MAY 22, 2019

Editor-in-Chief's Note: Some unexpected fun from BMW upon the occasion of Dieter Zetche's retirement from Daimler-Benz. Watch "Retirement is about exploring your wide open future" here. -PMD

(BMW)
BMW Motorrad is presenting the Concept R18 at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este this weekend. BMW Motorrad says that the Concept R18 "transports the essence of the big BMW Motorrad classics into the modern age... it is taking a historical motorcycle design and giving it a modern, custom attitude." The BMW Motorrad Concept R18 shows how a forward projection of a 1960s boxer engine could look like today as a purist custom bike in combination with all the classic design icons of BMW Motorrad design. “With its clear aesthetics openly on display, the Concept R18 embodies for me what motorcycling, at its core, is really about. It is all about feeling instead of thinking, and not using technology for self-staging, instead giving space for imagination. This concept bike appeals to something deep down – you just want to just get on it and ride off. But when you get off it again, you don’t just put it in the garage and walk away – you turn around again and give it a final parting glance,” explains Edgar Heinrich, head of BMW Motorrad Design.

(BMW images) 

A 1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B accomplished a one-two victory at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2019. The stylishly captivating and technically sophisticated two-door coupé was crowned overall winner at the spectacular event, held under the motto “The Symphony of Engines – 90 Years of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este & BMW Automobiles.” After winning the Coppa d’Oro Villa d’Este, the owner of the vehicle, American David Sydorick, also received the newly designed Trofeo BMW Group. This Alfa Romeo was already a valuable rarity when it came into being. It is one of only 30 vehicles built in this series by the Milan-based manufacturer between 1937 and 1940. The chassis of Alfa Romeo's immensely successful racing cars provided the platform and an inline, all-alloy, high-performance eight-cylinder engine with two overhead camshafts and a twin supercharger delivered a maximum output of 180HP. Independent suspension and a rear-mounted gearbox were additional advanced features that contributed to the exclusivity of the Berlinetta. As the first of just five vehicles with a long wheelbase, the coupé was also clothed in a Superleggera coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring. This combination of sophisticated technology and compelling design still resonates 82 years later.

(Mercedes-Benz)
Mercedes-Benz will expand the GLE model range with the introduction of the V8-powered Mercedes-Benz GLE 580 4MATIC. The top line GLE features a 483HP biturbo V8 with 516 lb-ft of torque, a 48-volt on-board electrical system and integrated starter generator. In addition, the GLE 580 4MATIC is capable of producing an extra 184 lb-ft of torque and 21 horsepower through EQ Boost over short periods. The integrated starter generator (ISG) is responsible for hybrid functions such as EQ Boost and energy recuperation, resulting in fuel savings previously reserved for high-voltage hybrid technology. The innovative ISG eliminates the need for a belt drive for ancillary components at the front of the engine, which reduces its overall length. The slim design of the engine, together with the physical separation of the intake/exhaust, creates space for a close-coupled exhaust after treatment. The 48V on-board electrical system serves not only high power consumers, such as the water pump and air-conditioning compressor, but also the integrated starter-generator (ISG), which also supplies energy to the battery by means of highly efficient energy recuperation. The GLE 580 4MATIC also features an extensive list of standard equipment including AIRMATIC air suspension with adaptive damping, leather upholstery, exterior AMG Line, and it is optionally available with 22” wheels. The GLE 580 4MATIC starts at $76,800 and will be available late this year.