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“This Day Forward”: Joachim Back marks the launch of the new MINI Convertible
MINI has launched the third phase of the new MINI Convertible campaign with the release of the short film “This Day Forward”.
Protagonist Jake finds himself in such a situation, in which he has to decide whether to sell his record label in a deal worth millions or reject the offer and continue to pursue his dream in the music business. A total of three episodes, in which Jake relives the day of his decision, show how Jake gradually resolves to follow his heart. The film’s unique narrative mechanism, which reveals different facets and details of the story step by step, creates suspense and visualises the implications of Jake’s dilemma.
With this story, the short film personifies in Jake both the MINI target group’s positive and cosmopolitan attitude to life and the character of the new MINI Convertible – freethinking and open-minded, with a zest for life.
The short film entitled “This Day Forward” was shot on location in and around Miami and the Florida Keys. The Gulf Coast, with its white beaches and palm trees, and the multicultural, open-minded city of Miami correspond to the positioning of the MINI Convertible. The screenplay was written in close cooperation between MINI and the agency WCRS in London; Oscar-winner Joachim Back was directing. The Danish director’s experience with short films makes him the ideal creative partner. With his ambitious cinematic aspirations and love of detail, his work for the MINI Convertible goes far beyond the classic promotional film. His interpretation of the MINI Convertible’s character creates something quite unique.
The fact that the campaign centres on a short film, rather than classic advertising media, underlines the new MINI brand strategy, with a stronger focus on authenticity and content. With a short film, MINI is deliberately distancing itself from regular advertising media and setting a new benchmark. In this way, MINI is responding to the changing needs of its target group, for whom classic advertising is less and less relevant. Instead, the campaign relies on Jake’s relevant and authentic story to convey MINI’s core brand values of passion and a positive attitude to life in an emotional and contemporary way.
“By presenting the MINI Convertible attitude in a unique film, we are able to create a sustainable and authentic experience with an intensity that cannot be achieved in a regular ad”, explains Marc Lengning, head of MINI Brand Management.
The short film is the heart of the global MINI Convertible campaign. The campaign claim “Stay Open” symbolises the diversity of its target group and ties in with the “Always Open” campaign for the previous model. On a rational level, it highlights the possibility of driving the new MINI Convertible with the top down for even longer, thanks to new product features. On an emotional level, it reflects the free-spirited attitude of its target group, which is always cosmopolitan and open-minded.
See the new models and concept cars shown off at the 2014 Paris Motor Show
The Paris Motor Show 2014 kicked off on 2 October, and within hours we had floods of news, pictures and information direct from the show. We were expecting countless new car debuts, and a first look at some of 2015’s hottest cars – and we weren’t disappointed, as the wraps came off everything from the Jaguar XE and Mercedes AMG GT, to the new Volvo XC90 and facelifted Honda CR-V.
See the new models and concept cars shown off at the 2014 Paris Motor Show via the following photo gallery
The all-new BMW 2 Series Coupe
The BMW 2 Series Coupe was introduced in early 2014 as a replacment for the 1 Series Coupe. It’s based on the latest 1 Series hatchback but slightly stretched to create a sportier coupe bodystyle. Rather than thinking of it as a fancy 1 Series, though, BMW wants you to imagine it as a rival to cars like the Audi TT, Volkswagen Scirocco and Toyota GT 86.
The engine line-up is borrowed from the 1 Series, including a flagship 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo in the M235i, which boasts 322bhp. The majority of UK sales will consist of the 220d model, though, which gets a 181bhp 2.0-litre diesel.
The legendary 1968 BMW 2002 ‘passes the torch’ to the all-new BMW 2 Series Coupe.
Discover all-new 2014 BMW X4
The new BMW X4 is based on the technical blueprint of the BMW X3, but displays a sporting character very much its own and takes dynamics to another new level. That much is clear when you view the new model head-on. The look & feel is similar with BMW X6
The large air intakes positioned on the outer edges of the front end and the character lines in the front apron allow the BMW X4 – with its signature BMW twin headlights and front fog lamps (both optionally with LED technology) – to maximise its visual presence on the road. The roofline reaches its highest point above the driver and then swoops down smoothly to the trailing edge of the tailgate, mimicking the design language of a classical sporting coupe. The signature swage line running along the flanks of BMW models is split into two on the X4.
