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Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Audi replaces Mercedes as official vehicle supplier to the IOC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/12/audi-replaces-mercedes-as-official-vehicle-supplier-to-the-ioc/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/12/audi-replaces-mercedes-as-official-vehicle-supplier-to-the-ioc/http://www.autoblog.com/2013/01/12/audi-replaces-mercedes-as-official-vehicle-supplier-to-the-ioc/#commentsFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, Audi, Luxury

Audi and IOC

The automotive sponsor of the International Olympic Committee for the past 22 years has been Daimler-Benz. No more, as Audi has just signed a four-year deal to be the official auto supplier to the folks who keep the torch alight and on the move. Audi will supply vehicles for the IOC's headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland and the organization's international events.

In case you're remembering all the stories about BMW and the London Olympics last summer and wondering where Mercedes-Benz was in all of that, the answer lies in the numerous mouths at the Olympic trough. The IOC is the organization and oversight body of the Olympics - much like the way the FIA oversees world motorsport. BMW, though, sponsored the London Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games, so during the games IOC reps rode in Benzes, LOCOG and its guest dignitaries rode in BMWs.

The Volkswagen Group has other ties with the Olympics as well: The Group will be the official vehicle partner for the winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia in 2014, and Audi currently partners the national Olympic federations of Germany, Finland, Russia and Switzerland. The press release below announcing the partnership has all the official details.

Continue reading Audi replaces Mercedes as official vehicle supplier to the IOC

Audi replaces Mercedes as official vehicle supplier to the IOC originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Jan 2013 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20422865 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/audiioc_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/01/audiioc.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic learns how BMW kept the London Olympics rolling]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/translogic-learns-how-bmw-kept-the-london-olympics-rolling/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/translogic-learns-how-bmw-kept-the-london-olympics-rolling/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/20/translogic-learns-how-bmw-kept-the-london-olympics-rolling/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Technology, Videos, BMW, UK

Translogic goes the the 2012 London Olympics with BMW

BMW was one of the biggest corporate supporters of the 2012 London Olympics, earning the right to be its official car sponsor. But it wasn't just ponying up a few dozen 7 Series for the IOC that got it this plum gig. BMW made a commitment to meet specific CO2 emissions targets for the vehicles it provided.

BMW supplied about 4,000 vehicles to the London Olympics organizers, everything from motorcycles to electric Minis to hybrid 5-Series sedans to diesel X5 SUV's. Our sister site Translogic went to the Olympics to get a taste of the breadth and depth of the BMW Olympic fleet.

Scroll down to watch the full episode, wherein Translogic goes for a ride in a diesel X1, then rides an i Pedelec electric bicycle.

Continue reading Translogic learns how BMW kept the London Olympics rolling

Translogic learns how BMW kept the London Olympics rolling originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active hybridbmwbradley hasemeyeri pedeleclondon olympicslondon olympics 2012olympicstranslogicvideox1Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:28:00 EST

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20302772 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/olympics-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/olympics-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Cars of the 2012 London Olympics Closing Ceremonies]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/cars-of-the-2012-london-olympics-closing-ceremonies/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/cars-of-the-2012-london-olympics-closing-ceremonies/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/13/cars-of-the-2012-london-olympics-closing-ceremonies/#commentsFiled under: Etc., UK

There may not be an Olympic sport involving automobiles (yet), but cars were featured prominently in the closing ceremonies of the 30th Olympic games in London last night. The event was more of a rock concert than a ceremony, with musical performances by everyone from chart-topping boy band One Direction to pop veteran George Michael to The Who. The stage on which the first batch of artists performed, however, was set with small scale versions of London's architectural landmarks, and to make the mini city look and feel more like the real thing, organizers filled the empty spaces in between with enough cars, lorries and mopeds to recreate one of London's infamous traffic jams.

The vehicles began the show wrapped in what appeared to be newspaper clippings, but when the cameras zoomed in, the paper turned out to be printed with passages from famous English literary figures. As the show went on, the wrappings were ripped off to reveal a motley mix of automobiles including Britain's most iconic machines from Mini, MG, Austin-Healey, Lotus and even a three-wheeled Reliant Robin, as well as Italian and German metal and an even a classic American car or two. The Spice Girls even reunited on the tops of five British black taxis.

