आई ग्लैम इंडिया
“Joy Maa Durga” : An impossible turned to possible by Atul Chandra Sarkar
Lucknow based veteran lawyer turned author Atul Chandra Sarkar exhibited the guts to do an end to end English translation of Rishi Markandeya’s ‘Durga Saptashati’ alias ‘Chandipath’ under the cover title of ‘Joy Maa Durga’. The book, published by Literoma, is planned to be ceremoniously released at Midsummer Book Exhibition in Kolkata this year. The author has dedicated the holy book to his parents to commemorate their death centenaries.
The book is not just a collection of translated hymns but also an authentic transliteration of the original Sanskrit verses of action packed Hindu mythological marvel ‘Chandipath’. To quote the author, “As per Hinduism, the Primordial Universal Energy is Shakti. The Shakti of gods blend together and personifies into the Goddess Shakti. Goddess Shakti is the embodiment of Energy, Power, Potential and Wherewithal, the raw and void out of which all things are created and She becomes the Invincible, the Impregnable Fortress, Durga.” Author’s deep rooted emotions can be felt at every line and that adds to the charm of this book.
As rightly said by author, “‘Joy Ma Durga’ or hailing Her in any of Her Forms, is not just three words to be chanted mechanically but to be comprehended in all devotional seriousness to achieve one’s desired goals.”
However, the best part of the book is its pictorial representation of nine forms of Devi Durga and other mythological forms of Devi Shakti. The cover depicts Mahishasur Mardini form of Durga Maa against a blood red background which is not only captivating but also a classy art.
We appreciate the author’s tremendous attempt to transliterate such a Sanskrit prodigy to simple English verses so that any non-Sanskrit reader can easily take a feel of ancient Hindu mythology.
Atul Chandra Sarkar has an exceptional writing talent and he must keep writing to gift his readers such wonderful books in future.
Best wishes to Atul-ji for gifting us such an amazing book.
‘Hello Kolkata’ verdict of Book Review:-
Cover : 4/5, Language: 4.5/5, Print & presentation: 4/5, Concept: 5/5, Overall rating: 4.5/5
'CHASE' TRAILER LAUNCHED in PINK CITY
FILM is based on TRUE EVENT of TRAIN ROBBERY
CHASE registers the VICTORY of BENGAL POLICE
If you’re longing for a film with a ride of THRILL and ACTION, the upcoming film CHASE - NO MERCY to CRIME is definitely for you. The good news is that the TRAILER of the film has been launched on Tuesday, in five star hotel Ramada.
On the Launch Event, lead actors of the film - Amyth Sethi, Dippanjon Basak, Film Director SRG and Film Producer Meena Sethi Mondol were present.
Based on true event of valour shown by BENGAL POLICE, the story of CHASE – NO MERCY to CRIME revolves around a train robbery masterminded by Jharkhand based outlaw Father - Son Duo [Shilendra and Satyendra yadav]. The chain of events unravel the true identity of the real culprit who happens to be a master of disguise, but ultimately meets his fate at the hand of Bengal police team after much pursuit through different countries.
Directed by SRG, CHASE promises you dose of ACTION, THRILL and DRAMA. After a long time, audiences will get to hear the melodious voice of Kumar Sanu. In the film - Amyth Sethi, Dippanjon Basak, Mustaque Khan, Gulshan Pandey, Gargi Patel and Sudip Mukherjee have acted.
Demand for Justice
'All Bengal Chitfund Sufferers Welfare Association' has undertaken several initiatives to protest against the continued injustice on cheated agents, investors and workers.
In this regard, 'All Bengal Chitfund Sufferers Welfare Association' has planned to submit deputation to Hon. Governor of WB and the Hon. CM to demand strict actions against the criminals.
Dazzling Finale of Mrs. India Globe 2019 at Dubai
The much awaited Grand Finale of MIG, Mrs. India Globe 2019 was held on 22nd June with lots of fanfare at Dubai Marriot Jaddaf. It was organised by Ravi Singh, Founder and Owner of 'Reddwings Production' and Mrs. India Globe East India Director Ms. Sofia Khan.
