LandShark's Blog: Blog

New 2008 M3 pricing released!!!

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:29:42 GMT

BMW had just released the 2008 M3 coupe and sedan pricing for North American!!

~ 2008 M3 Coupe $56,500

~ 2008 M3 Sedan $53,800

All plus $775 destination charge

Options:

~ Premium Package - Power folding mirrors, universal garage opener, digital compass mirror, BMW Assist, Novillo Leather interior, and choice of three optional interior trims = $1900

~ Technology Package - EDC (electronic damper control), M Drive, Comfort Access, and Navigation system = $3250

~ 19" wheels with performance tires (style 220) = $1200

~ EDC alone = $1000

~ Extended Novillo Leather Interior = $2000 or $1100 w Premium Package

~ Enhanced Premium Sound = $1900

~ M-DKG (New M Dual clutch transmission) = ?? (to be debut along with the M3 Convertible)

~ M3 Couple: steel roof with glass moonroof = No Charge option

~ M3 Sedan: Moonroof = $1050

~ All regular options should mirror regular 3-series pricing.

Sooooo, as in my own case, mine should come in the high $60s, just right under $70s + tax. Slightly better than I originally thought!! At least I have my hope back again!!

Merry X'mas & Happy New Year!

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 16:54:58 GMT

We wish you all will have a very merry x'mas and a happy new year!!!

TopGear: M3 vs C63 vs RS4

Tue, 25 Dec 2007 16:48:20 GMT

TopGear compare the three German super sedan (or coupe in the case of the M3). They go against Emerson Fittipaldi's LotusF1 race car that won the 1972 World Championship, which has 'bout the same horsepower as the 3 German muscle cars. There's also Stig, and the Lady Stig in a white bikini and white helmet too!

It's in three parts, and should make your x'mas day goes by even nicer!! Sit back and enjoy!!

2008 X6 Production Video!

Sat, 15 Dec 2007 17:43:37 GMT

Now this is something that nobody was expecting (at least at this time frame), an official promotional video featuring the production version of the BMW X6 crossover concept!!

I have no idea whether this video was prematurely leaked or not?! (it was on any of BMW's site last I checked) But who cares!

It seems like the major differences between the Frankfurt show's concept and the production version is: the visible B & C pillars, much bigger mirrors (which was expected), and a different exhaust tips (again, it's expected). And as rumor suggested, it does seem like it will have the 3.0 twin turbo engine found in the 335i/535i as the entry model too!!

Now check out the video!!

Happy Halloween!!

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:39:17 GMT

Tiff drives the F430 Scuderia

Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:47:16 GMT

Tiff test drove the F430 Scuderia @ Ferrari's home track and attempted to beat his Enzo lap time! (yeah, lucky bastard!!)

BMW 1 series Tii concept!!

Thu, 25 Oct 2007 04:59:12 GMT

Hot from the Tokyo Motor Show is the BMW 1 series "Tii" concept!! It's quite well known that BMW will not use the legendary "M1" name on the sporty, M version of 1 series. Instead, they use the (even more) legendary "Tii" badge from the original 2002Tii in the 70's. What a clever move IMHO!

The return of the original E30 M3 anyone?! Give it ~360hp, drop the weight to <3000lbs, and we'll have a BMW ultimate track toy?! I must say I really do like it a lot!! The color theme, the brakes, the seats, the details!! I only wish I'll see all these in the future ///M car (oh, put all those in the future M3 CSL, and I'll take one in a heart beat!!).

Check out the photo gallery.

Press Release

Design study based on the BMW 1 Series Coupé with an uncompromising focus on motorsport.

BMW Concept 1 Series tii as a young interpretation of classic BMW brand values.

Implementation of specific requirements for motorsport ensured through the design of the car.
Design study following the tradition of BMW’s compact, light and extremely sporting coupés. The characteristic features of models particularly successful in motorsport have gone straight into BMW Concept 1 Series tii.

BMW Concept 1 Series tii underlines the extremely sporting potential and the youthful, temperamental character of the BMW 1 Series. The design study raises the focus on pure driving pleasure already associated with the BMW 1 Series Coupé to an even higher standard.
As the fifth concept car presented by BMW in 2007 alone, BMW Concept 1 Series tii clearly demonstrates the exceptional bandwidth covered by the world’s leading manufacturer of premium cars. Following the BMW M3 Concept Car, the BMW Concept CS and the BMW Concept X6/BMW Concept X6 ActiveHybrid, BMW Concept 1 Series tii stands out as a unique symbol of maximum driving pleasure also in the compact segment.

Exterior:

Through its unique, completely different design, BMW Concept 1 Series tii clearly emphasises its outstanding potential in driving dynamics.
Optimised aerodynamics on the body with individual, distinctive design of the front air dam, side-sills and rear air dam. Special gurney flaps generating additional downforce on the rear axle.
Further enhancement of agility and efficiency through consistent lightweight engineering using carbon components inter alia on the engine compartment lid, the mirror caps, and the inlays for the front air intakes at the side. Significant reduction of weight versus series production cars.
Sporting, accentuated, contrasting and, at the same time, typical BMW color scheme on the exterior and interior. The body color Alpine White is combined with the very dark carbon structure of the CFP elements, with further highlights added in Blue.
BMW Concept 1 Series tii takes up striking features of former motorsport models in many of its details: fins along the engine compartment
lid to optimise the flow of air, contrasting color scheme on the engine compartment lid, decal strips on the roof of the car and the rear lid in contrasting color, visible, open towing fixture.

