In commemoration of Forza Motorsport 4's Europe release, Forza 4 teams up with BMW for the special BMW M5 FORZA CUP. Applicable for Forza 4 players in Germany, this special Community Monthly challenge pits German Forza 4 players to race against the clock at the Nurburgring GP Circuit using the all new BMW F10 M5. The player with the fastest lap time will be the lucky winner of the all new BMW F10 M5 to drive it on real life.
This is no ordinary M3 at its first glance because this kind of M3 was colored in "Chrome Silver", calling this the BMW M3 Showcar Chrome Bullet.
No, you can't have this kind of M3 but you can do this on Gran Turismo 5. If you have a "Chrome Silver" in your color collection and if you have a BMW M3 E92 in your garage, try and paint with this.
Now, I'm very confident that this is the kind of Bimmer you will probably drive it on the upcoming Forza Motorsport 4. Are you ready?
2012 BMW M5
Welcome the all new BMW M5 and this high-performance model uses the BMW F10 5-Series as its foundation to create an ultimate competitor against the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG and the upcoming Audi S6. As unexpected things happened in the world of high-performance cars, the new BMW M5 lost some of its "Fear Factor" such as the V10 engine and the manual transmission. So, what makes the new M5 an M5?
2012 BMW M5
This is how a "Nerd On A Wire" would feel like and once you yelled "Let's Go By Stretcher", the all new BMW M5 is your stretcher on steroids, I mean, the executive sedan on steroids. On the exterior design, everything was penned from the BMW F10 5-Series except for the M5, it has some of its exclusive details such as a quad exhaust, aggressive front bumper, black kidney grille, exclusive side mirrors, side gills, side sills, 20-inch alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler. The new exterior provides a Spartan look and feel to the driver who just can't get enough of this.
2012 BMW M5 interior
The new BMW M5 has an hospitable interior that lies underneath its Spartan exterior. Once you get inside, it feels like you are in control of the fastest executive sedan in the market. Although it may feature an available rear seat entertainment system, BMW iDrive feature, ConnectedDrive, climate control, and loads of technological features, the new BMW M5 offers exclusive interior details such as the BMW M seats, BMW M Leather Steering wheel with some unique stitching on it, and gearshift paddles. You might feel like you're the king of the autobahn once if you sit inside the all new BMW M5.
S63B44 engine
We are very confident that the all new BMW M5 shying away from its "Fear Factor" such as a manual transmission and a big V10 engine. Of course, BMW M's promise that all upcoming models will be equipped with turbocharged engines, unlike Mercedes-Benz's AMG that promises a turbo-only lineup but their portfolio only covers not only turbocharged models but also the most redundant Natural Aspiration models such as the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and the upcoming SLK55 AMG which features a technology similar to Honda's Variable Cylinder Management. Okay, now onto the F10 BMW M5, this high-performance model is equipped with the new S63B44 engine. This 4.4L V8 TwinPower Turbo engine produces 560PS/6000–7000rpm of power output, 680Nm/1500–5750rpm of torque output, and 0-100kmh in 4.4 seconds. The 7-speed M double clutch transmission with Drivelogic provide fast gear changes and those performance figures are user-defined and save it on the M Drive buttons. The M Servotronic provides more resistance at high speeds, providing maximum precision with the added comfort. Other features that can be highly beneficial to the M5 are the Active M Differential for balance, and M Compound Brakes for the maximum stopping power. The new BMW M5 is proven to be economical thanks to to its regenerative braking system and idling stop function for optimized fuel economy and low CO2 emissions, for a cleaner driving no matter what.
The new BMW M5 offers 8 color variations such as Saphirschwarz metallic, Havanna metallic, Silverstone metallic, Spacegrau metallic, Imperialblau Brillianteffekt metallic, Monte Carlo Blau metallic, Singapur Grau metallic, and Alpinweiß.
