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  • Exterior-wise, the car looks pretty much looks like a mix of the Grand Turismo and a shrunken Quattroporte; the combination has produced a car that is dotted with sleek lines and sexy curves. The same cannot be said about the car’s rear end; the Kia Cerato-esque lights just do not fit the curvature of the Maserati bodyshell.
    DOCUMENTED: 29.04.2013 | 07:22 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Ghibli Is Ready To Take On The Middle-Weight Champs!

    Maserati shrinks the Quattroporte and slaps in a V6 diesel.

    In the past, if you wanted a mid-sized luxury sedan, there was only the likes of BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Audi and Lexus to turn to. Now th ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Maserati, Ghibli S, Diesel, Quattroporte baby, Luxury,
    • Exterior-wise, the car looks pretty much looks like a mix of the Grand Turismo and a shrunken Quattroporte; the combination has produced a car that is dotted with sleek lines and sexy curves. The same cannot be said about the car’s rear end; the Kia Cerato-esque lights just do not fit the curvature of the Maserati bodyshell.
    • To prevent potential customers getting a ‘culture shock’ when they enter the cabin, the interior has to be on par or be of better quality than the exterior. Inside, leather has been spread just about everywhere. Not only that, the leather helps tie in with the futuristic looking centre console, which finishes with a BMW-like gearstick. Only the finest-quality hides will be used, supplied by Italian specialist Poltrona Frau. There is also an optional Bowers & Wilkins system for any audiophiles out there.
    • A choice of three engines will be available to shift that gorgeous body around. The entry-level powerplant is a 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel, developing 271bhp – Maserati’s first ever oil-burner. If you prefer petrol power, Maserati\'s turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine will be available in two states of tune. The top of the line Ghibli S will develop 410bhp and sprint from a standstill to 100km/h in just 5.0sec, and continue ploughing along until it hits 285 km/h. A V8 petrol is expected to follow at a later date. All engines will be coupled with a ZF eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.
  • Alas, BMW hasn’t made any mention of engine options or vehicle dynamics or anything at all to do with actual driving – the X4 is for now still officially a Concept, intended to show how the production version will look. Looking at the X3 though, engine options should be carried over directly. That means the turbocharged four and six cylinders as found in the xDrive20i, 28i, and 35i.
    DOCUMENTED: 08.04.2013 | 12:19 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    First reveal of BMW X4

    BMW lifts the wraps off its new ‘SAC’ ahead of its premiere at the Shanghai motor show

    “Fancy a small, sporty BMW that can also serve family duties? Sure, the 3-series is among the best in class. Need more bootspace? N ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, X4, SAC, Concept, Shanghai, SUV
    • Alas, BMW hasn’t made any mention of engine options or vehicle dynamics or anything at all to do with actual driving – the X4 is for now still officially a Concept, intended to show how the production version will look. Looking at the X3 though, engine options should be carried over directly. That means the turbocharged four and six cylinders as found in the xDrive20i, 28i, and 35i.
    • It doesn’t take long to figure out where in the lineup this model slots in. Just as the X6 is a sleeker, less practical version of the X5, so too is the X4 the SAC (Sports Activity Coupe) sibling to the X3. You may find BMW’s glut of niche-busting models unnecessary – I certainly do – but there’s a very good reason the X4 exists: the whole range of X models accounts for 25% of BMW’s overall sales today.
    • The X4 shares its basic styling direction with the X6 – narrow glasshouse, bluff front end, high shoulder line, huge wheelarches and distinctive swage lines keep it distinct from the X3. Overall length and wheelbase are identical, but height and width go down and up 53 mm and 34 mm respectively.
  • Already distinctive and rather good to look at, the new 3 Series is made even more desirable with this aggressive bodykit. While the stock 3 has design cues that resemble the bigger 5 Series, the added M kit seems to lend well to help the 316i carve its own identity, which is definitely a good thing.
    DOCUMENTED: 03.04.2013 | 20:25 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Less Can Be More | BMW 316i M Sport

    Last to the 3 Series family, the 316i may pack the least power, but it's so affable, it may just leave its middle siblings neglected by the crowd.

