New BMW M6 Convertible and BMW X1 Sport Activity Vehicle to Make World Debuts at the New York International Auto Show

Additional Featured BMW Vehicles Include the North American Debuts of the
BMW M6 Coupe and BMW X6 M and the U.S. Auto Show Debut of the BMW 640i Gran Coupe

The BMW M6 Convertible and BMW X1 Sport Activity Vehicle will make their World Debuts at the 2012 New York International Auto Show on Wednesday, April 4th at the BMW Stand from 10:15 a.m. – 10:40 a.m. at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center (655 West 34th Street at 11th Avenue) in Manhattan.  The BMW M6 Convertible and BMW X1 will be joined by the BMW M6 Coupe, BMW X6 M (North American debuts) and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe (U.S. auto show debut) as the featured BMW vehicles in New York. The BMW i3 and i8 Concepts will also be featured providing a glimpse into the future of mobility.

The iconic BMW M6 Convertible and Coupe return from a two year hiatus more powerful, more athletic, more focused, more luxurious and more efficient than ever before.  Since the “M6” badge was first placed on a BMW back in 1987, this model has exemplified the luxury and daily usability of a top range BMW coupe combined with true super-car performance.  Now, in its 3rd generation, the all-new BMW M6 sports a new 560hp M TwinPower Turbo V-8 mated to a 7-speed M-DCT transmission capable of propelling either model from 0 to 60mph in under 4.3 seconds.  

The hotly anticipated BMW X1 Sport Activity Vehicle comes to the U.S. for the first time. Its rising horizontal lines give it a sporty, elegant profile, while the classic BMW kidney grille, distinctive headlights and L-shaped taillights are unmistakably BMW.  The BMW X1 is also the latest BMW vehicle to offer the TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine which delivers BMW performance with reduced fuel consumption.  The updated BMW X1 will be available in U.S. showrooms in summer 2012.

The recently updated BMW X6 M Sports Activity Coupe combines the athletic and elegant lines of a coupe with the character of a BMW X model and an outstanding driving experience.  The new X6 M receives several design updates and innovative features intended to emphasize its width and track and road-holding prowess.

Introducing the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe – a new 4-door, 4+1 seat addition to the 6 Series line that successfully combines the stunning proportions, design and driving dynamics of the 6 Series Coupe with interior room and amenities for up to five passengers. Harmonious proportions, precise lines and sleekly contoured surfaces give the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe the unique ability to satisfy the driver who wants a luxurious and sporty coupe yet needs a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort and luxury. The BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe will be offered as three distinct models in the USA. The TwinPower Turbo 6-cylinder powered BMW 640i Gran Coupe is the initial model and arrives early this summer. Later this summer, the TwinPower Turbo V-8 powered 650i Gran Coupe and the all-wheel drive 650i xDrive Gran Coupe will join the range.

DATE:                 Wednesday, April 4, 2012

TIME:                  Press Conference: 10:15 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.  EST
                            Interviews: All Day

PLACE:              Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
                           655 West 34th Street at 11th Avenue  
                           BMW Stand

BMW Executives available for interviews include:

• Ludwig Willisch, President and CEO, BMW North America

Ludwig Willisch became President of BMW North America on October 1, 2011 and is available to discuss overall company business in North America.  Willisch began his career with the BMW Group in 1996 as manager of the BMW branch in Düsseldorf.  He later gained further national and international sales experience as head of the local sales subsidiaries in Germany, Japan and Sweden and served as Head of European Sales.

• Dr. Friedrich Nitschke, Managing Director of BMW M, BMW AG

Dr. Nitschke became the managing director of BMW M in May 2011 and is available to discuss the BMW M brand and specific BMW M product offerings including the new 2012 BMW M6 Convertible and Coupe and the BMW M5, which debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show last November.

• Peter Miles, Executive Vice President of Operations for BMW of North America  

Peter Miles is the Executive Vice President of Operations for BMW of North America and is available to discuss all facets of BMW business in North America including sales and strategy.

