BMW M2 Coupe gets M Performance upgrades

Following on from BMW's announcement that the M2 Coupe will be the official MotoGP Safety Car, the German brand has added M Sport Performance Parts for the M2 Coupe.

From next month, the dynamic qualities and the visual appearance of the M2 Coupe can be further enhanced with the newly presented range of BMW M Performance Parts. They comprise components derived from motor racing for the areas of aerodynamics, engine, cockpit and suspension.

Featuring an extensive range of aerodynamic components made of carbon-reinforced plastic (CFRP or carbon fibre) - these include front and side sill attachments, rear diffuser and mirror caps. The front and side sill attachments in combination with the rear spoiler and diffuser optimise the airflow around the vehicle, which in turn impacts positively on handling and driving performance. The M Performance radiator grille enhances the sporty appearance along with the front and side in high-gloss black with integrated BMW M logo in the BMW M colours red, blue and light blue.

The M Performance flap silencer system makes for more intense perception of the engine sound. Its two operating modes Sport and Track can be set by Bluetooth remote control. The Sport mode is intended for use on public roads and indulges the driver with a distinctive sporty sound. Meanwhile the Track setting ‘further intensifies’ the volume and character of the exhaust sound. The M Performance flap exhaust system further enhances the BMW M2 visually, too, with its high-gloss silencer unit including deep-embossed M Performance logo, tailpipes with a diameter of 80 millimetres and perforated inner pipe. As an alternative there are also carbon fibre tailpipe trim elements available.

The M2 Coupe can be fitted with the BMW M Performance coil-spring suspension so as to optimise road holding and handling. BMW M Performance sports brake pads offer increased suitability for the race track as well as enhanced active safety. The interior of the BMW M2 Coupe can also be given a definite touch of sporty style with the addition of M Performance LED door sill cover strips for the driver and passenger side, M Performance floor mats, stainless steel pedal covers and an M Performance Pro steering wheel with grip areas covered in Alcantara. This is particularly marked in its shaping and generally has a harder foam body than the standard steering wheel, resulting in better grip and a more precise steering feel. It also has a light blue central marking at the 12 o’clock position.

In addition, BMW offers the M Performance steering wheel with race display and carbon fibre trim as standard. With an integrated function display in the upper steering wheel rim, the driver always has a perfect view of information such as section and lap times, longitudinal and transverse acceleration. The functions are intuitively controlled by menu buttons integrated in the thumb recesses of the steering wheel. In addition to the race display there is also a gear shift indicator: two bi-colour LED light strips on the right and left that run towards each other.

The BMW Performance range for the interior is rounded off with the M Performance Interior Kit Carbon, featuring trim elements for the twin-clutch transmission gear selector level, centre console and handbrake handle and the M Performance interior trim finishers with their especially attractive blend of Alcantara and carbon fibre.

On sale in April, prices for the BMW M2 Coupe start at £44,070 OTR.

New BMW M760Li xDrive V12 revealed

BMW has added a new flagship model to its 7 Series range - the M760Li xDrive V12.

Debuting the M Performance TwinPower Turbo V12 engine, headline performance figures of 600hp and 800Nm of torque ensure a 0-62mph time of just 3.9 seconds, on to a limited top speed of 155mph. With Auto Start-Stop the flagship 7 Series has an official combined fuel consumption figure of 22.4mpg and CO2 emissions of 294g/km.

The M aerodynamic package fitted as standard to the M760Li xDrive V12 offers 'greater visual presence'. The new front apron features two large air intakes with highlights in Cerium Grey. The same colour appears along the sides of the car with trim elements on the lower edge of the doors, the air breathers and the door handle trim. Exclusive mirror caps, “V12” badges on the C-pillars and the M logo on the front wings – once more in Cerium Grey – finish the look. At the rear, the sporting design of the rear apron with its black central area highlights the M sports exhaust system’s Cerium Grey twin tailpipe embellishers. An optional M rear spoiler optimises the flow of air.

Inside, ‘carefully selected’ details emphasise the car’s sporting character: door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminium with an illuminated V12 logo; an M leather steering wheel featuring an M logo on the centre spoke and gearshift paddles on the reverse; multifunction buttons on the steering wheel spokes and the spoke inlays finished in Pearl Gloss Chrome. The instrument cluster contains a special speedometer that now extends as far as 205mph, though in the UK the car is electronically-limited to 155mph. This combined with other elements such as the M pedals reinforces the driver focus of the interior.