My comment:
The all new M5 may have lost some of its BMW Fear Factor to make way of its new twin turbo engine and 7-speed DCT, but this is one of the finest masterpieces BMW M Power created just for keeps but if I have to think that this car is built entirely for businessmen (not the Apprentice, Dragon's Den, Richard Branson, helicopters, or hostile takeovers), dull businessmen who are working from Swindon, like what Richard Hammond says in a Top Gear episode where the Vauxhall VXR8 and HSV Maloo R8 takes place, I say it's fine because some customers might want to spill the new BMW M5 silver or black paint and a hint of wood on the interior but whatever, this how the life the new BMW M5 is meant to be but with the turbo engine, I bet that whoever likes it would be a bad businessman or someone who's not a businessman.
The Infiniti M Hybrid, known in Japan as the Nissan Fuga Hybrid, is the first high-performance hybrid that delivers the power of the V8 engine and the fuel efficiency of a 4-cylinder engine thanks to the new Infiniti Direct Response Hybrid system.
By interest, the Infiniti M Hybrid sets a new Guinness World Record as the fastest hybrid vehicle while running straight at the Santa Pod Raceway in the United Kingdom.
According to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., the Infiniti M Hybrid's time of 5.5 seconds is on par with the 1982 Lamborghini Countach within a few tenths of some Porsches, Ferraris, and Aston Martins.
Japanese motoring journalist, Manabu Kawaguchi, tells all about the BMW 1 Series M Coupe! On that video; Manabu Kawaguchi explains more about his impressions about the 1 Series M Coupe, the junior elite of the BMW M Power, while making the laps at the Sodegaura Forest Raceway. We were happy to see that video having Kawaguchi-san got behind the wheel of the junior elite member of the BMW M Power line-up, which is the BMW 1-Series M Coupe!
There I said it. BOOM GOES THE DYNAMITE! Why? Because reports said that the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, launched in the Philippines last week, had every last model sold out. Or should I say, all limited units of the BMW 1 Series M Coupe are all been spoken for, in short, SOLD OUT! Wow, that was quick.
The first two units were spoken for while the following six would arrive from 4th quarter 2011. Remember, production of the 1-Series M Coupe is limited until December 2011 so better wish to have one of these!
Two of these high-performance compacts arrived a little too late of their lifespans but worth getting used to. When I compare both of these high-performance compacts, what can I expect? Both the Audi RS3 Sportback and BMW 1-Series M Coupe are highly offensive and both of the turbocharged engines are set to the offensive because they are trying to defend something.
However, I'm not going to see who's got the offense. Let's hand the comparison over to our friends from Auto Express shall we?
The BMW 1-Series M Coupe might be highly late to the party (because of the upcoming 1-Series coming soon) but it can be the belle of the ball if those high-performance car enthusiasts are willing to say shotgun to the latest addition to the BMW M range. Like the Audi RS3 Sportback, the BMW 1-Series M Coupe arrived late for class but accelerated to the highest level of overall enthusiasm.
2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe interior
The front view of the 1-Series M Coupe features a sporty front bumper courtesy of BMW M Power, providing the most aggressive face only hardcore drivers brave enough to stare against the 1 M Coupe's terrifying facial aggression. The face is not only we could be afraid of, even the side skirts, M badging, and the modified rear bumper is what something we should be bracing ourselves. With these exterior details, the invasion has just begun.
On the interior side, we are surprised that we are finally take control of the brute force by observing its bloody red stitching that adds vigor on the 1 Series M Coupe's interior. The instrumental panel seems to be carrying the tradition of BMW M Power cars but its still knows what we are doing, trying to push this car to the limits. The sports seats with red stitching make us feel like we are greeted with great power and a fresh smell of leather wrapped on the hungry mongrel. Every interior detail is the joy of expressing how cool is this M Power version of the BMW 1-Series Coupe. That's my point.
