First and foremost, this is a video that is not safe for work. It involves a few shots of nudity from 6 to 10 seconds into the video. With that out of the way, the commercial was created by Bakery Films for BMW and revolves around the Lane Departure Warning technology available in high-end bimmers. This feature helps with external distractions or slight lack of attention and warns the driver if an accident is likely to occur due to a lane change. This system monitors the area behind and next to the vehicle and warns the driver when a lane change would lead to a dangerous situation. At the rear of the vehicle the Lane Change Warning uses radar sensors to inform the driver via a symbol on the wing mirror if there is a vehicle currently in their blind spot or if a vehicle is approaching quickly from the rear. As soon as the driver uses the indicator to change lanes, they are warned in potentially dangerous situations by a flashing LED signal and steering wheel vibrations. And no, no chance we will ever see this type of commercials on U.S. television. Read the original here:  NSFW Video: “BMW Head” – Commercial for Lane Departure Warning

Another M vehicle is spied during a testing session at the famous Nurburgring. The 2013 F80 BMW M3 Sedan goes around the track for a new trial before its release next year. Initially introduced in a sedan form, the F80 M3 will be followed by the Coupe and Convertible variants, all using the same engine. And this is where they mystery comes in plan. Previous reports were associating the new M3 with an inline-six engine while more recent ones point to a radical change in BMW M’s philosophy: a turbocharged V6 . Some of our sources says that the V6 is a 3.3 liter BiTurbo engine with around 450 horsepower, an information that has been denied by others, so at this point, any news around the new M3 engine are to be taken with a big grain of salt. To add even more fuel to the fire, Car and Driver has recently published their own opinion on the V6: Rendering by Car and Driver “The new V6 will be the first to mount its two twin-scroll turbochargers within the vee-angle, mirroring the company’s 4.4-liter V8 design. The This unique-to-BMW approach reduces the length of the inlet tract compared with a regular turbo-vee setup, helping to sharpen throttle response and minimizing heat buildup after air passes through the intercooler. A 60-degree V6 will also offer the best balance, but a 90-degree angle is needed to fit the two turbos.” In this week’s interview with BMWBLOG , Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, BMW M CEO, refrained from offering further details on the powerplant, but we were left with an important tidbit of information: the new M3 will be lighter and will make extended use of carbon fiber parts. With another year of production, the E90/E92 M3 might be the consumers’ last chance to grab a V8 naturally-aspirated engine. The test mules shown below reveals the wide track specific to M products, as well as M front bumper, square LED headlights, large brakes and the signature four exhaust pipes at the rear. [Source: MotorAuthority ] Continued here:  Spy Video: 2013 F80 BMW M3 Sedan

The 2013 BMW M6 Gran Coupe gets captured on camera. Courtesy of MotorAuthority we have the first video of the upcoming four-door M6 built atop the next year release of the 6 Series Gran Coupe, a four-dour coupe vehicle that will come to market to compete with similar offerings from Audi (A7) and Mercedes-Benz (CLS). We first reported about the M6 Gran Coupe in summer of 2011 when we mentioned that the greenlight has yet to be given to the four-door M6. In the mean time, BMW boards approved the M6 Gran Coupe and we expect it to launch in late 2013 or early 2014. Rendering by AutoZeitung The new M6 Gran Coupe will eventually replace the M5 and M6 at the top of the M family. We expect power to come from the same engine as the new M5 and M6, a high revving 560 hp M TwinPower Turbo V-8 mated to a high torque 7-speed M-Double Clutch transmission (M-DCT). A source close to the brand described the new M6 Gran Coupe as one of the best looking cars to ever come out of the ///M gates in Garching. Here is a close-up video of the M6 Gran Coupe at the M Testing Facility near Nurburgring and also from a testing session around the famous race track. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lW4gbdkcqg0 Read more from the original source:  2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Spy Video

According to a 63-year-old woman who drove her Ford Taurus into a Connecticut liquor store Friday afternoon a combination of Armor-all and Nyquil are to blame for the incident. More » Read the original here: Driver Has Odd Explanation After DUI Arrest For Crashing Car Into Liquor Store [Daily DUI] Original post:  Driver Has Odd Explanation After DUI Arrest For Crashing Car Into Liquor Store [Daily DUI]

