BMW Releases Free M Power App for iPhone

The Apple iPhone has a built-in accelerometer that rather accurately detects even the slightest motions. Developers have been quick to create applications that capitalize on the iPhone's hardware, including software that helps enthusiasts obtain g-force and 0-60 times from their phone. We've tested a few ourselves and they work pretty well, although most of these apps come at a cost, ranging from $4.99 to $10 or more. If you like the idea of timing your vehicle with the aid of an iPhone but don't want to pay for an app, BMW has a free solution for you.

It's called the M Power Meter and does most things those paid apps can do, but it's free and also very easy to use. Simply download the software from the app store [iTunes link], place your phone upright in a cup holder or flat in the direction you intend to drive, hit start, accept the terms and go. The M Power Meter defaults to timing a jaunt from 0-50 km/h, but you can change that by clicking on settings and choosing from several acceleration options up to 200 km/h or distances ranging from 100 meters to 2,000 meters. We downloaded the M Power Meter app and found it worked fairly well for being free and nearly as good as those apps we spent a few bucks on in the past.

If you have an iPhone and a car, test it out for yourself (without breaking the law or doing anything that could endanger yourself or others, natch) and tell us how well it worked by heading over to the Comments section. It's free, so it couldn't hurt to give it a whirl.

Source:[Autoblog]

MINI’s Detroit Auto Show Teaser

One of the exciting vehicles debuting at the Detroit Auto Show next week is MINI’s preview of their upcoming crossover. Dubbed Beachcomber, the new MINI Concept introduces us to some of their future models.
The four-seater concept car was unveiled back in December and many believe it is a preview of the production MINI Crossover that will be unveiled next year at the Geneva Motor Show.
Built on an all new platform, MINI Beachcomber Concept has its roots back in the 1960’s Mini Moke, but with the new concept, MINI is finally moving away from the current round headlamp design.



The less conventional upright, tall and flat nose has a Moke influence and it has been designed to meet the new strict pedestrian safety regulations.
The new concept measures 4007mm and the 2.6m wheelbase also offers great rear legroom compared with similar-sized cars.
As we mentioned, Beachcomber debuts next Monday at the Detroit Auto Show.

Source: BMWBlog

Mercedes SLS AMG Officially Gran Turismo 5 Covergirl

The Mercedes SLS AMG has been given the honor of gracing the cover of Gran Turismo 5 whenever it eventually debuts. Video of the SLS AMG earning the spot with some digital mayhem below.

How to load a commercial dump truck onto a sailboat?

I just saw this on Autoblog.com and HAD to share. My question is, "now what?"

Report: Details on 2011 BMW "M1" trickle out

A BMW 1 Series Coupe, tweaked by the company's M-Technik division, is reportedly under development for UK release in mid-2011. Destined to slot beneath the M3 Coupe, the smaller 1 Series Coupe is said to feature a modified twin-turbocharged six-cylinder packing 350 horsepower. The aluminum engine will be mated to a standard six-speed dual-clutch gearbox with an electronically-controlled rear M differential. With a curb weight of just over 3,300 pounds and easily making more than 310 lb-ft of torque, the newest M-car will breeze past 60 mph in well under five seconds without breaking a sweat (for comparison's sake, BMW claims the 135i takes 5.2 seconds but publications like Car and Driver have hit 60 mph in the 4.7-second range)

The 1 Series Motorsport variant will reportedly retain the current car's standard MacPherson struts up front and the multi-link rear configuration, but the division's engineers have fitted firmer springs and dampers (and new bushings) to improve handling. Lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels complete the hardware package. Cosmetically, the so-called "M1" will wear an M division body kit with a new front spoiler, flared wheel arches, larger side sills, a rear spoiler and an aggressive rear valance with four M-signature chrome exhaust tips.

The name is still not finalized. Understandably, BMW is hesitant to quickly slap the "M1" label on the rear decklid as that name originally adorned the company's legendary road supercar in the late 1970s. Destined to become the M division's most affordable model, we really don't care what BMW calls it... just send it to our shores.

Source: Autoblog

Honda Delivers FCX Clarity Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle to 2010 Canadian Olympic Hockey Team Captain Scott Niedermayer

January 06 2010

Four-time Stanley Cup champion, Anaheim Ducks captain and environmentalist becomes first professional athlete to lease Honda's zero-emissions vehicle.

American Honda Motor Co., Inc., delivered a zero emissions hydrogen-powered FCX Clarity fuel cell electric vehicle today to its latest customer, 2010 Canadian Olympic hockey team captain, Scott Niedermayer. Also a team captain for the Anaheim Ducks National Hockey League team, Niedermayer is a leader both on and off the ice, promoting an environmentally responsible lifestyle and the protection of natural resources.

"My love for nature and the outdoors developed while growing up in Canada and I hope the generations after me get to experience nature as I have," said Scott Niedermayer. "Everyday actions, like driving the zero-emissions Honda FCX Clarity, will help to make this dream a reality."

Honda's FCX Clarity produces electricity onboard from hydrogen via Honda's innovative V Flow fuel cell stack with water vapor as its only emission. Significant advances include exhilarating performance, futuristic sedan packaging and a driving range of up to 240 miles*. FCX Clarity's fuel efficiency is three times that of a comparable, modern gasoline-powered automobile.

"The FCX Clarity demonstrates Honda's commitment to developing zero-emissions vehicles, and we believe that having drivers like Scott Niedermayer behind the wheel of a Honda FCX Clarity is a great way to reach out to a new audience of drivers," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "We hope that Scott's example of driving the FCX Clarity will inspire fans and other athletes to consider more environmentally responsible products."

Niedermayer and his wife, Lisa, reside in Orange County, California, with their four sons. The family enjoys the outdoors together by camping and mountain biking. Their love of nature has inspired the family to seek a greener lifestyle that includes changes such as adding insulation around the family home and installing a radiant barrier on the roof to conserve energy. Niedermayer already carpools to games with his fellow teammates and promotes a recycling program around his team's dressing room.

Honda's advanced fuel cell electric vehicles have been tested and proven through a series of successful partnerships over the last seven years with various fleet users and retail customers. A small but growing network of hydrogen fuel stations in Southern California allow for vehicle refueling in about five minutes and offer a clean, domestic energy supply for transportation.

Honda has gained extensive experience from the deployment of several generations of its fuel cell electric vehicle technology with the ultimate goal of achieving the mass-market commercialization of zero-emissions fuel cell vehicles.

Mercedes Benz Green-Lights CLS-Based Wagon

According to AutoWeek, Mercedes has given the go-ahead to a wagon based on their sexy Mercedes Benz CLS. It'll undoubtedly be influenced by the shooting-brake ConceptFascination from Paris two years ago, something we'll have absolutely no problem with.

The CLS Wagon will be a traditional four-door wagon rather than the shooting-brake layout of the concept, but it'll retain a great deal of styling we'll see when the refreshed CLS debuts. Also in tow will be engines promised to be 25% more fuel efficient. The car should debut in Paris next September
[Autoweek]