Munich. With effect from 1 November, Franciscus van Meel will assume the position as chairman of the board of BMW M GmbH. He succeeds Markus Flasch, who, after three years at the helm of the BMW Group subsidiary responsible for particularly sporty automobiles, will be changing to the Overall Vehicle Development division. Flasch will assume the position within the BMW Group as head of the production lines Rolls-Royce, BMW luxury and upper class, in future also including the BMW midrange production line. During his term of office in the executive board of BMW M GmbH, the company rose to become the world’s leading provider of performance and high-performance-automobiles.

For Franciscus van Meel it is a return to the chief executive position at the top of BMW M GmbH. Between 2015 and 2018, he had already led the company, which bears the status of an independent automobile manufacturer. In the meantime, van Meel has also been, inter alia, responsible for the Rolls-Royce product line as well as for the BMW luxury and upper class. Under his leadership, the BMW Group’s new technology flagship, the BMW iX, was brought to series-production readiness. Van Meel also headed development of the forthcoming purely electrically powered model variants. With this experience in hand, he brings along the ideal prerequisites to also shape the next stages already commenced on the way to electrification at the BMW M GmbH. The first highlight of van Meel’s second term of office has already been fixed: 2022 will witness the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the company - originally founded as BMW Motorsport GmbH - during which many new high-performance automobiles will be presented. These will also include the first BMW M3 Touring, which is already in an advanced stage of its series development process.

During the past three years, BMW M GmbH has been influenced by an unparalleled model offensive. The list of innovations with which BMW M GmbH was able to achieve new record sales figures and assume market leadership ahead of competitors included the extended range of performance automobiles and new versions of the model series BMW M3 and BMW M4, which represent the core of the BMW M brand, as well as the absolute top-of-the-range models in their segment, the BMW M2 CS (fuel consumption combined: 10.1 – 9.2 l/100 km according to WLTP; CO2 emissions combined: 229 – 210 g/km according to WLTP) and the BMW M5 CS (fuel consumption combined: 11.3 l/100 km according to WLTP, CO2 emissions combined: 256 g/km according to WLTP). The latest new model, the purely electrically powered BMW M automobile, the BMW i4 M50 (power consumption combined: 22.5 – 18.0 kWh/100 km according to WLTP, CO2 emissions combined: 0 g/km), has now been brought to market.

At the same time, the BMW M company’s commitment as a car manufacturer and in motorsport was recently again more closely interlinked. This was accompanied by the realignment of motorsport activities, new and particularly attractive customer sport offerings and the decision on BMW’s comeback in international prototype racing, which has been planned for 2023.

Munich. With yet another new sales record, the BMW M GmbH continued to grow also in the 2020 fiscal year. Despite the effects of the Corona pandemic on the market, it was possible to increase the number of BMW M automobiles sold by 6 percent to 144,218 units. Thanks to this result, the subsidiary company of the BMW Group with the status of an independent company has significantly strengthened its market leadership within the competitive environment first gained in 2019. “The fact that we were able to conclude this exceptionally challenging year with yet a further record is great validation of our consistent growth strategy,” says Markus Flasch, chairman of the board of the BMW M GmbH. “We can be particularly proud of the fact that we were able not only to defend our market dominance as the most successful provider of performance and high-performances automobiles, but also to have even expanded it.”

The further increase in sales figures was due, inter alia, to the successful market launch of the models BMW X5 M (combined fuel consumption: 13.1 – 12.6 l/100 km according to WLTP, 13.0 – 12.8 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 298 – 287 g/km according to WLTP, 296 – 287 g/km according to NEDC) and BMW X6 M (combined fuel consumption: 13.4 – 13.1 l/100 km according to WLTP, 13.1 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 305 – 300 g/km according to WLTP, 301 g/km according to NEDC). With V8 power units delivering up to 460 kW/625 hp, BMW M automobiles from the Sports Activity Vehicle and Sports Activity Coupe segment offer a particularly characteristic high-performance experience. Likewise, the special edition model BMW M2 CS (combined fuel consumption: 10.1 – 9.2 l/100 km according to WLTP, 10.4 – 9.4 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 229 – 210 g/km according to WLTP, 238 – 214 g/km according to NEDC), which serves as the basis for a new competition vehicle from BMW Motorsport, has also received a positive response. In the high-performance model sector alone, it was possible to increase the number of worldwide deliveries by 4 percent vs. the year 2019.