• Thomas Schemera, VP of Sales and Marketing BMW M, BMW AG

           Matt Russell, M Brand Manager, BMW of North America
Thomas Schemera is available to discuss global positioning of the BMW M brand and the division’s current product offerings. Matt Russell is available to discuss details and technical specifications of all BMW M product offerings including, but not limited, to the all-new BMW M6 Convertible and Coupe and recently launched BMW M5.

• Dan Creed, Vice President, Marketing, BMW of North America

Dan Creed is available to discuss BMW’s marketing efforts in North America including the company’s current campaign in support of the all-new BMW 3 Series Sedan and involvement in the upcoming 2012 Olympic Summer Games in London.

• Nader Faghihzadeh, Exterior Designer, BMW 6 Series, BMW AG

As exterior designer of the BMW 6 Series, Faghihzadeh is available to discuss the specific design elements of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe.

• Rich Steinberg, Manager, Electric Vehicle Operations & Strategy, BMW of North America

Rich Steinberg, Manager of Electric Operations & Strategy, will be on hand to discuss BMW’s strategy for electric vehicles in the United States – including the BMW ActiveE, BMW i3 and BMW i8.

• Paul Ferraiolo, Manager, Product Planning & Strategy, BMW of North America

Paul Ferraiolo is available to discuss the new BMW 3 Series Sedan and all new BMW products for 2012.

• Oliver Ganser, Product Strategy  & Market Research Manager, BMW of North America

Oliver Ganser is available to discuss the technical specifications and model variants of the BMW X1 Sports Activity Vehicle.

• Alanna Bahri, 3, 5, 6 & 7 Series Product Manager, BMW of North America

Alanna Bahri is available to discuss details and technical specifications of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe, as well as the BMW 3, 5 and 7 Series models.

• Rob Passaro, Senior Project Manager, BMW Technology Office

Rob Passaro from the BMW Technology Office will be available to discuss the new apps that have been developed and how this technology is being integrated into BMW vehicles, including the company’s recent announcement regarding its plans to integrate Stitcher radio’s on-demand streaming functionality into vehicles equipped with the BMW Apps and MINI Connected technologies.

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BMW M5 E61 Touing 2011 – G-Power Hurricane RS Touring

After the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RS with twin-supercharged engine and 750 hp/551 kW set the record for the world‘s fastest saloon car at the end of 2008 with 367.4 km/h, G-POWER went one better in 2010 with the next evolution, the M5 HURRICANE RR, which took the existing record to a new high of 372 km/h.

Now, a limited run of only 1,025 BMW M5 E61 Touing 2011 models are being equipped with the stunning 750 hp/551 kW V10 twin-supercharged power plant from the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RS. As a consequence, the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RS Touring now takes its place in the record books as the world’s fastest estate car. With a top speed of 360 km/h (limited), it beats the existing record of 344.2 km/h (MTM RS6 R) from 2009 by 15.8 km/h, and the record of 320 km/h (Brabus T V12) from 1997 by a whopping 40 km/h. Use the following link to see video footage of the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RS Touring reaching its electronically limited top speed of 360 km/h: Alongside the 5.0l BMW V10 high-revving power unit, the basis for the phenomenal power output of 750 hp is provided by a G-POWER twin-supercharger system, version SK IIII RS. Downstream of the two ASA T1-316 superchargers, charging one cylinder bank each, the pre-compressed charge air is brought down to performance-enhancing temperatures by the twin-scroll, water-cooled intercooler finished in G-POWER’s characteristic orange. The intercooler, a sophisticated cast aluminium component replaces the series-production airbox above the engine, where its short airways facilitate the same spontaneous responsiveness as the series-production engine, albeit combined with a considerable benefit in torque.