What else? The BMW 1-Series M Coupe is powered with the 3.0-litre BMW M TwinPower Turbo petrol engine that is loaded with 340 PS of power, 450 Nm of torque, top speed of 250 km/h, 4.9 seconds in the 0-100km run, consumes 9.6 Liter/100 km (combined), CO2 emissions of 224 g/km, and its Euro V compliant. The standard 6-speed manual transmission is the epitome of fandom, making this a real fun-to-drive 2-door coupe that will shun its competitors. A special M Dynamic Mode is added to take advantage of its DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) and other features for handling control unlike any other.
It comes in three colors; Valencia Orange metallic, Saphirschawrz metallic, and Alpineweiβ uni.
My comment:
The BMW 1-Series M Coupe might seem to be arrived late but this could be a kick-in-a-pants to drive. The good side about the 1-Series M Coupe is that it has the three-pedal goodness we, car enthusiasts, love to take action on the Autobahn. If you are willing to bring the 1-Series M Coupe to the Shutokou or the touge, it's up to you because this is not your average sports car targeted for the hardcore enthusiasts. One hot mama you can't resist because of its Twin Turbo engine and the 6-speed manual transmission we all love to shift.
Infiniti's first full-fledged hybrid premium sedan, the Infiniti M35h, is not your typical hybrid premium sedan built for the green wealthy people who want to indulge in something extravagant while keeping their commitment to the environment. The Infiniti M35h targets the likes of the Lexus GS450h and the Lincoln MKZ Hybrid and by comparison, the Infiniti M35h is faster, more fuel tank capacity, more room, and more fuel efficient than these hybrid premium sedans offered.
At first glance, the Infiniti M35h is armed with the hybrid version of the VQ35HR engine, producing a standard power output of 303hp/6800rpm and the torque output of 264 lb·ft/4800 rpm. However, there's a catch; the exclusive Infiniti Direct Response System reaches the M35h's VQ35HR hybrid engine to a full potential, thanks to the 50kW electric motor, guaranteed to hear some sinister "ready to attack" sounds that no other hybrid sedans done it before and it can reach 6 seconds on the 0-60mph run, making a grand power output of over 360hp as advertised. It even comes with a 7-speed automatic transmission that has no torque converter, making it a smooth-shifter on the long and winding roads. Like most hybrid sedans in the world, the Infiniti M35h comes with the regenerative braking system that can recharges the Lithium-ion battery while going for a full brake. It can be essential with the electronic booster assist.
In comparison, the Infiniti M35h stacks up against the Lexus GS450h because the fuel economy of the M35h has 32MPG highway while the GS450h garners 25MPG. That's good news but the bad news is, the M35h is not worthy against the Americanized Lincoln MKZ Hybrid because the MKZ Hybrid garners 36 of those miles per gallon highway.
My Comment:
With the exclusive Infiniti Direct Response System armed and ready on the M35h's VQ35HR hybrid engine, it was surely enough to gain the power of a V8 engine while gaining a fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. Surely a hybrid car with 360hp and 32 MPG highway is a sure fiery thing but the sinister M35h has a sinister "ready to attack" attitude to blow away the competition.
According to them, the BMW 4th generation M3 E90/92/93 will be the last BMW M Power car that has an natural aspiration engine as BMW M Power is shifting through an all-turbo high performance cars.
Look around, the BMW X5 M and the BMW X6 M are turbocharged, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe is turbocharged, and the future M5 is turbocharged.
Speaking of future M5, BMW unveiled the almost-ready M5 that will be shown as a show car at this year's Shanghai Motor Show.
It says it will be at Europe at the end of 2011 and in the North America at the first half of 2012.
I am glad that BMW M Power made the right choice, making the transition to all-turbo lineup in the future, not like Mercedes-Benz's AMG or Audi's S and RS line.
According to that article, the Nissan Fuga Y51 (launched in 4th quarter, 2009, following with the Fuga Hybrid since 4th quarter, 2010) will be in Malaysia, only for use with the Malaysian politicians. It would replace the aging Proton Perdana (based on the Mitsubishi Eterna) and it will be equipped with the VQ25HR (2.5L V6) engine.
