American artist Jeff Koons unveiled his Art Car designed for BMW at the Pompidou Centre in Paris last week. Read the rest of this entry »
They don’t make cars like they used to. Quite literally. In the early days of the automobile, companies such as Rolls Royce and Isotta Fraschini manufactured only engines and chassis, contracting out the crafting of the exterior to expert coachbuilders, who would create a singular design for each customer. Read the rest of this entry »
To fill the gap in the 3-series lineup between the 300-hp 335i and 414-hp M3, BMW is introducing the 2011 335is coupe and convertible. We were unaware that said gap needed to be filled, but we’re told that the 335i is seen in the U.S. as just an ordinary 3-series, and as such, there’s room for something more exotic than a 335i but less outlandish than an M3. Now that we’ve been given the chance to drive the 335is coupe, we’re coming around to accepting this whole gap idea. Read the rest of this entry »
The Vision EfficientDynamics is a concept vehicle for future by BMW which is a low carbon hybrid supercar aiming to achieve the premium end of the auto market with its fuel-efficient design. A three-cylinder turbodiesel engine is empowering this vehicle supported by a couple of electric motors. This car can go 0-100 kilometers per hour in just 4.8 seconds with a top speed of 250 kmph and consumes 3.76 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers. It features an electric mode for day to day use that can be charged through plug-in module. The vehicle stores the power it lithium polymer cells, allowing it to drive for roughly 50km on a single charge, which can be extended through its regenerative breaking system.
The sleek and smooth design of this car with a visage can easily call out for anyone’s attention. It can house 4 people and natural materials have been utilized to design the interior. Both the drag coefficient and weight of the vehicle is optimized by redistributing and reducing the weight to maximize the energy efficiency and improve driving ability. Both the door and roof inserts become opaque as a final touch, which reduces the amount of glare coming to the vehicle.
The MINI Beachcomber Concept is a four-seater concept car designed consistently for maximum driving pleasure, taking up the enhanced options of the new MINI and combining these potentials with the vision of a radically open body concept. Read the rest of this entry »
The latest auto rumor from the UK is that BMW may be working on a new Isetta microcar, the post-war “econo-egg” of the 1950s.
BMW resurrected the MINI, but can they do the same with the pod-like Isetta? The original three-wheeler was only 2.4 meters long, leaving enough space for two passengers and a few groceries, but the new model will be a little bigger to accommodate a fourth wheel. The rear-mounted engine will make the Isetta the most eco-friendly BMW to date.
“That will help it to cut the line-up’s average emissions to meet future targets. A zero-emissions electric variant would also provide a similar benefit.” What is more possible is that the brand will launch its new line of city electric cars under the Isetta label.
