Latest news with #BMW
Belfast Telegraph
an hour ago
- Automotive
- Belfast Telegraph
Dan Harper on why this could be his year at the ‘big one' after years of bad luck
The Hillsborough driver is making his fourth start at the twice-around-the-clock race with his regular German co-driver Max Hesse, and one-off team-mate, Austrian Philipp Eng. There is a real sense that this could finally be Harper's year as he has had to endure bitter disappointment on his three previous visits. Back in 2022, his silverware hunt was banished by a puncture, with the same fate befalling him last year, while in 2023, the car Harper was sharing had to be retired after it got caught up in an incident during the night. Only last Sunday, Harper and Hesse scored a first GTD Pro victory in the America IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at the Six Hours of Watkins Glen International in New York State. A day earlier, Rowe Racing triumphed at the Nürburgring 24 Hours to take BMW's total victory count around the famous 'Green Hell', in Germany, to 21 from all starts. Eng, meanwhile, has an enviable Spa record and is one of the most decorated drivers in the history of the Ardennes classic having won there three times, twice with Rowe Racing. 'I'm looking forward to the big one this weekend,' said Harper, who is being reunited with Rowe Racing for the first time since the World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup title decider in Saudi Arabia last December. 'We have had some bad luck at Spa these the last few years; on every occasion, we have been in contention for a podium, including 2024 we were fighting for the victory right up until the end only for a puncture before the last pit stop to deny us. 'We are competitive there which is encouraging, the BMW has been very strong there, and Rowe Racing are a fantastic and well-organised team who do very well in the longer endurance races, as they demonstrated at the Nürburgring last weekend with their win. 'Everyone in the team is naturally in good spirits, and myself and Max arrive at Spa on the back of our first win in IMSA, so yeah, I am really looking forward to it,' continued the 24-year-old. 'Having Philipp onboard is a boost, too. He has a great record a Spa with three victories, most recently in 2023, so I'm very excited to be sharing the car with him for the first time.' A 75-car field featuring machinery from 10 manufacturers such as Aston Martin, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini and Porsche will line up for the 77th instalment of the 24 Hours of Spa, which begins on Saturday afternoon at 3.30pm UK time.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Edinburgh Michelin-starred chef shuts first restaurant he opened in the city
An Edinburgh Michelin-starred chef has announced the closure of the first restaurant he opened in the city. Stuart Ralston shared the news on social media that Aizle, a Michelin guide eatery on Charlotte Square, would close in the coming months. The chef, who won his first Michelin star earlier this year for one of his other Edinburgh restaurants, Lyla, wrote: "After an incredible decade, I have made the decision to close the doors to my first restaurant, Aizle. READ MORE: Moment Edinburgh BMW driver tears up grass at beauty spot with 'drifting' stunt READ MORE: West Lothian 'meat cleaver robber' flees with £2k as police launch major manhunt "Firstly, thank you to our amazing team that have moulded Aizle to what it is, to all the producers, and to our guests, we have loved having you. I look forward to continuing our path, together. "When I first opened Aizle on St Leonard's Street, I wanted to do something that would challenge me as a young chef, provide a place that people would choose to work in and serve food that would make people happy. "Over the past 11 years, we've moved homes, met brilliant people along the way, served some great food and together, built a restaurant to be proud of and had some incredible staff throughout the years. Anyone who was a part of Aizle , thank you." While it was a difficult decision to make, Stuart decided that Aizle's time had come to an end so that he could put even more focus on his other successful Edinburgh restaurants. He even hinted to a new project in the works. He added: "A decision that didn't come easily to me, but the time has come to focus even greater on Lyla, Noto and Tipo, as well as our new project. Any remaining vouchers can be redeemed across the group in all our venues. 21 September 2025 will be our last service." Devastated customers took to the comments to share their thoughts on the closure. One said: "We've been coming since you opened in St Leonard's, so sad to hear this. But also as you've expanded we have loved all you have created so we are excited to see what the future brings for you." Another said: "Had some incredible meals here. Sad to hear this news." While a third added: "Have had so many wonderful evenings here. Absolutely gutted to hear this. Hopefully can fit in another visit before you close." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Metro
10 hours ago
- Metro
Teenager caught cowering in bushes after stabbing neighbour 51 times
