vLane Blog

Articles Matching “BMW”

• Caution: Pure BMW M3 car porn

  Banovsky on October 23, 2009

  Thanks to worldcarfans.com finding this gem and posting the back story. We won't keep you from the action, though, so click through to see this short film. And crank it up…

  

  I've never wanted the BMW M3 until now…

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under Video, BMW, Coupe, M3

• 2011 BMW X1

  Banovsky on July 1, 2009

  Is the BMW X3 too large for you? Or the 3-Series Wagon too practical? Well, BMW has the car for you!

  

  I like the look, though…

  These first shots of the European model show a vehicle not unlike the current X3, just a little lower to the ground. Based off of the 3-Series platform, the X1 is another upscale urban runabout destined to pit crazed 30-something women against each other in the battle for the last parking space outside of Crate & Barrel.

  Or is that too harsh? Will the X1 have the cojones to lure more than image-conscious buyers?

  More photos and info after the fold.

  [Source: Carscoop.blogspot.com]

  Read full article | Comments (2) | Filed under Future, News, Europe, BMW, Crossover, 2011, X1

• The BMW drive experience

  AshleyW on June 5, 2009

  When I first pulled up to the area of Downsview Park in Toronto, Canada, where this event would take place I saw all these BMWs — and I had no idea what to expect. Would I get to drive each and every one of them? Luckily for me and the many other people who attended, we pretty much did.

  

  I really thought the Audi A4 would ace the track, and surprisingly, it didn't.

  We were given an introduction by Saladin Karl, senior event marketing specialist, Driver Training for BMW Canada. He has been with BMW for fourteen years, and with BMW Canada for the last two years. He pointed out to us that we would get to experience driving BMW sports sedans and BMW sports sedan powered by diesel. He also said we would get to drive and compare three other cars that are in direct competition with BMW, a Mercedes, Audi and Lexus. Next was a very informative presentation by Chief Driving Instructor Pierre Savoy. He has held this role for the last eight years and has been putting on driving events with BMW for the last 17 years.

  More…

  Read full article | Comments (0) | Filed under Lexus, driving, on ramp, interior, Audi, Feature, BMW, Diesel, Technology, Mercedes-Benz, Convertible, Safety, lifestyle, Performance, design, interior, Z4, sports sedan

• One for the road: 2010 BMW 5-Series GT

  Banovsky on June 2, 2009

  Ok, here's the deal: you need space, but don't like the look of a wagon. You also have, apparently, about $70,000 to spend on the top-range 550i model that'll do 0-60 in 5.5 seconds.

  

  Though not the best angle, the car is pretty functional without looking it.

  Good? Great. BMW says of the styling, "[The GT has] an elegantly stretched silhouette and a coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows to create one complete, harmonious unit." I quite like the styling, and it conceals a few neat tricks. First, the rear "hatch" lifts in two parts (just like a Skoda Superb), with either a "trunk" or a hatch-sized opening. This is made possible by some wicked-thick gas struts, and I've pasted a pic after the fold.

  The other neat bit? The rear seats fold — and recline — independently of the cargo area wall. So you can load up the back with junk, and still recline in the rear of the car without affecting cargo space.

  Options? The GT will come with either a twin-turbo 6-cylinder with 306 horsepower (535i GT), twin-turbo 8-cylinder with 407 horsepower (550i GT), or twin-turbo 6-cylinder diesel (530d GT.) All motors will be hooked to the company's new eight-speed automatic gearbox.

  Check out more pics and a video after the jump.

  Read full article | Comments (2) | Filed under Hatchback, Future, News, Europe, Sedan, BMW, Crossover, Misc, design

• Car-themed mice for your computer

  AshleyW on May 8, 2009

  A mouse in the form of a Camaro? Upgrade your PC or Mac with mice…in the shape of iconic cars, including the Chevrolet Corvette, Dodge Charger and Ford Mustang GT.

  

  Unique computer accessories can be hard to find for car enthusiasts. I was intrigued to find out recently that a company by the name of Road Mice produces mice in the form of some very classic and well-known cars.

  Offered as wireless or wired versions, your choices are the The Dodge Viper, Chevy Camaro, Chrysler 300, Chevy Corvette, Dodge Charger, Ford Mustang GT, and Chrysler PT Cruiser. All of these come in various styles and colours like the Black Ford Mustang with white stripes, Dodge Charger Yellow super-bee and the white Camaro with blue stripes. Also included with your mouse are working LED headlights, automatic timer, serial number, and a personalized registration and title.

  Read full article | Comments (1) | Filed under Audi, Mustang, BMW, Infiniti, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, Coupe, Chrysler, Ford, MINI, Fisker Karma

• News: BMW X6M

  Derek Kreindler on April 9, 2009

  Living within a couple hundred yards of four elementary schools, I've learned that the most dangerous hazard is not kidnappers, heavily armed social outcasts or the lunch lady, but rather the affluent mothers driving absurdly large and powerful SUVs.

  Most parents also live in my neighborhood, but feel that anything less than a Range Rover Sport Supercharged or Mercedes ML63 is inadequate transportation for carpool duty. The BMW X6 has emerged as a popular car for school-dads who are too henpecked to get a Porsche 911 and too badge concious to get an Inifniti FX.

  

  The new X6M is sure to be a terror in my neighborhood when it goes on sale sometime this year. The 4.4L twin turbo V8 packs 555 horsepower, which is sure to help drivers make it through yellow lights in record time, while the butch red paint and massive alloys are sure to make Dad feel like he still wears the pants. X6 body style not practical enough? BMW will also sell you an X5M.

  Read full article | Comments (3) | Filed under Future, News, SUV, BMW, Crossover, Performance

• Review: 2009 BMW 335d, Day 7

  Banovsky on March 2, 2009

  Diesels, much like reading about cars on the Internet, have always been a novel idea. Sure, there are companies who have stood by their craft (like Volkswagen), but for the most part, good diesels have been few and far between in North America.

  Day 7: An overview of the improved iDrive system

  So have good automotive reviews. I love the work of Dan Neil, Jeremy Clarkson, Ezra Dyer, and Jack Baruth like many of you, but feel automotive journalists "on the whole" could be doing more.

  With incredible technology at our disposal in the 21st century — audio recording, video, and picture-taking abilities in cell phones to name but one — and very progressive management here at vLane, I'd like to provide readers with exactly what they'd like to see.

  Starting this week, with the all-new (and hotly-anticipated) BMW 335d as the first car, I'll be posting short, snippet-style updates using our "Discuss" feature.

  If you have a question or comment regarding the car, let me know. As always, on my Twitter feed I tag comments about cars I'm driving with #wid, so anyone can keep up with my latest insights. Want more? Do you want to hear the car idle? What about a quick runthrough of the new iDrive? Or maybe a picture of the engine bay? Send your requests and I'll do what I can to fulfill them…

  Well, everything but hand you the keys!

  Click through to the discussion to learn more about my time with the 335d!

  Read full article | Comments (8) | Filed under Sedan, BMW, 3-Series, Diesel, Review, This week