Luxury Topics

Doing Business Gods Way

BENTLEY SUCCESSFUL AGAIN IN SECURING £3MILLION GOVERNMENT GRANT TO BOOST R&D

Porsche 911 - Intelligent Lightweight Construction Perfected

The new BMW M5.

Princess London Shoes

Breitling Watches - The New Colt

Jaguar C-X16 Concept Car Debut

BMW Announces Partnership to Become the Official Luxury Automobile of the Big Ten Conference

BENTLEY MOTORS - CONNECTIVITY MEETS CRAFTSMANSHIP

THE NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC

BENTLEY COLLECTION - Its' a Breeze with Bentley

The Pagani Huayra

FIRST 100MPH ROLLS-ROYCE TO LEAD LONDON TO EDINBURGH TOP GEAR CENTENARY TRIAL

Jimmy Choo - Seventies Glamour

American Express Centurion Card

BMW K 1600 GT/ GTL Luxury/Sport-Tourers Earn Multiple “Best Of 2011” Awards from Motorcycle.com

The Carbon Age Begins – BMW Group / SGL Group Joint Venture opens the new Moses Lake Plant

BMW develops laser light for the car.

PORSCHE CAYMAN RECOGNIZED AS TOP SPORTS CAR IN UK AND USA

Prime Minister David Cameron welcomes two millionth MINI milestone

Looking for the next gram.

Bell & Ross Minuteur Tourbillion limited editions

BMW - Ready for takeover!

ROLLS-ROYCE EXPANDS BESPOKE OPERATION DUE TO GROWING DEMAND

Doing Business Gods Way by B.E. Burke

2012-05-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

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2011-10-31T09:30:00.000-07:00

(Crewe. 31 October 2011) Bentley has today received confirmation of a conditional grant allocation of £3 million from the Department for Business Regional Growth Fund (RGF). This is the second time this year Bentley has been successful with the Government’s RGF, having received £1.68m in the first round to create additional manufacturing jobs and training. The new grant funding will help support the development of a new powertrain application which will enable Bentley to exploit new export markets. It will safeguard over 200 jobs and also create a small number of additional positions within the Company’s 900-strong engineering department.
Bentley is one of a handful of automotive companies to undertake all its activities on one site. From design and engineering to production, sales and customer service, all functions are located at the Company’s historic Crewe site in Cheshire. The third biggest investor in R&D of all the automotive companies operating in the UK, Bentley is also in the top 20 of all companies investing in R&D in the UK. Speaking about the grant, Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Wolfgang Dürheimer, said: "This is a real boost for Bentley which has one of the most highly skilled automotive workforces in the country and, uniquely, has now been awarded two RGF grants. It shows that the Government recognises the importance of Bentley and the contribution we make to high value manufacturing and UK exports. “Our customers expect the very best in terms of exclusivity, technology, quality and engineering excellence which requires significant ongoing investment in R&D. This is why we retain such a strong engineering capability exclusively for Bentley here in the UK.

This grant will help safeguard those operations as we look to develop new powertrains which appeal to new markets and new customers.” Bentley exports over 80 per cent of its production and, despite the economic uncertainties, recent investment in new models is already paying dividends as growth continues in all major markets. Traditional markets such as the US and Europe are up by around a third but new markets such as China continue to break records. By the end of September, Bentley sales in China had exceeded 1000 units for the first time as the country cements its position as the second biggest global market for Bentley and one that is increasing by over 80% a year. The RGF grant will help Bentley develop new powertrains for future markets. Traditionally drawn towards four-door models such as the Mulsanne and the Continental Flying Spur, customers in emerging markets such as China are increasingly showing interest in the new two-door Continental GT and GTC. Although this is delivering significant sales growth, for that to continue – and the long term future of the Company be assured – Bentley has to look at new powertrains which anticipate changing demand.

This research and development will take place at the Bentley’s Crewe plant, and the Company plans to increase its graduate and apprentice intake next year in anticipation of continuing global growth. Business Secretary Vince Cable said: “We need to be doing all we can to enable businesses and organisations to create much needed jobs and inject private investment into the economy. We have announced today that a further 162 projects will benefit from the fund, and expect to deliver a huge number of jobs across their businesses and in the supply chain. “This is a very significant boost to local communities, and the Regional Growth Fund will help businesses like Bentley drive local growth.”

2011-09-30T05:46:00.000-07:00

2011-09-26T15:15:00.000-07:00

The car’s body and chassis are the unsung heroes in vehicle dynamics. Agile, predictable handling rests on the car’s ability to let suspension, engine, steering, and brakes do their job without the body’s twisting. The challenge is to achieve this strength without adding weight—the shared enemy of performance and fuel efficiency.

The new 911 fulfills these opposing goals with its completely new bodyshell. Torsional, or twisting, stiffness has been increased up to 25 percent over its already impressive predecessor. Amazingly, this was achieved while shedding about 110 pounds (50 kg).

How is this done? Precise, innovative techniques are used to combine diverse metals, whose specific material properties are applied exactly where needed for optimal strength. Thin yet extremely rigid sheets of steel form the bodyshell. Aluminum and magnesium are used extensively in areas such as the roof, underbody, front end, doors, and rear quarters, as well as in the engine and luggage compartment lids. Lightweight magnesium is also selected for the cockpit support beam.

This intelligent blend of materials reduces the weight of the vehicle, which brings a host of benefits: more precise and predictable handling, improved acceleration, lower braking demands, and better fuel efficiency. Its excellent vibration-damping characteristics also improve driving comfort. Stability and ride quality are further enhanced by the 3.9 inch (100 mm) longer wheelbase.

2011-09-21T15:16:00.000-07:00

Fifth generation of the world’s most successful high-performance sedan in the premium segment of the executive class; new BMW M5 is an exceptionally dynamic high-performance sports car with four doors and five seats; consistent further development of the vehicle concept initiated in 1984 with the first-generation BMW M5; compelling track potential combines with the comprehensive practicality of a luxurious business sedan; groundbreaking character headlined by significantly improved efficiency, supreme long-distance comfort, and innovative driver assistance systems and infotainment functions.
World premiere of a newly developed BMW M high-performance engine: high-revving 4.4-litre V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo package – consisting of Twin Scroll Twin Turbo technology, cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Direct Petrol Injection and VALVETRONIC fully variable valve control; 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm, maximum torque: 680 Newton metres (502 lb-ft) from 1,500 rpm; maximum speed: 7,200 rpm; wet sump lubrication optimised for high lateral loads, lag-free power delivery, typical M car thrust.
Significantly improved balance between performance and fuel consumption: acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.4 seconds, 0–200 km/h (124 mph) in 13.0 seconds, top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph (305 km/h / 190 mph with M Driver’s Package); average fuel consumption in EU test cycle: 9.9 litres/100 km (28.5 mpg imp); engine output 10 per cent up on predecessor model, maximum torque increased by 30 per cent, fuel consumption cut by more than 30 per cent; extensive Efficient Dynamics technology, including Auto Start-Stop function and Brake Energy Regeneration.
Power transfer to the rear wheels via the seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission Drivelogic; traction-optimised automatic gear selection; Launch Control; Low Speed Assistance; automatically activated parking mode; M-specific gear selector; M leather steering wheel with shift paddles.
Hallmark M conceptual harmony produces superior performance characteristics with precise interplay of drive and chassis technology, aerodynamics and weight balance; power-to-weight ratio: 3.3 kg (approx. 7 lb)/hp; M-specific suspension (front and rear axle kinematics), M Servotronic steering, Dynamic Damper Control, DSC stability control system including M Dynamic Mode; bodyshell mounting using special panels; lightweight compound high-performance braking system.
Outstandingly agile handling thanks to innovative rear axle differential with Active M Differential; electronically controlled multi-plate limited-slip differential enables fully variable distribution of drive between the rear wheels to optimise traction and stability in dynamic lane change manoeuvres and acceleration out of corners; degree of lock can be varied between 0 and 100 per cent according to the situation; fast, precise and pre-emptive responses thanks to constant data cross-checking between the Active M Differential and DSC stability control system, and monitoring of the accelerator pedal position, wheel speed and yaw rate.
Two individually configured set-ups for the car can be called up using the new M Drive buttons on the steering wheel; range of programmable parameters unique in the segment: engine response, M Servotronic responses, Drivelogic shift program, DSC mode, Dynamic Damper Control and information in the Head-Up Display.
Characteristic body design with familiar M aesthetics reflecting the car’s extremely dynamic yet precisely controllable nature; specific design features contributing to performance characteristics; front apron with extremely large air intakes for the engine and brakes; athletically flared wheel arches to emphasise wide track; hallmark M “gills” with integrated indicator bars; aerodynamically optimised rear apron with diffuser between the right and left-hand pair of twin exhaust tailpipes; gurney-style rear spoiler on the boot lid; 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in exclusive double-spoke design.
Unique combination of sports car cockpit and luxurious ambience for the interior; M-specific instrument cluster in black-panel technology; newly designed, leather-covered centre console; M sports seats; standard specification also includes: Merino leather upholstery with extended features, exclusive aluminium Trace interior trim strips, BMW Individual roof liner in anthracite, electrically operated steering column adjustment, four-zone automatic climate control and ambient light.
Extensive range of driver assistance systems and mobility services from BMW ConnectedDrive unmatched by competitors in this segment and beyond: M-specific Head-Up Display (standard), Adaptive Headlights for standard xenon light, High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision with pedestrian detection, Lane Change Warning System, Lane Departure Warning System, Surround View, Speed Limit Info, internet usage, extended integration of smartphones and music players, real-time traffic information and apps for receiving web radio and using Facebook and Twitter.
Almost all BMW 5 Series Sedan equipment options available, including Comfort Access, M multifunction seats, active seats, doors with Soft Close Automatic function, hands-free tailgate opening, electric glass roof, trailer coupling.
Specifications and performance: BMW M5: V8 petrol engine, M TwinPower Turbo technology with Twin Scroll Twin Turbo, cross-bank exhaust manifold, High Precision Direct Injection and VALVETRONIC variable valve control. Displacement: 4,395 cc, output: 412 kW/560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm, max. torque: 680 Nm (502 lb-ft) at 1,500 – 5,750 rpm. Acceleration 0–100 km/h (62 mph): 4.4 seconds, acceleration 0–200 km/h (124 mph): 13.0 seconds, top speed: 250 km/h / 155 mph (305 km/h / 190 mph with M Driver’s Package). Average fuel consumption: 9.9 litres/100 kilometres (28.5 mpg imp), CO2 emissions: 232 g/km, exhaust standard: EU5.

2011-09-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

With the Royal Wedding that took place on April 29, 2011, every woman could use a pair of shoes to embrace her own inner royalty! Therefore, Princess London Shoes® has officially launched. Princess London Shoes offers a variety of the most luxuriously extravagant heels embellished with precious stones, Swarovski crystals, pearls and studs with additions of silk flowers and hardware. These are the shoes that will truly bring out your inner Marie Antoinette.

Princess London Shoes was inspired by the edgy, yet posh streets of New York, Paris, and London and conceived in 2010 as a customized women’s footwear company. Originally designed to be the perfect head turning shoe, the line is meant to express how a woman wants to feel; feminine, flirtatious, glamorous, and sexy. This gluttonous collection of upscale shoes is ideal for any occasion that requires that perfect statement piece for the “IT” girl, from red carpet events, to an extravagant night out on the town. Princess London Shoes promises to be one of the most desired footwear lines, offering the look of luxury at an affordable price point. What more could a girl ask for?

2011-09-14T15:00:00.000-07:00

FRONTRUNNER

The same spirit but a new look. Breitling has entirely redesigned its Colt model, a symbol of sturdiness, reliability and performance. A sculptural model carved in steel, the new Colt turns heads with its original styling clearly built for action, achievements and thrills. With its solid construction and its water resistance to 300 meters (1,000 ft) or 500 meters (1,650 ft), it establishes itself as an exceptionally sporty model, a champion and natural frontrunner. Its originality begins with the bezel featuring a taut, sophisticated shape and stamped numerals, and continues with the case echoing the same outline. The dials are adorned with new rounded numerals exclusively designed for this model, with rhythmical motifs and with a play on colors. The steel bracelet reinforces the unique character of this fresh, youthful and dynamic design, while ensuring optimal comfort and sturdiness.

Available in three versions endowed with strong and distinctive characters, including a chronograph and a ladies’ watch, the new Colt is equipped with SuperQuartz™ movements that are chronometer-certified by the COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), like all Breitling movements.

RENO AIR RACES

Reno, Nevada. Every year in September, an array of original planes converge on Stead Airport to take part in one of the world’s great aviation venues: the famous Reno pylon races. Flying at dizzying speeds, these aircraft face off on circuits traced out in the desert, just a few feet off the ground. Their motto: “Fly low, go fast, turn left.” As a partner of all the fi nest hours in aviation, Breitling is the main sponsor of this event that is unique in the world – thereby pursuing its mission to perpetuate the competitive spirit, the taste for performance and the fierce quest for victory.

