Auto
BMW releases two new-generation 4-Series Gran Coupes
BMW has unveiled two new second-generation 4-Series Gran Coupes for the 2022 model year, the 430i and M440i xDrive, arriving at the showroom this August.
The company says production of the all-wheel-drive 430i xDrive Gran Coupe and rear-wheel-drive M440i Gran Coupe models will follow at a later date.
The cars have a 50-50 weight distribution according to the company.
Exterior
Its exterior updates include a redesigned kidney grille, headlights, front and rear bumpers, exhaust trim, and rear lights.
The standard LED headlights are 0.4 inches thinner than before while the grille is larger and is now surrounded by a one-piece frame.
The new 4-Series Gran Coupe’s exterior profile has been “sharpened,” according to the company.
It is 5.9-inches longer, an inch wider, and 2.1-inches taller than its predecessor, while the tracks have grown 1.6-inches in the front and 0.7-inches in the rear.
The wheelbase is 1.8-inches longer. The company says the new body includes “optimized aerodynamics” for better driving dynamics and efficiency.
“An active air flap control system, air curtains, streamlined light alloy wheels, and an almost completely sealed underbody serve to channel the airflow effectively,” the company said. The 430i’s drag coefficient is 0.28, 0.01 less than the previous model.
BMW said an “intelligent mix of materials helps to reduce vehicle weight while enhancing the body’s rigidity and crash safety,” including multi-phase steels and aluminum alloys.
The front end includes an extruded aluminum engine side member and die-cast aluminum spring struts, and the new car has an aluminum hood and front fenders.
Interior
The interior is larger, with a bit more headroom and more rear seat legroom.
The new Gran Coupe uses iDrive 7, with individually configurable display content. You can configure the content via touchscreen, iDrive controller, steering wheel buttons, voice control or optional BMW gesture control.
Heated front and rear seats are optional, as is front seat ventilation and wireless charging.
BMW says the cloud-based nav system’s performance has been “significantly enhanced” with “excellent accuracy” and an easier method of destination entry.
“The new generation navigation system offers extremely fast route calculation carried out dynamically and based on precise real-time traffic data transmitted at short intervals,” the company said.
Hi-tech
Drivers can enter any word when searching a destination, with the search results sorted by relevance.
“Alternatively,” the company says, “the destination can be entered simply by saying it. Points of interest (POIs) along the route are described in detail, with reviews, opening times and photos all included.”
The new system can help you find primo parking spots.
Engine/performance
The cars use BMW’s latest TwinPower Turbo 2.0-litre four- and 3.0-litre six-cylinder engines.
The M440i xDrive’s inline-six has a 48-volt mild hybrid system. Both the four and six feature a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection, fully variable valve timing, and variable camshaft timing, along with more efficient cooling and oil supply systems.
The M440i xDrive’s engine generates 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, good enough to run the car to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. The four-cylinder in the 430i delivers 255 hp and 295 lb-ft for a 5.8-second 0-to-60 time.
All engines are mated to the latest eight-speed Sport Steptronic transmission with steering-wheel mounted shift paddles and launch control.
BMW says the new transmission delivers sharper shifts, improved efficiency, and faster gear changes.
The M440i xDrive has a Sprint function for “more dramatic bursts of mid-range acceleration,” according to the company.
BMW’s adaptive M suspension is optional, using electronically controlled shocks with continuously adjustable valves to allow the damping force to be metered at each wheel individually.
The modes are comfort, sport, and adaptive; the latter adjusts the steering, damping, accelerator, and transmission to suit the driving style.
M Sport brakes are also optional (standard on the M440i xDrive), and use a different hydraulic configuration with four-piston fixed front calipers and single-piston floating rear calipers.
The M Sport rear diff is standard on the M440i xDrive and optional on the 430i, optimizing putting the power down.
“Power which cannot be transferred to the road by the unloaded wheel on the inside of the corner—as it is liable to slip—is deliberately shifted to the wheel on the outside of the corner, rather than applying the brakes to neutralize its effect,” the company said.
“As a result, all the engine’s power can be channelled into providing a sporty driving experience. The carefully calculated distribution of drive power gives the car greater poise when negotiating a quick succession of bends and optimizes directional stability when changing lanes at the same time as during braking.”
Safety
Frontal-collision warning is standard, as is city collision mitigation with braking, lane -departure warning, active blind-spot detection, rear-cross traffic alert, and rear collision preparation.
BMW also updated its X3 and X4 coupes with revised exteriors, drivetrains, and infotainment systems.
The six-cylinder X3 M40i and X4 M40i models now have a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
The lineup includes rear-drive X3 sDrive30i and X4 sDrive30i models, all-wheel-drive X3 xDrive30i and X4 xDrive30i models, and M all-wheel-drive X3 M40i and X4 M40i models. The two M40is use a 48-volt mild-hybrid system.
