BMW pop art. One highlight of the BMW Art Car Miniatures at the recently concluded BMW XPo was Andy Warhol’s take on the BMW M1 racecar, with a blurred depiction of color as his interpretation of speed.

WHEN one sees the blue-and-white propeller-like roundel that is the BMW logo, one can’t help but think of high-end cars, motorcycles and owners who live the good life 24 x 7 x 365. That is the reason behind BMW Philippines’ series of XPos at the Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.

The previous XPo held in September 2006 featured the launch of the new Z4 3.0si and Z4 2.5i roadsters, the 150-hp 320i Limited Edition and the 1-Series Limited Edition. Featured this time are the new X3 sports activity vehicle, the Z4 coupe, the 320i Executive and the 118i Executive as well as the new BMW Motorrad R 1200 S, the K 1200 R Sport, the F 800 S and the F 800 ST).

The new X3 comes in two variants (P 3.19 million, 2.0d diesel and P 3.75 million, 2.5si gasoline) with changes to the exterior, interior, suspension and transmission. On the other hand, the Z4 coupe comes in two variants (P 4.62 million, 3.0si and special order Z4 3.2L M version). For those who would like to upgrade their BMWs—specifically, the 1-Series, the current and E46 (1998 to 2005) 3-Series, the current and E39 (1996 to 2003) 5-Series and the X3—with M Performance packages, can do it with zero-percent interest in three, six or 12 equal installments via any BPI credit card.

The R 1200 S sport bike totes an air- and oil-cooled two-cylinder, four-stroke horizontally opposed engine mated to a tubular space frame chassis that weighs in at 190 kg, with an output of 122 hp and 112 Nm of torque. It also features partial integral ABS (anti-lock braking system) that retains handlebar lever brake action on both wheels.

The F 800 S and F 800 ST sport tourers tote water-cooled, 85-hp, 86-Nm parallel two-cylinder four-strokers with a new toothed belt drive with loss-free power transmission—easier to maintain than a chain drive and (according to BMW Philippines) more durable. And arguably the most powerful naked bike available from BMW, the K1200 R Sport totes an inline-four cylinder engine that makes 163 hp and 127 Nm of torque, high handlebars for precision handling, and half fairing that makes it possible to ride at top speed for prolonged periods without getting tired.

The recent XPo also featured a sneak preview of the BMW Art Cars Collection via a specially-designed display of the BMW Art Car Miniatures. Featuring artwork from Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Alexander Calder and Frank Stella, these rolling personal artistic expressions are presently on a world tour and will also be presented at the Ayala Museum from March 7 to 31.

THOSE who grew up with the Batman comics know that the Dark Knight always had a Batmobile readily available to fight crime. Whether it was the outlandish cars of the movies (save for Batman Begins) or the Lincoln Futura-Ford Galaxie of the 1960s TV series, the Batmobile was always known as a stylish, great handling, torque-rich two-seater sports car.

ONE of the success stories in the after-sales industry of the vehicle industry is this one upholstery shop that has weathered the test of time in the local market.

ONE of the main reasons why more accidents happen at night is the lack of proper lighting on our main and secondary roads.

THE all-new Ford Escape, one of Ford’s top-selling compact SUVs, recently debuted with a fresh look, versatile and refined interior, class-leading off-road capability, and a host of standard safety features that cater to the urban SUV owner’s discriminating needs.

WHEN one sees the blue-and-white propeller-like roundel that is the BMW logo, one can’t help but think of high-end cars, motorcycles and owners who live the good life 24 x 7 x 365. That is the reason behind BMW Philippines’ series of XPos at the Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.