As a flagship, the M760Li x Drive V12 features an extensive list of equipment as standard. In addition to the hardware already detailed, there are BMW Icon adaptive LED headlights with anti-dazzle High-beam assistant, the keyless Comfort Access system and Dynamic safety to optimise occupant protection. Electrically adjustable Comfort seats at the front and rear, BMW Gesture control,  sunblinds for the rear windscreen and rear windows, Exclusive Merino leather trim with extended features, an Alcantara headliner, Fineline black fine wood trim with high-gloss metal effect are also included to name but a few key highlights.

A ‘V12 Excellence Design’ package shifts the focus away from the dynamic appearance of its M Performance sibling to emphasise the cars ‘comfort-related attributes’ says BMW.

Externally, the V12 Excellence Design package trades the M aerodynamic package for visual cues from the Pure Excellence exterior design package. These include 20-inch BMW Individual, high-gloss polished, light-alloy wheels in W-spoke 646 design and brake calipers in high-gloss Black. The front end has a chrome bar extending across the full width of the car in the upper section of the air intake grille, while the kidney grille bars are in Silver with chrome fronts, and their surrounds likewise sport bright chrome. LED fog lamps return to the front apron.

On the car’s flanks, a bright chrome finish adorns the window frames, the air breathers with door trim element and the V12 lettering on the C-pillars. The M logos rearwards of the wheel arches are removed and its two chromed, rectangular tailpipe embellishers are now framed in the rear apron by an additional chrome surround.

The Pure Excellence interior design package shifts the design focus within the cabin. For example, the Alcantara headliner, door sill plates in Fine Brushed Aluminium with illuminated V12 badge, precise decorative stitching in the lower section of the instrument panel, fine wood inlays for the seat belt outlet covers, armrest and rear roof grab handles, plus deep-pile floor mats for the rear compartment all emphasis further the luxurious nature of the car. The leather steering wheel now features wood elements, and when the driver fires up the engine a V12 emblem lights up in the centre of the instrument cluster – whose speedometer extends as far as 160mph.

The BMW M760Li xDrive V12 goes on sale towards the end of 2016 with prices being announced nearer the time.

New limited BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition

BMW has revealed a new, limited model - the i8 ‘Protonic Red Edition’.

Available for a limited period only, the paintwork has been created exclusively for this car - Protonic Red with Frozen Grey metallic accents. The colour scheme is complemented by BMW W-spoke 470 light-alloy wheels painted in Orbit Grey metallic with hubs painted in Aluminium matt and mixed-size tyres (front: 215 R20, rear: 245/40).

On the inside of the plug-in-hybrid, the special edition i8 comes with ‘high-class’ red double-stitching and exclusive carbon fibre and ceramic trims.

The lightweight and aerodynamically optimised i8 was the first BMW production model to be powered by a three-cylinder petrol engine. This 1.5-litre engine develops 231hp and drives the rear wheels, while a maximum torque of 320Nm is available from 3,700rpm. The car’s second power source is a 96 kW/131hp hybrid synchronous electric motor which sends its power to the front axle. The motor develops 250Nm torque from a standstill and can also power the vehicle by itself with a range in everyday driving of up to 22 miles and a top speed of 75mph on electric power alone. Top speed is 155mph, 0-62 takes 4.4 seconds while the i8 emitts 59g/km of CO2 and returns 113mpg.

The BMW i8 Protonic Red Edition will be produced from July onwards and will officially be on sale from September, 2016 priced at £112,535 OTR.

UK plug-in car grant extended until 2018

The government has announced a long-term extension to the UK’s plug-in car grant.

Backed by a £400 million package to treble the number of ultra low emission vehicles on Britain’s roads, the grant will continue beyond the latest guarantee of February 2016 until at least the end of March 2018, and will mean more than 100,000 people will benefit over the coming years — double the number who have already claimed the grant since 2011. From next March, buyers of the greenest cars can save up to £4,500 off the overall purchase price.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones said: “The UK is a world leader in the uptake of low emission vehicles and the plug-in car grant has been key to that success. Extending the grant in a sustainable way ensures more than 100,000 people will benefit from financial support when purchasing these cheap-to-run and green cars. We are determined to keep Britain at the forefront of the technology, increasing our support for plug-in vehicles to £600 million over the next 5 years to cut emissions, create jobs and support our cutting-edge industries.”