On the inside, the ten-cylinder four-valve engine BMW M5 E61 Touing 2011 is optimized by lightweight, precisely balanced Mahle high-performance forged pistons with lower compression and increased stiffness. And because the standard con-rods and piston pins are not capable of withstanding the significantly increased forces, they, too, have been replaced by specialist parts. Optimized mapping for the engine electronics also contributes to the peak power output of 750 hp/551 kW between 7,500 and 8,000 r/min. The maximum torque of 750 Nm is reached at 5,000 revs.

It goes without saying that the stunning performance of the G-POWER HURRICANE RS Touring is not limited to top speed alone. The approximately 2-tonne estate sets equally impressive standards with a 0-100 km/h time of less than 4.5 seconds, as well as 9.7 seconds to 200 km/h and 26 seconds to the 300 km/h mark.

A two-tonne vehicle weight and a top speed of 360 km/h (limited) set extreme demands on the tyres, which is why the G-POWER M5 HURRICANE RS Touring runs on 20-inch G-POWER SILVERSTONE DIAMOND wheels with MICHELIN Pilot Sport rubber measuring 255/35 ZR 20 and 285/30 ZR 20. Developed specifically for BMW models, the G-POWER SILVERSTONE DIAMOND alloy wheel sets itself apart from the masses by its outstanding combination of twin spokes and the hallmark G-POWER “concave design”.  Another feature of the G-POWER SILVERSTONE rim BMW M5 E61 Touing 2011 is its weight-optimized design, enabling stability equal to that of factory wheels with a lower unit weight. Noticeably improved ride comfort and considerably better agility are further direct results of minimizing the unsprung masses. Handling is also enhanced by the G-POWER G5-RS coil-over suspension with nine-way adjustability for compression and rebound plus infinitely variable height adjustment.

A further factor contributing to the high-speed capabilities of the HURRICANE RS Touring is the G-POWER brake system front and rear. With a disc diameter of 396 mm on the front and 380 mm on the rear, combined with 6 and 4-pot callipers respectively, deceleration forces upwards of 1g are perfectly conceivable. Naturally, the G-POWER brake system boasts a crystal clear biting point and rest assured that fading, even under extreme load, is not an issue. Also worthy of consideration is the optional G-POWER ceramic brake set, which delivers a reduction in unsprung masses of around 50%.

The BMW M5 E61 Touing 2011 does not only set benchmarks in performance, but also when it comes to individuality and exclusivity. The interior of the M5 Touring, upholstered by G-POWER in premium leather and Alcantara offers impressive confirmation of what is possible above and beyond “BMW Individual” equipment. The painstaking work carried out by hand by G-POWER craftsmen goes far beyond simply upholstering virtually every surface with the finest grades of leather and Alcantara. In contrast to many leather workshops, G-POWER takes the time to reshape the original BMW seat cushions. Only thanks to this unique technology can the distinctive look created by G-POWER be achieved in combination with an optimum synthesis of comfort and lateral grip.

The visual highlight of the G-POWER full leather upholstery is the diamond stitching on almost all surfaces, such as the seats, roof pillars and the entire headliner, with even the floor mats and rear load surface finished in this symmetrical pattern. G-POWER logos integrated into the seats and headliner set tasteful accents in this sophisticated composition of the very finest materials.As a complete vehicle, the BMW M5 E61 Touring costs € 242,016.80 Euros (net) and includes the 20” wheel set, suspension, brake system and the power increase to 750 hp, as well as the G-POWER full-leather upholstery to the level illustrated.bmw e61 (24)04 denali hp (11)bmw m5 touring (10)bmw latest model (5)bmw m5 (4)bmw connecteddrive (4)x6 ???? (3)bmw m5 2011 (3)styled bmw e61 (3)BMW M5 G-Power Hurricane RR (3)

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Select A Quality Car Cover

Maybe the thought of owning a car cover sounds a bit ridiculous to you. After all, you typically keep your car garaged, right? Besides, who wants to have an ugly tarp draped over a car anyway? Not you! Car covers serve a purpose even for the person who keeps their vehicle sheltered most of the time. Let’s examine the benefits of owning a car cover and how you can go about selecting one that is right for your car.

