Saturday, October 22, 2011
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
Bell & Ross - Evolution of the Military Watch
The year 2011 is a watershed year in the history of Bell & Ross. A master of military-inspired watchmaking, the Franco-Swiss brand is once again setting the pace by updating the 1920s timepieces that were fi rst worn on the wrist to today's tastes. Bell & Ross is thus paying tribute to military timepiece history by introducing a pocket watch transformed into a wristwatch - the Vintage WW1.
THE TIME MACHINE
In 2011, similar to a movie fl ashback, Bell & Ross is boarding a time machine and offering a nostalgic, yet modern pocket watch transformed into a wristwatch – the Vintage WW1. This is a unique way of reinterpreting the history of the military watch an approach that has always guided the brand's designs.
"We are delving into the past even more in order to round out our collection", explains Bell & Ross designer, Bruno Belamich. "The military watch has been our passion since our early days and we are looking to reinvent the fi rst models of these wristwatches which appeared on pilots' wrists in the 1920s. "The challenge? Remain loyal to the watchmaking canons of the day while adapting them to the Bell & Ross design principles.
FROM POCKET WATCH TO WRISTWATCH
The reimagining of those bygone days is a two-phase process: the design of a fob watch of rare sobriety, the PW1 standing for Pocket Watch 1 and the introduction of a wristwatch christened the WW1 for Wrist Watch 1. First worn by French soldiers during the Great War, these wristwatches were then tested experimentally by pilots in the 1920s before being declared technically reliable in the 1930s. The Vintage WW1 pays tribute to this era and takes its inspiration from the stylistic designs of the "Roaring Twenties", yet does so without appearing dated. A true missing "time" link between the pocket watch and the wristwatch of the 1940s, the shapes and functions of the Vintage WW1 refl ect all of Bell & Ross' genetic codes.
A CLASSIC, ELEGANT, DIFFERENT WATCH
In 2005, Bell & Ross metamorphosed aeronautical cockpit displays into an inimitable square watch - the BR01. In 2011, the brand is once again living up to its reputation by transforming a pocket watch into a wristwatch. The Vintage WW1 model clearly stands out as a reincarnation of the past into the present. A large diameter fob style case, horns welded to the case that are used as lugs, legant, robust leather straps, an extremely readable dial, a fl uted crown that is easy to handle with gloves, a top quality
mechanical movement.
The Vintage WW1 could have been worn by a pilot from the '20s. In the 21st century, it will be worn by those looking for a large, classic and elegant timepiece that truly stands out. A masculine icon, this fl awless watch is the beginning of an era of a new style: military neo-classicism.
2012 Fisker Karma - First Drive Review
February, 2011
Three years and a billion investment dollars after the Fisker Karma rolled forth as a stunning plug-in-hybrid concept, it's finally ready to rock as a stunning production car. All in less time (and for far less money) than GM needed to produce the Chevy Volt.
The Karma's recipe calls for sexy design stirred with a heap of sustainability. We had faith in the styling part of the concoction: While growing up in Denmark, Henrik Fisker inherited from his father a deep appreciation for American cars of the Sixties. Upon completing formal design studies, he put his rearing to excellent use. Warming up for the Karma, Fisker designed the BMW Z8 and the Aston Martin DB9 and V-8 Vantage—all of which stand tall next to any Corvette or Eldorado.
As for sustainability, in the Karma it means consuming no petroleum for the first 50 miles and interior trim that bows to Mother Nature. Indeed, the very idea of sustainability permeates Fisker's business plan, which is backed by venture capitalists and government agencies. On the heels of the low-volume, $100,000 Karma, there will be a more affordable car, the Nina, also built around earth-friendly technology. The hope is that these two plug-in hybrids will give Fisker global reach as a viable carmaking enterprise.
The Karma lays a good foundation. Up front there's a 260-hp, GM-supplied four-cylinder engine spinning a mighty generator. Next in line is a 20-kWh, American-made lithium-ion battery pack. Twin AC motors straddling the rear axle deliver 402 horsepower to the differential. The propulsion system, the Brembo brakes, the 22-inch cast aluminum wheels, and the aluminum suspension components are supported by an aluminum space frame stitched together with 260 feet of welds and a thousand or so rivets. The Karma's aluminum skin is finished with a solar-cell roof, a composite decklid, and plastic bumpers.
