Hugo Becker

Hugo Becker is our resident curmudgeon and technology maven. Having had a driver’s license for over 40 years, he also has seat time in a large number of cars, from the silly to sublime. He brings a Sputnik era emphasis on science and technology to BMWBLOG, along with a passion for automotive history. Did we mention he’s old and crotchety?
Adding Lightness – The Role of CFRP in the BMW i3

Adding Lightness – The Role of CFRP in the BMW i3

New York City – The i3 would not have been built if the vehicle did not have a significant weight advantage over an equivalently sized car. While electrical motors are extremely efficient, much more so…

BMW i3 - Design Analysis

BMW i3 – Design Analysis

Adrian van Hooydonk described the i3 exterior as a ‘mono volume’, what some in the US would call a ‘one box’ design. Think of the old 1960s vans in the US. It’s a difficult shape…

BMW i3 MegaCity Reveal in New York City

BMW i3 MegaCity Reveal in New York City

New York City – Behind all the glamor and glitz, the three ring circus-like atmosphere (Beijing, London, New York), and the assembled multitudes of BMW heavy hitters at the reveal, there lies a remarkably good…

The i3 Reveal – The Birth of the BMW MegaCity

The BMW i3 – Coming to Production

The BMW i3 – Coming to Production

At the end of July BMW will unveil (fully) their i3 – the first of the sub-brand to market, with the i8 not too further out. BMW has had journalists in the driver’s seats of…

Kansas City Art of the Car Concours

Kansas City Art of the Car Concours

The car, with a black ’21’ inside a white roundel, is nearly half a century old. Its victory at Le Mans in 1965 was the last overall win for its proud manufacturer. And it was…

BMW 4 Series Coupe - Quick Take

BMW 4 Series Coupe – Quick Take

The new BMW 4 Series Coupe carries on in the new way of BMW’s niche-ification of the product line. As the 6 series is a step up from the 5er, so too will the 4…

The Alpine Trials Rolls Royce

Rolls Royce showed off a special edition ghost in Shanghai honoring Rolls Royce’s four car participation – three works cars and one private entry – in the 1913 Alpine Rally where it earned the sobriquet,…