Until pictures of the new BMW 4 Series appeared, your author was of the opinion that too much of a good thing was, well, a good thing. After all, if two slices of bacon on a burger is tasty, four must be delicious, right?
Well, at least the more-is-more theory still applies to bacon. With the new 4er Coupe, BMW has literally taken its signature kidney grille to new heights.
Completely bifurcating the front fascia of the slinky two-door, the styling cue is no longer a tasteful callback to beautiful Bimmers of the past. We’re calling it “kidney failure” — and it’s long past the point of dialysis.
At least we can always rely on bacon, right?
BMW 326 Cabriolet
Yuppies in suburbs of the ’80s weren’t the first to lust after a 3 Series. Introduced at the 1936 Berlin Motor Show, the 326 went on to be one of the brand’s most successful cars of that (tumultuous) era. The sleek kidney grille plunges toward the pavement, consuming the car’s entire nose from hood on through the bumper, a style first seen on the 303 just three years prior. Perhaps that’s what designers of the new 4 Series were seeking to emulate. They didn’t.
BMW 502 Saloon
Following an inline-six-powered 501 of similar design, this eight-cylinder sedan deployed an aluminum alloy block measuring just 2.6L in displacement. At the time of its introduction, the 502 was said to be Germany’s fastest regular production passenger sedan. Its kidney grille was accompanied by a couple of chrome beans under the headlights. Thankfully, designers of the new 4er missed that particular history lesson.
BMW 1600 Cabrio
Fan clubs fawn all over themselves to praise the almighty 2002, as well they should — it was a stellar car. Still, that machine owes much to the 1600 series which showed up at Geneva in 1966. Legend has it a brace of company execs discovered they had both installed a larger engine in their own 1600s and the rest, as they say, is history. So, too, was the lithe styling which beautifully incorporated the brand’s trademark slim kidneys.
BMW M1
When the contemporary 1 Series earned its M stripes, there was a very good reason why it was called the 1 Series M and not the M1. This car is that reason. Fewer than 500 of these mid-engined stunners were built, a product of fights with Lamborghini and homologation rules. Pop-up headlights made for a shockingly narrow grille area on its nose, leading to a very-nearly-square take on the kidney grille.
BMW 3 Series (E30)
Nerds of the brand, yours truly included, will shamelessly refer to certain models in BMW’s history by their internal company code names. The second-gen 3 Series, also called the E30, was built for nearly a decade and is arguably responsible for the proliferation of blue-and-white propellers in tony neighbourhoods across this country. Its styling didn’t hurt, with the brand’s kidneys fitting perfectly in that lantern-jawed front end.
BMW 3 Series (E36)
If the E30 was BMW’s equivalent to The Beatles’ appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, then the E36 was its Abbey Road. Success was immediate as it was worldwide, with this third-gen 3 Series becoming a common sight in driveways and atop ‘best-of’ lists. The mighty M3, shown here in period-correct colour, was powered by a silken straight-six engine residing behind that perfectly proportioned kidney grille.
Sidebar: Pontiac Grand Prix
Wait. What’s this tempestuously-assembled General Motors product doing on a list of Bavaria’s finest? If you were lucky enough to be around in the 1990s, you’ll surely recall the legal flap between The General’s excitement division and the mavens in Munich.
Pontiac was insistent its grille stylings were not ripped directly from various and sundry BMWs but, really, it’s difficult to parrot that assertion with a straight face. Hey, at least the GTP was supercharged.
BMW 7 Series (post-facelift G11)
Here’s the vehicle which cause our collective spidey senses to tingle with fear over the future of BMW’s kidney grille. For the 2020 model year, the large-and-in-charge 7 Series sedan was given a grille some 40 per cent larger than its predecessor.
Insofar as we can tell, this was done for exactly no reason at all save for the intentional consumption of the world’s supply of chrome plating. With a set of teeth like a bucktooth saw, we can be grateful the 7er’s maw cannot be had with the 5er’s or X6’s optional illuminated grille. Yet.
BMW 4 Series (G22)
All of which brings us neatly to the impetus for this article: the new 4 Series revealed today in Germany. If the early-2000s at BMW were defined by the polarized ‘flame surfacing’ designs of Chris Bangle, the dawn of the ’20s will surely be remembered for a blizzard of stretched kidneys and overwrought decisions.
CHICAGO (AP) — United Airlines has struck a deal with Elon Musk’s SpaceX to offer satellite-based Starlink WiFi service on flights within the next several years.
The airline said Friday the service will be free to passengers.
United said it will begin testing the service early next year and begin offering it on some flights by later in 2025.
Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.
The announcement comes as airlines rush to offer more amenities as a way to stand out when passengers pick a carrier for a trip. United’s goal is to make sitting on a plane pretty much like being on the ground when it comes to browsing the internet, streaming entertainment and playing games.
“Everything you can do on the ground, you’ll soon be able to do on board a United plane at 35,000 feet, just about anywhere in the world,” CEO Scott Kirby said in announcing the deal.
The airline says Starlink will allow passengers to get internet access even over oceans and polar regions where traditional cell or Wi-Fi signals may be weak or missing.
Sony has made it easy for Canadian consumers to preorder the PlayStation 5 Pro in Canada directly from PlayStation’s official website. Here’s how:
Visit the Official Website: Go to direct.playstation.com and navigate to the PS5 Pro section once preorders go live on September 26, 2024.
