Auto: The magic number for BMW (3)

2016 marks the 30th anniversary of a motoring icon, one which revolutionised the mid-size sports car segment when its production started in 1986. The very first BMW M3 set a new standard by which other carmakers would be measured – and, five model generations later, are still judged today. BMW Motorsport Division, the precursor to BMW M Division, was incredibly rigorous in its deployment of undiluted motor racing technology in the development of the first-generation BMW M3. Its endeavours produced a thoroughbred high-performance sports car – based on the series-produced BMW 3 Series – that was perfectly suited to daily use. Over the three decades that have followed, BMW M has gently refined its trailblazing and highly successful creation from one generation to the next, while always taking great care to preserve the original character of the M3. The upshot is that there is arguably still no other car that blends such prominently honed motor sport genes and uncompromised everyday practicality into such an emotionally stirring overall package.
The 30th anniversary of the BMW M3 provides an ideal opportunity to look back at four highly intriguing model variants that, for various reasons, never made it past the prototype stage. Four surprise guests will therefore be attending their progenitor’s birthday party: the BMW M3 Pickup from 1986, the BMW M3 Compact from 1996, the BMW M3 Touring from 2000 and the second incarnation of the BMW M3 Pickup unveiled in 2011.
Use in touring car racing was the overriding development objective for the first-generation BMW M3.
The BMW M3 was not an attempt to produce a sporting flagship for a volume-produced model range; instead it originated from the idea of developing a racing car for motor sport that would also be available in a road-going version. The selected category of racing was Group A production touring cars – as seen in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM) that had succeeded the German Racing Championship (DRM). The Group A regulations stated that for a racing car to be homologated, at least 5,000 road-legal units had to be sold within 12 months.

 The current (fifth) generation of the BMW M3 was introduced in spring 2014. In keeping with the change in nomenclature for BMW’s series-produced models, only the four-door sedan is badged “M3”, while the coupe and the convertible variants were given the model designation M4. In all three body variants, a free-revving straight-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and 317 kW/431 hp provides the power. Rigorously applied intelligent lightweight design elements include the extensive use of lightweight materials such as CFRP and aluminium for many chassis and body components. All of which has shaved around 80 kilograms off the weight of its predecessor.
This summer, BMW M Division released an exclusive special-edition model – limited to 500 units worldwide – as a special tribute to the successful 30-year history of the BMW M3. With its Macao Blue metallic exterior paint finish, the BMW M3 “30 Jahre M3” harks back to the first generation of car, for which this colour shade was first offered. The Competition Package, which is included as standard and comprises extensive powertrain and suspension modifications, pushes the engine output of the anniversary model up by 14 kW/19 hp to 331 kW/450 hp

Auto: BMW honours the '02 in 2016

BMW has big festivities planned for Monterey Car Week this year. Not only is it the brand's centenary, but also the 50th anniversary of the legendary 2002. So to mark the occasion, the Bavarian automaker will roll out a new version of its 2002 Hommage concept.

As you may recall, BMW first revealed the 2002 Hommage at theConcorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este this past May, reinterpreting one of the company's most celebrated models in modern form. The “re-imagined version” will be presented at the event known as “The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering” on Friday, August 19. Expect a fresh coat of paint and some other minor alterations.

The 2002 showpiece is the latest in a string of retro concepts that BMW has created over the past several years. Others have included conceptual tributes to the 328 and M1. Last year's 3.0 CSL Hommage concept was similarly unveiled at Villa d'Este (in dayglow yellow) and subsequently reintroduced at Pebble Beach as the 3.0 CSL Hommage R concept with a retro racing livery. We wouldn't be surprised to see Munich take the same approach this time around.

BMW will also be the featured marque at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca this year, where it will bring out no less than 64 classic racing cars from the 328 of 1930s vintage to the V12 LMR from 1999.

Autos: "M" No More; with its new "Excellence" designation, Bimmer Kills off the Mbadge

-From BMW Coop

If the genuine 760Li xDrive M Performance beautifully highlights the M division`s signature at the exterior and inside, the no-cost “Excellence” might seem to have nothing in common with the company`s hardcore division.

Just as the M760Li xDrive, we should have expected the same M features wrapping the body, instead all we got from the version is just a shadow of a genuine M Performance car. Let`s take for instance the M lettering at the back which was replaced with the “V12” badge.

Other features that mimic an M version are the 20-inch Individual lightweight alloy-wheels, bright chrome trimmings as well as the black brake calipers.In return, the no-cost “Excellence” version packs the same twin-turbo V12 engine with 600 horsepower, 19-inch brakes or the Executive Drive Pro adaptive suspension system, as the real M760Li xDrive.