Interior:

Authentic interpretation of specific motorsport standards through the concept of the interior design as well as colours and material design.
Sports bucket seats with integrated headrests and side airbags,
three-spoke sports steering wheel and gearshift knob with alcantara cover, model-specific door linings, door closing handles and armrest on the driver’s side.
The contrasting color scheme (Black, White, Blue) and the various functions and features derived from motorsport also characterise the interior of BMW Concept 1 Series tii.
The white rev counter highlights this instrument of particular significance in motorsport, the sports steering wheel with its white spokes and trim taking up the exterior color scheme.
Use of dark alcantara on the door linings and the instrument panel prevents reflections and accentuates the driver-oriented design and configuration of the cockpit. Alcantara on the seats, the steering wheel rim and the gearshift knob optimises side support and, respectively, the driver’s grip.
The newly developed structure tissue for the footwell accentuates the sporting and functional character of the interior.

The BMW Concept 1 Series tii.

Agility, lightness, youthfulness and superior sportiness – all these features are presented and highlighted impressively in BMW Concept 1 Series tii.

Based on the new BMW 1 Series Coupé being presented to the world public for the first time at the Tokyo Motor Show 2007, this fascinating design study is the consistent evolution of BMW’s compact two-door with a clear focus on uncompromising sportiness. With its aerodynamically optimised body, a wide range of lightweight features serving to minimise the weight of the car and its axle load distribution, as well as an interior tailored specifically to the ambitious driver, this concept study clearly offers a high level of driving dynamics right from the start.

BMW Concept 1 Series tii thus offers a very highly concentrated rendition of the brand’s sporting genes, at the same time proving the dynamic character of BMW’s compact two-door in offering the ultimate in driving pleasure.

In its design, BMW Concept 1 Series tii clearly takes up the traditional features and characteristics of successful BMW sports cars in the past: At very first sight the beholder will see features which made numerous BMW Coupés an outstanding success on both the road and the race track back in the 1960s and ’70s. These were cars characterised by compact dimensions, low weight with perfect balance front-to-rear, as well as powerful engines conveying their superior muscle to the rear wheels.

Particularly the BMW 02 introduced back in 1966 was acknowledged as the epitome of supreme agility and thrilling, highly dynamic driving characteristics based on these success factors. And now the new BMW 1 Series Coupé represents the same philosophy: Light, agile, and powerful, this compact two-door with its unparalleled, ultra-sporting handling provides an unprecedented experience at the wheel.

The similarities between these two models result in particular from the concept of the car, BMW Concept 1 Series tii bringing out all these strengths and clearly demonstrating how much the development principles applied
more than four decades ago are still most appropriate today in creating sports models truly fascinating in every respect.

Traditional and modern: lightweight construction as the basic principle, CFP as the solution.

BMW Concept 1 Series tii combines visual features carried over from the past with the most advanced technology in development and production. Particularly the basic principle of the car rests on traditional values, while high-tech materials and applications are used in the implementation process.

To save weight and ensure a harmonious balance of axle load, selected components on BMW Concept 1 Series tii are made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic (CFP): Apart from the engine compartment lid and the mirror caps, the inlays on the side air intakes in the front air dam, the gurney flap on the rear lid, and the inlay in the rear bumper are all made of this extremely light and exceptionally strong material.

From a distance the components made of CFP would appear to be black – it is only at closer sight that the fine carbon-fibre structure of the surface covered by transparent, matt paintwork becomes visible. The dark surface of the CFP engine compartment lid reduces the reflection of sunlight and promotes driver concentration in the process. The wide, white sunglare strip at the top end of the windscreen serves the same purpose, preventing any dazzle effect when the sun is low on the horizon.

Black, white and blue – typical BMW colors all the way.

The contrasting effect resulting from the Alpine White paintwork and the dark CFP components results from fundamental functional requirements. But at the same time this contrasting color scheme is also a major styling feature characterising the look and appearance of BMW Concept 1 Series tii. Indeed, to really accentuate the appearance of the car, BMW Concept 1 Series tii comes with decal stripes extending from the front headlight units all the way to the air flow lip on the rear lid, the gurney made of CFP and particularly large in size covering the entire body of the car. On the engine compartment the stripes come in white, on the roof and the rear lid they continue in black.

A third color is used at less exposed points to provide yet another optical highlight: This is the color blue proudly displayed on the brake callipers, on one of the five wheel bolts on each rim, and on the towing fixture in the front air dam which – as is generally the case with cars in motorsport – is not covered by a cap or seal.

The contrast of black and white and the discreet use of features finished in blue creates a trinity of colours also taken up by the exterior and generating an extroverted but well-balanced effect also because the choice of colors is the same as on BMW’s brand logo, thus bearing clear testimony to a great heritage.

Front-end design: aerodynamics optimised to the last detail.

Not only the color scheme, but also the design of the car sets BMW Concept 1 Series tii distinctly apart from the standard versions of the BMW 1 Series Coupé. Indeed, the unique character and class of the design study is visible immediately from every angle and perspective: Apart from the components made of CFP, the front air dam, the side-sills and the rear bumper as well as the rear lid are all brand-new in design. The objective in this design process was to optimise the car’s aerodynamic qualities, consistently reflecting the extremely dynamic commitment of BMW Concept 1 Series tii.

To meet the particular requirements made of such a car, the structure of the front air dam differs significantly from the air dam in regular production models: The particularly muscular side air intakes are coated inside with CFP and the front air dam comes on both sides with so-called air splitters.
These air guidance elements standing out slightly to the front ensure a specific downward flow of air, part of the air flow going into the side intakes, the rest beneath the car. Yet another feature carried over from motorsport and serving to optimise the flow of air is the arrangement of fins on the engine compartment lid.
These air guidance strips extending along the outer edges of the engine compartment lid promote the car’s aerodynamic qualities and enhance driving stability at high speeds. The positive effect ensured in this way was already proven back in the mid-1970s on the BMW 3.0 CSL.

