"TechPoint" - The techie edge

"A synthesis of luxury and sportiness, comfort and dynamism, the BMW Concept CS is so different, it could lead to the creation of an entirely new category of automobile" - BMW Magazine

BMW unveiled this BMW Concept CS, a premium luxury sports coupe, in the shanghai Auto Show

BMW and Google have partnered based on their common vision for a network-connected world. One of the products of this collaboration is based on a simple thought. Lets say you were browsing the internet and found a restaurant at google maps that you'd like to go for dinner. You could jot it down and then take it to your navigation system and punch it in, but there are better ways. What I usually do is send an sms to my cell and then punch in to my GPS. BMW and Google have come up with a nice feature so that you can send the address to your BMW's navigation system directly from Google maps. Here's a video demo of this feature.

I visited the chicago auto show last saturday. The chicago auto show is the largest autoshow in the nation in terms of attendance. Over the past years I've always visited the NAIAS which is held at detroit. Detroit, however outranks Chicago in terms of total number of cars, introductions and media impact besides being the home of the big 3(Chrysler, GM and Ford).

The main differece I noticed between the two was that at the chicago auto show car makers such as Chrysler, GM and Lexus had their staff drive cars indoor showing off their power, performance and features. Guests, however, can only be passengers on the ride. There are tons of videos on you tube from visitors such as this one (Jeep test drive). Also check out this video(2007 Chicago auto show preview).

Interesting debuts include 2007 ES 350, pontiac G8, and the most awaited BMW's ALPINA B7 (supercharged V8, 500 hp, 0-60 mph in 4.8sec, top speed 186 mph, base price: $115K).

The BMW ALPINA B7 brings together the luxury, pioneering design, and advanced technology of the 7 Series Sedan. ALPINA was established in 1964 as an official and approved ìennoblerî of BMW automobiles. Their tradition is to take production BMWs and make them even more appealing to connoisseurs of automotive finery. The Alpina B7 has been on sale in Europe since 2004.

If you live in chicago, don't miss the chicago auto show at McCormick Place which ends Feb 18, 2007.

Fascinating to see how the BMW has changed over the years.
Interestingly, as BMW has the largest luxury car market now probably implies in a way that: back then the car on the right was a luxury.

Another interesting fact: The BMW logo is symbolic of a white propeller blade, against a blue sky. It reflects the origins of BMW as a maker of military aircraft engines during the first world war.

The new BMW coupe is to be released this September. The 2007 BMW 3 series coupe will be the first BMW coupe to be released based on the design of 2006 3 series. The coupe will have 300 horsepower and 300 foot-pounds of torque. The combination of turbocharging and direct injection develops power and performance more quickly than a turbocharged engine of conventional design. This is the best Bimmer money can buy that is close to an M3 in terms of performance.

Zero to 60 in just 6.2 seconds. You may be interested in the 2006 BMW 325i - quick TOUR video which is similar to the new 2007 3 series coupe in design.

Lease or buy, september is the expected release of yet another ultimate dirving machine.

Doing 120 miles/hr on the highway. Slowed down a little after seeing a white car. Phew! wasn't a cop ;-) Highest I've done so far on my bimmer is 140 miles/hr on the highway. I guess with a little more skill, I can definitely push this bimmer to 160, but just don't want to do it on the highway. Other drivers will not know how fast you're cruizing and just may jump in to your lane....or a suspended license?! SAFE Driving!!!

Take a look at the brand new 2006 BMW 325i - E90. Color: Sparkling graphite The first all-new 3 Series model in six years by BMW. New features in the new 2006 BMW 325i - E90 -New 6 speed transmission -New inline six-cylinder engine (uses magnesium/aluminum composite for reduced weight) -First use of BMW VALVETRONIC for a 6 cylinder -Advanced Dynamic Stability Control(DSC) -Push button to start/Stop -New back seat cup holder -Revised interior (more space/luxury) -New improved aerodynamic styling -Bigger trunk -150-mile run-flat tires (runs average 150 miles after flat tire, eliminates the need for spare tire) -More power ofcourse 215 hp 3.0 L 185 lb-ft torque (Yes, no typos there) -and a lot more kool technology .... options: iDrive, Active Steering, Integrated wireless communication system, GPS receiver with Automatic Collision Notification, Emergency Request, enhanced Roadside Assistance, and Concierge Services and more...