BMW Australia creates a TV Commercial for the 3 Series

BMW Australia brings five generations of the iconic 3 Series sports sedan to life on the screen

The advertisement traces the history of the iconic 3 Series from its genesis as the BMW 2002 in 1968 to the latest E90 3 Series Sedan, with all cars filmed on a race track, and seamlessly morphing from one generation to the next.

In creating the advertisement, BMW and its creative partner, Melbourne based Badjar Group, mixed the latest in computer generated imagery with awesome on track driving, and a unique 360-degree action pan shot of the current and previous generation 3 Series cars.

We created this television spot to show how the BMW 3 Series has always been fun to drive, is fun to drive today and will always be fun to drive. That’s what you’d expect from the cornerstone of the BMW brand,” says Tom Noble, General Manager, Marketing at BMW Group Australia.

Jack Room, executive creative director of BADJAR Group created a 45-second television spot that embodied the spirit of the BMW 3 Series. Armed with a vital knowledge base of the 3 Series history, the BADJAR creative team focused on the payoff line: “In 1968 BMW invented the sports sedan and never stopped re-inventing it”.

In the TVC, the cars morph through their generations to the climax, with the evocative music of the Body Rocker’s song “I Like The Way You Move” playing strongly. With the help of CGI – computer generated imaging – the BADJAR team spent two days on site at the Eastern Creek race track in Sydney filming and then worked their magic in the editing suite.

BADJAR had not done anything like the 3 Series creative for BMW previously. “We’ve done plenty of television commercials where we have used computer generated imaging, but not to this extent. The unique thing about this particular piece is that we wanted to have an archival feel to it to start with and then, as the whole thing progressed, end up with a much more contemporary feel, when the E46 3 Series morphed into the E90”, says Jack.

To enable that seamless transition, a special rig was built for the money shot, which involved mounting a camera for a 360-degree pan around both an E46 and E90 as one morphs into the other. After the shoot and with the genius of computers in the editing suite, the creatives took some footage of the spectacular mountains around Queenstown in New Zealand to slip into the background.

To see more click HERE

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Mazda Roadster NR-A

Mazda announced that it will release the NR-A version Mazda Roadster for sale at its Mazda and Mazda Anfini dealers throughout Japan in early April 2006. The Roadster is known as the MX-5 in overseas markets.

Designed with specifications that enable drivers to compete in NR-A category races after the addition of special racing kit, Mazda has been selling the base model NR-A Roadster since December 2001. Since then, the NR-A model Roadster has been favorably received by motorsports enthusiasts thanks to its reasonable cost and the added dimension of exhilarating driving possibilities that come with meeting the NR-A race requirements.

The new NR-A model Roadster is based on the third generation Roadster that underwent a complete redesign and launched in August 2005. Employing special equipment on the new Roadster NR-A model--height-adjustable Bilstein dampers, a torque-sensing 'Super LSD' (limited-slip differential), and front strut tower bars--makes this exciting new model more suitable for sporty driving.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the Roadster MX-5 NR-A model is 2,300,000 yen, including sales tax. It is only available in the Japanese market. The new NR-A model was designed to participate in the "Roadster Party" One Make Races in Japan. These events are sponsored by Mazda and will be held from September 2006.

Technical specifications of the NR-A Roadster

Model name and type

Mazda CBA-NCEC

Dimensions

Overall length/width/height

3,995mm x 1,720mm x 1,245mm

Wheelbase

2,330mm

Weight

1,120kg (1,100kg with factory-installed aluminum wheels)

Minimum clearance

135mm

Seating capacity

2 people

Steering

Rack and pinion

Suspension (front/rear)

Double wishbone/multilink

Brakes (front/rear)

Ventilated disc/disc

Tires and wheels

Tires

205/50R16 87V

Wheels

16x6 1/2JJ

Engine

Model

LF-VE

Type

Water-cooled inline 4-cylinder DOHC 16 valve

Displacement

1,998cc

Compression ratio

10.8

Maximum output

125kW (170PS) /6,700rpm

Maximum torque

189Nm (19.3kg-m) /5,000rpm

Fuel supply system

EGI (Electronic Gasoline Injection)

Fuel & tank volume

Unleaded premium gasoline / 50 liters

10/15 mode fuel economy
(MLIT inspection values)

13.4km/l

Main fuel economy improvement

Variable valve timing

Minimum turning radius

4.7m

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Nothelle Tuning unveils new Audi A4 kits that improve style & dynamics

The latest Nothelle project is the A4, which the tuning company from Ratingen (Germany) provides with a more elegant and at the same time sportier appearance. And naturally nothelle also offers various performance improvements for the A4.


