BMW AG has revealed a special one-off creation from their BMW Individual Division, the BMW 850i. And it uses pieces of an actual meteorite in its creation, yes, a friggin’ meteorite from space!
“BMW’s Individual Division has produced an exclusive one-off version of the 8-Series. The official reveal of the M850i xDrive Night Sky, BMW says, is set to coincide with an intense meteor shower due to take place on 3-4 January as Earth passes through the orbit of the asteroid 2003 EH…
… as a result, the Night Sky is filled with a range of details inspired by the extraterrestrial, many of which showcase some of the brand’s more exclusive manufacturing techniques. The most striking feature is the inclusion of real meteoritic rock: the material adorns the centre console trim plate, the start/stop button, the the gear selector (below), the top of the iDrive click wheel and the door sill inserts.” – Auto Express.
“The Night Sky is mechanically identical to the regular M850i. That means power comes from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 with 523bhp and 750Nm of torque. The price is yet to be confirmed for the M850i xDrive Night Sky, but given the unique design, expect it to be astronomical”
For the FULL article from Auto Express, click here.
BMW M850i Night Sky Photo Gallery(All photos courtesy of Auto Express)
For the 20th consecutive season, BMW M GmBH returns to the racetrack at the 2018 MotoGP World Championship to lead the world’s best motorcycle riders with its fleet of vehicles at the front. Every season, BMW M GmBH creates new highlights with its Safety Car. The latest models and impressive technical innovation are what makes the BMW M MotoGP Safety Cars of the past, present and future so special.
Prior to the high-octane event in Malaysia, the new spearhead of the Safety Car fleet – the BMW M5 MotoGP Safety Car with BMW M Performance Parts – will make appearances across Kuala Lumpur on a convoy with the BMW M5, BMW 530i M Sport, BMW S 1000 RR, and the BMW S 1000 RR Safety Bike.
The convoy will make a pit stop at Bangsar Village II, where a meet and greet session with BMW M MotoGP expert and three-time World Champion, Loris Capirossi will take place. Fans can also participate in the BMW S 1000 RR Safety Bike puzzle challenge and stand a chance to win main grandstand tickets to the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, happening from 2nd to 4th November 2018.
BMW Malaysia has unveiled the First-Ever BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo, the new benchmark for unrivalled space, comfort, and functionality in the luxury vehicle class. Introduced in the variant badging of a BMW 630i GT, the new vehicle, which is expected to be priced at RM450,000, raises BMW Group Malaysia’s expanding portfolio of locally assembled models to nine models and eleven variants, further demonstrating the premium automaker’s commitment to growing its scale of operations and investments in Malaysia, and the country’s position as the hub for the BMW Group in the region.
Mr. Harald Hoelzl, (above) Managing Director and CEO of BMW Group Malaysia said, “The BMW 6 Series GT adds another dimension and offering to our modern luxury product portfolio. The new vehicle offers impressive functionality with a new award-winning body format and the high standards of driving comfort and spaciousness are among the features that defined the character of this distinctive vehicle type.”
Unique attributes of the previous generation are now honed to a new level in the BMW 6 Series GT, with systematic evolution particularly evident in its sporting elegance, highly advanced equipment features, innovative control and assistance systems, and a leap forward in dynamism and efficiency. The car’s new model designation reflects this progress.
“The new model will introduce a breath of fresh air to the luxury executive class, as the only vehicle in its segment that offers the spaciousness of a modern Gran Turismo, the travel comfort of a luxury class sedan, and the dynamism and aesthetic appeal that befit a large classy coupé,” added Hoelzl. For the FULL spec details on the new 6 Series GT, click to download this: BMW 6 Series GT Spec Sheet_Peninsular Malaysia
Award-winning body concept – BMW EfficientLightweight with modern practicality.
The First-Ever BMW 6 Series GT received the prestigious EuroCar Body Award in 2017 for its superior body and spatial design, achieved with innovations such as the BMW EfficientLightweight technology. Specifically, the BMW 6 Series GT’s intelligent lightweight construction and increased use of aluminium and high-strength steel types for the body and chassis components helped reduce its weight by an average of approximately 150 kilograms as compared to the predecessor model.