Later on, a trio of Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II Drophead Coupes drove British pop artists Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and Taio Cruz around the Olympic stadium like Mustangs in a parade. More interesting (to us, at least) than the performers in their backseats, these Rollers were each decked out with various trim pieces that commemorate the games in London, including a specially designed badge on their grilles that features the brand's iconic Spirit of Ecstasy flowing into the home country's flag. R-R claims this is the first time its cars have sported a new badge in the company's 108-year history.

Unfortunately, unless you DVR'd the ceremonies, there's no way to rewatch them quite yet until NBC and the International Olympic Committee say it's OK, so we've assembled a gallery of images above that you can peruse to see how cars played a part in the closing ceremonies of the 30th Olympiad.

Cars of the 2012 London Olympics Closing Ceremonies originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20299063 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/10-london-2012-closing-ceremonies-cars1-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/10-london-2012-closing-ceremonies-cars1-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Here's Mini's R/C Cooper in action at the Olympics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/heres-minis-r-c-cooper-in-action-at-the-olympics/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/heres-minis-r-c-cooper-in-action-at-the-olympics/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/07/heres-minis-r-c-cooper-in-action-at-the-olympics/#commentsFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mini

There were requests from all around to see video of the electric "Mini MINI" radio-controlled cars that are being used to retrieve javelins, hammers, shots and discus' (disci?) at the London Olympics, and here it is.

The Olympic-liveried electric Cooper hatchbacks in roughly 1/4-scale ply the infield grass. The couriers are loaded up by judges in the field, who slot the particular sporting implements into holders built into the roofs, then the cars are driven back to the judges near the throwing area for retrieval.

Based on how many comments on the Mini R/C cars we've seen that are some variation of "Do want," we wouldn't be surprised to see these again somewhere else. You can watch them work in the videos below.

Continue reading Here's Mini's R/C Cooper in action at the Olympics

Here's Mini's R/C Cooper in action at the Olympics originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mini coopercooperlondon olympicsminimini cooperolympic gamesolympicsradio controlledradio-controlledrc carvideoTue, 07 Aug 2012 14:58:00 EST

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20294944 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/miniminiolympics_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/miniminiolympics.jpg <![CDATA[Olympics to use Mini Cooper R/C cars for javelin, discus retrieval]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/olympics-to-use-mini-cooper-r-c-cars-for-javelin-discus-retriev/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/olympics-to-use-mini-cooper-r-c-cars-for-javelin-discus-retriev/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/olympics-to-use-mini-cooper-r-c-cars-for-javelin-discus-retriev/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Hatchback, Mini, UK, Humor, Specialty

Mini Cooper R/C car for the Olympics

We can't help but cringe at the notion of 'product integration' efforts most of the time, particularly when it comes to movies and sports. That's because as often as not, the placement efforts seem contrived. And while the notion of using a Mini Cooper to retrieve thrown javelins, hammers, shot and discuses at the London Olympics might not seem like the world's most natural pairing, we can't ignore the inherent cheek and charm in using radio-controlled cars for an otherwise unremarkable chore.

Dubbed "Mini MINI," these three electric R/C Cooper hatchbacks are rendered in about 1/4-scale - necessary to ensure adequate payload capacity for up to eight kilos (nearly 18 pounds). That's enough carrying capacity to lug around a hammer, a discus, a shot or a pair of javelins. The cars' large scale also helps them pack the larger battery arrays that Mini says are necessary to run them for 35 minutes (before being down for 80 minutes of charge time). The models are painted blue with orange Olympic livery and white roofs, and they even have working headlights.

The Mini MINI R/C cars will be used at both the Olympic and Paralympic games, and they join a fleet of 160 full-size BMW 1 Series Active E models and 40 Mini E hatchbacks as part of BMW's own all-electric Olympic team. While we're a little surprised Mini didn't choose to go with a Clubman or the load-lugging Countryman like we did in our recent giveaway, we think the marketing stunt fits in well with the brand's fun and funky spirit, and we're hoping that Mini publishes some video footage of their little helpers in action soon.