The grant was created in 2011 to encourage sales of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) and has been instrumental in the UK becoming the biggest ULEV market in the EU, and the fourth largest in the world with some 50,000 people already benefitting.

From 1 March 2016, 2 grant rates will be available to ensure the funding is sustainable and focus financial support on the greenest vehicles. ‘Category 1’ vehicles with a zero emission range of over 70 miles will benefit from a grant of £4500. ‘Category 2 and 3’ vehicles with a shorter zero emission range — such as plug-in hybrid vehicles with a petrol or diesel engine — will receive £2500.

The new grant levels reflect strong growth in the sector with sales of ULEVs doubling over the past year. Motorists also have a wider choice of 29 ULEVs on the market — 5 times as many as when the plug-in car grant was launched. The UK is also at the forefront of the roll-out of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, which are also eligible for the £4500 grant thanks to their zero tailpipe emissions.

The government has also today announced it will continue to provide a grant to help ULEV owners have a dedicated charge point installed at their home. From 1 March 2016, the electric vehicle homecharge scheme (EVHS) will offer £500 per installation, which on average will cover around half of the cost of getting a charge point.

The plug-in car grant is just one element of a £600 million package of measures from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles over the course of this parliament which also includes funding for chargepoints, grants encouraging low emission buses and taxis and R&D funding for innovative technology such as lighter vehicles and longer-lasting car batteries.

To encourage zero emission vehicles and maximise the number of everyday motorists who can benefit from government support, a price cap will also be introduced from 1 March 2016. Category 2 and 3 models with a list price of over £60,000 will not be eligible for the grant, but all category 1 vehicles with a zero emission range of over 70 miles will be eligible for the full £4,500 grant.

The government has committed to make nearly all cars and vans in the UK zero emission by 2050, and announced in the Spending Review to increase funding to £600 million between 2015 and 2020 to support the development, manufacture and uptake of ULEVs.

This commitment was reinforced when the UK was one of 14 international members of the Zero Emission Vehicle Alliance to sign a pledge promoting the uptake of electric cars at the recent Paris climate conference.

BMW commissions new Art Cars

BMW commissions new Art Cars

BMW commissions new Art Cars

BMW commissions new Art Cars

BMW commissions new Art Cars

BMW commissions new Art Cars

BMW commissions new Art Cars

BMW commissions new Art Cars

BMW commissions new Art Cars

Following on from Jenny Holzer, Olafur Elíasson and Jeff Koons, Chinese artist Cao Fei, 37, and American artist John Baldessari, 84, will be the youngest and oldest artists represented in the collection respectively.

Fei and Baldessari are each due to create unique versions of the BMW M6 GT3 in the coming year, ready for presentations in museums in 2017, before appearing in action on the racetrack.

The BMW M6 GT3 spearheads the range of cars available to the BMW customer racing programme. It is powered by a 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, which has been modified slightly for use in motor racing. The powertrain has dry sump lubrication and generates up to 585hp - with the whole car weighing less than 1,300kg.  

BMW Board Member, Ian Robertson announced the collaboration of the two artists at the Guggenheim Museum in New York. 'The 40th anniversary of the BMW Art Collection is a time to look ahead. The collection is the embodiment of the cultural commitment of the BMW Group - its vehicles stand for the combination of cutting-edge technology and inspiring art.

Cao Fei dubbed by BMW as one of the most promising and Chinese artists of her generation; expressed her excitement in joining the ranks of renowned artists such as Roy Lichtenstein, Andy Warhol and David Hockney. "I'm thrilled to be able to join the magnificent list of BMW Art Car artists. Acceleration, a concept that reminds me of my desire for speed as a runner during the Young Pioneers days, is deeply connected to the entangled contemporary relationships between velocity, energy, and the country."

John Baldessari, described as 'a great pioneer and godfather of an entire art scene in LA and beyond' told the press how he was honoured to have many of his respected peers recommend him as a BMW Art Car artist. 'Creating art that exists outside of a museum is important to me, and should be a goal for all artists. This will definitely be my fastest artwork yet.'

Since 1975 artists from the world over have been creating Art Cars on the basis of contemporary BMW automobiles. 'It is fantastic that the tradition of the BMW Art Car series will be continued with the BMW M6 GT3. Motorsport and the BMW Art Cars have always been very closely linked. Our racing cars in the special designs of well-known artists have cult status among the general public. I am convinced that the same will be true of the works by Cao Fei and John Baldessari. Naturally we want to fight for wins with the BMW M6 GT3 Art Cars. This combination of art and performance on the racetrack really is unique.' said Jens Marquardt, BMW Motorsport Director.