The interior offers generous space, while the raised seating position ensures an excellent overview. Three fully-fledged seats at the rear with ample legroom emphasise the travel qualities of the car, as does the fact that the headroom has been increased in spite of a lower roof line – achieved by optimising the seat system.
The body construction allows for a large, convenient rear opening with a maximum view through the rear window. The single-section tailgate of the BMW 6 Series GT is opened and closed electrically, with a Comfort Access function that even enables hands-free operation through foot movement. The luggage compartment volume has increased by 100 litres to 610 litres compared to its predecessor: this can be expanded to 1,800 litres by folding down the seats using an electrical control function. The loading sill has also been lowered by five centimetres to the level of the luggage compartment floor.
Dynamic proportions and elegant, flowing lines.
The First-Ever BMW 6 Series GT appears with a distinctive, powerful anterior, with the lenses of the Adaptive LED headlights extending all the way to the large BMW kidney grille. BMW’s signature sporting elegance comes to the fore prominently when the car is viewed in profile, thanks to familiar features such as the long bonnet, set-back positioning of the cabin, a wheelbase of 3,070 millimetres, doors with frameless windows, an elongated window outline stretching deep into the rear end, and the trademark mirrored Hofmeister kink. The roofline sweeps down, coupe-style, to merge into a tail section that is now 64 millimetres lower in height, while the 20-inch M light-alloy double-spoke 648 M wheels in Bicolour (with mixed tyres) add polished sophistication.
The rear with its special design elements creates an even more low-slung stance without compromising comfort or luggage capacity. The sloping coupé-style rear window combines with the three-dimensional design of the LED taillights and the hallmark BMW L-shape to generate a classy sports car appeal. The low-slung silhouette also facilitates the car’s aerodynamic properties, combined with active air flap control and other measures including Air Curtains, Air Breathers and an automatically extending rear spoiler (deployed when the vehicle reaches 110 km/h) to lower the drag coefficient (Cd) from its predecessor’s 0.29 to as little as 0.25.
Dynamic handling and highly efficient new-generation engine.
Handling dynamics and driving comfort in the First-Ever BMW 6 Series GT both reap the benefits of the extensive improvements made to the chassis technology. The BMW 6 Series GT is equipped with Adaptive suspension with Dynamic Damper Control and air suspension for both axles. The electronically controlled dampers increase ride comfort and enhance the vehicle’s handling, along with wheel-specific control that counterbalances uneven loads. The two-axle air suspension allows the vehicle’s ride height to be adjusted manually, meaning that ground clearance can be increased by 20 millimetres at the touch of a button to negotiate dirt tracks or steep ramps, for example. The vehicle can also be lowered by 10 millimetres – either manually by again pushing a button, automatically when SPORT mode is engaged via the Driving Experience Control switch, or when the car’s speed exceeds 120 km/h, in order to reduce drag.
Under the bonnet, the cutting-edge TwinPower Turbo engine is teamed up with the eight-speed Steptronic transmission. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit in the First-Ever BMW 6 Series GT delivers a maximum output of 190 kW/258 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm. The increase in power and the superior efficiency of the new engine, together with aerodynamic improvements, endows the car with a top speed of 250km/h while optimising fuel economy. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds, and posts combined fuel consumption of 6.6 litres per 100 kilometres and CO2 emissions of 152 grams per kilometre.
Generous, luxurious and versatile interior.
The First-Ever BMW 6 Series GT has been designed to provide a driver-focused cockpit, with impeccable ergonomic arrangement of the controls, and a display and control system offering unparalleled versatility for operating vehicle, navigation, communication and infotainment functions. At the heart of it all is the iDrive system, complete with the Touch Controller on the centre console and the Control Display, now in the form of a freestanding touchscreen. The high-resolution display has a screen diagonal of 10.25 inches, while its tile-style menu layout with animated graphics in live mode facilitates intuitive operation.