Moreover, it was predominantly the performance automobiles developed for the new BMW 3 Series and the new BMW 4 Series that helped boost the sales of the BMW M GmbH so decisively. With powerful straight six-cylinder petrol and diesel power plants, specific suspension tuning and stand-alone design features, the top-of-the-range offer for the BMW 3 Series Sedan, the BMW 3 Series Touring and the BMW 4 Series Coupe also guarantees that characteristic M experience in the premium mid-range segment, coupled with unrestricted suitability for everyday use and long distances.

Growing demand in all relevant markets.

Technology transferred from motor racing, precisely coordinated features in the areas of drive systems, suspension, aerodynamics, interior design and operation as well as the resulting authentic character of BMW M automobiles, create a fascination, which continued in 2020 to captivate an increasing number of performance-oriented customers throughout the world. For example, in the USA, the most important market for BMW M automobiles, as well as in China, new records were achieved. In both Russia and Korea, it was possible to increase sales by more than 60 percent, and in Italy by 47 percent. And in the UK, too, the number of vehicles delivered exceeded our expectations. “We notice a steadily growing demand in all relevant markets for BMW M automobiles,” explains Thomas Felbermair, head of Sales and Marketing at BMW M GmbH. “Because of this and thanks to the engagement of our strong dealer network, we have been outstandingly successful in coping with the challenges posed by the pandemic.”

Ready to go: BMW M5 CS, BMW M3 Sedan and BMW M4 Coupe.

Looking towards the future, the initial focus shifts to the world premiere of the BMW M5 CS, which will take place in January 2021. A special edition of the BMW M5 will then be available for the first time – with outstanding performance and exclusive motorsport characteristics. Following that, the main focus will be on the market launch of the new BMW M3 Sedan starting in March 2021 (combined fuel consumption: 10.6 – 10.3 l/100 km according to WLTP, 10.8 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 241 – 236 g/km according to WLTP, 248 g/km according to NEDC) and the new BMW M4 Coupe (combined fuel consumption: 10.5 – 10.3 l/100 km according to WLTP, 10.8 l/100 km according to NEDC; combined CO₂ emissions: 240 –  235 g/km according to WLTP, 248 g/km according to NEDC). The two high-performance automobiles represent the essence of that unmistakable M feeling. Immediately after their world premiere, the new model generation aroused keen interest around the globe.

In future, the wishes of the M Community will be fulfilled by extraordinary diversity: Each variant with classic manual shift will be complemented by a Competition model featuring an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. Moreover, in the summer of 2021, the four-wheel drive system M xDrive will be added for the first time to the drive portfolio for the BMW M3 and the BMW M4. And the BMW M4 Convertible will also be launched in time for the warm season. On the other hand, the first BMW M3 Touring is still undergoing the series development process.

A glance into the future: continued growth, new M feeling through electrification, and an anniversary. 

“It is remarkable that it was possible to achieve the new sales record even before the launch of our most important models,” says Markus Flasch. “The new BMW M3 and BMW M4 generation offers us the promise of dynamic growth in 2021 as well.” Moreover, he now also looks forward to presenting a completely new manifestation of the distinctive M feeling. Electrification will provide the basis for this. During the year 2021, the BMW M GmbH will be presenting an electrically powered performance automobile for the first time.

With this setting of agenda with which the “Power of Choice” strategy has been realised within the model range of the BMW M GmbH, and an exceptionally strong product range, the company is heading full of optimism for the forthcoming anniversary year. 2022 will be the year in which the BMW M GmbH celebrates 50 years of its existence. Markus Flasch has already announced “a year full of surprises”: “If I mention the keyword special edition models, it should be clear what our customers can look forward to during the anniversary year.”

