See The New BMW Concept 4 Grille Redesigned By Another Fan

BMW has probably been getting a lot of hate mail from fans criticizing the design direction the next-generation 4 Series Coupe is going to take with its oversized grille. The Concept 4 unveiled earlier this month at the Frankfurt Motor Show was certainly moulded after the next-gen 4er coupe, so the road-going model will be very similar, albeit some of the design cues might be toned down.

Inspired by iconic models such as the 3.0 CSi and the 328 according to BMW, the controversial grille has lost its thick metal framing to match the look of the large air intakes at the corners of the front bumper. It lends the car a meaner appearance and we actually prefer it to the original design, but as always, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Like it or not, bigger BMW grilles are here to stay. Following the X7 and the facelifted 7 Series, prototypes of the next-generation M3 have been caught hiding enlarged kidneys. Logic tells us there’s also a pretty good chance the new 4 Series Convertible we’ve spotted on numerous occasions was also carrying the new corporate grille. In addition, concepts like the Vision M Next, i Vision Dynamics, Vision Next 100, and the Vision iNext all had chunky grilles – as seen below.

In BMW's defence, if Audi can get away with its large single-frame grille and Lexus with its huge spindle grille, we can learn to tolerate the oversized kidneys.

As for the production-ready 4 Series Coupe, it’ll likely come out at some point in 2020 and be joined shortly by the soft-top convertible replacing today’s metal roof configuration.

 

Credit:
Motor1.com

See The Newly Remodelled 30 Million Naira 2020 BMW 7-Series Car - Photos

BMW's flagship sedan, the 7-series, now matches its new X7 SUV counterpart thanks to its drastically enlarged kidney grilles. By BMW's own measurement, they're 40 percent bigger than before, and they lend a newfound sense of presence to the biggest Bimmer four-door, even if they look a bit ridiculous. Other changes to the 2020 7-series include updates for the optional V-8 engine, a revised plug-in hybrid model, and plenty of new tech features—including an option for hands-free driving under certain circumstances.

As before, the lineup starts with a six-cylinder 740i model and tops out with a V-12 M760i model, and both of those engines are unchanged. The next-rung-up 750i, though, gets the same updated twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 from the 8-series; it makes 523 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, increases of 80 hp and 74 lb-ft. All-wheel drive is now standard on the 750i, making the base 740i the only rear-wheel-drive 7-series left.

A plug-in-hybrid variant continues but gets an entirely different powertrain, which triggers a name change from 740e to 745e. Like the plug-in X5 SUV, the 7-series swaps its turbo-four gas engine for a turbo six, which begets a combined 389 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, up 67 hp and 73 lb-ft from the 740e. That power is still routed through an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. A new 12.0-kWh lithium-ion battery pack will presumably increase electric-only driving range, although BMW isn't releasing official numbers yet.

A wide range of new technology features is available, including BMW's new voice assistant for the infotainment system, optional laser headlights, a digital gauge cluster, and the latest iDrive 7.0 software with updated graphics and menus. New optional active-safety features include the Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, a system that made its debut in the X5. It allows the driver to take his or her hands off the wheel at up to 37 mph while it manages steering, acceleration, and braking and uses a camera to make sure the driver is still paying attention to the road.

Beyond the massive new grille, other visual changes include different taillights, new wheel designs ranging from 18 to 20 inches, and several new color choices, some of which are part of BMW's Individual customization program. Under the skin, there is additional sound deadening material and—to get really specific—new power-window motors that are said to be smoother.

The updated 2020 7-series models go on sale in April. Prices haven't been announced yet, but shouldn't change much from the current car, which ranges from $84,645 (#31million) for the 740i up to $159,395 (#57.8 million) for the top-dog M760i.

BMW Designworks Collaborates to Develop New Camper Concept

In collaboration with The North Face, BMW Designworks just unveiled a new camper concept with virtual reality experience. It’s a special project that offers you a glimpse of future protection from the elements. This lightweight camper and virtual experience were designed to present you a new fabric innovation from The North Face, it’s called FutureLight. This fabric users Nanospinning technology in order to create the world’s most breathable, advanced, and waterproof material, perfect for even extreme conditions.

Inspired by the 2008 BMW Gina concept car, FUTURELIGHT camper uses a fabric outer shell that consists of flexible material stretched over an iconic geodesic dome. It demonstrates the potential use of FUTURELIGHT fabric beyond just apparel by combining both physical and digital worlds to ensure the holistic vision of the brand would be clearly communicated while offering hands-on experience to people.

Thanks to revolutionary Nanospinning process, it allows The North Face designs to infuse air permeability into the membrane of fabric for the first time. This process creates nano-sized holes that allow for incredible porosity yet maintaining its total waterproofness. The air moves through the material to provide venting than ever before.

Children's Hospital Unveils Mini-Cars for Patients to Ride to Surgery

Give a child something to play with and he will forget his pains, children are an amazing and wonderful bundle of joy God has given us and so, therefore, they are unique, but when they in pains or in agony, we can't but feel emotional for these little ones. A children's hospital in California decided to add a twist to make life easier and more fun for kids and I was wondering, what if we have this type of treatment in Massey Hospital in Lagos.