Associate Partners included Annie Jain of Annie's Creation, grooming T-Shirt partner Dhaga Group (a unit of Ecofab Textiles Pvt. Ltd.), Indo-Western designer partner Kaira by Pooja K & S Pitti, ethnic designer partner Neha's by Neha Tulsyan.
Mrs. India Globe 2nd Runner Up and Mrs. Beautiful Skin title was won by Kolkata-based Mithu Chakraborty.
TRA's Brand Trust Report sets up Colgate as No. 1 in Oral Hygiene
Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, the market leader in Oral Care, has yet again been ranked the No. 1 Most Trusted Oral Hygiene Brand by TRA’s Brand Trust India Study Report 2019, among India’s 1000 top brands. Colgate has consistently earned this pride of place now for nine yearsin a row.
Commenting on the No.1 Oral Hygiene ranking in the TRA Brand Trust 2019 Report,Mr. Issam Bachaalani, Managing Director, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, said, “We are delightedand honoured that consumers have reaffirmed Colgate as No. 1 Most Trusted Oral Hygiene Brand in the country, in the latest TRA Brand Trust Report 2019 for India.”
i-Glam Rubaru Mrs. India 2019
The announcement Press Meet of Rubaru Mrs. India 2019 was held recently at Calcutta Press Club, led by Ms. Ddevjani Mitra, Managing Director, i-Glam in the dazzling presence of a galaxy of dignitaries, including eminent designers Sharbari Dutta, Indroneel Mukherjee, Debasree Das and others.
I-Glam Rubaru Mrs. India officials Joyii Sen and Parul Sehgal Gulati informed that this is a pan-India initiative, a unique pageant that just doesn’t glamourise beauty, but also focuses about women empowerment. It is a movement against the heinous crimes happening in the society.
"In sync with the pageant tagline - “Beauty with Responsibility”, we are dedicated towards creating awareness about crimes like Female Foeticide and Domestic Violence. It is i-Glam's pleasure and privilege to bring the 2nd edition of Rubaru Mrs. India to Kolkata, our 'City of Joy'. The pageant invites applicants from every walk of life, especially victims of domestic violence, to explore herself and showcase her latent potential, to reinvent herself and be a part of the mainstream glam world", remarked the dynamic Ddevjani Mitra, MD, i-Glam.
Ddevjani further added, “Other than i-Glam Mrs. Rubaru India pageant, we also have a few significant awareness programs coming up that may change the face of the society forever.”
About Rubaru Mrs. India 2019:- Rubaru Mrs. India is a pan India initiative by i-Glam. What sets this beauty pageant apart from the others is that this pageant just doesn’t talk about beauty, but also about the heinous crimes happening in the society. Though this is the second edition of Rubaru Mrs. India, i-Glam has brought this to Kolkata for the very first time. As the tagline says, “Beauty with Responsibility”, the pageant has shown a social responsibility towards creating awareness about crimes like Female Foeticide and Domestic Violence. The pageant committee invites applicants from every walk of life and especially those who have fallen prey to domestic violence.
Ddevjani Mitra, Managing Director, i-Glam said, “We believe that womanhood is the symbol of Shakti. Even in the age of globilisation crimes like child marriage, domestic violence, dowry system, etc are happening in the society. This is not just prevalent in the rural areas with lack of education but also in the cities and among the richer sections of the society. Some women take the courage to fight back but some get scared due to the rules of patriarchy. So, if through this initiative we can extend our help to even a few women if not all, we will think that we have been successful in reaching the goal. Other than the pageant we also have a few awareness programs coming up which we will let you all know about soon”.
