Welcome to another installment of Tuesday’s Obscure car of the day. I know I have been missing in action for the past few weeks but I should pick up on it soon. Today’s car is not obscure however, the way you can order is. If you know the right people and have enough bank you can order you car painted in a Silver Matte called Frozen Grey Metallic from your local BMW dealer. This is possible through BMW’s Individual, Munich’s custom-trim and personalization arm. At the cost of five thousand, if you’re the enterprising/conniving/begging type, you might be able to convince BMW of North America to sell you a car painted in an appealingly shine-free shade of silver as follows.
Naturally, there’s a catch: Individual paint is only available by special order, and many dealers are either ignorant of the process or refuse to admit that it exists. Ordering an Individual color often adds several months to the build and delivery rigamarole. Lastly, only a small number of American Individual requests are granted each year, and there’s often no rhyme or reason to the veto process. So for $5000, if persuasive enough you can gain access to a seemingly endless palette of color choices which is the only way to get a factory-sprayed, matte-finished production sedan in America.
Here is a brief excerpt from an article written by John Sviokla for the Harvard Business blog. To read the complete article, check out other articles and resources, and sign up for a free subscription to Harvard Business Daily Alerts, please visit dailyalert@email.harvardbusiness.org.
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Better Customer Service Through Transparency, Tribes, and Talent
I confess that I have a warm spot in my heart for customer service operations. It is probably because I met my wife of 29.5 years when she and I were on the customer service phones at the Polaroid Corporation. As an old phone jockey, it is apparent to me that the world of customer service is transforming. If we look back at history, we can see that the central tendency of consumer businesses is to move more and more function to the end consumer and to provide them more visibility to the availability of the product or service. As the phone grew in this country as a consumer device, clever pundits predicted that in order to meet the emerging demand for phone calls, the entire country would have to become telephone operators, and that is exactly what we are: We dial our own service. Likewise, when Michael J Cullen opened his first King Kullen store in Jamaica, Queens with 6,000 square feet, on August 4, 1930 with the wonderful catch phrase, “Pile it High, Sell it Low,” he ushered in the world of supermarket self-service at low prices. When they can, firms let customers roll their own.
Today, technology is enabling new capabilities and I see three trends which are recreating customer service in a new, more responsive, and economically efficient manner: transparency, tribes, and talent.
Transparency is best exemplified by Federal Express’ efforts over the years. They were among the first companies to “expose” their internal systems so that not only could the customer schedule pick-ups, print labels, and manage his account, but he could also see the same level of detail the firm had about the location of his shipment. Many firms could benefit by letting customers see where their product or service truly is. BMW allows people who have configured and ordered a Mini Cooper to check the status of the order, and see it location on the high seas as it is shipped across the Atlantic. So what? Well, just think about how the dynamic with your cable company would change if you could actually see if the service truck was on its way to your house. It certainly would change the attitude between the customer and the company. Heck, even the government enables you to track tagged polar bears!
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So my questions for you are:
• Are you transparent?
• Do you lead your tribe?
• Have you unlocked the talent latent in your customer base?
What will you lose except the illusion that you are in control of your customers?
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John Sviokla is vice chairman of Diamond Management & Technology Consultants, Inc. He is a former professor at Harvard Business School in Marketing, MIS, and Decision Sciences.
To read the complete article, check out other articles and resources, and sign up for a free subscription to Harvard Business Daily Alerts, please visit dailyalert@email.harvardbusiness.org.
At home, I often park my motorcycle on the street, facing out with its rear tire backed up against the curb. It is a blue BMW K100RT, with a four cylinder motor that displaces nearly a liter. This bike’s major problem is that its fuel tank only holds a little more than 5 gallons, enough for perhaps 180 – 200 miles between stops. What it really needs is a 9 gallon tank.
Looking through my living room window, I contemplate its thoughts as I sip my morning coffee.
“North South East West,” it thinks.
“North? South? East? West?”
It doesn’t know. It doesn’t have a passion for any particular direction. It just wants to go.
I understand. That’s why we get along so well, my motorcycle and me. Today, like the days of years before, I have no destination planned. I just want to ride, to cover ground, watch the miles tick away, burn fuel, feel the machine humming below me, feel the fairing slice through the wind, tuck myself into the ergonomics of the machine.
I have no desire to push it, or drive fast. Most days, I set the throttle for 60 mph and feel the bike settle into a comfortable, humming glide. The BMW K100RT can handle speeds far quicker than this, but at such low speeds, the bike feels refreshingly confident and upright. I ride it like a trotting horse, with my shoulders directly above my hips, my lower back straight and my elbows down at my sides. At 60mph, the engine turns about 3800 revolutions per minute, dead smooth, with a light “diesel” clatter from the cams and valves and gears connecting the crank and output shaft.
The K100 engine has a history of “buzzing” somewhere between 4500 and 4900 rpm. The buzz is caused by an imbalance in the firing pulse of the four pistons. If one or two pistons are firing more strongly than the others, a pulse will be felt in the driveline. At speed, this feels like a buzz. This problem is remedied by balancing the flow of air into each cylinder so each produces the same amount of power throughout the operating range of the engine.
Some vibrations are to be expected and BMW, in their infinite wisdom, isolated the engine from the frame using rubber bushings. However these bushings need to be mounted in a neutral and stress free position in order work effectively. The problem occurs because the K100 uses the engine as half the frame of the motorcycle. A sectional frame is bolted to the top of the motor and transmission and holds the seat, fuel tank and steering head. Small differences in size and position means that no two frames or engines will be exactly the same dimensions. Thus, there may be gaps between the engine mounting lugs on the frame and the surface surrounding the bolt holes on the engine.
Mine does buzz a bit at these speeds, but I’ve diminished the effect by shimming the engine mounting points to take up the slack, or space between the engine and frame. If the engine mounting bolt is tightened with a space left between the frame and the engine, it distorts the rubber bushing used to isolate these parts. When the bushing is under tension, it can not isolate the vibrations effectively.
And so my bike sits contemplating its next run. And I sip my coffee and watch it, contemplating mine.
My home is situated in the confluence of five major freeways: 280/680, 101, 880/17. Another route, “The Alameda” or Route 130, passes by a few blocks from my home . Following it east would take me through downtown San Jose, where it is named Santa Clara Street, and up into the foot hills east of town. There Route 130 becomes Mount Hamilton road, a tight and twisty mountain road that winds up and over the foot hills, around ravine switchbacks, to the Lick Observatory on the peak of Mt Hamilton. Two more hours of twisty one-and-a-half-lane lead to the central valley. A full tank of fuel is recommended as there is little in the way of civilization between the observatory and there. A whole new world opens up on the other side: the central valley, Interstate 99 and the towns of Modesto. Head northbound and one can reach Carson City and Reno; head west through Yosemite, over snowy Sequoia mountain passes to the valleys beyond; south on 99 to Fresno and points farther south.
Several other major freeways radiate from my home. Clockwise from eastbound Route 130, interstate 101 heads south, past the farms of Salinas and Hollister where the rich aroma of farmland stretches for miles, and further south, through the Pacific mountains towards the beach cities: 3 hours to San Luis Obisbo, 2 more to Santa Barbara, and a few more to Los Angeles, San Diego and Mexico.
Continuing clockwise, another southbound option is Route 17. It heads south over the Santa Cruz mountains, past Scotts Valley and into Monterey Bay area. It’s my most direct path to the Pacific coast, and also provides residents of Santa Cruz commuter access to the Bay Area. Commuters on 17 are a strange breed, having grown numb over the years to one of the world’s most challenging high speed freeways. On a typical weekday morning, the column of local cars can reach speeds up to 75 mph over a dizzying array of high speed mountain switchbacks. Oblivious to the constant blanket of thick fog, the solo commuters fiddle with their radio tuners, seeking the strongest FM signal up high in the mountains.
However descending into Santa Cruz, the freight train pace of 17 comes to an abrupt column of slow-moving traffic as the highway ends on the edge the town. As the pace of traffic slows, so does the pace of life, and one is tempted to park and walk through town, perhaps buy a slice of pizza or a sandwich and enjoy it on a café table while watching the local hippies and freak parade. One can air out the helmet and decide, as there is much to ponder.
For northbound, Route 1 leads up the peninsula coast past rugged coastal towns like Half Moon Bay and Pacifica. At any time, one could hang a right into the hills and drive for days on some of the most highly rated motorcycle roads in the world: skyline drive, Route 9, Route 84, Old Santa Cruz road, Sandhill Road. They all lead to the premier hangout for west coast motor heads: Alice’s Restaurant.
Just as easily, one could also head south on Route 1: the Pacific Coast Highway. It is perhaps the most spectacular road in the world, a destination for motorcycle tourists worldwide. Descriptors such as “awe inspring” and “breath-taking” seem mundane where the Pacific ocean grinds away at the Continent in a god-scape of views and driving thrills.
In some places the road travels high up on the mountains. Far below, the pounding surf cuts into the rock, slowly chipping away at its base, and causing rock and mud slides and sheer cliff faces, 100 feet high. Yet, where the road descends and passes along a long flat beach, and waves lap gently across 200 yards of sandy beach, the two seem to caress one another in a love embrace.
Here, two old VW buses can be seen parked along the side of the road, their owners nearby, wearing wet suits and bare feet, chatting with one another, or out riding the surf. The pacific wind sculpts the beach and tears at the VW’s ragged curtains through its open windows.
Back at home, many other routes are available, too. Interstate 280 leads west then north, up the crest of the Santa Cruz mountains north to San Francisco. 101 north rolls north through the many towns and cities stacked up the peninsula towards San Francisco. And I 880 North is the major thoroughfare linking San Jose with Oakland and all “East Bay” cities and towns.
“North? East? West? South?” For my motorcycle, the Pacific Coast Highway is just another temptations in a long list of temptations. The tug of the road is strong. The bike wears worn tires to prove it.
Worn tires but has reached no particular destination.
The 2011 BMW 7-Series is bringing back six-cylinder engines.
confirms today that its range-topping 7-Series sedan will get two additions in 2011. The new 740i and 740iL will join the existing ActiveHybrid, eight-cylinder, and twelve-cylinder models in the 7-Series lineup.
The new engines are twin-turbo in-line six-cylinders, with the short- or long-wheelbase body being the primary difference between the two. The new engine will put out 315 horsepower at 5800 rpm, and 330 pound-feet of torque from 1600-4500 rpm.
does not confirm it, but the powertrain seems technically similar to the twin-turbo six-cylinder engine in today’s sedan, which would mean a displacement of 3.0 liters–not the 4.0 liters indicated by the badge. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
last offered a six-cylinder in the 7-Series in the 735i model, which joined the lineup in 1988 and was sold until 1992.
The new 2011 740i and 740iL go on sale in the spring, with a long list of available features including an M Sport package, seating for the rear passenger cabin, a DVD entertainment system, and individual options for leather and wood trim.
Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen will race for Lotus next year, after the newly-formed Formula 1 team confirmed its line-up in a press conference held in Malaysia today
Lotus reveals new team logo
from F1 news – autosport.com
Lotus F1 Racing revealed its new team logo today, retaining the famous green/yellow colours of the legendary Lotus marque – but at the same time providing the F1 team a completely new identity
Mosley: I could have averted pull-outs
from F1 news – autosport.com
Former FIA president Max Mosley believes he might have kept BMW and Toyota in Formula 1 had he visited the manufacturers’ bosses to explain the reasoning behind his budget cap plan
Lloyds invests in Manor F1 team
from F1 news – autosport.com
The private equity arm of the Lloyds Banking Group has taken a stake in the new Manor Formula 1 team, which will run under the Virgin Racing banner
Henkel says Mercedes deal is invalid
from F1 news – autosport.com
German company Henkel says a sponsorship deal apparently agreed with the Mercedes GP team was put together by an ex-employee acting without authorisation, and that it will not be honouring the partnership
Ferrari: Schumacher deal ‘not binding’
from F1 news – autosport.com
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo says his company would not prevent Michael Schumacher from racing for Mercedes in Formula 1 if he wished to do so – but added that the German had not yet discussed any such situation with him
Di Grassi to partner Glock at Virgin
from F1 news – autosport.com
Virgin Racing has confirmed that Lucas di Grassi is to race alongside Timo Glock at the team next year.
Campos still in talks with de la Rosa
from F1 news – autosport.com
Campos team president Jose Ramon Carabante says the Spanish squad is still in talks with Pedro de la Rosa to fill the second seat for its debut season.
Parente, Razia join Virgin as testers
from F1 news – autosport.com
Virgin Racing has announced Alvaro Parente will be its test driver in its debut season in 2010.
Rosberg: Pressure is on to win title
from F1 news – autosport.com
Nico Rosberg has admitted that the pressure is on Mercedes GP to win the world championship next year – amid continued speculation that Michael Schumacher could be on his way to the outfit.
Virgin car set for February run
from F1 news – autosport.com
Virgin Racing’s new Formula 1 car is on schedule to run for the first time in February – with technical director Nick Wirth confirming it will not be tried out in a wind tunnel before that maiden test.
Branson: Virgin can go all the way
from F1 news – autosport.com
Richard Branson believes the sky is the limit for his new Virgin Racing Formula 1 team, as he predicts a bright future for the outfit.
Virgin promises innovative approaches
from F1 news – autosport.com
Virgin Racing chiefs have promised to bring some innovative approaches into Formula 1 next year – as the eyes a closer relationship with the sport’s fans.
Virgin aims to earn respect from rivals
from F1 news – autosport.com
Virgin Racing sporting director John Booth says the team’s first target is to earn the respect of its rivals at the start of next season.
Di Grassi: F1 drive a dream come true
from F1 news – autosport.com
Lucas di Grassi says securing a deal to race in Formula 1 is a dream come true, after the Brazilian was confirmed as Timo Glock’s team-mate at the Virgin Racing team for next year.
Virgin eyes success with lowest budget
from F1 news – autosport.com
Richard Branson believes Virgin Racing can make a success of Formula 1 through talent rather than its chequebook – after revealing that the team will run with the lowest budget of any in 2010.
Massa commences F2007 test
from F1 news – autosport.com
Felipe Massa returned to the track in a 2007 Ferrari at Mugello yesterday, but was only able to complete 30 laps
Renault announces Genii partnership
from F1 news – autosport.com
Renault has confirmed it remains committed to Formula 1, after announcing on Wednesday that it has sold a large stake in the team to Luxembourg company Genii Capital Investment, as AUTOSPORT predicted
Red Bull retains Renault engines
from F1 news – autosport.com
Red Bull Racing will continue with Renault engines in 2010 as part of the company’s renewed commitment to Formula 1
Genii aims for Renault resurgence
from F1 news – autosport.com
Renault’s new partner Genii Capital is confident that it can give the French car manufacturer the support and finances it needs to return to the top in Formula 1
Stand-in drivers to get test days
from F1 news – autosport.com
Formula 1 teams will be allowed to give mid-season substitute drivers a day of testing from 2010 as part of rules tweaks announced by the FIA
Profile: Genii’s Gerard Lopez
from F1 news – autosport.com
For a bright businessman who speaks fluently in seven languages, and has been at the cutting edge of new technology business for more than a decade, it was almost inevitable that Gerard Lopez would eventually end up in Formula 1
“We want to be here longer than Ferrari”
from Racing news from en.espnf1.com
Virgin Racing’s team principal Alex Tai speaks to Claire Furnell about the 2010 season
Fry hints Schumacher return is on
from Racing news from en.espnf1.com
Speculation that Michael Schumacher will return to Formula One hit its highest point yet after Mercedes CEO Nick Fry hinted Schumacher was at the top of his list to partner Nico Rosberg at the German team
Ferrari won’t stop Schumacher comeback
from Racing news from en.espnf1.com
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has said his team would not stop Michael Schumacher from making a comeback in Formula One
Button misses out on top BBC award
from F1-Live.com
Jenson Button has finished runner-up in the coveted BBC Sports Personality of the Year award at a star studded ceremony in Sheffield
Trulli and Kovalainen to race at Lotus
from F1-Live.com
Lotus has confirmed Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen as its race drivers for next year
Virgin is F1’s only fully British team – Branson
from F1.BrandBroadcast.net Latest 10 News Articles
Dec.16 (GMM) Sir Richard Branson on Tuesday said he is proud to be involved with the last fully British team in formula one.
FOTA votes to retain in-season testing ban
from F1.BrandBroadcast.net Latest 10 News Articles
Dec.16 (GMM) The F1 teams alliance FOTA last weekend reportedly decided to keep a full in-season testing ban in place for 2010.
Virgin car to have black/red livery in 2010
from F1.BrandBroadcast.net Latest 10 News Articles
Dec.15 (GMM) Virgin Racing team principal Alex Tai on Tuesday said the new team would field a black and red livery in 2010.
Petronas to stay with Sauber – report
from F1.BrandBroadcast.net Latest 10 News Articles
Dec.15 (GMM) In the wake of BMW’s withdrawal, Sauber is reportedly set to retain Petronas as a major sponsor.
Baguette linked with Sauber reserve role
from F1.BrandBroadcast.net Latest 10 News Articles
Dec.15 (GMM) Bertrand Baguette is tipped to secure a role with the Sauber team in 2010.
Di Grassi Q&A: Chance to race in F1 is a dream come true
from Formula1.com – Latest Interviews
After competing in GP2 for four seasons and regularly testing for Renault, Lucas Di Grassi has been a familiar face in the Formula One paddock for a number of years. In fact, ever since he won the prestigious Formula Three Macau Grand Prix back in 2005, Di Grassi has been on the radar of many team principals as a young talent to watch. It may have been a long wait but next season the Brazilian will finally make it onto the Formula One grid, racing for the newly launched Virgin team alongside former Toyota driver Timo Glock. Here the 25 year-old discusses his new team, Glock and his prospects for 2010…
Fernandes: Lotus drivers have the ‘full package’
from Formula1.com – Latest Interviews
Lotus team principal Tony Fernandes admitted he was still pinching himself after signing two of the biggest names on the grid to drive for his new, Malaysian-backed squad next season. In Jarno Trulli, Heikki Kovalainen and Malaysian tester Fairuz Fauzy, Fernandes believes he has the perfect driver combination…
Q&A with Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen
from Formula1.com – Latest Interviews
Lotus’s signing of Jarno Trulli and Heikki Kovalainen for 2010 gives the new Malaysian-backed team one of the quickest and most experienced driver line-ups on the grid. So why did two seasoned F1 professionals agree to drive for an unproven squad? The Italian and Finn speak about their decision…
‘Kobayashi in talks with Sauber’
from GPUpdate.net
With Virgin Racing’s Tuesday announcement having seen more pieces of the 2010 driver jigsaw fitted into place, a number of spots on the grid remain vacant ahead of the upcoming season. With Mercedes’ second seat generating most speculation, Finnish media suggests that ex Toyota pilot Kamui Kobayashi may have signed with Sauber.
McLaren season review
from itv.com/f1 News and Features
It may have been a poor year by McLaren’s standards, but one of the best recoveries in history sets it up well for 2010.
Full Renault statement regarding F1 future
from Planet F1 | Motor Racing News
Renault’s full statement regarding the team’s future participation in Formula One…
Top 20 sporting moments of the decade: Michael Schumacher wins seventh title
from telegraph F1
Was Michael Schumacher’s seventh world title the moment of the decade?
Stefan GP opens job vacancies
from F1technical.net . Motorsport news by Tomba
Stefan GP, the new Serbian team that is trying to make its way to the 2010 Formula One grid is now hiring people. A new job page on their website calls for people who are willing to work in either Germany or Serbia.
Hulkenberg trains in Qatar
from F1technical.net . Motorsport news by Principessa
The AT&T Williams team’s newly appointed race driver, Nico Hulkenberg, commenced his winter physical training programme at the Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence this week. Continuing his stay in Doha following a Formula One demonstration event at the Losail International Circuit on Thursday last week, Team Principal Sir Frank Williams joined Nico at the Doha-based sports academy to witness the world class facilities at first hand.
Grosjean to race in Andros Trophy Ice event
from F1technical.net . Motorsport news by Principessa
Romain Grosjean, who drove the final seven races of the 2009 season for the Renault F1 Team, has confirmed that he will be driving in two rouds of the Andros Trophy ice racing event in France. This weekend, Grosjean will come in action for the first time.
POLL: Should Michael Schumacher return to F1?
from Crash.Net Formula One Newsfeed
Michael Schumacher looks set to return to F1 in 2010. Do you think he should come out of retirement and compete with Mercedes?
2010 Season countdown – 90 days to go
from F1 Wolf by F1Wolf
Ten days have passed since the 100 days mark, it is time for another 2010 season countdown post. Here is a summary where F1 stands with 90 days to go.
Lotus boss accepts Branson’s bet
from F1-Live.com
Lotus boss Tony Fernandes, accepts Richard Branson’s bet
2010 Season countdown – 90 days to go
from F1 Wolf by F1Wolf
Ten days have passed since the 100 days mark, it is time for another 2010 season countdown post. Here is a summary where F1 stands with 90 days to go.
Jakarta, 11 November 2009 - BMW Indonesia hari ini mengumumkan pembukaan BMW Studio di Plaza Indonesia. BMW Studio ini menghadirkan desain dan suasana yang membuat pengunjung dapat secara emosional merasakan nilai-nilai brand BMW melalui pameran bertema khusus.
Suasana sophisticated dari BMW Studio yang berlokasi di lantai dasar pusat perbelanjaan bergengsi ini menginterpretasikan citra BMW ke dalam nilai-nilai eksklusivitas, inovasi, estetika, disain, dan seni. Tema pembukaan Studio BMW ini adalah Expression of Joy dengan menampilkan BMW Z4 terbaru.