The BMW 6 Series GT also offers the convenience of both enhanced voice control and BMW Gesture Control, as well as the new-generation BMW Head-Up Display. The M Sport Steering Wheel, Sensatec Leather dashboard, and Fine Wood ‘Fineline’ Ridge with Pearl Gloss Chrome complete the stylish look and feel for a premium driving experience. The extremely spacious passenger compartment comes with even more comfort in the form of optimised noise insulation as well as a two-part Panoramic glass roof. The latter has a length of slightly over one metre and a width of 90 centimetres, for an increased sense of space and a light-flooded interior. To top it off, the Harman Kardon Surround Sound System provides an outstanding listening experience.
Driver assistance systems that smooth the way to automated driving.
The driver assistance systems fitted in the BMW 6 Series GT make use of the stereo camera, including radar and ultrasonic sensors to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings. Innovative functions for semi-autonomous driving enhance convenience and safety by coming to the driver’s assistance with corrective steering inputs or warnings, such as Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, Collision and Pedestrian Warning with City Collision Mitigation, Crossing Traffic Warning, and Speed Limit Info. The driving assistance features also include the Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go function which helps to keeps a constant distance from the vehicle ahead at all times.
BMW ConnectedDrive: Intelligently connected with the digital world.
Owners of the First-Ever BMW 6 Series GT can enjoy the benefits of BMW ConnectedDrive, a digital personal mobility assistant to help drivers reach their destination easily and with minimal stress – and not only when they are in their cars. For instance, calendar entries from a smartphone can be used for route planning, the ideal departure time can be calculated and the navigation destination can be transferred to the owner’s car.
A new smartphone holder is also integrated into the centre console, which allows wireless, inductive charging for mobile phones as well as the display key, further demonstrating the BMW Connected philosophy of the use of technology for convenience.
In terms of colour offering, the First-Ever BMW 6 Series GT offers the exterior colour selections of Alpine White, Bluestone, Carbon Black and Sophisto Grey matched with the interior colour offering of Leather Dakota Black. Specifically with the Carbon Black and Sophisto Grey colour options, the added option of Leather Dakota Cognac is also possible. The First-Ever BMW 6 Series GT will be available at all authorised BMW dealerships nationwide from Saturday, 8th September 2018.
Complete Premium Ownership Experience.
Owners of the First-Ever BMW 6 Series GT can also experience the complete BMW Group Malaysia Premium Ownership experience which includes:
BMW 5-Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty with Free Scheduled Service Program.
BMW 2-Year/ 24 Month Tyre Warranty Program for its Run Flat Tyre offering and services.
BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline.
The BMW Group Loyalty+ Mobile App – BMW White Card.
Hot from Auto Express, the new BMW Z4 – which was developed in tandem with the new Toyota Supra – is set to go on sale next spring. Following leaks, teasers and even an early prototype drive, the all-new BMW Z4 has been officially revealed. It debuts at the Pebble Beach Concours event in the United States ahead of sales starting in spring 2019. Here’s its maiden debut at Pebble Beach recently…
Codenamed G29, the new roadster has been developed in a joint project with Toyota, although the two models to emerge from the shared process – the Z4 and the Japanese firm’s Supra – will be substantially different. BMW’s offering will be a convertible only; the Toyota will be sold as a coupe.
The car’s looks and proportions stick pretty closely to those previewed on a concept that was revealed at the same American event last year. There’s a particularly short overhang at the front end, and a visible decrease in wheelbase compared with the outgoing Z4. Here’s another video of its premiere…
The images also confirm that this Z4 has a folding fabric roof (it opens in around 10 seconds), eschewing the aluminium hard-top of the outgoing generation on grounds of complexity, cost and weight. The new car’s total kerb weight is said to be around 50kg lighter than its predecessor’s.
The model unveiled in Pebble Beach is the Z4 M40i First Edition, described by BMW as “a taster of the forthcoming on-road debut of the new roadster”. It’s powered by a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine, producing 340bhp – enough to take the new drop-top from 0-100kmh in 4.6 seconds.
BMW is being coy on releasing many technical details – they’re being held back until late September – but the firm has confirmed that M40i edition has electronically controlled dampers, upgraded M Sport brakes and an M Sport differential. It also says the Z4 will have a 50:50 weight distribution.