More information

2011-09-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

2011-09-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – September 6, 2011… BMW of North America today announced a partnership with the Big Ten Conference, becoming the official luxury automobile of the oldest Division I college conference in the United States. The agreement will run for the duration of the 2011-2012 sports seasons covering football, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball and Olympic sports programs.

As part of the program, BMW will create vehicle displays at select events and establish a “Preferred Parking Promotion” for BMW owners, providing reserved parking access for several Big Ten events including the football championship game and men’s basketball tournament.

“The Big Ten is a great conference and home to some of the country’s top universities,” said David Lee, Sales and Marketing Manager, Central Region, BMW of North America. “Big Ten schools pride themselves on academic excellence and we look forward to working together to make this partnership a success.”

BMW signage and messaging will also be featured at Big Ten arenas, in scoreboard promotions during live events including the football championship game, both men’s and women’s basketball tournaments and the baseball tournament and in commercial spots during televised events throughout the 2011-2012 college season.

The Big Ten sponsors 25 official conference sports, 12 for men and 13 for women and 298 teams with more than 9,500 student-athletes competing for Big Ten Championships. During the 2010-11 season, Big Ten schools claimed six team national championships with titles for Northwestern women’s lacrosse, Ohio State synchronized swimming and men’s volleyball, Penn State women’s volleyball and wrestling and Wisconsin women’s ice hockey. From an academic standpoint, the Big Ten leads all conferences with the highest number of ranked graduate school programs among the top 25, according to the U.S. News and World Report in 2011.

“Much like the student-athletes of the Big Ten Conference, BMW is a brand dedicated to the highest levels of performance,” said Scott Bailey, General Manager, Big Ten Sports Properties, a property of Learfield Sports. “We couldn’t think of a better group to work with and are looking forward to building a great relationship together.”

2011-09-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

Bentley Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept debuts at International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt

(Frankfurt. 13 September 2011) Bentley Motors is showcasing a new multimedia connectivity concept designed for executives inside the luxurious, hand-crafted cabin of the company’s Mulsanne flagship at the 2011 Frankfurt Show (Stand A09, Hall 3).

The Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept offers an impressive array of bespoke business, comfort and entertainment features - designed to conduct business on the move or just unwind between meetings - all beautifully integrated into the sumptuous and comfortable cabin which takes Bentley’s craftsmen and women over 170 hours to create.

Mulsanne rear passengers receive individual Apple iPad workstations with full internet access (integrated into retractable picnic tables) whilst a large, drop-down LED screen ensures that a wide selection of movies as well as television can also be enjoyed.

Renowned for its painstaking attention to detail, Bentley has added a range of finishing touches including a Tibaldi fountain pen from its specially commissioned Collection which is designed to mirror the Mulsanne’s knurled-metal rotary switchgear and which is discretely stowed in the centre armrest. And seen on a Bentley for the first time, a distinctive Yachting-style veneer, which blends light and dark contrasting tones, features throughout the cabin. Comments Alasdair Stewart, Member of the Board for Sales & Marketing:

“Many customers use their time in the Mulsanne to keep on top of their business commitments or simply take a few moments to relax. This fully functioning concept highlights the Mulsanne’s potential to help busy executives to communicate effectively and quickly whilst travelling. As you would expect from Bentley, all these features work in harmony with the handcrafted cabin and can be displayed or hidden at the user’s discretion,”

Key entertainment and business features

Two electric-powered, foldable wood veneer picnic tables in the rear cabin, each with Apple iPad and Apple Bluetooth keyboards.

The twin iPads enable the Apple Media Centre to play video files and music, provide access to personal and work e-mail as well as the internet (via W-Lan).

Apple Mini Mac stored in boot compartment enables integration of iPad with Bluetooth keyboard and iPod acts as control panel in rear console.

Roof console with 15.6 inch High Definition LED dropdown monitor. Plays videos (from both DVD changer and Mac Mini) and watch Television.

Comfort, control and stowage features

Illuminated rear centre console fitted with twin, individual armrests offers true, spacious 4-seat configuration.

Rear console also houses Apple iPod (control panel), two cupholders, tissue box and large stowage area.

Apple iPod controls – Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) and audio system, Apple Media Centre, plays music and access to internet.

Two USB connectors provided for the Apple system and one Apple interface connector for the iPod.

Bespoke control keys on rear console operate picnic tables, reading lights, control HD LED screen and select video and audio options.

Armrest contains Tibaldi pen and Privacy Telephone handset.

Bespoke bottle cooler in rear centre console with illuminated, double-glazed frosted glass door.

Additional, multi-directional reading lights are provided for each rear passenger and can be operated with Apple devices.

Sophisticated mood lighting in the rear centre console (using multiple soft glowing LEDs) ensures the stowage areas are lit and the docking station and cupholders are also illuminated for extra convenience.

2011-09-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

(Frankfurt 12 September, 2011) Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched last year, the new Continental GTC builds on the highly successful foundation of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley’s design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the iconic convertible with an uncompromising focus on quality.

While the first Continental GTC was elegant and understated, the sharper radii and assertive stance of the new model delivers a more contemporary and muscular presence. Advanced manufacturing techniques produce aluminium front wings without the need for seams or welds creating the look and feel of a coachbuilt car. Twenty-inch wheels are now standard with three styles of 21-inch wheel, a first for GTC, available as an option, reinforcing the distinctive, sporting stance of the new Bentley.

The four-seater luxury convertible features a new, even more spacious and sumptuous hand-crafted cabin, with soft-touch leather hides, an extensive range of wood veneers, cool-touch metals and deep-pile carpets. There are 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colours with six colour split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers, all produced by Bentley’s talented craftsmen and women.

The GTC’s renowned coupe-like refinement is also enhanced. The tailored, multi-layered fabric hood is complemented by acoustic glass and under-body panels, for optimum noise isolation.
Superb everyday practicality for a luxury convertible was a hallmark of the original GTC and much valued by its customers. The cabin of the new GTC is now even more practical, with additional rear legroom, new storage solutions and innovative features such as touch-screen infotainment, automatic seat-belt presenters and a Bentley-designed Neck Warmer for comfortable roof-down motoring whatever the temperature.

A wider track, front and rear, sharper steering and retuned suspension provide a more exhilarating and class-leading drive. Bentley’s advanced all-wheel drive system features a new 40:60 rear torque bias (compared with 50:50 of the original GTC) minimising understeer during hard cornering and allowing the spirited driver to manage the car’s line and balance via precise throttle control.
This compelling dynamic package is combined with a more powerful 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12 engine as well as a new QuickShift transmission enabling faster gear changes than ever before. Power output is raised from 560PS to 575PS (567bhp/423kW) and the famed Bentley ‘wave of torque’ has been increased by a further 50Nm to 700Nm (516lb ft).

“The GTC has always been the most emotional model in the Continental range and a showcase for Bentley design. With its tailored soft top, the GTC is a pure British convertible true to those classic Bentleys of the past. However, the technology, performance and overall design excellence invested in this model means that we are now writing a new chapter for the Bentley convertible driver.”
Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors.

The Bentley Continental GTC is now available to order and first customer deliveries will begin in late 2011.

THE NEW CONTINENTAL GTC – AT A GLANCE
Sculpted exterior design

Advanced production techniques such as aluminium Super Forming (front wings) allow for a more sculpted body and sharp ‘power lines.’
Unique jewelled headlamps with LED day-time running lights.
More upright matrix radiator grille and new ‘double horse-shoe’ rear profile first shown on the flagship Bentley Mulsanne.

Luxurious, practical hand-crafted cabin with class-leading infotainment

New interior with a bold, sweeping dashboard and instrument panel finished in premium soft-touch leather.
Choice of 17 hide colours, six colour split combinations and seven veneers.
Distinctive ‘cobra style’ seats for added comfort and enhanced rear cabin space.
A new touchscreen, 30GB infotainment system introduces advanced satellite navigation with dynamic route guidance, seven-digit postcode entry and Google Map compatibility (market specific).
Audio systems feature the latest wide-frequency Balance Mode Radiator speakers as standard.
Revolutionary Dirac Dimensions™ DSP for exceptional sound reproduction (Naim for Bentley premium audio).

More powerful 6-litre W12 engine with FlexFuel capability

6-litre W12 engine twin-turbocharged engine produces 575PS

(567bhp/423kW) and 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque.

FlexFuel capability – runs on E85 biofuel, petrol or any combination of the two.
0 – 60mph 4.5 secs (0-100 km/h 4.8 secs).
0 – 100mph 10.9 secs (0 – 160 km/h 10.9 secs).
Top speed 195 mph (314 km/h).

Dynamic Bentley driving experience

ZF 6HP28 transmission with ‘Quickshift’ system that cuts shift times by up to 50% and enables double downshifts.
New 40:60 rear-biased torque split for the all-wheel drive system reduces understeer when powering out of bends and provides for better modulation of line and attitude by ‘throttle steering.’
Increased front and rear track improves grip and stability.
Advanced ESC system fully exploits the potential of the more powerful W12 engine and improved chassis.
20” ‘Five Spoke’ alloy wheels with optional 21” wheels in ‘Five Spoke Two-Piece’, ‘Seven Spoke Elegant’ and ‘Ten Spoke Propeller’ designs.

THE NEW BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GTC IN DETAIL
“The GTC is a confident new Bentley convertible that’s more sculpted, more dynamic and more potent than ever before. The wider track, deeper body side and larger wheels give it a low, lithe and sporty stance that commands attention, roof up or roof down.”
Dirk van Braeckel, Director of Design, Bentley Motors

Sculpted exterior design

Sculpted lines inspired by the Continental GT coupe.
More muscular, sporty and confident road presence.
Complex, seamless front wing shapes for coachbuilt appearance.
Powerful ‘double horse-shoe’ motif at rear.
New colour and wheel options, including 20” alloys as standard.

The challenge for the creative team, under the leadership of Director of Design Dirk van Braeckel, was to take an icon of automotive art and improve it.

Inevitably inspiration has come from the second-generation Continental GT Coupe, unveiled to universal acclaim almost a year ago. Many of the GT’s signature styling cues have been woven into the new Continental GTC, and the result is a progressive, sculpted and dynamic exterior that re-interprets the family heritage – dating back to the original 1950s R-Type Continental – in a stunning new four-seat convertible body.

While the first Continental GTC was elegant and understated, the inspired new design has made its replacement more modern and contemporary. It’s an evolution of the classic original, showcasing a cleaner and crisper look, sharper and more focused design radii, and a more muscular, sporty and confident road presence.

The sensuous lines are familiar but the overall package is significantly revised. The new model has a wider track, is slightly longer and has a higher waistline. The latter tapers gradually upwards towards the rear of the car and creates a more shallow window graphic and dynamic stance.
The classic Bentley matrix radiator grille is framed by a striking new headlight design, in traditional four-lamp format, with exquisite jewel-like detailing including eye-catching, LED daytime-running lamps.

The car’s muscular front wings are created through an advanced manufacturing process called aluminium Superforming. Heating the aluminium to nearly 500 degrees Celsius, before cleverly shaping it with air pressure, produces uniquely sculpted body panels. And by using a single sheet of aluminium no seams or welds are required. The result is an improved coachbuilt design aesthetic with a reduced number of shut lines.

Further down the flanks, the purposeful haunches echo those of the flagship Bentley Mulsanne. The comparison continues into the rear of the car where the powerful ‘double horse-shoe’ motif is integrated into the inset wrap-around rear lamps. Below, the flared elliptical exhaust tailpipes reinforce the new car’s high performance credentials.

The new composite bootlid is ‘transparent’ to media and GPS signals, allowing the GTC’s antennae to be concealed within its structure. It produces a clean and unbroken exterior surface that is not possible on many other convertibles.

The seven-bow, three-layer fabric roof is available in eight complementary colours. Folding and rising in just 25 seconds, its smooth and graceful operation is peerless and works at road speeds of up to 20mph (32km/h). This same, ultra-strong roof design featured on Juha Kankkunen’s Ice Speed Record Bentley Supersports Convertible which set a new world best of 205.48mph (330.695 km/h) and operated perfectly at temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees Celsius.

No latching points are visible where the roof meets the tonneau cover, ensuring the GTC’s clean lines are unbroken. Standard features include a heated glass rear window and reading light in the liner and when the roof is down, the heating/ventilation system automatically adjusts air distribution and volume accordingly.

For the first time, stunning new 20-inch wheels are standard on the new Continental GTC with 21-inch wheels available as an option. For customers who want to stand out from the crowd, the wheels are available in four styles and a choice of finishes. Tyre specifications are Pirelli P Zero 275/40 ZR20 and 275/35 ZR21 respectively, uniquely engineered for the new GTC. Bentley engineers have worked hard with Pirelli to ensure there is no negative impact on ride comfort for customers choosing 21-inch wheels.