    Photos: Joel Tam The honor of being our 1,000th article goes to this worthy BMW. No, it doesn't have 500 bhp, nor does it handle ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, 3 Series, 316i, 335i, M-Sport
    • Already distinctive and rather good to look at, the new 3 Series is made even more desirable with this aggressive bodykit. While the stock 3 has design cues that resemble the bigger 5 Series, the added M kit seems to lend well to help the 316i carve its own identity, which is definitely a good thing.
    • More good news, the 3 Series now fits into the Cat A COE bracket (although that isn't really saying much, considering how COE prices have been volatile lately). That said, I do believe that BMW is a bit late in bringing in the 316i. Mercedes has already gotten a big fat piece of the pie with their 1.6-litre powered C Class range. But you know what they say - better late than never.
    • With 136 bhp and 220 Nm, the BMW loses out to the Merc in terms of power output, but there is no disputing the fact that it is still a pretty punchy drive. My take is that BMW is marketing this as a more sporty option compared to the Merc, which has always been a more 'business' brand, while BMW's USP has often been driving dynamics.
  • DOCUMENTED: 28.03.2013 | 08:23 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Mind The Claws - The Jaguar XKR-S GT And XJR

    Two new flagships arrive to head Jaguar's model lines, and though they share the same heart, their briefs couldn't be more different.

    It may not be called the 'Jaguar XK GT3 Black Edition', but one could easily see that Jaguar had the 911 GT3 and C63 Black Series ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Jaguar, V8, XK, XKR-S, GT, XJR, Supercharged, Sport
    • It certainly looks the business, with an aero package made of carbonfibre that includes a front splitter, canards, diffuser and massive rear wing, all contributing to a useful 145 kg of downforce at its (iimited) top speed of 300 km/h. The bonnet also features more louvres to further aid engine cooling (like an Aston V12 Vantage) and there is a R-S GT graphics package unique to this car.
    • In a first for a road-going Jaguar, the GT features carbon ceramic brakes which help shave 21 kg off the car's unsprung weight, accompanied by 20-in forged alloys wrapped in Pirelli Corsa tyres. There's also a quicker steering rack borrowed from the new F-type, a 52 mm wider front track and re-worked suspension with Eibach dampers that's 68% and 25 % stiffer front and rear.
  • Aside from the ActiveHybrid badges, it's pretty much the same on the outside, what you get on a regular 3 Series sedan is what you'll find on the AH3. Our test car did come with some silver aluminum inserts and trimmings, the signature kidney grille for example, has its slats finished in silver instead of chrome. Another quick way to differentiate the AH3 from the regular 3 Series is to look at the wheels (provided they aren't spinning). The rotor-styled wheels are unique to the AH3, and along with its bigger brethren, the AH5 and AH7, complete the range of propeller-design wheels on the ActiveHybrid series.
    DOCUMENTED: 08.02.2013 | 09:34 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Mean & Green | BMW ActiveHybrid 3

    How do we save the world without any super powers? BMW has the answer. Packing 335 bhp and 450 Nm, the ActiveHybrid 3 is both mean and green!

    Photos: Joel Tam Essentially based on a 335i (which we like a lot), the ActiveHybrid 3 (let's call it the AH3) is what I'd te ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, 3 Series, Performance Motors, Hybrid, Active Hybrid, 3
    • Aside from the ActiveHybrid badges, it's pretty much the same on the outside, what you get on a regular 3 Series sedan is what you'll find on the AH3. Our test car did come with some silver aluminum inserts and trimmings, the signature kidney grille for example, has its slats finished in silver instead of chrome. Another quick way to differentiate the AH3 from the regular 3 Series is to look at the wheels (provided they aren't spinning). The rotor-styled wheels are unique to the AH3, and along with its bigger brethren, the AH5 and AH7, complete the range of propeller-design wheels on the ActiveHybrid series.
    • Inside, well, it would have been the same if not for some clever speccing by the local distributor. Our test car came with the 'Modern' package, which swathed the interior of the AH3 in light beige leather and a rather unique choice of wood grain. While it is admittedly different and refreshing in an avant-garde sort of way, it won't make it onto my spec list if I was shopping for an AH3. The relief of the wood grain is just too pronounced for my taste.
    • What was rather cool though, was the white-on-brown instrument dials. Set against the black cluster board, the dials had a contemporary look to them and matched the overall interior extremely well. While not exactly sporty, this interior looks fresh compared to the often black and grey interiors from BMW that we're used to.
  • With the sporty-elegant lines of a coupé body and the aggression on the typical M cars, the BMW M6 Coupé combines an intense M feeling with an alluring design aesthetic. Within the premium segment of the executive class, the BMW M6 Coupé is compelling for its outstanding dynamics and hallmark M conceptual harmony coupled with high everyday utility. 
    DOCUMENTED: 25.01.2013 | 05:18 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    BMW’s Good Design Rewarded