The BMW kidney grille also comes in special design on BMW Concept 1 Series tii, omitting the kidney grille bars otherwise found on the BMW 1 Series Coupé and other production models. Instead, the cooling air flowing into the car goes through a wide honeycomb grid.

Yet a further sign of distinction is the dark trim bars on the headlights additionally highlighting the striking dual round headlights behind clear glass so typical of BMW.

Side view: classic silhouette, muscular design.

The BMW 1 Series Coupé comes with all the proportions so characteristic of BMW Coupés for many decades. The defining feature is the so-called three-box architecture, the clearly chiselled distinction between the engine compartment, the passenger cell, and the luggage compartment.
Together with the greenhouse moved far to the back and the gently tapered roofline extending to the rear end at a striking angle, the long engine compartment lid gives the car a truly unmistakable silhouette. The combination of the muscular car body and the light-looking roof structure, finally, gives this compact two-door a particularly dynamic and sporting look from the side.

The side view of BMW Concept 1 Series tii is further enhanced in its sportiness by the side-sills developed specifically for this design study: The side-sills are particularly muscular in design, the light contour edge rising slightly towards the rear accentuating the wedge shape of the silhouette and giving the entire car an even lower and more dynamic look.

The round opening in the side-sills directly in front of the rear wheel also provides a clear sign of sporting performance, acting as a further element in optimising the flow of air and at the same time guiding the beholder’s view to the rear wheels, where the power of the engine is conveyed to the road.

BMW Concept 1 Series tii comes on 18-inch light-alloy rims in five-spoke design and a dark chrome color scheme developed specifically for this design study.

Perfect flow of air determining the design of the rear end.

This clear focus on optimum aerodynamics continues into the design of the rear end, where the body of BMW Concept 1 Series tii is again specially designed for a smooth flow of air and the specific requirements of outstanding driving dynamics. The air contour lip on the rear lid, the so-called gurney, is far larger than on the “regular” BMW 1 Series Coupé. Indeed, through its shape and dimensions this component also made of CFP offers all the qualities required for generating maximum downforce on the rear axle at high speeds to give the car even greater driving stability. The inlay in the rear bumper is likewise made of carbon-fibre-reinforced plastic, its three-piece structure taking up the graphics of the air intakes at the front end of the car. The diffuser split by two bars, in turn, ensures a controlled flow of air also along the lower part of the car, reducing air swirl at the rear to a minimum.

Interior design continuing the car’s sporting line.

The interior of BMW Concept 1 Series tii is certainly an ideal place to experience pure driving pleasure, with the emphasis consistently on sporting qualities and performance. This is borne out, first, by the color scheme carried over from the exterior and, second, by a wide range of features derived directly from motorsport and thus offering supreme function in perfect control and management of the car.

While the interior takes up the black-and-white contrast of the car’s exterior finish, the balance of colors is precisely the other way round: Like the dark CFP elements on the exterior, white-painted surfaces inside the car add highlights at a few carefully selected points – the grab handles on the doors and the spokes on the sports steering wheel. Even so, the visual effect created in this way is striking and powerful, since these features are not only important eye-catchers, but are actually used relatively often in practice.

The color blue provides a clear focus on the driver within the interior, blue seat seams and a blue decal ring at the bottom of the gearshift lever knob providing visual highlights most befitting the BMW brand. A further point is that the seat belt on the driver’s seat also comes in this color.

The seat belts on the other three seats, by contrast, are in silver, which is also the color of the seat seams. Clearly, this distinction is restricted to the look of the seat belts as an eye-twinkling sign as to which of the four seats is the most appealing in a car of this nature.

Tailored to the driver, built for driving pleasure.

The interior design of BMW Concept 1 Series tii is tailored specifically to the driver, applying principles known to offer an intense and successful driving experience also in motorsport. Dominant use of dark colors within the interior, for example, makes it easier for the driver to concentrate fully on the road and the traffic around him.

The surface trim on the A-pillars and roof lining in anthracite forms one unit with the instrument panel, the door and side panels. Finished in black alcantara, the instrument panel – like the dark engine compartment lid on BMW Concept 1 Series tii – helps efficiently to avoid any reflection of light which might impair the driver’s concentration.

The design of the instrument cluster also reflects the usual style and focus in motorsport, the white face of the rev counter with its red indicators attracting even more attention than the dark face on the speedometer.

The sports steering wheel is the perfect interface between man and machine. Finished in alcantara all round, the steering wheel rim offers particularly good grip, giving the driver maximum precision at the wheel even in fast manoeuvres and when suddenly changing direction.

The seats in BMW Concept 1 Series tii are yet another new development for sports motoring: Finished in a combination of alcantara and leather, the sports bucket seats offer perfect stability at the side. Further highlights are the integrated headrests and side airbags. And last but not least in this context, the rear passengers also enjoy a sporting and low seating position.

The model designation on the door cutout strips rounds off the individual ambience within BMW Concept 1 Series tii. The linings in the footwells, finally, are made of a new, particularly hard-wearing textile tissue reminiscent in its surface structure of the CFP components.

Traditional values, modern concept, unique result.

Outside and inside, from every perspective and in all its details, BMW Concept 1 Series tii conveys a clear message: the objective to offer uncompromising driving pleasure.

So in developing this design study, BMW’s engineers, designers and other specialists took the opportunity to combine traditional values with the latest technology. In the process they benefited from the new BMW 1 Series Coupé offering a modern car concept authentically presenting the sporting roots of the brand.

Precisely this is the underlying character further enhanced by BMW Concept 1 Series tii following a clear-cut philosophy with no cause for moderation – on the contrary: BMW Concept 1 Series tii shows impressively which highlights were applied in the car’s development and what potential the BMW 1 Series Coupé has to offer in terms of sporting performance.