Two new exterior paint colours have joined the already extensive palette. ‘Hallmark’ brings a new energy to the range, a masculine tinted silver with a neutral tone symbolising the strength of metal. ‘Breeze’ features a vibrant sparkle finish over a subtle metallic silver tone which hints at an atmospheric green.

The new Bentley Continental GTC is unmistakable. It is a contemporary and sculpted supercar with the prestige feel and authentic quality of a true coachbuilt convertible. The stunning exterior design unquestionably enhances the overall aesthetic but, thanks to exhaustive wind tunnel analysis, also improves aerodynamic performance.

A luxurious, practical hand-crafted cabin

Sensuous and superior quality hand-crafted interior.
New veneer and leather colour palette options.
More practical design offers greater occupant space and everyday usability.
Neck Warmer air-flow system for enhanced open-topped comfort.

The objective of the styling team, led by Robin Page, Head of Interior Design, was to create a more dynamic and contemporary cabin with even greater levels of comfort, quality and craftsmanship, raising the standard in luxury convertible interior design.
A key element of the design brief was to ensure that the style of the interior and exterior are in complete harmony when the roof is stowed. Equally important, the new cabin design had to flow seamlessly from front to rear.

It begins at the instrument panel and dashboard, which subtly echo the flying wings of the Bentley motif. The new door and quarter panel graphic provides a dynamic, unbroken flow along the complete length of the cabin, while the unparalleled craftsmanship extends to the hand-stitched, leather hide tonneau cover at the rear.

Sumptuous hand-crafted materials and the highest levels of attention to detail combine effortlessly to provide an unrivalled experience of comfort and quality. There is now a choice of 17 standard soft-touch leather hide colours with six colour split combinations, complemented by a range of seven veneers, all handcrafted in Bentley’s unique workshops at its factory in Crewe, England.

Key to the creative process was a desire to set some new benchmarks when it comes to the levels of everyday practicality customers should expect from a luxury supercar convertible. That meant generating a lighter aesthetic to the interior by removing bulk where it wasn’t needed, creating more usable space for the occupants.

It was a challenge which the styling team relished. For example, the ‘Cobra style’ front seats with integrated head rests are each 25mm slimmer than those in the previous Continental GTC, creating more knee-room for rear passengers. Front seat occupants also get more knee space thanks to the use of concave ‘scalloping’ on the underside of the dashboard.

Seat comfort and support is improved through the use of new multi-layer foams and, available in the GTC for the first time, an optional front seat ventilation system paired with a revised 10-cell pneumatic massage function provides a firmer and more invigorating experience.

Storage for keys and mobile phones is improved thanks to a simplified centre console design with a practical new cubby hole at its base. The cupholder is now more user-friendly, relocated from inside the central arm rest to an open position adjacent to the driver’s hip.

Electrically operated seatbelt presenters make buckling-up effortless for front occupants. Customers may also specify as an option an exquisitely designed, folding, removable case, ideal for glasses or keys. Crafted from veneers and hides to match the interior, it also features inlaid Bentley wing motifs.

Also new to the Continental GTC’s front seats is an innovative ‘Neck Warmer’ air-flow system with three power settings. It is designed to provide additional comfort while driving with the roof down and is controlled by a switch in the seat valance.

One new veneer and one new hide colour have been added to the Continental GTC range. The former, Tamo Ash, is a striking blonde veneer sourced from Asia, while Breeze complements the new exterior shade of the same name.

“With so many of our GTC customers enjoying the opportunity to drive the car everyday we focused our efforts on improving the already strong levels of usability and comfort. These practical advances were matched by a desire to make the cabin even more glamorous and head-turning.”
Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of Board for Engineering, Bentley Motors.

Class-leading infotainment

Eight-inch touch-screen system for ease of use and safety.
Advanced navigation system with Google maps compatibility (market specific)
30GB on-board hard drive
Balanced Mode Radiator technology as standard.

Industry-first Dirac Dimensions™ digital signal processing (Naim for Bentley)

The new GTC features one of the most advanced in-car infotainment systems on sale today. Backed by a 30GB on-board hard drive, the eight-inch screen displays the car’s audio, telephone, ride and comfort functionality. The system uses a combination of touch-screen controls and classic Bentley knurled rotary switches to offer instant usability and crystal-clear feedback.
The state-of-the-art navigation system with seven-digit postcode entry and rich map imagery uses both an in-car hard-disc drive and DVD player to access route data. It features dynamic navigation to create a fuss-free journey and can find destinations using geo-tagged photos from an SD memory card. It is also Google Maps-compatible in many markets.

The new GTC also provides the ultimate in in-car audio. An eight-speaker flat-panel sound system is offered as standard employing the latest Balanced Mode Radiator technology, providing exceptional clarity over a wide frequency range.

The Naim for Bentley premium audio system features 10 speakers and revolutionary Dirac Dimensions™ digital signal processing. An industry-first for Bentley, it creates a virtual ‘sound field’ independent of speaker layout for concert hall-quality sound reproduction for all seating positions.
The GTC also benefits from telephone and music player connectivity, digital television (where available) and DVD movie playback. Music can be played and controlled directly from an iPod® as well as a six-disc CD changer, SD card reader or directly from the car’s hard drive, which can store up to 15GB of music.

Coupe-like refinement and comfort

Tailored, multi-layered fabric hood.

Acoustic materials for improved sound insulation.
Enhanced ‘touch and smell’ performance of premium leather.

The new GTC is engineered to provide unrivalled levels of interior quietness. Suppression of wind and road noise is improved through the application of new glass interlayers, underbody sheets and wheel-arch liners, all acoustically tuned. Every door and window rubber seal is re-engineered to improve its performance.

A key goal in designing the new interior was to improve the tactile qualities of the materials. The innovative answer was to improve the substrates underneath; in short, to raise the quality of what you don’t see to raise the quality of what you do see. New leathers have also been introduced which are as luxurious as ever, but offer better performance on touch and, crucially, smell. The result is sensuous soft-touch materials throughout and a supreme passenger experience.

“Creating complex exterior and interior shapes and then bringing them all together with world-class fit and finish is where Bentley excels. What drives my team is the quality of the execution - getting the smallest panel gaps and sharpest lines to fit perfectly and making sure they last the lifetime of the car.”
Peter Guest, Head of Department, Body & Trim, Bentley Motors

More powerful 6.0 litre W12 delivering exhilarating performance

Uprated power and torque from 6.0-litre W12 engine.
Reduced emissions and higher fuel economy.
Bentley FlexFuel technology - runs on E85 blend or petrol.
New QuickShift transmission cuts gearchange time in half.
Rear torque bias all-wheel drive system for better handling.

For customers seeking a ‘use-every-day’ supercar convertible with supreme levels of dynamic performance, power and refinement, there is no comparison to the all-new Bentley Continental GTC.

Still beating at the heart of the GTC is the company’s acclaimed 6.0-litre W12 twin-turbo petrol engine, uprated in output from 560PS in the previous generation model to 575PS (567bhp/423kW). Torque is up 50Nm to 700Nm (516lb ft). The W12 is the most compact and technologically advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world. Four camshafts and 48 valves allow the engine to breathe effortlessly and help generate the distinctive Bentley wave of torque.

The permanent all-wheel drive system now features the sublime six-speed QuickShift transmission from the Continental Supersports which halves shift times to just 200 milliseconds. The revised gearbox can also deliver double-downshifts and improves acceleration across the entire gear range. The result is a 0-60mph time of 4.5 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.8s) and a top speed of 195mph (314 km/h).

Also developed from the Supersports is the performance-oriented 40:60 rear torque bias for the all-wheel drive system instead of the 50:50 set-up of the original Continental GTC. This minimises understeer during hard cornering, allowing the experienced driver to control the car’s line and balance via precise throttle inputs.

The W12 engine is capable of running on petrol (gasoline), E85 bioethanol or any mix of the two – all from a single tank. This FlexFuel technology is capable of delivering potential CO₂ reductions of up to 70 percent on a ‘well-to-wheel’ basis – the measurement of CO₂ released by a fuel from its production (well) through to its combustion or deployment (wheel).

To ensure that the power and torque generated remain constant (whatever the fuel) an advanced Fuel Quality Sensor continuously monitors the ratio of the fuels used. It then guides the Engine Control Unit to adjust the engine’s timing. This provides the seamless power delivery for which Bentley engines are renowned, and ensures there is no compromise on performance when using fuels that create lower CO₂ emissions.

More dynamic and engaging driving experience

Enhanced body stiffness for superior ride quality and refinement.
Track widened by 48mm (rear) and 41mm (front).
Revised suspension design to improve dynamic handling.
Steering retuned for sharper turn-in.
Less interventive ESC for a more exhilarating experience.

A potent and dynamic driving experience is a must on any Bentley, but the unique architecture of a convertible raises additional challenges.

The new GTC convertible body is the stiffest in the world (22,500 Nm/°-static) providing a firm foundation for the precise control of suspension components as well minimising scuttle shake, benefitting refinement. This is achieved by reinforced ‘A’ posts and sills, and twin underbody cruciforms that connect the front and rear subframes.

The increased track width, coupled with new high-stiffness aluminium cast-forged suspension uprights, means a marked improvement in handling response and stability. The revised track necessitated wholesale revisions to the steering, and it’s been completely retuned to offer a quicker and crisper turn-in. The Electronic Stability Control System is also revised to be less interventive, offering enthusiastic drivers an exhilarating driving experience.

All four Continuous Damping Control (CDC) modes are upgraded to utilise the benefits of new damper hydraulics. The change allows greater low speed suppleness for rolling comfort but increased control for dynamic driving and higher speed stability.

The new GTC also offers an uncompromising attitude to safety with five airbags, including a driver’s kneebag, as standard and a Roll Over Protection System (ROPS) installed beneath the rear headrests. If the car’s onboard computer senses that the car is about to roll during an accident, two reinforced steel hoops are deployed in a split second, thereby working in conjunction with the exceptionally strong windshield frame to protect passengers in the front and rear.

Summary
Whilst the new GTC is beautiful, comfortable and luxurious, above all it is designed to be driven. Bentley’s engineers have created a sporting convertible offering dynamic handling and stirring performance – whatever the mood or road conditions.

2011-09-12T10:47:00.000-07:00

(Frankfurt. 12 September 2011) To complement the new colour Breeze, created especially for the second generation of Bentley’s iconic Continental GT Convertible which is making its debut at the International Automobile Exhibition (IAA) in Frankfurt, Bentley Collection has created a small range of exclusive leather goods. The limited edition range, made by the family-owned luxury leather company Ettinger of London, is crafted to enhance the seamless link of quality and design between driver and machine.

Taking cues from its GT coupe sibling launched last year, the new Continental GTC builds on the worldwide success of the previous cabriolet, which premiered in 2006. Bentley’s design and engineering teams have improved virtually every aspect of the renowned convertible with an uncompromising focus on quality.

The Bentley Collection reflects that overall quality and design excellence. The new iPhone case and the Blackberry case, as well as the leather loop keyring and key case, all in Bentley Breeze leather, are designed to give lasting pleasure.

Also making a debut at the show in a limited edition of 50 are 1:43 new Continental GT Convertible models. Handmade and finished by Model Assemblies, a specialist company based in Sussex, England, the models, like the show car, are in Breeze.

We are also pleased to announce the launch the new 2012 Bentley Collection. Our philosophy is that everything carrying the renowned Bentley wings logo also carries our reputation. That’s why every item in the collection, from the smallest gift to a bespoke work of art in hallmark silver, is designed with flair and created to exceptional standards of craftsmanship.

Highlights from the new collection include “The Flying B” range, which offers items such as a desk paperweight, letter opener and wine bottle stopper. Within our “Inspired by Our Heritage” selection we boast a limited edition four-piece Espresso coffee cup set which features original racing scenes from the Brooklands and Le Mans racetracks. New apparel items include waterproof jackets, polo shirts and soft shell fleeces along with many favourites such as Anthony Holt Silversmiths made-to-order Valet boxes which have space for three or four watches, plus a handcrafted sterling silver 1:12 replica of the Bentley Blower, a supercharged 4 ½ litre.

The superb everyday practicality of the new Continental GTC is mirrored in the new Bentley Eyewear Collection, also created especially for the launch.

These Bentley sunglasses offer the latest in eyewear technology, combining the sophisticated design language that is a hallmark of Bentley’s pinnacle position in the world of luxury automotive manufacture with Estede’s rich experience in creating handcrafted eyewear.

The new styles are modern and dynamic. They reflect the muscular and sporty appearance of the new Continental GTC, with its sculpted body and sharp ‘power lines’, more upright matrix radiator grille and new ‘double horseshoe’ rear profile.

Overall, the sunglass frames are lightweight but strong, a combination of attributes that perfectly portrays the pedigree of the Continental GTC. The arms have been developed with attention to fine jewellery-like details and strong sculptural content. The surface treatment around the insert of the emblematic ‘B’ logo is reminiscent of the chrome finish on the lower side of the car.