    As a company that offers design services ourselves, we appreciate good design and concepts. So we're happy to note that BMW has been rewarded for their efforts in this discipline.

    Seven BMW Group Design products have won the prestigious “GOOD DESIGN” award. The award, touted as the  most prestigious ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, BMW Asia, 6 Series, Gran Coupe, 3 Series, Design, M5, MINI, MINI Roadster
    • With the sporty-elegant lines of a coupé body and the aggression on the typical M cars, the BMW M6 Coupé combines an intense M feeling with an alluring design aesthetic. Within the premium segment of the executive class, the BMW M6 Coupé is compelling for its outstanding dynamics and hallmark M conceptual harmony coupled with high everyday utility. 
    • By combining the aesthetics and dynamics of a classical BMW Coupé with luxurious appeal, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé has an unusually low-slung proportions for a four-door model, giving it a striking sportiness. The car’s low height and flat coupé roofline that flows into the rear render the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupé an expression of pure BMW aesthetics. The interior design, meanwhile, with its harmonious visual link between front and rear seats, creates a perfect combination of elegance and dynamics.
    • The iconic BMW 3 Series Sedan represents BMW’s core values of sportiness and elegance. Sharps lines on the exterior mark out the typical BMW proportions. The front end has been redesigned, and is a systematic evolution of the front-end design of earlier models. 
  • But I have a feeling BMW is thinking more 'mean' than 'green' here. You see, manufacturers have also found that slapping a battery does produce a useful dose of extra power and torque for the car, which almost always ends up with them marketing the car as a bit of a performance car as well. Which has always been our slant here at Burnpavement.com anyway. Well, we're happy to say that the ActiveHybrid 7 is a rather enjoyable 'barge' to drive, BMWs in general tend to be.
    DOCUMENTED: 11.01.2013 | 04:55 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Seventh Heaven? | BMW ActiveHybrid 7

    BMW's answer to Lexus' LS600hL is the ActiveHybrid 7, a large premium hybrid that offers both luxury and performance. From our time with the car, it seems to have succeeded in fulfilling both claims.

    Photos: Joel Tam I've been driving a lot of premium hybrid cars in the past few months, and it wasn't until recently that I ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, 7 Series, Performance Motors, Hybrid, Active Hybrid, 740i
    • But I have a feeling BMW is thinking more 'mean' than 'green' here. You see, manufacturers have also found that slapping a battery does produce a useful dose of extra power and torque for the car, which almost always ends up with them marketing the car as a bit of a performance car as well. Which has always been our slant here at Burnpavement.com anyway. Well, we're happy to say that the ActiveHybrid 7 is a rather enjoyable 'barge' to drive, BMWs in general tend to be.
    • With a respectable 354 bhp and 450 Nm from the 3-litre turbocharged petrol engine, the AH7 will smoke many cars to 100 km/h from standstill. The almost 2 tone car will do it in 5.7 seconds, and cruise on to a limited but easy 250 km/h. Like most hybrids, you'll be able to drive this car without letting the petrol engine kick in for a bit once the battery is charged, but unlike many, there is no selectable electric-only mode.
    • Once the combustion engine kicks in though, it almost acts like a wake-up call to have some fun. Sure, it's no hot compact saloon, but for a huge car, the 7 Series handles rather nicely. Steering feel is light but not dead, there is an accuracy to it and the AH7 will tread on the inputs given by the driver. It must be said though that the drive mode presets in Sport and Sport+ do little to add any feedback from the steering, but as always, the suspension and throttle response do sharpen up, making it quite a hoot to drive. Also another common BMW feature, is the 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox that is quick and a joy to use.
  • Exterior changes are hard to notice at first, but along with a host of new paint finishes, the distinctive twin circular headlights are new, and now feature LED light rings and daytime running lamps.
    DOCUMENTED: 09.01.2013 | 06:01 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    BMW Z4 Gets An Update