A children’s hospital in California has unveiled a special feature to put its young patients at ease as they head into the operating room.

Children at the Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego can now “drive” themselves to their procedures in luxury mini-cars.

The fancy sets of wheels, which are actually operated by a nurse or doctor, are part of a new program designed to relax children before their operations.

“We’re so excited,” said Dr. Daniela Carvalho, the hospital's medical director of surgical services.

“Just the fact that... we’re able to help our children and their families in the operating room relax a little bit more, and actually have fun when they’re going to the operating room, is just tremendous.”

Children can choose from a miniature BMW, Mercedes or Lamborghini, which were donated by the San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Teddy Bear Drive.

So far, the cars have been a big hit, Carvalho said.

“The kids are having fun, the parents are seeing that they’re relaxed and that they’re happy, but for us — I mean, we’re driving the cars, we’re having fun, too, of course,” she said.

Other hospitals have also made similar upgrades to their modes of transportation to take their young patients’ minds off things.

BMW 8-Series Pictures leaked - Photos

We've seen countless spy photos of the BMW 8-Series over the past few months and now we're getting an undisguised look at the upcoming coupe.

Previewed by the 8-Series concept, the production model has a tamer appearance but remains pretty faithful to the original as it features slender headlights and a large grille with chrome trim. The car also has a more conventional front bumper and redesigned mirrors with integrated turn signals.

The sporty styling continues out back as the 8-Series has a ventilated rear fascia and a dual exhaust system. We can also see slim taillights and dark cladding on the lower bumper.

The pictures are pretty blurry but this particular model appears to be wearing 850i badging. If the 750i is any indication, it could mean the coupe is powered by a 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine that produces 445 hp (331 kW) and 479 lb-ft (648 Nm) of torque.

The BMW 8-Series Coupe will go into production later this year and it will be joined by a convertible variant. M8 versions are also in the works and BMW M boss Frank van Meel has suggested they could be more powerful than the M5 which develops 600 hp (447 kW) and 553 lb-ft (748 Nm) of torque.

Credit: CarScoops

These are the top 10 concept cars of 2017

2017 will be gone in a couple of days and it is necessary we look back to check on the happenings of the year, we check the high and low part of the year, what innovation has wowed us and what needs to be amended. International motor trade fairs, historic Concours, and private press shows have all witnessed the debuts of many unique, first-of-a-kind concept cars in 2017. These vehicles, often fully autonomous, sometimes quirky but almost always highly beautiful in their own right, typically unveil a brand’s new design direction and advancements in technology. however, this year, the automotive world saw a slight shift as the conceptual trend moved from forecasting futuristic visions of self-driving to issues much closer to hand. these include topics such as electric driving, retro-infused styling, and put simply new and wonderful looking sports cars.

1 – Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Cabriolet Concept

Revealed at the 2017 Concours d’elegance at Pebble Beach, California, the Mercedes-Maybach ‘6 cabriolets’ concept follows on from the sensational coupé shown in 2016 and showcases luxury in an open top form. the two-seater pays homage to the glorious age of aero coupés and consciously carries this tradition forward into the future. the convertible reinterprets classic, emotional design principles, in a styling that blends smooth surfaces with defined yet sculpted lines. Measuring almost six meters, the electric automobile has an output of 550 kW (750 hp) with a shallow, underfloor battery that allows a range of over 500 kilometres.

2 – BMW concept 8 series

On the occasion of the Concorso d’Eleganza villa d’este 2017, BMW debuted the world premiere of the ‘concept 8′ series, and with it, introduced a completely new design language for the brand. With a sweeping sculptural form, the concept car exudes a more sophisticated and luxurious style, yet still delivers a strikingly dynamic character. From the reinterpreted ‘kidney’ grille to the precise lines that flow along the flanks, The automobile is unlike any BMW seen before and will top the brand’s model line.

3a – Honda sports EV concept

Honda unveiled the ‘sports EV’ concept at the 2017 Tokyo motor show, a striking electric sports car with zero emissions. The vehicle is the second model to be previewed on the firm’s dedicated electric car platform, after the ‘urban EV‘ city car from the Frankfurt motor show 2017. The ‘sports EV’ concept references the long bonnet of the ‘S2000’, with proportions of a front-engined, rear-wheel drive electric sports car. It would join the NSX and civic ‘type R’ as one of the Japanese–automaker’s performance vehicles.

3b – Honda urban EV concept

The 2017 Frankfurtt motor show, the Hondaa ‘urban EV’ concept was revealed, leading a completely new platform for the Japanese automaker. The all-electric vehicle highlights their direction to deliver the technology and design that will appear on future battery-run production models of Honda. The concept showcases a simple yet sophisticated design, where its low and wide proportions give it a muscular stance, whilst with an edge of sportiness. At its front, multilingual messages can be displayed between the headlights, including greetings, advice for other drivers on the road, or charging status updates.

