The 1957 BMW 507 Roadster Series I first came into existence from renowned European car importer Max Hoffman stubbornly convincing BMW’s big brass to sidestep production on its customary microcars to instead take a stab at designing a hybrid speedster model. The renowned European auto importer envisioned a car that could straddle the line between a higher-end Porsche 356 Speedster and a Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, along with the sensibility and sophistication of an MG. The 507 Roadster extracted components from both the BMW 502 and 503 series — the centerpiece being the 3.2-liter overhead-valve V8 engine. Having only known four owners over the course of its life, this particular 1957 BMW 507 Roadster Series I has only 73,000 kilometers on its speedometer and is currently up for auction at RM Sotheby’s.
This year marks the 100-year anniversary of The Ultimate Driving Machine and, to celebrate, BMW has unveiled its most futuristic concept to date. Dubbed the Vision Next 100, the car follows the likes of January’s i8 concepts and envisions what the BMW of 2116 may look like. The result? A low-sitting, fully electric sedan that boasts the likes of four butterfly doors (each of which opens via proximity sensors), “flexible skin”-covered wheels, and the ability to drive itself. The car even boasts a driver-centric Boost mode whereby the driver takes control of the wheel as “Alive Geometry” presents three-dimensional warning messages or even shows the optimum line and speed the driver should take on the road. If autonomous Ease mode is more your style, however, you can kick back as the steering wheel becomes flush with the dash, the seats recline to a more comfy limo-like ride and the car itself points out surrounding scenery and passing landmarks. The Vision Next 100 also employs a so-called Companion personal assistant that monitors both the driver and passengers, learns their habits and adapts to their needs over time — it can even interact with nearby pedestrians.
For more on the German automotive giant’s vision of century ahead, venture on over to BMW’s dedicated Next 100 website.
German automobile tuning company AC Schnitzer unveils its stunning BMW i8 styling package. Revolutionizing sports cars of the future to have the fuel consumption and emission of a small hybrid car, the latest BMW i8 by AC Schnitzer features a bevy of carbon elements along the front spoiler, side skirts, and rear wing as the lowered body channels the powerful dynamic between the powerful petrol engine and the electric motor. A lightweight 21-inch AC1 forged alloy wheelset accentuates the minimal, yet refined tuning package as the interior boasts an aluminium pedal set and velour floor mats, reinforcing the lightweight design while retaining the car’s aerodynamic, sporty and sophisticated look.
source/text:hypebeast.com
Turkey-based industrial designer Mehmet Doruk Erdem has developed a futuristic motorcycle concept for BMW. Dubbed the “Apollo Streamliner,” the bike is a unique fusion of heritage and cutting edge characteristics, with a particular emphasis on speed. The two-wheeler’s classically-styled brown saddle, exposed engine and rear suspension serves as a contrast to the aerodynamic sloping front section that completely covers the front wheel. Probably more fitted to breaking landspeed records than for daily use, check out the BMW Apollo Streamliner above and head over to designboom to get a better look.
Source: DESIGNBOOM/HYPEBEAST
BMW introduces the second generation of the X5 M and X6 M with an all-new 2016 update. Each powered with a 4.4L V8 engine and boasting a 0-60 time of four seconds, the high-performance M duo launches to the tune of 567 HP while featuring a 10% increase in torque at 553 pound-feet. Improved exterior modifications to the cars include large front-end air intakes, side gills, M-detailed exterior mirrors and four-pipe exhaust, a rear spoiler for the X6, and 21-inch premium wheels. Some of the many interior improvements involve an xDrive all-wheel-drive system, Dynamic Stability Control, and a new eight-speed Steptronic transmission with paddle shifts, combining top performance driving capabilities with a refined supercharged M engine package. Slated to hit showrooms in 2015, the 2016 X5 M will be priced at $99,650 USD and the X6 M at $103,050 USD. Stay tuned for an official release at select BMW dealerships in the near future.
source/text:hypebeast.com
Fusing a luxury aesthetic that is exceptionally modern with technological innovations that cater to the needs of all occupants, BMW unveils its Vision Future Luxury concept vehicle. As Head of BMW Design Karim Habib puts it, “These innovations deliver a new, multifaceted luxury experience that spans intelligent lightweight engineering, innovative interior design and a radically new user interface design.” Key ingredients to this next-gen sedan include the use of lightweight carbon-based materials throughout, rear seat detachable tablets and a wrap-around cluster of three voice-activated displays each devoted to a specific aspect of driving.
These displays augment the driver’s view of the road by projecting information like speed limits, road signs and a traffic light assistant directly onto its windshield. Furthermore, the BMW Vision Future Luxury provides front passengers with their own interactive display where one can exchange information with the driver or even buy event tickets via the ConnectedDrive Luxury Concierge service. On its exterior, this concept model features a long wheelbase, a stretched silhouette, chrome trims, advanced aerodynamics, BMW’s signature twin grill and a brand new headlight technology – dubbed Laserlight – that proves to be ten times more intense than that of an LED system, whilst reducing energy consumption. The BMW Vision Future Luxury is intended to showcase the future of design for the German carmaker as well as inspire and motivate us to request these awesome innovations. It’s safe to say they have our attention.
source: hypebeast/designboom