    Lightly updated Z4 gets new exterior features, detailed interior refinements, a new Design Pure Traction equipment package, and more importantly, a fresh entry-level sDrive18i model.

    Photos: BMW press The boys at Munich have given the Z4 some new toys to bring it up to date with the new roadsters out there. A new ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, Z4, Performance Motors
    • Exterior changes are hard to notice at first, but along with a host of new paint finishes, the distinctive twin circular headlights are new, and now feature LED light rings and daytime running lamps.
    • The LED accent lights on top now have metal inserts that bear BMW lettering. The integrated turn signal indicators have chrome-coloured surrounds, which add more character to the light units. Plus, a newly designed, tapered surround for the side indicators - that's about it.
    • There is now an optional BMW Individual hardtop – available in the two contrast colours Black non-metallic and Titanium Silver metallic. The hardtop can be opened at the touch of a button while the car is moving at up to 40 km/h, open-top motoring is experienced in 19 seconds.
  • DOCUMENTED: 07.01.2013 | 06:28 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    MINI John Cooper Works Paceman

    MINI's first compact Sports Activity Coupé gets the full John Cooper Works treatment with a punchy 218 bhp power-plant!

    Photos and press release: BMW press The MINI John Cooper Works Paceman celebrates its world premiere at the North American Internatio ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : MINI, Cooper Paceman, Paceman, John Cooper Works
  • The front of the car is dominated by its large air intakes, standard Adaptive LED Headlights and an M kidney grille designed especially for this model.
    DOCUMENTED: 13.12.2012 | 06:44 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    BMW Presents The M6 Gran Coupe

    BMW's M6 gets a third body variant in the form of the M6 Gran Coupe, joining the Coupe and Convertible models in the line-up.

    Want a sleek sedan-like coupe (or was that coupe-like sedan?) that'll rocket from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.2 seconds? The most ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, M6, Gran Coupe, Munich Automobiles, M Cars
    • The front of the car is dominated by its large air intakes, standard Adaptive LED Headlights and an M kidney grille designed especially for this model.
    • From the side, the first four-door Coupe in the BMW M GmbH ranks is clearly distinguishable from the BMW M6 Coupe thanks to its rear doors and 113-millimetre longer wheelbase. The low roofline flowing smoothly into the rear, the swage line - which takes in the door openers - and side windows extending well into the C-pillars accentuate the dynamically stretched silhouette.
    • Prominently flared wheel arches draw the eye to a track width specific to the BMW M6 Gran Coupe.
  • Mimicking the looks of Spengler's racing car, this special-edition model is available exclusively in Frozen Black metallic, while the carbon flaps and gurney, various dark chrome elements, matt black wheels and sections of the race car's livery also betray its close links with the triumphant BMW M3 DTM.
    DOCUMENTED: 10.12.2012 | 05:55 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Only 54 BMW M3 DTM Champion Editions To Be Made

    BMW M GmbH celebrates their success in DTM with the unveiling of the BMW M3 DTM Champion Edition.