The looks and appearance of BMW Concept 1 Series tii bear out all the fascination of motorpsort, the heritage of the BMW brand giving the designers additional inspiration. In particular, they focused in the design process on BMW’s compact two-door models in the 1960s and ‘70s, cars which at the time made an important contribution to the development of the brand and BMW as a company, becoming the very epitome of unparalleled driving pleasure.

Indeed, these cars owed their success to features typical of BMW even at the time and still offering a unique thrill today: low weight, powerful engines, supreme agility.

These factors for success therefore still apply in today’s world. But at the same time the demands made by the customer have changed significantly, as have the potentials offered by modern technology and BMW’s model range.

The number of segments in which BMW is represented today is larger than ever before. So the brand offers Sheer Driving Pleasure in all kinds of different manifestations. But the concept of Sheer Driving Pleasure remains just as up-to-date and popular as before, coming out particularly in
the BMW 1 Series Coupé: No other car offers equally dynamic driving characteristics, simply because no other brand offers comparable heritage and experience in the production of sporting and compact two-door models. And this makes it all the more logical and tempting to enhance the fascinating character of this model with utmost consistency in the guise of BMW Concept 1 Series tii.

Gran Turismo5 + TopGear = NICE!!

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:04:34 GMT

I can hardly wait any longer!!!

PRESS RELEASE:

Gran Turismo® and BBC Worldwide to collaborate on best-selling racing game series Gran Turismo®

Top Gear to provide content for download via GT TV™

Tokyo, October 24 2007 – Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) and Polyphony Digital, Inc., the creators of the best-selling racing franchise, Gran Turismo®, today announced a collaboration with BBC Worldwide that will allow BBC's Top Gear programme to be downloaded through Gran Turismo TV (GT TV™) on PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™).

GT TV, a dedicated online channel packed with the latest news and content from the motoring world, will launch worldwide on PLAYSTATION®Network in 2008. BBC Worldwide will provide 40 episodes of Top Gear, the award-winning BBC television series about motoring for download.

In addition, the Top Gear Test Track – the track featured each week on the show, where host Jeremy Clarkson and the Top Gear team test the latest cars – will be replicated in Gran Turismo 5 (GT5) on PS3. For the first time in a racing game, players will be able to burn rubber and experience every white knuckle, hairpin turn on the Top Gear Test Track for themselves.

"We at Polyphony are great fans of the world's best motoring programme, Top Gear, so we're delighted to be collaborating with BBC Worldwide to deliver Top Gear content via Gran Turismo," said Kazunori Yamauchi, President, Polyphony Digital, "We're sure that players will be as thrilled as we are when they get the chance to put their own driving skills to the test on the Top Gear Test Track in GT5, as well as enjoying classic episodes of Top Gear via GT TV."

Simon Danker, Director, Digital Media, BBC Worldwide commented, "BBC Top Gear is the world's number one motoring media brand and we're thrilled to make it accessible to Gran Turismo gamers. We continue to explore different avenues to share our content with an expanding audience, and are delighted to participate with Polyphony Digital in the launch of this exciting new opportunity."

BMW's new 135i commerical

Sat, 20 Oct 2007 18:58:04 GMT

The new upcoming 135i commerical!

BMW Individual Catalog!!

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 17:30:00 GMT

The latest BMW Individual Catalog!!

Too bad the BMW Individual program isn't available in the US!!

E90 M3 test drive video

Thu, 11 Oct 2007 04:57:03 GMT

E90 M3 "Test Drive" video.

E90 M3 Sedan Video

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 13:25:28 GMT

Fifth Gear - Tiff thrashes the new M3 @ track!

Thu, 27 Sep 2007 02:19:32 GMT

His power sliding skill is amazing!! Oh, and he's quite a multi-tasker too!!

Quote of the month!

Mon, 17 Sep 2007 21:17:00 GMT

"I am often asked what my favorite BMW model is. It's an impossible question to answer. The M3 is always the sportiest; the M5 a great high-speed cruiser; the 550i is more luxurious and smooth. So it really depends on what mood I'm in!

I've always thought you needed to have at least two BMWs, and one of those should be an M3."

Steve Dinan, Roundel Magazine 09/07

Needless to say, I'm 110% agree!!!

BMW M3 Challenge

Tue, 11 Sep 2007 17:46:37 GMT

Think you can handle the new M3? Can't wait to test drive one? You don't need to wait no more!! Go take a test drive of the BMW M3 Challenge and see if you have what it takes to drive the new M3!!

More screen shots.

New E92 M3 promo video from BMW TV

Mon, 06 Aug 2007 19:36:06 GMT

I'll take a white one for sure!!!

A funny McLarenF1 Mercede Commerical

Tue, 31 Jul 2007 03:58:57 GMT

Under the rhythm’s of the song “Anything you can do, I can do better”, British McLaren Mercedes Formula One drivers Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso of Spain childishly try to out do each other in McLaren Mercedes’ lightsome 60-second commercial which airs this Saturday (July 28) in Germany, Spain, and the UK. The two F1 drivers engage in a "fierce" daily competition starting off from the pits and continuing until they reach the sauna of their hotel were they meet Mika Häkkinen.

It's a pretty funny video included the "making of" too!!

1 series brochure leaked!

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 20:31:33 GMT

Somehow someone over @ 1addicts.com got his hand on the European version of the 1 series brochure! From the brochure you not only can see more detail info of the 1 series, but also full dimension and color/trim choice too!

With the 335i's twin turbo 300hp engine, the 135i could very well be a serious track weapon!! Could we say, a true pocket rocket?!

Read more...

335i @ the Track

Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:45:20 GMT

Even tho I have yet to encounter one at the track, but I must say I'm very impressed of the 335i's track-ability lately!! Especially after reading these two article which purely focus on the track performance!