If you leave your car outside, there is a nemesis that takes aim at your car...birds! Yes, birds are all right, but their excrement is not. If you don’t wash it off right away, your car’s finish can be damaged. Some bird poop is so damaging that even a buff and wax job won’t completely restore the finish. A car cover will catch the poop before it does permanent damage.

While we humans can slap on sun block, no finish can completely do the work of protecting your car. Better to have your car covered over instead of exposed to the sun’s damaging rays.

So, you think keeping your car out of the sun by parking under trees will help, do you? Not so fast! Whereas most sun rays may not get through, your tree loves to drop sap, buds, leaves, sticks, and branches...right on top of your car. Some car covers are thick enough to help your car resist those small branches that fall from time to time and take aim at your car!

Funny isn’t it when you own a nice car everyone likes to peer inside to check it out. Leaning and rubbing up against the car’s body can scratch the finish in no time. Besides, do you really want everyone gawking at your car’s expensive audio system? I don’t think so!

Some car covers offer top protection by keeping rain, snow, ice, mud, dirt, and dust away. Yes, even if you park your car in the garage, dirt, dust, and indoor pollution can take their toll.

Your neighbor kid loves to whack his soccer ball around...too bad that it takes dead aim at your car. A quality car cover can withstand small “insults” that can scratch or dent the body.

So, how do you select a car cover? Well, for starters what do you want from a cover? Some covers offer minimum protection and will absorb bird poop, tree sap, and diminish the sun’s rays, but not much more. On the other hand, certain car covers made of four layered breathing material offer the most protection. Even better are those heavy duty car covers that come with side mirror pockets. Why are they a good idea? Well, they offer a snug fit and are crafted with the exact make/model of your vehicle in mind. No worrying that your car cover will work loose because it isn’t fitted properly.

Yes, a car cover can be a great idea even for the garaged vehicle. The whole goal of owning a car cover is to protect your vehicle’s finish and then some. Not all car covers are alike, so do some comparison shopping for the one that is best for your car. Oh, by the way, there is no “one size fits all” car cover [you want one custom sized to your vehicle's dimensions]. If someone tries to sell you one, you would do better to run to your home supply store and findng a tarp for your vehicle!

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Exceptional European Automakers

When you think of exceptional cars that are built in Europe, does your mind run strictly to cars made by Rolls Royce, BMW, or Mercedes? Perhaps Jaguar and Lamborghini come to mind as well. Each of these makes deserve all the accolades given to them. Still, there are three makes that are, for various reasons, exceptional. Let’s take a look at Volvo, Volkswagen, and Audi, the three makes featured in this article.

For a country of just nine million to produce one automaker would be amazing enough. To lay claim to two automakers is simply phenomenal. Both Volvo and Saab are from this particular country which is Sweden. Now a part of Ford Motor Company, Volvo has greatly influenced the automobile industry over the years. Safety standards that had been universally low elsewhere are much more appreciated with Volvo. Front end crumple zones, reinforced roofs and specially designed interiors have all had their origin with Volvo. Out of these high safety standards have come a line of cars that are, indeed, some of the best built and safest cars on the road. Fortunately, through Volvo’s leadership, many automakers around the world have incorporated Volvo’s high safety standard. This is what makes Volvo exceptional in my eyes.

The company that brought to the world the first people’s car, the Beetle, is also exceptional. First designed in Germany during the 1930s, the Beetle survived World War II and was one of the most mass produced and loved cars in the world. From the 1950s forward the Beetle managed to make motorized transportation available to people who otherwise could not afford a car. From college students in the US to migrant workers in Mexico and from the gritty cities of Holland to the Irish farmlands, the Beetle made owning a car affordable the majority of the masses. Even after importation to the US ceased during the 1970s, the Beetle was produced for another generation and sold in Mexico.