    BMW Motorsport returned to the DTM in 2012 after almost 20 years away, and the results in its comeback year exceeded all expectations. Ca ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, M3, Competition, Munich Automobiles, DTM
    • Mimicking the looks of Spengler's racing car, this special-edition model is available exclusively in Frozen Black metallic, while the carbon flaps and gurney, various dark chrome elements, matt black wheels and sections of the race car's livery also betray its close links with the triumphant BMW M3 DTM.
    • The theme is continued by the BMW M stripe design over the CFRP roof and boot lid, BMW M logo to the rear of the front wheel arches and decals in the rear side windows.
    • Inside the car, the door sill strips replicate Spengler's helmet design and the carbon-fibre interior trim strip bears the newly crowned champion's signature and the car's serial number.
  • With a wheelbase that measures 50 mm longer than that of the existing 3-Series Coupe, (45 mm has been added to the front track and 80 mm to the rear track), the car looks substantially longer in the photos already. At 1,826 mm wide, the BMW 4-Series Coupe Concept is 44 mm broader than its predecessor, its roof line is also 16 mm lower - all this results in a more low-slung stance and sportier proportions.
    DOCUMENTED: 10.12.2012 | 05:15 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    BMW Unveils 4-Series Coupe Concept

    Marking the start of a new cycle for BMW, the 4 Series will represent aesthetic and dynamic appeal for the brand. Question is, will superstitious asians frown upon the dreaded number?

    See it as the new 3-Series Coupe, the BMW 4-Series Coupe Concept will replace the sporty range of BMW's bread and butter sedan. But w ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, 4 Series, Concept
    • With a wheelbase that measures 50 mm longer than that of the existing 3-Series Coupe, (45 mm has been added to the front track and 80 mm to the rear track), the car looks substantially longer in the photos already. At 1,826 mm wide, the BMW 4-Series Coupe Concept is 44 mm broader than its predecessor, its roof line is also 16 mm lower - all this results in a more low-slung stance and sportier proportions.
    • The new concept car has a stronger front and rear-end that adds a three-dimensional depth to the overall design. The kidney grille is closed off in the interests of optimising aerodynamics and keeping fuel consumption low, and the areas between the elaborately designed, satin-finish grille slats are blanked off by dark surfaces.
    • The full-LED headlights are a hexagonal, extremely technical-looking take on the customary BMW twin circular design. The dynamically chiselled, slimmer interpretation of this iconic design cue integrates seamlessly into the front end. An optical fibre leads out from the inner headlight tube and forms a visual link between the inner headlight and the kidney grille. In so doing, it gives the front end of the Coupe an even broader look.
  • Held at the Changi Exhibition Centre, the driving experience was held over four days for media and customers from around Asia. Instructors from England were at hand to guide participants through the custom course which displayed the prowess of the cars.
    DOCUMENTED: 05.12.2012 | 05:45 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Bentley Continental GT Speed Accelerates Into Town

    In an exclusive drive experience, Bentley unveiled its fastest production car, the Continental GT Speed, thundering through a custom circuit with its 620 bhp W12 power plant.

    Photos: Low Fai Ming What weighs 2.5 tonnes, accelerates faster than a Porsche 911 Carrera S and has the torque of two BMW M3s? Clue ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Bentley, Singapore, Continental GT, GT Speed, W12, V8
    • Held at the Changi Exhibition Centre, the driving experience was held over four days for media and customers from around Asia. Instructors from England were at hand to guide participants through the custom course which displayed the prowess of the cars.
    • Among the fleet were the base-model Continental GT V8, the Flying Spur, the flagship Mulsanne, and of course, the Continental GT Speed with its W12 developing 620 bhp and 800 Nm of torque from 2000 rpm. The twin-turbo, 48-valve, 6.0-litre W12 is now mated to a ZF eight-speed transmission.
    • A mixture of braking tests, slalom courses and circuit driving allowed participants to experience the various technology that the car possessed. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system for example, retains the
  • Walking up to our cars, we notice that not much has changed on the exterior, to be honest. The front headlamps are new and give the car a sleeker face, while sharpening the presence of the car.
    DOCUMENTED: 28.11.2012 | 17:08 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    BMW 7 Series In Borobudur

    We drive the tranquil BMW 7 Series around the equally serene town of Magelang, Central Java, where the 9th-century Mahayana Buddhist Temple Borobudur resides in.