On the other hand, the M760Li xDrive M Performance adds up the 19-inch M Sport brakes with blue metallic brake calipers, as well as the 20-inch rims finished in matte Cerium Grey metallic. Not to mention the slight mods added at the body, like updated bumpers, side skirts or the dual exhaust system.

Poetry: Cherry Natural, Warrior Poet

Cherry Natural unleashed powerful poems laden with strong messages of female empowerment, revolution and love on Tuesday when she performed as featured poet at the Poetry Society of Jamaica’s March Fellowship. Entitled Woman Rising, the fellowship was hosted to pay homage to women and poetry in a twofold celebration of International Women’s Day and World Poetry Day.

The open mic segment served as the night’s starter and saw varied presentations, a few of which provoked discussion in the analysis segment. The evening’s featured works also saw the reading of Lorna Goodison’s Where I Come From and Prof. Mervyn Morris’ Writing as tributes, honouring women and the craft of writing respectively.

Cherry Natural started her reading with Pickney Poems, detailing the birth and development of her poems, and then addressed the creative space and contributions of poets in Is Long Time Poets A Write. From there on she ventured extensively into the terrain of women’s empowerment, beginning with Woman I Was Born, which speaks about women not having to fit within established norms to be considered woman.

“I don’t have to be weak and fragile,” she said, acknowledging singer Pam Hall, who was in attendance. The backing track for Woman I was Born, which Hall produced and is on Cherry Natural's Earth Woman album, is from a Pam Hall song.

In the same vein Natural read Woman of My Word and Man Show, the latter detailing what she said was the struggle she faced as a woman coming up in the industry, especially in doing performances.

In one of many poems that hit home she read Slanguage, taking jabs at pop culture and its attendant language, noting that people were “swaggin right back pan di slave ship.” The usually fiery poet shifted things around with Compatible, outlining the qualities she might like in a partner, and also addressed love with Warrior’s Love Poem, both of which elicited much applause.

Cherry Natural closed with Fight Back, a piece that had a strong impact on the predominantly female gathering. Natural shared some of her martial arts expertise in advising women to take a stand against abuse, saying, “first time victim, second time volunteer.” She used a pair of nunchucks to do an elaborate demonstration, much to the surprise and excitement of the audience. “We take the revolution serious,” Cherry Natural said.

Following up on her 2012 album Intellectual Bad Gal, the public can expect a new writing project of the same name from Cherry Natural. It is a book of poems, quotations and self-defence tips.

-FRom the Sunday Gleaner

Jazz Film: "Stock's" Photos on Show

Sunday, MARCH 29
NEWBURGH, New York

On Sunday, MARCH 29th, the Downing Film Center (19 Front Street, Newburgh, NY 12550) will host “Beyond Iconic: Photographer Dennis Stock” at 1:00 pm. The screening will be followed by a live Q&A with filmmaker Hanna Sawka, after which all attendees are invited to the Wherehouse (119 Liberty Street, Newburgh, NY 12550) nearby for an after-party from 3:00 'til 5:00 pm with a live performance by the film’s composers and musicians, Teri Roiger & John Menegon, as well as Mark Dziuba on guitar & Dave Berger on drums!

This locally made film is the only full-length documentary about Dennis Stock, who is now the subject of Anton Corbijn – directed biopic called “LIFE” starring Robert Pattinson as Dennis Stock that will be released this year. The filmmakers of “LIFE” have thanked “Beyond Iconic’s” director Hanna Sawka in their credits for the role her film played in researching the personality of Dennis Stock.

About the film:
A master class on life, a portrait of a life fully realized: Beyond Iconic introduces Mr. Stock in his own words and through hundreds of his famous photographs, which include images from the Golden Age of Hollywood and Jazz, hippies, the American social landscape, architecture, landscapes and nature. This film is a look at Stock’s brilliant and famous photography, his colorful and adventurous life, and his brassy personality.

"Renowned for his classic portraits of Hollywood stars and jazz musicians, Magnum photographer Dennis Stock held strong opinions on what makes a lasting image. Documenting Stock before his death in 2010, Beyond Iconic takes us through his career and reveals how he captured such iconic pictures as James Dean walking through Times Square in the rain. We get privileged access into Stock’s photography workshop as he shares a lifetime of wisdom." Thom Powers, for the DOC NYC film festival at New York’s IFC Center, November 2011