The latest Car and Driver issue: Lightning Lap, basically see which car lap VIR the fastest. It's a good read, go get yours from the newstand!! Here's a snapshot from the BMW CCA's news:

""Compared to the RS4, the magazine noted, "the BMW [335i] was almost one second quicker around VIR … and if it weren't for the four-wheel-drive system … the RS4 would have been farther behind the competition"

"335i's best lap (3:10.5) was 1.2 seconds quicker than the M coupe's"

A FULL sec faster than the RS4 and the M coupe!! I AM impressed!!

Read more.....

And here's a track review of the 335i from BMW CCA's Roundel magazine. They especially tested a automatic transmission with oil cooler just to see if the transmission & with the oil cooler could handle the heavy track duty. The good thing 'bout this review is it included a comment from a well known BMW racer Roy Hopkins!

I think a bigger/aftermarket oil cooler will become a must for those who will see 90+F summer temp at the track!!

(click on the image to enlarge)

Countdown to M3....

Wed, 18 Jul 2007 15:30:11 GMT

Ahead of the BMW M3's debut in September, BMW has launched a "Countdown to BMW M3" site to promote the E92 M3 Coupé's appearance on the Nürburgring on September 19-20th, 2007. BMW will select a few lucky candidates, who have signed up at www.countdown-to-bmw-m3.com, to attend the BMW M3 Coupé driving event at Nürburgring - the ultimate driving experience.

Car and Driver preview of the E92 M3

Sat, 14 Jul 2007 15:27:12 GMT

Here's the Car and Driver magazine's preview of the upcoming E92 M3. Be sure to check out the photo gallery & the video for the engine sound too!!

I especially like this quote:

"...... there aren’t many inexpensive habits, and owning an M3 is certainly not an exception. And with almost 180,000 indulgers worldwide since the M3 madness began in 1986, we expect the line to be a long one for this new model."

Soooo true!! Hmmm...... are they talking 'bout me??

E92 M3 "REAL CAR" Simulator!!

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:24:47 GMT

Talk 'bout THE Ultimate Driving Simulator? Forget 'bout the Xbox360! Forget 'bout the PS3! Forget 'bout GranTurismo! I want this in my living room!!! 'Cos this is just totally sick!!!!

More photos of the new M3

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:11:12 GMT

Autospies has some more detail photos of the new E92 M3 during the press launch event a week ago! Just scroll down the page. Enjoy!

Send a E92 M3 E-Card

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 05:23:51 GMT

Go Here to send the new E92 M3 E-Card to your friend!!

Btw, this Alpine White will be my #1 choice of color!!! Don't you agree?!

New M3 reviews are out!!!

Sun, 08 Jul 2007 05:01:03 GMT

These are a quick review from varies magazine!!

Top Gear

AutoCar Magazine

Car Magazine

Edmunds (a bunch of pics that's not "official press pics"!)

and a long thread (more in depth IMHO) from a EVO magazine editor

I guess it goes as I planned!! Get the E92 M3 for now, and two years later, upgrade to a CSL!! I can hardly wait any longer!!!

oh, here's a exclusive (at least as far as I know) video clip of how the new E93 M3's "winged mirror" fold up!! (I was really curious myself when I first saw the mirror from the M3 concept!)

Yahoo Widget for F@H

Wed, 27 Jun 2007 03:37:54 GMT

Ok, the yahoo widget engine base F@H EOC stats widget is done!! IMHO, it's even better than the Vista Sidebar version!!

Enhancement over Vista Sidebar version:

1. it will save your user info (e.g. unique url, user name, team#) while Vista Sidebar (limitation of the Sidebar itself) can't!

2. it will auto update 20mins (3:20am, 6:20am, 9:20am, etc.) after the standard EOC update time (3am, 6am, 9am, etc. UTC) to ensure giving enough time for EOC to process it's own update. and this version's auto update timer is already pre-caculated regardless your time zone!! (but do remember to check daylight saving time tho!) where as the Vista Sidebar version is auto update every 3 hrs start from the time you start the gadget (this will be address in future version).

Version:

v1.0 - initial release.

v1.1 - fix dock being update too frequently.

v2.0 - added team stats & easier setup process.

Installation instruction:

~ download the widget from HERE.

~ go download & install Yahoo Widget.

~ enter your user name & team number.

~ that's it!!

Hope you'll like it!!

The latest BMW E92 M3 & BMWSauber F1.07 Commercial

Sun, 24 Jun 2007 16:46:04 GMT

Here's the latest "Switch" promo video from the BMWSauberF1 team featuring the 2008 E92 M3 & the BMWSauber F1.07!!

Enjoy!!

Vista Sidebar F@H gadget!

Sat, 23 Jun 2007 06:05:33 GMT

I know many of you Folding@Home addict (like me) have been checking on the personal stats from ExtremeOverclocking.com's stats every few hours a day. one day when I was searching around w/ Vista's Sidebar gadget, I asked, why not get a gadget that will feed the stats and update itself for me?!

now, here's my Vista Sidebar F@H gadget (actually, it's my GF who wrote this gadget!). it enable you to use/grab the data from ExtremeOverclocking.com's F@H personal stats and will automatically update every 3hrs same as the ExtremeOverclocking's stats.

here's the screen shot of it:

instruction:

~ download and install the gadget from HERE.

~ put this unique url --> 2Vh3Pz in the field along w/ your user name and team number.

~ follow this path (by run commend or on address bar) --> %userprofile%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Sidebar\Gadgets
cut and paste the F@H gadget files one level up.

e.g. instead of \Mircosoft\windows sidebar\gadgets\Fah gadget\Fah_gadget\files

it should be \Mircosoft\windows sidebar\gadgets\Fah_gadget\files

somehow the package from Live.com is wrong.....

hope you'll like it!!

future reversion in plan included more background image and probably user selectable stats.

also in work is a XP/Mac version gadget which is base on Yahoo's Widget engine!! stay tune!!