    Photos: Joel Tam & BMW Press Built in the 9th century during the reign of the Sailendra Dynasty, Borobudur is as mystic as it is ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, 730d, 7 Series, Performance Motors
    • Walking up to our cars, we notice that not much has changed on the exterior, to be honest. The front headlamps are new and give the car a sleeker face, while sharpening the presence of the car.
    • The grille's chrome surround is now larger, and feature nine slats instead of 12. There are vertical air intakes that sit beyond even the LED foglamps to the left and right of the wide intake. This works in part with the
    • With an 8mm drop in overall height coupled with the sweeping horizontal lines, the new car does look a tad more svelt. Or maybe it was the fact that the car we were following (and had our eyes on most of the time) was black.
  • “Powered by the M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, the impressive engine found on both the BMW X6 M50d and BMW X5 M50d is equipped with three turbochargers and advanced common-rail injection system. With its outstanding abilities, we trust it will only be a matter of time before this new engine enjoys the highest level of recognition just as its fellow award-winning siblings have.” added said Mr Fiorentinos.
    DOCUMENTED: 28.11.2012 | 11:13 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    BMW M Performance Automobiles launched in Singapore.

    With a high-powered SUV range and a scorching hot-hatch in its stable, M Performance Automobiles (MPA for short) has landed on our shores with a big bang.

    Unveiled and ready for a trashing at the BMW M Power Drive Experience, were the BMW M Performance Automobiles range consisting of the BMW ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, X5 M, X6 M, Munich Automobiles, M Performance, M Performance Automobiles, MPA
    • “Powered by the M Performance TwinPower Turbo technology, the impressive engine found on both the BMW X6 M50d and BMW X5 M50d is equipped with three turbochargers and advanced common-rail injection system. With its outstanding abilities, we trust it will only be a matter of time before this new engine enjoys the highest level of recognition just as its fellow award-winning siblings have.” added said Mr Fiorentinos.
    • Putting the cars through their paces, the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d were massively potent, thanks to having the most powerful diesel engine in the BMW engine range. With a maximum output of 381 bhp and a peak torque of 740 Nm, the tri-turbo engine in the X5 M50d accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds, the BMW X6 M50d in just 5.3 seconds. The cars pulled from standstill with so much force, with accessible torque from any rev range. Not only that, they felt smooth, with no hint of the fact that we were driving a set of diesels.
    • What we really looked forward to trying was the BMW M135i. Powered by a turbocharged 3-iltre unit with 320 bhp, this hot hatch is in Audi RS3 territory. 0 to 100 km/h will be dispatched in just 4.9 seconds and the M135i will reach a top speed of 250 km/h.
  • That said, it’s not saying the A1 isn’t a success story here locally. To date, the A1 has quite some presence – well, making it come loaded with a list of option and different state of tunes surely gave it a wider audience. And now with the newest 5-door variant, Audi’s baby definitely has a trump card against the aging Mini. With that two extra doors, practicality and versatility is definitely it’s strongest selling point. On top of that, it’s far more glamorous than a VW Polo GTI.
    DOCUMENTED: 17.10.2012 | 07:34 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Class Act | Audi A1 Sportback 1.4 TFSI

    Audi’s A1 was once considered a vain effort to meddle with Mini’s pie, but now in 5-door guise, it’s turning into quite the proposition.

    Photos: Low Fai Ming It’s quite predicted when Audi presented to the world their latest compact A1 – no matter how many P ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : Audi A1, Audi A1 Sportback, A1, A1 Sportback, Audi Singapore, Premium Automobiles
    • That said, it’s not saying the A1 isn’t a success story here locally. To date, the A1 has quite some presence – well, making it come loaded with a list of option and different state of tunes surely gave it a wider audience. And now with the newest 5-door variant, Audi’s baby definitely has a trump card against the aging Mini. With that two extra doors, practicality and versatility is definitely it’s strongest selling point. On top of that, it’s far more glamorous than a VW Polo GTI.
    • The A1 Sportback is no botch, cut and paste job though; quite some work went into it. To begin with, it stands 6 mm higher and wider than the 3-door variant. Of course, the additional sheet metal also made this upsized A1 25 kg heavier too. Exterior wise, there isn’t much giveaway to let pedestrians know ‘I-am-driving-a-bigger-small-car’ though – that is, until you get to take a look at it from the rear three quarter.
    • The test car seen here came fitted with Audi’s S-line kit, which definitely gave the car an edgier presence on the road; the sporty front and rear bumpers are quite the eye-candy. Those 18-inch alloys - wrapped in low profile 215/35 R-18 Bridgestone rubbers - however seem a tad too big for the pint-sized A1. Well you know what they say about cars with big wheels: no, nothing about the driver. It does make a car crashy and less comfortable on the road, something I’ll talk more about later on.
  • The large, full-width air intake dominating the lower section of the modified front apron is now split into three sections, a pair of chrome bars marking its outer sections and adding further depth to the car's sporty looks. Two narrow vertical air intakes sit beyond even the LED foglamps to the left and right of the wide intake. Adhering to the Efficient Dynamics philosophy, these are included as part of the “air curtain” technology, which lowers fuel consumption at higher speeds by forcing the air to flow more aerodynamically around the front wheels.
    DOCUMENTED: 07.10.2012 | 14:24 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Updated 7 Series Arrives, Four Different Engine Options Available