Karya seni miniatur BMW Z4 yang diciptakan oleh seniman kontemporer Indonesia ternama seperti Agus Suwage, Nus Salomo, Randi Arwinda, Rangga Oka Dimitra, dan Ugo Untoro, juga di pamerkan di Studio BMW ini. Penampilan karya seni yang dipinjam dari kolektor pribadi ini adalah bagian dari keterlibatan BMW Indonesia dalam rangkaian kegiatan seni dan budaya di Indonesia. Karya seni miniatur BMW Z4 akan di pamerkan sampai dengan 20 Desember 2009, yang kemudian akan dilanjutkan dengan tema baru.
Pembukaan BMW Studio ini juga bersamaan dengan diperkenalkannya kampanye marketing global – Joy is BMW – yang telah meraih berbagai penghargaan dunia.
“Joy adalah inti dari brand BMW, “ kata Ramesh Divyanathan, Presiden Direktur BMW Indonesia. “Brand kami tidak hanya menawarkan kenikmatan berkendara, namun juga memastikan secara holisitk totalitas kenikmatan yang dirasakan lebih dari sekedar mengemudikan sebuah mobil. Hal ini yang membedakan kami dengan kompetitor. Kami percaya bahwa emosi yang diciptakan oleh produk kami jauh lebih penting dari pada produk itu sendiri.“
The 5 Series is an important model for BMW, particularly in North America where it’s the brand’s second best seller behind the 3 Series. Heading into 2010, BMW has expanded its mid-size line with the new Gran Turismo body style already on sale. However, the volume leader for the BMW 5 Series is the four-door sedan, which officially debuts today. The 2011 model transitions to a new platform architecture shared with the latest BMW 7 Series as well as the upcoming Rolls-Royce Ghost. The 5 Series sedan gets a four-inch shorter wheelbase than its siblings, but at 116.9 inches, it still stretches well past its competition. The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class runs a mere 113.1 inches between its axles and the Cadillac CTS is 113.4 inches.
From a technical perspective, the new 5 Series picks up much of what can be found in the 7 Series and the Gran Turismo. Read on after the jump to learn more about it.
Since the 5 Series now shares its platform with the 7 Series and GT, the suspension is essentially carried over from the other two with multi-link arrangements at all four corners, dispensing with the struts of the five previous generations. The outgoing E60 5 Series marked the debut of active front steering for BMW with a steering ratio that varied based on vehicle conditions such as speed and lateral acceleration. The new F10 (BMW’s internal nomenclature for the latest 5 Series) adds to that electric power steering assist, which should help reduce parasitic power loss and improve efficiency. How it impacts steering feel remains to be seen, although the 7 Series felt quite good for such a large car when we tested it earlier this year.The F10 also picks up features like optional active rear-wheel steering, which countersteers the rear wheels for a tighter turning circle while using in-phase steering at speed for extra stability. Other options include an adaptive damping system and active roll control to further minimize lean during cornering.
Inside, the new 5 Series also picks up themes from the GT and 7 Series with a return to an instrument panel layout where the center stack is tilted toward the driver for improved ergonomics. While BMW gave the Gran Turismo an elevated seating position for that “command view,” the 5 Series retains a lower position more typical of sedans. Barely a year after introducing its third generation of iDrive in the 3 Series and 7 Series, the new 5 Series gets what BMW is describing as generation four. It’s not clear at this point how much better it is, but hopefully the system will have expanded voice controls to get deeper into the menus without having to use its control knob. All models get an LCD display in the dash to display audio and climate control information, while cars without the navigation system get a seven-inch display and those with get the gorgeous 10.2-inch panel from the 7 Series.
Given that BMW’s middle name is Motoren, the heart of any Bimmer resides under the hood. In this case the U.S. version of the F10 5 Series will launch with two turbocharged engines. The 550i sedan gets the same marvelous 400-hp twin-turbocharged, direct-injected reverse flow V8 found in the X6, 750i and 550i Gran Turismo. Below that is a 300-hp turbocharged inline-six in the 535i.
However, the latter engine is not a carryover from the current 535i and 335i. The existing turbocharged inline six-cylinder uses two turbochargers feeding the front and rear halves of the engine and retains a throttle plate. This new engine keeps the same displacement and maximum output of 300 hp and 300 pound-feet, but uses only a single twin-scroll turbocharger and dispenses with the throttle in favor of the Valvetronic variable lift system to manage airflow into the engine. That makes it the first BMW turbo six with the Valvetronic system.
Both engines are paired with the same new eight-speed automatic transmission found in the Gran Turismo and the ActiveHybrid 7. The six-cylinder model is also available with a six-speed manual gearbox, a unique offering among its competitors in the U.S. market. Later in 2010, BMW will also add a normally aspirated version of the six with 240 hp.
The new 5 Series will be the first U.S.-market BMW other than the company’s new hybrids to get brake energy regeneration. Like the new electric power steering, this regen braking system uses a special heavy duty glass-mat battery in combination with an intelligently controlled alternator. While a normal alternator is being driven continuously, this unit only charges the battery when the car is decelerating to avoid adding any load to the engine.
Of course, the most obvious difference for the new 5 is its styling. Over the past decade, BMW has had some very controversial exercises in design, including the current E60 5 Series. The new 7 Series is considered one of the most successful BMW designs in many years and the 5 Series picks up that mantle. Unlike the the somewhat awkward looking Gran Turismo, the sedan keeps a lower profile more akin to the 4th generation E39 5 Series. The nose is also more upright like the 7 Series and GT compared to the slope back shape of the E60.
The bodywork picks up some of the surface queues seen on its siblings including a pair of prominent creases on its flanks at the rocker panel and just below the belt line. Speaking of the lower edge of the side glass, this wouldn’t be a BMW without the Hofmeister Kink, but this time the radius has been reduced. The overall effect is less avant garde and more muscular than the E60, and most observers will likely find it more pleasing to the eye.
The new 5 Series sedan will certainly spawn a new high-performance M5 version at some stage, although BMW is not giving any details at this time. In all likelihood, the days of the 5.0-liter V10 are over and the M5 will get a version of the 550-hp twin-turbo V8 found in the X5 M and X6 M. On the more efficient side, we may get a diesel 535d at some point and almost assuredly a hybrid, probably with the mild hybrid system used in the ActiveHybrid 7. What we probably won’t see again in the U.S. is the slow-selling Touring station wagon, which doesn’t really have much reason to exist alongside the Gran Turismo.
Setelah sukses menjalani musim 2009 di World Superbike dengan mengandalkan Troy Corser dan Ruben Xaus, BMW berancana mengikuti pula ajang German Superbike, British Superbike (Inggris) dan AMA Superbike (Amerika). Hal tersebut untuk selain untuk mengembangkan markket juga untuk mengembangkan motor mereka sendiri yaitu BMW 1000RR.
Di WSBK musim 2009 memang belum pernah menempatkan pembalapnya di podium namun tim ini pernah mencatatkan fastest lap dan di posisi akhir klasemen pabrikan, tim BMW masih berada di atas Kawasaki dan Suzuki.
Friday Morning we got up with plans to hit the first day of the Los Angeles car show. We walked through Ford, Lincoln, Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, and Honda. That was just one building of cars…. we still had three more showrooms to go!!! It was a whirlwind of chrome, muscle, flash and innovation and spent hours looking, sitting and oowing and ahhing.
We saved ourselves for Mike’s moms home cooking and ended up eating her Vegetable Stew again!!!! That stuff is sooooo good. I got the recipe and will be making it myself.!
For dinner we had Mike’s sister and daughter come over and they made a Rice, Raisin meal which was great.!
Ainda sem saber se poderá estar presente no Mundial de 2010 com a sua equipa, Peter Sauber garante que o trabalho no monolugar está a correr bem e que tudo está dentro dos prazos previstos, mostrando toda a sua confiança na possibilidade de estar na grelha, uma vez mais com propulsores da Ferrari.
De novo com o controlo total sobre a formação de Hinwill, Sauber admitiu ao site oficial da Fórmula 1 que “este acordo [com a BMW] significa que o futuro da equipa e a localização de Hinwill estão seguros. Estou muito aliviado com esta situação”.
Para o suíço, que trouxe o nome Sauber para a Fórmula 1 no longínquo ano de 1993, “teria sido uma pena se uma das melhores fábricas da F1 fosse fechada”, acrescentando que é o único financiador da equipa e que não há qualquer outro parceiro neste acordo.
“Quanto ao lugar na grelha, estou muito confiante de que teremos uma confirmação final muito em breve. O nosso carro para 2010 está perfeitamente dentro dos prazos. O desenvolvimento e a fabricação de peças não foi afectado por toda esta situação. Continuar com o desenvolvimento ininterrupto foi possível devido à escelenete cooperação com a Ferrari, que nos forneceu todos os dados com a devida antecedência”, afirmou Sauber.
“O acordo com a Ferrari foi obtido muito cedo. Pouco depois da BMW anunciar a sua saída no final de Julho, falei com Luca di Montezemolo e em pouco tempo – e sem qualquer burocracia – recebemos um okay. Vamos usar motor e transmissão Ferrari”.
Com o regresso da equipa Sauber, regressa também a sigla de designação dos monolugares começada por C: “Quanto à performance do C29, estamos todos muito confiantes. Dois meses antes dos primeiros testes, já atingimos uma boa base para desenvolver ainda mais”.
Foi com base nesses pilares que a Aktuell criou o projeto de ativação de marca para BMW.
No ambeinte urbano a ação foi criada a partir da seguinte histórinha:
“Juliano tem um Toyota Corola. Na quinta-feira, levou sua namorada para jantar em um Restaurante no Jardins. Deixou seu carro no valet e foram comer. Na hora de ir embora, Juliano pagou o manobrista e, assim que entrou no carro, deu de cara com uma impresso diferenciado em seu retrovisor. Os dizeres eram mais um menos assim: Seu sonho de ter um BMW está bem próximo da realidade. BMW Série 1 a partir de R$ 95.000.”
Para entretenimento, os espaços utilizados foram as academias Bio Ritmo e Companhia Atletica e o pensado foi:
“Imagine-se indo ao vestiário da academia. Você vai guardar suas roupas no armário e, opa! Um envelope TOP SECRET está lá dentro. Claro, você abre. E uma descontraída mensagem chama sua atenção: Você guarda um segredo? O Novo BMW Série 1 está a partir de R$95.000″
Deu pra entender as histórias né … agora veja como isso aconteceu. Confira as fotos abaixo.
It’s finally here! The BMW 5 Series has just been unveiled a few minutes ago.
The pictures show a refreshed body style which is a clear departure from the Bangle-designed 5′er with familiar design cues from the new 7 Series. Hopefully, the new model will retain the driving characteristics of previous 5′ers which many regard as the industry standard.