Static electricity and several propane tanks combined this past week with fiery results at a McDonalds drive-thru in Coachella, Ca. According to MSNBC.com the driver of the truck was in the process of investigating a hissing sound when a propane tank in the truck exploded in flames. More » Read more from the original source: Watch A Pickup Truck Full Of Propane Roasting In A McDonalds Drive-thru [Video] See the original post here: Watch A Pickup Truck Full Of Propane Roasting In A McDonalds Drive-thru [Video]

Ok enough with the jokes The Dodge Caravan has been a popular vehicle for growing families since its debut in 1984. The grocery hauler has been popular for its class-leading interior conveniences and its ability to transport kids and cargo. While most guys poke fun at the minivan, it continues to be a great family vehicle. This week we’ll check out what makes the 2012 Grand Caravan a good choice for families. Last year, the Grand Caravan was lowered one inch; it got a sportier front facia, a new Dodge crosshair grille, and a slightly reshaped hood and quad headlights. The rear received new Dodge lettering on the liftgate, new LED taillights, and a body colored roof spoiler. You don’t buy it for its looks The 2012 Grand Caravan receives a few minor changes in trim levels and a new, lower-cost base model called the American Value Package. This week we’ll be testing the 2012 Caravan SXT. We’ll start with the interior since that is why so many families buy them. There is only so much you can do with a box, so we’ll just concentrate on the inside. Up front, the Grand Caravan has all-new fabric on the seats, extra soft touch materials throughout adding more luxury even though the dash is still hard plastic which is characteristic in the minivan segment, but not a bad idea since kids touch things with their dirty hands. This SXT tester came with a telescoping steering wheel with trip computer, phone, audio, cruise control, and, when ordered, navigation controls. Moms will love the convex conversation mirror that allows for seeing the kids in the rear without having to turn around. The 2012 Grand Caravan also offers lots of storage up front, two cupholders, and a covered shallow tray. The rear passenger area is equipped to handle just about any need that a growing family will have. Now the only thing needed is a restroom in back. Stow n’ Go is the advantage The Dodge Caravan still holds the advantage among the competition with seats that with the pull of a lever, can be stowed in the floor bins below. This system called Super Stow ‘n Go allows for both second and third-row seats to be folded flat into the floor. The system works flawlessly and in just a couple of minutes the kid’s hauler is transformed into a cargo carrying work vehicle for dad. The...

In August 1985, a rumour surfaced in motor magazine Auto-Deutschland which emanated from a new sports car. An A Group Car from BMW that was a thoroughbred racing car according to the rules but was also to be produced in a version licensed to drive on open roads for everyday use. Speculation about this dream car that could take to normal roads and was intended for the “Most dynamic among BMW 3 Series drivers” was right on target. But the pundits missed the mark about the motor-sport car by a mile on one prediction: They were convinced that anyone who “wants to be a key player in the A Team needs to be turbocharged under the bonnet”. Not true. The BMW M3 had a naturally aspirated engine. And it became the most successful touring car in the history of BMW. The M3 project was launched just a few months earlier. Production of the M1 mid-engine sports car had already been discontinued for some time and BMW CEO Eberhard Kuenheim commissioned a design for a successor, almost as an aside, according to legend. After one of his regular visits to Motorsport GmbH in Munich’s Preußenstraße he said, almost as he was leaving: “Mr. Rosche, we need a sporty engine for the 3 Series.” His aspiration was in good hands. Motorsport GmbH with its managing director of technical development Paul Rosche had demonstrated its expertise with the legendary 5 Series saloons driven by M engines as well as developing the Formula 1 turbo engine that powered Brazilian Nelson Piquet to win the World Championship in the Brabham BMW in 1983. Power source: a four-cylinder engine with 2.3 litres displacement and four-valve engineering. The new 3 Series engine had something in common with this: the crankcase. It originated from volume production and actually formed the basis for the two-litre engine with four cylinders. Four cylinders meant less weight and high torque, an ideal platform for a sports engine in the projected displacement class.  Naturally enough, the series four-cylinder engine was much too tame for a sports engine. A comprehensive power boost was called for in order to turn the plucky daily workhorse into an athletic and sporty power unit. The BMW design engineers increased the displacement to 2.3 litres and applied a formulation that had already achieved significant successes...