Without drawing out the point too far, the term that best describes Audi’s quattro technology is “superior handling.” Perhaps that is an understatement but when Audi introduced quattro all wheel drive the company threw the gauntlet down and told the rest of the auto making world that quattro was the standard by which all luxury sedans would be judged. Audi's quattro technology has given the company such a huge advantage over competitors that over the years it has been banned from certain types of racing. Indeed, Audi’s quattro technology provides continuous traction long past when other road handling schematics have reached their threshold.

So, there you have it. Three truly exceptional automobiles from the European continent, exceptional in ways, perhaps, that should be labeled as extraordinary.

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Exceptional European Automakers

When you think of exceptional cars that are built in Europe, does your mind run strictly to cars made by Rolls Royce, BMW, or Mercedes? Perhaps Jaguar and Lamborghini come to mind as well. Each of these makes deserve all the accolades given to them. Still, there are three makes that are, for various reasons, exceptional. Let’s take a look at Volvo, Volkswagen, and Audi, the three makes featured in this article.

For a country of just nine million to produce one automaker would be amazing enough. To lay claim to two automakers is simply phenomenal. Both Volvo and Saab are from this particular country which is Sweden. Now a part of Ford Motor Company, Volvo has greatly influenced the automobile industry over the years. Safety standards that had been universally low elsewhere are much more appreciated with Volvo. Front end crumple zones, reinforced roofs and specially designed interiors have all had their origin with Volvo. Out of these high safety standards have come a line of cars that are, indeed, some of the best built and safest cars on the road. Fortunately, through Volvo’s leadership, many automakers around the world have incorporated Volvo’s high safety standard. This is what makes Volvo exceptional in my eyes.

The company that brought to the world the first people’s car, the Beetle, is also exceptional. First designed in Germany during the 1930s, the Beetle survived World War II and was one of the most mass produced and loved cars in the world. From the 1950s forward the Beetle managed to make motorized transportation available to people who otherwise could not afford a car. From college students in the US to migrant workers in Mexico and from the gritty cities of Holland to the Irish farmlands, the Beetle made owning a car affordable the majority of the masses. Even after importation to the US ceased during the 1970s, the Beetle was produced for another generation and sold in Mexico.

Without drawing out the point too far, the term that best describes Audi’s quattro technology is “superior handling.” Perhaps that is an understatement but when Audi introduced quattro all wheel drive the company threw the gauntlet down and told the rest of the auto making world that quattro was the standard by which all luxury sedans would be judged. Audi's quattro technology has given the company such a huge advantage over competitors that over the years it has been banned from certain types of racing. Indeed, Audi’s quattro technology provides continuous traction long past when other road handling schematics have reached their threshold.

So, there you have it. Three truly exceptional automobiles from the European continent, exceptional in ways, perhaps, that should be labeled as extraordinary.

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6 Pocket Rockets

Just as the car is small does not mean it has to be slow. In fact, some of the fastest cars on the road cars of today. Why? Because their owners are modified to the point where you can squeeze more power and acceleration. Let's take a look at six cars that qualify as true "pocket rockets."

There For the sake of argument, here are some basic rules for the pocket rocket:
The car must be a compact or less.

Must aspirated engine = turbo cars - four cylinders only. Need new versions of all cars retail for less than $ 20,000.

after the rocket so that all cars qualify pocket when all conditions are met:

Dodge Neon, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Scion tC, Subaru Impreza and Volkswagen Golf.

Unfortunately, the Mitsubishi Eclipse retail just over $ 20,000 so that does not qualify. Moreover, it is too much like a sports car, consider the vehicle that is a bit 'simple, before being transformed by aftermarket parts.

Dodge Neon - Technically, the neon is no longer in production in 2005 was the last model. Still, a 2.0L 132hp engine, the Neon is a favorite affordable to enjoy the younger personalization of their vehicles

Ford Focus - A lemon no more! Earlier models of the Focus were problem plagued, but the machine has made significant progress in recent years and found Consumer Reports recommended buy label too. The stubby ZX3 produces 136 horses with its 2.0L engine

Honda Civic - redesigned for 2006, the Civic has been a favorite of fans for over thirty years. Its teeny 1.8L engine pushes out an impressive 140 horsepower. The new Civic is a far cry from the "pregnant roller" skate first appearance of the Civic. Grateful owners.

