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?
2014 NAIAS: Lexus RC 350

2014 NAIAS: Lexus RC 350

The Lexus RC 350 will join the RC F as the 4 Series/M4 fighter from Lexus. Photographs don’t do the RC 350 justice, the flanks and rear of the car are good looking. The spindle…

2014 BMW M3  / M4 Technical Details

2014 BMW M3 / M4 Technical Details

Engine/Drivetrain BMW has reverted to an inline six cylinder for the new M3 and M4. But unlike the S54 in the E46 M3, the new S55 is turbocharged. Based on the N55 six cylinder, the…

Lexus RC F Engine Tech Tidbits

Lexus RC F Engine Tech Tidbits

The 5.0L V8 contains some interesting technology, Atkinson cycle operation under certain throttle/load conditions and a combination of direct and port injection (higher RPM operation). The big Lexus V8 engine is purported to produce 480…

2015 BMW M3 and M4 Technology Takeaways

2015 BMW M3 and M4 Technology Takeaways

With the demise of the naturally aspirated V8 of the outgoing M3, the world of M is exclusively powered through forced induction. And that’s not all bad. When the new 2015 BMW M3 and M4…

A Visit to BMW DesignworksUSA

2013 LA Auto Show Outtakes

Porsche Macan Porsche stuck its new Macan into a backroom in its isolated display space. Porsche was in a completely separate space from the other manufacturers, you had to search for it. The Macan was…

BMW i3 – Driving Impressions

Los Angeles, CA – BMW has assembled a fleet of i3s for the Los Angeles auto show. Los Angeles is the perfect venue to show off this vehicle, after all the i3 is billed as…

Movie Review: Rush

Movies about racing are gambles, and generally the odds aren’t in the director’s or producers’ favor. Steve McQueen’s ‘Le Mans’ is a prime example, loved by car guys and often near the top of their…

BMW Displays X5 eDrive Concept at Frankfurt

BMW Displays X5 eDrive Concept at Frankfurt

BMW introduced the concept X5 eDrive at he Frankfurt IAA auto show, as a continuation of BMW’s hybrid offerings. Utilizing the 2014 X5 SAV as its base it differs a bit from previous mild hybrid…