Shape-Changing Concept by BMW

Calling Batman.

Is it possible to change the shape of your car, by just a simple touch of a button? For BMW, that can happen in the future, and in fact the company is working on a concept that can allow the BMW driver to change the looks of the car’s exterior and body just by a touch of a button. BMW’s GINA Light Vision Visionary Model actually tries to do that. This concept is actually a two-seater concept car that wears a flexible and virtually seamless skin that is made of a textile fabric and then stretched over a metal wire structure enforced with carbon fiber. This would then give the driver with the flexibility to change the shape of the car from within and without.

The near-seamless, stretchable fabric that can contort into different shapes is water-proof and temperature-resistant. This special fabric is draped over a high-strength metal wire structure that features a series of carbon fiber and steel mesh in different locations. The appearance of the cars can be changed by means of switches. Take the car’s headlights. The headlights will remain hidden until the driver switch it on. If the engine of the concept car needs to be accessed, then the bonnet can be unzipped down the middle to create a half-meter-wide gap. Not all body changes need to be started by a switch. Some are automatic. For an improved aerodynamics at higher speeds, the roadster concept will generate extra downforce by deploying a rear spoiler. The concept was based on one principle, that’s to display only the functions that are relevant to the driver’s present driving situation.

Though the pictures of the concept has just been released, this concept car dates back to 2001. It has been reported as well that the GINA concept uses the platform of the Z8 roadster, the ones that were last sold in 2003. The designers of the concept calls the car a concept car behind a concept, and calls the car an object of research. GINA stands for Geometry and Functions in N Adaptions.

But this BMW GINA won’t be coming to the showrooms near you just yet. But its maker hopes that the design will rub off on some of BMW’s future models. If you would like to see the GINA personally, then you can visit the car at the BMW museum in Munich, Germany.

Filed under: BMW , BMW GINA, cloth car, concept GINA, GINA

BMW Commemorates 30th Year of M1

A concept car was created by BMW to commemorate the 30th year of the legendary BMW M1. The BMW M1 Homage that comes in orange paint is an updated version of the M1 supercar of BMW of the 70s. This updated version of the BMW M1 was unveiled at the Concorso d’Eleganza at Villa d’Este.

The BMW M1 is actually a sports car that was produced by BMW from 1978 to 1981. This car was the first and the only mid-engined BMW and this model features a twin cam M88/1 3.5 L 6-cylinder gasoline engine with the Kugelfischer injection. This sports car from BMW is remembered as a refined and a civilized supercar in the BMW tradition.

From the looks of it, the M1 Homage concept is a recreation of the original M1 wit some modifications. The inspiration for the concept car comes not only from the original supercar of the 1970s but from the BMW Turbo Concept as well.

Filed under: BMW, BMW M1, BMW M1 Homage , BMW M1, BMW M1 Homage Concept

Tennis Round-Up

With all the attention focused on the efforts of Rafael Nadal on Monte Carlo and Barcelona, it is expected that some tennis fans like me has failed to monitor the other results of other events that are played the same week. For example, there’s the BMW Open in Munich, and as expected this event wasn’t televised. But what to expect? Even the Barcelona event wasn’t carried by my cable provider. So that was an expected win for Rafa Nadal on the Barcelona event. Facing compatriot David Ferrer, Rafa ceded the second set but came back strong in the third set to bounce Ferrer, 6-1 4-6 6-1. It was Nadal’s fourth Barcelona crown after winning his record fourth Monte Carlo crown.

On the BMW Open, it was Gonzales’ turn to collect his 10th tour title. He defeated Simone Bolleli of Italy 7-6(4) 6-7(4) 6-3. This was Gonzales second tour title for the year. By winning the Open, Fernando Gonzales pocketed $92,000 and a sports car. The event was sponsored by BMW.

Filed under: BMW , BMW Open, Fernando Gonzales, Rafael Nadal, Tennis

4×4s: Premier League Players’ Choice

Football is one sport that I rarely watch for a number of reasons. But I’m trying since there are a number of matches out there that are featured on cable, and you cannot discount the popularity of the sport.  Add the fact that there are some Premier League players that often attracts a lot of publicity. For example, I have no intention to blog about Wayne Rooney a month ago but I did write something about him. It’s about his new-found appreciation for a SLR-McLaren car.  Anyway back to the stars of the Premier League. My attention is shifted to them yet again due to one article, again with regards to cars that says 4×4s are their preferred mode of transport. So it seems that you can’t expect these players to pay attention to the cost these cars deliver to the environment, well at least for now.

The top footballer’s vehicle that was chosen by 21 players in a survey is the Range Rover Sport 4.4 V8 petrol. This vehicle is the choice of John Terry, Jermain Defoe, Xabi Alonso and Gary Neville. This 4×4 features a top speed of 130 miles per hour.