The choice of material, from fine wood to Asian water buffalo horn and made-to-order 18ct white, yellow and rose gold, is also unique and makes the sunglasses a distinctively Bentley accessory.
All Bentley eyewear cases are made out of the same hides that are being used for the interior of each Bentley. All Bentley model leather colour options are available for Bentley eyewear.

All Bentley eyewear is produced to order only. Prices start from €7,150.
Available at selected Bentley dealers and leading opticians worldwide.

2011-09-11T21:22:00.000-07:00

BB Media Global Group - A fter seven years of hard work I am now able to tell you a little brief history and the path that led to the birth of the Huayra, project name C9.

The concept was born in 2003, the year of the introduction of the Zonda S Roadster. As you may recall the early 2000s were prosperous for the world of supercars. The commitment of big car manufacturers have contributed to the rise of extraordinary cars like the Bugatti Veyron, Porsche Carrera GT, Ferrari Enzo, Mercedes McLaren SLR.

This context led us to make several observations concerning the future of the Zonda and what could be a new Pagani. Since the original design of the Zonda was done in the early 90s the first thought was that it was now an obsolete project and we decided to imagine the car totally different in form, dimension, dynamics and technology, all this without losing the essence of our approach, to follow a concept born in the Renaissance where Leonardo da Vinci told us that art and science are disciplines that need to walk alongside. The eternal element air in all its forms, especially wind, became determining in defining the concept and it was a great inspiration, a sit is ever present in our lives: a jet turbine, the silence of a glider... the elegance of the movements the wind creates&hellip but also the violence and force that it can unleash.

The Huayra is made of more than 4000 components (engine and gearbox not included). To create them and put them together requires creativity, patience and passion that I shared with a fantastic young team and with the most competent partner in all sectors.

In defining the size, I immediately thought of a car that would be longer than the Zonda, a track increased by 70 mm, a cabin position shifted 40 mm to the back and even more spacious. The silhouette should be soft, easy to read and form itself from lean and sleek lines that have a clear beginning and an end.

As the style is concerned during these five years we have tried to find the best compromise working on 8 scale models and 2 full scale models, as well as hundreds of drawings without never leaving the original idea and taking meticulous care of the details.

The ideas were of including elliptical shapes reminding of our brand in the front and at the back, keeping the central exhaust as the completion of the line of the canopy, the line starting at the headlight area that continues and ends into the air intake. We also thought from the beginning of active aerodynamics. Flaps that are activated according to the study of results gathered through calculations and aerodynamic testing. The whole car is shaped as a wing so it was necessary to create a high front to reduce the length of the upper part of this wing to counteract lift.

The active suspension in the front and the 4 flaps allow to optimally balance the drag coefficient and downforce.

Mercedes-AMG has created a truly unique and lightweight engine, a twin turbo with over 700 HP and 1100 Nm of torque that perfectly complements the car giving a feeling that has motivated our research: that of the brute force of an airplane taking off.

The main focus was in a power delivery that was linear and not with lag, because that could potentially create safety problems or a continuous operation of electronic driving aids. Mercedes-AMG already 5 years ago thought about the coming environmental restrictions by creating a 12-cylinder engine that is at the peak of efficiency in terms of CO2 and consumption.

Pirelli has created a very progressive tyre with a exceptional grip in all situations and with low rolling friction. Every aspect of safety was treated taking into account the dynamic by which most accidents with high performance rear engined cars occur.

While developing the C9 we witnessed the evolution of the different models of the Zonda and it showed us that the Zonda wasn’t obsolete as I had originally feared. The Zonda R has been a key laboratory for the Huayra. The team was able to work on many projects at the same time driving on different tracks that occasionally came to meet by sharing engineering concepts, materials, safety and scientific or design studies.

Horacio Pagani

2011-09-09T13:30:00.000-07:00

The first 100mph Rolls-Royce, a 1911 ‘Experimental Speed Car’ known as 1701, will lead a cavalcade of 17 historic Rolls-Royce Silver Ghosts from the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall, on Sunday 11 September. The historic cars, dating from 1911 to 1922, will be supported by a new Rolls-Royce Ghost, hand built at the Home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at Goodwood, West Sussex. The event, run by the 20-Ghost Club, will re-enact the 1911 London to Edinburgh Top Gear Trial, which cemented the Rolls-Royce reputation for superlative quality, refinement and reliability.

The 1911 RAC-observed London to Edinburgh Trial was a major test for Edwardian cars. The Trial allowed Rolls-Royce to demonstrate the performance, flexibility and economy of the Silver Ghost, particularly when compared to its arch rival, the Napier. At the same time it broadened the appeal of the car to a younger and sportier clientele, without deterring the traditional aristocratic customer that was at that time the mainstay of Rolls-Royce production. The RAC observers ensured that only top gear was used, including pulling away from standstill, quite an achievement 100 years ago before motorways and metalled roads.

No other car at the time could match this Rolls-Royce feat, with 1701 driving from London to Edinburgh and back using top gear only and averaging fuel consumption of more than 24mpg. To prove that the original chassis had a normal back axle ratio and that the car had received no mechanical alteration, the car was then driven at Brooklands, achieving over 78mph. Later, when fitted with a ‘wind-cheating’ single-seat body, 1701 recorded a speed of 101mph over the flying half-mile at Brooklands driven by E.W. Hives, eventually destined to become Chairman of the Rolls-Royce company.

The 2011 re-enactment will recreate the original trial as faithfully as possible, including gear change gates being authentically sealed to show any use of intermediate gears. The event will start at 6.00am from the Royal Automobile Club, Pall Mall on Sunday 11 September 2011 and will follow as much of the original route along the Great North Road as possible, taking two days to get to Edinburgh. The return journey will end at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood in West Sussex on Thursday 15 September, where the drivers will be rewarded with a Grand Afternoon Tea. On Saturday 17 September at 7.30am, the cars will line up at the Goodwood Motor Circuit Grid and then join the Revival Opening Parade lap.

Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said, “Rolls-Royce has always stood for the very best engineering combined with refinement, luxury and, of course, hand craftsmanship and human endeavour. These qualities are the same today as they were 100 years ago. We are delighted to support our friends at the 20-Ghost Club in this remarkably authentic re-enactment and look forward to welcoming them to the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood after a successful Centenary Trial.”

2011-09-07T13:42:00.000-07:00

2011-09-07T07:15:00.000-07:00

An American Express Centurion Card is a symbol of extreme wealth, and is associated with some of the richest people around the world. Known for being a tool to purchase anything, the AmEx centurion card is not just a credit card, but an invitation to some of the best services a credit card can offer. The Stylish black titanium card is a key to the world of ultimate services.

Contact DeltaQuest to learn about obtaining an AmEx Centurion Card. For details about the AmEx Centurion Card and the bonuses that it offers, please read the information below…

History

Urban legends of a special, black-colored card offering dignitaries and celebrities unlimited spending power and after-hours access to high-end stores circulated in the 1980s. While the rumors were false, in October 1999 American Express decided to capitalize on them by launching the Centurion Card and made the card available to selected holders of its Platinum Card. The Amex Centurion Card originally had an annual fee of $1,000. The rumor of an unlimited spending card originated because certain high-spending card members were given a black information card that, while not a charge or credit card, contained important telephone numbers, such as numbers for American Express Travel and Concierge services.

American Express’ first credit card product, the Optima Card, was originally issued by a subsidiary called the “American Express Centurion Bank.” Both the Centurion Card and the AmEx Centurion Bank were named after AmEx’s logo, which features the likeness of a Roman centurion.

Availability and cost

As of Aug 1, 2007, in the United States, requirements include minimum annual spending of $250,000, exceptional credit history and significant financial assets. Certain requirements may be waived for celebrities and public figures. Requirements for acceptance in other countries can differ slightly. There is a US $5,000 one-time initiation fee for new primary card holders, plus the annual fee of US $2,500.

Centurion card members have the option of additional cards for an annual fee of $1,500 per each additional Centurion card (one-time US $5,000 initiation fee waived for additional Centurion cards), $175 per each additional Platinum card or $45 per each additional Gold card linked to the primary Centurion account holder.

Centurion Card Annual Fees
Country	Annual Fee	Equivalent to
United States	US$2,500 + One-time joining fee of US$5,000	US$2,500 +US$5,000
United Kingdom	£650	US$1,275
Switzerland	2,000 CHF	US$1,639
Singapore	SG$5,000	US$3,260
Russia	85000 rubles	US$3,000
Mexico	About 27,000 pesos	US$2,500
Japan	¥168,000	US$1,412
Israel	US$2,000	US$2,000
International Dollar/Euro Card (Europe)	US$2,800/EUR 2,800	(effective 1 September 2007)
Hong Kong	HK$19,800 + One-time joining fee of HK$23,800	US$2,547 +US$3,061
Germany	€1,000	US$1,317
France, Italy, Spain, The Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden	€2,000	US$2,634
Australia	AU$4,300	US$3,660

Publications

Since the inception of the card, members have received a copy of Departures magazine, which is also sent to all Platinum cardholders. However, in 2004, American Express Centurion members began to receive an exclusive “no name” magazine which was not available by any other means. Starting with the Spring 2007 edition, this magazine has been officially titled “Black Inc.” The reason given by Ed Ventimiglia, the publisher, was that “now the magazine will be easier to identify when discussing it with like-minded readers.”

Spending limits

Centurion holders have made purchases well in excess of $1 million USD without a credit check. A popular myth is that the card has no limit; the largest purchase supposedly ever made on it exceeded $52 million for a private jet by Victor Shvetsky. However the Centurion Card does have limits, but these limits are not pre-set at a certain level. Like any other American Express charge card, the limits are based on the spending history of card holder, as well as their personal credit profile and financial resources. A card holder spending $250,000 in the previous year could not just purchase a jet with a swipe of his or her card unless he or she had the resources to make good on the transaction. Each year spending habits are reviewed by the credit department in order to determine the spending limit for the next year. The limit can be increased after providing new financial data.

American Express reports account activity for this card under the credit bureau trade line classification of Open (charge card) vs. Revolving (credit card). Since there is no pre-set credit limit associated with this card product, the High Credit amount reported represents the largest monthly balance that was closed in the past 18 months of card activity. Some card members who charge a significant amount each month have complained that there is always an unpaid balance reflected on their credit reports which can have a negative impact on their FICO score even though they pay off their balance each month per the card member agreement.

Features and benefits

The card, available for both personal and business use, offers numerous exclusive privileges including a dedicated concierge and travel agent, complimentary companion airline tickets on international flights on selected airlines with the purchase of a full fare ticket, personal shoppers at retailers such as Escada, Gucci, and Neiman Marcus, access to airport clubs, first class flight upgrades, membership in Sony’s Cierge personal shopping program, and dozens of other elite club memberships. Hotel benefits include one free night when at least one paid night is booked during the same stay in every Mandarin Oriental hotel worldwide once a year (except for the New York City property), one free night at one LXR Luxury Resorts hotel (no paid night required), once per year, and privileges at hotel chains like Ritz-Carlton, Leading Hotels of the World, and Amanresorts. All of the benefits mentioned above are for United States-issued cards. American Express Centurion cards issued in other countries may include different benefits. The card has recently added new amenities, including access into the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Gold, as well as US Airways Platinum Preferred status as of June 1, 2007. As of August 14, 2007, American Airlines Admirals Club access was added to the long list of amenities.

A new Centurion card crafted from anodized titanium was issued as a replacement for all plastic U.S. Centurion cards in the first half of 2006, with the titanium version being rolled out to certain other countries as well. Some cardholders have complained that this new card is thicker than a standard credit card and therefore can’t be used in some card readers, such as the pumps at many gas stations.

Travel benefits include enrollment in:

Continental OnePass® Gold Elite

Delta Air Lines SkyMiles® Gold Medallion®

US Airways Dividend Miles® Platinum Preferred

Virgin Atlantic Airways Flying Club Gold

American Express has removed certain benefits from the card in the years since it was introduced. For example, Hyatt Diamond Elite status was included up until January 2005, and Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum status was included up until January 2006. Status level at Starwood Hotels & Resorts is now Gold. UK members had access to Virgin Upper Class lounges, but this privilege has been removed.

American Express sent an email to about 250,000 customers on September 20, 2006, describing certain benefits of the Centurion card. The email was supposed to be sent to the 10,000 black card holders. Phone calls to their customer service line revealed 1) the email was sent to the ‘wrong list’ in error 2) qualifications for the Centurion card were one year of card membership with a $250,000 annual cash flow through the card account.

Additionally, as a token of American Express’s appreciation (and in light of the recent membership fee increase), some primary cardholders received a Canon PowerShot SD850 digital camera, beginning in late November/early December 2007. A note from Kenneth Chenault, CEO and Chairman of American Express, was included inside the characteristic black box with a liner captioned “what do you want to capture.” Other gifts to cardmembers have included a $2000 Judith Ripka gift card, a $1000 Van Cleef & Arpels gift card (and Reflections of Eternity book), tote bags, Gucci gift card, etc.