As in the 4-Series, the 2.0-litre four and 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engines feature TwinScroll turbos, direct injection, a variable camshaft system, and variable valve control system.
The four-cylinder produces 248 hp and 258 lb-ft, while the six produces 382 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
The straight-six in the mighty X3 M and X4 M now offers 473 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. All models use an updated eight-speed automatic.
Auto
Coscharis Motors clinches Nigeria’s Multi-Luxury Company Award as Range Rover Autobiography emerges Luxury SUV
Coscharis Motors clinches Nigeria’s Multi-Luxury Company Award as Range Rover Autobiography emerges Luxury SUV
It is a double honour for Coscharis Motors Plc, one of the subsidiaries of the respected conglomerate, Coscharis Group, as it was declared Multi-Luxury Company of the Year and one of its iconic luxury brands, Range Rover Autobiography, was adjudged the Nigeria’s Luxury SUV of the Year at the 2024 edition of the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association Awards.
The well attended event was held recently at the prestigious Oriental Hotels, Lagos.
Coscharis Motors, a household name in topnotch globally respected luxury automobile brands in Nigeria, has been the exclusive representative of the British iconic luxury brand of the Jaguar Land Rover and the German pride in the luxury segment of the BMW brand over many decades.
The company in 2023 added another new luxury brand from United Kingdom into the Nigeria market which is the Grenadier from the Ineos group in UK. The Grenadier is a brand new product globally which is equally being represented in Nigeria by Coscharis Motors as a new addition to its existing ‘House of luxury’ when it comes to automobile of repute.
The luxury SUV category was keenly contested with other tested luxury brands but the Range Rover Autobiography came tops, according to the organizers, after strong consideration of the market acceptance of the Autobiography in all ramifications.
The All New Range Rover Autobiography variant is revolutionary, reliable and a class on its own with its special appeal, style that resonates with its priority audience when it comes to luxury, class, comfort and performance.
Receiving the award on behalf of Coscharis Motors, the General Manager, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Coscharis Group, Mr. Abiona Babarinde, dedicated the award to all the Coscharis Motors customers, especially the luxury brand enthusiasts for their acceptability of all the luxury brands in the Portfolio namely the Jaguar Land Rover, BMW and the new Grenadier respectively as their preferred luxury automobile of choice.
He said, “These awards only reconfirm our expertise in delivering top notch luxury experience to our premium customers while maintaining the global standard of brand positioning to discerning customers in the ever dynamic Nigerian market.
“Representing these globally respected iconic brands over the years exclusively in Nigeria involves consistent delivering of value for money that involves the total luxury experience from the point of brand awareness to the purchase stage and the aftersales service experience to deliver the peace of mind required.”
Group Managing Director of Coscharis Motors Plc, Mr. Josiah Samuel, also dedicated the awards to the company’s ever loyal customers for their patronage and acceptance of the brands with a promise to continually create more value in the automobile industry in Nigeria.
He said, “There can’t be another best way to end the business year in 2024 than with these set of prestigious awards despite all the business challenges in the year and more importantly that the awards are coming from a very critical stakeholder / partner like the media.”
The award event attracted various stakeholders that are players in the automotive sector in Nigeria.
Auto
Leadership by example: FRSC Corps Marshal leads field operations, patrol highways
Leadership by example: FRSC Corps Marshal leads field operations, patrol highways
By Bisi Kazeem
As the year winds down and Nigerians embark on end-of-year travels, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has intensified its efforts to curb road crashes and ensure safer highways. Leading this charge is the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, who has set a sterling example of sacrificial leadership by actively participating in frontline operations during this critical period.
The end of the year is a notoriously perilous time on Nigeria’s roads, marked by increased traffic, heightened road traffic crash risks, and a surge in reckless driving.
However, under the proactive leadership of the Corps Marshal, the FRSC rolled out an unprecedented campaign to reduce road traffic crashes and fatalities, ensuring that the festive season is marked by joy rather than tragedy.
True leadership is not defined by words but by action. The Corps Marshal exemplifies this by personally leading field operations, patrolling highways, monitoring traffic flows, and directly engaging with road users.
His visible presence has reinvigorated the morale of FRSC officers and demonstrated to the nation that leadership is about service and sacrifice.
He defied insecurity on the highways and embarked on a traffic monitoring operation from Abuja, the Federal Capital, through Kogi, Ekiti, Ondo, Owo, Ore, down to Edo and Delta.
His decision to lead from the front underscores his commitment to the FRSC’s mission of saving lives and highlights the urgent need for compliance with traffic rules and regulations.