Modified BMW M4 Coupe revealed at SEMA

Modified BMW M4 Coupe revealed at SEMA

Modified BMW M4 Coupe revealed at SEMA

Modified BMW M4 Coupe revealed at SEMA

Modified BMW M4 Coupe revealed at SEMA

Modified BMW M4 Coupe revealed at SEMA

Modified BMW M4 Coupe revealed at SEMA

Modified BMW M4 Coupe revealed at SEMA

Modified BMW M4 Coupe revealed at SEMA

Modified BMW M4 Coupe revealed at SEMA

BMW has unveiled a modified BMW M4 Coupe at SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association).

Taking place in Las Vegas, BMW revealed a selection of sports-oriented BMW M Performance Parts at the customisation and sports tuning show. The M4 Coupe's 'motor racing style appearance' has been further enhanced with the M Performance aerodynamic components. The front inserts in high-end carbon fibre (CFRP) and the M Performance front trim grille in high-gloss black give the face of the M4 Coupe an even more striking expression. The lateral M Performance side sill attachments made of polyurethane (PUR) with the new "M Performance" inscription are joined by exterior mirror caps in carbon fibre finish, side gills in high-gloss black and BMW racing stripes for a 'dynamic side view'.

At the rear there is a carbon fibre diffuser with three 'strikingly shaped' bars derived from motorsports and a newly designed BMW M Performance through-flow carbon fibre rear spoiler. The new "M Performance" inscription on the lateral end plates of the rear spoiler as well as the motorsports stripes on the spoiler constitute add further sporty touches.

All M Performance aerodynamic components are harmonised with the car's airflow response, says BMW so they ensure optimised aerodynamic performance. The adjustable M Performance coilover suspension likewise enhances sporty driving pleasure. The lowered suspension 'intensifies' the sporty look of the M4 Coupe as well as a more dynamic ride feel.

The inline 6-cylinder with M TwinPower Turbo Technology remains the same, offering an output of 425hp. Fitted with an M twin-clutch transmission, the exhibition car at SEMA accelerates to 60mph in 4.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. A lightweight exhaust system comprises a stainless steel exhaust duct with a rear silencer made entirely of titanium and bearing the "M Performance" inscription. Tailpipe trim elements made of carbon fibre with M logo add another visual highlight.

The SEMA show runs until November 6.

MINI confirms new Cooper Clubman pricing

MINI confirms new Cooper Clubman pricing

MINI confirms new Cooper Clubman pricing

MINI confirms new Cooper Clubman pricing

MINI confirms new Cooper Clubman pricing

MINI confirms new Cooper Clubman pricing

MINI has confirmed pricing for the new Cooper Clubman will start from £19,995 OTR.

That's for the entry level model which features a 'generous standard' of specification including 16" Revolite Spoke alloy wheels, MINI Navigation, Bluetooth handsfree, interior lights pack, central display with LED ring, the MINI Excitement pack and start/stop with keyless start.

The Cooper D is powered by MINI's 2.0-litre diesel engine and starts from £22,265 OTR.

The MINI Cooper S Clubman adds 17" Vent Spoke alloy wheels, twin exhausts, sports seats for the driver and front passenger and Performance Control from £22,755, while the Cooper SD benefits from 400 Nm of torque for a 0-62mph time of 7.4 seconds and CO2 emissions of 119 g/km, and is priced from £24,255 OTR.

New to MINI is an 8-speed Steptronic transmission, available as an option on the MINI Cooper S Clubman, the MINI Cooper D Clubman and the MINI Cooper SD Clubman. Numerous features make their MINI debut on the new Clubman, including an electric parking brake, full electric seat adjustment and the optional MINI Yours Interior Styles with backlit door bezels.

The new MINI Clubman includes MINI's Navigation System as standard on all models, while every MINI Clubman also benefits from the MINI Excitement Package as standard, which features a projection of the brand logo on to the ground beneath the driver's side door mirror when the car is opened and closed, as well as extended interior lighting.

The new MINI Cooper Clubman is on sale now.

New BMW M2 revealed

New BMW M2 revealed

New BMW M2 revealed

New BMW M2 revealed

New BMW M2 revealed

New BMW M2 revealed

New BMW M2 revealed

New BMW M2 revealed

New BMW M2 revealed

New BMW M2 revealed

BMW has revealed its new M2 compact sports coupe.

