BMW of West Springfield

Mercedes-Benz reveals new details on their C63 AMG model. The new coupe is based on the recently introduced C-class and it is currently the smallest AMG model offered by the Stuttgart-based automaker. In the sporty premium coupe segment, the C63 AMG goes against BMW?s E92 M3 Coupe.
The 6.2 liter V8 naturally aspirated engine found in the C63 AMG produces in ?standard? form 457 horsepower, but with the addition of the optional AMG Development Package, the power output is raised to 487 horsepower. The package includes forged pistons and connecting rods, and a lightweight crankshaft like the SLS sports car, red brake calipers and a carbon spoiler lip on the rear lid.

The special parts save 6.6 pounds, make the engine more responsive and allow it to rev higher than the standard version. The extra power helps the C63 AMG run to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, a tenth of a second faster than the non-tuned engine. Top speed is also boosted to 174 mph from 155 mph for the standard AMG version. In both cases the car?s top speed is electronically limited. The new C63 AMG is also said to run about 15% more efficient than previous generation, 12.0 liters per 100 km.
BMW?s M3 Coupe is powered by one of the last naturally aspirated engines available at the Munich-based automaker. The 4.0 liter engine produces 420 horsepower and aided by the 7-speed DCT, rungs to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds.Fuel fuel consumption for the M3 with DKG is just below 11.2 liters per 100 km, while the manual transmission registers a slightly higher number, 12.4 l/100km.



Posted: March 21, 2011
By Horatiu B.

Original Article: bmwblog.com

Press Release: Harmonious proportions, individual surface design and a powerfully dynamic appeal ? with these attributes the BMW 5 Series Touring managed to win over the panel of judges for the world-renowned iF Product Design Awards. On 1 March 2011, the opening day of the CeBIT technology fair, the BMW 5 Series Touring received its iF Gold Award. This special accolade is the highest distinction conferred by the Hanover-based International Forum Design. The BMW 5 Series Touring is among the 50 recipients of the Gold Award selected from a total of 993 winners of the 2011 iF label.
The award was presented during the CeBIT fair and accepted by Thomas Plath, Director BMW Model and Design Techniques. Around 1,000 design enthusiasts, award-winners and invited guests attended yesterday?s event to honour the winners of the iF Gold Awards. Also on the agenda was the opening of the iF Product Design Award Exhibition, which will showcase the 993 winning products for the next four months.

The salient design features of the new BMW 5 Series Touring are its highly distinctive proportions and surface design, which embody an individuality that generates a dynamic and powerful ambience. A stretched bonnet, short overhangs, the longest wheelbase in the segment, elongated lines in side view and a dynamically sloping roofline endow the new BMW 5 Series Touring with a harmony and elegance unrivalled among its competitors. ?We are very happy that, in the BMW 5 Series Touring, we have shown that functionality can be beautiful. BMW combines excellent functionality with truly modern and emotional aesthetic,? stated Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.
The iF Product Design Award has been a hallmark distinction conferred on good design since its inception in 1953. As a globally recognised ?seal of approval? for design, the iF label honours outstanding design achievements and as such offers a platform for the design excellence of products to be assessed by an international panel of experts. The 2011 award drew 2,756 submissions by 1,121 participants from 43 countries, all aspiring for the celebrated trophy. The BMW 5 Series Sedan and BMW 5 Series Touring succeeded in winning over the judges in the Transportation Design category, with the BMW 5 Series Touring going on to capture the coveted iF Gold Award that recognises the 50 ?best of the best?.
Over recent years, the standout quality of BMW Group Design has been repeatedly acknowledged in the iF Product Design Awards. In 2010 the award went to the BMW F 800 R motorcycle, while in 2009 the BMW Group swept up a total of eight awards. In 2008 it was the BMW 3 Series Convertible and the BMW G 650 Xcountry motorcycle that earned the accolade, and 2007 saw the BMW 3 Series Coupé presented with the iF Gold Award as one of the 50 best competition entrants.
[Source: BMW ]

Posted on: Mar 3rd, 2011
Author: Horatiu B.
Source: BMWblog.com

BMW considers the new 6 series the top of their model range. Its role is to be the pinnacle of BMW?s coupe offerings. And yet it encompasses a true coupe and a convertible. The British have a term that allows both models to be called coupes, and that term for a convertible top on a coupe body is known as a drop-head coupe.

And in reality that?s exactly what BMW intended with the convertible, to make it as close in form as possible to the coupe. The 6er coupe is the pure styling form from which the drop-head version was cleverly created.
The 6er coupe, in this author?s estimation, is better looking than the drop-head version. Frankly the shorter rear deck and the dramatic slope of the rear light, are the reason it appeals more to this writer?s eye. The proportions seem perfect on the 6er coupe.

The addition of a horizontal character line that defines the rear spoiler and runs through into the C-pillar is another nice touch. And that line is picked up in parallel by the horizontal line that runs along the top of the rear bumper back into the rear wheel well area.
Dare it be compared to an Aston Martin DB9? Well, yes it can. It serves a similar clientele, with the Aston Martin being a bit more exclusive. But the 6er coupe doesn?t give up anything on the styling front.
Word has it that Aston Martin is considering six cylinder engines again. And with the 640i coupe, that would help bring back the glory era of six cylinder Grand Touring cars.

Posted on: Mar 13th, 2011
Author: Hugo Becker
Original Article: bmwblog.com