4 – INFINITI Prototype 9

Nissan and INFINITI unveiled a sleek, open-wheeled electric retro-roadster prototype at the 2017 pebble beach Concours d’elegance. the car, dubbed ‘prototype 9’, is a celebration of the Hong Kong-automaker’s ingenuity, artistry and craftsmanship. furthermore, it represents a reimagining of a 1940’s race car with time-honoured production techniques, such as a team of ‘Takumi’  hand-beating panels, to realize its retro design.

5 – AUDI Aicon Concept

At the 2017 edition of IAA, better known as the Frankfurt motor show, AUDI unveiled its ‘aicon’ concept car — an all-electric luxury vehicle that can travel up to 800 kilometres (500 miles) on a single charge. according to its designers, the autonomous sedan, which features four doors, but no steering wheel or pedals, combines innovations relating to the drivetrain, suspension, digitalization, and sustainability. Rather than a robotic taxi, designed for purely functional purposes, the car seeks to merge the advantages of door-to-door transportation with the ambience of a first-class airline cabin.

6 – Renault SYMBIOZ

Following the notion that the car has become a home away from home, at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show, Renault takes this concept a step further as it showcases not only a car but also domestic interior. By being fully autonomous and electric, the ‘SYMBIOZ’ proposes a change in the way humans interact with their vehicles. This is through maximizing the comforts within the car and allowing it to function as an additional, livable space.

7 – Mazda Vision Coupe

Revealed at the 2017 Tokyo motor show, the Mazda ‘Vision Coupe’ concept expresses a minimalist Japanese aesthetic. Its highlights include a ‘kodo – soul of motion’ exterior that embodies an aesthetic of a simple ‘one-motion’ form, which conveys a sense of speed. the interior applies the concept of ma (literally ‘space’) from traditional Japanese architecture, combining three-dimensional depth with a strong longitudinal axis to produce a relaxed space while maintaining the feeling of motion. The vehicle’s name pays homage to the manufacturer’s tradition of design elegance represented by coupé models like the ‘R360’, Mazda's first passenger car, and the ‘luce rotary’, also known as the ‘R130’.

8 – Volkswagen I.D. BUZZ

Shown at NAIAS 2017 in Detroit, USA, the Volkswagen ‘I.D. BUZZ’ concept is a self-driving campervan that exemplifies the brand’s new era of electric mobility. The multifunctional vehicle combines nostalgic design cues, such as pure form, honest character and authentic emotionality with innovative technology. With a light press on the VW logo, the electrically retractable steering wheel disappears into the cockpit. Laser scanners, ultrasonic, radar sensors and cameras monitor other road users and the surroundings, whilst the driver relaxes. due to the popularity of the concept, Volkswagen announced in late 2017 that the ‘I.D. BUZZ’ will go into production, initially scheduled for a 2022 market date.

9 – MINI Electric Concept

Again, at the 2017 Frankfurt motor show, MINI showcased its latest EV with the simply named ‘Electric Concept’. the vehicle itself embodies a whole new dimension of the brand’s characteristic go-kart feeling, whilst combining it with locally emission-free mobility. The powerful drive of the car draws its energy from a lithium-ion battery, ensuring maximum range and typical MINI agility with emission-free mobility. Significantly, since the electric motor does not require cooling air, the hexagonal front grille is closed in order to enhance its aerodynamic properties. This, as well as the fibreglass attachment that reduces drag, are finished in a reflective silver and interchangeable yellow, which is reminiscent of the MINI E presented in 2008.

10 – Toyota TJ cruiser

As a new crossover genre vehicle, the Toyota ‘TJ cruiser’ cruiser debuted at the 45th Tokyo motor show 2017. The vehicle represents the harmonious balance between the roominess of a cargo van and the powerful design of an SUV. Designed for drivers with lifestyles where work and play intertwine constantly and almost seamlessly, the name’s ‘T’ stands for ‘Toolbox’, alluding to how it can be used like one, whilst the ‘J’ stands for ‘Joy’ in reference to experiencing new places by car. Inside, the passenger seats can be reclined completely flat, allowing the automobile to accommodate extra large items, such as 3 meter long surfboards and bikes.



Credit:
DesignBoom

See this BMW futuristic motorcycle that belongs to blade runner

I am getting scared of the way and manner that technology is about shaping our world, imagine driving this type of motorcycle in 5 years time in Lagos. This has been dubbed the ‘KHAN’, this sharp motorcycle concept depicts the future of motorcycle brand, BMW. Turkish designer, Mehmet Erdem, has created several motorcycles and otherworldly vehicle concepts in the past. Based in Istanbul, Erdem has created no less than eight other captivating BMW motorcycles, which all exhibit a unique and authentic interpretation of the brand.

In addition to the name, the ‘KHAN’s’ stylized form appears to be rather fitting for blade runner. surely, if this vehicle were to ever be produced, it would be something that Rick Deckard would consider upgrading to, due to its radical design and probable performance capabilities. Similarly to the science fiction movie, this design exercise will almost certainly never make reality and will remain only at a concept phase. still, Erdem's renderings can serve to inspire manufacturer’s designers to take greater risks, to design truly dramatic and mesmerizing motorcycles.