The new BMW X4 (fuel consumption combined: 8.3–5.0* l/100 km [34.0–54.3 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 193–130* g/km) blends the hallmark features of the successful BMW X family with the sporting elegance of a classical coupe, and introduces the unique Sports Activity Coupe concept to the premium mid-size segment.
Its dynamic pedigree is underlined by a wide range of cutting-edge high-performance engines, the xDrive all-wheel-drive system and an exclusive spread of standard equipment features such as variable sport steering, Performance Control and a sports leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles.
In keeping with the vivacious character of the new BMW X4, customers can choose from three petrol engines and a trio of diesel units from the BMW EfficientDynamics engine family, whose output ranges from 135 kW/184 hp to 230 kW/313 hp. All the engines meet the EU6 exhaust gas standard.
The BMW TwinPower Turbo technology of the state-of-the-art engines offers a promise of superb performance married with exceptionally low fuel consumption. For example, the flagship petrol unit in the BMW X4 xDrive35i (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 10.7/6.9/8.3 l/100 km [26.4/40.9/34.0 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 193 g/km) develops an outstanding 225 kW/306 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). The BMW X4 xDrive35i requires just 5.5 seconds to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph).
And an equally impressive performer in terms of power delivery and CO2 efficiency is the BMW X4 xDrive35d (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 6.7/5.5/6.0 l/100 km [42.2/51.4/47.1 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 157 g/km). Its 3.0-litre six-cylinder in-line engine generates 230 kW/313 hp and peak torque of 630 Nm (465 lb-ft).
The BMW X4 xDrive35d accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 5.2 seconds. The new-generation 2.0-litre diesel engine in the BMW X4 xDrive20d (fuel consumption urban/extra-urban/combined: 5.8–5.4*/5.1–4.8*/5.4–5.0* l/100 km [48.7–52.3/55.4–58.9/52.3–56.5 mpg imp]; CO2 emissions combined: 141–131* g/km) with eight-speed Steptronic transmission also sets the benchmark when it comes to fuel economy and CO2 emissions. Its four-cylinder unit produces 140 kW/190 hp and peak torque of 400 Nm (295 lb-ft).
The new BMW X4 Media Gallery
2014 BMW X4 | Source BMW, please read more.
BMW’s history in 1 minute
BMW became an automobile manufacturer in 1929 when it purchased Fahrzeugfabrik Eisenach, which, at the time, built Austin Sevens under licence under the Dixi marque. BMW’s team of engineers progressively developed their cars from small Seven-based cars into six-cylinder luxury cars and, in 1936, began production of the BMW 328 sports car. Aircraft engines, motorcycles, and automobiles would be BMW’s main products until World War II. During the war, against the wishes of its director Franz Josef Popp, BMW concentrated on aircraft engine production, with motorcycles as a side line and automobile manufacture stopped altogether.
After the war, BMW survived by making pots, pans, and bicycles until 1948, when it restarted motorcycle production. Meanwhile, BMW’s factory in Eisenach fell in the Soviet occupation zone and the Soviets restarted production of pre-war BMW motorcycles and automobiles there. This continued until 1955, after which they concentrated on cars based on pre-war DKW designs. BMW began building cars in Bavaria in 1952 with the BMW 501 luxury saloon. Sales of their luxury saloons were too small to be profitable, so BMW supplemented this with building Isettas under licence. Slow sales of luxury cars and small profit margins from microcars caused the BMW board to consider selling the operation to Daimler-Benz. However, Herbert Quandt was convinced to purchase a controlling interest in BMW and to invest in its future.
Quandt’s investment, along with profits from the BMW 700, brought about the BMW New Class and BMW New Six. These new products, along with the absorption of Hans Glas GmbH, gave BMW a sure footing on which to expand. BMW grew in strength, eventually acquiring the Rover Group (most of which was later divested), and the license to build automobiles under the Rolls-Royce marque.
Follow the evolution of the Ultimate Driving Machine through 10 decades of iconic design.
BMW i3: Start of production
The production of the BMW i3 started in Leipzig, Germany recently.
Have a closer look at the new way of production. The video describe the technology used in i3 development.
BMW Announces Pricing for All-New X5 Sports
The newly available rear-wheel drive 2014 X5 sDrive35i will start at $53,725 and the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35i is priced at $56,025. The 2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d price is $57,525 and the 2014 BMW X5 xDrive50i will start at $69,125. All prices include $925 destination and handling.
