BMW has release a free application that can measure your car and your driving performance – BMW M Power Meter. Based on the Apple iPhone 3Gs, *sorry for the others iphones* BMW has make use of the built-in accelerometer in the iphone that does a good job in motion sensor. Those who are into this has probably come across similar application like this but with a cost from Apple Appstore.

In general, this application allows users to measure the g-force and 0-100 times from their iphones. The BMW M Power Meter does most of the paid application do. In fact, in my opinion it is quite complete. Just dock the iphone in your M-car, hit start and you’re good to go. Kids, please do not hold the iphone and drive with 1 hand.The BMW M Power Meter defaults the timing from 0-50 km/h, but you can change that by clicking on settings and choosing from several acceleration options up to 200 km/h or distances ranging from 100 meters to 2,000 meters. Continue Reading the BMW M Power Meter

BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd says the government’s decision to implement EURO 4M specification for petrol and diesel by 2011 is “encouraging and proactive” to further promote clean and sustainable TECHNOLOGY in the Malaysian automotive industry.

Its managing director Geoffrey Briscoe said BMW Malaysia welcomed the decision to implement the specification, which was highlighted in the latest review of the National Automotive Policy (NAP).

“We see this move as an encouraging and proactive measure by the government to further promote clean and sustainable technology in the Malaysian automotive industry,” he said in a statement released on Wednesday, Oct 28.

The revised NAP, announced on Wednesday, set a clear roadmap for implementing fuel standards. Since September 2009, EURO 2M specification for petrol and diesel has been implemented and this was the latest step to implement the specification by 2011.

Following the announcement, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment will establish a roadmap for fuel standards and quality, under the NAP.

Commenting on the latest development in the NAP, Briscoe said the perspective clean and sustainable technology was very much shared by BMW Malaysia and this was demonstrated when it introduced BMW EfficientDynamics to Malaysian market.

“As a way of firmly localising efficient dynamics in Malaysia, BMW is paying particular attention to diesel technology. Diesel technology provide 75% more power  but what is more impressive is that diesel Technology utilises 25% less fuel and emits 20% less carbon dioxide (CO2) which is better for the environment,” he said.  

This was demonstrated by the latest BMW EfficientDynamics cars which were able to travel more than 1,000km on a single tank of fuel with an average CO2 emission rate of 170g per kilometre.

For the everyday person, this means that for every six days of travel time to their work place, two days can be considered free of fuel cost. More importantly, however, is the break the environment is getting.

Briscoe said in support of the government’s effort to offer higher grade fuels, BMW would continue to introduce more efficient dynamics offering to Malaysian customers.

Source: TheEdge

BMW has created a future sports car today. Built with 2+2 seater with plug-in full-hybrid technology, this one of a kind sports car has the performance of a BMW M3 and a fuel consumption of a Toyota Prius.This outstanding result is made possible by the combination of BMW ActiveHybrid components with an extremely economical combustion engine, and outstanding aerodynamic qualities. The aggresive styling of the car is designed with a pair of huge transparent gullwing doors as a resemblance of a true super car and easy access for 4 people on board.

BMW Hybrid Super car is powered by all-new 3-cylinder 1.5 litre turbodiesel engine that is mounted in front of the rear axle like in an agile mid-engine sports car.Fuel is injected by the latest generation of High Precision Direct Injection, and the turbocharger features variable intake geometry for maximum efficiency and reduce fuel consumption. The engine produces is 163 hp with peak torque of 214 lb-ft. mated with a double-clutch transmission (DCT).

There’s 2 other electric motor in this concept.The 1st compact electric motor is positioned between the diesel engine and the gearbox outputs a consistent 33 horsepower and is able to reach a peak of up to 51 hp. Maximum torque for this  electric motor is 214 lb-ft, the power, either supporting the diesel engine or in all-electric motoring.

The second electric motor placed on the front axle. This motor known as hybrid synchronous motor, continuous produce 80 horsepower and peak torque of 162 lb-ft. And An extra of 112 horsepower is available for a period of up to 30 seconds, and, for a 10-second “burst,” the electric motor is able to develop 139 horsepower.

Depending on driving conditions, the two electric motors could be utilized for both accelerating and regenerating energy when applying the brakes and while coasting. This method ensures efficient energy management, with the status of the lithium-polymer battery level constantly remaining within the optimum level. When accelerating, the electric motors help to boost the car for even greater performance, ensuring immediate response and a significant reduction in fuel consumption. For a short maximum output of all three engines is up to 356 hp, with a maximum torque of 590 lb-ft. As a result, 0-100 in 4.8 seconds. With a Amazing average fuel consumption of 3.76 liters/100 kilometers. The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept is equipped with a 25 litre fuel tank for diesel and with a full charge of electricity, this concept car are able to travel up to approximately 694km.

The BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept comes with unusual measurement tires and rims on a sports car. The tires measure 195/55, but with a large 21-inch rims. This unique combination with the sophisticated axle geometry, ensures agile driving behavior as BMW claimed.The Shell of the Bmw Vision EfficientDynamics Concept car is developed with dynamic look of BMW sports car based on BMW experience in Motorsport industry. The concept a car is result of high-tech lightweight techonlogy and aerodynamic efficiency.Measuring only 48.8″ in height with sweeping, arch-like roofline, the overall vehicle concept for a drag coefficient of just 0.22.

As for the design of the interior, BMW focus on both the fascinating driving experience and, in particular, on transparent, hands-on technology and maximum reduction of weight. Many parts of the concept vehicle are built in expressing the “transparent” character of the car as a visualization feel of lightweight technology. The chassis and suspension of BMW Vision EfficientDynamics are made completely of aluminum and the roof and the outer skin on the doors are made almost completely of a special polycarbonate glass automatically darkening as a function of the light shining on the car.

This hybrid sports car also comes with some sort of particallity. Measuring 181.1″ in length, 74.8″ in width and 48.8″ in height, this unique concept car offers space for up to four passengers and their luggage of about two golf bags. With one of the focus is lightweight construction strategy applied on the car, the curb weight about 1400kg. In its power-to-weight ratio as compared to others sports car, the BMW Vision EfficientDynamics concept car is far superior to all others.

From the rear BMW has design a eye-catching “floating” LED lights. Much like one samurai transformer’s face.BMW Vision EfficientDynamics Concept car is the result of efficiency, driving pleasure, technology, and emotional design from BMW this year.

Continue here – Along with tons of Photos and Official Video from BMW

The images above is actually rendering from Jonsibal.com that intially got images from a 3/4 covered images of a BMW concept car from Bimmerpost forum (image below). The top image shows a more aggresive looking 3 Series Sized coupe concept car. The below spyshot which is actually taken outside BMW’s design studio in Germany.Also reported is that the vehicle is just a 5-year-old design study that was being moved to a storage facility. Because of spectulating of spyshots over the internet, many rumours state this coupe concept is moving to Frankfurt instead. However BMW did mention its plans to unveil the Vision EfficientDynamics concept in Frankfurt. We shall see the truth and how close is the rendering to the upcoming concepts from BMW in a month time.

Sources: Jon Sibal, Bimmerpost

If you are regular in our blog, we had covered you on the BMW Z4 launch in Kuala Lumpur. Well to be frank, we do not have the chance to test drive wildly and review the car like Jeremy Clarkson. So, we can’t give any solid comment and comparisons between the Z4 and its range except for some brief comments.

In the latest episode of Top Gear UK, Z4 is reviewed to be softer, heavier and more stylish than its predecessor, while the 370Z is harder, lighter and more fancy exterior than 350Z. The 370Z is a coupe and the Z4 has a stow-able aluminum roof. The BMW is a genuine luxury car offering, while the 370Z is more like a Japanese’s Porsche.

However, the two vehicles having similar overall dimensions and performance. Top Gear took this two coupes against each another on the test track. Well, its obviously the Japanese’s Porsche have the better lap time compare to the Z4 which is more focused on luxury and styling.

Check out the video by Jeremy Clarkson that comparing the new BMW Z4 against the

Nissan 370Z from this week Top Gear UK.

BMW confirmed that it will not continue its involvement in Formula One racing after the end of the 2009 season amid slumping sales. The Bavarian automaker said that the resources freed up from the F1 campaign will be dedicated to the development of new drive technologies and projects in the field of sustainability.

The Bavarian automaker formed the BMW Sauber F1 team in 2005 with the takeover of the existing Sauber F1 team. In 2008 season, the BMW Sauber team finished third in the constructors’ championship with 135 points, just right behind Ferrari and McLaren.

Every year journalist all over the world gather to test-drives and choose their favourite World Car of the Year (WCOTY). The 2010 World Car of the Year Nominees list is out. And the Nominees for the Overall World Car of the Year: 2010 are,

• Audi Q5
• BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo
• BMW X1
• BMW Z4
• Buick LaCrosse / Allure
• Cadillac SRX
• Chevrolet Camaro
• Chevrolet Cruze
• Citroën C3 Picasso
• Honda Insight
• Hyundai Genesis Coupe
• Hyundai i20
• Infiniti QX
• Jaguar XJ
• Kia Cerato Koup / Forte
• Kia Sorento
• Kia Soul
• Lexus HS250h
• Lexus RX
• Mazda3
• Mercedes-Benz E-Class
• Mitsubishi Outlander
• Nissan 370Z / 370Z Roadster
• Nissan Cube
• Nissan Patrol
• Peugeot 3008
• Porsche Boxster / Cayman
• Porsche Panamera
• Renault Scénic
• Subaru Legacy / Outback
• Toyota Prius

The voting and test-drive process will take place from now until the April 1, 2010 for the annoucement of All World Car award winners at New York International Auto Show.