Create or Log in to Your PlayStation Account: If you don’t have a PlayStation account, you will need to create one. Existing users can simply log in to proceed.
Place Your Preorder: Once logged in, follow the instructions to preorder your PS5 Pro. Ensure you have a valid payment method ready and double-check your shipping information for accuracy.
Preorder Through Major Canadian Retailers
While preordering directly from PlayStation is a popular option, you can also secure your PS5 Pro through trusted Canadian retailers. These retailers are expected to offer preorders on or after September 26:
Best Buy Canada
Walmart Canada
EB Games (GameStop)
Amazon Canada
The Source
Steps to Preorder via Canadian Retailers:
Visit Retailer Websites: Search for “PlayStation 5 Pro” on the website of your preferred retailer starting on September 26.
Create or Log in to Your Account: If you’re shopping online, having an account with the retailer can speed up the preorder process.
Preorder in Store: For those who prefer in-person shopping, check with local stores regarding availability and preorder policies.
3. Sign Up for Notifications
Many retailers and websites offer the option to sign up for notifications when the preorder goes live. If you’re worried about missing out due to high demand, this can be a useful option.
Visit Retailer Sites: Look for a “Notify Me” or “Email Alerts” option and enter your email to stay informed.
Use PlayStation Alerts: Sign up for notifications directly through Sony to be one of the first to know when preorders are available.
4. Prepare for High Demand
Preordering the PS5 Pro is expected to be competitive, with high demand likely to result in quick sellouts, just as with the initial release of the original PS5. To maximize your chances of securing a preorder:
Act Quickly: Be prepared to place your order as soon as preorders open. Timing is key, as stock can run out within minutes.
Double-Check Payment Information: Ensure your credit card or payment method is ready to go. Any delays during the checkout process could result in losing your spot.
Stay Informed: Monitor PlayStation and retailer websites for updates on restocks or additional preorder windows.
Final Thoughts
The PlayStation 5 Pro is set to take gaming to the next level with its enhanced performance, graphics, and new features. Canadian gamers should be ready to act fast when preorders open on September 26, 2024, to secure their console ahead of the holiday season. Whether you choose to preorder through PlayStation’s official website or your preferred retailer, following the steps outlined above will help ensure a smooth and successful preorder experience.
For more details on the PS5 Pro and to preorder, visit direct.playstation.com or stay tuned to updates from major Canadian retailers.
Since the PlayStation 5 (PS5) launched four years ago, PlayStation has continuously evolved to meet the demands of its players. Today, we are excited to announce the next step in this journey: the PlayStation 5 Pro. Designed for the most dedicated players and game creators, the PS5 Pro brings groundbreaking advancements in gaming hardware, raising the bar for what’s possible.
Key Features of the PS5 Pro
The PS5 Pro comes equipped with several key performance enhancements, addressing the requests of gamers for smoother, higher-quality graphics at a consistent 60 frames per second (FPS). The console’s standout features include:
Upgraded GPU: The PS5 Pro’s GPU boasts 67% more Compute Units than the current PS5, combined with 28% faster memory. This allows for up to 45% faster rendering speeds, ensuring a smoother gaming experience.
Advanced Ray Tracing: Ray tracing capabilities have been significantly enhanced, with reflections and refractions of light being processed at double or triple the speed of the current PS5, creating more dynamic visuals.
AI-Driven Upscaling: Introducing PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, an AI-based upscaling technology that adds extraordinary detail to images, resulting in sharper image clarity.
Backward Compatibility & Game Boost: More than 8,500 PS4 games playable on PS5 Pro will benefit from PS5 Pro Game Boost, stabilizing or enhancing performance. PS4 games will also see improved resolution on select titles.
VRR & 8K Support: The PS5 Pro supports Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and 8K gaming for the ultimate visual experience, while also launching with the latest wireless technology, Wi-Fi 7, in supported regions.
Optimized Games & Patches
Game creators have quickly embraced the new technology that comes with the PS5 Pro. Many games will receive free updates to take full advantage of the console’s new features, labeled as PS5 Pro Enhanced. Some of the highly anticipated titles include:
Alan Wake 2
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Demon’s Souls
Dragon’s Dogma 2
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
Gran Turismo 7
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart
Horizon Forbidden West
These updates will allow players to experience their favorite games at a higher fidelity, taking full advantage of the console’s improved graphics and performance.
Design & Compatibility
Maintaining consistency within the PS5 family, the PS5 Pro retains the same height and width as the original PS5 model. Players will also have the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive or swap console covers when available.
Additionally, the PS5 Pro is fully compatible with all existing PS5 accessories, including the PlayStation VR2, DualSense Edge, Pulse Elite, and Access controller. This ensures seamless integration into your current gaming setup.
Pricing & Availability
The PS5 Pro will be available starting November 7, 2024, at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of:
$699.99 USD
$949.99 CAD
£699.99 GBP
€799.99 EUR
¥119,980 JPY
Each PS5 Pro comes with a 2TB SSD, a DualSense wireless controller, and a copy of Astro’s Playroom pre-installed. Pre-orders begin on September 26, 2024, and the console will be available at participating retailers and directly from PlayStation via direct.playstation.com.
The launch of the PS5 Pro marks a new chapter in PlayStation’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge gaming experiences. Whether players choose the standard PS5 or the PS5 Pro, PlayStation aims to provide the best possible gaming experience for everyone.
Preorder your PS5 Pro and step into the next generation of gaming this holiday season.