Olympics to use Mini Cooper R/C cars for javelin, discus retrieval originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20291904 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mini-cooper-rc-olympics-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/08/mini-cooper-rc-olympics-628.jpg <![CDATA[London's special traffic lanes for Olympians branded 'Zil lanes']]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/londons-special-traffic-lanes-for-olympians-branded-zil-lanes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/londons-special-traffic-lanes-for-olympians-branded-zil-lanes/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/08/02/londons-special-traffic-lanes-for-olympians-branded-zil-lanes/#commentsFiled under: Classics, Government/Legal, UK, Specialty, Russia, Luxury

ZIL 115 Limousine

The British have a unique sense of humor - think Monty Python and Benny Hill - and there's no reason that the 2012 Olympics shouldn't be cause for celebrating it.

So when we caught wind of this story from the BBC, we had to smile. It seems Londoners fed up with the Olympic intrusion into their daily lives have dubbed the special lanes of traffic used by athletes and IOC officials "ZIL lanes," in reference to the notorious practice of having dedicated lanes of traffic for Communist Party poobahs in the Soviet Union.

ZIL was the manufacturer of the giant black limousines - like the 114 model pictured above - that denoted party power in the old USSR. Despite having little traffic at the time, Moscow had a few of these rezervniye polosy lanes, according to the BBC, one of which is still in operation. While the ZIL limos are now resigned to history, Kutuzovsky Prospekt now sees plenty of high-powered German machinery ferrying Russian officials past the proletariat.

London's special traffic lanes for Olympians branded 'Zil lanes' originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 02 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>114114 limousinelimousinelondonlondon olympicsolympicsolympics 2012soviet unionussrzilzil laneszil limousineThu, 02 Aug 2012 09:30:00 EST

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20290366 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/zil-114-limo-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/zil-114-limo-opt.jpg <![CDATA[Cabbie converts London taxi into Olympic hotel]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/30/cabbie-converts-london-taxi-into-olympic-hotel/#commentsFiled under: Minivan/Van, Videos, UK, Humor

London taxi hotel

We don't know what kind of person would want to be traveling in London right now. With the Olympics in town, the city has become besieged with tourists, athletes and officials. The price of hotel rooms have skyrocketed, and the presence of Olympic-only bus lanes have locked up everyone else, who must share the road. The length of a cab ride has jumped tremendously.

It must be a maddening experience, but one London taxi driver has found a solution that benefits both he and at least one tourist per night. David Weekes has turned his taxi into a hotel room, and for $75 a night one guest can stay in the back seat of his London Taxi TX4. It comes equipped with mattress, bedding, alarm clock, and a Paddington Bear.

Due to the difficulties of being a taxi driver during the Olympics, many have contemplated leaving town until the games are over. Weekes, on the other hand, offers tourists relief from the high hotel rates.

The taxi remains in his driveway overnight, and if you need to use the restroom, simply knock on his door. It's all part of the unique living experience. So is getting driven to your hotel room, in your hotel room. Scroll down to watch a video from CNN.

Continue reading Cabbie converts London taxi into Olympic hotel

Cabbie converts London taxi into Olympic hotel originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20288839 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/londoncab_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/londoncab.jpg <![CDATA[London's hydrogen buses grounded during Olympics due to security fears]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/londons-hydrogen-buses-grounded-during-olympics-due-to-security/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/londons-hydrogen-buses-grounded-during-olympics-due-to-security/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/25/londons-hydrogen-buses-grounded-during-olympics-due-to-security/#commentsFiled under: Government/Legal, UK

Is hydrogen a dangerous substance? It is, during the London Olympics, at least. That's why the fleet of five H2 buses that usually carries passengers between Covent Garden and Tower Gateway have been sent out to pasture for the duration of the games. Standard diesel buses will replace them.

The reason is that the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA), which is responsible for "planning and delivering transport infrastructure and operations to support the Games," required that no hydrogen be stored at the buses' refueling site in Lea Interchange in Stratford between July and mid-September 2012 "in the interests of security," reports London SE1.

Since going into service, the buses have refueled over 1,000 times, writes Bus and Coach. Hydrogen supplier Air Products' Diana Raine said the buses have been "a great success to date," even though Bus and Coach also says the vehicles have been out of service almost as much as they have been in use because of maintenance issues and difficulty in getting spare parts. In any case, we're pretty sure that diesel fuel can be dangerous, too. It's not like the Olympic security rules make a whole lot of sense. WiFi hotspots, for example? Not allowed.