The Nissan Fuga, when it arrives in Malaysia soon, will be used only for Malaysian politicians. No word on private ownership yet, but I just pray to the Philippine automotive Gods that either NMPI or Universal Motors Corporation will bring the Nissan Fuga Y51 as the Infiniti M37, but in my product of fantasy, this will be used by Philippine politicians.
Nissan's first hybrid luxury sedan, the Fuga Hybrid (known as the Infiniti M35 Hybrid)
Toyota's Crown Hybrid
Both are premium JDM VIP luxury hybrid sedans built for wealthy Japanese executives. Yes, these were VIP hybrids for the Japanese VIPs. I wonder which of these hybrid knights is my pick?
CASE ONE:
Based on the Nissan Fuga (Infiniti M) Y51, the Nissan Fuga Hybrid is the first of Nissan's kind and part of the Nissan Pure Drive range. What surprises me is the VQ35HR engine with the added electric motor. As a hybrid, the Nissan Fuga Hybrid has the best fuel economy in its class thanks to the fuel economy of 19.0km/L. It is fitted with a 7-speed Semi-Automatic Transmission. With that fuel economy, imagine how far can you go with the new Fuga Hybrid. In the interior side, the new Fuga Hybrid boasts exceptional hospitality and relaxation because of the forest aircon, BOSE Surround Sound System, and the optional VIP Package to up the ante on the brougham's comfort zone for the executives. A hybrid brougham I want to get my hands on it...
CASE TWO:
When the 13th generation Toyota Crown was launched in February 2008, this generation marks the debut of the Crown Hybrid variant. The Crown Hybrid was based on the 2007 Toyota Crown Hybrid Concept at the 2007 Tokyo Motor Show and it was on sale since May 2008, following with the minor change at February 2010 (along with the Athlete and the Royal Saloon). Sadly, the Crown Hybrid's fuel efficiency of 15.8km/L was not good enough against the Fuga Hybrid. The interior is a bit fine for me but I personally prefer the inside of the Fuga Hybrid because its is far more luxurious than the Crown Hybrid. The only good point for the Crown Hybrid is the CVT.
As they said, the Nissan Fuga Hybrid is the most fuel efficient in its class. My big advantages for the Fuga Hybrid is the fuel economy, the comfort, the style, and the brougham spirit only executives can offer. The Crown Hybrid is a bit less of a luxury and the interior is a bit cheaper by the dozen. So I'll go with the Fuga Hybrid.
When the fourth-generation Nissan March (built in Thailand) launched in Japan since July 2010, Nissan gave birth of the new range for eco-cars. This new range is called PURE DRIVE. Just what in the JDM world is Pure Drive?!
Pure Drive is Nissan's new range of fuel efficient cars, possessing qualities of a true eco car (a car that is fuel-efficient and eco-friendly) such as idling stop, clean diesel, and hybrid.
PURE DRIVE #1: Fourth-generation Nissan March K13
2011 Nissan March
The new, fourth-generation Nissan March (Micra in some markets), is destined to be a true eco-car in the JDM world, despite it was built from Thailand. The idling stop feature , new HR12DE engine, and XTRONIC CVT plays an important role to produce an outstanding fuel economy of 26.0km/L. For that, this is bound to be the first Pure Drive car equipped with idling stop. I can't wait for the new March to come to the Philippines as a competitor to the Suzuki Celerio.
