four corners" stance and the car's driving characteristics still offer the legendary go-kart feeling unique to MINI.
The MINI Clubman will be available in the U.S. with two different engines:
* Powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct gasoline injection and maximum output of 175 hp at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm, the MINI Cooper S Clubman offers the highest level of performance.
* The MINI Cooper Clubman, benefiting from its 1.6-liter four-cylinder developing 120 hp at 6,600 rpm and featuring fully variable valve management, offers impressive performance and economy.
More Than 40 Color Combinations for the Individualist
Motoring in a MINI is more than just getting from A to B - it is an expression of ones' lifestyle - a genuine attitude towards life. In particular, it is the focus on the enjoyment and experience of driving combined with an appreciation of powerful, trendsetting design. The MINI Clubman offers the enthusiast even greater options in personalizing his or her style, with more than 40 combinations of the exterior paintwork alone. Add to that the full compliment of options and features and the possible combinations a MINI Clubman can be configured becomes almost limitless.
The new BMW M3 Convertible.
Description in Brief.
ÔÇó Third body version of the new BMW M3; high-performance convertible from BMW M GmbH unique in its design and technical features; developed on the basis of the BMW 3 Series Convertible; consistent orientation to the high-performance character typical of BMW M,
as with the BMW M3 Coup?® and the BMW M3 Saloon. Car concept with
a consistent, unique tradition: Fourth generation of both the
BMW M3 Convertible and the BMW M3 Coup?®.
ÔÇó Unique combination of outstanding driving dynamics with aesthetic looks, unparalleled experience of open-air motoring and superior everyday driving qualities in that special combination specific to BMW M. Electrohydraulically operated retractable hardtop ensuring supreme performance in the BMW M3 Convertible with nothing but the sky above.
ÔÇó Authentic BMW M design as the expression of superior drive power; aluminium engine lid with striking powerdome; characteristic front end with large air intakes; powerfully flared wheel arches; specific BMW M interpretation of the classic lines of a BMW Convertible with its dynamically stretched silhouette, low waistline and muscular, low-slung rear end;
gill elements in the front side walls; M-specific side sills contoured even more specifically towards the rear of the car as a visual tribute to rear-wheel drive; rear air dam with diffuser optimising the flow of air beneath the car; dual tailpipes typical of BMW M.
ÔÇó Exclusive driving experience: The unique power and performance of a BMW M3 combined with an incomparably intense experience of the sun and wind unique to a BMW Convertible.
ÔÇó The BMW M3 Convertible is powered by BMW MÔÇÖs brand-new V8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp; maximum torque is 400 Nm/295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm; maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm, optimum muscle and thrust throughout the entire range of engine speed.
ÔÇó Individual throttle butterflies, variable double-VANOS camshaft control, Brake Energy Regeneration; engine 15 kg lighter than the six-cylinder power unit on the former model.
ÔÇó Acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, top speed 250 km/h (155 mph) (limited electronically), average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle 12,9 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 21 mpg imp).
ÔÇó Manual six-speed gearbox with integrated, temperature-controlled oil cooling; two-plate clutch optimised for mass inertia.
ÔÇó MDrive for setting and retrieving the driverÔÇÖs favourite engine control map, suspension and DSC set-up and Servotronic control map as an additional option.
ÔÇó Brand-new suspension with specific, convertible-based reinforcements in typical M configuration, weight-optimised components and M-specific
axle kinematics for a highly dynamic driving experience; forged aluminium track control arms; compound high-performance brake system.
ÔÇó Optional EDC Electronic Damper Control with three selectable control maps; adaptive damper set-up responding to changes on the road surface and in the driverÔÇÖs style of motoring; EDC allowing appropriate adjustment to extremely dynamic driving conditions at any time, irrespective of the mode chosen.
ÔÇó Retractable hardtop in lightweight steel structure; three-piece roof structure with fully automatic opening and closing function; remote control of roof opening function featured as standard; opening time 22 seconds; optimum all-round visibility with hardtop closed thanks to large window areas.