London's hydrogen buses grounded during Olympics due to security fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 15:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 olympicshydrogenhydrogen buseslondon for transportlondon olympicsolympicsWed, 25 Jul 2012 15:44:00 EST

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20285888 http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/london-buses-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/green.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/london-buses-628.jpg <![CDATA[Translogic: How BMW is helping long jumpers leap farther]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/translogic-how-bmw-is-helping-long-jumpers-leap-farther/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/translogic-how-bmw-is-helping-long-jumpers-leap-farther/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/24/translogic-how-bmw-is-helping-long-jumpers-leap-farther/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Technology, BMW

How BMW is helping long jumpers leap farther

You'd think the only partnership between BMW and Olympic athletes would come in sales and marketing. Make some appearances, shake some hands and sign a few autographs, appear in TV commercials and other advertising - that sort of stuff. But BMW's commitment to the U.S. Olympic Team stretches further than glad-handing and writing checks, as we see in this week's episode of Translogic.

Our sister site went behind the scenes at the USOC Training Center in Chula Vista, California, where BMW is using machine vision technology to help long jumpers. Similar to what BMW is developing for vehicular active safety systems, the camera system that tracks long jumpers can determine velocity in both vertical and horizontal planes by tracking the runner in three dimensions.

BMW's experimental system installed in a 5 Series does the same thing, but instead of focusing on long jumpers, it's on the lookout for pedestrians. BMW says future versions of the system would allow the car to take action to prevent pedestrian collisions.

Scroll down to watch the full episode.

Continue reading Translogic: How BMW is helping long jumpers leap farther

Translogic: How BMW is helping long jumpers leap farther originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwCollision avoidancelong jumplong jumpersmachine visionolympicsOlympics 2012translogicTue, 24 Jul 2012 12:46:00 EST

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20283919 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/translogic-bmw-machine-vision-opt_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/translogic-bmw-machine-vision-opt.jpg <![CDATA[London Philharmonic blows it out with new Mini horn section]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/london-philharmonic-blows-it-out-with-new-mini-horn-section/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/london-philharmonic-blows-it-out-with-new-mini-horn-section/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/07/06/london-philharmonic-blows-it-out-with-new-mini-horn-section/#commentsFiled under: Coupe, Performance, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Mini, Humor

Wipe away that patriotic tear rolling down your windshield. Mini has joined with the London Philharmonic Orchestra to give tribute to America, with a song carrying the same name. (It's also known as "My Country, Tis of Thee").

World-renowned orchestra conductor Gareth Newman stands at the podium to lead the horn section of Minis through the song. The orchestra had just finished recording all 205 national anthems that could be played during the Olympics, which kick off later this week. Fortunately, this recording will not be part of them.

So unfurl your flag, scroll down and check out Mini horns as high art.

Continue reading London Philharmonic blows it out with new Mini horn section

London Philharmonic blows it out with new Mini horn section originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gareth newmanhorn sectionlondon olypicslondon philharmoniclondon philharmonic orchestramarketingminimy country tis of theeolympicsvideoFri, 06 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST

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20271276 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mini-olympics-orchestra-commercial-070312-1341345216_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/07/mini-olympics-orchestra-commercial-070312-1341345216.jpg <![CDATA[London celebrates Italian design with Pininfarina showcase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/london-celebrates-italian-design-with-pininfarina-showcase/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/london-celebrates-italian-design-with-pininfarina-showcase/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/21/london-celebrates-italian-design-with-pininfarina-showcase/#commentsFiled under: UK, Design/Style

Pininfarina Birdcage model

Most tend to think of Pininfarina as the company that designs Ferraris. And indeed it is. Most every Ferrari to leave the factory in Maranello over the past several decades has been styled by Pininfarina. But that's far from the only thing the famous design house and coachbuilder has done over the years.

Aside from the endless stream of other automakers for which Pininfarina has designed cars, the studio has also styled all manner of other products, from coffee machines and desk chairs to yachts and monorails. The list is virtually endless, and to highlight that point Pininfarina is displaying its wares at the Italian Cultural Institute at London's swanky Belgrave Square during the Olympics.

If you're planning on heading to the British capital for the games and are as enamored of Italian design as many of us here at Autoblog are, it looks like it may be worth checking out. See what we mean in the high-res image gallery above and the press release below.