Please find attached additional pictures of the BMW M2 CS Racing. 

Please find attached on location pictures of the new BMW M2 CS at the Sachsenring. 

Munich. BMW M as contemporary art – in the wake of the further development of BMW Individual, the BMW M GmbH will be presenting its latest collaboration: a multi-tiered project with eminent international contemporary artist FUTURA 2000; the partnership will debut at Frieze Los Angeles 2020. In this collaboration, FUTURA 2000, who is known for his mastery of color, concentric forms, and kinetic composition, will create three exclusive and unique versions of the BMW M2 Competition (combined fuel consumption: 10.0 l/100 km; combine CO2 emissions: 227 g/km) in his unmistakable style, whilst also designing a limited-edition of the BMW M2 Competition which is scheduled for public purchase in June 2020. One of the hand-painted BMW M2 by FUTURA 2000 vehicles will celebrate its world premiere at the second Frieze Los Angeles—being held at the Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood from 13 to 16 February.

“The BMW M2 Competition is dynamic, extroverted and, to a certain degree, pleasantly provocative. I consider it a great honour to be able to add a special touch to this vehicle,” says FUTURA 2000. Markus Flasch, CEO BMW M GmbH, adds:  "We are very proud of having been able to gain such an internationally well-known artist as FUTURA 2000 for the collaboration on the three unique one-offs of the  BMW M2 Competition. I’m already looking forward very much to seeing how he transforms our M2 into the edition intended for our customers. With his unique, constructive and rebellious style, Futura is perfectly suited to a young and wild automobile such as the BMW M2 Competition."

The artist will work extensively on the three unique versions of the BMW M2 by FUTURA 2000 both on the exterior and in the interior. The limited-production models will also bear his unique signature. The trim strips on the instrument panel and the centre console of each vehicle boast a special, individually created FUTURA 2000 design. The bi-coloured, Dakota leather M sports seats in black and ivory white feature polar blue contrast stitching. In addition, the interior package includes an M Alcantara leather-clad sports steering wheel with a grey 12 o’clock marking and special door sill trims bearing the limited-edition number "1/500" and a Futura signature. From the outside, the BMW M2 Edition designed by FUTURA 2000* is recognisable by the painted surfaces on the front and rear aprons and the side sills. Moreover, each car is fitted with 19-inch jet black light alloy wheels.

Frieze Los Angeles joined Frieze New York, Frieze London and Frieze Masters at the forefront of the international art fair calendar last year, celebrating Los Angeles’ position as a global arts center and destination. The annual contemporary art fair features around 70 L.A.-based and international galleries, alongside a site-specific program of talks, music and commissioned artist projects organized in collaboration with leading curators. Frieze Los Angeles is led by Victoria Siddall, Director, Frieze Fairs, and Bettina Korek, Executive Director, Frieze Los Angeles.

In celebration of their long-term partnership, BMW partners with Frieze to present Frieze Music, co-curated by writer and curator Kevin McGarry and Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director, Serpentine Galleries London, in association with NeueHouse. The event will feature Moses Sumney, Caroline Polachek, Zsela as well as DJ Uwuqi and takes place on Friday, 14 February, at 9 p.m. at NeueHouse Hollywood.

Soho House and BMW i will host an art talk on Wednesday, 12 February, where contemporary artist FUTURA 2000 and rapper Lupe Fiasco will talk about “Sights and Sounds”, moderated by writer Arty Nelson. As always, the joint event focusses on the fertile ground between art, innovation and design and is followed by a cocktail reception. As part of an ongoing collaboration, Soho House and BMW i have co‑created an international program of events and experiences focusing on art, innovation and design throughout Soho House locations across the world.

FUTURA 2000, born Leonard Hilton McGurr, established himself as a pioneer when graffiti met the formal gallery ecosystem in the 1980s. He quickly became known for his radical approach in the street, introducing abstraction to an entirely letter based discipline, and found himself as part of a wider art movement that included the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Dondi White, and Rammellzee. Aside from his decades long career as a contemporary artist, he has achieved great success as a commercial artist, being commissioned by the likes of several well-known brands.