What’s better than a BMW M3 Coupe? Oh that’s a simple question… a BMW M3 GTS!
I don’t know if you saw the whole GTS Challenge Event thing, and if you did, you remember how this guy “Mr. Cooper” gave Mr. Lutz (GM vice-chairman) a “spank” using his M3 Sedan where he clocked in a lap 6 seconds faster than Mr. Bob Lutz in his GM-provided 556hp Cadillac CTS-V Super Sedan.
Ok, yes you remember… Well, this… thing… called M3 GTS is like the Mr. Cooper’s M3 but on steroids; an all-out Track Ready M3, from BMW! (lightweight material, no back seats, front racing seats, low as heck, track tuned suspension, a big wing…);
Only if all car manufacturers were as nice as BMW with their customers!
In 2010 BMW va lansa noul model seria 5. Acesta va fi cu 2 cm mai lung decat actuala generatie, ajungand la 4840mm lungime, ampatamentul va fi marit cu 6 cm si va fi la fel de greu, sau de usor, depinde cum iti pui problema. BMW anunta scaderi ale consumului mediu de pana la 15% in conditiile introducerii sistemului Efficient Dynamics, inexistent pe actuala generatie de seria 5.
O alta noutate este introducerea functiei Start/Stop si pe versiunile cu transmisie automata. Interesant este ca in cursa pentru eficientizare si reducere a consumului, dieselul de baza (520d) va avea 163 de cp in loc de 177 realizand astfel un consum mediu de 5l/100 de km. Aceasi reducere de putere va fi operata si pt noua serie 3, unde se asteapta sa consume putin peste 4l/100 de km.
O alta noutate tehnica anuntata de bavarezi este introducerea cutiei de viteze automate cu 8 rapoarte produsa de ZF la indicatiile BMW.
Dupa cum se poate observa, designul este mai putin agresiv decat actuala generatie, insa motoarele de top vor fi mai puternice. Modelul 535i va avea 306cp si 530d – 245, cu 10 cp mai mult decat actualul motor. Desi nu au aparut inca poze cu interiorul, speculez ca va semana in mare masura cu cel al seriei 5 GT.
BMW is a German-based company is one of the world’s most respected automakers, known for making superior quality, luxury vehicles. Anyone that owns one of these fine specimens is going to expect superior quality service when maintaining and repairing their vehicle.
There are a number of components which do not last as long, however. Knowing what these components are and when they are likely to fail, and then fixing them before they leave you stranded can save you big bucks! There are 4 vital engine parts things which wear out way before the engine does, your water pump, starter, alternator and fuel pump. Knowing this information can make it easier to maintain the right components of your BMW and reduce the risk of major problems for better performance and a longer lasting engine. General overall cleanliness of your engine is the best preventive maintenance you can perform on your BMW. A clean engine runs cooler and is much less likely to cause premature failure of other parts. It’s also easier to work on. In addition, regular routine replacement of all filters, lubricants, coolant and the other parts is critical.
Even if you do maintain your BMW properly, regular wear and tear will surmount to inevitable repair at some point. When this happens, be sure to bring your BMW to a specialized mechanic. You wouldn’t take your dog to a pediatician, so why take your BMW to a general mechanic. Often times, your BMW will have computer issues that only a BMW specialist will truely be able to correct.
Irvine is one of the best places in the country for BMW repair. So the next time your precious piece of machinery is in despair, look to the heart of southern California to find the highest quality service you deserve. Visit www.bulletperformance.com to discover everything you could ever want in your BMW repair service.
The new concept is a plug-in hybrid with a three-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Conceived with the idea of melding the performance of a M3 with exceptionally low fuel consumption, BMW claims a 0-62 mph time of 4.8 seconds while scoring 62.6 mpg (U.S.) on the E.U. combined test cycle.
There has been considerable speculation that future BMWs will go to smaller engines including a three-cylinder. The concept uses a 1.5-liter turbodiesel that is essentially half of the fabulous 3.0-liter found in the 335d. The triple is rated at a hefty 163 hp with peak torque of 214 lb-ft. The engine is paired with a six-speed DCT derived from the unit used in the M3 and Z4.
O Shopping Crystal Plaza já está realizando a troca de cupons para o sorteio da BMW 118, prêmio referente à campanha de Natal 2009. Cada R$150,00 em compras valem um cupom para o sorteio do automóvel. Para quem quiser conferir, o automóvel está exposto nos corredores do Shopping (piso L3). A troca de cupons poderá ser efetuada até 22h do dia 05 de janeiro. O sorteio será no dia 06 de janeiro de 2010, às 18h, no Shopping.
A programação especial de Natal inclui ainda a apresentação de diversos corais na Praça de Eventos do Shopping Crystal Plaza que também recebeu uma decoração especial inspirada na ceia de Natal – toalha vermelha de veludo, pratos, talheres, taças, candelabros, fruteiras, balde de gelo, champagne e um bolo apetitoso. Os seis convidados desta ceia de Natal são Papais Noéis. Muitas músicas e cores embalam esta festa que acontece em um cenário com várias árvores de Natal, canteiros de flores, galhos iluminados e neve.
MILANO – A dieci anni esatti dal debutto della Serie X, in Casa Bmw arriva la X1. Era infatti il 1999 quando il marchio bavarese presentò la X5, apripista del segmento SUV, con cui si proponeva l’ardito tentativo di abbinare il lusso, l’eleganza e la tradizionale sportività del marchio, ad una struttura da fuoristrada. Era una grande scommessa e come previsto, inizialmente incompresa. Il successo però non ha tardato ad arrivare e la moda degli Sport Utility Vehicle ha dilagato in tutto il mercato, spingendo quasi tutti i marchi a dire la loro.
Le dimensioni a dir poco abbonanti hanno ben presto ceduto il passo al “downsizing” delle misure complessive, delle cilindrate e quindi dei consumi ed emissioni. La scommessa si è rivelata un grande successo, tanto che ad oggi una Bmw su tre, in Italia, fa parte della gamma X. La X1 è un crossover compatto, con una lunghezza totale di 4,45 m (11 cm in meno rispetto alla X3), che punta ad insidiare il terreno di Toyota Rav-4, Ford Kuga, VW Tiguan, Mercedes GLK e Audi Q5. Si è scelto di proporla sia con le 2 che con le 4 ruote motrici, per coprire le richieste del mercato, quello delle Premium Compact, sostanzialmente diviso al 50%. La versione “sDrive” (trazione posteriore) si propone come l’opzione più efficiente, mentre sulla “xDrive” (integrale) arriva con un inedito dispositivo, derivato direttamente dalla X6, il “Performance Control”. Sulla X1 però non c’è il differenziale, ma piuttosto un sistema elettronico che, attraverso l’intervento sui freni (DSC), la distribuzione della coppia motrice (xDrive) e l’aumento della coppia selettivo, previene lo slittamento delle ruote. La gamma è molto ampia e da subito sono disponibili 2 motori diesel, 2.0 litri da 177 o 204 CV (versioni 20d e 23d) ed un benzina, 3.0 litri di cilindrata e 258 CV. Le versioni “18d” (2.0 litri da 143 CV) saranno disponibili da dicembre e bisognerà aspettare marzo 2010 per le versioni a benzina “18i” (stessa cilindrata e potenza). Abbiamo provato la X1 nella versione “xDrive23d”, apprezzando particolarmente l’estrema agilità del mezzo in città, dove la posizione di guida alta, le dimensioni compatte ed un sterzo piccolo e diretto lo rendono decisamente più a misura d’uomo, rispetto ai grandi SUV. I 204 CV garantiscono una guida briosa, nonostante i 2.160 Kg di peso che, in alcune situazioni si fanno sentire. A dispetto delle dimensioni compatte, lo spazio interno percepito e reale è davvero notevole e per i passeggeri posteriori risulta anche più comoda della X3. Il bagagliaio invece offre una capacità da 420 a 1.350 litri. Le versioni 23d e 28i sono disponibili esclusivamente con trazione integrale e cambio automatico, sulle manuali invece è diserie il dispositivo Start/Stop. La versione d’ingresso alla gamma è la sDrive 18i a 29.500 €, ma per la più equilibrata 20d si parte da 33.600 €.
O modelo está disponível (na Europa) em três motorizações: 3.0 diesel, 4.4 V8 twin-turbo e 3.0 seis cilindros a gasolina. Todos eles são servidos de uma transmissão automática de oito velocidades, e nenhum deles é um mau negócio – sua escolha dependerá somente do tamanho do seu bolso.
Sedan, hatch, coupé, perua... junte tudo e misture.
Rodar e Dirigibilidade
2 estrelas
A dirigibilidade do GT não é tão justa e conectada quanto ao que podemos esperar de um BMW. A direção é um tanto lenta e leve, a carroceria rola demais nas curvas, e sente bastante as lombadas. O rodar é um problema, pois sente cada vibração mesmo nas mais suaves superfícies, e transmite totalmente a pancada, quando passa por buracos. Nada bom, para um Grand Tourer.
Linhas bem germânicas, bem bávaras, bem BMW.
Refinamento
3 estrelas
O motor diesel de 3 litros, o qual será o mais procurado por maioria dos compradores, é a última palavra em força e suavidade. Ele trabalha maravilhosamente, em conjunto com a transmissão automática de oito marchas. Os motores a gasolina são também muito bons, porém, tanto o diesel quanto os a gasolina, são audíveis do interior da cabine. Há certa quantidade de ruído do vento através das colunas dianteiras, e há muito ruído do rodar e da suspensão, para um carro que se propõe a ser um Grand Tourer.
Luxo equiparável ao Série 7.
VIDA DO MOTORISTA
Custos
4 estrelas
O GT tem preço comparável ao do X5, o maior SUV da BMW, mas não ache que a montadora está sendo gananciosa, pois o carro tem muito luxo. Os custos de manutenção para a versão 3.0 não é exagerada, mas, por ainda ser uma novidade, é provável que a sua desvalorização seja maior do que os demais modelos da marca bávara, embora esse valor seja comparável aos sedans da Série 5.
Qualidade e Durabilidade
4 estrelas
Não dá para criticar o modo pelo qual o carro foi montado, nem os materiais que a BMW escolheu para o acabamento. Ele é tão luxuoso quanto um Série 7, porém com um estilo distintivo e mais arrojado. As estatísticas de durabilidade da marca são boas. Há muitos dispositivos eletrônicos e elétricos complexos no GT, então, há bastante probabilidade de eventuais panes.
Segurança
5 estrelas
O carro não tem airbags para os joelhos, ou traseiros – afinal, você nunca precisará deles um dia -, mas os sistemas de segurança ativos colocam você dentro de uma impenetrável bolha de proteção. Os sistemas anti-furto da BMW já são conhecidos e aprovados.
