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BMW GoPro integration now works with your iPhone

Coming this summer an upgrade to BMW's GoPro integration will combine the camera's feed with the M Laptimer app. This will let Bimmer drivers get a look at both lap telemetry and video replay at the same time. Despite the upgrades, BMW's setup lacks some of the features of the impressive Performance Data Recorder found on the Chevrolet Corvette and Camaro. BMW already let drivers control a GoPro through iDrive, but this improvement makes the functionality a lot more for track use. As soon as someone activates the M Laptimer app, the GoPro automatically starts recording. The video still saves in the camera's memory, but a low-res version also goes to the connected iPhone to sync with the app's data. Drivers can then see driving data on top of the phone's screen and the clip on the bottom (right). The M Laptimer monitors details like throttle input, speed, braking, steering angle, engine revs, fuel level, and g-force. Plus, the system records top speed, number of laps, best lap time, and the ambient temperature. We wish this system were as neatly integrated as the GM's Performance Data Recorder. For this system to work, a driver needs a GoPro HERO3 or later camera, the BMW M Laptimer app on their iPhone (4S or newer), a BMW model capable of running BMW Apps, and the phone must be connected to the infotainment system. Anything that can help shave a few tenths off a lap and then share the video of that accomplishment with buddies is a welcome improvement, though. Related Video: GOPRO INTEGRATION FOR BMW M LAPTIMER APP Two of BMW enthusiasts' favorite app integrations team up to offer an unparalleled way to capture and share their on-track experience Mountain View, CA/Woodcliff Lake, NJ – April 14, 2016 The BMW Group Technology Office USA and GoPro announced today that beginning summer 2016 the BMW M Laptimer app, a favorite app integration among driving enthusiasts, will include the ability to control a GoPro camera on iOS devices, using BMW's state-of-the-art iDrive controller and high-resolution screen. With this enhancement, when BMW drivers start and stop the BMW M Laptimer they simultaneously start and stop the recording of the connected GoPro camera. In addition to the video stored on the GoPro camera, a low-res version is saved on the phone so that it can be played back next to the map view on the BMW M Laptimer app. "The BMW M Laptimer and GoPro integrations have both proven to be incredibly popular with driving enthusiasts.

Top Gear drag races the BMW i8 and M4 to decide the future

The BMW M4 and i8 represent two every different expressions of the performance car. The M4 relies on its turbocharged six-cylinder combustion engine to spin the rear wheels. Conversely, the i8 packs a turbo three-cylinder and electric motors for its cutting-edge all-wheel drive system. Top Gear is the latest publication to put the pair together to find out which ethos is quicker. We saw Germany's Auto Bild hold a similar race last year, and the i8 scored a clear victory there. We don't want to spoil the winner of Top Gear's attempt, but we can tease that this sprint ends in a photo finish. Pick your favorite, and then watch the video to see which performance coupe takes the checkered flag. Related Video:

Why you can expect lots more crossovers from BMW

BMW is becoming the ultimate crossover sales machine. More than a third of the German brand's US sales in 2015 were crossovers, and the automaker expects 40 percent of 2016 sales to be the all-purpose runabouts. What's more, BMW of North America CEO Ludwig Willisch said that when the X7 gets here the percentage will take another leap. Even though BMW was one of the automakers to raise warning flags about how China's depressed car market would impact earnings, the Willisch said the Munich brand couldn't get enough of the X1, X3, and X5 in the first three quarters of 2015 in any of its key markets. Remedy is on the way with an expansion of the Spartanburg, SC plant. When it's finished later this year the US factory will be able to build 29 percent more product than before, annual capacity rising from 350,000 to 450,000. Spartanburg currently builds the X3, X4, and X5. There's every reason to believe that BMW will post another record US sales year in 2015, adding a lot of fat to its profit statement in what should be a record year overall. TrueCar predicts 17.5 million light vehicle sales in the US last year, a 6.1-percent increase over 2014. BMW could also take the luxury crown after posting a monster month of December sales, we'll know when the numbers are reported this week. The huge numbers have come with the help of incentives. BMW spent slightly more than competitors Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, but only fractionally up on 2014 incentive spending.