With the one-offs and the BMW M2 Edition designed by FUTURA 2000*, the BMW M GmbH is setting trends both in the high-performance vehicle sector and the art scene alike. The BMW M2 Competition is a truly successful model for the BMW M GmbH. The high-performance athlete positioned in the premium compact class is powered by a dual-charged, straight six-cylinder with M TwinPower Turbo Technology and 302 kW (410 hp), and was again the best-selling BMW M automobile and most popular model in its segment in 2019. In the readers’ voting for the “sportiest cars of 2019” held by the magazine “sport auto”, the BMW M2 Competition asserted itself in the category “Coupes up to 75,000 Euros” and clinched the “sport auto” Award 2019 with 32.1 percent of the votes and clearly ahead of the competition. 

• The new BMW M2 CS is the first exclusive and limited-run special-edition model created by BMW M GmbH for the premium compact class. It is positioned as a high-performance model above the BMW M2 Competition and will build on the success already achieved by the BMW M3 CS and BMW M4 CS.
• Immensely capable basis for the BMW M2 CS Racing model, BMW M Motorsport’s new entry point to amateur racing and the new Clubsport segment (available from 2020).
• New carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) construction for the bonnet cuts its weight by 50 per cent; eye-catching central air vent increases downforce and improves engine cooling; roof made from CFRP.
• New front splitter, Gurney spoiler lip on the boot lid and rear diffuser in exposed carbon fibre.
• Six-cylinder in-line petrol engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and 3.0-litre displacement develops 331 kW (450 hp) in the BMW M2 CS – i.e. 29 kW (40 hp) more than in the BMW M2 Competition; peak torque is 550 Nm (405 lb-ft).
• Acceleration from 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds (with manual gearbox: 4.2 seconds); electronically governed top speed with standard M Driver’s Package: 280 km/h (174 mph).
• Six-speed manual gearbox fitted as standard for the first time in a BMW CS model, seven-speed M double-clutch transmission (M DCT) available as an option.
• Standard specification includes Adaptive M suspension with Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes, plus M Sport brakes with red-painted callipers; M Carbon ceramic brakes are optional; Active M Differential and M Dynamic Mode (can be selected as required).
• Lightweight 19-inch Y-spoke forged wheels in a high-gloss black or optionally a matt gold colour shade; shod with specially adapted Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres.
• Dual-branch exhaust system enhances aesthetic and aural appeal, features two electrically controlled flaps and four stainless steel tailpipes bearing the M logo.
• Lightweight, bucket-style M Sport seats from the BMW M4 CS with integral head restraints featuring BMW M stripes; seat backrests in Merino leather / Alcantara and with red contrast stitching.
• M Sport steering wheel with Alcantara covering and a red centre marker as an option.
• Exclusive Misano Blue metallic paint finish.
• Prices for the BMW M2 CS start at €95,000. 

Munich. An eye-catching digital campaign presents the BMW M2 Competition as a record breaker with very unusual tools: a high-power laser and a precision blade. The impressive films will be shown in BMW and BMW M social media channels.

Highlight clip "Laser":

The BMW M2 Competition is out to break records. To deliver on this promise, the BMW M2 is drawing inspiration from world records set by humans. At first glance, these appear to have nothing to do with cars: cutting through more than 87 straw mats with a blade within a minute and popping over 63 balloons in 60 seconds with a laser beam.

Uwe Dreher, head of Brand Communications BMW, BMW i, BMW M: "The BMW M2 Competition showcases BMW M genes in their purest form. It is an exceptional car with outstanding dynamic performance, presence and handling. With our digital campaign, we capture the heart of our target audience right where they live and inform themselves: in social media. We provide the BMW M2 Competition with the perfect stage to demonstrate its qualities in impressive style."

For these spectacular challenges – attempted for the first time worldwide – a slightly modified BMW M2 Competition was brought to Cape Town. It comes with the same technology as the series-production vehicle, plus the additional features required for attempting the records: a high-energy laser installed into the front of the vehicle and a blade attached to the rear.