In August 1985, a rumour surfaced in motor magazine Auto-Deutschland which emanated from a new sports car. An A Group Car from BMW that was a thoroughbred racing car according to the rules but was also to be produced in a version licensed to drive on open roads for everyday use. Speculation about this dream car that could take to normal roads and was intended for the “Most dynamic among BMW 3 Series drivers” was right on target. But the pundits missed the mark about the motor-sport car by a mile on one prediction: They were convinced that anyone who “wants to be a key player in the A Team needs to be turbocharged under the bonnet”. Not true. The BMW M3 had a naturally aspirated engine. And it became the most successful touring car in the history of BMW. The M3 project was launched just a few months earlier. Production of the M1 mid-engine sports car had already been discontinued for some time and BMW CEO Eberhard Kuenheim commissioned a design for a successor, almost as an aside, according to legend. After one of his regular visits to Motorsport GmbH in Munich’s Preußenstraße he said, almost as he was leaving: “Mr. Rosche, we need a sporty engine for the 3 Series.” His aspiration was in good hands. Motorsport GmbH with its managing director of technical development Paul Rosche had demonstrated its expertise with the legendary 5 Series saloons driven by M engines as well as developing the Formula 1 turbo engine that powered Brazilian Nelson Piquet to win the World Championship in the Brabham BMW in 1983. Power source: a four-cylinder engine with 2.3 litres displacement and four-valve engineering. The new 3 Series engine had something in common with this: the crankcase. It originated from volume production and actually formed the basis for the two-litre engine with four cylinders. Four cylinders meant less weight and high torque, an ideal platform for a sports engine in the projected displacement class.  Naturally enough, the series four-cylinder engine was much too tame for a sports engine. A comprehensive power boost was called for in order to turn the plucky daily workhorse into an athletic and sporty power unit. The BMW design engineers increased the displacement to 2.3 litres and applied a formulation that had already achieved significant successes...

In 2013 MINI will launch the third-generation of their successful hatchback which first appeared in 2001. The next generation MINI will be a more radical departure from the current MINI (R50 & R53) compared with the previous development cycle. Sonny Lim , a former Senior Designer at BMW DesignworksUSA in Singapore, decided to use his skills to draw a speculative concept. The MINI Zero concept reclaims the true heritage of the brand.  At 3571 mm it is slightly smaller than the MINI Cooper, but longer than the cancelled MINI Rocketman. The design of the MINI Zero is modern, sophisticated and athletic. It evolves the current design language but still stays true to the main iconic MINI characteristics. These iconic elements have helped shape the identity of the brand and its cars. However, the concept also challenges other aspects of the brand which have overshadowed the original intent of Sir Alec Issigonis’ classic MINI.” The MINI Zero presses the reset button and goes back to the humble roots of the classic MINI. In short this concept embodies: Zero “schnickschnack” (gimmicks) – it is the most basic, entry-level car in the range and is positioned under the Mini ONE. Zero compromise – it is a pure & tailored design and does not rely on chrome exterior trim & other plastic bits. Zero “schicki-micki” (trendy-fancy) – it is authentic and the spiritual successor of the classic MINI. Zero fat – all the above results in an ultra-lightweight MINI (840 kg) and a very good power-to-weight ratio without a large carbon footprint. The future generation of MINIs will be powered by a range of turbocharged three-cylinder engines (shared with BMW). The new MINI family is moving to the new modular F-platform which will also be shared with BMW’s front-wheel-drive models. As a result, the new platform is also expected to give birth to a range of four-door MINIs in addition to the two-door variants. This will allow MINI to compete with cars such as the Audi A1 Sportback and the new Mercedes A-Class. [Source: Behance ] Read the original here: Renderings: MINI Zero Concept

There are a lot of different models in the Aston Martin lineup – Virage, Virage Volante, DBS, DB9, DB9 Volante, V12 Vantage, V8 Vantage, V8 Vantage Roadster Rapide, V12 Zagato, and Cygnet. That last one was an aberration…. Despite all these different models, there isn’t a whole lot of variety. They’re all basically two-door coupes and convertibles (save for Rapide and Cygnet) based on the same platform, but we still love them anyway. That doesn’t look like it will be changing anytime soon either. The British manufacturer is preparing a new generation of the DBS sports car. We’re hoping it takes Aston in into new styling territory. Introduced in 2007, it is time for a replacement. To commemorate the end of the run, Car & Driver reports that Aston is readying a last-run version of the DBS called the Ultimate Edition. 100 will be produced in total, with 30 earmarked for the United States. It is typical for high-end manufacturers to put out end-of-run specials like these. Who would want to shell out all that cash though, knowing that the new one is just around the corner? Maybe for collectible value, but we digress. Unfortunately, the Ultimate Edition isn’t expected to receive any upgrades to the engine or suspension. Instead, the Ultimate Edition is said to have exclusive wheels, paint colors and interior trim accents – and of course, the obligatory numbered plaque somewhere on the dash. The paint applied is said to be similar to the Carbon Black Edition, which had a paint job that reportedly took 50 (!) man hours to apply. Now that is special! Despite not being announced yet, C&D said the run is nearly all spoken for. So, if you’re interested you better get on it. Otherwise, take our advice and see what the new DBS has to offer….it is supposed to be released later on this year. Automoblog.net – A Car Blog for Auto Enthusiasts Read the original:  With New Model Just Around the Corner, Aston Martin Readies DBS Ultimate Edition