VIDA NA CABINE
Habitáculo
3 estrelas
A posição de dirigir é mais alta do que a média, e os assentos são totalmente ajustáveis e muito ergonômicos. O teto panorâmico de vidro, que vem de série, permite a entrada da luz solar e ilumina a cabine. Infelizmente, a visão traseira é horrível, devido às intrusivas colunas traseiras e ao desenho da porta traseira. O freio eletrônico de estacionamento é desnecessariamente mimado.
Espaçoso na frente.
Espaço e Praticidade
3 estrelas
Atrás, pode-se optar por um banco inteiriço ou dois assentos individuais. Em ambos os casos, os bancos são rebatíveis, reclináveis e ajustáveis, oferecendo espaço de Série 7 para as pernas, e espaço de X5 para a cabeça. No entanto, o espaço para o terceiro ocupante, na versão inteiriça, é estreita demais. O porta-malas é desapontantemente pequeno, e a porta traseira de duas funções não ajuda muito. Ainda, os assentos não se rebatem completamente no piso do carro.
Mas atrás, o terceiro passageiro sofrerá.
Equipamentos
4 estrelas
Há duas opções de acabamento, ambas com o propósito de oferecer um produto que fique no limite entre um carro executivo e uma limusine, mas isso é só o começo. Os opcionais fazem lista quilométrica, e inclui tudo aquilo que a BMW oferece em seu topo de linha Série 7. O primeiro equipamento que escolheríamos colocar seria o display HUD, que, entre outras coisas, mostra no parabrisa as instruções do navegador GPS.
The new 3 series coupe is my current favorite car. Whether its the 325i or the 335i, i’ll take it. But this just changed my entire love for the new 3 series, its the M3 E92 Coupe. Not only is this luxury, it has the power to back up its aggressive look.
2008 E92 M3
KW v3 coilovers (lowest setting)
Work Vsxx
20 x 9.5 -245/35/20 toyo t1r
20 x 11 -285/30/20 toyo t1r
The 1970s is informally referred to as the kit car era of Formula One. That was a time where most of the grid was running the Cosworth DFV V8 and a Heyland transaxle (gearbox, differential, and drive axle all in one). Only BRM and Ferrari weren’t running that combination in their cars. Over thirty years after the end of the kit car era, it looks as though we could be heading straight back to that. With the recent withdrawals of Honda, BMW, and Toyota, and the rumoured withdrawal of Renault, we could be headed back to kit car era.
All sighting the recent economic recession, Honda, BMW and Toyota have withdrawn their factory teams and backing over the last twelve months. Following the recent Crashgate scandal and a bailout loan from the French government, Renault could be the fourth factory team to leave F1 in the span of one year. That would leave Ferrari as the only full-factory team on the grid and Ferrari, Mercedes, and Cosworth as the only engine manufacturers in the sport.
In keeping with the kit car analogy, all the Cosworth engines will come with Xtrac and Ricardo Transmissions which brings us back to the kit car era. Currently, the Scuderia and Toro Rosso use Ferrari engines while McLaren, Brawn, and Force India use Mercedes engines. If Renault withdraws, then Red Bull will be without an engine supplier. Assuming that Sauber comes in to replace Renault/Toyota, we could see 7 teams running the Cosworth/XR package.
The kit car era was one of the most exciting periods of Formula One history. All the cars were fairly evenly matched which meant that victory was almost entirely in the driver’s hands. Given how the cars have evolved over the last thirty years, I don’t think that the racing in a near spec Formula One will be terribly good. Aerodynamics was first evolving then. Their idea of good aerodynamic design was building something they thought looked good and ran well on track. Now, computer design, modelling, and simulation programs and wind tunnels have taken the guess work out of car design and have made cars so aero-sensitive that they can’t follow or pass each other.
That’s where the problem with manufacturers leaving is. In the IndyCar Series, there are the Penske and Ganassi cars and the rest of the field. Those cars are the best developed within the ICS rules which itself is a spec-car series. Given the tight rules that F1 works in, the cars are all going to look relatively similar. Every good idea that someone comes up with is immediately copied by the rest of the grid. The only difference comes when teams spend hundreds of millions of dollars to buy another tenth from their car.
Different engines, especially when refuelling is banned, will make for a more exciting show. There could be powerful engines that don’t get the mileage so they have to run heavy. They would run slower off the start but get faster as the race progresses. Alternatively, less powerful engines with better mileage would start lighter so they would get a head start on the heavy cars. Though, less fuel onboard at the start would mean the car would be less sensitive to burning fuel and need fewer adjustments over the course of the race. That would make pitstops faster and make the drivers more comfortable with the changes being made to the car.
Of course, all this could be a temporary thing. Manufacturers and support first came in during the late 1970s and early 1980s. By the end of the 80s, the economy had gone south and so had manufacturer money. Factory teams popped up like weeds in the economic boom of the late 1990s and early 2000s. With the most recent recession, the corporate money has vanished again. Given the cyclical nature of the economy and Formula One, it’s very likely we haven’t seen the end of factory teams in F1.
Leadville 100 Champ to Make Special Guest Appearance
At Encore Showing of “Race Across the Sky”
Rebecca Rusch will be featured at the Boise screening of the highly-anticipated documentary
Boise, ID – November 5, 2009 Rebecca Rusch, three-time reining 24-Hour Solo Mountain Biking World Champion, will attend an encore presentation in Boise of Race Across The Sky, the new documentary about one of the most intense endurance mountain bike races of all time, the Leadville Trail 100. The Leadville Trail 100 mountain bike race covers 100 miles of challenging terrain, climbing 9,000 feet in elevation and dipping into the valleys in Leadville, Colorado. Rebecca won this year’s Leadville event, sharing the podium with Lance Armstrong.
The film will show nationwide on Thursday November 12th. Rebecca will be on hand for the screening in her home state of Idaho at the Edwards Boise Stadium 22 & IMAX, 7701 W. Overland Road. Showtime is 9pm, and Rebecca will be at the door to greet attendees of the show, sign posters and hand out free gear from her sponsors, including Specialized, Red Bull and KT Tape. She’ll also mingle with riders and fans at a special pre-party for the documentary beginning at 7pm at George’s Cycle & Fitness G Fit Studio,1414 W. Grove Street in Boise.
This one-night encore screening of Race Across the Sky will be shown concurrently across the county. The documentary, depicting the 2009 Leadville Trail 100 bike race, features candid conversations with elite and amateur riders, including Rebecca, as they compete in one of the most high-profile mountain biking races in the sport. Rebecca was in New York City last month for the film’s premiere. The first screening was intended to be a “one time only” showing, but this special encore presentation of Race Across the Sky was added after fans packed theaters and demanded another shot at seeing this incredible film.
“I’m so excited to be a part of this documentary,” Rusch said. “The race itself was amazing. But to be able to share the experience through this film is going to be awesome for racing enthusiasts. The premiere showings sold out so quickly, I’m glad they’ve added a second screening for all the people who couldn’t make it or missed out on tickets the first time around.”
Rebecca is available for interviews. Contact hilary@outsidemedia.com if you’d like to meet her. Tickets for Race Across The Sky are available at individual theaters or online. Check the Fathom website for locations and ticket information.
Adventure racing calls for a deep well of skills: paddling, rock climbing, biking, navigating, skiing, and more. Since turning pro in 2001, Rebecca Rusch has proven to the world she has what it takes to execute any of the above even after going beyond her limits in far flung places like Kyrgyzstan and Tibet. After winning adventure races became routine, she added 24 Hour Solo Mountain Bike racing to her résumé and proceeded to dominate the sport, and is currently three-time World Champion. Rusch blogs daily about her adventures and training and her thoughts can be found here at http://rebeccarusch.wordpress.com/.
Onlangs 1ste keer een autoshoot gehad, zonder extra licht. Onderwerp was een uitgebouwde BMW M5 , meer uitleg over de auto vind je op autofans en op bimmerboard.
Het was een leuke ervaring en vooral de rolling shots zijn moeilijker dan ik dacht. 2 auto’s naast elkaar en vanuit de éne de andere trekken lijkt gemakkelijker gezegd dan gedaan met hevige wind. Er is nog marge genoeg voor verbetering en dat zie je ook aan de foto’s.
Alle commentaar is welkom
- polarisatiefilter gebruiken voor reflecties weg te werken
- misschien HDR’s maken
- …
laat maar komen
An impressive technical team was crucial in attracting Williams to sign up to Cosworth power in 2010, team principal Frank Williams has revealed, and is confident their renewed partnership will enable the team to fight at the front of the field. Williams confirmed his team’s engine supply switch last night to the Gulf News newspaper, and the news was officially confirmed by the Grove-based side this evening in Abu Dhabi.
Williams began life as a Formula One constructor in 1975 with the legendary Ford Cosworth DFV engine, and stayed with Cosworth until their successful switch to Honda power in 1983. The team then returned to Cosworth in 2006 as a stop-gap solution between BMW and Toyota engine supplies. Cosworth’s 2006 unit will be used again from next season, after significant development work.
“Cosworth have impressed us with the quality of their technical team and convinced us that their programme will deliver a competitive Formula One engine,” Frank Williams said in a statement on Friday.
“In addition, like Williams, Cosworth is an independent company whose owners share our passion for racing and engineering. We believe that, working together, we will develop not only a competitive racing car for 2010 but also a long-term partnership that can take on the best in Formula One.”
Mark Gallagher, head of Cosworth’s F1 division, was delighted to secure Williams as a partner team. “Cosworth is delighted to be renewing our partnership with Williams,” said the Irishman. “We look forward to forging a long-standing relationship, not only for the supply of competitive Formula One engines, but also in the joint development of new technologies that have wider application outside of Formula One.”
Meanwhile, Kevin Kalkhoven one of Cosworth’s investors, was equally pleased that Cosworth had attracted Williams to its ranks for next year. “I am very pleased to see Cosworth engaging with like-minded companies in the development of high-technology solutions,” said Kalkhoven. “Formula One is a great opportunity to showcase technical capabilities that can, with proper application, solve current and emerging challenges in the wider world.”
The Williams coup means Cosworth will now be supplying at least five teams on the grid next season. F1’s new teams USF1, Manor, Campos and Lotus will all be powered by Cosworth, while Red Bull and Toro Rosso are also reportedly interested in switching to the Northamptonshire-based supplier.
Austin Reed’s Spring/Summer collection takes you on a city escape; from boating in the Hamptons to desert storms and safari adventures, you can expect nothing less than expertly cut suiting in lightweight fabrics and fresh summer colour palettes for a modern yet classic working wardrobe.Menswear
Men’s Tailoring is groomed and clean-cut with refined textures and monochrome finishes. Tonic suiting is key in multiple tones of grey and charcoal. Striped shirting offers highlights of cherry red, vibrant yellows and cobalt blues to give a boost of intense colour. Formal linen jackets and trousers create a relaxed summer look.The classic 3-button gabardine, refined puppy tooth and silver/grey pinstripe suits all play pivotal roles this season. The classic shirt is reinvented in slim line blocks with luxurious fabrics.