ÔÇó Body structure with extremely high standard of torsional stiffness; all-round occupant protection by frontal and head/thorax airbags, three-point
inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, belt latch tensioners, belt force limiters and central safety electronics for appropriate control of restraint systems including rollover protection with roll bars moving up automatically behind the rear seats; bi-xenon dual headlights featured as standard, Adaptive Headlights as an option.
ÔÇó Upgraded, high-class interior with a wide range of customisation options; innovative colour and materials concept; two rear seats with single
seat contours; BMW Individual High End audio system with nine-channel amplifier and 16 high-output loudspeakers available as an option;
M-specific paintwork and equipment variants.
Exterior and Interior Dimensions
Specifications
Output and Torque Diagram
brianbucket.com
Bikers a boon for local economy
motoinsight.it
BikeExpo08: Moto Morini 1200 Sport
aprilianews.com
Black Dorsoduro
motoblog.it
Motoblog live @ Bike Expo ÔÇô Aprilia gallery
motoblog.it
Helmet artist Robert Forgren
motoblog.it
Special: Busa Gulf by Hank Young
sfgate.com
Harley-Davidson FXDF Dyna Fat Bob ÔÇô HarleyÔÇÖs new bike is a departure of sorts
currant.com
With new bike, Buell realizes a dream
rep-am.com
Ride-CT: Revving up in Waterbury
gizmag.com
Yamaha unveils RossiÔÇÖs 2008 YZR-M1 MotoGP machine
caradisiac.com
MotoGP ÔÇô Indy: A race over the program
roadracingworl.com
1200cc Twins approved for 2008 AMA Superbike Challenge
BMW Sauber F1
BMW Motorsport
classicrallies.com
ItÔÇÖs time to enter Great Race Texas 2008
classicrallies.com
Book Review: Pekin to Paris: The Ultimate Driving Adventure!
germancarscene.com
CHICAGO AUTO SHOW 2008: NEW VAN FROM VOLKSWAGEN ESPECIALLY FOR THE US MARKET
If they could just explain women for mebut first things first.
motoringfile.com
Car resale values explained
BMW GROUP RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN: All-New BMW X6 Named "Best Production Truck" At Eyes On Design Awards At 2008 North American International Auto Show
01/17/2008
All-New BMW X6 Named "Best Production Truck" At Eyes On Design Awards At 2008 North American International Auto Show
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 16, 2007... Just two days after its worldwide debut, the BMW X6 Sports Activity Coupe was named "Best Production Truck" at the EyesOn Design Awards at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Held each year, the EyesOn Design Awards recognize major design achievement in the automobile industry, and recipients are selected from among all new concept and production vehicles making their debut at the Detroit show.
"We are excited to receive this prestigious award; to be acknowledged by such an esteemed panel of judges - each design masters in his own right - is an honor. As the world's first Sports Activity Coupe, the X6 is a truly innovative automobile design, as is demonstrated in the powerful presence of the vehicle," said Anders Warming, Head of Exterior Design for BMW, who accepted the award on behalf of the BMW Group. "BMW will continue to seek dynamic design concepts that push the envelope, create new market sectors and bring the automobile industry in directions it's never been before."
The BMW X6's design combines the sporting elegance of a large BMW coupe with the powerful presence of a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle, offering unique features and performance ability in a combination unmatched by any other vehicle. It offers all the DNA of a genuine BMW Sports Activity Vehicle, interpreted however, in a brand-new, extremely sporting style. Indeed, the design language of this new model is the authentic visualization of the outstanding driving characteristics offered by the BMW X6, mainly through intelligent BMW xDrive all-wheel-drive technology and Dynamic Performance Control.
Various design features typical of BMW also stand out in the vehicle's details, ranging from the BMW kidney grille to the dual round headlights optically "cut off" at the top and the powerful contour line along the side, all the way to the horizontal lines at the rear emphasizing the sheer width of the vehicle.
The EyesOn Design Awards support the Detroit Institute of Ophthalmology's mission to assist and educate the visually impaired, help preserve vision by public and professional education and support research related to the eye.