MORE ABOUT TRAVEL BENEFITS

Gold Status for Delta, Continental and US Airways

Centurion cardholders qualify for Gold status for Delta Skymiles, Continental Onepass and US Airways Dividend Miles program automatically without having to fly the required miles or number of flights. Gold status brings its perks like check in at First Class counters, double miles when you fly, free upgrades.

New: Gold Elite Status with Virgin Atlantic Airways

Centurion has just announced that cardholders will now automatically qualify for Gold Status in the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club program. Being a Gold member allows you to earn 50% extra Virgin miles and other extra perks. Secondary cardholders also get this benefit.

Centurion Airport Lounge

Cardholders can also access Continental’s Presidents Lounge, Delta Crown Room Club and NorthWest Airlines World Club when you are flying on their airlines. You also get access to Priority Pass Lounges regardless of which airlines you fly. Priority Pass has over 450 airport lounges worldwide.

Elite Car Rental Program

Complimentary memberships are available to centurion holders for both Avis and Hertz.

Elite Hotel Status

The elite status available to centurion members has been the latest controvesy among cardholders. When the centurion card was first marketed, cardholders automatically qualified as Diamond (Elite) status for Hyatt, Gold Status (mid-tier) for Hilton HHonors program, Platinum status for Starwood Preferred Guest Program, and also elite status for Intercontinental Hotels and Resorts.

The perk that was coveted by centurion members was the Platinum Status of the Starwood Preferred Guest program. That was because Starwood has probably the best hotel frequent guest program with no blackout dates and suite upgrades for platinum members. Centurion cardholders often sited the room upgrades from Starwood Hotels essentially cover the cost of the card. Starwood also allows members to transfer points into airmiles at very favorable terms.

However, there has been some changes (or rather reduction) to the elite status perks that cardholders now get that has infuriated many centurion members. Firstly, Hyatt is no longer a partner with the centurion program. Hence, cardholders no longer get Gold status membership with Hyatt. But the most important changes are that from February 2007, centurion cardholders will no longer be automatically qualified for platinum status for the Starwood Preferred Gues Program. Instead, they now only qualify for gold status. Gold status can be easily gotten just by having a Starwood Preferred Guest credit card and just charging it in one calendar year. It is harder to get room upgrades and many centurion members are upset about this.

Fine Resorts and Hotel Program

Centurion has over 550 hotel partners around the world. When you make a reservations through centurion travel service, you will receive room upgrades at check-in when available, continental breakast for two, guaranteed 4pm late checkout and complimentary amenities depending on the hotel property.

But the most important perks under this program comes from the Mandarin Oriental and Ritz Carlton. When you book a room at the Ritz Carlton, you will get a room upgrade at the time of your reservations and you will also get a $50 spending credit. For any reservations at the Mandarin Oriental, you will get a room upgrade upon reservation and also another room upgrade at check-in (ie 2 upgrades). You will also receive from centurion a “Buy One Get One Free Night” coupon for each and every Mandarin Oriental Properties (except Mandarin NY). So, if you travel a lot and stay at the Mandarin Oriental, you will get a fantastic deal for each Mandarin Hotel that you stay in.

New:Relais & Chateaux Club 5C

Centurion has also just announced that cardholders can enroll in the Relais & Chateaux Club 5C program without fulfilling the standard spend and stay requirements. But firstly, what is Relais & Chateaux? It is an association of 460 independent luxury hotels and restaurants with an average capacity of 30 rooms in 51 countries in 5 continents. Their properties are known for their charm, exclusivity and great culnery experience. Relais Gourmands, which is a group within the association, consists of the world’s finest dining establishments.

The Club 5C is Relais & Chateaux royalty program. Its main benefits are the VIP Welcome and Discovery Privilege. The VIP Welcome is a special welcome from the staff of the property. The Discovery Privilege is a customize experience prepared for members during their stay. It includes things like a perfume customized specially for you, behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen, fine wine tasting, and sybaritic spa treatment.

Annual Travel Benefit

Centurion cardholders will get a $100 statement credit when they book a qualifying vacation package with Centurion Travel service. This benefit can also be combined with other centurion travel benefits like the Cruise Privileges Amenities and Centurion Destination Vacations. This benefit is also available to Platinum Cardholders.

Centurion Cruise Privileges and Centurion Destination Vacations

Cruise privileges simply mean you will get a $500 shipboard credit when you book a cruise through Centurion Travel service. You can also earn up to 50,000 membership reward points when you book a one-of-a-kind tailored vacation through centurion travel to one of their exclusive resorts.

Baggage Insurance

If you book your travel tickets using your centurion card, you have up to $1,250 in baggage insurance for your carry-on luggage and $500 in checked-in luggage in addition to the insurance provided by the carrier. Tyler found this feature very helpful as he has had a few experiences where he had a couple of damaged items on board a plane with his carry-on bags. American Express promptly reimbursed him the amount to replace his damaged items.

New: Domestic Companion Airfare Program

Both the Platinum and Centurion Card have just announced a new domestic companion airfare program. Under this program, you can get a free companion airfare when you use your centurion card to buy a ticket (which cost at least $299) on any of the big six carriers. You can request up to four complimentary tickets a year. You have to book through Airlines Promotion South Inc (API) and you have to meet a few restrictions. These include:

Ticket having to be roundtrips (multi-city, one-way and open jaw does not count).
7 days advance booking.
Saturday night or 2-night midweek stay.
A few fare restrictions and blackout dates.

International Airline Program

This feature is actually also available to Platinum cardholders. This is how it works. For every full fare business or first class ticket that you purchase using the centurion card (using centurion travel service), you will get a free companion ticket. Tyler has not used this feature so far. On surface, it looks like a great benefit, but there are many occasions where 2 discounted business class tickets will cost cheaper than one full fare business class tickets. If you always book your tickets last minute and travel business class, you may find this a useful feature.

Centurion Villas

Centurion has partnered with a few very exclusive partners which enables cardholders to stay at the following exclusive places. They include the Four Seasons Residence Club, LaCURE, The Mansion at MGM Grand in Vegas (you cannot book at stay there even if you wanted to) and other Villas of distinction throughout the world.

Exclusive Resorts

Centurion has also partnered with many exclusive resorts in over 25 worldwide destinations. These can be booked through centurion travel service.

The Limousine Program

Booking a limousine through centurion travel service allows you to earn 3 membership reward points for every dollar that you spend on the service. The Limousine can be booked at 1-800-AXP-LIMO or through the centurion travel service.

International Communications Solutions

This program allows you to receive special pricing when you buy a GSM cell phone (GSM works in more international countries) and use phone plan from Vodafone (at reduced rates). You also get to rent a GSM phone for free is you use the centurion card for 60 days when you are going overseas. I don’t think this is a feature that will be used too often by cardholders though.

Private Jet Service

The Centurion program has partnered with six leading private jet companies. If you decide to enroll in any of them either through charter, membership or fractional use, you will get extra benefits when you enroll with the centurion card.

Space Adventure Spaceflight Club

Centurion members receive a complimentary membership with Space Adventures, the world’s premier space tourism company (according to Amex – and probably the only one!). This club is obviously for space enthusiasts, where you get private tours of launch facilities and other perks. Plus you get annual credits that you can use to pay for a suborbital flight!.

New: Tour GCX Membership

Tour GCX is a membership that provides individual and corporate members with unique access to private golf clubs and other golf experiences. They are able to provide this service because of marketing and business relationships with various prestigious private golf clubs.

Centurion cardholders who purchase the membership is allowed to reserve up to 5 tee times (foursomes) at select private golf clubs. The membership cost $3,125. Members also have special access to unique golf experiences like tournaments, pro-ams, clinics, outings and travel packages. Most of the courses are located at the New York Metropolitan areas like Long Island, New Jersey, Weschester County. Courses are also available at Florida, Las Vegas and D.C.

LIFESTYLE FOR VIP

Centurion and Departure Magazines

Centurion members will get two magazines. The first is the Centurion magazine which is published four times a year. This is kind a like a Robb’s Report on the world of travel, food, wine, fashion and culture. You also get the Departure magazine, which is published seven times a year. Platinum Card members also get the Departure magazine, which is a magazine on luxury lifestyle.

Equinox Fitness Club

Centurion members who purchase a membership at the Equinox Fitness Club get a centurion preferred rate and receive a package of additional benefits like complimentary personal training sessions, spa treatments, guest passes, Kids’ Club certificates. Platinum members also get this benefit.

By Invitation Only, Destination Shopping, Premium Seats and Luxury Seats, Gold Card Events

As a centurion card member, you will be getting lots of mails and invitations to exclusive events. Firstly, there is an By Invitation Only which apparently has access to exclusive once-in-a-lifetime events. In their brochure, Amex mentions events like sports, performing arts, epicurean delights, business symposium with distinguish speakers, private vineyard tours during harvesting season! According to Tyler, an example would be a semi-private meal with chef Thomas Keller at Per Se in NYC (I believe it was $1300 per person), or VIP tickets to Sting and backstage passes to meet him (Tyler can’t remember the pricing).

Members will also get access to premium seats and luxury suites for sports, entertainment and live events at venues in Los Angeles and New York. You can also have access to the Platinum Lounge from Amex at the STAPLES Center in LA.

Centurion has also partnered with many high end retailers where you will receive unique in-store amenities and perks like personal shoppers, VIP rooms, exclusive in-store events, private viewings of collections, trunk shows and private sales. Partners include Bergdorf Goodman, Bulgari, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

You will also get access to Gold Card Events where you will be given a chance to buy tickets to sports and entertainment events before tickets go on sale to the public. Amex Gold Card members already have this privilege and perk.

Personal Concierge Service, Dining Reservations, Centurion Travel Service

While the Platinum Card and other credit cards offer concierge service, the Centurion goes one step further by assigning you your own personal concierge. Tyler told me that all you have to do is to tell them what time are you most likely to call and Centurion will arrange for a concierge personnel who works in the same time zone shift to be your personal concierge. That way, you will most likely to be speaking to the same person who will get to be familiar with your special requests and needs! This is part of the package that Tyler likes the most because he says they are really good. For example, he mentions that on numerous occasions, he was able to get seats in very hard to get restaurants. They may not be the best seats, but at least, he got a table when normally there was no way that was going to happen. He also mentions another occasion where he had a show ticket in Vegas cancelled for no good reason, and centurion concierge managed to get him center seats on the eighth row!. On occasions where his personal concierge was not available, he did experience a couple of incidents where he felt the concierge personnel could have done better, but these occasions (according to him) were rare.

Other Improved Features from Gold Card

The Centurion card also has features that are found in the regular gold card and even the Platinum Card. However, you get slightly better perks with the Centurion Card. For example, on the Buyers Assurance Plan, centurion cardholders get double the manufacturers warranty for up to five years. For the Gold and Platinum Card, the extension for warranty is only for one year.

On their purchase protection plan, centurion members are covered for any product that they purchase on their card for up to 90 days if they are lost, stolen or even damaged by accident or vandalism. You are covered up to $10,000 per occurrence and up to $50,000 per year per cardholder account.

Their return policy is similar to the Platinum and Gold Card in that you can return an item you bought and if they retailer or manufacturer refuses to accept it, Amex will refund you for up to $300 per item. You have to return within 90 days. You are allowed to claim up to $1000 a year.

How to Get the American Express Centurion Black Card?

So how do you get the American Express Centurion Black Card? Well, you can’t apply for one. It is by invitation only. You need to get the American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Card first (you get 10,000 bonus points). If your credit is not exactly stellar, try the American Express® Preferred Rewards Green Card.

Word has it that if you spend $250,000 a year on the card, a centurion card in a fancy box will be sent to you. If you really want to get your hands on this card and are a business owner, perhaps getting the Business Gold Rewards Card from OPENSM the small business team and charging all your business expense on it (and paying your bills in full off course) will get you this card sooner than you think. Furthermore, you get 25,000 bonus points, which is enough for a free airline ticket. (Note : you do not need to have a business to apply for this card. Use your name as the business name and your social security as the tax id and you will be treated as a sole proprietor)

Some of the AMEX Black Card Competitors

Now that the American Express Centurion has gone mainstream, meaning it is everywhere in pop culture, many companies have tried to recreate what American Express has done.

Bank of America Accolades Card

12.24% APR
$500,000 Credit Limit
$295 Annual Fee (Top customers receive the annual back)
Includes Travel Discounts, Concierge, and Private Outings with Different Celebrities

Citigroup Chairman American Express Card

Open to Smith Barney and Citi Bank Private Clients
Personal Concierge
Complimentary Companion Airfare
No foreign Currency Transactions
24hrEmergency Service
$500 Annual Fee

Merrill Lynch

9.99% APR
No Annual Fee
Credit Limit as High as $250,000
Companion Airfare and Airport Lounge Access
Concierge Service
Up to $1,000,000 Travel Accident Insurance
Free Flight Hours on Marquis Jets for $50,000 + Annual Spenders

Stratus Rewards Visa

Known as the “White Card”
Invitation Only or Nomination by Current Member
$1,500 Annual Fee
Private Jet Discounts

Coutts & Co World Card

Must be a Client of this Private Bank with $1 million in Banked Assets
UK Based, Queen Elizabeth is a Client
$700 Annual Fee which is Waived for Spenders over $100,00/year

Morgan Stanley i24card

2011-09-02T15:11:00.000-07:00

Woodcliff Lake, NJ – September 2, 2011… The new BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL has just been awarded multiple honors from Motorcycle.com.