For more info, you may refer the official World Car of the Year 2010 awards website.

Engine variants:

BMW X1 xDrive28i:

• Straight-six gasoline engine with composite magnesium/aluminium crankcase, VALVETRONIC and dual-VANOS
  
• Capacity: 2,996 cc, max output: 258 hp at 6,600 rpm
  
• Max torque: 310 Nm /228lb-ft from 2,600 – 3,000 rpm
  
• Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 6.8 sec
  
• Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
  
• (230 km/h or 143 mph with optional high-speed set-up)
  
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 9.4 ltr/100 km (equal to 30.0mpg US)
  
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 219 g/km
  
• Emission standard: EU5.
  

BMW X1 xDrive23d:

• Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase,
  
• BMW TwinPower Turbo and common rail direct fuel injection
  
• Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 204 hp at 4,400 rpm
  
• Max torque: 400 Nm/295 lb-ft from 2,000 – 2,250 rpm
  
• Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 7.3 sec
  
• Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
  
• (223 km/h or 138 mph with optional high-speed set-up)
  
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 6.3 ltr/100 km (equal to 44.8mpg US)
  
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 167 g/km
  
• Emission standard: EU5.
  

BMW X1 xDrive20d:

• Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection
  
• Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output177 hp at 4,000 rpm
  
• Max torque: 350 Nm/258 lb-ft from 1,750 – 3,000 rpm
  
• Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 8.4 sec
  
• Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
  
• (213 km/h or 132 mph with optional high-speed set-up)
  
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 5.8 ltr/100 km (equal to 51.4mpg US)
  
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 153 g/km
  
• Emission standard: EU5.
  

BMW X1 sDrive20d:

• Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection
  
• Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 177 hp at 4,000 rpm
  
• Max torque: 350 Nm/258 lb-ft from 1,750 – 3,000 rpm
  
• Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 8.1 sec
  
• Top speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
  
• (218 km/h or 135 mph with optional high-speed set-up)
  
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 5.3 ltr/100 km (equal to 53.3mpg US)
  
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 139 g/km
  
• Emission standard: EU5.
  

BMW X1 xDrive18d:

• Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection
  
• Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm
  
• Max torque: 320 Nm/236 lb-ft from 1,750 – 3,000 rpm
  
• Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 10.1 sec
  
• Top speed: 195 km/h (121 mph)
  
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 5.7 ltr/100 km (equal to 49.6mpg US)
  
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 150 g/km
  
• Emission standard: EU5.
  

BMW X1 sDrive18d:

• Four-cylinder diesel engine with all-aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable intake geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection
  
• Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 105 kW/143 hp at 4,000 rpm
  
• Max torque: 320 Nm/236 lb-ft from 1,750 – 3,000 rpm
  
• Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 9.6 sec
  
• Top speed: 200 km/h (124 mph)
  
• Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 5.2 ltr/100 Km (equal to 54.3mpg US)
  
• CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 136 g/km
  
• Emission standard: EU5.

The BMW X1 will go on sale in Europe after its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in this September. A few BMW enthusiast sites have got a full set of photos of the all-new X1 small SUV and it is not a spyshot. It is offical photos for marketing purposes.

However, due to BMW has not made the release official, there isn’t any technical specs to share over here in FastMotoring. But we do know that the X1 is based on a modified version of the 3-Series platform, and that the soft-roader is be equipped with the ‘xDrive’ all-wheel-drive system.

According to previous reports by the speculators around the internet, the initial petrol range will include an entry-level 2.0-liter four cylinder with outputs of 143HP and 170HP and a 3.0-liter straight-six producing 265HP while the diesel lineup will consist of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder unit available with 143HP, 177HP and 204HP.

The tiny SUV will be roughly 110mm shorter, 60 mm narrower and 140mm lower than the X3, the new X1 will be marketed as an upscale alternative to compact SUV offerings like the VW Tiguan.

Click here to view 40 leaked photos of BMW X1

At Down Under, the BMW has been left in a spin after its new “artistic” TV ad was banned for encouraging reckless and irresponsible driving.

The Herald Sun reports Australia’s advertising watchdog outlawed the ad for a BMW convertible because driving stunts shown in the clip would break Australian road rule laws.

The ad features the BMW Z4 coupe creating a giant artwork in a warehouse by driving with painted tyres, and includes the vehicle spinning its wheels and skidding. The watchdog banned the ad on the basis it depicted illegal driving. As the bureau’s judgment concluded and said that, “The board noted that the advertisement does depict in a number of places the driver intentionally allowing the wheels of the car to lose traction and perform … a four-wheel drift”.

Check out the TV Ads, and see what’s the matter with it ?!?

The above clip, which has been used around the world, was made by artist Robin Rhode and famed film director Ridley Scott’s son, Jake.