The line-up of powertrains is likely to include a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol, possibly in a couple of states of tune, along with at least one more version of the straight six. We’d expected a plug-in hybrid version to follow later in the car’s life, too – and there could even be a fully focused M version of the car, because BMW hopes a more involving dynamic experience will allow the Z4 to grab some sales from the Porsche 718 Boxster.
The cabin shows a further evolution of BMW’s cockpit layout, with a newly designed fully digital instrument panel, and a ‘fared-in’ infotainment system that’s clearly angled towards the driver. The usual iDrive rotary controller is mounted on the centre tunnel beside the controller for what is likely to be an eight-speed automatic transmission. A manual gearbox is likely to be offered too, Auto Express understands, but only with selected engines.
The Z4 is due on sale in the UK next spring. There’s no word on pricing or specs, but we’d expect the range to start with 2.0-litre models at around £30,000, rising to around £48,000 for the M40i seen here.
Ed’s note: Nice one BMW, however, I think it looks a little too much like something Fiat came up with in 2015, the 124 Spider… anyway, please revive the Z8 next! – Chris Wee.
BMW Z4 Photo Gallery (all images courtesy of AutoExpressUK)
The BMW 8 Series has returned to the German firm’s lineup after a near 20-year absence. A two-door coupe will be the first of three body styles that will make up the range, which will grow to include a convertible as well as four-door Gran Coupe by the end of next year.
Auto Express was invited for an exclusive preview of the new two-door coupe, which is on sale now. Pitched as a rival for everything from a Mercedes S-Class Coupe right up to the Aston Martin DB11, the German firm believes it has created a car with a broader breadth of abilities than any of its competitors packaging luxury buyers expect of a flagship car with the performance of a sports car.
And the 8 Series is not just a shortened version of the 7-Series saloon with two fewer doors, says the BMW. The coupe gets a unique chassis, suspension and powertrain setup, while tech borrowed from the firm’s GTE Le Mans racer has been sprinkled throughout the car. Here’s the video from BMW…
“The first thing we started with on this project was to develop a sports car – not a sporty car,”Sarah Lessmann, BMW 8 Series Product manager, told Auto Express. “The 8 series was all about bringing perfect performance as well as new and distinctive design.”
BMW is particularly proud of the car’s proportions, particularly the elongated bonnet, cab rearward silhouette and muscular rear haunches, while it also features a carbon fibre roof to help lower its centre of gravity. The 8 Series measures in at 4,843mm long, 1,902mm wide and 1,341mm tall.
At launch the 8 Series will be available with two engines: one diesel badged 840d and one petrol badged M850i. The diesel model makes use of a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine developing 320bhp and 680Nm of torque. The M850i is powered by a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 developing 530bhp and 700Nm of torque. BMW says it will be capable of 0-100kmh in 3.7 seconds and a limited top speed of 250kmh. Both variants come paired with BMW’s xDrive adaptive all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
“When you talk about the luxury car segment you talk about two bookends – at one side you have elegance and on the other you have sporty,” Lessmann added. “If you look at our competitors on these bookends you have the Mercedes S-Class Coupe on the luxury side and the Aston Martin DB11 and Porsche 911 at the other…
… and there is a big gap in between, we definitely didn’t want to make the 8 series in the middle, we wanted to have it close to the performance cars.”
The M850i will be the flagship model in the range until a more potent M8 coupe arrives next year. As standard the car features active rear wheel steering, adaptive M suspension, a limited slip differential on the rear axle and a sports exhaust. The only mechanical option buyers can spec is active anti rolls bars, which are designed to improve stability and grip during cornering.
The 8 Series is also the first BMW to feature the firm’s new generation of iDrive infotainment, which is accessed via a 10.25-inch display on the dash. The system still operates by the iDrive controller on the centre console, but those inside also have the option of using touch, voice or gesture control to operate the system. It also incorporates 20GB of hard drive storage, Bluetooth and WiFi.