Talking about the pageant Designer Sharbari Dutta said, “Being associated with the fashion industry, I have been associated with many competitions, but Rubaru Mrs. India is one of a kind. It is hard to find a pageant that fights against such causes. It is a fact that beauty comes in any age, shape or size, but, a lot of women post marriage give up on their beauty habits due to lack of time and family issues. So, it is my earnest request to them to treat themselves as individuals with own dreams and goals, and start working out to achieve the same. It never too late if you are determined’.
Designer Indroneel Mukherjee was quoted saying, “We can’t just keep on blaming the society for anything that goes wrong. Society definitely has to change but that will happen only with education and proper awareness. All of us can put in little effort to create awareness at levels possible for us. A society is made of several individuals and not anything else. So, if we start taking steps at home and create self awareness or a lot of issues will be solved. Just like charity, social awareness also begins at home. In this respect i-Glam and Rubaru have taken a great initiative to help women with self awareness. Women have to stand up for themselves first and only then others will realize their worth and to create self awareness women have to treat themselves as individuals and not as family’s assets”.
Fashion Designer Debashree Das said, “A lot of obstacles come on your way if you are woman and especially if you are married. However, a lot also depends on how you as an individual deal with that. I fyou give up then people making your life difficult will tend to think you weak and go on pressurizing you about silly things. The natural tendency of nature is survival of the fittest. So, we have to decide whom to make fitter, “Me” or “Them”? I am sure that this sort of an initiative by i-Glam and Rubaru, will really help some women if not all to leave the obstacles back take one little step towards exploring self”.
About i-Glam:- i-Glam is an institution that provides personality developments to people from various industries including marketing, fashion, hospitality, etc. i-Glam believes that a well built personality is all that one needs, whatever be his/her profession. A well built personality and confidence is the key to success at every step of life.
BMW Group digital services at #NEXTGen
The digital BMW ecosystem: early insights into myBMW.
The BMW Group #NEXTGen event provided exclusive background information on what the future holds for the myBMW digital ecosystem. All BMW Group and NOW services, along with mobility services and products, will be pooled together under this name. Products and services will be split into My Car, My Life and My Journey categories, presenting customers with a single gateway into an all-encompassing portfolio of personal mobility-enhancing offerings. The BMW Group will reveal further details on myBMW at the IAA Cars 2019 motor show in Frankfurt on 12 – 22 September.
“Hey BMW, what’s your favourite colour?”. Chatting away with the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Since March 2019 the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant has been available in a large number of models fitted with BMW Operating System 7.0. Responding to the prompt “Hey BMW”, the intelligent, digital character helps the driver, learns their preferences, knows their favoured settings and is an expert on everything to do with the vehicle. Thanks to the regular Remote Software Upgrades supplied over the air for seamless installation directly into the vehicle, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant acquires new skills all the time, enhancing and expanding his capabilities. The next upgrade will make it possible to enjoy casual chats with him and engage in brief, entertaining exchanges.
Amazon Alexa in BMW and MINI models.
Seamless integration of Amazon Alexa is now available for a host of BMW and MINI models, enabling customers to access many of the Alexa functions they already use at home while out and about in their car. They can ask Alexa questions, get weather forecasts and traffic information, catch up on sporting events, listen to tracks from Amazon Music or TuneIn, or check out audio books from Audible. Appointments and to-do lists or shopping lists can likewise be managed simply by speaking. Added to which, the Control Display in the BMW or MINI also provides visual feedback for the selected content. And Alexa even makes it possible for customers to operate compatible smart-home devices, such as lamps, thermostats and automatic garage doors, from their car.
The BMW Digital Key turns smartphones into car keys.
The Digital Key dispenses with the need for a conventional car key. Employing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, it allows the new BMW 8 Series Coupe and other models in the BMW range to be locked and unlocked from a smartphone. Holding the smartphone up to the door handle opens the car. Once inside, the engine can be started as soon as the phone has been placed in the wireless charging or smartphone tray. Accessed via BMW Connected, the Digital Key can optionally be shared with up to five other people. The BMW Digital Key is currently available for all NFC-capable Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 8.0 and above.