In its “Best of 2011 Awards,” Motorcycle.com named the BMW K 1600 GT/GTL “Motorcycle of the Year,” stating “BMW’s new K 1600 platform is nothing less than impressive, whether discussing its marvelous inline-six motor, its lengthy list of technologically advanced features, or its beguiling sporting performance for a comfy touring mount of its size. And, amazingly, the K 16’s underpinnings give it the ability to compete simultaneously with luxury-touring bikes and serious sport tourers.”

The staff of Motorcycle.com also gave the BMW K 1600 GT/GTL additional kudos:

“Best Touring” Motorcycle -- BMW K 1600 GTL

“By equipping the K 1600 GTL with an awesome inline six-cylinder engine and keeping its weight relatively low, BMW sets a new standard in the realm of plush touring bikes.”

“Best Sport Tourer” – BMW K 1600 GT

“While we generally prefer a sport-touring bike to weigh less than 700 pounds, we were swayed this year by the amazingly comfortable yet startlingly sporty K 1600 GT. Never before has a motorcycle so coddled its rider while tearing up a twisty road.”

“Best New Technology” – BMW Adaptive Headlight

“BMW’s adaptive headlight isn’t just one of the best things to happen to conventional motorcycle light technology, it’s one of the best things in recent years to happen to motorcycling altogether.”

“Best New Technology” Honorable Mention – BMW 1600 GT/GTL Multi-Controller

“…just as the new headlight is a genuine asset for improving riding safety, the multi-controller scroll wheel also creates an avenue or two for allowing a rider to remain focused on the road ahead rather than fiddling with a multitude of buttons and switches in the cockpit.”

Visit Motorcycle.com for the full story:

http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/bmw/motorcyclecom-best-of-2011-awards-91111.html

In their debut year, both the BMW K 1600 GT and K 1600 GTL have set new benchmarks for grand touring motorcycles by offering the world’s most advanced technology available on two wheels. These innovations include:

The world’s lightest and most compact six-cylinder engine on a production motorcycle. At 226 lbs (including clutch, gearbox and alternator) and less than 22 inches wide, the six-cylinder engine in the K 1600 models is comparable in size to four-cylinder power plants.
The world’s first Xenon adaptive headlight on a motorcycle. Innovative electronics automatically compensate for the lean angle around corners and ensure the beam of the headlight is always directed at the road ahead.

Motorcyclisteditors praised BMW’s adaptive headlight technology, saying “On a twisty road in the dark of night, BMW’s adaptive headlight lets you see further and be seen sooner. For motorcyclists accustomed to literally riding in the dark when riding in the dark, this is a very good thing.”

The world’s most advanced audio and communications system on a motorcycle.

Bluetooth for wireless communication, Sirius satellite radio with a complimentary 12-month subscription, integration for iPod, USB stick and auxiliary input, AM/FM tuner, pre-wired for Navigator 4.

A multi-controller on the left-hand grip, which allows riders to operate the motorcycle’s systems and adjust its settings without taking their hands off the bars.

2011-09-01T14:28:00.000-07:00

Start of carbon fiber production for BMW i3 and BMW i8
approximately $100 million investment in Moses Lake joint venture plant

Moses Lake, Washington - September 1, 2011SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers (SGL ACF) – a joint venture of SGL Group and the BMW Group – today officially opened its new state-of-the-art carbon fiber manufacturing plant in Moses Lake, WA. The new facility is strategic for the manufacture of ultra light-weight carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) for use in the new BMW i vehicles.

The two parent companies will invest approximately $100 million in their Moses Lake plant and create 80 new local jobs until 2013. In order to prepare the large scale production start of BMW i vehicles in 2013 it is important to start the carbon fiber manufacturing now. All electricity needed for the production of carbon fibers will come from readily available clean and renewable local hydropower.

Thanks to the emission-free drivetrain and a value added chain designed to be sustainable all along the line, life cycle emission figures for the BMW i3 are at least a third lower than for a highly efficient combustion-engine car. If the BMW i3 is run on electricity from renewable sources, the figures improve by well over 50%.

Carbon fiber technology will fundamentally change the car industry, becoming increasingly important in the quest for lighter-weight materials to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions. With the new SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers plant in Moses Lake, BMW Group and SGL Group are proving that sustainable innovations will provide for a cleaner individual mobility of the future.

BMW i3 first car to have a Carbon Fiber Passenger Cell

The first vehicle to use the carbon fibers manufactured in Moses Lake will be the
BMW i3, an all-electric car designed to meet the mobility needs of drivers in highly populated urban areas throughout the world. Driven purely by electric power to meet the demands of sustainable and emission-free mobility, the BMW i3 embodies an intelligent form of urban transportation and commuting. Previously known as the Megacity Vehicle, the BMW i3 will be the first BMW with the innovative LifeDrive architecture. The Life module part of the design is the passenger compartment made from high-strength, extremely lightweight carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP). The use of this high-tech material across large sections of the car ensures the Life module is remarkably light helping to improve the BMW i3’s range and performance.

Sustainable Plant with Room to Grow

In line with BMW and SGL’s leading roles in sustainable business operations, the decision to build the carbon fiber plant in Moses Lake was based primarily on the availability of clean, renewable hydropower and competitive energy costs in the state of Washington. The entire supply chain - ecological, social and economic - has been aligned. The manufacture as well as processing of the carbon fibers and carbon fiber composites will be achieved with careful consideration for environmental resources and processes have already been developed to recycle carbon fibers and downstream composite materials.

The Moses Lake plant covers 60 acres of land with the option to purchase additional land for future growth. The plant will initially run two carbon fiber lines, each with an annual capacity of 1,500 metric tons. After a year of design work with ground-breaking in July 2010, SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers completed the new Moses Lake Facility in April 2011 after only ten months of construction.

The Moses Lake carbon fibers will be processed into lightweight carbon fiber fabrics at the second joint venture site in Wackersdorf, Germany. The carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) parts and components will be produced from these fabrics at the BMW plant in Landshut, Germany. The new BMW i3 will be manufactured from these parts at the BMW Group plant in Leipzig, Germany.

Dr. Norbert Reithofer, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG :

“About a month ago we presented the first concept cars being launched under our new sub-brand, BMW i. The BMW i3 and the BMW i8 are cars like no other. With their purpose built design they will set new standards for clean individual mobility of the future. Carbon fibers are a key construction material for the automotive industry of the 21st century and will change the way we develop and build cars.”

Robert Koehler, CEO, SGL Group:

“The manufacture of carbon fibers is a core business for SGL Group and together with our partner BMW Group; we will ensure that carbon fibers play a ground-breaking role in lightweight automotive construction. This new greenfield facility in Moses Lake is a milestone in the use of carbon fibers for large scale production in the automotive industry. This significant investment further underlines our commitment to the U.S., where we already operate carbon fiber and composite part facilities.”

Christine Gregoire, Governor, State of Washington:

“What a great day for Moses Lake and the entire state of Washington. We worked incredibly hard to bring this partnership to Washington State, and I couldn’t be happier to join in the grand-opening celebration. Not only does this partnership create much-needed, good-paying jobs, it opens up new possibilities and solidifies our state’s position as the leading innovator in the green-energy market place. I am confident carbon fiber is the way of the future, and with SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers in Washington State, we will be the premier location for this in-demand product.”

Andreas Wuellner, Managing Director SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers:

“The facility has been erected in only ten month and will be the most cost efficient carbon fiber plant using modern technologies.”

Dr. Joerg Pohlman, Managing Director SGL Automotive Carbon Fibers:

“We received great support from the local authorities of Grant County and Moses Lake, and this was instrumental in being able to move this project ahead so quickly. Big Bend Community College helped to qualify applicants for our facility and this has been very helpful in starting the production at a high level of quality and efficiency.”

The BMW Group

The BMW Group is one of the most successful manufacturers of automobiles and motorcycles in the world with its BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brands. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 25 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

During the financial year 2010, the BMW Group sold 1.46 million cars and more than 110,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for 2010 was euro 4.8 billion on revenues amounting to euro 60.5 billion. At 31 December 2010, the BMW Group had a workforce of approximately 95,500 employees.

Long-term thinking and responsible action have long been the foundation of the BMW Group’s success. Striving for ecological and social sustainability along the entire value-added chain, taking full responsibility for our products and giving an unequivocal commitment to preserving resources are prime objectives firmly embedded in our corporate strategies. For these reasons, the BMW Group has been sector leader in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices for the last six years.

BMW Group In America

BMW of North America, LLC has been present in the United States since 1975.Rolls-Royce Motor Cars NA, LLC began distributing vehicles in 2003. The BMW Group in the United States has grown to include marketing, sales, and financial service organizations for the BMW brand of motor vehicles, including motorcycles, the MINI brand, and the Rolls-Royce brand of Motor Cars; DesignworksUSA, a strategic design consultancy in California; a technology office in Silicon Valley and various other operations throughout the country. BMW Manufacturing Co., LLC in South Carolina is part of BMW Group’s global manufacturing network and is the exclusive manufacturing plant for all X5 and X3 Sports Activity Vehicles and X6 Sports Activity Coupes. The BMW Group sales organization is represented in the U.S. through networks of 339 BMW passenger car and BMW Sports Activity Vehicle centers, 137 BMW motorcycle retailers, 107 MINI passenger car dealers, and 36 Rolls-Royce Motor Car dealers. BMW (US) Holding Corp., the BMW Group’s sales headquarters for North America, is located in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey.

Information about BMW Group products is available to consumers via the Internet at: www.bmwgroupna.com

About SGL Group – The Carbon Company

SGL Group is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of carbon-based products. It has a comprehensive portfolio ranging from carbon and graphite products to carbon fibers and composites. SGL Group’s core competencies are its expertise in high-temperature technology as well as its applications and engineering know-how gained over many years. These competencies enable the Company to make full use of its broad material base. SGL Group’s carbon-based materials combine several unique properties such as electrical and thermal conductivity, heat and corrosion resistance as well as high mechanical strength combined with low weight. Due to the paradigm shift in the use of materials, there is a growing demand for SGL Group’s high-performance materials and products from an increasing number of industries. Products from SGL Group are used predominantly in the steel, aluminum, automotive, chemical and glass/ceramics industries. However, manufacturers in the semiconductor, battery, solar/wind energy, environmental protection, aerospace and defense industries as well as in the nuclear energy industry also figure among the Company’s customers.

With 45 production sites in Europe, North America and Asia as well as a service network covering more than 100 countries, SGL Group is a company with a global presence. In 2010, the Company’s workforce of around 6,300 generated sales of €1,382 million. The Company’s head office is located in Wiesbaden/Germany.

2011-09-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Following the introduction of the full LED headlight, laser light is the next logical step in the development of vehicle headlight technology. BMW is planning this step, thus further expanding its lead in innovative light technology.

Munich. As a globally successful carmaker within the premium segment, the BMW Group attaches the utmost importance to advanced technology in all sectors of automotive manufacturing. Exclusive innovations and technological leaps secure BMW’s lead amongst the competition. In the field of exterior vehicle lights, BMW also leads the way for example with full LED headlamps for the BMW 6 Series and with new developments such as the “Anti-dazzle High- Beam Assistant”, as well as with “Dynamic Light Spot”. The term “Dynamic Light Spot” stands for a marker light system that automatically illuminates pedestrians in good time, thereby guiding the driver’s attention.

After LED technology, laser light is the next logical step in car light development. BMW engineers are currently already working on the introduction of laser light as a further pioneering technology for series production within a few years. Laser light could then facilitate entirely new light functions for even more safety and comfort and at the same time contribute significantly through its higher degree of efficiency towards a saving in energy and fuel respectively.

Laser light produces virtually parallel light beams.

By definition, laser lighting is radically different from sunlight, and also from the various types of artificial lighting in common use today. For a start, laser lighting is monochromatic, which means that the light waves all have the same length. And it is also what is known as a “coherent” light source, which means that its waves have a constant phase difference. As a result, laser lighting can produce a near-parallel beam with an intensity a thousand times greater than that of conventional LEDs. In vehicle headlights, these characteristics can be used to implement entirely new functions. Also, the high inherent efficiency of laser lighting means that laser headlights have less than half the energy consumption of LED headlights. Simply put, laser headlights save fuel.