The Mini ClubmanÔÇÖs appearance in Detroit was of interest in the PressClub Middle East
NEW MINI CLUBMAN FEATURED AT NORTH AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW IN DETROIT
01/14/2008
New Member of MINI Family Offers Flexibility, Fun and Performance
Woodcliff Lake, NJ - January 13, 2008... The 2008 MINI Clubman, an all-new addition to the MINI model line, is featured at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, MI. With a little more room in the back and an innovative door configuration, the eagerly anticipated MINI Clubman defies convention in its concept and style. This all new addition to the MINI family will go on sale in the US February 16th, 2008 as both a Cooper and a Cooper S model. The MINI Cooper Clubman will be offered with a MSRP of $20,600, while the MINI Cooper S Clubman will come with a MSRP of $24,100. Both prices include a $650 Destination charge.
The MINI Clubman paves the way into a totally-new market segment, offering new opportunities for the MINI brand and showcasing, yet again, MINI's leadership in the premium small car segment. With its hallmark design elements, the MINI Clubman is clearly a MINI from every angle. Yet it is the MINI Clubman's unique rear-end design and new proportions that distinguish it from other members of the MINI family and make it unlike anything else on the road today.
Compelling Design and Five Doors in a Brand-New Configuration.
MINI is well known for its combination of successful attributes - a truly unique design; agile driving characteristics; premium quality; a high level of safety; a wide range of customization options, and outstanding efficiency. Now the all-new MINI Clubman offers another compelling attribute - an additional 9.45 inches in body length and wheelbase extended by 3.15 inches that helps create more space in the rear legroom area. What makes the MINI Clubman truly unique is its innovative five door configuration with the conventional driver's and front passenger's door supplemented by an additional rear-hinged door on the right-hand side of the car and the two split-rear doors in the back.
The MINI Clubman extends an open welcome to rear-seat passengers with the "Clubdoor", a rather ingenious door configuration on the right side of the vehicle. The Clubdoor swings open in the opposing direction relative to the main passenger door to dramatically increase the access to the rear seating area. Behind the front seats, the new MINI Clubman offers remarkable rear seating comfort and flexible use of space. Rear seat passengers now enjoy 3.15 inches more legroom compared to the MINI hardtop. Without an exterior handle, the Clubdoor is integrated unobtrusively into the body design of the MINI Clubman and for safety, can only be opened with the adjoining front door open. The MINI Clubman comes to the US in a four passenger configuration.
The split-rear doors at the back of the MINI Clubman are another unique design element of the MINI Clubman and open up to offer easy and convenient access for larger parcels and equipment such as sports gear. In addition to increased functionality, the split-rear doors represent a modern interpretation of an authentic detail seen on MINI's classic forerunners. The rear doors are further highlighted with the C-pillars painted in a contrasting silver or black finish. Inside, the generous luggage compartment may be further extended with a flexible rear seat configuration, offering very easy and convenient loading options thanks to the two rear doors.
The MINI Clubman is the modern successor to the legendary classics Morris Mini Traveller, Austin Mini Countryman, and Mini Clubman Estate. However, the MINI Clubman retains all the functionality, handling and performance characteristics that one expects in a thoroughly modern MINI.
Enhanced Function With MINI Performance and Driving Characteristics.
MINI has developed the new MINI Clubman specifically for the active and passionate individualist wishing to consciously stand out. The MINI Clubman retains its sporting character, while offering new and flexible options in interior use and practical value. Despite its slightly longer proportions the MINI Clubman retains MINI's typical "wheels at the four corners" stance and the car's driving characteristics still offer the legendary go-kart feeling unique to MINI.
The MINI Clubman will be available in the U.S. with two different engines:
* Powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with twin-scroll turbocharger, direct gasoline injection and maximum output of 175 hp at an engine speed of 5,500 rpm, the MINI Cooper S Clubman offers the highest level of performance.
* The MINI Cooper Clubman, benefiting from its 1.6-liter four-cylinder developing 120 hp at 6,600 rpm and featuring fully variable valve management, offers impressive performance and economy.
More Than 40 Color Combinations for the Individualist
Motoring in a MINI is more than just getting from A to B - it is an expression of ones' lifestyle - a genuine attitude towards life. In particular, it is the focus on the enjoyment and experience of driving combined with an appreciation of powerful, trendsetting design. The MINI Clubman offers the enthusiast even greater options in personalizing his or her style, with more than 40 combinations of the exterior paintwork alone. Add to that the full compliment of options and features and the possible combinations a MINI Clubman can be configured becomes almost limitless.