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars proudly presents the Ghost Six Senses concept, a highly-bespoke luxury model that encapsulates the richness of experience that comes as standard with any Rolls-Royce and takes it to a new level of sensory indulgence. Approaching this luxurious Rolls-Royce and opening its coach doors immediately ignites the senses for sight, taste, touch, sound and aroma. And the sense of surprise and delight continues as guests encounter the lavish use of soft, sumptuous leathers, finest veneer detailing and special bespoke enhancements. “The Ghost Six Senses concept is a luxurious environment designed for the most discerning of individuals,” commented Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce CEO. “It delights the senses and draws you into somewhere that transcends the interior of a car. Relax for a few moments and you will experience something that is hard to define, but which our customers understand so well. “It can be likened to an aura, a sense that the stunning hand-made interior embodies something of the heart and soul of each proud craftsperson involved in its creation. That’s a uniquely Rolls-Royce sixth sense that this car presents so elegantly.” Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is the world’s leading luxury goods manufacturer.  And while the world of luxury presents many objects of desire that captivate one or more senses, it takes one of these hand-built cars to awaken all five. Sight Beautiful and elegant, a Rolls-Royce Ghost is a sign of impeccable taste, a luxury car that is instantly pleasing to the eye. Ghost Six Senses’ pearlescent Carrara White finish complements new forged alloy wheels while eyes are immediately drawn to rich interior detailing upon entry through its coach doors. The deep lustre of the Walnut Burr veneer complete with diagonally-oriented, brown oak cross-banding, are designed to hint at the extraordinary power at the driver’s disposal. Sound For more than 100 years the sound of silence has driven the Rolls-Royce brand. But 21st century Ghost and Phantom models also present an auditorium in which the most advanced systems can deliver music in the most impressive fashion. The concept audio system in Ghost Six Senses richly fills the spacious rear cabin thanks to its upgraded amplifier and the inclusion of ‘exciter’...

There isn’t much you can’t do at a drive-thru window these days. Most of your basic needs, including food, liquor, pharmaceuticals and clean clothes can be met from the convenience of the driver’s seat. We’re even aware of a few drive-thru funeral parlors, where paying your last respects still allows you to make it home in… Go here to see the original: Salvation, Meet Convenience: Florida Church Offers Drive-Thru Prayer

Filed under: Comment About a month before Easter, four of us decided to go on a skiing trip to Italy. Shocked at the price of airfares for the peak Easter week (nearly £800 for all of us), we decided to drive instead. It sounds a bit daunting -1000 km from Calais to Italy’s Aosta Valley, on the far side of the Mont Blanc Tunnel. However, the French have kindly built a motorway all the way down eastern France from Calais to within 5 km of the Mont Blanc Tunnel, so it is really a question of pointing the car at the motorway once you get off the boat, and then staying awake until Italy. Just remember the new rules about breathalysers in France . The car for our trip was a Ford S-Max, which was about as close to perfect as you can get. It’s big enough that you never have to worry about squeezing in the luggage, it’s very quiet on the motorway and it has more toys than Hamleys (at least in top spec Titanium X trim). With sat-nav, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control which automatically adjusts the speed of the car if you get close to a car in front, DVD screens in the back seats and a good audio system which could play music from smart phones via Bluetooth, it did its best to keep us amused during the journey. It might sound odd given the travelling time involved, but we always choose the ferry over the Tunnel. Apart from the fact it is usually cheaper, the break gives the driver a chance to relax rather than being stuck in a narrow metal tube. A few years ago, another motoring journalist recommended that we use P and O’s Club Lounge (cheers, Gavin), and we now won’t travel any other way. It costs £15 extra per person, but it gives you a quiet oasis, like being in an airline’s Executive Club in the airport. The free drink and newspapers come in handy, too. The weird thing about travelling on French motorways is that you can travel across the whole country and arrive within minutes of the time that the sat-nav predicted at the start (or see our driving directions here ). On arrival in France at 11.40 am, we thought it would be amusing to ask the sat-nav to plot our course to the tiny Italian village of Gignod (population about 500 plus the four of us). It predicted an arrival time of 8.05 pm. Excluding time...