Continue reading London celebrates Italian design with Pininfarina showcase

London celebrates Italian design with Pininfarina showcase originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 21 Jun 2012 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>belgravebelgrave squaredesignlondonolympicspininfarinaThu, 21 Jun 2012 08:29:00 EST

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20261472 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/pininfarina-model_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/pininfarina-model.jpg <![CDATA[Mini reanimates Rocketman concept for London Olympics, is it reconsidering production?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/mini-reanimates-rocketman-concept-for-london-olympics-is-it-rec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/mini-reanimates-rocketman-concept-for-london-olympics-is-it-rec/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/14/mini-reanimates-rocketman-concept-for-london-olympics-is-it-rec/#commentsFiled under: Concept Cars, Hatchback, Mini, UK, Design/Style

Mini Rocketman concept (2012 London Olympics)

Has the Mini Rocketman concept really burned up like a fuse up there alone? Don't count it as grounded just yet, because while the last we heard BMW had canned the idea of producing the miniest of neo-Minis, it has given the original concept car a new lease on life.

As part of its partnership with the 2012 London Olympics, Mini has retrofitted the smaller-than-a-Cooper concept with a theme that celebratres both the games and the country hosting them. The red, white and blue of the Union Jack replaces the cold gray tones of the original, with the flag motif recreated out of the illuminated braces that support the glass roof. Carbon fiber still abounds, with white panels inside bearing the sites and years of previous Olympic games.

All in all, it's a rather stunning reimagination of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show concept, but only raises more questions in our minds as to whether the decision to axe the Rocketman's production possibilities isn't due for a rethink.

Continue reading Mini reanimates Rocketman concept for London Olympics, is it reconsidering production?

Mini reanimates Rocketman concept for London Olympics, is it reconsidering production? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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20258356 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/rocketman-london_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/rocketman-london.jpg <![CDATA[Mini "Britalian Job" celebrates London Olympics with sendup of heist film]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/mini-britalian-job-celebrates-london-olympics-with-sendup-of-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/mini-britalian-job-celebrates-london-olympics-with-sendup-of-h/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/06/12/mini-britalian-job-celebrates-london-olympics-with-sendup-of-h/#commentsFiled under: Performance, Etc., Marketing/Advertising, Videos, Hatchback, Mini, UK, Celebrities

Mini Britalian Job

Mini is gearing up for the Olympics in a big way. The company has released a short film featuring a gaggle of former gold medalists, including Daley Thompson, James Cracknell, Jonathan Edwards and Matthew Pinsent. Thompson plays the ringleader of an elite driving squad sent to retrieve a set of gold medals pilfered by none other than supermodel Jodie Kidd. In the film, Kidd sets to tearing through London on a supermoto, pursued by three London 2012 Edition Mini Cooper models. The scenes feature some iconic shots lifted from the classic 1969 film The Italian Job.

Directed by Top Gear lead director Phil Churchward, the clip boasts some impressive stunt driving. There's even a close-formation jump that includes all three Mini models as they sail through the air. Check out the full show for yourself to see what we mean.

Continue reading Mini "Britalian Job" celebrates London Olympics with sendup of heist film

Mini "Britalian Job" celebrates London Olympics with sendup of heist film originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 12:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 olympic gamescooperjodi kiddlondon 2012 edition mini cooperlondon olympicsminimini cooperolympicolympicsparalympicsphil churchwardstunt drivingsupermototop gearvideoTue, 12 Jun 2012 12:44:00 EST

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20256837 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mini-britalian-job-628_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/mini-britalian-job-628.jpg <![CDATA[BMW unveils armada of vehicles for London Olympics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/bmw-unveils-armada-of-vehicles-for-london-olympics/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/bmw-unveils-armada-of-vehicles-for-london-olympics/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/01/bmw-unveils-armada-of-vehicles-for-london-olympics/#commentsFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, BMW, UK

BMW fleet for the Olympics

Sponsoring most events is pretty straightforward for any company: fork over the right sum of cash and you're the new official automaker/timekeeper/jelly donut of whatever the event is. But for BMW, its status as Official Automotive Partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games is a bit more complicated.