- Power output increased by up to 310 bhp

- Aerodynamic packages

- Quadruple exhaust and "NOVEDRA VII SPORT" 19-inch wheels

Sophisticated nothelle aerodynamic packages with sporty looks.

Nothelle tackles the external cosmetics with the aid of a comprehensive, in-house, sophisticated aerodynamic kits, which is mounted on the standard components without any additional body modifications.

It consists of a front spoiler (from EUR 490), side skirts, a rear apron attachment and a rear spoiler (one version each for the Saloon and the Avant), as well as optional fender extensions, which can also be fitted onto the standard wings with any body modifications.

The rear of the A4 gets an even sportier upgrade when you order the nothelle diffusor. This is available either in the body colour or in sophisticated genuine carbon fibre.

The nothelle rear silencer with its quad-tailpipe looks (from EUR 620), made entirely of durable stainless steel, promises a sporty sound as well as a touch more power. Its oval, chrome-plated 4 tailpipes give the rear end of the A4 a significant boost. A pretty backside is no less enchanting, after all!

Sports suspension and matching footwear

nothelle also provides matching footwear for the A4, with the company's own NOVEDRA VII SPORT wheels in 8.5 x 19" format. The one-piece wheel is impressive for its striking and extremely exclusive design, as well as its multi-piece looks (from EUR 550). Nnothelle offers it in three versions.

The basic version is the "NOVEDRA VII SPORT", painted in Shiny Silver. The fine surface finish of the "brilliance edition" is achieved by means of an extremely elaborate ball polishing process with high-gloss intensification. Because tastes vary, nothelle also offers the "black edition" as a third version. The alloy wheel is also available complete with an ultra high-performance 235/35-19 tyre from nothelle's technology partner, KUMHO.

Naturally nothelle also takes care to ensure that all the extra power does not throw the A4 off the road. That's why the Ratingen tuning company offers sport suspension systems. Either in the form of a comfort-oriented set of sports springs, as a complete suspension system or as a high-end solution using individually height-adjustable coilovers.

Performance upgrades for diesel and petrol engines

Nothelle gives the diesels a boost by means of chip-tuning or its N TRONIC BOX. The latter represents the intelligent power box for diesel engines, and is a supplementary control unit that will deliver a significant but not excessive performance boost when installed.

Similar performance figures are delivered by the chip-tuning version, LEADERCHIP©, designed for the discerning driver with a desire for more controlled power. The vehicle releases its entire potential and yet at the same time remains supreme and respectable in its running characteristics. The engine offers significantly improved torque and increased power output with well-balanced figures. It is the diplomat among the tuning chips, with unfettered superiority.

As a third alternative nothelle offers the BULLCHIP©, the power upgrade for the driver with sporting ambitions. Full-blooded power delivery, breathtaking torque and fabulous acceleration are its characteristic features. That makes it the muscle man among the tuning chips.

All performance upgrades are of course also available for vehicles with a diesel particle filter.

2.0TFSI Nothelle Style

Of all the A4's petrol engines, the 2-litre TFSI is just asking for some muscle-toning. nothelle turns it into the highlight of its range. In the case of the turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine, the conversion delivers a leap in power output up to a magnificent 310 horsepower! That makes it possible for the A4 to reach a top speed of 280 km/h (175 mph). Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 5.5 seconds will have many a 911-owner booking his Porsche in for a performance check at the first workshop he comes across.

As a rule nothelle can offer performance upgrades for all engines. In all its development work the tuning firm naturally pays greatest attention to ensuring compliance with all applicable emissions standards. And all with TÜV approval and under warranty.

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Scion tC Release Series 2.0

Toyota announced today that it will unveil a second limited-production Scion tC for 2006 at the New York International Auto Show, with sales beginning in mid-April.

Press Release: The 2006 tC Release Series 2.0 will come in a brilliant Blue Blitz Mica. This limited edition tC features a stainless steel mesh upper and lower front grille and 17-inch alloy wheels that come with a satin metallic finish. The tC's only factory option, front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags, is standard equipment on the R.S. 2.0.

Inside, the tC's front and rear seats are trimmed with black Alcantara(R), a suede-like material that provides passengers better friction grip and is more commonly found in luxury or performance vehicles and on aftermarket racing seats. The tC R.S. 2.0 comes standard with a Pioneer Premium AM/FM/CD audio system with iPod connectivity and color-changing LED display.