Casualwear is presented in a palette of classic red, white and blue with highlights of rugged stone, putty and grey and features the Austin Reed crest. Checks, micro ginghams and refined stripes reinforce this classic look. Pique polo’s are worn under lighter weight cardigans, zip through and half zip knitwear pieces and paired with multi pocket cargo shorts. Half lined cotton jackets with taped seams give a cool contemporary appearance.
Read More………….
More Austin Reed News..
More Apparel/Garments News – UK
Este será o interior da próxima BMW Série 5 (Fotos: auto.qq.com)
A BMW aposta alto na próxima geração do seu Série 5. O carro terá a missão de elevar as vendas da marca e recuperar o terreno perdido com a nova Classe E, da concorrente Mercedes-Benz.
Muitos flagrantes do exterior do modelo já haviam sido feitos (alguns até mostrados aqui). Agora surgem imagens do interior do próximo Série 5.
Pelo jeito, a marca abandonou o estilo minimalista que havia sido adotado na era do designer Chris Bangle. O console central, por exemplo, terá uma série de botões ao redor do I-Drive, sistema que comanda diversas funções do carro, e que agora fica ao lado da alavanca de câmbio e não mais atrás dela.
Os motores não deverão ter alterações aos já utilizado na linha. Porém, há a possibilidade de se usar motores turbo com injeção direta de 4 cilindros a gasolina e abrindo caminho para o motor do 550i com 4,4litros biturbo V8.
El 316d es el Serie 3 con motor diésel más bajo. Su motor desarrolla 116 CV y consume 4,5 l/100 km. Monta un equipamiento de serie similar al del 318d. Su precio parte de los 29.400 €.
En tiempos de crisis, la marca alemana ha decidido dar la oportunidad de tener un BMW a un precio más asequible a cambio de unos motores menos potentes. Ocurrió con el Serie 1 y la introducción del 116d y con la versión Coupé al aumentar la gama con el 120i y 118d, todos ellos, de acceso. Ahora le toca el turno al Serie 3 que recibe una nueva motorización, hasta ahora, la más baja en la gama.
Se trata del 316d, un BMW con el propulsor del 318d y 320d pero capado a 116 CV. Con él acelera de 0 a 100 km/h en 10,9 segundos, 1,6 segundos más lento que el 318d, su velocidad máxima es 202 km/h, 8 km/h menos, y su consumo de carburante de 4,5 l/100 km, 0,2 litros más ahorrador. Trae el mismo equipamiento de serie que su “hermano mayor”, a excepción de las llantas de aleación, que cuestan 723 €. Su precio base es 29.400 €, 3.400 € más barato que el 143 CV.
Muenchen, 16 Oktober 2009 - Pabrikan otomotif asal Jerman, BMW Group untuk kesekilan kalinya membuktikan keunggulan teknologi EfficientDynamics yang dimilikinya dalam menekan konsumsi bahan bakar dan emisi gas buang. Dengan teknologi itu pula, produk BMW mampu menekan tingkat konsumsi bahan bakar sekaligus rendah emisi.
BMW menyebutkan, tingkat konsumsi bahan bakar dan emisi gas buang (CO2) produk BMW bisa ditekan hingga 10,2 persen. Keberhasilan itu sekaligus menempatkan BMW Group di urutan pertama dalam hal efisiensi di jajaran produsen mobil Eropa pada 2008 lalu.
Penelitian tingkat efisiensi konsumsi bahan bakar dan emisi gas buang itu dilakukan oleh European Federation for Transport and Environment (T&E) sepanjang 2008. Para pakar T&E yang independen menyebutkan bahwa pengurangan angka rata-rata CO2 tida sebatas pada mobil-mobil BMW yang bermesin kecil seperti MINI maupun BMW 730d, tetapi juga pada model bermesin besar.
Pasalnya, teknologi EfficientDynamics diaplikasikan pada seluruh model yang diproduksi BMW Group. “Rata-rata emisi gas buang CO2 produk BMW yang diteliti untuk setiap kilometernya rata-rata 154 gram,” tutur Helena Abidin, Direktur Komunikasi Perusahaan PT BMW Indonesia dalam siaran persnya.
Diantara produk BMW Group yang memiliki tingkat efisiensi adalah MINI Cooper D (110 hp) dan BMW 730d (245 hp). Disebutkan, MINI Cooper memiliki tingkat konsumsi bahan bakar rata-rata sesuai standar Uni Eropa (EU) yaitu sebesar 3,9 liter per 100 kilometer, dan tingkat emisi CO2 sebesar 104 gram per kilometer.
Sementara, model BMW 730d (245 hp), sesuai hasil uji oleh EU, memiliki tingkat konsumsi bahan bakar rata-rata 6,8 liter per 100 kilometer dan emisi CO2 sebesar 178 gram per kilometer. Helena menambahkan, penerapan teknologi yang efisien pada seluruh rangkaian model BMW bisa dilihat pada sejumlah fitur yang ada.
Diantara fitur tersebut, kata Helena, adalah Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start Stop, gearshift point indicator, active air flap control, ban dengan sistem reduced roll resistance, serta ancillaries operating only on demand.
First Weekend @ NJMP Thunderbolt and First Weekend with Traqmate
Have heard time and time again (and believe), that the best investment you can make in going faster isn’t anything you can do to your car, it’s investment in the driver. Seat time, traction sensing and analyzing your performance. Professional instructors are expensive… very expensive. Data logging has now becoming affordable. The information you can collect and analyze trackside with the newest datalogging hardware/software packages is simply amazing. I will never drive another lap w/out the traqmate!
Day1, Session1, best lap: 1:58.6
Day1, Session2, best lap: 1:51.4
Day1, Session3, best lap: 1:45.3
Day2, Session1, best lap: 1:45.2 – thought I couldn’t go any faster until I really looked at the data.
Day2, Session2, best lap: 1:41.5
Day2, Session 3, best lap: 1:40.3
I thought I was going “fast” when I was turning 1:45 laps on Thunderbolt during the last session of the day on Saturday but after analyzing my data and having a second instructor ride with me whose "home track" was NJMP I turned a bunch of 1:41 laps and a couple 1:40's by the end of the day Sunday.
Sooooooo many things to discover about what you are actually doing when you are out on the track driving…an instructor can only pay attention to and relay so many things to you while driving at speed!
Examples of Traqmate improving my lap times the very first weekend of use by a novice:
1) I was coming off the throttle (not coasting but dropping to 50% throttle, ie maintenance) on the main straight between start-finish and the braking zone. I didn’t realize this while I was driving but it stood out like a sore thumb in green/red/black on the trackview data analyzer, I picked up over .5 seconds there between my best Saturday run and my best Sunday run. 12.393 seconds v/s 11.720 seconds through that segment.
2) Instructor was telling me I could carry more speed through certain corners but my “comfort level” wasn’t there, by looking at the friction circle analysis tool I saw that I was maintaining nowhere near the G load in those corners as I was in other corners (you know how some corners are deceiving and can be taken much faster than they look). Knowing the car had more grip (assuming constant track surface) I knew I could take those corners faster. Example, I was able to confidently increase my Corner #4 entry speed from 58Mph to 71Mph picking up over 8 tenths of a second in that segment alone (8.707 seconds v/s 7.850 seconds) and looking at the data even during my quickest segments I know I can go even faster there.
Those are two examples both of which can be done trackside between sessions. VERY powerful stuff!
click image to see video
——- Blog Mary
Thunder Track in NJ
My first Porsche event at Thunderbolt!
Yikes! Also my 1st time being out with the Blue group! After having a successful solo event at Shenandoah I am feeling confident.
My instructor is Susan-1st time to have a female instructor-I’m a bit concerned about her pushing me to be aggressive but quickly sense that is not the case. She was very patient as I struggled to learn the track but she has no hesitation to tell me to get on the gas, get up on the next car, and to push me on my threshold breaking! I was VERY frustrated with myself on the 1st day- I wanted to be perfect right away…patience..learn the track, get the lines, then add the speed… I pass some (Porsche’s- yay) but get passed by many more. Kyle passes several times throughout the day- bummer! Here comes my competitive side again! Kyle had a spectacular day! I am so proud of him; he gets every new track so naturally- I want to be as good as him and don’t want to let him down with my skills… thinking of team “Nocab”
I end the day feeling sore from being too tense and not feeling like I did good enough.
Day 2- Kyle expresses that I need to relax! Session 1- still not feeling my groove- struggling with turns 4 and 5, and even 6 and then onto the rest of the Jersey Devil. I’m not confident- breaking too soon- taking turns too early, messing up.
Then Session 2 is better-passing more, getting more speed, feeling looser. Susan is doing a great job at talking me through the track, pushing me not to brake-get on the gas and most important- STAY on the gas on the fast turns-she would not let me lift my foot going into scary turn #14…still hesitation. Afternoon class covering the track was HUGE for helping me with the last session!
Session 3- now or never- I refuse to go home without “the feeling”. And yes- I finally hit most of the track right on-and at my best speed! Turn # 14- I do not let off the gas- foot hard on the peddle! I am passed by another M3, she doesn’t let him go by so quickly- “stay on him”- I hold tight on him for several more laps (thinking he might give me the pass by but no). Checkered flag comes up- high 5! I finally got something out this event that I can take home and feel like “I did it”!
(By the way- that M3 showed up with a change of tires. Hopefully I gave him a run right back!)
It was awesome when Susan pushed me around the tough turns at high speed telling me to “make those tires squeal”! A little sliding here and there- haha-that’s what makes this so much fun!
Kyle is solo’d and beats his best time at the end of the day a 1:40! (We timed the expert group with some having the same/slower times than this) He is well on his way to the next level- Club racing in his future!!
Can’t wait for the next event Halloween weekend!
Practice on iRacing for Summit Main!
——-
Line Reminder Notes:
Down the main straight hitting nearly 130mph, brake hard at red and white curb and use incline into turn one to bring your speed down, downshifting to 3rd, don’t turn in too early or you’re screwed, not necessary to get all the way up on the inside curb, track all the way out getting back on the throttle early, breath off the throttle, once you are comfortable no need to brake here then turn into 2, make sure you kiss the curb on the right, you should begin unwinding and applying throttle BEFORE apex and cresting hill to allow for a nice trackout over the crest, there is lots of room, keep in the throttle until the curbing on the left before turn 3, breath off the throttle to transfer weight to the front wheels and turn in, get UP ON THE CURB, you paid for the entire track, use it!
The curb is low and won’t unsettle the car, by getting up on this curb at apex it feels like you gain 10’ of additional track during track out, good passing zone between 3 and 4, but make sure you crest the hill with your wheel centered and going straight because you will get light when carrying good speed (100mph+) through this section.