PURE DRIVE #2: Nissan X-Trail Clean Diesel
2011 Nissan X-Trail 2.0GT
Much about the word Clean Diesel, the Nissan X-Trail Clean Diesel is equipped with the M9R engine that is turbocharged and diesel-fed but good for the environment. When the X-Trail Clean Diesel was launched in 2008, it offered in only one transmission, a 6-speed Manual, then in Summer 2010, Nissan added a 6-speed auto for the X-Trail Clean Diesel. The Nissan X-Trail 2.0GT Clean Diesel can go as much as 14.2 (6AT) to 15.2 (6MT). Hope that this will be a good addition to our lineup because this is diesel-fed and it can withstand the challenge led by diesel-fed SUVs
PURE DRIVE #3: Nissan Fuga Y51 Hybrid
2011 Nissan Fuga Hybrid
Nissan's first hybrid car that was now on sale in Japan and soon in other countries as the Infiniti M35 Hybrid. The Nissan Fuga Hybrid is equipped with the 3.5 V6 hybrid engine that has a fuel economy of 19.0km/L. Compare this fuel efficiency to the Toyota Crown Hybrid and the Nissan Fuga Hybrid wins. This is the true opulent eco car built for the environment-conscious and wealthy people.
PURE DRIVE # 4: New Nissan Serena C26
2011 Nissan Serena
Most JDM minivans are going to be upset because the new Serena C26 is equipped with the new MR20DD direct-injection engine combined with idling stop (found in the March K13) and XTRONIC CVT, providing an opulent fuel efficiency of 15.4km/L! Good enough to outperform the likes of the Noah, Voxy, StepWGN, or even the StepWGN Spada, unfortunately the new Premacy outperforms the new Nissan Serena C26 in the performance side. A very good eco van we wish to have it to the Philippines because this is even greater than the Yulon-built C24 Serena we had.
These are the cars of the Nissan Pure Drive range. In the future, Nissan will release more eco cars straight from the Pure Drive range and who knows eco cars are over the future.
Since 4th Quarter 2009, at the Tokyo Motor Show, Nissan unveiled the second-generation Fuga (known worldwide as the Infiniti M) to target the premium sedan segments covered by the Lexus LS and GS, Toyota Crown and Majesta, and European premium cars such as the BMW 5-Series, MB E-Class, and the Audi A6. Coming this 4th quarter of 2010, here comes the another side of the Nissan Fuga will show its opulent green identity, becoming the optimal target of other hybrid sedans. Welcome to the new Nissan Fuga Hybrid.
Part of the Nissan Pure Drive range, consisting of this, the new Thai-built March with idling stop, facelifted X-Trail Clean Diesel, and another one coming soon, this is Nissan's first hybrid car ever built to show its premium side of clean driving.
The Fuga Hybrid comes with the 3.5L V6 hybrid VQ engine that produces a power output of 306PS/6,400rpm and the torque output of 35.7kg-m/4,400rpm. With the hybrid engine armed and ready for this hybrid phantom, the fuel economy reaches to an astonishing 19.0km/L. That is 3.2km/L more than the Toyota Crown Hybrid, so it declares checkmate for Nissan's first premium hybrid sedan. The Fuga Hybrid comes in seven authentic exterior colors:
1. Crystal White Pearl
2. Eternal Snow White Titanium Metallic
3. Brilliant Silver Metallic
4. Blade Silver Metallic
5. Super Black
6. Garnet Black Pearl
7. Deep Bronze Titanium Pearl Metallic
My thoughts about the Fuga Hybrid:
Just to tell that the Fuga Hybrid is the first hybrid sedan from Nissan, and part of the Nissan Pure Drive range that delivers outstanding fuel economy and a clean living for the environment. To show this premium hybrid sedan's darkest side, it will take a few Japanese executives to try it out before leaving their Crown Hybrids behind the bars. It goes to show you that the survival of the fittest can also be applied in hybrid cars, and the Fuga Hybrid stands out against other premium hybrid sedans. It will arrive in Japan this 4th quarter and in other countries next year. I hope that NMPI or Universal Motors Corporation will bring the Infiniti brand, just so we can try this authentic jewel in the eyes of a Japanese luxury car enthusiast. This is surely worth 7,000,000 Pesos for this hybrid sedan.