Following meticulous planning and testing, the course was set out and everything was ready: Rolled-up bamboo mats were arranged in semi-circles so that they could be cut by the blade on a drift; the balloons were set up in long straight lines angled sharply towards each other for quick turns. Fans will instantly recognise the shape of the letter M, the most powerful letter in the world.

Behind the scenes:

Technically, the BMW M2 Competition already has everything it takes to be a genuine record-breaker: At its core is a new engine based on the power unit used in the BMW M3 and BMW M4. The inline six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo Technology produces 410 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds.  For the first time, BMW M2 drivers will be able to use two selector switches in the central console to directly adjust various characteristics and settings for the engine, steering and Drivelogic functions, if M DCT is available. Optically, the BMW M2 Competition also shows its most expressive side: The revised front apron with a bigger, redesigned high-gloss black BMW kidney grille and the exclusive new Hockenheim Silver metallic finish give the BMW M2 Competition an even stronger presence.

“This is a very tricky bit of driving, it is virtually impossible,” says stunt coordinator Marc Higgins, talking about the set-up. “The demands on the BMW M2 Competition are immense. Every drift has to be performed with absolute precision; there is no room for error. A strong presence and agility naturally help a lot.”

“This challenge is now reaching its finale, after months of preparation. The driver is an expert in his field, but he needs the car to respond precisely to the slightest feedback from him. If the car does not respond, we will not break this record,” explained director Oison Tymon.

And the BMW M2 Competition kept its promises: Despite the complexity of the challenge, the high-performance sports car broke both records. After just a few attempts, 117 bamboo mats were cut and 79 balloons burst – both in precisely one minute.

To proof the authenticity of the stunts, real-time drone footage was captured of the BMW M2 Competition performing the stunts.

The Proof:

The BMW M2 Competition’s record-breaking attempts are part of the “Same street. Different game.” launch campaign and fit the tonality of the campaign perfectly. The extroverted motifs also reference the world of gaming, with high scores and record-breaking runs. That makes sense: From the start of communications, millions of fans worldwide were able to experience the new BMW M2 Competition virtually, within just a few hours of its world premiere at the Beijing Motor Show, in the popular mobile racing game CSR Racing 2.

Agencies: Jung von Matt, Hochkant Film

• New six-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology, based on the power unit from the BMW M3/M4, three-litre cubic capacity, 302 kW/410 HP, peak torque of 550 Nm 
• Sprint from 0 to 100 km/h: 4.2 s (with six-speed manual gearbox 4.4 s), top speed: 250 km/h (limited), 280 km/h with M Driver´s Package (limited).
• High-precision CFRP strut and bulkhead strut for increased front section rigidity.
• New cooling system, including new front skirt and larger, redesigned BMW kidney in high-gloss black.
• New dual exhaust system with two electrically-controlled flaps.
• New, optional M Sport brakes with brake calipers painted grey.
• New optional M Sport bucket seat with integrated headrests and illuminated M2 badge at shoulder height.
• Selector switches for immediate access to various engine and steering characteristics, as well as DCT settings via Drivelogic.
• Exclusive new metallic Hockenheim Silver paint.
• The BMW M2 Competition replaces its predecessor, the BMW M2 Coupé.

Jerez de la Frontera, 23rd April 2016. Since making its world debut in Detroit in January of this year, the new BMW M2 Coupé has caused an international stir; it has been in action on the racetrack as the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car since March. Now the high-performance coupé from BMW M will also play the main role in the BMW M Award; as the winner’s car for the winner of the 2016 season. As a long-standing partner of MotoGP organiser Dorna Sports, BMW M Division has presented the BMW M Award since 2003. At the end of every season, the rider with the best qualifying results is awarded an exclusive, customised BMW M car. BMW unveiled the 2016 winner’s car at the Spanish Grand Prix in Jerez la Frontera; the new BMW M2 Coupé in Long Beach Blue Metallic.