The intensity of laser light poses no possible risks to humans, animals or wildlife when used in car lighting. Amongst other things, this is because the light is not emitted directly, but is first converted into a form that is suitable for use in road traffic. The resulting light is very bright and white. It is also very pleasant to the eye and has a very low energy consumption.

Laser diodes are already in use today in the consumer sector.

Completely safe laser lighting technology is already in use in a variety of consumer products, though in many cases this is a product feature that goes unnoticed by the customer. That won’t be the case when this technology is used in cars, however, as planned by BMW. Here the whole point is that the advantages should be noticeable and visible. A further feature of laser technology, which has important implications, is the size of the individual diodes. With a length of just ten microns (µm), laser diodes are one hundred times smaller even than the small, square-shaped cells used in conventional LED lighting, which have a side length of one millimetre. This opens up all sorts of new possibilities when integrating the light source into the vehicle. The BMW engineers have no plans to radically reduce the size of the headlights however, although that would be theoretically possible. Instead, the thinking is that the headlights would retain their conventional surface area dimensions and so continue to play an important role in the styling of a BMW, while the size advantages could be used to reduce the depth of the headlight unit, and so open up new possibilities for headlight positioning and body styling.

A further advantage of laser lighting technology, and one which the BMW engineers intend to use to full effect, is its high inherent efficiency. A single statistic will make this clear: whereas LED lighting generates only around 100 lumens (a photometric unit of light output) per watt, laser lighting generates approximately 170 lumens. With statistics like this, it is not surprising that BMW is also planning to take advantage of laser lighting technology to increase the efficiency of the overall vehicle. And appropriately enough it is in a concept vehicle from the new BMW i sub-brand, the BMW i8 Concept, that laser lighting will get its first airing. After all, BMW i stands for a new premium concept that is strongly oriented towards sustainability.

Laser lighting: high efficiency and safety.

Safety is a key consideration in the development of laser lighting for use in passenger cars. For BMW, the complete eye safety of this technology for all road users and its complete reliability in day-to-day use have top priority. Importantly, therefore, before the light from the tiny laser diodes is emitted onto the road, the originally bluish laser light beam is first of all converted by means of a fluorescent phosphor material inside the headlight into a pure white light which is very bright and pleasant to the eye. As a result, in future it will be possible to use laser light to implement all the familiar – including more recent – BMW lighting functions such as Adaptive Headlights, the “Dynamic Light Spot” spotlighting system and the “Anti-Dazzle High-Beam Assist”. It will also be possible to use BMW laser lighting to implement completely new functions, which will have only minimal power consumption.

2011-08-31T17:40:00.000-07:00

ATLANTA - August 31, 2009 - Motor Trend Magazine has chosen the Porsche Cayman S as the "Best Driver's Car" for 2009. Additionally, the Cayman was also picked by British car journal Auto Express as "Best Sports Car" in their New Car Awards 2009. In both cases Porsche's mid-engined coupe won over experts with its driving dynamics, precision, feedback and response.

Featuring PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplung), Porsche's Double-Clutch Gearbox, the Cayman S impressed Motor Trend on both regular roads and the race track, making its way to the top against nine other thoroughbred sports cars. The test team included select members of the Motor Trend staff as well as two professional race drivers - Randy Pobst and Massimiliano "Max" Angelelli.

With its circulation of 1.1 million copies and 7.6 million readers, Motor Trend, an internationally renowned magazine, is acknowledged as one of the leading car magazines in the USA.

Auto Express, the British car journal, was equally clear in emphasizing that the Cayman leads the sports car scene with unrelenting efficiency. The title of "Best Sports Car" was won with the ultimate blend of traction, balance, and agility. Apart from the characteristic sound of the boxer engines, the testers also lauded the practical qualities of the Cayman with its two luggage compartments and large tailgate.

Auto Express is the best-selling car journal in Great Britain.

Along with the Porsche Boxster, the newest generation of the Cayman has been available since February of this year. Its newly-developed six-cylinder boxer engine provides exceptional fuel economy and performance - 320 horsepower delivered by the 3.4-liter power unit in the Cayman S and 265 hp from the 2.9-liter engine in the Cayman. Both models are EPA rated at 29 mpg highway and both fulfill the strict EU5 emission standard in Europe and the ULEV standard in the USA.

Distinguishing itself from the other competitors in the "Best Driver's Car" competition, the Cayman S also remains below the fuel consumption limit for Gas Guzzler Tax.

2011-08-31T11:17:00.000-07:00

Today, 10 years after the start of production, the two millionth MINI was driven off the production line at Plant Oxford by Prime Minister David Cameron. Of the two million, more than 1.5 million MINIs have been exported to customers in more than 90 countries around the world from Australia to Venezuela.

Frank-Peter Arndt, BMW AG board member responsible for production, was present to celebrate this latest major milestone for Plant Oxford and the continuing success of the MINI brand. He said: “Production of the two millionth MINI comes on the back of strong demand worldwide. Our recent announcement of an additional £500 million investment in our UK MINI production facilities demonstrates the important role that Oxford plays in our global production network. The most essential factors in the success of MINI are the skills, passion and dedication of our associates.”

During the visit, Mr Arndt updated the Prime Minister on preparations at the plant to produce the next generation MINI including new production facilities currently under construction. This latest investment decision helps to ensure the long term future of the Oxford plant and jobs at its pressings plant in Swindon and its engine plant at Hams Hall near Birmingham. It also takes the company’s total investment across all its UK operations to more than £1.5 billion since 2000.

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “It’s a real privilege to drive this true British icon off the production line today. The 2 millionth MINI to be made here in Oxford is a fantastic symbol of the UK’s strength in the global automotive industry and a great British manufacturing success story.

“BMW’s continued investment in its UK operations, together with its export success - selling to over 90 countries worldwide - is contributing to a real renaissance for the UK car industry and a brilliant example of the sustainable, balanced growth we are determined to achieve. MINI is not just a symbol of our industrial past, but also the great industrial future we want to build.” ‪

The two millionth MINI is a MINI Convertible specially painted in White Silver metallic with a blue denim roof. The specification boasts a selection of bespoke interior and exterior options including special alloy wheels, a distinctive leather steering wheel and lounge leather upholstery. This historic car is the prize on offer in a global Facebook campaign called ‘Two Million MINIs – Two Million Faces’ which involves photographs of the faces of two million MINI fans being collected and built to create a dedicated Facebook ‘wall’. The winner will be chosen at random after the campaign closes on 30 September.

Dr Juergen Hedrich, managing director for MINI Plant Oxford, said: “It’s a really great milestone for Plant Oxford and everyone who works here. Oxford has been the heart of MINI production for the last 10 years and all our associates are proud and excited to be contributing to the continuing success of this iconic brand.”

Producing 216,302 vehicles in 2010, MINI was the third-largest vehicle manufacturer in the UK, accounting for 17 per cent of national automotive production. The plant currently produces four MINI models – Hatchback, Convertible, Clubman and the new MINI Coupé. A fifth model, the Roadster, will join the line-up at the end of this year.

Since MINI went into production in 2001, developments at Plant Oxford have reflected MINI’s growing success. In 2001 some 2,400 associates worked in single shift operations to build up to 300 cars a day. Today around 3,700 associates work five days a week on two shifts to produce as many as 900 MINIs per day. During the same period maximum production capacity at the plant has risen from 100,000 to over 200,000 units per year. In the medium term the plant has an annual capacity of 260,000 units.

2011-08-30T15:31:00.000-07:00

Munich. Even the most efficient internal combustion engine can only convert about one-third of the energy derived from fossil fuels into the mechanical kinetic energy needed to power a motor vehicle. Over the past few years BMW EfficientDynamics has made great improvements in engine efficiency, for example with technologies such as direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, exhaust-driven turbochargers, brake energy regeneration and the Auto Start Stop function. However, about 60 percent of the generated energy is still lost, half of it being exhaust heat, with the remaining half as heat absorbed by the engine cooling system. Finding ways of recovering this lost heat energy is one of the major goals being pursued by engineers working on BMW EfficientDynamics for the future. That is why the BMW Group is involved in several projects, each with different approaches to utilising dissipated heat energy, and at various levels – in research, pre-production and series development. Among the most promising innovations are the turbosteamer, thermoelectric generator, engine encapsulation and a waste heat exchanger for oil heating.

The Turbosteamer and Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) projects are focused on generating electric current from waste heat to improve overall engine efficiency, but each project follows a different approach and time frame. There is great potential for considerable fuel savings if the electrical energy required by all of the systems in an automobile can be produced using waste heat rather than relying solely on the vehicle's generator. This is another milestone behind the philosophy of BMW EfficientDynamics in achieving increased power and performance while reducing emissions and fuel consumption at the same time.

BMW turbosteamer – modelled after a power station.

In the Turbosteamer Project research and technology specialists of the BMW Group are working on a heat recovery system that is based on the principle of a steam process.

The process of recovering energy from waste heat is already practised on a large scale in modern power generation plants: large gas and steam power stations combine the principles of a gas turbine and a steam circuit to achieve a significantly higher level of efficiency. The gas turbine process is the first phase of the energy conversion and serves as the source of heat for the downstream steam cycle in the second phase.

The BMW turbosteamer is based on this two-stage stationary power generation method – but reduced in scale and design to form a component that can be used in modern automobile engines.

The first-generation turbosteamer – a maximalist approach.

Researchers proved the feasibility of this technology in December 2005 with the unveiling of the first-generation turbosteamer, which was based on a maximalist approach: they designed a dual-cycle system. The primary element was a high-temperature circuit that employed a heat exchanger to recover energy from the engine exhaust gases. This was connected with a secondary circuit that collected heat from the engine cooling system and combined this heat with the high-temperature heat from the primary circuit to create lower temperature heat.

When this design was laboratory tested on the four-cylinder petrol engines produced by BMW at the time, the dual system boosted the performance of these engines by 15 percent.

The turbosteamer today: smaller and simpler.

In order to further develop the system for use in series production, attention was given to reducing the size of the components and making the system simpler to improve its dynamics and achieve an optimized cost-benefit ratio. Thus researchers focused on designing a component having only one high-temperature circuit.

“A heat exchanger recovers heat from the engine exhaust, and this energy is used to heat a fluid which is under high pressure – this heated fluid then turns into steam, which powers an expansion turbine that generates electrical energy from the recovered heat,” explains Jürgen Ringler, Team Leader for Thermal Energy Converters at BMW Group Research and Technology. For the latest generation of the turbosteamer, engineers developed an innovative expansion turbine based on the principle of the impulse turbine, which offered many advantages in terms of cost, weight and size when compared to earlier concepts, and these are factors that are very beneficial when it comes to series production.

“We have made great progress toward achieving our original goal, which was to develop a system ready for series production within about ten years. When completed, this system will weigh only 10 kg to 15 kg and will be capable of supplying all of the electrical energy required by an automobile while cruising along the motorway or on country roads,” says Ringler. Under these conditions the developers are sure that the average driver will be able to reduce fuel consumption by up to 10 percent on long-distance journeys.

Initial integration of a mock-up system in the BMW 5 Saloon.

All of the system components developed on the test bench have been configured to form a module that can be integrated in vehicles. This has been done successfully by installing a mock-up system in the BMW 5 Saloon.

Thermoelectric generator.

Considerable progress has also been made in the Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) Project that is also focused on series production of an energy-saving component. The two alternative systems developed to date differ in their positioning in the vehicle – one unit is designed for the exhaust system, while the other is intended for the exhaust gas recirculation system. The development phase focused on integrating units in the exhaust system has led to considerable component improvements, especially in terms of weight and size.

Electricity from waste heat – a space-age solution.

The thermoelectric generator converts heat directly into electricity. The engineers of the BMW Group basically refined a technology that has been used to power space probes for more than four decades by NASA, the aeronautics and space agency of the United States. The principle behind this technology is known as the Seebeck Effect, namely that an electrical voltage can be generated between two thermoelectric semiconducters if they have different temperatures. Since the percentage degree of efficiency of TEGs was rather low, this technology was considered unsuited for automotive applications. However, in recent years progress in the area of material research has led to discoveries that have improved the performance of TEG modules.

One principle – three generations.

The first step taken by engineers was to integrate a thermoelectric generator in the exhaust system to generate electrical current. The first such system was shown to the public in 2008 and delivered a maximum of 200 watts, which was relatively low in terms of power efficiency. But the use of new materials and improvements in the weight and size of the TEGs led to rapid new developments, so that the latest generation of TEGs installed in the exhaust are capable of generating 600 watts of electrical power, and it will not be long before the goal of 1,000 watts is reached as research progresses. The current prototype – a BMW X6 – was built as part of a development project funded by the US Department of Energy.

Then in 2009, the BMW Group unveiled an alternative development in this project. Rather than installing the TEG as a separate module in the exhaust system underneath the vehicle, engineers decided to integrate the TEG in the radiator of the exhaust gas recirculation system. In this configuration, customer testing has shown that 250 watts can be generated while CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are reduced by 2 percent at the same time.