Like the Nissan Leaf, the Karma is always electrically driven; the gasoline engine powers only the generator. Slip into the elegantly tailored driver's seat, engage "stealth" mode, and you can motor sedately to the future with little more than a hum from the powertrain. Tugging the "sport" paddle to the left of the steering wheel brings additional energy to bear. When the gasoline engine kicks in to supplement the battery pack's wattage—to trim the 0-to-60-mph run from a claimed 7.9 seconds to 5.9, or to add 250 miles to the driving range—the extra thrust is accompanied by the whistle of a turbo spooling up, the snarl of angry exhaust gas, and a resonant boom or two. Bent on fulfilling its mission, the generator set keeps growling even when you ease off the accelerator.
The Karma's initial surge is sufficiently potent to avoid damnation as a slug. But the physics conspire against it keeping pace with other $100K sports sedans. In spite of the joys of low-rpm electric torque, the realities of a curb weight well above 4000 pounds and only one gear ratio mean that mileage is where this car excels. Until the EPA weighs in on that subject, we can only guess that the Karma will land slightly below the Volt's ratings of 93 equivalent mpg (MPGe) in electric driving and 35 mpg city and 40 highway with the engine running.
Handling is a subject we can address with more confidence. The Karma's steering is endowed with real road feel and linear turn-in response. The ride is supple, and there's minimal body roll when you fling the wheel; the low-mounted, 600-pound battery pack makes for an effective keel. Even though the rear wheels carry 53 percent of the Karma's mass, there's understeer awaiting those who visit the borderlands of grip. The brakes are calibrated to convert excess momentum into the maximum amount of charging energy without inflicting pedal weirdness.
Considering its low-slung and curvaceous flanks, the Karma provides surprisingly easy entry and cozy accommodations for four grown-ups. A 10.2-inch screen replaces the usual forest of tiny infotainment buttons with audible, visual, and tactile responses to touch commands. Trim is a cut or two above the $100,000 norm, thanks to fine detailing and lovely custom touches. The top EcoChic edition is an animal-free showcase of high-end textiles, faux suede, and rescued California wildfire hardwood.
Fisker claims to have 3000 deposits in the bank. Some of those who've plunked down the cash are doubtless atoning for past turbo-V-8 sins, but others may be less altruistic, simply drawn to the sexiest fenders ever draped over an American sedan. Whatever their motivation, they'll get a beautiful, luxurious machine that goes easy on the environment.
2012 BMW M5
Just a few months before the car's official debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW has decided it was time to reveal the official specs on the fifth generation M5 sports sedan. After seeing the first concept version at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show, now we can see the M5 in all its glory. And we sure like what we are seeing.
The M5 name was used for the first time back in 1984, but since then, the car has evolved into an impressive sedan that combines track potential with the comprehensive practicality of a luxurious business sedan. The new generation brings a high-revving 4.4-liter V8 engine with an M TwinPower Turbo package that delivers an impressive 560 hp at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 502 lb-ft from 1,500 rpm. The model will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and, when the speed limiter is removed, is capable of hitting an impressive top speed of 190 mph. Despite these impressive performance numbers, the car will deliver an estimated fuel economy of 28.5 mpg.
UPDATE 08/26/2011: Thousands registered to be a part of the BMW M5 Story, but only six were given the opportunity to test drive the new BMW M5 at the only testing ground worthy of the attention: the Nurburgring. Check out the scintillating experience by clicking on the image above!
UPDATE 09/23/2011 BMW has announced that the new BMW M5 will be available with an exclusive Frozen Black finish, which will be available to customers through the BMW Individual personalization program. This color was previously offered for the special editionBMW M3 Frozen Black. (5post.com)
More details about the BMW M5 after the jump.
