A couple updates for a Feb end of the month. Got a set of the 275×35×18 Toyo R888 scrubs mounted up on the new ARC8 wheels.
Couldn’t fit my finger between the tire and the front spring and was afraid of the tire rubbing the spring when cornering forces were in affect so I ordered a set of 5mm spacers from Bimmerworld for the fronts.
5mm spacers
To make wheel/tire changes easier and quicker I also got a set of 75mm Bulletnose wheel studs and nuts (in black).
75mm Bulletnose Wheel Studs & Nuts
A few pics of the car in the shop with wheels mounted, no negative camber added yet, will start with at least 3 degrees in the front and 1.5 – 1.8 degrees in the rear. In these pictures the rears have a 12mm spacer just to push the wheel out for cosmetic purposes in the pics. If I want to run the 12mm spacers for a wider track we will need to do some fender rolling.
Pop’d the black & white center caps into the wheels as well (which match the black & white roundels I added to the car in 2009).
Wheels, Studs & CenterCaps Front Wheel
Rear Wheel
Also had time Wednesday night to test fit the driver seat & harness and prepare for installing the harness mounting hardware.
Contents: Road Tests: BMW R-90S, Yamaha DT-360 Enduro, Triumph TR5MX; Features: The Glory days of the desert sleds; Basics: Brake Systems part 1; Honda CR350 – sparks of hope, years of pain; Ontario -an 8 second gathering; Rider of the Year – Gary Nixon; Daytona Preview; more
1974 March Cycle Motorcycle Magazine Back-Issue – BMW available at www.DadsVintageAds.com in the “ Motorcycle Magazines” category
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I think that as long as your brand can tell a story that adds value to the consumer, while extolling the virtues of your brand then you should make branded content core to your marketing plans. Almost all other forms of communication are around other people’s content, whereas with branded video you ARE the content.
So, you’re BMW with the Story of Joy? Then let’s make an online video series that sees the presenter show consumers around some of the most joyous places in the British Isles, in a BMW of course.
If you’re a rice brand, then show people how to make perfect rice using your brand like Tilda have just launched on AOL – http://tinyurl.com/yzzkbnq
There is a useful story for almost any brand to tell, and if you start with the consumer in mind, you can make that content appear in their search results. “How do I make perfect Rice” in Google for instance could yield a result that includes the Tilda Rice example. “Great days out in England” could be how consumers find the BMW content.
YouTube gives everyone a massive opportunity to produce inexpensive video content that offers value to the consumer while educating them about your product of service.
I have worked on numerous branded content deals at the Telegraph, and whenever there is market research carried out alongside the campaign, a positive uplift in brand metrics is always achieved.
So in order to make your branded content work, I would humbly suggest the following pointers which are born out of experience.
Make it about the consumer first, and your brand second
Make it short and sweet – 3-5 minutes is long enough in most cases
Agree a distribution deal with a relevant partner site, but always put it on YouTube as well
Search for and contact all relevant, quality bloggers and offer them your content
Point to your content in other communications
Branded content can be inexpensive to produce when compared to TV advertising, and the engagement is nearly always higher when a consumer spends 3-5 minutes with your brands.
I think that branded content will play a huge part in the future of online video, as it enables the publisher a much needed revenue stream and the advertiser the chance to have longer, deeper conversations with their customers.
It’s no secret that the city car has replaced the SUV as the biggest trend stateside, and what a welcomed change that is. Joining this increasingly popular city car market are two heavy hitters from Germany – Audi & BMW.
This small compact Audi offers go-kart-like handling thanks to its sort overhangs, wide stance, and short height, and comes powered by one of four either TFSI gasoline or TDI diesel engines, ranging in power from 86hp to 122hp. Five-speed or six-speed manuals are available as well as a seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic automatic, and niceties like the MMI navigation system, a 100 percent LED-lit interior, 18-inch wheels, LED rear lights and Xenon headlamps, four colors of roof arches, and ten exterior colors. [Via Uncrate]
BMW City (or Mega City as referred before by BMW executives), is a vehicle that measure four meters long and seats four people. BMW City will combine a high percentage of lightweight components and it will feature the electric drivetrain unveiled in the BMW ActiveE Concept at Detroit Auto Show. The electric motor will output 125 kW (167 horsepower) and 250 Nm of torque. The liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery has a range of 160 kilometers.
The BMW Mega City is designed for city dwellers and offers a range of sophisticated multimedia technology in addition to various electronic aids for navigation in the urban jungle. On the same platform, a two-seater electric car will follow in 2014. [Via BMW Blog]
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For me, it’s a really tough choice. I’ve been an enormous BMW fan my entire life and believe that these concept photos make it look better than the Audi, but I’m not sure how keen I am on electric motors. Strangely enough, the electric unit in the BMW promises to be more powerful than any petrol/diesel engine in its German counterpart – though you’d be flaunting that extra ~40hp in a mind-dulling silence. Isn’t part of the appeal of any car the SOUND it makes? Sure, if you were driving some big executive car I could understand why someone would want some peace and quiet. But this is a little, sporty hatchback. It’s supposed to have that buzzy, go-kart feeling, isn’t it?