Scion TC-Unlike its two boxy brethren, the TC has an elegant appearance and demeanor rocket. With a 2.3L under the hood, the engine TC second largest of any car in this class. You net 160 horses with the Scion.

Subaru Impreza - The largest car in this class is the most powerful engine, the engine producing 173 horsepower 2.5L Boxter. Very competitive with larger cars and more powerful, but a favorite among the "pocket rocket" fan anyway.

VW Golf - A Golf 2.0L 115hp unit, but allows the car to be light to buzz down the road is pretty good clip.

Favorite ways to squeeze more power owners pocket rocket includes the following sections to install aftermarket:

Among the top vendors; reusable K & N air filters and Green.

Tracks include; cold air intake system: K & N, AEM, and Airaid.
Cat-back exhaust systems, the main producers are: Magnaflow and lively.

Performance Chip Jet Chips Hypertec and lead by example.

performance level is measured increases in power, thrust and acceleration. Depending on the components installed and model selected, the improvements can range from small to significant. Regardless, all six models have the potential to be a real pocket rocket, and that part of the fun in single ownership.

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Tune yourself’ with the best performance software

Are you one of those passionate drivers, looking to extract maximum power from their engines without having to sacrifice the simplicity, safety and comfort that come with owning a European car? You now have but one choice – getting a big turbo software!

There are many available now on the market! The unitronic turbo software comes in a number of hardware configurations for most Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche and Volvo applications. There are also programs for all setups: from street/track monsters to quarter mile beasts. For certain setups that are not yet available, you can choose the dyno tuned custom software, tailored to your needs. There are many factors that determine how any software will react to your specific setup. This I’m telling you about is developed in house along with a network of enthusiasts constantly testing and data-logging to ensure the best drivability. In certain cases, there will be free software updates released, providing the best in drivability and performance.

The benefit of this special software over standalone engine management is that all the original manufacturers’ safety limits and functions are retained. By properly modifying the parameters which manage the engines power delivery and output, the original startup and driving characteristics will be maintained in all climates.

The performance software version introduces to you the smoothest and most reliable power gains available for your vehicle. All programs are precisely tuned for all driving conditions to bring you the most reliability. Professionals know that dynamometer test results are an over simplifications. They only tell part of the story since the engine is tested only at full throttle. You don't drive all day with your foot to the floor. That’s why you need a performance software, one that will maximize the power and torque you need in everyday driving conditions, where (we drivers know!) running smooth and brisk acceleration are equally as important. The unitronic performance software comes with an unconditional 30 day money back guarantee. The 30 day grace period will ensure that your expectations are met. If for any reason you are not satisfied, you may return it to your place of purchase for a full refund. Unitronics is all about your driving satisfaction. A risk-free satisfaction guarantee gives you total peace of mind.

And if you didn’t know, last year, in April, UNISetting was released. This useful application, developed by unitronic for the Bosch Motronic Me7 system, allows the user to manipulate and adjust the built-in ECM adaptation channels to enhance the enthusiast's particular setup - from stock to modified, oct specific tweaks and adjusting for larger Injectors to better suit performance and drivability. The application is, in fact, a USB based interface (the first of its kind!) to work with any Communication interface. This device actually enables you to use your USB VAG-COM Cable Ver.A, B or C to make minor tweaks to your ECM! Be careful! If you need a VAG-Com Cable to use this amazing tool, be sure to get the Genuine Ross-Tech Vag-com Cable.

So, if the answer to my introductive question is yes, stop thinking and order your software today! Get and feel the power you always wanted! You will be amazed! There is no doubt that the products of one of today's leading innovative

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