    First introduced back in 2008, the F01 7 Series receives some needed refreshing touches to keep it relevant.

    Photos: Low Fai Ming   BMW Asia launched the new BMW 7 Series – the flagship BMW model that embodies sporting elegance ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, 7 Series, BMW Asia, Performance Motors Limited, 730Li, 740Li, 750Li, 760Li
    • The large, full-width air intake dominating the lower section of the modified front apron is now split into three sections, a pair of chrome bars marking its outer sections and adding further depth to the car's sporty looks. Two narrow vertical air intakes sit beyond even the LED foglamps to the left and right of the wide intake. Adhering to the Efficient Dynamics philosophy, these are included as part of the “air curtain” technology, which lowers fuel consumption at higher speeds by forcing the air to flow more aerodynamically around the front wheels.
    • The new BMW 7 Series is now equipped with an impressive spread of chassis wizardry that helps give the ride comfort a noticeable boost. The new 750Li and 740Li which now feature new engines and drivetrain, not only enjoy significant performance enhancement but up to 25 percent and 21 percent in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions respectively. Meanwhile, the new BMW 730Li is faster and more efficient with up to 11 percent increase in fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions. Apart from that, the new 7 Series now comes with an enhanced BMW ConnectedDrive portfolio which includes impressive new features that strive to improve this flagship limousine's overall safety, convenience and infotainment features.
    • Making its debut under the bonnet of the BMW 750Li is an upgraded BMW TwinPower Turbo eight-cylinder petrol engine with two turbochargers, Valvetronic, Double-VANOS and High Precision Direct Injection. The 4,395 cc eight-cylinder powerplant retains the impressively smooth assurance and spirited power delivery of its pre-update days. However, optimised high pressure direct injection and reduced charge cycle losses – thanks in the main to the seamlessly variable control of intake valve lift – have pushed its performance potential to a higher level than its predecessor and substantially reduced its fuel economy and emissions. In its latest development stage, the engine generates peak output of 450 hp (+ 10 percent) and unleashes peak torque of 650 Newton metres (+ 8.5 percent) between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm.
  • “The premiere of the BMW M Performance Automobiles heralds the creation of a new category of performance vehicles, one which marks out the sporting potential of the latest BMW models in particularly vivid style,” said Mr Neil Fiorentinos, Managing Director, BMW Group Asia.
    DOCUMENTED: 05.09.2012 | 18:10 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    BMW M Performance Automobiles arrive in Singapore.

    BMW Asia has announced that the soon-to-be launched BMW M Performance Automobiles model range will be retailing at Munich Automobiles Pte Ltd, the world’s first dedicated BMW M dealer.

