Archive for the '2012' Category

BMW and Hyundai are working on in-vehicle networking

Published on November 22, 2011 in 2012, BMW and hyundai. 0 Comments Tags: .

While BMW (and by relation, Mini) have been pioneering in-car connectivity for the last few years, Hyundai is still playing catch-up. The Korean automaker’s focus has been squarely set on bringing world-beating products to market, but consumer demand for infotainment systems isn’t abating. So Hyundai is joining BMW and a range of technology companies to work on the next generation of in-car networking solutions.

Broadcom, NXP, Freescale and Harman have banded together to create the OPEN (One-Pair Ether-Net) Alliance special interest group and BMW and Hyundai are the first two automakers to sign on.

The group will be working towards ethernet-based automotive connectivity, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be running a CAT5 cable out your house and into car.

The SIG is backing Broadcom’s BroadR-Reach cable – specifically developed for automotive applications – that’s able to transmit up to 100 Mbps over a single, unshieled wire. This should reduce internal networking costs and also shave a few pounds from production vehicles in the process.

2012 BMW 3 Series

Published on November 17, 2011 in 2012, 2012 bmw 3 series and 3 Series. 0 Comments Tags: , , .

The ordering guide for the 2012 BMW 3 Series has made its way to the internet courtesy of eGMCarTech, giving us all a better idea of what to expect from the U.S.-spec car when it arrives on our shores next year.

For starters, both the 328i and 335i will boast forced-induction powerplants and an eight-speed automatic transmission as standard driveline equipment, though opting for a six-speed manual won’t cost buyers anything extra. In addition, each 3 Series will come with automatic start/stop to conserve fuel. Larger 17-inch wheels are now standard across the line, as well.

Inside, a new 6.5-inch LCD screen is now standard equipment as is Bluetooth and an iPod interface. Three trim levels will be available at launch, but buyers looking to sink their teeth into the M Sport package will have to wait a spell. According to eGMCarTech, the M goodies won’t surface in U.S. dealers until July 2012. Remember, kids: patience is a virtue.

2012 BMW S 1000 RR

Published on November 15, 2011 in 2012 and BMW. 0 Comments Tags: , , , .

Next generation BMW 3 Series

Published on November 4, 2009 in 2012, 2012 bmw 3 series, 2012Bmw3Series, 3 Series, 3Series, 5 Series, 5 Series GT, BMW, BMW 3, BMW 3-Series, Bmw3, Bmw3-series, Bmw3Series, sedan, spy, spy photos, spy pics, spy shot, spy shots, SpyPhotos, SpyPics, SpyShot and SpyShots. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , .



This morning we get our first “clear” look at the next generation BMW 3 Series as one of our intrepid spy photographers captured one sitting on a trailer somewhere in Germany. The newest version of BMW’s mainstream model is expected to debut sometime in 2011 as 2012 model. Judging from these shots, it does not appear that the size of the new 3 will change much, although we can expect BMW to implement some weight reduction measures in order to help meet new fuel efficiency and emissions standards.

The next 3 is also expected to adopt some new powertrains including a new turbocharged and direct-injected three-cylinder engine. When the new 3 arrives here in the U.S., it will likely also mark the return of four-cylinder engines to the brand’s U.S. lineup, to which we say, bring on the fuel savings.