Digital charging services for electric cars.
The charging services from BMW put an end to the stress of searching for an available charging station. Customers can check the probable availability of a specific station along the selected route before they begin their journey. Once they are within 20 minutes’ drive of the intended charging station, they can also reserve a space directly from their car. And if that car happens to be a BMW plug-in hybrid, they will additionally earn valuable iMILES bonus points for any sections of electric driving recorded within the BMW eDrive Zones. These can then be exchanged for extra charging credit at all ChargeNow stations.
BMW Group trial vehicle “Power BEV”: #NEXTGen19
Munich. The BMW Group trial vehicle “Power BEV” presented during #NEXTGen explores what is technically possible. The vehicle is fitted with three fifth-generation electric drive units and has a maximum system output in excess of 530 kW/720 hp. This enables it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in comfortably under three seconds.
The development team’s aim here was to build an experimental vehicle which impresses not only with its longitudinal dynamics but also in terms of lateral dynamics. Indeed, as drivers would expect from a BMW, it has been designed not only to be fast in a straight line but also to put a smile on the driver’s face thorough keenly taken corners.
To this end, the chassis and powertrain engineers worked together particularly closely to maximise the car’s performance. Key to its dynamic attributes is that the two electric motors at the rear axle are controlled separately. This brings e-torque vectoring into play, which enables maximum drive power to be translated into forward propulsion even in extremely dynamic driving manoeuvres.
The result is more effective and precise than with a limited slip differential, because actively targeted inputs are possible in any driving situation. By contrast, a limited slip differential always reacts to a difference in rotation speed between the driven wheels.
The drive system comprises three fifth-generation drive units, each of which brings together an electric motor and the associated power electronics and power take-off within a single housing. One is mounted at the front axle and two (a double drive unit) at the rear axle. Another notable aspect of this generation alongside its eye-catching power is that it is entirely free of rare earths. An electric motor of this type will make its series production debut in the BMW iX3. The iX3 will only have one motor, though, rather than three.
A current BMW 5 Series production model serves as the donor car for the Power BEV. Integrating a drive system of this type into a production car represents a serious technical undertaking, but it has been achieved here with absolutely no restriction in passenger compartment space. This makes it far easier to assess this drive concept alongside alternatives.
It has also allowed the engineers to look even more effectively into the possibilities opened up by two separately controllable electric motors at the rear axle with e-torque vectoring.
And that means, in future series-production vehicle projects, the right technology can be selected for the model at hand. Customers will therefore be provided with the most appropriate technology for their choice of vehicle concept.
Increased quality of living in cities and additional customer benefits for BMW plug-in hybrids
New BMW “eDrive Zone” function and digital BMW service “BMW points” promote emissions-free driving in environmental zones and offer users additional cost benefits.
Munich. With the introduction of the fourth generation of BMW plug-in hybrid models, novel features are soon to be launched which will help maximize the distance covered using electric power. In this way, the BMW Group is clustering its expertise in the areas of eDrive technology and digitalisation in order to promote emissions-free and low-noise driving in cities. Presented today for the first time at #NEXTGen, the BMW Group’s new communication format, the latest innovations enable drivers of BMW plug-in hybrid models to contribute actively to improving the quality of living in urban environments. Users also benefit from attractive premiums and can compete with other users for fun.
eDrive Zones enable emissions-free access to environmental zones.
With the current shift in thinking to make cities suitable for human beings rather than cars, more and more cities are considering imposing access limitations on vehicles powered by combustion engines. In view of this, the BMW Group is consistently advancing its operating strategy for plug-in hybrid models. If cities establish environmental zones for emissions-free driving only, these can be automatically detected in future by means of geo-fencing technology. On entering the zone, the vehicle then automatically switches to purely electric mode. This means that optimum use of the potential offered by plug-in hybrid vehicles is guaranteed – without the driver having to take any special action. This novel operating strategy constitutes a significant additional boost in terms of the potential of plug-in hybrid vehicles to reduce emissions. The increase in the distance covered electrically not only helps optimise efficiency, it also reduces operating costs for the customer. This applies particularly to city traffic, where electric power consistently achieves a higher level of efficiency than a petrol or diesel engine.