Since August 2009, at the Pebble Beach Concours d'elegance, Nissan's Infiniti division unveiled the third generation Infiniti M (most likely in virtual form) that surprises car enthusiasts with the new design flow. The third-generation M hinted the world as the second-generation of the Cedric-Gloria successor, the Toyota Mark X's formidable foe: the Nissan Fuga.
The Fuga name was derived from a somewhat classical music, known as fugue, made by the legendary Johann Sebastian Bach. (Consider his fugal works by the way) Back then, in 2003 Tokyo Motor Show, it starts with the Fuga concept, and according from the sources, this could be the replacement of the aging Cedric-Gloria cars, hopeful that these two cars with the same face join themselves as one. In October 2004, the fugue of awakening has begun. The Fuga finally awakens from its concept form to production form to surpass against rivals such as the Honda Legend and the Toyota Mark X. (the Mark II's replacement)
The Fuga's fugal exterior design was based on the Infiniti Essence concept, with the sexier side view that others might think how would smart designers derived a body of a Haven Trooper to create a sexy side view, like no other premium sedans done in the first place. (Can’t tell how) On the front side, the Skyline-reminiscent headlamps came so clearly, it shines like the crescent moon. And with the bold new grille design that Nissan fans clearly state this would be a second-coming design that is truly original. On the rear view, the new design remains its Fuga quality with endless possibilities.
The Fuga provides a choice of two engines: a high-powered 3.7L V6 VQ VVEL engine that delivers over 300ps of power and the 2.5L V6 VQ engine provides 12.2km/L of fuel economy. Most car enthusiasts think the 3.7L variant is great enough but the 2.5L variant is a great start for beginners, thanks to Japan's new eco car tax break laws. Aside from having the 7-speed automatic transmission, the Fuga also has optional paddle shifters to have this premium sedan the thrill of a sports car. By judging the thrill of a sports car, there are different suspension types to choose from: the double piston shock absorbers, sports tuned suspension, and the comfort suspension. The Drive Mode Selector provides four modes the driver can chooses and sees how it fits the driving condition.
From its sexier yet feisty exterior, the new Fuga's interior made executives cannot describe how the interior balances the elements of the inside and the outside world. The texture of the interior has an exquisite balance between man and machine, providing the owner the magic touch made from the Fuga. From the texture, the new wood design was borrowed from the texture of the violin, giving the interior the classic touch that revolves around the new look of this premium sedan. On the new Fuga, the world's first forest air conditioner finally made possible by Nissan, providing the fresh air of the forest come inside to give owners the freshness of the outside world they need. From the "A Package" variant of the Fuga, there are features this variant gets are for instance: power ottoman seat and the Bose Surround Sound System with 16 speakers and 14-channel digital amplifier, while the "VIP" variant gets everything premium, for instance: rear seat entertainment system. Depending on the line-up, you can find which interior variation is best suited for you, especially for a seasoned Fuga owner.
There are numerous of helpful features that give the owner a pleasant driving, such as the safety shield that takes away the scratches from the car, intelligent pedal that was accompanied with the navigation system, intelligent cruise control, cornering stability assist, Lane Departure Prevention and Lane Departure Warning, and DSSS. (Driving Safety Support Systems) These features bring the owner come closer to safe and pleasant trip on the road.
THE VERDICT:
The all-new Nissan Fuga has a list of rivals such as the Honda Legend (Acura RL) and the Toyota Mark X. Other possible rivals include the Porsche Panamera, Toyota Crown and Crown Majesta, Hyundai Genesis & Equus, Lexus LS & GS, BMW 5-Series & 7-Series, and even the Mercedes-Benz E-Class & S-Class. (Never forget the upcoming Kia K7/Cadenza premium sedan)
The fugal design and the balance between simplicity and cunning strategy aligned them to create a premium masterpiece that is about to hit the airwaves all over the world. The new Fuga is coming at late 2009 following with the new hybrid variant coming next year. With the aspects of speed, comfort, and simplicity, all fused into one, the new generation Nissan Fuga will unleash the new aura you will never forget.