Given the 8 Series sits at the very top of BMW’s model portfolio it comes as standard with a wealth of equipment such as a full leather interior, LED headlamps, a Bowers & Wilkins stereo, 19-inch alloy wheels and adaptive cruise control.
Both the 840d and M850i are now on sale with prices starting from £76,270 for the diesel and rising to £100,045 for the M850i. That cost will climb eve higher with the arrival of the M8 coupe, which could ask around £130,000 from potential customers. But there’s more…
BMW M8 will be the fastest BMW ever!
The forthcoming BMW M8 will be the most powerful and fastest production car in the firm’s history, Auto Express can reveal. Due to arrive 2019, the M8 will make use of a version of the 4.4-litre V8 twin-turbo engine from the latest M5saloon, but tuned to deliver upwards of 625bhp.
Combined with selectable xDrive four-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the M8 will be able to cover 0-100kmh in less than 3.3 seconds. The M5 Competition is currently the fastest model in BMW’s lineup.
However, the full M treatment won’t only be reserved for the two-door coupe; BMW plans to create M versions of the Convertible and four-door Gran Coupe to broaden the model’s appeal. The M8 Gran Coupe concept, which was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show back in March, previewed how the flagship models would look.
BMW 8-Series Photo Gallery (all photos from Auto Express UK – www.autoexpress.co.uk)
BMW Group AG has appointed Harald Hoelzl (above) to assume the roles and responsibilities as the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BMW Group Malaysia effective March 1st, 2018.
Hoelzl will take on the role from current Managing Director and CEO, Han Sang Yun (above, right) who, in turn, will take on the role as the new President of BMW Group Korea.
Hoelzl first began his career with the BMW Group in 2002 and has served in various functions in the Sales, Marketing, Dealer Development and IT departments. With an impressive track record, BMW Group AG appointed him as Head of Marketing at BMW Group Central South Eastern Europe in 2011 before leading the BMW Group’s operations in the Czech Republic.
Han Sang Yun, (below, right) meanwhile, will be the new President for BMW Group Korea effective March 1st, 2018 in place of current President Dr. Hyojoon Kim who will assume the roles and responsibilities of Representative Director and Chairman for the premium automaker in the country.
With over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry in his native country Korea, Han Sang Yun was appointed the Managing Director and CEO at BMW Group Malaysia in January 2015.
In his time in Malaysia, Han led the premium automaker to its best-ever performance growth in 2017 and he was also the key driver in growing BMW Group Malaysia’s portfolio of Plug-in Hybrid vehicles to 55% of its total volume delivery in the country, further driving the premium automaker’s strategy for Visionary Mobility.
A BMW Z8 formerly belonging to Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs is up for sale. Jobs purchased the car in 2000 and then sold it on to the current owner in 2003. It was then resold to a third party but bought back three years later.
The vehicle is said to have extremely low mileage and complete service history was well as a full set of accessories and items that came with the car. These items also include a BMW branded Motorola flip phone, which Jobs despised.
There were only 6000 BMW Z8 cars that were ever produced, which makes it a bit of a rarity. It was offered with either a 4.8 or 4.9-litre V8 that was mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. Weighing about 1,585kg, the car had an all-aluminium chassis and body, which helped increase agility and stability.
It’s 400bhp engine, which was shared with the E39 M5 allowed the car to sprint from 0-100km/h in 4.7 seconds and eventually reach a limited top speed of 250km/h. As a means to lure more enthusiasts to the Z8, BMW promised that it would retain the car’s spare parts for 50-years.
Meant to be a modern interpretation of a retro sports car, the Z8 never managed to garner the success it was meant to achieve. Despite factory-backed support and other unique customization options, the car didn’t quite live up to the hype.
That said, due to the relative significance of this particular one, speculators suggest that the car might fetch somewhere between $300,000 (RM 1,270,050) to $400,000 (RM 1,693,400) when it is eventually sold at the RM Sotherby’s New York auction.
BMW announced some interesting news at the IAA Cars 2017 at Frankfurt. It introduced a number of projects including the BMW i Vision Dynamics, which is a futuristic four-door Gran Coupe concept vehicle.