Newly-standard equipment for the X5 includes, but is not limited to, BMW’s Auto Start-Stop system, BMW’s iDrive4.2 Navigation System with Touchpad, 10 years of BMW Assist eCall service, 10 years of BMW TeleService, BMW Apps, 40-20-40 split-folding rear seat, and now standard Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering.
The all-new BMW X5 will offer a new model and a first for the original Sports Activity Vehicle, the X5 sDrive35i, which marks the first time that an X5 model has been offered with rear-wheel drive. It, along with the X5 xDrive35i, will be powered by BMW’s multi-award winning 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline-six. The V8-powered X5 xDrive50i will use BMW’s latest 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8. It offers improvements in horsepower and torque, while at the same time improving efficiency. These models will arrive in US showrooms in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Based on its popularity over the last several years, a new BMW Advanced Diesel model will join the line-up a few months later. The 2nd-generation X5 xDrive35d features a new 3.0-liter TwinPower Turbo inline six-cylinder diesel engine. It will provide the abundant torque for which BMW Advanced diesels have become renowned while offering significant improvements in efficiency over its predecessor.
All models will be equipped with BMW’s latest 8-speed automatic transmission. As was true of its predecessors, the all-new BMW X5 will be produced exclusively at BMW’s production facility in Spartanburg, SC.
Among the attributes that have set the BMW X5 apart in the automotive landscape has been its unique blend of sporty, elegant exterior design and luxurious, flexible interior ambiance. Those attributes have been enhanced with an entirely new design, inside and out.
For customers looking to add an additional element of individuality to their new X5, the Luxury Line, xLine or M Sport will be available, as will two Interior Design Packages – Ivory White and Mocha.
Class-leading driving dynamics have been a hallmark for the BMW Sports Activity Vehicle from the very beginning and the new X5 is no different.
BMW xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive can be complemented by Dynamic Performance Control as part of the optional Dynamic Handling Package. The Dynamic Handling Package also includes Active Roll Stabilization providing an additional edge to the X5’s sporty handling attributes as well as Dynamic Damper Control and a rear-axle air suspension. Adaptive M suspension, available as part of M Sport, also includes Dynamic Damper Control and rear air suspension with more sports-oriented suspension tuning.
Source, please read more.
BMW M Performance Parts. BMW 4 Series Coupe.
The new BMW 4 Series Coupe heralds the dawn of a new coupe era at BMW. Launched as the fourth generation of BMW’s sporty mid-size Coupe, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe embodies the very essence of aesthetic appeal and dynamics in the premium segment. Its stylistic features carry the promise of a powerful presence on the road, stand-out dynamic ability and driving pleasure in abundance.
Indeed, the new BMW 4 Series Coupe represents a paragon of balanced proportions and the final chapter in a story of development. The “4” in its title headlines this new era for the Coupe and emphasizes not only its stand-alone design, but also an even greater technical differentiation from its BMW 3 Series cousins.
The new BMW 4 Series Coupe is visibly larger in width and wheelbase than the outgoing BMW 3 Series Coupe, and its dynamically stretched coupe silhouette sits considerably lower to the road. This, together with its BMW-typical short overhangs, long bonnet and set-back passenger compartment with flowing roof line, lends the BMW 4 Series Coupe impeccable visual balance. The car’s striking front end – with its characteristic BMW design features, such as the double-kidney grille, twin circular headlights and a large air intake in the front apron – is keen to display its family ties with the BMW 3 Series. However, the more sporting interpretation of the BMW 4 Series Coupe also underlines its dynamic convictions.
A new element of the BMW 4 Series Coupe are the Air Breathers, positioned rearwards of the front wheel arches to reduce drag in this area. The Coupe’s muscular wheel arches and wide track make a particularly prominent contribution to the hunkered-down design of the rear, with its prominent horizontal lines.
Source, please read more.
All-new BMW i8 launching video
With its fascinating holistic concept, the BMW i8 brings the vision of a modern and sustainable sports car to life. The highly-emotional design immediately makes it clear what qualities the BMW i8 has to offer. Dynamic proportions show off its acceleration potential even when it’s standing still; and yet it doesn’t rely on being a pure-blooded sports car.
Its aesthetics always follow a functional goal: for example, more aerodynamics for maximum efficiency and absolute performance.
Please read more – BMW i