Even pledging to fork over a massive fleet with 4,000 vehicles to the organizing committee wasn't enough for the German automaker to secure its status. BMW also had to meet the committee's stringent emissions requirements: while the average emissions of vehicles in the UK comes in at 138 grams of CO2 per kilometer, the automaker supplying these Olympic games had to come in below 120 g/km - which BMW did at 116 g/km.

To get there, a portion of the cars BMW is supplying are electric vehicles: 160 units of the 1 Series ActiveE and 40 of the Mini E, with another 40 of the 5 Series Active Hybrid. The rest of the fleet is comprised of the 320d EfficientDynamics (1,550 vehicles), 520d Efficient Dynamics (700), X3 xDrive 20d (17), X5 xDrive 30d (10) and Mini Countryman Cooper D (200 vehicles), plus another 25 R1200 RT motorcycles and 400 BMW Streetcruiser bicycles.

Wondering what they'll be doing with all those cars? They'll be used for everything from shuttling around the athletes, officials, medics and journalists to hauling boats out of the water. Scroll down below for the full details.

Continue reading BMW unveils armada of vehicles for London Olympics

BMW unveils armada of vehicles for London Olympics originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwlondon 2012london 2012 olympicslondon olympicsofficial automakerolympic gamesolympicsTue, 01 May 2012 08:00:00 EST

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20227475 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webbmw-olympics_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/webbmw-olympics.jpg <![CDATA[BMW lends its wind tunnel to test the Olympic torch [w/video]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/bmw-lends-its-wind-tunnel-to-test-the-olympic-torch-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/bmw-lends-its-wind-tunnel-to-test-the-olympic-torch-w-video/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/20/bmw-lends-its-wind-tunnel-to-test-the-olympic-torch-w-video/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, Videos, BMW

Testing the Olympic Torch in BMW wind tunnel

In between bouts of Olympic games, the official torch that traditionally kicks off the opening ceremonies makes the long journey by a relay of runners to the host site. And you can bet that over the course of years, it has passed through some tricky environmental conditions. But is it ready to endure the unpredictability of British weather?

To find out, BMW - a main sponsor of the fast-approaching London Olympics - lent its wind tunnel facility to test the torch in a variety of conditions. Over the course of the grueling test, the torch was made to withstand temperatures ranging from 23 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, winds generated at upwards of 50 mph, with snow packed into the front and under driving rain. But all the while the flame stayed lit.

The tests were carried out at the BMW Energy and Environmental Test Centre in Munich, a facility which boasts three wind tunnels and two climatic test rooms capable of simulating weather from -4F to 131F, replicating the Arctic Tundra and the Sahara Desert, generating wind speeds at up to 174 mph, and simulating altitudes approaching 14,000 feet above sea level.

Watch a video of the testing procedure shown on the UK's ITV1 news by scrolling down.

Continue reading BMW lends its wind tunnel to test the Olympic torch [w/video]

BMW lends its wind tunnel to test the Olympic torch [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwenergy and environmental test centerenergy and environmental test centrelondon olympicsolympic gamesolympic torcholympicstorchvideowind tunnelFri, 20 Apr 2012 13:27:00 EST

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20219733 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/web-torch-tunnel_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/web-torch-tunnel.jpg <![CDATA[BMW delivers first 40 of 4,000 vehicles destined for London Olympics]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/bmw-delivers-first-40-of-4-000-vehicles-destined-for-london-olym/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/bmw-delivers-first-40-of-4-000-vehicles-destined-for-london-olym/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/27/bmw-delivers-first-40-of-4-000-vehicles-destined-for-london-olym/#commentsFiled under: Marketing/Advertising, BMW, UK

BMW 320d and 520d for London Olympics

We couldn't fault you if it came as no great surprise that BMW was the main automotive sponsor of this summer's Olympic games in London. The Bavarian automaker has, after all, done its homework to promote the partnership, launching special edition 1 and 3 Series, a pair of special edition Minis, a commercial using the new M5, and a video series profiling specific athletes, all to highlight the point. But the biggest way BMW will be participating in the event is with the massive fleet of vehicles it is providing to the organizers.

All in all, BMW will be furnishing the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralymic Games (LOCOG) with a whopping 4,000 vehicles. The fleet is made up of diesel, hybrid and electric cars, plus motorcycles and bicycles. And because LOCOG has set a low CO2 target for the big event, each vehicle averages less than 120g of CO2 per kilometer.