The BMW X5 4.81 SE is the choice of 16 players which includes Wayne Rooney of Man U. The vehicle can hit 150 miles per hour at its top speed. Another favorite but not a 4×4 is the 6-liter Bentley Continental GT. But this vehicle is a gas-guzzler. Other choices of these players include the Porsche 911 Turbo that is driven by 11 players, an Aston Martin DB9, the BMW 6 Series V8 3 Liter, the Audi A3 3.2 VR6 3.2 Liter, the Mercedes SL65 AMG, a Porsche Cayenne, and the Range Rover Vogue 4.4 Liter.

Filed under: BMW, Mercedes Benz , Wayne Rooney, BMW X5, Bentley, Premier League, Aston Martin

Safety Assist: Automatic Collision Notification

We all know how important the BMW Safety Assist. Now it’s time to take a look at one of the underlying technology that makes the BMW Safety Assist works. After the MyInfo service that comes with every safety assist, there is also the Automatic Collision Notification feature. So how does this technology works?

This features comes in handy during accidents and emergency situations. To be more precise, it begins its help the moment the air bags have been initiated or when severe impacts do happen on the road. When any of these two happen, signal will be sent to the BMW Assist Response Center. Now at the center, Assist Response Specialist will then receive information about your car and will attempt to speak to you or the other passenger of the car. If the event has been grave and you cannot speak, the Response Center can direct the appropriate emergency services to your location.

Filed under: BMW, Technology, safety , BMW, BMW MyInfo, BMW Safety Assist

Cheapest BMW in the Block?

Say BMW and one of the few things that will come to mind to average consumers and watchers like me is their high sticker prices. Why not, the BMW brand is nor ordinary brand. It is a luxury label, and often only the select few has access to this car brand. If you are one of those who still dream of getting a BMW, then read well. BMW will introduce in the US market what is referred to as the cheapest BMW of ‘em all; the BMW 1 Series. The BMW 128i which is slotted in between the BMW Mini and the 3-Series is the least expensive among the BMW models and the least horsepowered as well. This 128i is actually part of the BMW 1 Series- the Series that is code-named the E87 and was in production since 2004. The 1 Series of this car manufacturer is the only vehicle in its class that features the rear wheel drive and the longitudinally-mounted engine.

As I mentioned a while ago, this line will be introduced in the States; with the 128i and the 135i leading the line. The 128i will feature the same engine that is fitted on the 328i and the 528i. That’s 230 hp, 3.0 liter inline-six with 200 pound of torque. The 135i on the other hand features a twin turbo, a direct injection 3.0 liter and 300 horsepower.

The 1 Series that are in production (I learned that not all are destined for the US market) may include the 3-door, the five door and the 1 Series coupe and the 1 Series convertible.

Filed under: BMW , BMW, BMW 1 Series, BMW 128i

The Minis In ‘Big’ Packages!

One more reason why I am maintaining this blog, is to tell you what type of cars I really like. What really matters to me- am I a fan of speed? Do I drool over highly customized rides? Do sports cars make my heart beat faster? Or am I one of those who have the passion for energy-efficient and highly efficient cars? I will let you know a secret of mine; style matters for me.

First on the list for me is the MINI Cooper. From the moment I saw the Mini Cooper at play on the film The Italian Job that stars Mark Wahlberg and Charlize Theron; I know that this iconic car belongs to my garage. (I know, let me dream for a while.)

It all started in 1959 when a new car was introduced in England and this car featured a transverse-mounted engine and an efficient boxy front-wheel drive lay-out. The design of the new car is revolutionary and this set the car apart from the usual pack on the road. Its name says it all- this is a mini but then without sacrificing interior space. Completing the iconic look, is the affordability of the vehicle, its style and of course the convenience of easy parking even on small spaces. Sales of the Mini shot up and have become a favorite over time.

The Mini has been available in a number of generations and has served a generation of fans and enthusiasts.

Another news item that should make every Mini fan excited-our favorite Mini is getting a makeover! The BMW brand is expected to release the first new models under the Mini John Cooper Works badge. This new model is expected to be showcased at the Geneva Motor Show this month. If you are still wondering what’s with the John Cooper name, then here’s a little recap for you. John Cooper was the racing constructor and tuner that was responsible for the first Mini Cooper. So what’s the new Mini got to offer?

For starters, this will feature a 1.6 liter four-cylinder engine with twin scroll turbocharger and petrol direct injection that can deliver 155kW and this car can feature a maximum torque of 260 Nm between 1850 and 5700 rpm. The JCW gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds and the Clubman on the other hand zooms to the same speed at around 6.8 secs!

This Mini is expected to be unveiled today, March 4 and will be released in the market starting July 2008. Aside from the fact that it can offer you better performance, the car can deliver better styling as well. Some of the things that will come as a standard on the Mini or JCW include the leather sports steering wheel, air conditioning, interior trim in glossy Piano Black and Anthracite roof lining. For the music lover in you, an upgraded sound system is present that features 10 speakers. Another great vehicle in the making don’t you think?

Filed under: BMW, Mini Cooper, Movies, Uncategorized , BMW, Geneva Motor Show, JCW, John Cooper, John Cooper Works, Mini Cooper, The Italian Job