webBikeWorld (Enlarge photo)

Making a significant departure from traditional sports motorcycle concepts, BMW proudly presented the “most powerful naked bike of all times” at the 2004 INTERMOT Motorcycle Show: the BMW K 1200 R.

Ever since it has been a well-known fact that BMW is by all means willing and able to openly demonstrate extreme power and extroverted design in genuine style.  Now the significantly upgraded successor to the BMW K 1200 R is making its world debut at the 2008 INTERMOT Motorcycle Show in the BMW Urban Encounter World – the new K1300R, the most powerful naked bike BMW has ever built.

Developing a maximum output of 127 kW (173 hp) and weighing exactly 243 kg (536 lb) with a full tank, this extravagant Power Roadster, one of the most powerful and dynamic machines in its segment, fulfils... // webBikeWorld

DetNews.com (Enlarge photo)

It's a sweet tone: a small little bell echoing through the cockpit of the 2008 BMW M3.

The problem was I didn't know what it meant. Bings, bongs, and little beeps always mean something, and usually it's something wrong: check your seat belt; your door is ajar; the engine is about to explode. I didn't know what this particular unobtrusive bing meant in the greater scheme of warning signals, so I took my foot off the accelerator and looked over... // DetNews.com

You're never far from little reminders of your special BMW. The M logo decorates the steering wheel, the speedometer, the front fenders, trunk and door sills.

The dash keeps BMW's simple black-faced gauges and red needles. There's a reassuring and familiar look to them. A display screen is mounted under a simple sloping edge at the top of the dash.

The seats, which include an optional back-widening function, are extremely comfortable and hold you snugly, the way a sports car should. The leather is premium... // DetNews.com

You're never far from little reminders of your special BMW. The M logo decorates the steering wheel, the speedometer, the front fenders, trunk and door sills.

The dash keeps BMW's simple black-faced gauges and red needles. There's a reassuring and familiar look to them. A display screen is mounted under a simple sloping edge at the top of the dash.

The seats, which include an optional back-widening function, are extremely comfortable and hold you snugly, the way a sports car should. The leather is premium... // DetNews.com

Mcnews.com.au (Enlarge photo)

BMW's naked master blaster the K 1300 R has grown bigger balls for 2009.

With 127kw (173hp) at 9,250rpm and a wet weight of 243kg the K 1300 R is sure to prove a hoot to ride. Maximum torque arrives 1,000rpm earlier and peaks at 140Nm (130 lb-ft) and boasts 10Nm more torque than its predecessor throughout the whole 2,000-8,000rpm range.

On the styling front a new fairing and compact mudguard are aimed at softening the lines somewhat while contrasting with the angular radiator surrounds and intakes.

An improved version of BMW's long running Duolever front end looks after the bumps up front with stiffer springs and damping and a new lower longitudinal arm for better roadholding.

The second generation of BMW's Electronically Adjustable Suspension (ESA)... // Mcnews.com.au

Mcnews.com.au (Enlarge photo)

BMW released images and details of the fastest ever motorcycle the German company has ever produced. The successor to the K 1200 S has grown into the K 1300 S and BMW are claiming an impressive 129kw (175hp) from their new master blaster. Maximum power arrives at 9,250rpm with the maximum torque figure of 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) reaches its crescendo at 8,250rpm. Significantly BMW claim the new machine boasts more than 10Nm throughout the important 2000-8000rpm range.

With a full tank of fuel the K 1200 S tips the scales at 254kg.

An improved version of BMW's long running Duolever front end looks after the bumps up front with stiffer springs and damping and a new lower longitudinal arm for better roadholding.

The second generation of BMW's Electronically Adjustable Suspension (ESA) makes an... // Mcnews.com.au

Mcnews.com.au (Enlarge photo)

BMW unveil the new K 1300 GT.

Highlights of the new machine are headlined by the new 118kw (160 hp) engine that boasts 135 Nm (99 lb-ft) of torque at 8000rpm.

BMW also claim significantly more torque from 3500rpm over the previous 1200 machine.

A new shaft drive system is claimed to improve durability and in conjunction with a newly optimised Duolever front suspension offer a much smoother ride than ever before.

The second generation of BMW's Electronically Adjustable Suspension (ESA) makes an appearance on the K 1300 GT and combines... // Mcnews.com.au

OK, these are bold claims for an oil-burning sedan but its combination of frugality, practicality and outright performance make it an almost impossible combination to beat.

At the heart of the machine is BMW’s award-winning 3.0 twin-turbo six-cylinder diesel motor. Using a small turbo at low engine speeds, and a larger one as revs increase, the sophisticated electronics provide a seamless wave of torque that peaks at a neck-snapping 425 lb-ft.

With 265hp – about 20hp less than the European version ¬– the 335d will accelerate to 60mph in an astonishing 6.0 seconds and on to an autobahn-verified and electronically limited 130mph.

The reason US cars claim less power is the sophisticated emissions equipment onboard. Required by US regulations, the motor combines... // Eurotuner

Edmunds.com/Inside Line (Enlarge photo)

2009 BMW 1 Series (Photo courtesy of BMW North America, Inc.)

Despite its controversial styling turn a few years ago and its consistently disliked iDrive system, BMW remains one of the world's most respected automakers, renowned for crafting luxury cars and SUVs that offer superior levels of driving enjoyment.

For 2009, the German-based company stands pat on many models, but also introduces all-new versions of its flagship 7 Series and its Z4 sports car. Even the 3 Series, the company's best seller, gets some love, including a new look and a diesel engine option.

BMW has also changed the naming of its all-wheel-drive models. First used on the new X6, the term "xDrive" will now be used on all BMW models equipped with all-wheel drive. Also first seen on the X6 were the "35i" and "50i"... // Edmunds.com/Inside Line

Few scenarios lend themselves so naturally to comedy as a German language press conference spontaneously translated into English. But here we are, outside at night, breathing in dense African air and listening via tiny headsets to BMW product planners tell us of its newest motorcycle, the F800GS.

The translatorwho rightly knows that fluidity trumps hit-it-on-the-head accuracypours forth a sea of language about the featured motorcycle, but the combination of German through the loudspeakers, English through an earpiece and a couple of pre-conference cocktails causes me to fixate on the bald spot of the man sitting in front of me.

I wake the next morning remembering only the fruity beverages that appeared on serving trays held aloft by fair maidens. But press launch planners anticipate... // PassionPerformance.ca