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video A teenager who stabbed his neighbour 51 times in a 'brutal' knife attack was found by police cowering in the bushes. Incredibly, the victim survived but was left with multiple injuries, including a punctured lung and broken rib, after the attack in Maidstone, Kent last year. Haiden Tomlin, 19, and his neighbour, who has not been named, both lived on the same flour of building in the centre of town. Kent Police said officers were called at just before 3am on September 1 after Tomlin and the man became involved in an altercation, which escalated to a physical fight inside the flat of a third person. Police received further reports to say a man leaving the building was covered in blood. Officers carried out searches in the immediate area and Tomlin was found hiding in some bushes at around 4.50am and was arrested. The moment was filmed on police bodycams and the footage has now been shared with the public. Officers recovered a discarded lock knife and multi-tool outside the block of flats. Tomlin was charged with attempted murder and pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court, arguing he had acted in self-defence. The case then went to trial and he was convicted of an alternative charge of wounding with intent. More Trending On Thursday he was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison. Det Const Nell Shortis, of Kent Police, said: 'Tomlin argued his actions were in response to also being assaulted, however the sheer number of injuries he inflicted demonstrate a brutal and ferocious attack and one which the victim was fortunate to survive. 'There can never be an excuse to carry weapons and any assault with a knife has the potential to end in tragedy. 'If you decide to carry a blade or associate with individuals that do, you put yourself at risk of being seriously injured or worse.' Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Man arrested after 'flipping over BMW and attacking woman outside hospital' MORE: Prison officer who had sex with armed robber in cell 'reveals what she'll do next' MORE: 'Jealous' husband guilty of murdering wife while she pushed their baby in a pram
Metro
10 hours ago
- Metro
Man arrested after 'flipping over BMW and attacking woman outside hospital'
A motorist has been arrested on suspicion of murder after allegedly flipping a BMW, then attacking a woman outside a hospital in Leicester. The woman, in her 50s, was walking down the road just after 5.30pm on Tuesday when the crash happened near the traffic lights junction in Aylestone Road, said Leicestershire Police. Minutes later the man driving the car, got out of the vehicle, ran down Aylestone Road, before allegedly attacking the woman on the pavement outside Leicester Royal Infirmary. She was taken to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham with life threatening injuries, where she sadly died yesterday afternoon. Police said it is not believed the alleged attacker and the victim were known to each other. A 23-year-old man, who was detained at the scene, was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder but has now been arrested on suspicion of murder. He was also arrested for possession with intent to supply class B drugs, assault of an emergency worker, dangerous driving, driving while unfit through drugs and failing to provide a specimen. Detective Inspector Emma Matts, from East Midlands Special Operations Unit Murder Investigation team said yesterday: 'This woman was sadly subjected to a serious assault and was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries. Her family and close friends have remained at her bedside and tragically she died this afternoon. 'Since the incident, a dedicated team of detectives have worked tirelessly pursuing all lines of enquiry to establish the full circumstances around what happened. Those enquiries will very much continue as we now move the incident to a murder investigation.' She thanked members of the public who have been in touch with information, adding: 'I would also still like to appeal to anyone who saw anything connected to this incident or filmed any footage – whether that was of the vehicle being driven beforehand through the city centre, the collision itself or the assault – and hasn't spoken to officers to please get in touch. 'Again, if you were driving a vehicle which has a dash cam, please check your vehicle to see if it has captured anything of use to the investigation. More Trending 'What you know could still be a crucial piece of information so please do not hesitate to pass that on.' Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting 25*367901 or visit Report a crime | Leicestershire Police You can also pass on information using the dedicated public portal for the incident: Public Portal Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Prison officer who had sex with armed robber in cell 'reveals what she'll do next' MORE: 'Jealous' husband guilty of murdering wife while she pushed their baby in a pram MORE: 'Angry divorcee' pours petrol in packed South Korea tube sparking huge fire
Khaleej Times
11 hours ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Review: A sharper, sportier take on the everyday SUV