The new coupe from BMW's M division, the M2 features the latest in motor sport derived technology. The result is a powerful performer, which BMW says 'delivers genuine driver satisfaction on the road, and extreme capability on the racing circuit'.

Powered by a new, specifically developed, 3.0-litre straight-six engine with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, it kicks out 370hp for an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph. When equipped with the optional seven-speed M DCT gearbox, the M2 can sprint from rest to 62mph in 4.3 seconds.

This performance is expressed visually via unique enhancements to the base 2 Series Coupe body, majoring on style but also reflecting the aerodynamic, cooling and chassis requirements of the new car. Engineers have worked to reduce weight wherever possible, improve rigidity and hone the M2's responses via 'sophisticated chassis technology and electronics'.

Track tested on the Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit, the new model runs on 19-inch aluminium forged wheels, and also features an M Quad sports exhaust system. On the inside of the driver-focused interior there are sports seats, M steering wheel and M gearlever. Combined mpg comes in at 33.2 (35.8 with the M DCT) and CO2 Emissions of 199g/km (185g/km - M DCT)

On sale April in 2016, prices start at £44,070 OTR.

BMW confirms pricing for M4 GTS

BMW confirms pricing for M4 GTS

BMW confirms pricing for M4 GTS

BMW confirms pricing for M4 GTS

BMW has revealed its fastest series-production BMW road car ever - the M4 GTS - will be priced at £121,770 OTR.

Limited to a production run of 700 cars, with only 30 coming to the UK, these M-badged cars deliver what BMW describe as 'the ultimate in sports-oriented design, power with efficiency and precise driving dynamics'. The M4 GTS is focused on track use, but meets all global regulations for use on public roads.

The fastest production road car the brand has ever offered to customers was developed and tested extensively at the Nurburgring, where it recorded a lap time of 7mins 28 secs - almost 30 seconds quicker than a standard M4. Engineered to provide an authentic motorsport-derived driving experience, agile and potent, BMW also says it offers precision handling and 'unprecedented levels' of feedback.

The German brand has added unique exterior design elements to 'demonstrate the performance credentials' of the car, which includes the world premiere of BMW's Organic Light with LED (OLED) lighting technology on a series-production model. Inside, the rear bench has been completely removed to save weight, leaving two front carbon-fibre sports seats.

Under the bonnet is an enhanced version of the 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine, tuned to deliver 500hp. The result is a car which accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 3.8 seconds, and has a top speed limited to 190mph, while returning up to 34mpg on the combined cycle. With its lightweight design, the new BMW M4 GTS has a kerb weight of only 1,510kg.

The UK sales of 30 units equates to four per cent of the total, making Britain the fourth-largest market.

The M4 GTS will make its world debut at the Tokyo Motor Show on 28 October before production begins in March 2016, with launch scheduled for June 2016.

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW reveals Concept M4 GTS

BMW has previewed a future high-performance model for road and track with the Concept M4 GTS.

The latest model from BMW's M Division, the Concept M4 GTS showcases new technologies set to make their series production debut in a new model to be unveiled at a later date. For example, the engine powering the concept is equipped with the same innovative water injection system that has endowed the BMW M4 MotoGP Safety Car - offering a 'noticeable increase' in output and torque.

Designed to fulfil its purpose as a successful track machine, the Concept M4 GTS includes manually adjustable front splitter and rear wing - both finished in exposed carbon - ensuring a 'perfect aerodynamic balance'. Another example of the engineers' adherence to lightweight design is the CFRP (carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic) bonnet, which lowers the car's weight and centre of gravity further still. A wide front air intake optimises airflow and minimises front axle lift.

Finished in Frozen Dark Grey Metallic, with Acid Orange accents on the front splitter, the lightweight, forged and polished M Sport alloy wheels also feature an Acid Orange accent. The 9.5 J x 19 (front) and 10.5 J x 20 (rear) wheels are fitted with Michelin Sport Cup 2 tyres (265/35 R19 at the front, 285/30 R20 at the rear).

The engine's water injection system, introduced by BMW M Division, uses the physical effect of water when vaporising to draw the required energy. The water is injected into the intake manifold as a fine spray. When the water vaporises, the intake air cools significantly. As a result, the final compression temperature in the combustion chamber - and therefore the engine's tendency to "knock" - is reduced, enabling the turbocharged engine to use higher boost pressure and earlier injection timing.