Ultimately, I’ll reserve my final opinions until after full photos are released and we get a peek into the interiors where we can really take a look at the build quality (where I’m afraid Audi has recently been edging out BMWs). But just on first glances here, which one would you be parking in your garage?
It has been a rivalry that has been filled with legal disputes and perhaps more court time than sail time, but, finally, a winner was crowned today in Valencia.
BMW ORACLE Racing, Larry Ellison’s team, beat Alinghi, the defender, by a margin of 5:26.
Now, BMW ORACLE will bring the race back to the United States for the 34th America’s Cup.
BOR, representing Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC SAN FRANCISCO) has been in a series of legal disputes with defending champion Societe Nautique de Geneve (SNG). These disputes were stemming from the different interpretations of the Deed of Gift, which spells out the rules and obligations of both the Defender and the Challenger.
The legal battle even took the two teams to the US Supreme Court just weeks ago.
We wish Alinghi the best, and congratulate BMW ORACLE on a hard-fought win for the 33rd America’s Cup.
Tobacco: Ecuadorian grown Habano-Rosado wrapper leaf, Nicaraguan binder, and filler
Bought: January 2010
Smoked February 12th 2010
Price: about $10.00 a stick at Hero’s and Legacies, Austin Texas
Beverage: None
Smoke Time: 1 hour 45 minutes (+ or -)
Initial Thoughts:
Today I will be smoking Don Pepin Garcia’s My Father No. 1 cigar. Don Pepin is a very well known cigar roller/maker. He draws on his Cuban roots and talent to produce some of the best known cigars out there today. However, before I start as I was working (my real job) I overheard on the talk radio stations all this uproar over this Greek BMW Ad for their used cars. The ad pictures a blond with the caption: “You know you’re not the first.” - “BMW premium used cars are so beautiful, it won’t matter if you’re not the first driver.” First off, Damn, and secondly, this has to be the most honest, most humorous ad I have seen in a long time. This ad is simple, to the point, and catching. The main argument I have heard over this ad is the objectification of women… you know the rest as it has been pounded into our head’s by the politically correct fascists for years.
Haven’t you ever noticed there is a strong tendency for those who preach tolerance, harmony, etc, and etc to be the first to want to shut you the f@ck up? Well you know what? I pledge this contract to you now… screw it all… you have all the right to label me an inbreed dumb ass cracker-ass-cracker and I am free to use whatever words I want. I am a big boy with big boy feelings why isn’t everyone else?
Oh yeah, I am doing a cigar review… Well, after all the name of my site is “Cigar Rants” and I am smoking the Don Pepin My Father. This cigar is absolutely stunning. The rosado wrapper leaf is flawless with some pronounced veins. The cap construction on this cigar is flawless. The cigar has a nice tight firm feel to it which you would expect from a master cigar roller. I could find no defects or flaws in the wrapper. The wrapper was nice and oily.
In the short time he has been on his own, Pepin Garcia has moved from a relative unknown to a major name in the “boutique” brand arena. In addition to his own brands, he has blended and makes several others for various companies. His skill as a master roller has often been recognized. Pete Johnson said that his “unusually adept skill is evidenced by the fine construction of the cigar”. By 2007, his reputation as a superior cigar maker had grown and he was tapped to create and manufacture a completely new brand (San Cristobal) for a major premium cigar company, Ashton Distributors, Inc.
-Wikipedia
The Smoke…
The cigar easily cut off resulting in no wrapper issues. A cold draw produced a nice bold flavor and the draw was perfect. The cigar took a light just fine. A few draws of the light cigar produced a bold-robust full-body flavor indicative of quality Nicaraguan tobacco. The cigar proceeds to burn producing a somewhat off-white brittle ash. No burn issues were observed. The flavor on this cigar is truly excellent. Rich and deep this cigar produces a ton of varied well blended flavors. There is pepper, wood, cocoa, and other flavors which escape my articulation. Foot to head, this cigar went with no problem.
The results are in!
An excellent cigar made by a legend in the business. At $10 bucks a stick it is on the pricey side but I believe worth the cost. You better believe I will have some of these in my humidor.
April may be the cruelest month, but BMW is poised to stir the automotive world’s dull roots by officially unveiling their latest iteration of the X5. AutoAnything is here to play Madame Sosostris, peering into the future to unlock the secrets of the BMW X5. (P.S. Fear death by water!)
First and foremost, the 2011 BMW X5 is getting a much-needed facelift. The old girl had been looking a little stale over the past couple of years, so we’re glad Joan Rivers was able to whisper some motivational words in Jim O’Donnell’s ear. With the redesign, BMW was able to maintain the near perfect 50-50 front-to-rear weight ratio, so it’ll still handle like a Bimmer.