The function BMW eDrive Zones will be a standard feature in BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles as of 2020.
Collect and redeem electric bonus points with BMW Points.
As a supplement to the BMW eDrive Zone function, the BMW Group is further stimulating an increase in electric driving among its plug-in hybrid customers by means of a novel digital service called BMW Points. The BMW Points app offers a fun source of motivation for PHEV customers to get the most out of their electric drive. Kilometres covered using electric power are rewarded with points. High-voltage battery charging is also rewarded under the BMW Points scheme. In this way, drivers are encouraged to give preference to electric drive as often as possible – not just based on environmental awareness but also out of a sense of competitiveness. By collecting a sufficient number of points, participants can gain access to attractive rewards such as free charging volumes on Charge Now; in the medium term, this will also include products of the Share Now and Park Now brands as well as those available in the Connected Drive Store.
The digital service BMW Points will be available for BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles with eDrive Zone technology via the BMW Connected Drive Store from 2020.
Ground-breaking insights for eDrive Zones and BMW Points derived from pilot project in Rotterdam.
The first real-life trial after the brainstorming phase for the new BMW eDrive Zones function and the digital service BMW Points was the pilot project “Electric City Drive” conducted by the BMW Group in collaboration with the city of Rotterdam and Erasmus University, which is located there.
Studies were carried out there in 2018 to examine whether it might be possible to encourage electric driving of plug-in hybrid vehicles by defining an inner city zone and offering an app that encourages regular charging in a fun way. The aim was to get users to make more frequent use of the electromobility potential offered by their vehicle.
Some 50 volunteer plug-in hybrid drivers from the Rotterdam area were provided with a specially developed app for this purpose. Once they had installed it on their smartphone and paired it with their vehicle, they received a message on their vehicle screen whenever they entered the defined eDrive Zone in the city centre of Rotterdam – along with a request to switch the drive system of their plug-in hybrid into fully electric mode. Over a period of three months, research was carried out to establish the extent to which project participants increased their volume of electrically powered driving as a result of receiving such messages.
A beta version of the BMW Points App also enabled them to monitor their progress as compared to other participants, take part in competitions and collect points. The key insight was that PHEV drivers covered 90 percent of all routes inside the Rotterdam eDrive Zone running on electric power alone when they had the app connected to the vehicle. It was the technology used in the pilot project that inspired the further development of BMW eDrive Zone and BMW Points. The two innovations are now soon to be introduced to BMW serial production vehicles.
BMW plug-in hybrid vehicles have long offered considerable benefits as compared to those with traditional drive:
· Improved quality of living: by manually activating the electric driving mode, users contribute to reducing emissions and traffic noise in cities.
· Savings: electrically powered driving in the city costs less than running a car on petrol or diesel if the vehicle is charged at home or at work.
· Always the right temperature when you get in: auxiliary heating and air conditioning come as standard.
· Braking is a benefit: the battery is charged when the brakes are applied. In conventional cars, it simply generates heat and wears down the brakes.
· The best of both worlds: plug-hybrid cars offer electrical driving pleasure in town and classic BMW driving pleasure over long distances.
· Future-proof: since plug-in hybrids are able to run emissions-free, they can enable access to many environmental zones, parking privileges and savings on toll fees.
BMW VISION M NEXT. Boost your moment – the future of driving dynamics at BMW
Munich. In future, drivers will be able to choose whether they wish to be driven or do the driving themselves. With the BMW Vision M NEXT, the BMW Group is revealing its take on how driving pleasure might look in future for those who enjoy taking the wheel themselves. It offers a foretaste of the BMW M brand’s electrified future by placing the focus squarely on the actively engaged driver. Intelligent technologies on board provide comprehensive yet carefully targeted assistance to turn them into the ultimate driver.
