BMW’s highlights in 2011 Any Googling or reading of motoring journals regarding efficiency and overall product development and refinements tends to reveal one brand as the ubiquitous prominent player – BMW. Never shy of revealing new options, design tweaks, engine variants and trim levels, albeit sometimes to the annoyance of owners battling to keep up with the onslaught, BMW have remained at the top of the pile regarding engine power and efficiency developments, as well as refreshed design and available options lists. Here’s some of BMW’s highlights in 2011. The popular 1-series coupe and convertible has received some selected design modifications, optimised aerodynamics and attractive equipment features. A restyled front apron now sports a central under-bumper air intake with large black trim strip, centred between integrated fog lamps and the new vertical air intakes, which are mounted well to the outside of the apron. These vertical slits aren’t just for show, channelling air into the wheel arches to create an “air curtain” across the face of the front wheels, which significantly reduces drag in this area. This development is another component of BMW’s EfficientDynamics programme, joined by others in the new 1-series by Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start-Stop, a gear shift indicator and on-demand control of auxiliary units, improving fuel consumption and emissions figures.
The 1’s headlights now feature LED daytime running lights and an accent strip across the top of the Xenon powered headlamps. The L-shaped rear light cluster also now features LED implants and an all-red housing. Bodywork colour options now include bright metallic Vermilion Red and Marrakesh Brown. New 17- and 18-inch