Turn 4 is much faster than it looks I was entering it at 71 my second day and there is easily another 10mph here, use the apex curb then let the car track out as much as it needs. Turn 5 is a bit of a throw away, no need to track all the way back right to enter 5, downshift into 3rd, apex late and get back on the throttle as soon as possible. Another good passing zone between 5 and 6 (on either side) just follow the driver point by in the car you are overtaking whether they want you to pass on the right or left.
Turn 6 is a fast turn, touch the brakes, turn in and hammer it in 4th down to turn 7.
Turn 7 is faster than it looks too, need to work on that more, let the car track out and hold the steering wheel stationary, steering through a long right hand sweeper with throttle in the center of the track, approaching the entrance into the “Jersey Devil” brake and turn in, again use the curb and get yourself lined up parallel with it to set yourself for the long left hand sweeper of the “devil”, don’t double apex this turn, take it wide and tighten it up as you round the bottom, look up for the NJMP watertower and use it as your guide this will give you confidence to get back to WOT as you leave the “bottom” of the jersey devil …
WOT as early as possible in the devil IS IMPORTANT as it is the beginning of the main straight, keep your foot mashed to the floor through the S’s and around turn 14…granted I haven’t had the balls to keep it WOT all the way through 14 (I always breathed off the throttle for a partial second just before turning in, although Mary says she rolled through 14 with her foot firmly planted on the go pedal!) then back to WOT as you roll over the inside apex curb then let the car track out and get yourself across the start/finish line as you head down the main straight to start this joy ride again!
The automotive industry is fertile soil for the kind of apps that have revolutionized the mobile space over the last year, according to a report released today from iSuppli. The appeal of in-car applications is easy to see. Drivers could use such offerings for navigation purposes and location-aware services, while passengers could pass the time with casual games or other entertainment genres. And as we become increasingly connected, we’re likely to see a host of other gadgets and platforms embrace such models, from TVs to dedicated portable music players and gaming devices.
A handful of companies showcased auto-application initiatives at last month’s Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany: BMW demonstrated a new app store that delivers offerings directly to the vehicle or via a PC; Nokia unveiled a solution that integrates a smartphone with the car’s in-dash computer systems; and Parrot is developing an Android-based device that offers “automotive implementation of all smartphone features.”
But I think the key to success in the era of the app store will be interoperability. Consumers won’t want to establish accounts at multiple app stores and shop at device-specific outlets every time they want to check out the latest offerings, which is why I think Nokia (s nok) and Parrot have the right idea — and why BMW is moving down the wrong path with its own branded app store. The smartphone won’t necessarily have to serve as the hub of any scenario where consumers use apps across a bunch of different devices, but it should serve as a kind of vehicle for apps, enabling users to access them from multiple platforms in different ways. BMW would be wise to partner with a mobile player — or at least a player like Amazon or Facebook looking to enter the app-store space — as applications move well beyond smartphones.
In my humble opinion, the Duke and Duchess representing Sacred Heart School in Floresville were the highlights of this year’s Peanut Festival Parade. Duchess Jordan Boswell looked radiant from the early morning when we met to decorate the car until the final wave at the end of the two hour parade.
Jordan and Mary, her Mom
Tom, Duke Peyton and I started working our magic on the already awesome black BMW at 7:30 Saturday morning. We had the advantage of professional signs made by Alamo Photo Labs, that made other parade entries envious.We were hoping we would not get a flat tire before the fun began!
it's the little things that count
the wheels go round and round
I heart Peyton
Peyton and Jordan
With a little help from the local El Walmarto we were ready when the judges cruised by two hours later.
Here come da judge!
I tried to bribe them with chorizo tacos, but they sped on by without even noticing the 10 dollar bill I was waving…..
The Dukes of Hazzard
Our Duke was in good hands with Chris Holcombe at the wheel and finally they were ready to roll!
Earlier this year BMW laid off 850 agency workers at their Oxford Cowley factory. There was widespread TV coverage of a video of workers angrily rebuking and pelting the Unite union official who had kept his members in the dark—but a planned mass picket of the factory the following week flopped. Here we report on the situation seven months later.
by Brian Rylance
The Commune’s 23rd February report on the BMW Cowley plant lay-offs has taken a new and unusual twist with the announcement that Mini production is to be increased, ‘safeguarding’ present employment and hinting at new jobs. This news has been greeted with considerable joy by the Oxford Mail. Yet the fact is that the jobs were cut in an unthinking response to the wider economic downturn, and as was reported by The Commune at the time, this was despite the fact that Mini sales were “not falling.”
Now in a round of jubilation BMW are hailed as heroes who are providing jobs for those on the breadline. No more mention is made of the cruel way they threw people on the dole without even a shred of economic reasoning and without it even being questioned by the Unite union. In a response to the news of an impending recession they made a panic decision and without even any regard for their own sales numbers they indulged in the orgy of capitalist ‘self harming’, laying off the very workers who would normally buy the products that keep the economy booming!
The chaos of the markets obviously hits the economically vulnerable first every time it falters and the union is simply not up to the task of defending their rights. The Oxford Mail quotes a Unite rep as saying “It would be nice if any new people were given permanent contracts, but it is tremendous news for the plant and for Oxford” — such pleas do nothing to take the company to task over its callous behaviour, and totally fail to protect the employment rights of the workers. BMW would far rather lay off too many rather than too few and Unite clearly failed to question the decision and failed to look towards the rights of their more vulnerable members. The corporations make bad decisions yet are hailed as wealth creators: but we must be clear that that they are creating wealth for the few, with no regard for the many.
Was hat es wirklich mit diesem LANDY-Mythos auf sich?
Irgendwann kamen wir, meine Frau, unser Hund und ich, auf die Idee, einen DEFENDER besitzen zu wollen. Es handelte sich zweifelsohne um einen Zustand mit obsessivem Charakter – von Anfang an. Wir waren mutig. Und haben uns einen gekauft. Etwas Ehrlicheres und Pureres bekommt man ja heute auf dem von Schnelllebigkeiten, Unnötigkeiten und Geschmacklosigkeiten geprägten Autosektor nicht, so dachten wir. Und wir wollten etwas ganz Klares, Unkitschiges, Uriges und doch faszinierend Schönes und Stimmungsversprechendes. Wir haben es auch bekommen!
Fazit nach 165.000 km und sieben Jahren vielseitigsten Zusammenlebens mit einem Defender 90 TD 5 SW, 122 PS, Bj. 2000 und einem fast dreijährigen mit einem 90 TD 5 ST, Baujahr 2006 – - – - – Nein, einen Moment noch bitte, bevor ich Ihnen die ganze Wahrheit verrate!!!
Einige BILDER aus unserem DEFENDER-ALLTAG zum Einstieg in die Materie sind beigefügt! Werfen Sie doch bitte einen Blick darauf, um sich ein BILD davon zu machen, was Worte hier nicht zum Ausdruck bringen können!
Seitens der Optimisten in unserem Freundeskreis hieß und heißt es: “Superauto! Genau das Richtige für Euch! Geht gut, haltet ewig, ist etwas für Professionisten und Puristen, die keinen Wert auf unnötigen Schnickschnack legen und/oder solche, die ihn ohnedies nur zwischen allem Zweck- und Abwechslungsdienlichem als Zweitwagen neben einer Luxuskarosse fahren.
Aus Pessimisten-Mündern war zu vernehmen: “Finger weg von einem solchen Landy! Das ist ein Dinosaurier, nicht zeitgemäß, anfällig, teuer, unfahrbar auf der Straße, im Winter so warm wie ein leckes Zelt im Polarsturm, steht nach jedem Regen unter Wasser, ist komfortmäßig eine Zumutung in unserer Zeit, ist sowieso ein Sarg mit Walzenrädern oder Asphaltschneidern, mit dem man sich bald in den Tod fährt, da es keine Airbags gibt, ABS nur gegen Aufpreis lieferbar ist und so weiter und so fort . . . “
Aber jetzt! Fazit ist, dass meine Frau nach all den Jahren stets den Landy nimmt und den Saab stehen lässt. Fazit ist, dass unser Hund nur in seiner geliebten Landy-Hundehütte stundenlang ein glücklicher Hund ist. Fazit ist, dass ich auch nicht allzu weite Autobahnbstrecken am liebsten mit dem Landy gallopiere, welcher sie zwar laut, abenteuerlich, etwas zugig, aber ganz und gar toll meistert – wenn nötig mit bis zu 150 km/h (Tacho!) schnell, aber bestens mit 120 km/h stresslosen brummelnden Dahindieselns. Klar muss man so ein Feeling lieben. Wir tun’s!
Wie sich der Landy im Gelände fährt, wie man mit ihm etwa in Kroatien über Stock und Stein, Schlamm und Unterholz, Sträucher (sollen sie halt den Lack ein wenig kitzeln – ist ja ein Landy) und an die entlegendsten Plätze kommt, wie man den tiefsten Winter mit Ganzjahresreifen übersteht und klaglos zu unserem entlegenen Berg-Haus durch stete Neuschneeverwehungen über steile Waldwege kraxelt, wie man mit ihm einen abgerutschten schweren Traktor samt Anhänger aus einem Graben zieht, darüber brauche ich hier wohl nicht viel zu erzählen. Ich sage nur. “Sicher und souverän.”
Dass an mit dem DEFENDER aber auch – wenn man wirklich mit ihm fahren kann, wie etwa meine Frau – auch auf asphaltierten Bergstraßen so manchen blöd schauenden BMW-Fahrer bergauf schlichtweg abhängt, denn die nötige Kraft und Straßenlage (permanenter Allrad und etwas hupffreudige Fahrwerks-Brett-Härte) hat er, ist schon bemerkenswert. Ein Ur-Landy ist bis etwa 120 km/h weder langsam noch liegt er schlecht auf der Straße. Man muss ihn nur mutig anspornen und herrisch zügeln! Laut und rauh ist er halt, OK! Ist doch schön . . .
Bergab kommt man auf steilen Schnee- und Eispassagen durch den Wald und über Wiesen, wie sie unsere Abfahrt bis zur Landstraße aufweisen kann, prima mit der Geländeuntersetzung. ABS? Aus meiner Sicht nicht nötig.
Und in der Stadt? Prima, braucht nie mehr als etwa 11 Liter Diesel, ist Dank seiner Kürze und Übersichtlichkeit ganz fein zum Parken und hat überdies den Nebeneffekt, dass er nahezu allseits positive Emotionen erweckt und alle Stadtindianer mit ihren provokanten Gehsteigkanten-SUV’s zumindest für einige Augenblicke etwas nachdenklich werden lässt – - – vor allem dann, wenn man noch von der letzten echten Geländefahrt Gatsch bis auf’s hochsitzhohe weiße Dach picken hat.