Alright, I am gonna go out there and say it. The ZHP is a special BMW. The Performance Package, option code “ZHP,” created by BMW Individual was available only in the United States as a $3,900 option package on the 2003-2006 BMW 330i. This outfitted the 330i with many BMW Performance Parts as part of a comprehensive application that changed to overall performance and handling as well as enhanced its looks. BMW proclaimed that the ZHP “brings track-inspired excitement to your daily drive.” I can definitely attest to the accuracy of that statement as I own a six speed ’05 Imola Red ZHP. It works great as a daily driver and can handle itself quite well at an autocross or on track. I had the good fortune to attend BMWCCAʼs Octoberfest at Barber Motorsports Park last fall and had a blast autocrossing as well as driving on track in my ZHP. At the autocross there were no less than 5 ZHPs out there! I wasnʼt the fastest out there but found the ZHP provides a track capable blend of the patented solid BMW feel, great feedback through its steering rack and yet still offers four door year round practicality. How about winters, you ask? Well I live in the snow belt and have dedicated snow tires and wheels and picked a ZHP with heated seats, so no problem. For the ZHP, changes hit nearly every aspect of the 330i. The exterior has the M-Tech II body kit complete with small deck lid spoiler. The ZHP was the only option package in the 3 series to offer the Motorsport color, Imola Red. BMW lowered the ride height by giving it a modified suspension with firmer springs, special control arms and stiffer dampers as well as -0.5 degree negative camber. It even has a unique light weight front underbody cross brace. The ZHP has distinctive 18” M-badged 135 style double-spoke wheels with 225/40 fronts, 255/35 rears which are beautiful to look at but a pain to clean. Interior upgrades include an Alcantara clad M badged sport steering wheel, a much copied ZHP shifter knob and shifter. By that, I mean you will find that many other BMW enthusiasts buy the ZHP shift knob and install it in their BMW. For late 2005 production models BMW fitted the steering wheel with perforated leather instead of Alcantara. My 05ʻs Alcantara wheel has held up quite well in its 55k miles. BMW...

In the 1991 comedy What About Bob? , Bob Wiley (Bill Murray) is a fear-stricken adult bouncing from psychiatrist to psychiatrist. His newest doctor, Leo Marvin (Richard “I was in Jaws” Dreyfuss), gives Bob his newest book entitled Baby Steps . Wiley takes this seriously; hilarity ensues. Baby steps are exactly what the automotive community is experiencing when it comes to fully automated cars. It started with cruise control in the early twentieth century and each baby step taken gets us closer and closer to fully autonomous motoring. The newest baby step, though still in its infancy, is what GM calls Super Cruise (don’t confuse it with sustained, supersonic-level flight without afterburners). As expected, Super Cruise will make freeway driving autonomous. This makes sense because the controlled environment of a restricted-access road limits the variables: the cars are (hopefully) going the same direction and relative speeds between them are fairly similar. Super Cruise utilizes all the current safety systems (like lane-departure warning, collision prevention, blind-spot monitoring, and stability control) for real-time data. Other data collectors include cameras, GPS, radar, and ultrasonic sensors. Comparison Test: 2009 Cadillac CTS-V vs. 2010 Jaguar XFR, 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Instrumented Test: 2012 Cadillac CTS 3.6 Sedan First Drive: 2012 Cadillac SRX A myriad of sensors with 360 degrees of detection helped GM overcome what it says was the biggest hurdle: keeping a Super Cruise–equipped car in the middle of its lane. For example, GPS data can communicate upcoming curves in its path. Cameras and other sensors will spot people, lane markings, and pinpoint the relative location of other cars on the road. Like Sex Panther, Super Cruise will work 100 percent of the time, some of the time. Rain and snow, for example, reduce the usefulness of some sensors to nil. If that is the case, the driver will have to take the helm. We’re not sure how the car will cope with switching from autonomous mode to driver-controlled, but we would suggest a warning that could not be ignored. The hope is to have Super Cruise in production by the middle of this decade. A betting man would say this technology will roll out on the Cadillac XTS or a possible future Cadillac flagship,...