Sporting smooth and elegant contours, minimalist yet functional front fascia and a sensor-laden kidney grille that is integrated with the front bumper, the car’s styling is meant to provide us with a glimpse of the future.
The contours, take on a fluidic shape thanks to a low slung roof and body panels that fit seamlessly throughout the structure. The design of the rear, especially the long tail lamps nd bumper assembly are a major departure from the automaker’s current design language .
BMW says that some design cues will be taken when building the next generation of i models. A lot of what goes into these future cars are studied and tested extensively by realising vehicles like the i Vision Dynamics.
Speaking of the company’s achievemtns with its electrified vehicles, Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design said, “With the i3 and i8 we have designed a revolutionary city car and a revolutionary sports car.”
“And now the BMW i Vision Dynamics is combining electric mobility with the core values of BMW: dynamism and elegance. We are therefore demonstrating how the product range and the design language of BMW i can be evolved further into other concepts,” he later added.
The i Vision Dynamics when fully realized, will have a 600km range, be capable of sprinting from 0-100km/h in just 4 seconds and reach a top speed of 200km/h. It will offer the e-mobility experience that offers, convenience, practicality and sporting elegance.
As advanced as this car maybe, the project is still in its infancy stage and it will take quite a while before we ever see something resembling an i Vision Dynamics gracing our city streets. That said, cars like the i8 owe quite a lot of their styling and tech to outlandish vehicles such as this.
A trip to the workshop has become a little less cumbersome for BMW owners in the UK. The reason for this is rather revolutionary, because BMW Group UK has launched a new digital shop, allowing customers to purchase BMW and MINI Parts, accessories and lifestyle products online.
Those wanting a certain part for their vehicle, need only select their vehicle model or enter their VIN number online, to browse the automaker’s online parts’ inventory. This can be done with any web browser on a computer or mobile device.
BMW and MINI customers with a myBMW account can access this service easily by using the same login credentials as other BMW services such as ConnectedDrive. Once the desired product/part/accessory has been selected, customers can choose their preferred collection point as well (BMW retailer).
Adding to this impressive service, customers will also be able to track their items while in transit to the desired location. Payments for items that are purchased online can be made using PayPal, 3D Secure credit and debit cards.
The BMW Group and its subsidiary brands have a slew of products on offer ranging from lifestyle apparel to Motorsport memorabilia. MINI has one of the most extensive product portfolios of the lot with a collection that spans articles of clothing to bags, cases and other items.
Unlike many automakers, BMW believes that the relationship between it and a customer doesn’t end once the keys are handed over. Instead, they believe that its a lifelong bond that is cultivated by allowing customers to own more than just a set of wheels.
As useful as this service is, it seems to only be available for customers in the UK. But we are sure that many Malaysians would appreciate having such a service in our country as well. It would require a lot less effort to source for parts if BMW Malaysia is able lend us a helping hand.
Hurricane Harvey has caused serious problems in Texas. The Category 3 hurricane, which made landfall about two weeks ago, has laid ruin to homes, vehicles and other property caused by its strong winds and heavy flooding.
Some experts estimate that the damage left in Harvey’s wake may take years and considerable amount of money to undo. As bad as this sounds, things might get even worse as weather forecasts say that there’s more heavy rainfall expected in the coming days.
This is especially bad news for car owners over there because all vehicles, from the least expensive to the ultra rare collectibles, weren’t spared from hurricane Harvey’s wrath. Places like Houston have been the worst effected regions in the state, which is why we think the recent news about a certain BMW enthusiast to be of worth mentioning.
Owning an E36 M3 is a challenge, even when everything is going fine with the car. Knowing the consequences if things went south, this Texan went to great lengths to ensure that his M3 was kept out of harm’s way. The car was kept on lifts to ensure that flood waters wouldn’t be able to reach it.
It isn’t the only Bimmer in his possesion mind you, he also owns an X5 and and another E36 that is kept on a trailer. Check out his video on the TEXAS E36 Garage’s video on Youtube as he takes viewers around his home and garage to show the aftermath of the hurricane.