“Each season the MotoGP family eagerly awaits the moment when the winner’s car for the BMW M Award is presented in Jerez,” said Pau Serracanta, Managing Director of the Commercial Department at Dorna Sports, during the presentation. “BMW M Division surprises us every year with a truly exceptional car. With the new BMW M2 Coupé, it has presented another real highlight. We are delighted that the BMW M Award has been a permanent fixture of the MotoGP season for so many years now.”

“From my racing days I know how coveted the BMW M Award is among the MotoGP riders,” added former world champion Loris Capirossi, BMW M MotoGP expert and member of the MotoGP Race Direction and the Safety Commission. “The prospect of this special prize gives the riders that extra bit of motivation in qualifying. As the MotoGP Safety Car, the new BMW M2 Coupé has already demonstrated its dynamics and agility on the racetrack. It is a magnificent winner’s car for the BMW M Award, because it not only looks fantastic, but also guarantees plenty of driving pleasure. It’s a shame that I have already ended my career – it would really tempt me to battle for this exciting BMW M Award.”

“The new BMW M2 Coupé delights – the overwhelming feedback that we received from around the world confirmed this. Which is why we are delighted to be able to present this coupé as the winner’s car for this year’s BMW M Award,” said Axel Mittler, head of MotoGP Cooperation at BMW M Division. “It makes us proud that the BMW M Award can look back on such a long tradition of being part of our successful partnership with Dorna Sports. We are excited to see who will be in the running for the title of best qualifier this season.”

The design of the new BMW M2 Coupé embodies pure power and dynamics. The sporty coupé design, muscular form and the driver-oriented cockpit are what characterise the athletic appearance. The high-performance coupé is powered by a 370 hp inline six-cylinder engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology. The BMW M double-clutch gearbox (M DCG) with Drivelogic ensures sporty, commanding vehicle handling in all situations. The BMW M2 Coupé with M DCG accelerates from 0 to 100 in 4.3 seconds. The combined fuel consumption is 7.9 l/100 km, the combined CO2 emissions are 185 g/km.

The sporty look of this year’s BMW M Award winner’s car is emphasised by the exterior colour Long Beach Blue Metallic and the black Double-spoke style 19-inch BMW M light alloy wheels. The interior highlights include sport seats in Leather “Dakota” Black with contrast stitching in blue, the interior trims made from porous carbon, Alcantara on the door mirrors and centre console, as well as numerous other exclusive features.

In 2016, the BMW M Award will be presented for the 14th time. Just like the points system for the races, riders at each Grand Prix weekend are awarded points relative to their positions in qualifying. Pole position is rewarded with 25 points, second place on the grid earns 20 points and third place scores 16 points – right down to one point for 15th. The rider with the most points at the end of the season wins the BMW M Award. Marc Márquez, Valentino Rossi and Casey Stoner are the current record holders, each with three BMW M Awards to their name – with Márquez being the only rider who has won three times in a row. His Spanish compatriot Jorge Lorenzo has earned the coveted title of top qualifier twice so far. Sete Gibernau and Nicky Hayden have both won once.

The BMW M Award is one of the many pillars of BMW M’s long-term commitment to the pinnacle of motorcycle racing. At the centre of the partnership with Dorna Sports is the provision of the BMW M fleet. 2016 is BMW M’s 18th season as “Official Car of MotoGP”. This year’s fleet of official MotoGP vehicles includes a total of six different BMW M and M Performance models. Alongside the new BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car, the BMW M4 Coupé with water injection and the BMW M3 are also in action as safety cars. The BMW X5 M and the BMW M550d xDrive Touring take to the track as medical cars this season. BMW M Division provides the safety officer with a BMW M5. Two BMW S 1000 RRs, which BMW Motorrad provides as safety bikes, complete the 2016 safety car fleet.