Max's (yet another) new toy....

Sun, 06 May 2007 01:44:56 GMT

Max just got (yet another) new toy today!! And seems like he's loving it!!

Meet Max!!

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 20:57:32 GMT

Finally!!! Max, my dog, is here!! Oh, in case you have to ask, I named him "Max" after the movie Eight Below!! (Go rent it if you haven't watch it yet, it's a good movie btw!!)

I picked him up from the breeder on this past sunday!! He's a 10 weeks old pure bred Mini Schnauzer. He's so cute and very quiet (I hate dog bark all day long!). And he seems like he has not much interest of all the toys that we bought for him; instead, he likes to stick around w/ us (which is one of the good things I like!).

So far, he's been a very very good dog, every single person who had met him all say he's sooo cute and such a good dog!! He listens and obey (for a puppy that barely knows me for 2 days!), plus he's a very fast learner too!! The only thing worry me is he's a bit tooo lay back, quiet, and lazy too....... Always wanna take a nap!! May be b/c he's still a baby....

You can see more of his cute pics at the gallery too!!

Oh btw, Max already has his own blog!! Soooooo check it out, and while you are there, be sure to give him a bone too since he's such a good boy!!

More on the new E92 M3

Tue, 10 Apr 2007 16:02:00 GMT

The new E92 M3 is now "Offical"!! You can find info everywhere included the offical BMW web site! And here is the detail Offical Press Release (.pdf) for the new M3!! Be sure to check out the offical BMW site, it even let you pick the color too!! What color do you like?? I'm having a hard time to pick the color.... Right now, I'm leaning towards either Alphine White or Interlagos Blue.... Don't want another black car (my old E46 M3 is carbon black) or dark color car as it can't showcase the uber cool carbon fiber roof!! And don't think BMW will give me back my favorite Estroil Blue (had it on my old M Roadster) neither, at least I don't think they will do special order color in the first 2 yrs of production!! Tell me what do you like??!!

Check out the photo gallery included all different colors too!!

And you can find out the pricelist (German market) over here! (click on M3 Coupe (2007) from the M pull down menu, then choose "Preisliste") At least that will give you some sort of idea how much it will cost when it hit the US next spring!! (yeah.... that's really sux that I'll have to wait till at least next spring to have mine!!! )

And here's some video clips! I must the it sounds NICE!!!

There's more video clips from this Russian site too!

Google map

Mon, 09 Apr 2007 15:15:19 GMT

LMAO.....!!

You won't f#&king believe this!! A friend of mine just told me this!!

Go to Google Map, get direction, type in your address, then put something like Barcelona, Spain as your end address. Now carefully read the direction that it gives you!!

Bring the swim suit w/ you is all I can say..... LOL.....

Fight Cancer w/ PS3!

Sun, 18 Mar 2007 21:47:50 GMT

The power of the PS3 may not just change the evolution of next-generation gaming, but it might actually help fight against disease. Using the power thousands of Cell processors at the same time, your console very may contribute to saving lives.

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) today offically announced that PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) computer entertainment systems will have the capability to connect to Stanford University’s Folding@home program, a distributed computing project aimed at understanding protein folding, misfolding and related diseases. Folding@home is leveraging PS3’s powerful Cell Broadband Engine (Cell/B.E.) – and what will be an even more powerful distributed supercomputing network of PS3 systems – to help study the causes of diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cystic fibrosis and many cancers.Because the process of folding proteins is so complex, computers are used to perform simulations to study the process. Since these simulations can take up to 30 years for a single computer to complete, Folding@home enables this task to be shared among thousands of computers connected via the network, utilizing distributed computing technology. Once the data is processed, the information is sent back via the Internet to the central computer.

The Cell/B.E. processor inside each PS3 is roughly 10 times faster than a standard mainstream chip inside a personal computer (PC), so researchers are able to perform the simulations much faster, speeding up the research process.

“Millions of users have experienced the power of PS3 entertainment. Now they can utilize that exceptional computing power to help fight diseases,” said Masayuki Chatani, Corporate Executive and CTO Computer, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “In order to study protein folding, researchers need more than just one super computer, but the massive processing power of thousands of networked computers. Previously, PCs have been the only option for scientists, but now, they have a new, more powerful tool—PS3.”

“We’re thrilled to have SCE be part of the Folding@home project,” said Vijay Pande, Associate Professor of Chemistry at Stanford University and Folding@home project lead. “With PS3 now part of our network, we will be able to address questions previously considered impossible to tackle computationally, with the goal of finding cures to some of the world’s most life-threatening diseases.”

With the latest system software update expected to become available at the end of March, the Folding@home icon will be added to the Network menu of the XMB (XrossMediaBar). PS3 users can join the program by simply clicking on the Folding@home icon or can optionally set the application to run automatically whenever PS3 is idle (*1).

Starting with Folding@home, SCE will continue to support distributed computing projects in a wide variety of academic fields such as medical and social sciences and environmental studies throughout the use of PS3 and hopes to contribute to the advancement of science.

(*1) To run the application automatically in idle state, PS3 must be connected to the network with both the main power switch and power button turned on. Option setting must also be changed as this automatic feature is off at default.

I'm a long time user of Folding@Home, and a PS3 owner; therefore, I'm really excited about this!! You'll never know, may be one day, this will save your own life!! Soooo, please FOLD~!!

The Sweet Sound of New M3's V8!!