The new BMW M3 Convertible.
Description in Brief.
ÔÇó Third body version of the new BMW M3; high-performance convertible from BMW M GmbH unique in its design and technical features; developed on the basis of the BMW 3 Series Convertible; consistent orientation to the high-performance character typical of BMW M,
as with the BMW M3 Coup?® and the BMW M3 Saloon. Car concept with
a consistent, unique tradition: Fourth generation of both the
BMW M3 Convertible and the BMW M3 Coup?®.
ÔÇó Unique combination of outstanding driving dynamics with aesthetic looks, unparalleled experience of open-air motoring and superior everyday driving qualities in that special combination specific to BMW M. Electrohydraulically operated retractable hardtop ensuring supreme performance in the BMW M3 Convertible with nothing but the sky above.
ÔÇó Authentic BMW M design as the expression of superior drive power; aluminium engine lid with striking powerdome; characteristic front end with large air intakes; powerfully flared wheel arches; specific BMW M interpretation of the classic lines of a BMW Convertible with its dynamically stretched silhouette, low waistline and muscular, low-slung rear end;
gill elements in the front side walls; M-specific side sills contoured even more specifically towards the rear of the car as a visual tribute to rear-wheel drive; rear air dam with diffuser optimising the flow of air beneath the car; dual tailpipes typical of BMW M.
ÔÇó Exclusive driving experience: The unique power and performance of a BMW M3 combined with an incomparably intense experience of the sun and wind unique to a BMW Convertible.
ÔÇó The BMW M3 Convertible is powered by BMW MÔÇÖs brand-new V8 displacing 4.0 litres and developing maximum output of 309 kW/420 hp; maximum torque is 400 Nm/295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm; maximum engine speed 8,400 rpm, optimum muscle and thrust throughout the entire range of engine speed.
ÔÇó Individual throttle butterflies, variable double-VANOS camshaft control, Brake Energy Regeneration; engine 15 kg lighter than the six-cylinder power unit on the former model.
ÔÇó Acceleration to 100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, top speed 250 km/h (155 mph) (limited electronically), average fuel consumption in the EU test cycle 12,9 litres/100 kilometres (equal to 21 mpg imp).
ÔÇó Manual six-speed gearbox with integrated, temperature-controlled oil cooling; two-plate clutch optimised for mass inertia.
ÔÇó MDrive for setting and retrieving the driverÔÇÖs favourite engine control map, suspension and DSC set-up and Servotronic control map as an additional option.
ÔÇó Brand-new suspension with specific, convertible-based reinforcements in typical M configuration, weight-optimised components and M-specific
axle kinematics for a highly dynamic driving experience; forged aluminium track control arms; compound high-performance brake system.
ÔÇó Optional EDC Electronic Damper Control with three selectable control maps; adaptive damper set-up responding to changes on the road surface and in the driverÔÇÖs style of motoring; EDC allowing appropriate adjustment to extremely dynamic driving conditions at any time, irrespective of the mode chosen.
ÔÇó Retractable hardtop in lightweight steel structure; three-piece roof structure with fully automatic opening and closing function; remote control of roof opening function featured as standard; opening time 22 seconds; optimum all-round visibility with hardtop closed thanks to large window areas.
ÔÇó Body structure with extremely high standard of torsional stiffness; all-round occupant protection by frontal and head/thorax airbags, three-point
inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, belt latch tensioners, belt force limiters and central safety electronics for appropriate control of restraint systems including rollover protection with roll bars moving up automatically behind the rear seats; bi-xenon dual headlights featured as standard, Adaptive Headlights as an option.
ÔÇó Upgraded, high-class interior with a wide range of customisation options; innovative colour and materials concept; two rear seats with single
seat contours; BMW Individual High End audio system with nine-channel amplifier and 16 high-output loudspeakers available as an option;
M-specific paintwork and equipment variants.
Exterior and Interior Dimensions
Specifications
Output and Torque Diagram