The first 40 specially liveried vehicles, BMW announced, have now been delivered, including examples of the 520d and 320d. All the German automaker has left is multiply those a hundredfold and it'll be ready for the big games.

Continue reading BMW delivers first 40 of 4,000 vehicles destined for London Olympics

BMW delivers first 40 of 4,000 vehicles destined for London Olympics originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bmwlocoglondon 2012london olympicslondon organising committee of the olympic and paralympic gameslondon organising committee of the olympic gamesolympicsTue, 27 Mar 2012 18:29:00 EST

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20201234 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/web-bmw-olympics_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/web-bmw-olympics.jpg <![CDATA[BMW <i>The Ultimate Performance</i> video series profiles four Olympians]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/17/bmw-the-ultimate-performance-video-series-reveals-four-ol/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/17/bmw-the-ultimate-performance-video-series-reveals-four-ol/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/17/bmw-the-ultimate-performance-video-series-reveals-four-ol/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports, Marketing/Advertising, BMW, UK, Luxury

BMW: The Ultimate Performance

BMW has again put filmmakers behind the lens to add some entertainment to the corporate cause, and the results are worth watching. BMW is the official transport provider of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, so its got four directors to profile four British Olympians, tying their stories to BMW's quest for perfection.

Three of the shorts are Olympics-themed: No Limits (also called Beneath the Surface) about swimmer Rebecca Adlington and the 3 Series, directed by Stevan Riley; Man and Machine about wheelchair racer David Weir and the ultimate connection to your vehicle, directed by Yannakis Jones; and Form and Function about gymnast Louis Smith and the i8, directed by Richard de Aragues.

The fourth film is a retro piece called Power, Speed and Endurance and covers BMW's return to DTM. It's subject is British middle-distance runner Steve Cram, who was breaking records on the track in the seventies and eighties, when racing BMWs were breaking other records at different tracks. It was helmed by Asif Kapadia, who proved his abilities with archival footage as the director of Senna.

Follow the jump for the press release from BMW and thirty minutes of good stories.

Continue reading BMW The Ultimate Performance video series profiles four Olympians

BMW The Ultimate Performance video series profiles four Olympians originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Mar 2012 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asif kapadiabmwbmw filmslondon olympicsolympicsolympics 2012videosSat, 17 Mar 2012 10:01:00 EST

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20190572 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bmwolympicsfilms_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/03/bmwolympicsfilms.jpg <![CDATA[Mini celebrates London Olympics with new Bayswater and Baker Street special editions]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/mini-celebrates-london-olympics-with-new-bayswater-and-baker-str/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/mini-celebrates-london-olympics-with-new-bayswater-and-baker-str/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/19/mini-celebrates-london-olympics-with-new-bayswater-and-baker-str/#commentsFiled under: Etc., Hatchback, Mini, UK, Design/Style

2012 Mini Bayswater special edition

With the Olympic Games coming up this spring, BMW is keen to leverage its sponsorship. And since they're taking place in London, England, the German automaker wouldn't miss the opportunity to include its more youthful, retro British subsidiary. And so it has released today not one, but two new special editions of the classic Mini hardtop hatchback, both named after London neighborhoods.

2012 Mini Baker Street special edition

First up is the Mini Baker Street (pictured at right). Available on the Mini One (the entry-level model overseas), One D (the diesel version), Cooper and Cooper D, the Baker Street edition lays black V-shaped bonnet stripes over a light gray (or available white or black) base color, complemented by glossy black 16-inch alloys and mirror caps. Inside, the cloth and leather seats are finished in a diamond-pattern with gray trim and chrome accents. A whole mess of optional extras are bundled as standard, and include of course, there are the requisite special badges.

The Bayswater edition (shown above) - available on Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper D and Cooper SD models - takes a more sporting approach, with an exclusive shade of metallic blue (or optional black or gray) with a black roof, centered blue and gray stripes up the hood, with 17-inch alloys in glossy black with polished rims, and door mirrors that, well..."mirror" the racing stripe: blue on the right, gray on the left. Leather seats come in an exclusive shade of anthracite with blue and gray bolsters and top-stitching, complemented by piano lacquer trim, stainless steel pedals, bundled optional equipment and special badges.