Tue, 13 Mar 2007 16:33:35 GMT

Here is some footage of BMW’s new 2008 M3 concept revving its engine, from the car’s official launch at the 2007 Geneva auto show. This is the hottest ‘music’ on the web right now, since it’s the first time the car-buying public has heard the M3’s all-new V8 in full song. I must say it sounds NICE!!!

This motor is going to light the world on fire. It is rumored to displace four liters and make as much as 420 horsepower, and it will probably rev to at least 8000rpm.

Google Map send directly to your BMW!!

Sun, 11 Mar 2007 16:40:50 GMT

Navigation systems have revolutionized the way we get from A to B -- a huge step up from crusty fold-out maps and a "good sense of direction." It's going to get even better now that Google Map and BMW have joined forces to streamline the data entry process. Instead of printing out or writing down an address to re-enter in the car, the information is sent directly from your computer to your navigation system. German drivers with Drive Assist-equipped BMWs can send any Google Maps Deutschland business listing straight to their cars, either to contact the business once inside, or to set it as a destination. Honestly, it's about time online maps and automakers made this connection, and I'm glad that Google appears ready and eager to expand this service. Hopefully this service will be available in US soon!!

Check out the video of how it works!! It's pretty cool!!!

M3 Concept Unveiled!!

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 00:48:24 GMT

Finally, BMW has wet everyone's appetities with the launch of the BMW M3 Concept at the Geneva Motor Show!!

They're calling it a "concept" even tho there's not a person on the earth doesn't know the production version of the car wil be virtually identical!! Just like they did on the previous ///M car, e.g. E46 M3 "concept", E60 M5 "concept", and the E46 M3 CSL "concept"!!

As far as what this "concept" goes, carbon fiber roof, alcartara steering wheel, rumor 420~440hp, rumor new DSG gearbox + HUD (head up display), as long as it doesn't weight more than 3500lbs (about the same weight as the E46 M3), the dealer could just keep my deposite that I put down since last year!! (note: not 100% sure whether all these goodie, CF roof, alcartara steering wheels, etc., will make it to production, but we definitely won't see those E46 M3 CSL-like wheels and especially those R-compound Pilot Sport Cup tires for sure!)

You can see loads of pics at my gallery!!

(my current photoshopped wallpaper!! )

And here's the offical press release:

Its very name is a symbol for unique performance on the racetrack and in everyday traffic. For two decades, BMW M3 has embodied the athletic heart of the brand in its most fundamental and succinct form. Its dominating role in motor sports and the ultimate driving experience it affords the driver on the road are inseparably intertwined. The qualities on which this synthesis is founded have given the BMW M3 the exceptional status it enjoys the world over. At BMW M GmbH, engineers have persisted in continuing this success story with the presentation of the new BMW M3 Concept Car. The concept study being presented to the public for the first time at the 77th International Motor Show in Geneva (8th to 18th of March, 2007) gives a first impression of what a future BMW M3 might look like.

The basic form for the BMW M3 Concept Car is a derivative of the new BMW 3 Series Coupé. The few components adopted directly from the series model are the headlamps and taillamps and, as the only body elements, the two doors and the luggage compartment lid. In all other respects, the BMW M3 Concept Car, which is being presented in the Chrome Shadow finish characteristic of BMW M GmbH concept studies, is obviously an individualistic and athletic vehicle with technology at the focus of its engineering.

Individualistic body concept with emotional aesthetics.

In keeping with tradition, the engineers at BMW M GmbH developed the BMW M3 Concept Car as a fundamentally individualistic vehicle. The level of commitment to this approach is clearly demonstrated by its body. While it is based on the dimensions and the underlying form of the BMW 3 Series Coupé, virtually all body elements have been newly developed and designed from the ground up. Apart from the supporting vehicle structure, only the doors and the luggage compartment lid were taken over from the series model. All other components were specially engineered for the BMW M3 Concept Car, lending the vehicle exterior unique aesthetics that accentuate its superior power. Unmistakable features that make the BMW M3 Concept Car instantly recognisable are the special trim at the front and rear, the engine compartment lid with its bulging Powerdome and two air intakes, the lateral air slots in the front side walls, the side skirts and the exterior mirrors in a BMW M typical design.

Front with additional air intakes, engine compartment lid with Powerdome.

Faithful to the principle of “form follows function” in designing the body for the concept study, designers at BMW M GmbH used elements that not only visually emphasise the increased sportiness of the vehicle, but also serve a technical purpose. Conspicuous at the front are three large air intakes below the cooling grille that supply the engine with additional intake and cooling air. Strong, vertical struts delineate the air intakes and enhance their characteristic form.

The aluminium engine compartment lid exhibits a wide bulging curvature known as the Powerdome. Like the air intakes beside it, the Powerdome suggests the great potential that can be expected of a powerplant in the engine bay of a BMW M3. The M3 Concept Car features a high revving V8 engine that is anticipated for the series car once it goes into production.

The contours of the Powerdome and air intakes are in line with the forward-pointing sweep of the engine compartment lid and harmoniously blend into the overall design of the front, which is longer than that of the BMW 3 Series Coupé. Together with the double kidney grille typical of BMW and the flat headlamp units, they lend the BMW M3 Concept Car a highly dynamic character.

Wheel arches and side skirts communicate agility and stability.
The muscular front wheel arches of the BMW M3 Concept Car symbolise the high level of agility and driving stability achieved by this vehicle. Together with the forged 19-inch light alloy rims in the classic Y-spoke design, they emphasise the vehicle’s wide track, while a glance through the spokes of the rims reveals the compound high performance brakes developed exclusively for M vehicles.

The opening behind the wheel arch on the front side wall, which the designers refer to as gills, has an elaborate three-dimensional form that is split by a discreet chrome bracket containing the direction indicator and the M3 logo.