Hosting the exclusive world premiere of the BMW Vision M NEXT is the new #NEXTGen infotainment platform at BMW Welt. This standalone event concentrating on personal mobility solutions “made by the BMW Group” adds another regular fixture to the calendar of car shows / technology & future-focused trade events around the world which the company already attends. The Group’s latest technological advances in the fields of design, autonomous driving, connectivity, electrification and services will be showcased here, alongside spectacular world premieres such as that of the BMW Vision M NEXT.
“The BMW Vision M NEXT provides a glimpse into the future of sporty driving,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design. “Where the BMW Vision iNEXT illustrated how autonomous driving is set to transform life on board our vehicles, the BMW Vision M NEXT demonstrates how state-of-the-art technology can also make the experience of driving yourself purer and more emotionally engaging. In both models, the focus is firmly on the people inside. Design and technology make the ‘EASE’ and ‘BOOST’ experiences more natural and more intense.”
The EASE and BOOST experience concepts.
The BMW Vision iNEXT and BMW Vision M NEXT Vision Vehicles represent prototype versions of BMW’s future experience concepts “EASE” and “BOOST”. EASE encompasses all the experiences during a journey when the vehicle assumes the task of driving. Here, the vehicle is transformed into a living space on four wheels, where the passengers can feel safe and secure. From rest and relaxation, via talking, interacting and enjoying in-car entertainment, all the way to maximum concentration – the experiences on offer with the EASE concept are as varied as the occupants’ needs. BOOST, meanwhile, stands for the ultimate active driving experience. The EASE and BOOST concepts are underpinned in equal measure by the building blocks for the BMW Group’s future, comprising the innovation areas of Autonomous driving, Connectivity, Electri
Exterior exudes BMW sports-car DNA.
“The BMW Vision M NEXT is a progressive hybrid sports car that makes a very clear and confident statement, in terms of both appearance and interaction,” says Domagoj Dukec, Vice President BMW Design. The emotion-stirring exterior design clearly announces the BMW Vision Vehicle’s performance potential, borrowing styling cues from both classic and contemporary BMW sports cars in the process. The BMW Vision M NEXT draws its inspiration from the iconic BMW Turbo and groundbreaking BMW i8 plug-in hybrid and adopts a future-focused interpretation of design elements such as the low-slung, wedge-shaped silhouette, gullwing doors and striking colour scheme. The unmistakable sports-car proportions are composed of surfaces characterised by clarity and pared-down styling. The front and rear ends are finished in the matt-neon shade Thrilling Orange, producing a vivid contrast against the exterior’s otherwise silk-matt Cast Silver metallic paintwork. This use of colour blocking gives the Vision Vehicle an added air of modernity and emphasises its inherent dynamism.
The actual driving experience in the BMW Vision M NEXT is every bit as captivating as its exterior looks. The Power PHEV drive system in offers the choice between electric all-wheel drive and pure rear-wheel drive, with either all-electric propulsion or the power of a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. System output of 441 kW (600 hp) produces a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) and enables the BMW Vision M NEXT to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just three seconds. There is also a BOOST+ mode that puts extra power on tap at the push of a button. The maximum range when driving in all-electric mode is 100 km (62 miles) – more than enough to complete the majority of journeys purely on electric power. This means the BMW Vision M NEXT is a sports car that would also be suitable for use in city centres where zero-emissions zones may come into force in the future.
Incorporating a modern take on classic design icons: the front end.
The expressive front-end design serves up a confident and modern interpretation of classic BMW icons. The signature BMW kidney grille is flanked on either side by triangular elements in Thrilling Orange, which serve to accentuate the air intakes at the sides and the integral headlights. These elements combine with the blade-shaped air intake below the kidney grille to create a cutting-edge racing aesthetic.