Along with the body mods, BMW is unveiling 2 new powertrains for the X5: the xDrive50i and the xDrive35i. The xDrive50i is a twin-turbocharged V8 capable of dumping 400 hp and 450 ft-lbs of torque to the rear wheels. The smaller xDrive35i is a turbocharged inline-6 rated at 300 hp. Plus, it’s connected to a new 8-speed automatic tranny (no snickering) for incredibly peppy throttle response at any speed.
Along with these 2 new powertrains, the 2011 BMW X5 will also have the tried and true xDrive35d diesel option available. This fuel-sipping monster cranks out 265 hp and a whopping 425 ft-lbs of torque while still maintaining EPA mileage estimates of 19 city and 26 highway.
Of course, what’s a new BMW without a few new bells und whistles? The new 2011 X5 doesn’t disappoint in the razzle-dazzle department. Active Cruise Control with Stop and Go, Nappa leather seats, Head-up Display and smartphone integration are just a few of the options you can tack onto your tab.
Good news is here for the German luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes Benz India which had to undergo rough weather last year after its arch rival and compatriot BMW India had ousted it from the numero uno position in the luxury car segment in India.
But It seems like Mercedes Benz accepted the challenge put forth by BMW by bouncing back in the game of car sales. Mercedes Benz regained its lost position in Jan 2010 by selling 403 cars while BMW and Audi could manage to sell 341 and 306 cars respectively.
Mr. Wilfred Aulbur, MD and CEO of Mercedes Benz India said that though the car sales in numbers were an encouraging factor, the company’s focus, in the coming months, would remain on profitability. Mercedes Benz India has launched seven new models and variants in the last month to counter BMW India ’s launch of three models, the 760 Li, the Gran Turismo and the X6 M, while Audi also jumped in the game by launching a centenary edition of its popular A6.
Audi, in the meanwhile also is planning to launch the Q7 SUV, with a 4.2 litre diesel in India pretty soon. Audi India will be concentrating in its expansion efforts this year and will be opening more dealerships in “mini-metros”. Audi which has sold 1,658 cars in India in the previous year aims to sell over 2,300 units in 2010.
Yamaha were the first company to put an alternative front end into mass production on a motorcycle, but they were by no means the first to experiment with replacing the front forks in favor of a better design. One of the pioneers of alternative front ends is Dutch ‘Specials” builder Nico Bakker, a man with several decades of chassis and suspension building to his credit and an impressive consultancy list that includes BMW and laverda. And his QCS1000 (QCS stands for Quick Change System, both wheels can be changed in a very short space of time) is the latest incarnation of his own very effective design.
Traditional front forks are inherently flexible and can affect a motorcycle’s steering geometry as they compress in corners. A method of separating the steering from the front suspension is generally considered to be the way forward for motorcycle design, and as yet only Yamaha and BMW have put alternative front suspension systems into production. But Nico Bakker has a system which he has been using since 1998 which is both clever and effective.
The QCS is a hand built ‘special’ that uses a Yamaha FZR1000 engine for its motive power, around which is wrapped an aluminium alloy square-section chassis onto which are bolted single-sided swingarms front and back. The front suspension system works in a very similar way on that Yamaha GTS1000 – the steering is handled via a spar running from the hub of the front wheel to the steering crown, while the suspension is actuated by the single-side swingarm that bolts onto the front of the chassis. The benefits of this system can best be realized by a high-performance sportsbike, which makes Yamaha’s decision to fit it to a modest-performance sports-tourer surprising.
But the performance of the QCS is anything but modest. The derestricted FZR1000 engine oozes power and torque. The five-valves-per-cylinder inline four makes 145 bhp in the QCS and is capable of whisking it u to 165 mph in the QCS and is very short order. The rear suspension is also a single-sided swingarm affair, but without the necessity for steering the system, is used primarily for fast wheel changes (Honda developed this system for their endurance racing bikes, and it has subsequently been used on road-going machines by Honda and Aprilia)
On the road the QCS delivers exactly what it promises. There is no front end drive when hard on the brakes, and the bike is rock-steady mid-turn. It exhibits none of the drawbacks of traditional front forks and, unlike the GTS1000, the steering response is both fast and positive. A massive front disc brake gripped by a six piston caliper helps stop this 160 mph beast, and a massive 180/55 section rear tyre helps the QCS tenaciously in the corners. The svelte bodywork and ‘unusual’ suspension system give the QCS a look all of its own – the swoopy styling and bright red paint tells the world that this is one serious, and very powerful, motorbike.
Iranian designer Emil Baddal made Lamborghini, BMW, and Ferrari 3 different models. Shown is the LAmborghini though designer Emil hasn’t given them a name yet. His proposals to Lamborghini S.p.A. have not yet been answered but I will pursue the internet to find an answer.
What do you think? Do you think this model is just another concept? Comment in the comment box. Don’t forget to subscribe! Stay tuned for more Lamborghini news, pics, and videos.
Don Pepin – My Father
objectification of women… you know the rest as it has been pounded into our head’s by the politically correct fascists for years.
The Smoke…