As SUVs gained popularity for their space and utility, the appetite for sportscar-like performance grew too. The 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive answers that call — it's a high-performance Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) we recently tested. But first, a quick rewind. The X5 redefined the SUV segment, paving the way for the X3 over 20 years ago. By 2023, it had become BMW's bestseller. Now, we meet its fourth-generation evolution. DESIGN & AESTHETICS This is an all-new X3, and it's a radical transformation. At 4,755mm in length, 1,920mm in width, and 1,660mm in height, it's a mid-size SUV that's longer and wider, with a lower stance and broader tracks than before — yet, it appears more compact. BMW calls it a 'monolithic overall appearance', and unlike the disjointed designs of recent models, this one feels cohesive. Even the flared wheel arches — housing 255/45 R20 front tyres and wider 285-section rears — are seamlessly sculpted into the body. Grabbing attention up front is the oversized BMW kidney grille, featuring vertically and diagonally arranged bars. The optional BMW Iconic Glow adds contour lighting around the grille for additional drama. Flanking it are adaptive LED headlights with non-dazzling matrix high beam and distinctive double L-shaped daytime running lights. The side profile is sleek and unified, highlighted by a sharply rising beltline that gives the X3 a crouched, speed-ready stance. At the rear, fighter jet-style LED lamps sit on a concave tailgate, complemented by purposeful quad exhaust tips that look ready to aurally unleash all 400 horses with authority. The all-new interior has a distinct sci-fi feel, with illuminated surfaces, wedge-shaped and corrugated line details across the dash, door pulls, and a wireless charger — which, by the way, is angled well and easy to access. The BMW Curved Display impresses, featuring the latest iDrive, though the lower console tilts slightly away, making controls harder to read in sunlight. The digital cluster echoes the wedge motif, with graphic-style tacho and speed readouts, plus optional in-cluster navigation. A standout detail is the clock — neither digital nor analogue, but spelled out in words. The dash and doors use a funky engineered mesh that adds flair but may trap dust or scratch. There's also a noticeable use of plastic at touchpoints like the inner door handles, which feels slightly unrefined for the price. The flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel is both stylish and functional, with truss-like spokes and red-blue cross-stitching, though the small toggle switches suit smaller hands. The brown perforated leather sports seats are soft and supportive, with good lateral hold. Slightly larger seat bases would improve comfort, but the manual thigh extenders are a plus. Rear legroom is adequate, though shoulder space is tight for three adults. POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE The M50 features the most powerful inline six-cylinder petrol engine ever fitted to an M Performance model. The 3.0-litre M TwinPower Turbo, paired with 48V mild-hybrid tech, produces 398 PS and 580 Nm, channeling power to all four wheels via an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission and BMW's xDrive system. The result is full-bodied acceleration that inspires confidence — whether launching from a standstill, overtaking, or darting through traffic. With Launch Control engaged, 0–100kmph comes in just 4.6 seconds, and the Sport Boost function delivers an additional 10 seconds of thrust on demand. Standard on the M50 are M Sport suspension with adaptive dampers, variable sport steering, and an M Sport rear differential. Steering is sportscar-like — every small input feels immediate, with consistent grip that gives spirited drivers the traction and predictability they crave. Despite its dynamic focus, ride quality remains composed and surprisingly plush. Braking is equally impressive, with sharp stopping power delivered via vented discs: four-piston fixed calipers up front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear. While the M50 is a precision driving tool, the experience feels slightly synthetic — possibly due to the amplified exhaust note played through the speakers. We also recorded a pleasantly surprising fuel economy of 9.9l/100km, with an indicated range of 785km. FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY The X3 is an ideal urban SUV. Storage includes a small cubby, modest glovebox, and a 570-litre boot — expandable to 1,700 litres with the rear seats folded, enough for airport luggage. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, with personalisation via BMW ID. BMW Digital Key Plus can also be set up through the My BMW app. The M50 variant adds a clear-sounding Harman Kardon audio system and two front USB-C ports for connectivity or charging. Safety is well-covered with a full suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features, including a tyre pressure monitor. A thoughtful touch: ambient lighting pulses with the hazard lights. That said, the 360° camera view would benefit from a portrait-style display. The air conditioner offers good cooling, but the tiny, non-ergonomic vent controls — borrowed from the 7 Series — aren't ideal. VERDICT The all-new 2025 BMW X3 is a refreshing shift from recent BMW designs, featuring monolithic surfaces and a sci-fi-inspired cabin that blends form with function. Well-built and practical, it caters to both urban individuals and modern families. However, for its price, the extensive use of cabin plastics feels out of place, and there are a few ergonomic quirks. While the M50 xDrive variant delivers quick, precise, and confidence-inspiring performance, the overall experience feels slightly synthesised. Still, a very desirable sporty, urbane SUV.