Two arched surfaces form the pronounced side skirt, creating a purposefully designed contrast between light and shadow. By giving the side wall a lower appearance, the side skirt lends the car a lighter, sportier look from this angle. The incidence of light on the likewise sharply defined rear wing and wheel stresses the dynamic character of this vehicle and visually highlights its rear-wheel drive.

The design of the side skirt corresponds with the shape of the strongly pronounced contour line. The play of light and shadow between the parallel contours of the skirt and contour line brings about a tightness in design that emphasises the individual character of the BMW M3 Concept Car even more strongly.

Exclusive exterior mirrors developed for the BMW M3 Concept Car feature the characteristic black double foot that reminds the viewer of the wings of an aircraft. Even this small detail is in keeping with the principle of “form follows function”. With their horizontal contour line and tapered shape toward the outside, the exterior mirrors not only contribute to the overall impression of the vehicle, but their aerodynamic shape, optimised in a wind tunnel, is advantageous to air resistance values.

Wide track, muscular stance – rear design emphasises dynamic performance.

The rear of the BMW M3 Concept Car picks up on the design of the car’s front. The side lines gradually sink toward the rear and the wings end in a modelled hollow flute, emphasising the rear-wheel drive and visualising the superior dynamics of this vehicle. From any angle, the rear creates the impression of a pronounced wheel orientation and a muscular stance. Its proportions lend it confidence and a calm yet powerful impression. A visually discreet spoiler lip on the luggage compartment lid, also called a Gurney flap, optimally channels the air at the rear and additionally reduces lift on the rear axle.

The contours of the diffuser, whose design is subdivided by modelled struts, mirror the shape of the air intakes at the front. The diffuser and the double exhaust tailpipes positioned close to the vehicle’s longitudinal axis appear to pull the rear together at the centre and build up a tension in conjunction with the horizontal lines of the bumper. The tailpipes have a round cross section and are cut off vertically, as is typical for BMW M GmbH engineering.

Exclusive roof with visible carbon fibre structure.

There is hardly a body element in the BMW M3 Concept Car that exhibits the level of advanced technology as clearly as the roof. It is constructed of carbon fibre reinforced plastic (CFRP). Specialists at the BMW Plant in Landshut, Germany, rely on an exclusive production method in which the structure of the Formula 1 material remains visible and the finely structured surface is only coated with a layer of clear finish.

As a highly visible advanced technology component, the CFRP roof dominates the technically innovative appearance of the BMW M3 Concept Car. Seen from the side, it lets the roof edge appear flatter and thus lowers the perceived body height. Apart from the exclusive appearance, the CFRP roof also offers a real technical advantage: It is considerably lighter than a steel roof. This not only reduces the overall vehicle weight, but by reducing the weight of the highest element in the body, the centre of gravity is lowered as well. Thus, the reduction in weight at this location is particularly beneficial to the agility and dynamic performance of the vehicle.

The CFRP roof is a perfect example of how interlinking technical innovation with an individual design strategy was central to the development of the BMW M3 Concept Car. Following the tradition of the previous three generations of the BMW M3, this concept study represents a high performance sports car interpreted for use in everyday diving, with its every detail being yet another example of the objective pursued by the engineers. The BMW M3 Concept Car is a vision that shows where striving for the ultimate driving experience will take us in the future.

BMW M3 Highlights

Concept study of a BMW M3 by BMW M GmbH, dimensions and fundamental form based on BMW 3 Series Coupe, exclusive new engineering of almost every body element, purpose-built for individualistic form and maximum sporting potential.
At the core of this concept study is an M3-typical V8 engine tuned to the high revving M concept.
Front design conveying a high performance sports car, functional execution of the front apron and engine compartment lid, a robust Powerdome and large air intakes that express the vehicle’s superior drive power, particularly voluminous air intakes for ample air supply to the engine compartment through the elimination of fog lamps, typical of M, and a front apron in a pronounced forward position that symbolises the car’s motoring spirit.
Sharply defined wheel arches, gill-shaped openings in the front side walls with an elaborate three-dimensional design typical of M cars, and chrome brackets with integrated direction indicators.Characteristic M-brand side skirts providing the side view with an energy-laden accent, visual emphasis of the rear-wheel drive and car’s wide track, 19-inch light alloy rims with the characteristic Y-spoke design, exclusive exterior mirrors with an aerodynamically optimised design.
Rear design with horizontal lines accentuating the car’s wide track, pronounced wheel orientation as a symbol of its powerful stance, rear diffuser that mirrors design elements of the front apron, balanced proportions underlining the BMW M3’s supremacy, M-typical double tailpipes arranged toward the centre of the vehicle.
Intelligent lightweight construction that directly influences the vehicle’s agility and dynamic performance, aluminium engine compartment lid.
Side walls made of synthetic material and CFRP roof that optimise weight distribution and centre of gravity, visible CFRP roof construction as an additional design element, emphasis of flat silhouette and high tech character of the vehicle.

World Premeier M3 concept @ Geneva Auto Show!!

Tue, 06 Mar 2007 18:10:33 GMT

I can tell you that there has not been a car that has been more anticipated and speculated about, more than the next generation BMW M3!! Now it's confirmed that BMW will show the "M3 concept" @ the Geneva Auto Show!!!

Just wait for a few more hour for more pics and info when the press release is out!!

Wii on the big screen!!

Tue, 27 Feb 2007 17:57:18 GMT

Couldn't resist! We got some crazy guys, but damn, that looks fun!!! Now think of what 360 or PS3 would look like on that screen!!!

BMW's new "See How It Feel" commerical

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 05:14:15 GMT

The new 60s TV commerical for BMW's new campaign "See How It Feel".

p.s. The commerical's sound track is a modern rework of Beethoven's 9th Symphony produced by UNKLE.