More information on the 2016 safety car fleet and the numerous MotoGP activities of BMW M Division, as well as the current BMW M Award rankings, can be found online at:

www.bmw-m-safetycar.com

Munich. To coincide with the market launch on 16 April, BMW released its “digital-first” campaign for the new BMW M2 Coupé. Stars of the campaign “Eyes on Gigi” are the new BMW M2 Coupé and American supermodel Gigi Hadid, who is appearing in front of the camera for an automobile brand for the first time.

The dynamic performance and agility of the first-ever BMW M2 Coupé and the sensuous beauty and elegance of Gigi Hadid inspired renowned film producer and screenplay author Marc Forster, who directed films such as “James Bond – Quantum of Solace”, “Monster’s Ball” and “World War Z”, to create a highly unusual spot.

Eyes on Gigi.

The exciting film, which will initially be released exclusively on YouTube and Facebook from 14 April, invites viewers to play a very different kind of “shell game”: The film starts with supermodel Gigi Hadid climbing into one of three parked BMW M2 Coupés; from then on, the viewer tries to keep track of Gigi and her BMW M2 Coupé.
Within a short space of time, two more BMW M2 Coupés join in and a fast-paced vehicle choreography begins – making the task virtually impossible.
At the end of the drive, all five M2 Coupés come to a halt and the viewer has to identify which car Gigi Hadid is in.

The spectacular one-shot stunt – captured in a single uncut tracking shot – was filmed at an airfield in California’s Mojave Desert under the direction of Oscar-winning cameraman Mauro Fiore (“Avatar”, “The Equalizer”).

The interactive resolution of the game takes place on the campaign microsite EyesOnGigi.com, where the viewer can also follow the fast-paced vehicle choreography from a 360-degree perspective.

“Eyes on Gigi” is the first time the top model from Los Angeles has officially worked with an automobile brand. “We are delighted to win Gigi Hadid as the face of our global campaign for the new BMW M2 Coupé,” commented Uwe Dreher, head of International Brand Communications BMW, BMW i and BMW M. “Gigi and the M2 are the perfect match: Both are strong personalities with fascinating charisma.”
Hadid was immediately impressed: “BMW is such an iconic brand. The fact that I get to be the face of this campaign is definitely a career highlight for me. The M2 is such a cool, fun car.”

Campaign adopts “digital-first” approach for the first time.

The digital spot kicks off an integrated campaign for global rollout through TV, digital, social media and CRM channels, starting 14 April. The “digital-first” approach preferred for the first time for “Eyes on Gigi” also benefits from Hadid’s strong social media presence. With 16.1 million subscribers on Instagram, nearly 1.9 million followers on Twitter and aprox. 2.6 million fans on Facebook, Hadid is extremely successful in this area.
If the player picks the right BMW M2 Coupé, the campaign’s sophisticated digital architecture leads into the digital BMW M2 Coupé showroom of the BMW sales company in the player’s country.

Hadid liked the unusual campaign idea: “When they came to me with this concept, I loved it, and was honoured to be a part of it. I had a blast working on this project.”

To guarantee the new “fan of the brand” continued driving fun over, BMW will provide the top model with her own BMW M2 Coupé for six months.

Agencies responsible:

KBS (New York) / Serviceplan (Hamburg)

If you have any questions, please contact:

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Dr. Gesa Prüne

Press spokesperson BMW Lifestyle

BMW Group Innovation and Design Communications

Telephone: +49 89 382 940 81

Email: gesa.pruene@bmw.de

Bernhard Ederer

Press spokesperson BMW Marketing

BMW Group Business- and Finance Communications

Telephone: +49 89 382 28556

Email: bernhard.ederer@bmwgroup.com

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Email: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

With its three brands BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services. As a global company, the BMW Group operates 30 production and assembly facilities in 14 countries and has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2015, the BMW Group sold approximately 2.247 million cars and nearly 137,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax for the financial year 2015 was approximately € 9.22 billion on revenues amounting to € 92.18 billion. As of 31 December 2015, the BMW Group had a workforce of 122,244 employees.

The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain, comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.

