VIDEO: Tour of BMW Roadsters at Concorso d'Eleganza

BMW's roadster models had a prominent place at this year's Concorso d'Eleganza show that took place at the Grand Hotel Villa dEste at Lake Como in Italy, this past April. Aside from the modern Z4 hardtop roadster and Z3, there were many classic production models such as the 3218, 315-1 and 319-1 as well as concept cars like the futuristic the GINA Light Visionary Model and Bertone's 1969 BMW 2800 Spicup that was only recently discovered somewhere in the Netherlands and restored to its former glory. Follow the jump to watch the film.

Hartge's Tuning Programme for the New BMW Z4 Roadster

After AC Schnitzer and Hamann, it's time for Hartge to release details on its tuning programme for the new BMW Z4 Roadster that has just begun to arrive in showrooms across the world. Hartge's initial offerings cover a somewhat broader spectrum than its two fellow German tuning boutiques. Aside from the firm's classic multispoke alloy wheels that are available in sizes 18 and 19 inches, Hartge's programme also includes stainless steel exhaust pipes, aluminum pedals and footrest, special emblems for the exterior and interior plus a new speedometer.

New BMW Z4 Roadster Wears Hamann Alloys

Following in the footsteps of AC Schnizter, German tuning house Hamann Motorsports has also come forward with its alloy wheel options for the new BMW Z4 hardtop roadster. Since Hamann did not disclose any information on its offerings, we're left to guess that the alloy wheel designs are available in several sizes. The Z4 E89 shown in the pics does not appear to have any other mods, but we're pretty sure that it won't be long before Hamann unleashes a comprehensive tuning package with mechanical and cosmetic upgrades for the Bavarian roadster.

AC Schnitzer's Alloy Wheel Proposals for the new BMW Z4 Roadster

Just the other day, when we showed you photos of a new Z4 Roadster spotted outside a Hartge dealership, we told you that it was only a matter of time before the usual BMW tuning 'culprits' start releasing their goodies for the latest version of the Bavarian roadster that's equipped with a retractable hardtop. And indeed today, AC Schnitzer confirmed us by unveiling its alloy wheel offerings for the new Z4.

In addition to the photos of the alloy wheel designs available for the second-generation Z4, the German tuning house also revealed that it is working on a complete product range for the Z4 that will include performance upgrades, a sports rear silencer and tailpipe trims, suspension and brake systems, aerodynamic components as well as interior accessories, all of which will be introduced shortly.

2010 BMW Z4 Roadster: Let The Tuning Games Begin

Obviously this ain't one of your typical tuning proposals as the only visible changes on the 2010 BMW Z4 appear to be limited to the beefier 20-inch Hartge alloy wheels and the carbon-fiber front splitters, but it's a start. Scooped by a poster over at the Zpost forums, the lightly tuned bimmer is an unregistered model owned by a BMW / Hartge dealer. For those that would like something more spicy, no need to worry as it's just a matter of time before we start seeing the usual BMW tuning boutiques announcing their Z4 E89 progammes.

Via: Zpost

My Two Dents on BMW's Fuzzy Logic Model Range

BMW's latest releases are a Family Guy episode on four wheels. If anyone has seen the episode of South Park parodying Family Guy's plot developments, you'll know what I mean; it's manatees in a tank fetching random idea balls and throwing them together. The manufacturer of vehicles touted as the "Ultimate Driving Machine" has gone off the deep end. People thought Mercedes was doing the same when they made the CLS for style-conscious consumers; Mercedes had the last laugh, though, walking away having created a totally new market. Will BMW have the same success? Me thinks not.

BMW, in a poor attempt to emulate Mercedes, has strayed from the beaten path in an attempt to capitalize on original ideas. The last few attempts by the Bavarians make me wonder exactly how much money they have in order to waste so much on ugly, redundant products in these trying times.

Take, for example their sport utility (oh, I'm sorry, activity) lineup. God forbid buyers confuse these vehicles with something having utility. Other than the X5, these vehicles are highly questionable. Large and midsize SAVs; ok, I understand these markets exist. "Slightly-smaller-than-midsize" and "coupe"; you lost me.