A Pioneer six-inch subwoofer with 35-watt maximum power complements the upgraded head unit and is tuned specifically for the tC. This compact subwoofer is mounted in the under-floor storage area, keeping it out of sight and leaving the cargo floor clear. This tC also is equipped with XM Satellite Radio and comes with a paid three-month subscription, wherever XM service is available. An individually numbered brushed stainless steel badge completes the uniqueness of this vehicle.

Only 2,600 units of the tC Release Series 2.0 will be built. The tC Release Series 2.0 model will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $1,960 over the base price of the tC. The base MSRP for the tC starts at $16,300.

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Volkswagen Golf GT Frog Commercial

Seems Volkswagen has gone “commercial crazy” this year, as the German company unleashed another add spot, this time for their new Golf GT model. The GT, which fits just the GTI model is equipped with a 1,4 litre TSI engine, that combines direct petrol injection and a twin supercharger, a mechanical supercharger in conjunction with a secondary exhaust turbocharger, producing 170 hp, 30 less than the GTI.

The add features a frog in a swamp is caught out by an super-strong fly and is carried to another water hole. In the background is the new unusually powerful Volkswagen Golf GT.

The campaign was developed at advertising agency DDB, Berlin by creative director Wolfgang Schneider and Matthias Stiller. Film production was done through Outsider, London and Marken films, Germany while the sound was designed by Chris Turner at Jungle Studios, London Video:




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Opel Corsa / Vauxhall Corsa 2006

One of Europe’s best-sellers, the Corsa , will be replaced this summer with a new model that Opel –Vauxhall in the UK, hopes will be as much a success as the Astra.

Dutch magazine Autoweek, give us a pretty accurate view of the new Corsa that holds a strong resemblance to the successful Astra. As with the Astra, the rear bodywork of both ver­sions will vary significantly, in a bid to make them appeal to different types of customer. The five-door car is expected to have a longer wheelbase, which will also go on to underpin the next-generation Meriva, scheduled to arrive in 2008. Spin-offs from the three-­door platform will include the eventual replacement for the coupe-cabrio Tigra TwinTop, although this is not expected to appear until 2010.

The new Corsa is set to debut at this year’s Paris Motor Show, and will hit the European market in Autumn. It will share many of its mechanical components with the new Fiat Grande Punto, which is built on the same platform. Other shared parts are likely to include the suspension systems, steering and braking components, as well as the much lauded 1.3-litre Multijet diesel engine, which already appears in the current generations of both cars.

Opel’s petrol units will differ from Fiat's, though, and will start with an updated version of the 1.0-litre three-­cylinder engine fitted to today's entry-­level Corsas. Other options will include the 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre Twinport units, along with an updated version of the 1.7 CDTI diesel from the Astra.

Of course, the Corsa range will include an OPC version with Opel’s latest 1.6 Turbo engine that pumps out 180 hp –first seen on the Meriva OPC. All motors will be com­pliant with Euro IV emissions rules.

Opel also hopes to make the Corsa one of the safest superminis in its class, with airbags all-round, electronic brake­force distribution and other driver aids. These improvements will come at a cost, however, as the newcomer is expected to be slightly more expensive than the model it replaces.

Press Release: One of the most eagerly anticipated automobile premieres of 2006 takes place on July 18 in one of Europe’s most exciting cities: London. Opel has today announced that the all-new Corsa will make its world debut at the British International Motor Show (July 18 – 30). The fourth generation of the popular Opel model comes with a compelling design and an array of innovative technology features. Just as they successfully realized with the Astra, designers have given each three and five-door Corsa variant a unique look. Both versions will be on show in London. Sales of the new Corsa start in the fall of this year.

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Hamann equips the Lamborghini Gallardo with wing-doors

Hamann Motorsport from Laupheim, Germany, is giving the 520 hp Lamborghini a feature that is inextricably linked with the classic Countach and the more recent Diablo and Murcielago models. Without further ado, the Hamann engineers are equipping this Italian supercar with wing doors.

Hamann is relying on an inhouse wing door construction to create a stable system without being too flashy. The hinges of the Hamann wing door conversion can only just be seen, without appearing retrofitted. This ensures that the Gallardo still cuts a fine figure when getting in and out.

As one might expect, these changes call for a number of measures. In view of the end result, however, they can be regarded as extremely minimal. To complete the conversion, all that remains to be done is to blend in the paintwork along the hinges and the internal folding of the doors. The conversion is carried out at Hamann and takes about a week.