    The BMW M Performance Automobiles, as the new BMW M GmbH product range, offers customers more ways to experience Sheer Driving Pleasure w ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, X5 M, X6 M, Munich Automobiles, M Performance
    • “The premiere of the BMW M Performance Automobiles heralds the creation of a new category of performance vehicles, one which marks out the sporting potential of the latest BMW models in particularly vivid style,” said Mr Neil Fiorentinos, Managing Director, BMW Group Asia.
    • “The BMW M Performance Automobiles will be making its Singapore debut via Munich Automobiles with the BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d, which will both be featuring ‘the world’s most powerful six-cylinder in-line diesel engine’. This is a newly developed six-cylinder in-line diesel engine with M Performance TwinPower Turbo with three turbochargers that is capable of delivering a maximum output of 381 hp and a peak torque of up to 740 Nm in a split second.”
  • As an alternative to the standard bi-xenon light, the new BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M are the first vehicles in their respective segments to be fitted standard with adaptive LED headlamps. Their bright white light ensures optimum visibility, while their high-quality appearance represents a new interpretation of the brand's hallmark twin circular headlamps. The three dimensionally shaped luminous rings of the adaptive LED headlamps are strikingly levelled off both at the top and bottom and are overlaid at the upper edge by an LED-fed accent light. The light sources for low and high beam light are LED units positioned on a horizontal bar at its centre, feeding their light into the reflectors in front.
    DOCUMENTED: 25.07.2012 | 06:24 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    New BMW X5 M & BMW X6 M

    BMW Asia has introduced the new BMW X5 M & BMW X6 M, both of which have now been given striking accentuations at the front and rear, with new adaptive LED headlamps as standard.

    “Targeted at discerning customers who enjoy the unique high-performance character of a BMW M car in the segment of BMW X models, th ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, X5 M, X6 M, Munich Automobiles
    • As an alternative to the standard bi-xenon light, the new BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M are the first vehicles in their respective segments to be fitted standard with adaptive LED headlamps. Their bright white light ensures optimum visibility, while their high-quality appearance represents a new interpretation of the brand's hallmark twin circular headlamps. The three dimensionally shaped luminous rings of the adaptive LED headlamps are strikingly levelled off both at the top and bottom and are overlaid at the upper edge by an LED-fed accent light. The light sources for low and high beam light are LED units positioned on a horizontal bar at its centre, feeding their light into the reflectors in front.
    • With the newly designed rear lights with LED technology, the powerfully shaped rear section of the new BMW X5 M and BMW X6 M also feature more intense styling. The rear lights are now two LED-fed light banks which create the brand's hallmark night design as a harmoniously glowing light mass. The fact that they are horizontally aligned and stretch far out to the sides emphasise both the width of the vehicle and the flowing transition between the side section and rear.
    • Other things remain largely the same, both the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are powered by a 4.4 V8 delivering 555 bhp, capable of accelerating to 100 km/h from standstill in 4.7 seconds - driven through BMW’s intelligent xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
  • A typical drive in smooth traffic will usually take the trip from Jakarta to Bandung only two hours. Guess what: the convoy was stuck in traffic for a good two hours instead. It really tested the driver’s patience, alertness and of course, bladder.
    DOCUMENTED: 17.07.2012 | 15:27 GMT +8 | 0 COMMENTS

    Jakarta, Bandung And Back In BMW's 335i

    BMW's fastest 3 Series on one of Asia's busiest roads? Might sound interesting for a change...

    Photos: Azfar Hashim and Leonard Adam (for BMW Indonesia)   You probably have read our Editor Joel’s review of the BMW ... MORE

    ARCHIVED IN : BMW, 335i, BMW 335i, BMW Asia, BMW Indonesia
    • A typical drive in smooth traffic will usually take the trip from Jakarta to Bandung only two hours. Guess what: the convoy was stuck in traffic for a good two hours instead. It really tested the driver’s patience, alertness and of course, bladder.
    • <strong>Day 1 – 05/07/2012</strong><br /> <br /> We arrived in Jakarta at about 3:00pm (Jakarta time) with a chauffeur picking us - a fellow motoring scribe from SGCarmart and BMW Asia’s Corporate Affairs Director - up in a <em>gangsta</em> black BMW X5 xDrive35i (with full tinted windows for added <em>gangsta</em> drama) from the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. As the drive will not begin until 8:30pm in the evening, our chauffeur dropped us off at Plaza Senayan for some R & R; the three of us decided to enjoy some local food at the mall’s food court. Like they say, sometimes nothing beats local food.
    • At 5:30pm, the chauffeur picked us up again and then dropped us off at the starting point of this drive: Café Aria at the Panin Bank building which is located within Jakarta’s CBD.