While the X5 and X3 move up in size, apparently a "slightly smaller than midsize" SAV is needed to fill the gap left by the hardly successful X3. The upcoming X1 (basically a less manly version of the X3, if that's possible) is a "Sport Activity Vehicle in the premium compact segment". Jesus, now they're just making things up. Premium Compact Sport Activity Vehicles? Let's just call it what it is: pointless, and fugly to boot.

What about the X6? It's a Sports Activity Coupe. That doesn't even start to make sense, considering the fact that it's a four-door SUV. What do you get for your $55,900 entry price? Room for four, minimal cargo space, and a cramping roofline, not to mention one ugly mother. What's worse, Acura (in yet another attempt to reach top-tier status) has decided to copy it. I'll chalk that one up as a wasted effort, guys.

What is the X6's purpose? Well, no doubt it'll do a great job of rubbing pointless excess in everyone's face, but that's about all. I recall one commenter on the web thanking BMW for creating a new class of douche with the X6. Nail on the head, sir, nail on the head.

And BMW's cars? Well, time was BMW sedans could do no wrong. Alas, ladies and gentlemen, you must not have noticed the latest eyesore brought about by dropping the X6 a few centimeters: the 5-Series GT. The only nifty part about the whole shebang is the rear hatch; that's where it ends. The GT is apparently targeting the three people who want a sedan with just a little bit more space, but who don't want to go all out for the wagon for fear they might appear too practical.

All is not lost, though. At least most of the cars and car concepts in BMW's future look promising. The 7 has gotten some of its elegance back and the new Z4 is a looker. Then we have the latest rumor of the Z2, which makes green look damn sexy. If BMW keeps up with ideas like this, perhaps I can look past the absurdity of their utility-lacking activity vehicles.

By Phil Alex

Phil Alex was born in Rhode Island in 1985, yet for reasons unbeknownst to him moved to South Carolina. He graduated with degrees in Finance and German from Wofford College in 2007 and has had a strange obsession with cars and travel since he was a wee lad. He currently resides a stone's throw from Japan's international airport in Narita. All of this can be seen on Facebook, so check it out. He makes no apologies for his articles and welcomes all feedback, as long as it is adamantly worded.

BMW Z4M Roadster Cancelled?

If we are to believe a report from UK digital car magazine i-Motor, BMW has cancelled the development of an "M" version for the new Z4 roadster with the retractable hardtop because of the "ongoing financial crisis" and "lack of customer demand". Here's what the BMW spokesman -whose name was not disclosed- revealed to the British magazine: "Given the current economic crisis there is no business case for a full-on M version of the Z4".

If that's the case, then how can one explain the introduction of the X5M and X6M crossovers that are due to be unveiled this April?

Well, according to the unnamed spokesperson, the M-prepped variants of both the X5 and X6 were already under development and had been given the green light from the company's officials before the car market crashed down.

While we'll have to wait for some sort of official announcement from BMW to see whether or not the car has been truly canned, we must say that even though the X5 and X6M's development (may have) proceeded that of the Z4Ms, we fail to see the logic behind a decision that prefers two (totally unnecessary) M crossovers over an M roadster model, especially since the X5 and X6 are already offered with a mighty 408HP twin-turbo V8 engine.

Via: i-Motor

BMW Launches New Z4 Game for iPhone and iPod

Being the tech-savvy company it is (or at least it wants to show that it is), BMW has released a new game for the iPhone and iPod Touch to show off its new Z4 Roadster. The game that can be downloaded for free from Apple is inspired from the BMW Z4´s "An Expression of Joy" campaign and it allows players to "draw" using the wheels of their car by choosing different colors of paint so that their tire tracks create drawings.

Furthermore, the application offers players the chance to explore, customize, create and virtually drive the hardtop Z4 Roadster. For those that do not own an iPhone or an iPod (don't feel bad, we don't either), you can get a taste of the game in the official video below.

Download the game here: iTunes