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Munich/Doha, 21st March 2016. Spearheaded by the new BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car, the official BMW M fleet made its first appearance of the 2016 MotoGP World Championship last weekend. This year marks BMW M’s 18th season as “Official Car of MotoGP”. BMW’s successful partnership with MotoGP organiser Dorna Sports dates back to 1999. Since then, the fleet of M models and M Performance models has helped to ensure that race events run safely. The commitment of BMW M Division also features numerous other activities, including the presentation of the coveted BMW M Award. The 2016 MotoGP season kicked off at the weekend with the Qatar Grand Prix at the “Losail International Circuit” in Doha.

This year’s new highlight from BMW M Division is the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car. The new lead car is based on the BMW M2 Coupé (combined fuel consumption with M DTC: 7.9 l/100 km; combined CO2 emissions: 185 g/km), which enjoyed a high-profile world debut in Detroit in January. In the BMW M factory in Garching, the production car was modified, optimised and prepared by hand for its new role in MotoGP. As well as exclusive tailor-made solutions and mandatory safety features, the engineers at BMW M Division also equipped the Safety Car with extensive BMW M Performance Parts. This not only gives the car an eye-catching appearance, but also plays a practical role in the areas of aerodynamics, cooling and lightweight design. Many of the M Performance Parts, including the lowered thread chassis and exhaust with flap system, are also available as retrofit components for the BMW M2 Coupé.

With its distinct racing genes, the BMW M2 Coupé provided the ideal basis for a MotoGP Safety Car. The new inline six-cylinder engine with innovative M TwinPower Turbo technology and three-litre capacity guarantees an extremely sporty performance. With a maximum output of 272 kW/370 hp and a maximum torque of 7,000 min-1, the extremely rev-happy powertrain really makes its mark out on the track. The intelligent, lightweight concept, low point of gravity and small, unsprung weight are further trump cards, which help ensure the maximum agility and dynamics of the high-performance coupé.

“We are proud to have been a part of this captivating world championship for almost two decades,” said Frank van Meel, President of BMW M Division. “We are pleased with the deep trust that Dorna Sports has placed in us. In us, Dorna Sports knows it has a strong partner on its side for who the safety of the riders on their high-performance racing prototypes has the utmost priority. We dedicate all of our know-how to this role. The BMW M MotoGP Safety Cars are innovative high-performance models with thoroughbred racing genes. In the 2016 season, we are presenting another genuine highlight. In the BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car, we are now taking the purism of the new BMW M2 Coupé to the racetrack. We are looking forward to an exciting 2016 season, which is also a special one for our partner Dorna Sports. It is the 25th year, in which Dorna Sports has been responsible for organising and marketing MotoGP. During this period, Dorna CEO Carmelo Ezpeleta and his committed staff have managed to establish the motorcycle world championship as the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsport, which holds millions of spectators around the world under its spell and sets benchmarks in terms of technology and safety. We would like to congratulate Dorna Sports on this anniversary.” 

In the 2016 season, the fleet of official MotoGP vehicles includes a total of six different BMW M and BMW M Performance models. Alongside the new BMW M2 MotoGP Safety Car, the BMW M4 Coupé with water injection and the BMW M3 will also be in action as safety cars. The BMW X5 M and the BMW M550d xDrive Touring will be on track this season as medical cars. BMW M Division will provide the safety officer with a BMW M5. All vehicles were further optimised for their special use in the motorcycle world championship in the BMW M factory. Two BMW S 1000 RRs, which BMW Motorrad provides as safety bikes, complete the 2016 safety vehicle fleet. More information is available online at: www.bmw-m-safetycar.com

Among the many other activities that make up BMW M Division’s commitment to MotoGP is the BMW M Award, which will be presented for the 14th time in 2016. This award is presented at the end of each MotoGP season to the rider with the best overall result in qualifying. The winner receives an exclusive BMW M car. The BMW M MotoGP Experience sees guests of BMW M Division experience an unforgettable race weekend. They are given an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes by BMW M MotoGP experts Loris Capirossi and Alex Hofmann. Furthermore, BMW M Division presents its latest models and products with on-site campaigns on selected Grand Prix weekends.