Freilich muss man auch ganz klar sagen, dass man sich in KRISENZEITEN sowie aus Gründen der VERNUNFT und des UMWELTSCHUTZES schon selbst fragt: Muss ein solches Fahrzeug sein??? Für einen Stadt- und Normalfahrer sicher nicht! Für uns – naja. Wir wohnen ja meist außerhalb des Urbanen im wilden Niemandsland. Bei uns ist das anders! (Wenn ich bar ganz ehrlich zu mir bin: Ein FIAT PANDA 4×4 mit Anhänger oder ein alter LADA TAIGA täten es auch. Bloß: Da müssten wir halt unterwegs sein, wie rumänische Schrotthändler, bei dem was wir so alles – Hund inklusive – zu transportieren haben.
Negatives? Ja, gibt es auch. Es stimmt, dass ein Landy von Anfang an undicht ist, was Zugluft und Wasser anbelangt. Aber es gab auch nie ein echtes Problem damit. Mann kann damit leben. Es stimmt, dass ein Landy im Winter schlecht heizt. Es stimmt, dass allfällige Reparaturen und Services teuer sind. Ein solcher Landy ist halt kein PKW. Aber das soll er ja auch gar nicht sein. Es stimmt auch, dass immer wieder irgendetwas Unerwartetes kaputt wird (Blinkerrelais, die nicht so langlebigen Bremsen, die Fenster-und Türendichtungen, die Scharniere, zuletzt sogar einmal die an sich unzerstörbar wirkende urschwere “Schwungmasse”, was eine 1400 Euro Reparatur zur Folge hatte). Aber die meisten Lästigkeiten lassen sich selbst oder zumindest an der nächsten Tankstelle mit etwas Bastelfreude beheben. Nicht so schlimm! Nicht beheben konnte ich jedoch die stets nach Regenfahrten auftauchenden Langzeitprobleme mit dem Starter. Der muss repariert werden. Und wie bei fast allen Defendern war auch nach kurzer Zeit die Hecktüre irreparabel durchrostet. Austausch – ca. 900 Euro. Ganz im Stich gelassen hat uns unser Landy jedenfalls nie. Wir sind ihm dankbar dafür.
Das Defender-Image? Sicher ist zunächts einmal: Ein Defender ist kein Kitsch! Man wird im Laufe der Zeit für alles gehalten – vom totalen Spinner bis zum Naturfreak, vom Menschen mit gutem Geschmack bis zum verantwortungslosen Umweltsünder. Naja. Ein wenig Selbstbewusstseins ist mit einem solchen Landy manchmal nötig, dann aber auch wieder gar keines – je nachdem. Schön ist, dass man überraschend häufig freundlich von Fremden gegrüßt wird, angeblinkt, angelächelt – von Kindern, von Erwachsenen die noch Daktari im TV gesehen haben und von älteren Leuten, in welchen das seit 60 Jahren produzierte Fahrzeug offenbar so manche herrliche Erinnerung auslöst. Außerdem möchte ständig jemand mitfahren und das einmalige Defender-Feeling mit allen Sinnen erleben. Wunderbar, nicht?! Mit einem Defender liegt man zeitlos und völlig losgelöst von allen modernistischen Strömungen immer irgendwie richtig. Aber nur, wenn man ihn wirklich braucht! Dann ist ein Defender das NON-PLUS-ULTRA.
Zu dem, was wir am Defender am meisten lieben, zählen u. a. die Luftklappen unter der Frontscheibe. Im Hard Top ersetzen sie in Verbindung mit den seitlichen Schiebefenstern und dem herausnehmbaren Glashubdach jede Klimaanlage (wie viele andere auch vertragen wir keine). Sind sie geöffnet, riecht man auf Landfahrten wohlig Wald, Wiesen, Heu und wird von einer in keinem anderen Auto unserer Zeit mehr erlebbaren Symphonie an Luftpoesien umströmt. Im dichten Verkehr lassen die beiden Klappen klarerweise ungefiltert Staub und Gestank herein. Auf der Autobahn führen sie zu einer beträchtlichen Lärmentwicklung. Man merkt, dass man fährt, dass man lebt. Das hat doch immerhin was an sich, nicht?! Wie man in der neuesten Modellreihe des DEFENDER gerade auf diese für den Wagen seit 60 Jahren so typischen Luftklappen verzichten kann, ist mir ein RÄTSEL! Kein echter DEFENDER-FREAK wird das verstehen. Auch vom Interieur her sind die neuen DEFENDER keine DEFENDER mehr!
Aus diesem Grund haben wir uns auch noch einen Defender 90 Soft Top, Bj. 2006m im klassischen DAKTARI-SAMBESI-GRÜN (Keswick Green) wie noch bei der alten Bauart, gesichert. Der kann die Klappen wenigstens noch aufreißen – zusätzlich zum aufroll- und mit viel Geduld ganz abnehmbaren “Zelt”-Dach!!! Den fahren wir nun auch seit fast drei Jahren wieder als Zweitwagen. Den alten haben wir um viel Geld an einen Liebhaber verkauft. Unglaublich, wie ein DEFENDER seinen Wert hält!
Grosso modo gilt für den neuen DEFENDER Soft Top (ST) dasselbe, was ich schon oben gesagt habe. Bloß ist dieses Fahrzeug noch charakteristischer, noch puristischer, noch abenteuerlicher als der Hard Top (HT). Von außen dringt alles noch lauter ein. Damit das Dach nicht flattert und besser dämmt, haben wir es mit einer dicken Innendämmung versehen. Im Gegensatz zum auf seine BOOST-REIFEN bullig daherkommenden alten HT hält den neuen ST mit seinen originalen 205er Michelins auf weißen Stahlfelgen fast jeder für einen Oldtimer. Man zeigt sich ganz verwundert, sobald klar wird, dass es sich um einen Neuwagen handelt. Mit diesem Wagen passiert es gerade am Land öfters, dass einem ältere Menschen aus ihren Gärten, von den Äckern und aus den Ställen freundlich zuwinken. Ich denke, sie fühlen sich an die Zeit erinnert, als vor 60 Jahren die BRITISCHEN BESATZER mit ganz ähnlich aussehenden LAND ROVERN Hilfe in unserem Land Österreich geleistet haben. Junge wiederum freuen sich einfach am zeitlosen abenteuerlichen Aussehen des Dauerläufers.
Was beim Soft Top wirklich anders ist: Dass er nur 2-sitzig ist. Darüber hinaus die BEDACHUNG! Klar! Dazu ist zu sagen, dass wir nun aufgrund der erhöhten Zugigkeit des nur auf Zeltstangen aufgezogenen militärartigen Planenverdecks im Winter nur mehr mit Zipfelmütze und Daunenjacke fahren können. Aber man kann ja zum Glück den komfortablen PKW mit Stand- und Sitzheizung nutzen, wenn man nicht voll eingeschneit ist und den DEFENDER unbedingt braucht. Im Sommer hingegen rollt man die Plane lässig seitwärts und hinten auf. Dann sitzt man, stets von Urlaubsstimmungs-Feeling durchströmt, gut gelüftet unter dem Reststoffdach sowohl im Schatten als auch im Trockenen. Dann kann man den hinter verschlossenen Scheiben im Klimaschock sitzenden Schnöseln in ihren für Geländewägen meist bizarr blitzenden BMW-, VW-, AUDI- und KORA- & JAPAN-SUV’S entweder die lange Nase zeigen, sie schlichtweg ignorieren oder bemitleidend über ihre kleinkarrierte Angepasstheit lächeln, wenn man mal böse sein will.
Die komplette Abnahme des Planenverdecks ist möglich. Ich betone: MÖGLICH! Es ist auch möglich, das Verdeck bei Regen wieder aufzuziehen. Ja, möglich ist es. Aber man benötigt dafür mindestens zwei Personen und 30-60 Minuten Zeit (besser noch einen SATTLER). Dann hat man natürlich das totale DEFENDER-FREILUFT-FEELING in seiner pursten Form. Meine Empfehlung: Lassen Sie das bleiben! Alternative: Bei Sommerbeginn ganz weg mit dem Planenverdeck und bis zum „Rückmontage“ im Winter mit BIKINI VERDECK fahren (EBAY - ca. 250,- Euro).
Was der Defender so alles kann? Inzwischen gab es bei uns im Jänner 2008 einen argen Sturm. Die Straßen waren von umgestürzten verlegt. Kein Problem. Mit dem DEFENDER fuhren wir einfach steil durch den Wald und durch Bäche. Über kleinere Bäume humpelte man achtlos mit ihm drüber. Mit ihm – Motorsäge und Holzfällerwerkzeug auf der Ladefläche – zogen wir Bäume weg wie Zündhölzer. Mit ihm zogen wir auch den festsitzenden Traktor aus dem Graben-Gatsch.
Ach ja! Hochwasser gab es nach Unwettern auch einige. Unten war das Tal mehrfach von Muren blockiert. Der DEFENDER sah kein Problem darin. Während andere Autofahrer ratlos da standen, bahnte er sich seinen Weg.
Auch zum Suchen versprengter Rinder kommt der Defender immer wieder zum Sondereinsatz. In unserer Gegend haben mehrere Almbesitzer einen DEFENDER – mit Pritschen, Seilwinden und allem DRUM & DRAN. Für sie ist das ein Arbeitsgerät, ein zweiter Traktor. Und alle lieben ihn, IHREN LANDY – auch wenn er ab und an mal muckt! Es ist unglaublich, wo man mit einem DEFENDER überall hin, durch, rauf und runter kommt, wenn es sein muss. Jeder Städter steigt da als neugieriger Beifahrer blass im Gesicht aus. So ist das und nicht anders.
Sicherheit? Die Sicherheit besteht in der absolut verlässlichen Geländegängigkeit des Wagens. Wird man von einem Normal-SUV gerammt, kann man ihn von dem STAHL-STOSSTANGEN-TRÄGER wischen. Wenn er, wie serienmäßig ohne Überroll-Käfig ist, ist man bei einem Überschlag allerdings tot! Dasselbe gilt wohl auch, wenn man ohne ABS und Knautschzone in einen Baum fährt. Das war’s dann.
Ein abschließendes Wort zur Bereifung. Unser erster Defender hatte offenbar werksmäßig GOODRICH Radial All Terrain 265/75/R13 Reifen, aufgezogen auf Boost-Stahlfelgen. Die hielten zwar unglaubliche 100.000 km, aber sie waren eine Katastrophe mit echtem Risikofaktor auf regennasser Fahrbahn. Im Winter gingen sie solala. Absolut zufrieden waren wir über 60.000 km mit den FULDA TRAMP 4 x 4 ALL TERRAIN, einem echten Allrounder. Die 205er R 16 MICHELIN-Reifen auf dem neuen Zelt-Landy sind in jeder Beziehung super.
Fazit POSITIV: Für den, den ihn unbedingt will und braucht, das ultimative Gefährt.
Fazit NEGATIV: Für den, der ihn nicht unbedingt will und braucht, der totale Fehlgriff.
Landyssimus-Grüße von drei Defender-Fans – meiner Frau, unserem Hund, & mir