What's more, this energy recovery system offers some interesting added benefits, such as supplying the engine or passenger compartment heating with additional warmth during cold starts. And the thermoelectric generator is the ideal counterpart for BMW EfficientDynamics Brake Energy Regeneration. While the brakes generate energy during deceleration and stopping, the TEG functions at its best when driving is really exciting – namely during acceleration. Researchers forecast that TEGs will lead to fuel consumption savings of up to 5 percent under real everyday driving conditions in the future.

The ideal combination: heat management and BMW EfficientDynamics.

While some features of BMW EfficientDynamics, such as brake energy regeneration or the Auto Start Stop function help reduce consumption when decelerating or during idling periods, intelligent heat management can do the same when the vehicle is being accelerated and driven. In the future, even before starting the car, insulation and encapsulation of the engine compartment will ensure that the temperature of the drive train is stabilised by residual heat, thus shortening the cold start phase. An exhaust heat exchanger will also keep gearbox oil warm to reduce friction and fuel consumption as well. And a TEG or turbosteamer will supply the vehicle's electrical systems with ample power, delivering benefits when it makes the most sense – while enjoying sheer driving pleasure!

Depending on the vehicle environment and driving habits, heat management can deliver measurable benefits for specific driving scenarios. For both short and long-distance driving various features can reduce fuel consumption. Insulation of the engine compartment, gearbox oil heating with exhaust heat exchangers installed with petrol engines, or the heating function of the exhaust heat exchanger for diesel engines are features that are well-suited for vehicles that are predominately driven over short distances. During longer journeys the thermoelectric generator or turbosteamer add to that. And by utilising synergy effects, heat management will play a major role in reducing CO2 emissions in the future.

2011-08-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

Bell & Ross haute horlogerie watches are coveted by men for whom time is a true passion, not just a tool. Bell&Ross’ objective when designing the BR Minuteur Tourbillon was to offer these aficionados an exceptional, ultra-sophisticated measuring instrument, a watch that in and of itself combines all the brand’s watchmaking know-how.

A watch with a grand complication
Like every Bell & Ross watch, the BR Minuteur Tourbillon is first and foremost a measuring tool, focusing on readability, functionality, accuracy and reliability. Stemming from a desire to combine a timing function with
independent reading into a high-precision mechanism, it incorporates four watchmaking complications around a main timepiece:

• Tourbillon
• Timer with Flyback
• Power Reserve Indicator
• Independent Small Second

Opting for performance
Clearly visible in the 6 o’clock position on it the carriage of the main timepiece, the tourbillon is the quintessence of precision. The role of this most august of watchmaking complications is to accurately compensate for measuring differences caused by gravity when the watch is in the vertical position.

The simplicity of the time display controlled by the tourbillon cannot overshadow the sophistication of the mechanism that is only alluded to by the transparent display. The tourbillon of the BR Minuteur has utilized all
the skills of both the brand’s in-house engineers and top Swiss master watchmakers to meet the challenge of these mechanical laws of physics.

Opting for functionality
The BR Minuteur Tourbillon provides various items of information with
remarkable readability:

• The large Clock on the right of the dial, operated by the tourbillon, gives
information about the time.
• The independent Timer, displayed by a second, dual graduation clock,
is on the left of the dial. It measures all time intervals from a chosen
moment. Its concentric double indices represent 60 minutes and tenths
of hours markers. This segmentation is extremely advantageous for those
professionals who calculate the length of their assignment in tenths of an
hour mode.

The Timer is fitted with a Flyback function, a system for quickly resetting
to zero with an instant relaunch, a very useful tool for measuring successive
time intervals.

Two additional counters are located above and below the Timer:
• A power reserve indicator gives the remaining operating time on a three day scale. Independent small seconds.

Choosing materials
The BR Minuteur Tourbillon owes its sophistication to the quality of its movement, its accuracy and its performance, but its unique design is an equally attractive feature. Technology is brilliantly illustrated in its case through the carbon fiber of the dial and the aluminium of the movement bridges which provide extra strength. Its angle rib structure also helps in maintaining its integrity. The DLC (Diamond Like Carbon) titanium version of the Instrument is ultra-lightweight and very strong. Trimmed in pink gold, the BR Minuteur Tourbillon is synonymous with high technology and elegance.

To the delight of enthusiasts of rare, high-performing time instruments, Bell & Ross has achieved a lofty goal by taking a calculated risk: to combine the precision of a major watchmaking complication with a professional instrument.

Visit Bell & Ross today.

2011-08-29T15:48:00.000-07:00

Munich. Motorway A9 from Munich to Nuremberg – and as usual – there is a high volume of traffic. But despite the stress of the situation, the driver sits calm and relaxed behind the wheel. Why? Because the car is highly automated, i.e. it brakes, accelerates and passes other vehicles on its own, while also monitoring and adapting to the prevailing traffic conditions. And the second reason why? Because Dr. Nico Kämpchen, Project Manager of Highly Automated Driving at BMW Group Research and Technology, has already completed nearly 5,000 test kilometres with his team. In order to offer drivers comfortable and safe vehicles in the future, equipped with the most modern assistance systems available, the engineers at BMW Group Research and Technology have been working for many years on the development of electronic co-pilots to support automated driving in specific situations – for example the BMW TrackTrainer tested on the race track, as well as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and the Emergency Stop Assistant. To further understand the potential offered by these systems, as well as their limitations, researchers are ready to take their next major step: developing advanced driver assistance systems for the motorway.

To accomplish this, researchers have equipped a BMW 5 Saloon with intelligent software as well as vision assistance and environment detection systems. The advanced automated assistance function for motorway journeys can be activated with the push of a button. From this point on, the prototype system can autonomously control acceleration and braking, and it can safely pass slower vehicles. One of the greatest challenges early in the project involved reacting to vehicles merging on to the motorway at exit and access points – but even this problem could be solved with a cooperative approach. The prototype system reacts to the situation by allowing the merging vehicles to join the traffic flow, and it can even change lanes giving the merging vehicles adequate space to enter traffic safely. This is possible up to a speed of 130 km/h, but in compliance with current traffic regulations regarding speed limits and such things as prohibited passing zones.

“This is an entirely new situation and experience for the driver – it is a strange feeling handing over complete control of the car to an autonomous system. But after a few minutes of experiencing the smooth, sovereign and safe driving style, drivers and passengers begin to relax somewhat and trust the independent system,” says Nico Kämpchen, Project Manager for Highly Automated Driving at BMW Group Research and Technology.“ Nevertheless, the driver is still responsible for the situation at all times and must constantly keep an eye on traffic and the surroundings.”

To ensure that the automated research vehicle functions smoothly and with agility in real traffic, the car must be endowed with strategies to react appropriately in daily traffic situations. The basis for these strategies is comprised of two parts: first, pinpointing the position of the vehicle in its own lane is essential and second, the car must be able to clearly recognize all vehicles and objects in its nearest surroundings. This is accomplished through the redundant fusion of various sensor technologies such as lidar, radar, ultra sound and video cameras that monitor the environment around the automobile. Redundant does not mean “superfluous” – to ensure that the vehicle situation is precisely assessed, at least two different measurement methods must be used in every direction. In this way the developers at BMW Group Research and Technology can be sure that a potential weakness in one method is counterbalanced by the strength of the other method.

By accessing digital maps, the camera and the localisation data of the extremely precise GPS, the automated vehicle prototype can determine its location in its own lane, and it also receives exact information about the characteristics of the route ahead, including the number of lanes that section of the motorway has. This information is supplemented by data from the forward-looking camera integrated in the lane departure warning system. Objects in front of the vehicle are detected by the radar sensors of the adaptive cruise control system with Stop&Go function and by a laser scanner as well. The same is true for objects at the sides or rear of the vehicle.

Precursors and basis – the BMW TrackTrainer and the Emergency Stop Assistant.

The groundbreaking technology needed for automated driving assistance systems was developed by engineers at BMW Research and Technology in two pioneering projects that brought forth the BMW TrackTrainer and the Emergency Stop Assistant. The BMW TrackTrainer supports autonomous driving on competition race courses. With the precision of the localisation a safe and yet very dynamic driving style can be realised. The TrackTrainer is currently used in BMW driver training sessions to give participants a genuine feel for the racing line – they experience it behind the wheel and not from the passenger seat. With merged data from an exact digital map, along with GPS and video data, the TrackTrainer can autonomously guide a vehicle along the racing line of a complete race track for training purposes. The system is already in the second generation, featuring optimised and precise position localisation achieved by merging redundant sensors. The constant comparison of GPS and video data with the digital maps and internal vehicle data was used to automatically guide a vehicle around the legendary North Loop of the Nürburgring on 21 October 2009. Then on 25 May 2011, the BMW TrackTrainer performed a similar feat at the Laguna Seca Raceway in California, demonstrating that fast and dynamic automated driving is indeed possible.

“The main difference between the sessions at the rack track and trials on the motorway is that we are not alone when driving along a public motorway. That is why we were interested in learning about the developments in the Emergency Stop Assistant Project to ensure safety in our own undertaking,” explains Nico Kämpchen.

The emergency stop assistant prototype realized by BMW is yet another milestone in the development of automated functions for assisted driving. The system is part of the SmartSenior Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany which was launched in May 2009. The system incorporates innovative technologies for controlling and pinpointing the location of a motor vehicle and analysing the vehicle environment for added safety. If a driver loses control of a vehicle – for example due to a health emergency – the emergency stop assistant can detect the situation and autonomously take control of the car and bring it to a safe stop. The system activates the emergency flashers, carefully monitors traffic and guides the vehicle to the right shoulder of the road. Then an emergency call is automatically sent out to inform authorities of the situation, including information for emergency medical teams to ensure a quick and efficient response. This is all based on the Advanced Emergency Call function from BMW ConnectedDrive that is already available as a feature for production automobiles. This project served as the foundation for the environment recognition function that is used in automated motorway driving.

Automated future scenarios– Parking Assistant and Traffic Jam Assistant from BMW ConnectedDrive in the BMW i3 Concept.

Research will continue on automated vehicles equipped with advanced driver assistance systems in order to develop innovative assistance functions for the future. Examples are the Parking Assistant and Traffic Jam Assistant in the BMW i3 Concept. Since the BMW i3 Concept is primarily designed as an urban vehicle, it is equipped with functions that make parking easier and driving in congested traffic less stressful. The park assistant automatically parks the vehicle without any driver intervention. The car accelerates and brakes on its own, and shifts gears from forward to reverse as needed when difficult parking manoeuvres are required. The Traffic Jam Assistant helps drivers in rather monotonous traffic situations and congested areas, taking over so that the vehicle can “go with the flow” and the driver can relax. It maintains a safe distance between vehicles and automatically controls the speed and steering, and is able to stop the car if necessary. As long as the driver keeps one hand on the steering wheel, the vehicle can provide assistance in keeping the car precisely in its lane at speeds up to 40 km.

Automated driving on motorways provides important information and experience that is essential in developing technologies that assist in keeping vehicles safely on track, and this information will influence future strategies for advanced driver assistance.

“The next thing we want to ‘teach’ our prototype is how to deal with road construction sites and motorway junctions. Construction sites are a big challenge because they take on all kinds of forms, which makes detection, localisation and determining the right vehicle response quite difficult.” Nico Kämpchen and his team have plenty of work to do and are looking forward to finding solutions to these challenges as well.

The C-X16 is our compelling vision for a 21st century Jaguar sports car. It embodies the established Jaguar strengths of sensual design, cat-like agility and inspirational performance and combines these with attributes that set us on a course to create the sustainable sports cars of the future.

Watch the reveal of the Jaguar C-X16 at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

2011-08-29T07:00:00.000-07:00

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is expanding its Bespoke operation due to growing customer demand for bespoke items, a trademark service by the British manufacturer of super-luxury motor cars.

The Bespoke operation, based at the Home of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars at Goodwood in West Sussex, will see a surge of team members, including designers, engineers and project management staff, doubling the headcount by the end of 2011. It will bring the number of Bespoke experts throughout the business to over 50.

This year, Rolls-Royce has seen a significant increase in customer demand for personalised bespoke features, transforming the brand's super-luxury cars into unique hand-crafted masterpieces which are as individual as their owner’s fingerprints. In order to satisfy demand, the business is recruiting additional Bespoke designers as well as engineers in manufacturing and project management functions. Operational support functions will also expand in various areas including product marketing and sales.

Bespoke operations are not limited to design and development of automotive parts. Bespoke allows Rolls-Royce customers the luxury of commissioning motor cars to suit their personal lifestyles. Examples are as versatile and unique as picnic sets that are colour-matched to a car’s interior, carefully selected luxurious interior materials or the creation of seamless storage for an owner’s favourite belongings.

“The ability to bespoke one’s vehicle has always been at the heart of Rolls-Royce so it is very encouraging to see that after more than one hundred years at the very pinnacle of the automotive world, our Bespoke services are still very much in demand from customers all over the world today”, explained Member of the Board and Director, Sales and Marketing, Jolyon Nash.