This technology ensures an increase in output and torque, while at the same time reducing the thermal stress on performance-relevant components. All of which also enhances the stability and durability of the turbocharged engine, says BMW.

The Concept M4 GTS is also fitted with innovative rear lights featuring organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) technology. OLEDs are a new type of light source producing full-surface and homogenous illumination - in contrast to LEDs, which emit light to a single point. OLED technology 'heralds a new era in light design' and lighting concepts, opening up new possibilities when it comes to a characteristic and distinctive light signature for BMW models - both for their daytime driving lights and during the hours of darkness.

No word yet as to if the Concept M4 GTS will make it in to full production.

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R

BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R

BMW is to debut the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R at The Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach.

The car that celebrates both the 40th anniversary of BMW in North America and the racing success of the original 3.0 CSL in the 1975 IMSA series where BMW recorded its first win at the 12 Hours of Sebring.

This was followed by a succession of victories, culminating in the white 3.0 CSL securing the manufacturers' championship at the first attempt.

The Hommage designers focused their attention on the driver and his immediate surroundings. This new approach led them first to the
driver's helmet, race suit and seat before moving onto the lines and surfaces of the interior. 

As the layer of interaction closest to the driver, the helmet visor assumes the functions of the head up display and projects situation-
based information such as the car's speed, gear engaged and engine revs into the driver's direct field of view. 

The driver's race suit (a classical design by Puma) expresses the connection between the driver and the car so that If both the driver's hands are on the wheel, illuminated piping integrated into the sleeves shows the progress of information - from the shift impulse display, for example - out of the steering column over the driver's arms and into his visor. 

The side-section design of the large carbon-fibre seat shells reflects the anatomy of the seated driver for maximum support. 
A carbon-fibre roll cage integrated into the structure of the car's roof and side sections forms the basis for the interior's singularly minimalist geometry. 

The only "comfort" functions are the two vents on the sides of the steering column, which supply the driver with fresh air at ambient temperature. A small display provides the driver with secondary information such as lap times, overall race time and the car's current track position, as required. 

Other racing elements in the interior include red anodised safety features, such as the outlet nozzles for the fire extinguishing foam, the extinguisher itself, and the two switches on the centre console for the emergency shut-off and fire extinguishing mechanism. 

The exterior design of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R is framed by distinctive air deflectors, powerful wheel arches and a prominent rear spoiler, which reference the IMSA racing version of the original 3.0 CSL. 

The colours and graphics used and details such as the "Bavarian Motor Works" decals on the windscreen and rear window are also a nod to the 1975 racer.

The low, wide front end features a large version of the signature BMW kidney grille, while the surfaces and graphic accents in the front apron showcase the wheels and emphasise its broad, powerful stance. 

The long wheelbase and sweeping bonnet stretch the silhouette visually, while dark carbon-fibre surfaces contrast with the Brilliant White metallic paintwork.

At the rear a huge spoiler and carbon-fibre double diffuser combine with a contoured rear apron which draws the eye to the matt gold 21-inch light-alloy wheels with black inlays.

A strip of LEDs extend along the spoiler to link the two lights and provide a stylistic border for the rear end.

German car giants jointly buy Nokia mapping service

German car giants jointly buy Nokia mapping service

Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz parent company Damiler AG have acquired Nokia's mapping and location services business 'HERE'.

The acquisition aims to secure the long term availability of HERE's products and services as an 'open, independent and value creating platform' for cloud-based maps and other mobility services accessible to all customers from the automotive industry and other sectors.

The three partners will each hold an equal stake in HERE with none seeking to acquire a majority interest. Subject to the approval of the relevant antitrust authorities, the transaction is expected to close in the first quarter of 2016. HERE currently provides mapping and location intelligence for nearly 200 countries in more than 50 languages and is one of the main providers of mapping and location services. 

With autonomous cars becoming more of a reality, the HERE system is laying the foundations for the next generation of mobility and location based services. For the automotive industry this is the basis for new assistance systems and ultimately fully autonomous driving. Extremely precise digital maps are increasingly important and will be used in combination with real-time vehicle data in order to increase road safety and to facilitate innovative new products and services. On the basis of the shared raw data, all automobile manufacturers can offer their customers differentiated and brand-specific services.