The soft outer curves of the kidney grille openings are reminiscent of a turbine’s air intake and give the front end added dynamic impact, while the colour gradient used for the inside of the two kidney elements creates a sense of depth. The grille openings are each blanked off by a transparent layer with a laser-etched, illuminated pattern that seems to be floating inside – a highly sophisticated touch that gives added emphasis to this section of the car.
The BMW Vision M NEXT headlights are positioned on the outer edges of the front end, higher up than the kidney grille. Arranged one above the other rather than side by side, their constituent elements represent a highly distinctive interpretation of BMW’s classic four-eyed front end. The headlights hand a debut to Laser Wire lighting technology, whereby glass fibres coated with phosphorous are used to produce headlight elements with a new, super-slim and extremely precise form. All of which further underscores the Vision Vehicle’s future-focused character.
Trailblazing dynamism: the flanks.
The low-slung, wedge-shaped sports-car silhouette of the BMW Vision M NEXT, the reward climb of its flank lines and the diagonal splash of contrasting orange colour endow it with dramatic forward-surging intent, even when standing still. The black side skirts made from recycled carbon fibre make the car look even lower on the road. The sports-car silhouette frames a small number of crisp lines running along the clearly sculpted surfaces. The lines of the powerfully contoured shoulders are also used to create the effect of the iconic Hofmeister kink, instead of incorporating it into the window graphic in the usual BMW fashion. The design is broken up by a gill-like aperture that narrows as it sweeps back from the window surface towards the tail, giving the car a more elongated appearance. A second look reveals another highlight in the form of the Air Flow. This opening located just in front of the rear wheels is designed to carefully channel the onrushing air towards the rear end in a way that further improves aerodynamics.
Precisely engineered gaps in the wheels’ intricate, three-dimensional multi-spoke design result in low weight, maximum rigidity and reduced drag and so optimise the transfer of power to the road. The spokes’ open, three-dimensional architecture maximises cooling of the large brake discs at the front, while inserts optimise aero efficiency at the rear. The rear wheels on the BMW Vision M NEXT measure 22 inches in diameter, making them one inch larger than the front wheels (21 inches) and further emphasising the car’s wedge-shaped appearance.
Low-slung, broad and extremely dynamic: the rear end.
The broad, low-slung rear end makes a stylistic statement with its distinctly sporty tone. Its colour scheme divides the car’s sculptural tail into two sections. The top section in Thrilling Orange creates a visual link between the coloured areas of the flanks, further adding to the impression of width. The area below it is made from recycled carbon fibre and incorporates an aerodynamically optimised diffuser. The design of the rear window takes its cue from the BMW M1. The three-piece louvres are made from glass and emphasise the horizontal focus of the rear-end styling.
The rear lights feature the same Laser Wire technology used for the headlights. Their glass lenses frame the rear end in a sweeping flourish on either side, bringing its width and sporting presence to the fore. Inside each light unit, a single wafer-thin glass fibre produces an abstract ECG trace of a heartbeat fashioned with pin-sharp precision. The two-dimensional reinterpretation of the distinctive pair of BMW roundels from the BMW Turbo and BMW M1 – a gift to BMW aficionados – gives them the impression of floating in the rear lights’ transparent lenses.
Focusing on the driver: the interior.
Facial recognition technology allows the car to unlock automatically as the driver approaches. Pressing the touch sensor on the gullwing doors prompts them to swing open, revealing a cabin that merges the driver and vehicle into one. The classy, minimalist interior revolves entirely around the actively engaged driver, both stylistically and technologically. The interior appears as if cut from a single mould, with functional elements such as the air vents integrated almost out of sight. Its geometry is deliberately restrained in nature so the driver can devote their attention entirely to the driving experience. The seat shells form part of a seat sculpture with a flowing design. They are upholstered in a foam material with shape memory properties that moulds itself to, cushions and supports the body to optimum effect. The head restraints seem to hover above both seat shells, increasing the sense of lightness. The extremely comfortable seating position immerses the driver in the driving experience.
Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel: the BOOST Pod.
“The entire interior is focused on the BOOST Pod. The geometry has a deliberately low-key feel so that the driver can concentrate fully on the driving experience,” explains Domagoj Dukec. Taking pride of place in the interior, the BOOST Pod forms the interface between driver and vehicle. It brings together all the control options and information across three distinct visual tiers in the driver’s direct field of view. The first plane is formed by the horizontally arranged steering wheel featuring two small displays. Following this in the driver’s line of sight is a Curved Glass Display, a new addition whose transparent surface stretches around the steering wheel like a visor. The full-surface Augmented Reality Head-Up Display in the windscreen constitutes the third plane. Everything therefore happens directly in the driver’s line of sight. The driving settings can be modified on the steering wheel, while information such as revs, road speed, energy management, the driver’s heart rate and availability of BOOST+ mode is spread among a total of five clusters in the Curved Glass Display behind. BOOST+ mode can be engaged at the touch of a button to release extra power. The car alerts the driver when the ideal moment arrives to activate BOOST+.
Taking driver focus to the next level: focus logic.
“In the BMW Vision M NEXT, intelligent technologies help the driver and deliver the right content at the right time. Operation is clear and intuitive, with all information presented in the driver’s direct field of view. This is a deliberate counterpoint to the BMW Vision iNEXT, which focused on multimodal operation from every seat,” continues Dukec.
The BMW Vision M NEXT therefore shows the way ahead for BMW’s fabled driver focus. The cabin’s geometry and technology have both been devised to help focus attention on the task of driving and prevent distractions. To this end, the information displayed is adapted to the current speed – based on the principles of focus logic. As the vehicle speeds up, the information centres increasingly on driving-related data and moves into the driver’s eye-line. It is possible to communicate with the Intelligent Personal Assistant at all times while driving – if drivers wish to book the visionary Valet Parking Service for their destination, for instance. Here, a concierge is on hand when they arrive to take the vehicle, park it and bring it back again at the desired time. All done simply and seamlessly using the MyBMW App.
Innovative materials for a luxurious ambience and optimum performance.
“We have designed a modern and luxurious interior with the help of innovative materials. Whereas its geometry is clear and restrained, individual details are showcased like top-class accessories,” says Dukec. The pioneering mix of materials employed in the BMW Vision M NEXT, including woven synthetic fibres, anodised titanium and painted surfaces, has never been seen before in a vehicle in this form, which is why it brings out the car’s character to such stunning effect. Use of leather has been kept deliberately to a minimum, which is why it only adorns the design details that the driver’s and passenger’s hands touch directly, such as the steering wheel and door pull handles. Instead, the interior is dominated by a Midnight Blue microfibre fabric whose look and feel are akin to leather, but is also highly distinctive. Judicious use of Thrilling Orange contrasts injects additional sporting flair.
A particularly striking touch here is the accent line in the driver’s area that runs forwards from the seat over the BOOST Pod, indicating the ideal line of sight over the road. A light element in the BOOST Pod further strengthens this line.
The metallic surfaces in Titanium Bronze have a warm, shimmering tone, adding to the exclusive ambience in the car’s interior. Neat design touches such as the barely visible pockets in the door and centre console allow everyday essentials to remain securely stowed away even when cornering at high speed. The gyroscopic cupholder is able to compensate for strong lateral and longitudinal dynamic forces. A glance upwards reveals both the visible roof structure made from recycled carbon fibre and the headliner, whose tone-in-tone paint finish with mild sheen effect blends in perfectly with the rest of the interior’s colour scheme.
The past and future of dynamic driving.
With its enthralling blend of design and driving experience, the BMW Vision M NEXT fuses BMW’s sporting heritage with the possibilities of tomorrow’s world, and illustrates how the D+ACES building blocks for the future will be able to enhance how the driver experiences a car’s dynamics.