No word just yet on whether these models will be available internationally (read: in America) or whether they'll be exclusively British editions, but you can check them out in the pair of high-resolution image galleries and the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Mini celebrates London Olympics with new Bayswater and Baker Street special editions

Mini celebrates London Olympics with new Bayswater and Baker Street special editions originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 mini cooperbayswatercooperlondon olympicsminimini baker streetmini bayswatermini bayswater editionolympic gamesolympicsThu, 19 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST

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20150617 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web-mini-bayswater06_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/web-mini-bayswater06.jpg <![CDATA[FIA gains official recognition from International Olympic Committee]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/fia-gains-official-recognition-from-international-olympic-commit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/fia-gains-official-recognition-from-international-olympic-commit/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/16/fia-gains-official-recognition-from-international-olympic-commit/#commentsFiled under: Motorsports

There's plenty of racing that takes place at the Olympics, so don't let anyone tell you otherwise. There's running, cycling, sailing, speed skating, luge, bobsledding and skiing. The thing is, none of these sports are mechanically powered, so motorsports are decidedly excluded from the highest-profile sporting event in the world.

It wasn't always that way, though. The 1900 Olympic Games in Paris, France, included both car and motorcycle racing, but only as demonstration events that did not return. That may or may not change in the future, but one step has been taken closer as the FIA - the body which governs most forms of motor racing around the world - has been officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

The recognition is provisional for two years, and it encourages the FIA to abide by the principles embodied by the Olympics and the establishment of an Athlete's Commission.

Of course, even if the IOC gives the FIA permanent recognition, that doesn't mean we'll be seeing auto racing at the Olympics any time soon: the Committee already officially recognizes a number of sporting bodies, sanctioning everything from motorcycle and powerboat racing to chess, bowling and billiards. Follow the jump for the official statement.

Continue reading FIA gains official recognition from International Olympic Committee

FIA gains official recognition from International Olympic Committee originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>federation internationale de lautomobilefiainternational olympic committeeiocolympicolympicsMon, 16 Jan 2012 08:02:00 EST

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20147872 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fia-logo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/01/fia-logo.jpg <![CDATA[BMW plan to provide 4,000 cars to Olympic dignitaries in London triggers controversy]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/bmw-plan-to-provide-4-000-cars-to-olympic-dignitaries-in-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/bmw-plan-to-provide-4-000-cars-to-olympic-dignitaries-in-london/http://www.autoblog.com/2012/01/04/bmw-plan-to-provide-4-000-cars-to-olympic-dignitaries-in-london/#commentsFiled under: Sedan, Etc., BMW, UK, Luxury

BMW Z4 with 2012 London Olympics hopefuls

The problem when a bunch of bigwigs want to do something good for the environment is that they won't stop being bigwigs in order to do it. Getting a lot of VIPs together means a lot of private jets and limousines, and next thing you know, you've got a situation like the 2009 climate change conference in Copenhagen, when it only took a few days for 15,000 delegates to create as much filth as the town of Middlesbrough's 142,500 inhabitants.

According to the UK's Daily Mail, the 2012 London Olympics may be headed down the same carbon trail, with sponsor BMW planning to ship 4,000 cars to The City for use by dignitaries. Games organizers had promised that this would be the cleanest Olympics ever, and London mayor Boris Johnson said in 2009 that he wanted London to be the cleanest city in the world by the time the games arrived. Even though 200 of the BMWs are electric and all fall below the 120g/km emissions limit, the promise could still be difficult to fulfill with 3,800 more limos on top of the extra rides already called into service, especially once you factor in shipping them from Germany.

Some perspective, though: the addition of four thousand BMWs is being compared to London's aim for clean games; the extra metal really isn't that many cars considering we're talking about an event of this size. Only 250 vehicles will be allotted exclusively, the rest will be in shared service, and many will simply be displacing cars that otherwise would have been called into regular service. And, on the bright side: their use of BMWs will leave more room on buses and trains for the rest of you...

BMW plan to provide 4,000 cars to Olympic dignitaries in London triggers controversy originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 london2012 olympicscarbon footprintefficient dynamicsefficientdynamicsemissionsgreen olympicslondonlondon 2012london olympicsolympicsvipWed, 04 Jan 2012 16:33:00 EST

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