From the beginning of the Ember Months sensitisation campaign in September, the Corps had gone ahead of time, implementing series of robust measures aimed at addressing road safety challenges during the festive season. These remedies include; increased patrols and checkpoints as additional officers and vehicles have been deployed in strategic points on highways to monitor and enforce compliance with traffic laws; organised nationwide safety campaigns targeting speed violations, drunk driving, overloading and seatbelt use.
These campaigns educate drivers on the dangers of reckless behaviours and emphasize the importance of safe driving practices.
The Corps also ensured Emergency Response Preparedness: ambulances, tow trucks, and rescue teams are on standby to ensure rapid responses to emergencies, reducing fatalities and injuries in the event of crashes.
Knowing that the task of making the highways safe is a collective action, FRSC went into the season with strengthened partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Police Force, transport unions, traditional rulers and local communities, to foster a united front in the battle against road crashes.
The Corps Marshal’s leadership has inspired not just his officers but also the general public.
His direct involvement sends a clear message that road safety is a shared responsibility requiring the commitment of all stakeholders.
The Corps Marshal’s hands-on approach during this critical period has not only motivated the FRSC team but has also restored public confidence in the agency’s commitment to saving lives,” said a motorist who witnessed the Marshal’s activities firsthand on the Niger Bridge.
The monitoring activities carried out across major corridors suggest that the intensified efforts are yielding positive results, with a noticeable reduction in road crashes and fatalities compared to previous years.
The Corps Marshal’s example of sacrificial leadership has brought renewed vigor to the FRSC’s operations, ensuring that every life is valued and protected.
Needless to state that the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, is indeed an enigma, a force to be reckoned with and a true example of practical leadership in public service as he leads yet again by example in the fight against road crashes in Nigeria.
Taking active front-line roles, dedicating to sacrificial leadership and willingness to take bold steps to address the challenges facing Nigerian roads.
By setting the pace, he’s inspiring his team and other stakeholders to join forces in the quest for safer roads in Nigeria.
As the festive season continues, let us all join the FRSC as they call on all Nigerians to support its efforts by adhering to traffic rules, avoiding risky driving behaviours, and prioritizing safety on the roads.
Together, with the leadership of the Corps Marshal and the dedication of FRSC personnel, a safer, accident-free festive season is achievable.
The Corps Marshal’s leadership reminds us all that effective leadership requires sacrifice, action, and a deep commitment to service.
As Nigerians embark on their journeys this season, they can take comfort in knowing that the FRSC is working tirelessly to make the roads safer for everyone.
*DCM Bisi Kazeem (Rtd), fsi MNIM anipr, a public relations expert and media guru writes from Lagos, Nigeria.
Auto
FG deploys Lanre Shittu CNG buses as airport shuttle
FG deploys Lanre Shittu CNG buses as airport shuttle
The Federal Government has commenced the deployment of Lanre Shittu Motors (LSM)-branded Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses in the nation’s airports for passengers shuttle.
The first batch of the CNG-powered buses has been launched at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, at a ceremony attended by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, and Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku.
Speaking during the unveiling at the Lagos airport, the minister said the deployment was in line with the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
He said it was part of Nigeria’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and meeting global climate targets.
‘’What you see here today is a fleet of CNG buses for FAAN to commence passenger movement at all our airports immediately,” the minister said.
He said the newly acquired CNG-powered LSM buses unveiled at the Lagos airport are eco-friendly with zero emission and designed with accessibility features for persons with disabilities.
The deployment, he added, was in compliance with the President’s goal of reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels of petrol and diesel and promoting sustainable use of CNG to power vehicles in the country.
The introduction of the CNG to power automobiles is one of the Federal Government’s initiatives to ease the impact of fuel subsidy removal on the masses.
The CNG buses, according to the Managing Director of Lanre Shittu Motors, Taiwo Shittu, come in two specifications: a 31-seater for airport shuttle services and a 54-seater for mass transit city buses.
He said they had been equipped with modern amenities, including air conditioning, viewing screens, and charging stations.
With the introduction of the CNG buses, he said LSM aimed to provide a more sustainable and efficient transportation solution not only to Lagos but other parts of the country.
-
Politics2 days agoGbajabiamila speaks on his rumoured Lagos governorship ambition
-
metro2 days agoFarotimi to pursue disbarment over arrest, defamation allegations
-
Business2 days agoReal reason Dangote, NNPC drop petrol price — IPMAN
-
Health2 days agoABU Teaching Hospital will begin kidney transplant in 2025 – CMD
-
International3 days agoBREAKING: Plane skids off runway in South Korea, killing at least 120
-
Sports17 hours agoAnthony Joshua prostrates before Governor Abiodun during Ogun visit
-
metro2 days agoEl-Rufai accuses Tinubu govt of Yoruba agenda, Reno Omokri reacts
-
metro2 days agoNigerian govt urged to intervene in Mozambique post-election violence