"Our environment is constantly changing. That's why the information in digital maps has to be continually updated so that maximum utility can be offered," stated Rupert Stadler, Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG. The high-precision cameras and sensors installed in modern cars are the digital eyes for updating mobility data and maps; in this way, information such as speed limits or critical driving situations are already recognised today. All data gained will be processed in compliance with strict data-protection rules.

"HERE will play a key role in the digital revolution of mobility, combining high definition maps and data from vehicles to make travel safer and easier for everyone," explained Harald Kruger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG.

This knowledge will be to the benefit of all carmakers and their customers. "High-precision digital maps are a crucial component of the mobility of the future. With the joint acquisition of HERE, we want to secure the independence of this central service for all vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and customers in other industries," stated Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG.

The social benefits of 'swarm intelligence' are enormous: They facilitate warnings of hazards in real time, of icy roads for example, based on calculations of individual data such as ABS activations and outside temperature. Upcoming traffic jams will be identified more precisely in the future, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. In this way, the vision of accident-free driving is gradually becoming reality. In a further stage, the data could be used to learn about critical bends on the road, in order to warn drivers in good time or to activate assistance systems. Anticipation of green phases of stoplights could navigate vehicles through an urban area on a "green wave" with the appropriate engine performance and minimised fuel consumption.

High-precision maps are important for autonomous driving and many other forms of assistance systems, as these technologies require an up-to-date plan of a vehicle's surroundings exact to the nearest centimetre, in order to react in real time. While HERE already produces extremely precise static maps, they can be verified more exactly and continually updated with a constant flow of data from vehicles' surroundings.

The company will continue to develop its position as a strong and independent provider of maps and location-based services, will expand its product offering and continue to make it available to all customers across industries. The management of HERE will continue to be independent - with the goal of moving the business case forward as a platform, open to all customers.

BMW concept cars to break cover at Monterey

BMW concept cars to break cover at Monterey

BMW concept cars to break cover at Monterey

BMW is to unveil two all-new concept cars during Monterey Car Week.

A teaser image gives little away as it shows a rendering of a minimalist steering controller. We’re not calling it a steering wheel as it appears to be more akin to aircraft controls.

Accredited media are being invited to the 'BMW at the 2015 Monterey Car Week' preview press conference on August 13 at the BMW Villa in Pebble Beach where, in celebration of its 40th anniversary, BMW of North America will unveil two world premier concept cars.

Public showings later that weekend are planned for The Quail, A Motorsport Gathering, Legends of the Autobahn Concours d'Elegance, Rolex Monterey Motorsport Reunion and Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Press Conference speakers will include Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO - BMW of North America LLC, Karim Habib, Director of BMW Design and Dirk Haecker, VP Research and Development - BMW M GmbH.

BMW adds ED Sport model to 3 Series

BMW adds ED Sport model to 3 Series

BMW adds ED Sport model to 3 Series

BMW has added a sportier model - the 320d ED Sport - to the 3 Series range.

Adding a sportier look and design to the EfficientDynamic (ED) model, the new trim is based on the recently introduced ED Plus model.

With an OTR price of £30,205, the 320 ED Sport comes with further standard equipment such as the 17-inch light-alloy wheels, as well as Business Navigation, a selection of Dakota leather upholsteries, Sports steering wheel, unique trim finishers and Heated Sports Front Seats. The ED Sport provides £840 of standard equipment for £500 more than the ED Plus model.

Powered by the new 2.0-litre engine and available in either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, the new model teams performance with 'better than ever emissions and fuel consumption'. The new BMW 320d ED Sport emits 104g/km of CO2 (manual: 108g/km), and has a combined fuel consumption of 70.6mpg, making it the 'cleanest and most fuel-efficient' sports model in the 3 Series range. BMW says the 'impressive fuel economy' doesn't impact on performance with the 2.0-litre diesel engine developing 163hp and an acceleration from 0 to 62mph in 7.8 seconds on its way to a top speed of 143mph.

The improved technologies include Active Air Flaps integrated into the kidney grill and a lowered suspension set-up, both working to improve aerodynamics and overall performance and efficiency. This allows the 320d ED Sport Saloon to occupy a VED Band B and the Touring model to occupy the VED Band C with a Benefit in Kind (BIK) taxation rate of only 19 and 20 per cent respectively (Automatic: 19 and 20 per cent).

OTR prices for the BMW 320d ED Sport start at £30,205 for the Saloon and £32,285 for Touring model.