Exterior It seems that with the new M5, BMW tried to repair all the damages made by the 5-Series. Where the standard sedan failed to impress, the M version does exactly the opposite. It comes with dynamic proportions and stylishly authoritative appearance that has been further enhanced by the addition of M-specific design features. The front of the BMW is a clear indication to the power lying under the hood. The bonnet is defined by the brand's usual V contour lines and ends with a double-kidney grille, while the three air intakes in the lower section of the front apron emphasize the cooling air requirement of the engine behind the grille. Moving to the side of the M5, you will see two side air intakes with a dynamically curving form placed where there used to be fog lamps. The car will sit on a new set of 19-inch M light-alloy wheels in double-spoke design. There is also a wide chrome frame and the free-floating look of the indicator bar, which bears the M logo and gives the intakes an extremely deep-set look. The mirror casings are painted in the vehicle's body color, while the mirror base and lower edge are painted in High-gloss Black. The rear features a bespoke rear apron, a diffuser integrated into the lower edge of the rear apron, and, of course, the twin-pipe exhaust system. The tailpipes are positioned wide to either side of the diffuser and have likewise aerodynamically formed surrounds. Interior The interior continues the same sporty design language started by the exterior: it will get M sports seats, fine-grain Merino leatherupholstery with extended features, door sills with "M5" lettering, an M driver's footrest, exclusive Aluminum Trace interior trim strips, and the BMW Individual roof liner in Anthracite. Standard equipment will include an iDrive control system with an up to 10.2-inch Control Display. The buttons on the steering wheel will allow the drive to operate the cruise control system and the audio and telephone functions. On the left-hand steering wheel spoke, the driver will now find two M Drive buttons, which can be used to configure the car. For example, the driver can save a sporty configuration using the "M1" button and a comfort-biased set-up via the "M2" button. Configure your very own BMW M5 by clicking here. Engine "a bold business car that at the push of a button turns into a sportscar." For the first time in a BMW M5 the company has used a turbocharged engine. The high-revving 4.4 liter V8 unit with M TwinPower Turbo technology delivers a total of 560 HP at 6,000 – 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 502 lb-ft between 1,500 and 5,750 rpm. The rev limiter intervenes at 7,200 rpm. Compared to the engine it replaces, this mean an output increase of about 10% and peak torque increased by 30%. With this impressive output under the hood, the new M5 will sprint from 0 to 60 mph in in 4.4 seconds, to 124 mph in 13.0 seconds, while top speed is limited to 155 mph. But once you have removed the limiter you will enjoy a speed of up to 190 mph. The new BMW M5 is fitted as standard with Brake Energy Regeneration and an Auto Start-Stop function, which automatically switches off the engine when the car comes to a halt at junctions or in a traffic jam. The engine will be mated to a seven-speed double-clutch transmission that sends the power to the rear wheels. Both in automated mode (D) and manual (S), it delivers exceptionally fast and clean gear changes. The transmission offers a sequential shift pattern for the manual gearshift mode. Alternatively, the driver can also change gear manually using the standard-fitted shift paddles on the steering wheel – the right-hand paddle for upshifts and the left-hand paddle for downshifts. Just a few days after the BMW's official launch,TeamSpeed reported that the 2012 BMW M5 has just become the fastest sedan around the Nurburgring race track with an impressive time of 7:55. With this new time, the M5 will be placed above models like the PorschePanamera Turbo (7:56) and the Cadillac CTS-V (7:59). This new lap time also matches the 'Ring time of the Ferrari F430. The record lap was completed by a BMW driver, but don't put it in the record books just yet. This is actually an unofficial time, surely to be followed by the real thing shortly. When Can I Get One?The new BMW M5 will make its world debut this fall at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Sales will begin shortly after and prices will be announced at a later date. The Competition The next BMW M5 will take on models like theJaguar XF-R, Cadillac CTS-V, and Audi S6. The Jaguar XF-R surely has its benefits. It is more elegant and luxurious than the BMW M5 with a good amount of aggressiveness in its design. It may only be powered by a 5.0 Liter supercharged V8 that pumps out 510 HP, but these other factors will surely sway some votes in Jaguar's direction. The Cadillac CTS-V has also gained a lot of terrain on the US market, and with good reason. For one thing, it's cheap compared to the other models - it starts from $64,290 - and it also features a very impressive 6.2 liter supercharged V-8 with an output of 556 HP and 551 lb.-ft. of torque. |
Rodney Dozier