The Hamann wing doors are characterised by the fact that they open upwards at an angle. Drivers who opt for this conversion will never want to be without this wow factor! Needless to say, Hamann also offers conversions for the Spyder version and older 500 bhp models.

In addition to the wing doors for the Gallardo, Hamann also offers a whole range of tuning options for this model - in the form of aerodynamic components, light alloy wheels, suspension systems and luxurious interior equipment packages.

By the way, BMW 6 Series or Ferrari F430 owners who are thirsting for wing doors, also have something to look forward to. HAMANN is currently working on a conversion kit for these two models and their soft-top variants Cabrio and Spider.

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Kleemann tuning kits for Mercedes 5.5 V8 AMG Kompressor engine

German Mercedes specialist, Kleemann, has developed a new series of tuning products for the AMG 5.5 litre V8 Mercedes-Benz engine with Kompressor. The Kleemann AMG 5.5 litre V8-engine tuning program is available for all Mercedes-Benz models equipped with the 5.5 litre Kompressor V8-engine. The available model range includes: E 55 (W211), CLS 55 (CL219), SL 55 (R230), S 55 (W220), CL 55 (CL215) and the G 55 (W463).

There are four basic stages, K1 to K4. All components can be used individually, in predetermined sets, or in a customer defined matrix.

Stage K1 tuning program for the AMG 55 consists of an Engine Performance Kit containing a custom-made ECU program and a redesigned pulley wheel.

Stage K2 consists of KLEEMANN stainless steel tubular exhaust headers and down pipes that provide larger primary pipe diameters for each engine cylinder. The KLEEMANN headers can be modified to the stock exhaust system or used in conjunction with the KLEEMANN 120 cell metal catalysts for maximum performance gain. Last but not least, the ECU gets further revisions for maximum power output.

Stage K3 includes the above described stages plus KLEEMANN Super Sport Camshafts and the complete KLEEMANN 70 mm dual stainless steel Exhaust System with four steel cats.

Stage K4, for further performance any 55 Kompressor engine can be optimized with the new Stage K4 Performance kit consisting of a modified inlet house and throttle body. This upgrade ads up to 30 Hp and 75 Nm (55 lb-ft)

AMG 5.5 V8 476/500 Hp & 700 Nm (519lb-ft)

Power

Torque

Torque

K1

520 Hp

750 Nm

555 lb-ft

K2

560 Hp

780 Nm

578 lb-ft

K3

610 Hp

835 Nm

618 lb-ft

K4

640 Hp

900 Nm

731 lb-ft

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Renault Clio Bio-Fuel

  • Renault sold 25% of all vehicles emitting less than 120g/km CO2 in Europe in 2005
  • Target to sell 1 million cars annually emitting less than 140g/km CO2 by 2008

Following its recent international debut at the 2006 Paris International Agricultural Show, Renault launched a new bio-fuel car, the Hi-Flex Clio available with either a 1.0 or 1.6-litre 16v engine. Based on the Clio II, the new range has been developed for the Brazilian market and features Renault-developed ‘Flex Fuel’ technology, with a highly versatile engine that can run on petrol and ethanol in any proportion (0-100% of either).

Available in three and five-door hatchback or Clio Sedan form, the new Flex Fuel models replace all of the previous petrol versions and cost an average of just 1% more, with prices starting at 26,570 R$ (Brazilian Real

In Europe, biofuel is one of the most promising solutions for bringing down CO2 emission levels. Under Renault Commitment 2009, Renault has made several commitments to environment issues, including engine adaptation to biofuels. By 2009, 50% of petrol-engined Renaults offered for sale in Europe will be able to run on fuels containing up to 85% of ethanol and all Renault diesel cars will run on fuel containing up to 30% of diester.

Version

1.0 16V Hi-Flex

1.6 16V Hi-Flex

Dimensions

Overall length (mm)

4191

4191

Wheelbase (mm)

2472

2472

Overall width (mm)

1639

1639

Unladen height (mm)

1417

1417

Unladen kerb weight (kg)

1025

1025

Engine

Fuel

Petrol/Ethanol

Petrol/Ethanol

Induction capacity (cc)

999

1598

Max power (hp, petrol-ethanol) rpm

76 -77 / 6000

110 -115 / 5750

Performance

Max speed (km/h, petrol-ethanol)

166 -167

192 – 194

0-100 km/h (sec, petrol-ethanol)

14.1 -14.3

9.7 – 9.8

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