Review : BMW M5 (2012)

The new M5 V10 says goodbye to the air and start to mount the same engine as the X5 and X6 M, a 4.4 eight-cylinder that produces 560 hp V-(and 680 Nm) and that for the first time in the history of this model will use two turbo-compressors (in this case double entry) to beat the performance of all its rivals. Among the elements that make possible such services include the exceptional power / weight ratio achieved with the increased presence of aluminum (3.3 pounds per horsepower), the Quick Start Launch Control system that offers the dual-clutch gearbox and a set Drivelogic saving Efficient Dynamics measures (such as start / stop and brake energy recovery) which adds a mode of transmission that favors the use of less fuel consumption.

And no doubt there has been successful. At least now, neither the E63 AMG Mercedes-Benz or a Porsche Panamera Turbo is able to offer more power, better acceleration and improved fuel consumption figure. BMW has literally surpassed all schemes achieving an acceleration from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.4 seconds and from 0 to 200 km / h in 13.0 seconds, with an approved mixed use which has been reduced drastically from 14, 8 liters of the previous generation to less than 10 liters (9.9 exactly). The maximum speed, which as usual is limited electronically to 250 km / h, can be increased up to 305 km / h with the Drivers package (just like on the X5 and X6 M).

Even the standard equipment, of course, a number of improvements, such as the introduction of modern elements (traffic sign recognition, night vision system, Internet connection, etc..), The adaptive lighting for xenon headlights iDrive to control or command data over a 10.2-inch screen.

The new M5 will allow the driver to adapt to any situation driving the car, and the possibilities are many. You can choose three modes for the automatic gearbox, sequential gearbox for the other two, three levels of suspension stiffness, different types of intervention for the stability control and limited slip differential and a number of alternatives to show the information through the Head-Up the display.

BMW Dynamic Light Spot

BMW has developed a system to recognize pedestrians at night, which directs them automatically to a beam of light to alert the driver and clearly mark its position. This is called Dynamic Light Spot, and is available as optional equipment.

These systems work together with the night vision system, which uses an infrared camera (or thermal cameras), which requires no previous emission of ultraviolet light (and save energy). The camera is placed at the top of the windshield with the point of view up to 24 degrees and has a range exceeding 100 meters.

Headlights have additional lights that respective light beams and directing lights for pedestrians (or animal) that detects recognition system. This makes it stand out from the shadows (and usually at a distance that light to illuminate as much as only the feet).

This additional light will turn on only when pedestrians are too far away (outside the scope of the low beam, which should be between 50 and 80 m), when the car approached, and the lights that normally illuminate pedestrians and additional lights went out.

This system recognizes the positive people at a distance of 97 meters on average, regardless of the weather. If the driver saw the pedestrian before (or other constraints) can react and prevent the occurrence of various violations and scope.

A study by BMW, pedestrians wearing dark clothing at night and driving with dipped lights, recognizable at a glance by the driver when and only 29 meters away. To give us an idea, running at 80 km / h, stopping distance is about 60 to 65 m. With the new security system is three times the distance at which we are aware of pedestrians or animals.

This system seems very attractive. Now we have to see how much it costs and how quickly became popular makes and models in general (and affordable).

Review : BMW G-Power X6 M

Expensive power

Tuning Extreme: G-Power adds to the already very powerful 170 hp in the BMW X6 M, which in this way is able to reach the mark of 300 km / h. In order to stop the run, G-Power offers ceramic brake the price amazing.


For the twin-turbo 4.4-liter engine of the BMW X6 M German tuner offers an additional output of 170 hp, reaching a height of 725 hp. At the same time also increases the torque of 210 Nm, up to 890 Nm at 1,500 rpm. So "dopata", the car makes the sprint from 0 to 100 km / h in 4.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 300 km / h. For this increase in power, in addition to the basic price of the car must pay 106,400 euros * other 16,096 Euros*.



The brake system designed to stop this burst of strength of the X6 , however, costs twice as much increase in power, because the safe stop of the car is assigned to a ceramic brake system fitted to both front axle back, that G-Power does pay 17,208 euros * for brakes front and rear brakes  14,016 Euros*.

To visually emphasize the increase in power thinks a special body-kit from the base price of 15,900 euros *, which includes large external sills, diffuser, fenders from the line hitting and big spoiler, front and rear. The new line of the front spoiler is designed to improve airflow to the engine and feed more cooling air to the brakes. The lightweight carbon fiber hood (from 6,980 euros *) presents some additional cooling holes to prevent condensation on the motor. 



The big wheel can be filled with 23-inch wheels purchased at a price of 10,550 euros *. A sport suspension shall be 3,604 Euro * to lower the body of 3 cm, while the hot exhaust gases escaping from a dual exhaust system stainless steel pipe. To customize the cockpit you can choose between different types of leather and an assortment of various colors.

* Prices refer to the German market.

Lexus Reject Diesel Engines Under Planned BMW

Toyota's premium brand Lexus will not receive diesel engines from BMW as part of a planned Toyota-BMW technology tie-up.

BMW, which competes against Lexus in the premium segment, will work with Toyota on next-generation environmentally friendly technologies, including joint development of lithium-ion batteries.

Part of the deal, announced at the Tokyo auto show, includes the supply of BMW's 1.6-liter and 2.0-liter diesel engines for Toyota's European models starting in 2014.

''The agreement with BMW does not include any supply of BMW engines to Lexus,'' Toyota Europe spokesman Etienne Plas told Automotive News Europe.

BMW's development chief Klaus Draeger said the tie-up will not give Lexus an advantage. ''We don't have any concerns. The engines are not planned for use in the Lexus brand,'' he told the German business magazine WirtschaftsWoche.

Toyota's European strategy has been to concentrate on offering hybrid cars, although 52 percent of cars sold in Europe in 2010 were diesels, according to industry association ACEA.

''Lexus sales are so small in Europe that it makes more sense to position Lexus as an innovation leader and to go in the direction of plug-in hybrids and full hybrids,'' said Professor Ferdinand Dudenhoeffer from the Center for Automotive research at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany.

Dudenhoeffer said that given Lexus' small presence in the premium car market in Europe, it was more likely that Toyota would continue to view Lexus as a niche brand in the region and focus its attention on building sales in Europe with diesel versions of its core Toyota brand models.

Lexus' 11-month unit sales in Europe were 24,623, giving the brand a 0.2 percent share, according to ACEA. BMW brand sold 590,453 cars in the same period to achieve a 4.7 percent market share.